Roots by the River

The State of America

2012-02-09T13:24:00.000-08:00

Here is a political statement made by Charles Dickens in 1859 about per-revolutionary France in 1775. It was made in The Tale of Two Cities:

"France, less favored on the matters spiritual than her sister of the trident and shield, rolled with exceeding smoothness downhill, making paper money and spending it.”

From Dickens' perspective, the United States is also less favored spiritually. We have the symptoms of per-revolutionary France. We are rolling with exceeding smoothness down hill, making paper money and spending it.

The Heart 3

2012-02-07T16:44:00.000-08:00

By Bessie Wilson

The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. (2 Chronicles 16:9, KJV)

For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. (NIV)

Asa, king of Judah, had been a reformer. According to 2 Chronicles 14 he was actively engaged in removing idolatrous practices from Judah with a call to his people to “seek the Lord, the God of their fathers, and to obey his laws and commands” (14:4).
Asa’s army was victorious over the Cushites, and his prayer before the battle explains why in verse 11 of chapter 14:

Lord, there is no one like you to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, O Lord our God, for we rely on you, and in your name we have come against this vast army. O Lord, you are God; do not let man prevail against you.

In the fifteenth year of his reign, his reforms continued even to the extent of deposing his own grandmother from her position as queen mother “because she had made a repulsive Asherah pole.” And so it could be written of him at that time, “Asa’s heart was fully committed to the Lord all his life” (15:17).
Twenty years later in the 35th year of Asa’s reign, Baasha, king of Israel, fortified Ramah to prevent anyone from leaving or entering Asa’s territory. Asa then took silver and gold out of the treasuries of the Lord’s temple and out of his own palace and sought help from Ben-Hadad of Syria. It was a political move, but here is the crux of the matter.
God’s prophet, Hanani, came to Asa and said, “Because you relied on the king of Aram and not on the Lord you God, the army of the king of Aram (Syria) has escaped from your hand.”
He reminded him of his victories over the Cushites and Libyans and then gave him the words at the beginning of this article about God’s eyes ranging throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him, but concluding with “you have done a foolish thing and from now on you will be at war” (16:9b).
Hanani was imprisoned, the people were oppressed, and four years later with a sever foot disease Asa still “did not seek help from the Lord but only from the physicians” (16:12); two years later he died.
Questions: What happened in the twenty-year period that eroded Asa’s full commitment to the extent that, when danger threatened, his instinctive reaction was to seek the help of men? We are not told, but we do know that 1 Corinthians 10:12 says, “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you do not fall!”
Commitment needs constant attention. Your commitment to “seek first the kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33) must be renewed daily as business needs encroach and physical pressures seek to become paramount. Also, your commitment to your mate, made before God and witnesses, must be guarded carefully lest you become another divorce statistic.
As the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to give strength to the fully committed, will you determine that your life will bring satisfaction to Him and great blessing to you?

Beware of Peter’s word
Nor confidently say
I never will deny Thee, Lord
But, Grant I never may.

- William Cowper

The Heart 2

2012-01-30T13:51:00.000-08:00

By Bessie Wilson

This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. (1 John 3:19-20)

What is it that helps us set our hearts at rest in His presence? The preceding verse (verse 18) establishes the context: “Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.” The immediate context is that if we see a brother in need and we have no pity, the question is, “How can the love of God be in us?”

Years ago, just after Mother’s Day, a friend (the wife of a pastor) told me that her young daughter had defied her and gone to a public park. She was wondering how to handle this when the child returned. My friend had been folding clean laundry and was about to take it to her daughter’s room when she remembered the loving card received on Mother’s Day. She put it on top of the laundry, took it to the room and handed the card to the daughter with some remark to the effect that the card was not true and she was returning it. It was an object lesson that words of love should be followed by action. I believe that it spoke to the child’s heart for her to see that her disobedience contradicted her words of love.

(Is this why we have difficulty finding a card to express our love on special occasions, birthdays, anniversaries, Valentine’s Day, etc? We know our performance has not come up to our words.)

Rereading the phrase, “whenever our hearts condemn us,” we see the necessity of examining our own hearts. When, during such self-examination, we find that our heart condemns us, two things must be considered.

Does my heart condemn me because I have sinned? If so, sin must be confessed and forgiven on the basis of 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” This means real guilt for a specific sin of thought, attitude or deed. Does my heart still condemn me? Here we need to evaluate with the Lord’s help whether we are experiencing false guilt, a sort of confused, uncomfortable feeling of not making the grade and not knowing why. Perhaps verse 18 will provide some clue. Am I loving with words or tongue but failing in my actions and in truth? If my walk does not correspond to my talk, then I need to get back to evaluating by the Lord’s standard. He says we can set our hearts at rest in His presence if we check ourselves by His standard. For example, do I say I respect my husband but by my actions and words go against his wishes, denigrate him before the children or friends, act independently of his desires and undermine his authority in the family? Many of us would have to confess real guilt in this matter.

If, however, my respect for my husband is obvious to children and friends, I do not act independently, and I reinforce his authority, then my heart can be at rest in His presence. Remember God is greater than our hearts and He knows everything, so He is to be consulted as to whether, in His sight, I am loving in actions and truth.

Let’s use the same example in light of the husband’s responsibility. Husbands, do you say you love your wife but stand by idly when you see her struggle with the children, the laundry and the meals (and sometimes no money)? Do you discipline the children and teach them to honor their mother? Do you express your love and appreciations for her willingness to do without by telling her what her skills are worth in the present-day market and how much you would like to give her things of value? It does not mean giving her a gift you cannot afford, but she will find that the thought itself is a gift. The television or newspaper should not be a barricade behind which a man can hide while the “little woman” words herself into a resentment. “Cherishing your wife” as Ephesians 5:25 (KJV) says is to hold her dear by taking great care of her as a loved possession. Try this self-evaluation in His presence. It is a humbling experience but rich in benefits.

The Heart

2012-01-17T16:23:00.000-08:00

These next two posts are from a column entitled "The Heart" which was published in The Hammer (a CCM magazine) years ago.

The Heart
by Bessie Wilson

“Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” Proverbs 4:23

Whether we know it or not, all of us have had or have at present heart trouble. Whatever part of the spiritual anatomy the heart represents, the Scripture is clear that it is the seat of the emotions, one’s very being from which thoughts, words, and actions proceed. Jesus said,

What comes out of a man is what makes him ‘unclean.’ For from within, out of men’s hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance, and folly. All these evils come from inside and make a man unclean. (Mark 7:20-23)

The prophet Jeremiah gave God’s diagnosis:

The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? I, the Lord, search the heart and examine the mind. (Jeremiah 17:9-10a)

Therefore, the heart must be changed. He who did the diagnosis provides the remedy. This is God’s promise in Ezekiel 11:19:

I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them. I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. Then they will follow my decrees.

This is the Old Testament equivalent of Jesus’ words in John 3 that we need to be born again to enter the Kingdom of God.
Jesus Christ is the heart specialist of all time. He told us in Mark 7 what evil can proceed from the heart of man. Humanism says the heart and mind of man can be relied upon from progress, morality and social reform. In reading Jesus’ diagnosis of the heart of man we see all the social problems of our day and the crime resulting from the illness within man.
The gospel of Jesus Christ, His death for our sins and His resurrection for our justification (Romans 4:25), provides the only remedy for the heart of man. This is the only cure for our heart trouble, a new heart given by a gracious God as we bring that deceitful heart to Him. Then we can sing with Charles Wesley,

Oh, for a heart to praise my God,
A heart from sin set free;
A heart that’s sprinkled with the blood,
So freely shed for me.

A heart resigned, submissive, meek,
My dear Redeemer’s throne;
Where only Christ is heard to speak,
Where Jesus reigns alone.

Heart ‘e-Value-ations’

2012-01-12T12:21:00.000-08:00

By Bessie Wilson

The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus. He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men, but God knows your hearts. What is highly valued among men is detestable in God’s sight.” (Luke 16:14-15)

God knows our hearts! This can be either a comforting or a terrifying thought. Jesus first analyzed the Pharisees’ attitude (“You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men”) before He told them that God knew their hearts. Then He clarified it even more by saying that this attitude before men was a very poor standard because what men put a high value on was detestable in God’s sight.
What is highly valued among men? Perhaps by itemizing some of the things men value we will see that we have, in some cases, allowed the world to press us into its mold. However, we can, by His grace, stop this and instead be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Then we will be able to test and approve what God’s will is (Romans 12:1-2).
Financial success is highly esteemed among men. Is anything wrong with financial success? The Pharisees “loved money,” and Paul pointed out in 1 Timothy 6:10 that “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” It is not money but the love of it which is detestable in God’s sight. Where would the work of God in evangelism be but for the faithful giving of God’s people? Some have the gift of managing money for the glory of God. CCM donors have kept this ministry going. It is when money manages men that it is detestable in God’s sight.
Judging by the average TV commercial, we would also have to list sex as highly valued among men. Whether it is a car, gum or clothing that is advertised, more often than not the word “sexy” is used or implied. Call-in shows devote much time to the subject of sex, and the private lives of people are discussed freely.
Men and women now are casual about illicit sex, treating sex as a right rather than a privilege. God has placed boundaries around sex so that we are not hurt by it. In the sanctity of marriage there should be safety.
Hosea 8:7 aptly describes our condition as we face the plague of AIDS. “They sow the wind and reap the whirlwind.” Also in Galatians 6:7, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.”
Fame is highly valued in society. Fame can be from politics, the arts, or theatrical success. We know how fleeting fame is in politics, for people are lauded one day and condemned the next. Fame in the theater and arts is dependent on the “trend-setters,” no matter how crude and revolting their practices. The many-times-married men and women are applauded as authorities on just about any subject. This is where the rot sets in and the decay pervades society. But remember, it is detestable in God’s sight.
God knows all hearts. “The Lord saw how great man’s wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time” (Genesis 6:5).
This led to the flood. What is His evaluation of our world today? Of your heart? Of mine?

CCM's Website

2012-01-06T12:23:00.000-08:00

Something new – Community Christian Ministries has updated their website with downloadable literature and audio files. Check them out at www.ccmbooks.org!

The Least in the Kingdom of God

2012-01-04T15:26:00.000-08:00

I wish to draw your attention to different expressions about entering the Kingdom of God.

“Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:19-20)

Those who break commands and teach breaking them are called least in the Kingdom. Those who practice obedience and teach obedience will be called great in the Kingdom. The righteousness of the Pharisees is even less than those who break the commandments and teach breaking them.

“Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” (Matthew 11:11)

Therefore, the disobedient, who are least in the Kingdom, are greater than John.

“And he said: ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.’” (Matthew 18:3-4)

Those who practice and teach obedience are called great, and those who humble themselves are greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.

“Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, ‘How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!’ The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, ‘Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.’” (Mark 10:23-25)

“Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” (Mark 10:27)

“Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.” (John 3:5)

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)

The Harvest is Plentiful

2011-12-07T12:59:00.000-08:00

With my age of 84 and Bessie’s death on September 18, 2010 at 91, I have spent more time thinking about death. This is not really new because on 26 September, 1950 I lost five of the men in my battle station on the USS Brush. That evening I conducted the funeral for the man who died in place of me. We buried him at sea. I was 22 years old.

I was able to speak at Bessie’s memorial service on Oct 14, 2010. She had asked me to preach the gospel. It was a great joy. I also preached the gospel at that first funeral 60 years earlier. There was a big difference. I am almost certain that fourteen of the sixteen men who died that day were not saved. Little had received Christ a few days before we hit the mine, and Fisher, when he was dying, asked me to pray for the other wounded men.

I want you to think about those people who die without Christ. In warfare we think of the people we are shooting at as the bad guys. They may be bad guys. In wars with communists, Muslims, and nations made up mostly of non-believers in Christ these men die without being saved. However we are also a nation made up of people more than half of which are not saved. When Americans die on the battlefield, some will go to the same Hell as the Muslims, and maybe under greater judgment. In wars in the 20th century, more than 100 million people were killed, more than half of them civilians, and the overwhelming majority not saved. In the same century the rest of the population of the world, times two, died from murder, disease, suicide and old age. Again, the overwhelming majority were not saved.

I rejoiced with Bessie going to be with the Lord and I am looking forward to being with Christ. I can say with Paul,

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.” (Philippians 1:21-26)

“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.'” (Matthew 9:36-38)

More people want into the Kingdom than there are Christians who want them in.

Fruit of the Spirit

2011-11-16T16:00:00.000-08:00

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law” (Galatians 5:22).

Patience is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. It is something that comes with our forgiveness, our salvation.

God is patient.

“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance...And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him” (2 Peter 3:9,15).

“Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?” (Romans 2:4).

When He saved us, He gave us this likeness of Himself.

However it is a virtue that is existent without the use of the word. When we use the word “patient” we are probably impatient. “I have waited for you, patiently, for 20 minutes” means I have waited impatiently. If I were patient, I would not use the word.

Having given us His patience, He then commands us to use this patience.

“...with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2).

Notice this virtue is connected with love, humility, gentleness, and kindness. Because it is part of what we are as Christians, it is possible to practice it.

In the Lord Jesus Christ,

Jim Wilson

Emotions and Expressions of Them

2011-07-12T15:30:00.000-07:00

Emotions and Expressions of Them

God has given us, spontaneous expressions of internal emotions. Two of them are tears and laughter. These emotions and expressions can be evoked. A funny story can cause laughter.

“Once there was a dear widow woman who lived alone. One day she was working on a jig-saw puzzle of a rooster. She was getting nowhere. In frustration she called a widower who lived near by. She explained her difficulty and asked him if he would come over and help her. He came over; he looked at the picture on the box and at the pieces and said, 'We will never get a picture of this rooster. Let's sit down and have a cup of tea. After that we will put the cornflakes back in the box!'”

I could also tell a story which would cause sadness and tears. Real events can also cause laughter and tears. Laughter and tears are God's means of relieving pressure, like a valve on a pressure cooker. Shouting and cheering can be expressions of man-made joy like home runs, touchdowns, and soccer goals. Certain types of music (minor key) can cause sadness. Martial music can cause expressions of loyalty. Poetry can cause tears, laughter, and praise.

In my own memory I can recall having tears from the last two stanzas of Jesus the Name High Over All, the fourth stanza of For All the Saints, and John Whittier's The Pipes At Lucknow.

These emotions and expressions may be pleasant but they are not the same as, or substitutes for, the Fruit of the Spirit.

In the Lord Jesus Christ,

Jim Wilson

The Great Commission

2011-03-24T15:34:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we express ourselves in understatements because we cannot express the truth adequately any other way. Sometimes we try and that trying makes it an even greater understatement. Here is an example. It is probably the greatest understated phrase of the last two thousand years: “The Great Commission.”

“Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age'” (Matthey 28:18-20).

The phrase is microscopic when placed next to the truth. Here is the first part of the truth: “all authority in Heaven and on Earth has been given to me.” Please endeavor to get your mind around how much authority that is. It cannot be encompassed with the word “great”.

The next word is connected to that truth. It is the word “therefore.” When you see the word “therefore,” look to see what it is “there” for. It is a conjunction that connects this all authority to a command. The command is to make followers of the one who has all of their authority, and make them “of all nations.” Having made them, they are to be taught to obey everything that they themselves have been commanded to obey. This is not a command to be evaded, ignored, or directly disobeyed. If you are not yet one of His followers, you are off the hook. The word “go” in the Great Commission is not a command. The word is a participle “going” or “as you go” make disciples. We are all “going” all of the time. Disciple making is to happen “as we go” wherever we are.

In the Lord Jesus Christ,

Jim

The Life of Jesus

2011-03-10T09:29:00.000-08:00

In the life of Jesus here on earth, 39 years, we have only about 45 recorded days in all four of the Gospels.

In the four gospels of 89 chapters, 30 of them are on the last week of His life story.

The account of his birth and when he was 12-years-old take 4 more chapters.

30 years of his life are not recorded. The last 3 years are given 55 chapters for 37 days. Many of theses chapters give accounts of the same teachings, parables, miracles, and narratives. There is very much teaching available in these 55 chapters. They are very important.

However, the last week or the last three days and the days that follow are what the whole Bible is about. They are what was prefigured, prophesied, preached, and proclaimed. Here is the essence of these few days:

“Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.
For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve” (I Corinthians 15:1-5).

The Blessed Man

2011-01-19T13:13:00.000-08:00

“Blessed is the one
who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
or sit in the company of mockers,
but whose delight is in the law of the LORD,
and who meditates on his law day and night.
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
whatever they do prospers” (Psalm 1:1-3).

There are two key words, in verse 2 “delight” and “meditates”.

His delight is in the Law of the Lord. His meditation is day and night, all the time.

The result is wonderful, fruitful, doesn't fade, and does prosper.

Meditation is not reading, studying, memorizing listening, or reciting. It is soaking in this wonderful truth by thanking God all of the time for this truth.

Let's do it together every day and every night.

“Blessed is the one
whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the one
and in whose spirit is no deceit” (Psalm 32:1-2).

The blessed man is a forgiven man, his sins are covered, and not held against him.

Prepositions

2010-12-15T10:15:00.000-08:00

I would like to draw your attention to several verses of scripture. I want you to notice the prepositions.

“yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live” (I Corinthians 8:6).

“For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
“The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross” (Colossians 1:13-20).

“In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs” (Hebrews 1:1-4).

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it" (John 1:1-5).

"Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6).

Why am I drawing attention to these small words? Because they tell us something about the object of the preposition, normally the word immediately following. Reread the verses and pay attention to the obect of the preposition.

Understanding the Old Testament Through Jesus

2010-11-18T15:29:00.000-08:00

Here is how to understand the Old Testament according to Jesus.

“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments” (Matthew 22:37-40).

Simple, isn't it.

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:17-20).

“Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes” (Romans 10:4).

The apostle Paul in Romans 13:8-10 wrote: “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law” (Romans 13:8-10).

The verses Jesus quoted in Matthew 22 are from Deuteronomy 6:4,5 and Leviticus 19:18.

Hypocrites

2010-07-13T11:01:00.001-07:00

"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men's faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to. Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are.” Matthew 23:13-15
Hypocrites have been around a long time. According to many people, “the church is full of hypocrites.” That might be true. Certainly some hypocrites are there. Where else would they be?

Today, people talk about hypocrites in the third person and in a general way. They do not name the hypocrites. That would not be polite or politically correct. It would also take courage.

Jesus was specific in the second person; “you hypocrite” and He gave the reasons. People do not pretend to be bad. They are bad. People are hypocritical in the direction that they think is good. They do not define themselves as hypocrites. They do not think of church as a play and they are the actor; they think of it as real and right. If there were a few hypocrites in a fellowship of saints they would have a hard time keeping up the act.

So in some cases the church is not a fellowship of saints with a few hypocrites among them. It is a fellowship of hypocrites with a few saints. It is a play and they are play actors and they are not saved. They do not know it.

Here are few examples:

1. Many liberal churches in main line denominations with unsaved pastors with church members who have not heard or believed the gospel.
2. Many evangelical churches whose members are made up of second and third generation “Christians” who in fact are not saved but who have “heard” the gospel.
3. Legalistic churches who have replaced faith with works in an otherwise “sound” doctrine framework.
4. Cultic churches like the Church of Christ who emphasize one biblical truth in such a way that it becomes an untruth

These hypocritical churches have several things in common:

1. They do not have the fruit of the Spirit
2. They are subjects of false teaching.
3. They do have a few Christians in them but whose witness is compromised.

Jesus told us, “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” Matthew 7:15-20

Recommended Biographies

2010-05-27T11:23:00.000-07:00

We got a few interested requests for biographies. I am sending out a selected list to all of you. I will start with the biographies which had an early influence on my life during the years 1950 to 1957.

“A Prisoner and Yet” by Corrie ten Boom (Holland and the Jews in Nazi camps)

David Brainerds Diary (American Indians pre American Revolution)

CT Studd by Norman Grubb (China, India and Africa)

Martin Luther by J. H. Merle D’Aubigne’

Amy Carmichael of Dohnarour by Frank Houghton

“Behind the Ranges” by Geraldine Taylor (James Fraser with the Lisu people of SW China)

George Mueller of Bristol by A.T. Pierson (Orphans)

John Sung (Evangelical in China)

Pastor HSI (Opium addict and Chinese scholar)

Biographies after 1957:

“To the Golden Shore” (Adoniram Judson, Baptist missionary in Burma)

“Delighted in God” (George Müller)

“Mountain Rain” (James Fraser)

George Mueller’s Autobiography

Recent Biographies (four about Africans)

Festo Kivengere (Uganda)

“Out of the Black Shadows” (Stephen Lungu, Zimbabwe)

“Faith Under Fire” (Rutajaire, Rwanda 1994)

“Warriors of Ethiopia” (Dick McLellan)

Dr. Saeed of Iran

Breakthrough DVD on James Fraser (30 minutes - check on Amazon)

Do you recognize this person?

2010-05-25T16:21:00.000-07:00

I came across an expression in the novel "A Portrait of Jennie" describing a landlady: "Her eyes were steeped in bitterness."

Google your way out of bitterness

2010-05-24T16:19:00.001-07:00

If you Google “Bitterness” two Google advertisements will pop up. Both of them have wonderful descriptions and definitions of bitterness. The first one has a wonderful Biblical solution for bitterness and the second one has a “Bach flower therapy” solution.

The latter might offer a symptomatic correction but does not take care of the sin of bitterness.

For my “How to Be Free From Bitterness” in print and audio, go to our website; www.ccmbooks.org. You can also go to www.freefrombitterness.com.

The right kind of wisdom.

2010-05-03T10:34:00.000-07:00

There is Godly wisdom and worldly wisdom. They are very different from each other.

Godly wisdom saves.

It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord." 1 Corinthians 1:30-31

Godly wisdom is Jesus Christ. Godly wisdom is righteousness, holiness and redemption.

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom…But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. James 3:13, 17

Godly wisdom is humility, peace, peace loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy, good fruit, impartial and sincere.

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines. 1 Corinthians 12:7-11

Wisdom is the first of the special gifts.

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. James 1:5

This wisdom is available to all in abundance to those who ask for it.

Political Action

2010-04-28T13:08:00.000-07:00

Over the years, I have not taken a public political stance even though I have held strong opinions on most subjects. My greater conviction is that there is a more effective solution than the political one, which is preaching the gospel. If all, most, or a large minority of Christians would preach and practice the gospel with holiness instead of getting politically active, the character of the country would change rapidly for the good, even without a revival.

Back during the “civil rights” conflict I had to consider the option of being inside the restaurant “Mr. Barnes,” which threw out black people, or getting a placard and marching with the black people demanding to be let into Mr. Barnes restaurant. In praying about it I realized that the attitude of both groups of people were not good. If I was not going to identify with either side, what was I going to do, nothing? I realized that this third option was also not good. The answer was simple. I began to pray for opportunities with both black and white communities to preach the gospel. The answers to this prayer were immediate. Here are a few examples of many with the black community:

1. The president of the NAACP in Annapolis received Christ. He was a medical doctor. I became his best friend.
2. The local black elementary school was integrated and our daughter, Heather, was one of two white girls in the firth grade and the only white girl in the sixth grade. Gordon came home from his first day in Kindergarten and said, “Dad there is only one other kid with a face like mine.” We had many opportunities to witness and to integrate.

We, as Christians, are the only ones who have the responsibility and the opportunity to make the change that is needed in this country. Let’s not settle for second best, a political solution.

If we are in politics, we might not compromise our political convictions but we almost always compromise our Christian convictions regardless of the political positions that we hold.

Passing on Good Stuff

2010-03-22T11:11:00.000-07:00

Following is an article by an old friend, Bob Flynn, President of the Christian Military Fellowship.

Casualties of War — Friendly Fire

I am grieved in my spirit of late at the breaking news about all of the terrorist activity reported in the news. Not the television network news, nor even the cable news, but reports from the front lines in the battle for souls. My ears are still ringing from reports of church splits, pastoral staff resignations, mischief and misbehavior at Christian universities. What fuels the flame of this seemingly continuous conflagration that destroys lives, churches and makes impotent the work of the Gospel? It is the sin of anger! Yes, you heard it here first. Anger is a sin.

I did not come to this conclusion by way of thoughtful consideration of my intellectual prowess. It came instead by incremental illumination by the Holy Spirit as He worked upon my heart during a ten-year long sojourn in the second chapter of the Epistle to the Philippians. It could not have happened any other way! It was and is a continuance of the work that God began and will finish on the day when Christ returns (Phil 1:6, paraphrase mine). For how can mere flesh and blood stand in the midst of Him of whom angels sing, “Holy, Holy, Holy.” For He who brings everything into conformity with His will had already spoken through the Apostle Paul and said, “Be humble, thinking others as better than yourself…In everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguing….” (Phil 2:3b, 14) Instead, our lives should epitomize the “attitude that was in Christ Jesus.” The only innocent man who lived did not cling to His innocence but rather sacrificed himself on the altar without complaint. He could have been angry at those who falsely accused and condemned Him. He could have clung to His excellence and rightly held us in contempt. Instead He went as a lamb to the slaughter. How then shall we live? Shall we continue giving aid and comfort to the Enemy? Shall we continue inflicting casualties upon each other because our lives are not “blameless,” “clean” and “innocent” “as children of God in a dark world full of crooked and perverse people.”? (Phil 2:15) How then can we be angry with another without thinking too highly of ourselves?

I know that there are those who would argue with me, but C.S. Lewis pretty much covers the basis for this conclusion in his book, Mere Christianity. “The law of gravity tells you what stones do if you drop them; but the law of Human Nature tells you what human beings ought to do and do not. In other words, when you are dealing with humans, something else comes in above and beyond the actual facts. You have the facts (how men do behave) and you also have something else (how they ought to behave). In the rest of the universe there need not be anything but the facts. Electrons and molecules behave in a certain way, and certain results follow, and that may be the whole story. But men behave in a certain way and that is not the whole story, for all the time you know that they ought to behave differently.”

Fame or Fruit?

2010-03-05T12:19:00.000-08:00

Biographies are written about famous people, not because the people are good, but because they were great in their profession, science, military, drama, politics or sport and their lives were fascinating.

These people will be imitated; they will have babies named after them. As an example, Peton Manning will become a great quarterback like his example Johnny Unitas.

Unfortunately bad qualities are also copied and proudly so. This just happens.

Here are two short biographies of men who can be copied:

“Agape Leadership” about R. C. Chapman
“To Know This Mystery” about Lewis L. Bock M.D.

Here is a poem, Status Quo, written by Dr. Bock a year or two before he died in 1985.

To Know This Mystery by Dr. Lewis L. Brock, M.D.

Status Quo!

I’m so tired of mediocrity, Lord,
Weary of the commonplace
Jaded by the customary
Of business as usual
Of life restrained
Shallow and muted

Of preoccupation with trivia
Small talk and egomania
And knowledge falsely so-called
Of confusion called art
Noise called music
Dys-symphony praised

Of self-centered anarchy
Empty and deceptive
Vacuous and suspect
Embracing the usual
As exceptional and normal
A herd mentality of
Unquestioned acceptance
Of what nature suggests
Undisciplined and self-indulgent
The “everybody does it”
Syndrome.

Of great swelling words
Form without substance
Religion devoid of power
Profession and little more.

O natural talent confused with spiritual power
Education equated with competence
Conformity without struggle
Life lacking veracity
Suppositions without challenge
Approval before proof
Fizz instead of ebullience
Observation not participation
Frustration and nothingness
Nowhere to go.

When you were here, Lord,
You promised life abundant,
Overflowing, pressed down,
Shaken together and running over.

You said, “He that believes in Me
As the scripture has said
From him shall flow
Living streams of water.”
Out of internal reservoirs
Alive and life-giving
Abundant, satisfying, his gift
God’s spirit within.

Lord Jesus, never let me affirm the status quo
Or embrace the mediocre,
Accept the commonplace
For this denies your presence;
Makes me tell lies about You

And repudiates the purpose of Pentecost,
Estranges me from my heritage
Shames the Son of God
And denigrates his purposes
For my world.

So, Lord, God of grace, I search my heart.
In your eternal presence
I bare my soul
To know this mystery among the nations
My hope of glory now and forever:
Christ in me
God’s great secret
Completely whole
Vibrantly alive, totally free!

We all know people who know their Bible very well. They are experts in teaching truth. We also know people whose lives radiate scripture. These might not be the same people. R. C. Chapman and Lewis Bock radiated scripture.

It's about Victory!

2010-02-27T12:16:00.000-08:00

I would like to remind Christians of what they have in Christ in this present world. The unbeliever may know the words, especially if they were raised in an evangelical church, but know nothing of the experience the words describe.

1. We have peace with God (Romans 5:1)
2. We have become slaves to God (Romans 6:22)
3. The Spirit of God dwells in us (Romans 8:9-16)
4. We have been given the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-24)
5. We have been made a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17)
6. Streams of living water flow from us (John 7:37-39)

There are many doctrinally correct people in Evangelical churches who do not have the spiritual victory that the scriptures describe as normal to the Christian life.

If they are Christians, they have bought into the lie that spiritual defeat is normal and right. There is a possibility that they have not been saved. They are not defeated Christians. They are just not Christians! Jesus does a better job of saving than they evidence in their lives.

My Bible Reading

2010-02-27T12:06:00.000-08:00

Over the years I have read the Bible but I did not keep track. The first time I read the Bible through was in the first year of our marriage (1952-53). I read four chapters every morning in the Old Testament and two chapters every evening in the New Testament. The result was I read the Old Testament in nine months and the New Testament two and one half times in the same period. I had been a Christian four and one half years before I started. However, before I did this reading I had memorized at least two hundred verses of scripture. I found out that many of these verses which had been memorized were memorized out of context. I had to unlearn some of what I thought I had learned.

Maybe eight years ago, I followed a “Youth With a Mission” one-year Bible reading program. I did this for maybe three years. Then four years ago I stated using a reading schedule put together by Robert Murray M’Cheyne called “Light on the Way.” In one year the Old Testament is read once, the New Testament is read twice and the book of Psalms is read twice. This has been a great blessing to me. This is available from African Enterprise, P.O. Box 727, Monrovia CA 91017-0727. Their e-mail is info@aeusa.org or you can reach them at (626) 357-8811.

The early years of my reading and memorizing were in the KJV (1946-71). The middle years ’71-’79 were in the RSV. Since 1979, my reading has been in the NIV. However, this year I am reading a Jewish translation of the Old Testament. The Translation was begun in 1955 and published in one volume in 1985, by the Jewish Publication Society.

My New Testament reading is from The Revised English Bible, 1989, a thorough revision of the New English Bible, 1961.

The change is refreshing.

Do you know where you are?

2010-02-16T14:54:00.000-08:00

I would like to remind us of where we were, and for people who have not yet received the Savior, where they are.

When were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. Romans 6:20

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. Ephesians 2:1-2

For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves. Colossians 1:13

Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of[b] your evil behavior. Colossians 1:21

When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins. Colossians 2:13

At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. Titus 3:3

Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21

And that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will. 2 Timothy 2:26

In this life there is a great difference between saved and the lost. The above quotations are Biblical quotations describing the lost.

Retirement?

2010-02-05T15:25:00.000-08:00

Over the last few years I have been hearing rumors of my retirement. My job description has bee changed several times by transferring responsibilities and discontinuing others but that is not he same as quitting.

Over the last year or two I have transferred administration of CCM, pasturing staff, travelling to bookstores and quite a bit of personal ministry to Matt Meyer. He has not complained.

Five years ago I quit taking conferences out of town. More recently I moved my office to our home for counseling, and later quit preaching at the Chinese Church in Pullman.

Then last Thursday we made a bi-lateral decision (God and I) for me to quit preaching, going to church and counseling here in the home. All of the above have been down because Bessie has become increasingly frail and needs me even if I am not much help. I am honoring previously made commitments (I am speaking at CRF at the University of Idaho on February 8, 2010 at 7:30 pm on “Life between the Sexes.” If you need a refresher course be sure to be there). This is my last event.

Does this mean I am retired? No. It just means I will not be available to other people. If you want to see Bessie, that is fine. Call first: 208-882-4383. When not house keeping, I will be writing, studying and hopefully, praying.

If any of you would like to pick up correspondence with prisoners, please let me know how many prisoners you would like.

In the Lord Jesus Christ,

Jim Wilson

Returning $ to the US Government

2010-02-03T15:24:00.001-08:00

Here is a note to bring you up to date on my returning the $500 to the Treasury Department.

I wrote the check on April 16, 2009. It was returned to me by the Senator.

It was sent again on June 6 to the US Treasury, certified mail. It was signed for on June 24.

It was finally cashed on August 10. My last e-mail on the subject, it had not yet been cashed.

So cheer up, it is possible to return money to the government.

2010-01-05T21:15:00.000-08:00

Following is another sermon post from recent correspondence.

A New Command

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)

While prayer and reading God’s Word are absolutely necessary in order to grow in our relationship with the Lord, there is a third key to our Christian walk, and that is fellowship. Fellowship, in the context of our Christian perspective, is a good and right relationship with our fellow Christians, our brothers and sisters in Christ. It was Christ Himself who taught us that we should look at those who follow His Way as family. “For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” (Matthew 12:50) Now, if Christ Jesus, God clothed in flesh refers to us as brothers and sisters, how much more so should we, mere mortals so finite and insignificant to our infinite God, look at Christ’s followers as our own family.

That we were made to partake in fellowship is readily apparent. Right from the very beginning, in the Garden of Eden, God declared, “It is not good that the man should be alone. (Genesis 2:18) There is a deep, undeniable need within all of us to interrelate with one another, to know and to be known, to love and to be loved. This is, in fact, a reflection of our even deeper need to have fellowship with our Lord. As we interact with each other in love and kindness, as imperfect as our love is, we can catch small glimpses of what God’s love towards us looks like. I think that is one of the reasons He created us with such a desire to gather together, so that we, through our fellowship, could gain some understanding of God’s infinite love. Even Christ Himself showed a great emphasis on fellowship. Christ was not a cold, distant teacher, nor was His ministry out in the wilderness like John the Baptist.

Jesus spent time with and among the people. He ate and drank with them. You could even say He was the life of the party at the wedding in Cana. Among the first things Jesus did in His ministry was gather a group of men together, his disciples. These followers of Jesus were in constant fellowship with each other and they were with Christ wherever He went. From Christ’s transfiguration on the mountain, to their last supper, to the Garden of Gethsemane, the disciples were there supporting Jesus as best as they could. They only left Him when they were driven off by a violent mob.

It is important that we all are able to partake in some sort of fellowship. I sometimes dislike the over emphasis on Sunday morning church, as there are so many people who don’t live out their Christianity during the rest of the week, but Sunday gatherings are a perfect place to get the regular fellowship we need. I appreciate church bodies that emphasize small group studies, or cell groups, or home groups. Those are different names for basically the same concept. On a regular basis those smaller groups, generally made up of members of the church, get together for a Bible study, or a time of prayer, or just to have a good time and play games. Some groups have food, often potluck style, and some don’t. While the groups vary greatly in style, the important thing is that they are Christians gathering together for their mutual benefit. While the avenues open to each of us for fellowship depends greatly on our personal situation and schedule, the important thing is that we are regularly interacting with one another as part of the Church, the Bride of Christ.

There are several important reasons why we need to partake in fellowship. With our times of fellowship, we gain a group of people with which we have accountability with, making sure that we do not go astray from the core of our faith. We also gain other great examples of how to live the Christian life. We gain support in hard times, and really so much more. The first of those reasons, accountability, has some rather visible potential consequences if we lack it. Without accountability in our faith, it is easy for us to slowly drift away from the core of our beliefs, as there would be no one to let us know when our thinking has gone awry. Our ideas and beliefs may shift over time so as to excuse our behavior or our vices, or just because of our pride in believing, that we know better than everyone else, until the religion we practice really doesn’t match up with the true tenants of Christianity.

“For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.” (II Timothy 4:3-4)

We all can benefit greatly from having solid Christian examples and role models in our lives, though it is especially beneficial for those who have been Christians for a shorter time or are simply younger. Christ Himself is the ultimate and perfect example for us to emulate, but it is certainly nice to see how our brothers and sisters in Christ behave in regular day to day situations. Truly, it is our down to earth, day to day behaviors that are really important in our Christian walk and thus should be exemplified. For instance, I know a man who, with his wife of course, regularly opens up his home for people to come for a time of fellowship with food and prayer. They have successfully raised four relatively well behaved kids who, from what I have seen of them, are models of the ideals of kindness and a servant heart. When his parents were of such an age that they could no longer live alone, instead of keeping them in an “old folks” home or assisted living center, he took them into his own home and continues to look after them there. These, among many other possible examples, are all simply life style choices with which we can greatly encourage each other by being able to see such things in one another's lives. I certainly believe that those simple lifestyle choices, living for Christ day to day by displaying loving kindness to those around us, have a much longer and more widespread positive influence for the Kingdom of God than any well phrased sermon or evangelistic event or massive prayer meeting.

On the more practical side of fellowship, when we fall on hard times or are struggling with something we have a group of people ready and willing to help us out and comfort us. And just because I call it practical doesn’t mean there’s not a Biblical precedent. Really, the Bible is a very practical text with many real life examples. Teaching us to look out for each other is a good display of just that. “Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2) “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!... And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him – a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10,12)

I could continue on with more reasons for fellowship, but what it comes down to is another way that we find ourselves close to God. “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” (Matthew 18:20) In fact, the Bible has some harsh things to say about those who would call themselves Christian and yet reject fellowship with their brothers and sisters in Christ. “If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.” (1 John 4:20-21) Of course, we must not fall into the trap where we only socialize with other Christians, a “holy huddle” so to speak, for we are certainly called to reach out to everyone. “And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even Gentiles do the same?” (Matthew 5:47)

Gathering together to love one another and grow in our heart-felt knowledge of God’s love for us, and ultimately reflecting that love out towards the rest of the world is essentially what our purpose here on earth is. The book of Acts contains several beautiful pictures of the first century church doing just that. I leave you now with a one of those verses.

“And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:46-47)

Anonymous

Another message

2009-12-30T21:04:00.000-08:00

I'm in correspondence with someone that has been sending me messages from his meditations. To provide a broader distribution, I will be posting these occasionally. See following:

Taking Up the Cross

And Jesus said to all, “if anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)

Today I would focus in on just one of Christ’s words, “daily”, as in taking up our cross daily. In today’s culture, we have a great tendency to segment our lives. We have our work life, our family life, and the life we share with our friends. Finally, we have our religious life, our relationship with God, which we often like to put into a little two or three hour block on Sunday. Now, how do you think the almighty God, creator of everything, feels about being so marginalized. Not to mention the fact that we would most certainly be shirking our duty to be Christ’s ambassadors to everyone we meet through our attitude of love, kindness, patience, and gentleness. We are not called to be Christians just one day a week. We are called to take up our cross every day, to daily crucify our impatience, our malice, our bitterness, our jealousy, our rivalries, and our divisions, all those things that darkens the light of Christ that should shine out from within each and every one of us.

Scripture is absolutely full of verses about the Christian way of life, about how followers of Christ are to live their lives day to day. Allow me to inundate you with several examples:

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those that hear.” (Ephesians 4:29)

Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to your own interests, but also to the interest of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4)

“Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness which is idolatry.” (Colossians 3:5)

“And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil.” (II Timothy 2:24)

“You have heard that it was said you shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:43-44)

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:12)

Now, I will certainly admit it is often difficult to live up to these standards. It’s one thing when it’s a Sunday, the sun is shining, you’re feeling great, and everything looks like it’s going your way. It’s quite another when it’s the middle of the work week, your coworkers are being belligerent, your kids won’t listen to a word you say, and there seems to be a never ending pile of bills to be paid. So, we’re left with the question of how do we live our lives like Christ day to day to day, rain or shine, no matter what the world may throw at us. Ultimately, it comes down to having utter and absolute faith in and reliance upon God. Great. Now, in all practicality, what steps can we take to get to that place?

Fortunately, that question has a relatively simple answer. If we are to daily live a life pleasing to God, then we must daily seek Him through the means we have readily available. We must daily seek Him through prayer and reading His Word, the Bible.

Devotional, meaning regular and intentional, prayer and scriptural reading are two foundational keys to daily godly living. Prayer, to start with, is how we communicate with God. It is how we tell God of our hurts and our pains, our joys and our successes. It is how we express our thanks for our many blessings, and it is how we ask the Lord for His help. We are instructed to pray regularly, “continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” (Colossians 4:2) And we are promised some wonderful things through steadfast prayer. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phillipians 4:6-7) “If any of you lacks wisdom, let them ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given them. But let them ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.” (James 1:5-6) As if we needed more reason to continue in regular prayer, just think about what our faith really means. Christianity is not about some rote religious practices, it is a relationship with the one true living God and prayer is how we talk with Him. If we don’t talk to our friends, our spouses, our parents, our children, then those relationships suffer. It is much the same with God. If we don’t take the time to spend time with Him in prayer, then we are pushing ourselves farther away from Him. Conversely, when we come to God in prayer, we draw ourselves closer to Him and to knowing His will.
While prayer is our primary way of communicating with God, His primary way of communicating with us is through scripture, His Word. Scripture has in it all we need to know to live upright lives. “How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. I have stored up your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:9,11) And it truly is given to us from God.

“All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for
correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” (II Timothy 3:16-17)

A common thread in the lives of the most notable Christians through history is their commitment to regular devotional scripture reading and prayer. George Műller, a man whose life is certainly an example to be heeded made it is first priority each day to spend time on his knees before the Lord, and it was noted that he had read through the Bible in its entirety more than a hundred times. Martin Luther once exclaimed that he would hardly have the time nor the strength to accomplish what he needed to get done each day if he did not first spend three hours in prayer. Now, the amount of time we spend in prayer and the volume of reading we do are not the important thing. The important thing is how our hearts are towards God, and that we daily seek after Him. For those of you who like having a structured program, I thought I would give an example from my own practices. Again, the amount we read and the time we put into prayer is not what is important, and my way is certainly not the best way, it is merely an example. This is about developing our relationship with God, not just blindly following some mindless ritual. I generally start my devotional time with some scriptural reading. I’ve included a daily reading plan that I put together. It’s not the one I use, but this one is better about having around the same amount of reading each day and it focuses equally on Old Testament, New Testament, and Psalms and Proverbs. It works out to about 30-45 minutes of reading a day, depending on how fast of a reader you are. If you find that to be too big of a commitment with your busy schedule, I would first ask you to perhaps reevaluate your priorities, but then I would suggest maybe focusing on just one of the Testaments, old or new, at a time or use a different reading program, like the “one-year” Bible. In my reading, I also like to write down verses that particularly stand out to me, whether because I thought it to be a useful insight, or it was applicable to a situation in my life, or it was just plain interesting. I try to pick out about one verse like that each day. The several verses I quoted together earlier are examples of ones that I had picked out recently.

After my scripture reading, I go into a time of prayer. I often do it in that order on the advice of George Müller, who often found it easier to focus on his prayer time and not be distracted by stray thoughts after first spending some time in God’s Word. Now, it is important to reach out to God in prayer throughout our day, but I use this time I’ve set aside to really lay out my whole heart to Him. I start with a time of thankfulness and praise, just really thanking the Lord for the many blessings He showers on us, His constant provision, His beautiful creation He has given us, our loving families, etc. I then lay out to Him all my hopes, my cares, my worries, my plans, anything and everything important that I need to do with my day, and every big thing that is coming up. I lay this all out to God, trusting that He will help guide and lead me through it all in a way that is good and right and pleasing to Him. I finish up my prayer time with specific intercessions, prayers made on other people’s behalf. It may be for a certain person to come to know God, or for someone’s bodily healing, or for the healing of someone’s heart and emotions. I pray for whatever is on my heart for another person, knowing that God, who delights in our prayers, will take care of their situation as He, in His infinite wisdom, sees fit.

After I am done with my prayers, I finish up my devotional time by reviewing and meditating on those verses I had noted down on previous days. That way I am not just reading through the Bible without absorbing any of it. I take that time to really reflect on those verses that had seemed important to me and try to see how I can learn and grow from them, and how I can apply them to my life that day.
There is a third foundational key to the Christian life that I did not touch on, which is fellowship, but that is another subject for another day. Really, we can simply describe the whole of the Christian life as trying to emulate Christ in His love for our fellow man and His love for and reliance upon the Father. It is not always easy to live as He would have us live, but at least the instructions for gaining guidance are simple. We must daily seek after God through His Word and through prayer.

“And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek God’s kingdom, and these things will be added to you.” (Luke 12:29-31)

Anonymous

Passing on good stuff

2009-12-28T20:59:00.000-08:00

Recently I received several sermons that I would like to make available:

The Inheritance of Moses and Esau

“[See to it] that no one is…unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal. For you know that afterward, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to repent, though he sought it with tears.” (Hebrews 12:16-17)

As Christians, we share in a great inheritance of grace, mercy, peace, and joy, and after this world, eternal life and unending glory. With most worldly inheritances, you do little or nothing to earn it, you are merely born to it. Our Christian inheritance is much the same. We can by no way earn it, it is a gift. We gain this gift only by simply believing that it is there to be had, and by having faith in He who gives it. Faith, not being a matter of head-knowledge, but of heart-knowledge, a true and deep acceptance of Christ as our Lord and Savior. Let us take firm hold of this blessed inheritance, being fully assured without a doubt that it is ours.

There are a couple figures in the Bible that I want to briefly write about their inheritances, namely, Esau and Moses. Both were men with great inheritances promised to them, but what they did with the gifts they were given differs drastically. I will start with Esau. Esau was the grandchild of Abraham; the firstborn son of Isaac, who was the promised child in God’s covenant with Abraham. Thus, all the blessings of God’s covenant with Abraham should have been passed down as an inheritance to Esau. This was not to be, however. As it is written, “Once when Jacob was cooking stew, Esau came in from the field, and he was exhausted. And Esau said to Jacob, ‘Let me eat some of that red stew, for I am exhausted!’ (Therefore his name was called Edom.) Jacob said, ‘Sell me your birthright now.’ Esau said, ‘I am about to die; of what use is a birthright to me?’ Jacob said, ‘Swear to me now.’ So he swore to him and sold his birthright to Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew and he ate and drank and rose and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright.” (Genesis 25:29-41) Because of his carnal, worldly desires, Esau hastily gave up the promise of greater things to come for a single meal.

Moses, much like Esau, was born among God’s chosen people, and thus was an heir to the inheritance of God’s great promises. Unlike Esau, Moses also had a great inheritance among foreigners, being raised by Pharaoh’s daughter, and he took a much different stance towards those things that were promised him. “By faith, Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ’s greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward. By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible.” (Hebrews 11:24-27) Now Moses was a man who had gotten his priorities straight. He had tasted and seen the best this world had to offer, and he saw it was all a pale shadow next to the glory of God.

Much like Esau, how many people today reject God’s promises, preferring to partake in the pleasures of this world that do not last and do not satisfy. The scary part of the equation comes with the latter part of Hebrews 12:17, “for he found no chance to repent, though he sought it with tears.” Now, our Lord is merciful, forgiving the truly repentant sinner even upon his death bed unto salvation. However, how much blessing did said poor sinner miss out of in this life, and what treasures did he miss the opportunity to lay up in heaven. For the Christian life holds many blessings, even in this world. That is not to say we should expect a life of ease. I recently met a man who had once been a part of the leadership in his church, but now no longer goes to church and was unsure of his beliefs. His reasoning was that bad things kept happening in his life, and such things shouldn’t happen to believers, especially those in leadership. That idea is simply not Biblical. The Bible teaches us to expect tribulation and difficulty, as that is the way of the world. As Jesus said, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Our inheritance in this life is peace, contentment, and joy, even in the midst of most dire circumstances.

Moses certainly has the example to follow. Money, physical pleasure, worldly acclaim; these things do not fill, only leaving us wanting more, and they surely are no great comfort when the world throws its worst at us. In fact, they are often the quickest to be lost. “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on the earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)

How often do we see, in the media, celebrities driven to the brink of despair. They typically have everything the world has to offer; fame, possessions, influence, and yet we see them die from suicide or drug overdose. Obviously, I do not speak of everyone who spends their time in the limelight. But those who try to fill themselves with continuously more; more money, more fame, more parties, they are the ones heading for a train wreck. The only thing that remains, the only thing that lasts, the only thing that truly fills us, is God’s blessed assurance.

“Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.” (I Timothy 6:6-8)

The secret to a happy life lies there in those simple facts. Good or bad, the things of this life are temporary, and are incomparable to the blessings to come. This is our inheritance in Christ, let us all be sure to lay claim to it.

Anonymous

Lighthouses

2009-12-28T11:00:00.000-08:00

There is much misinformation about lighthouses. In my seventy years of reading books, poetry and having conversations, if lighthouses are in the text they have always had, with no exception, the wrong reason for lighthouses being lighthouses.

“They are on dangerous rocky shores to warn ships to stay clear of the rock and the surf.” This non truth is spoken authoritatively and seems to be accepted by the hearer or reader.

In reality it is a myth.

Here is the correct definition:

“A structure with a powerful light that gives a continuous or intermittent signal to navigators.”

Each lighthouse in the world has its own distinctive signal and its exact location. When that signal is seen, the ship’s navigator knows exactly where he is.

The lighthouse is navigational structure only. It has nothing to do with rocks and safety.

They are beautiful pieces of architecture as seen from the shore. From the sea the signal is the only thing worth seeing. The navigator does not want to see the beautiful building up close. He only wants to know where he is.

There are many other mythical untruths which are beautiful but have nothing to do with life and godliness, where we are, or how to get where we should be. They are not lighthouses.

10th Commandment; last doesn't mean least.

2009-12-02T20:35:00.000-08:00

We linked the Tenth Commandment with the Seventh. Today we will attach it very strongly with the First and Second Commandments.

No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. Matthew 6:24

Money is the other god that is before the God of the First Command; “You shall have no other gods before me.”

Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Colossians 3:5

Greed is idolatry.

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
1 Timothy 6:10

Coveting; worse than stealing?

2009-11-29T20:31:00.000-08:00

There is another temptation that is more present than sexual temptation that does not seem so evil. After all it is the last commandment and it is not stealing or committing adultery; it is only wanting to steal or commit adultery.

"You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor." Exodus 20:17

Jesus spoke to this in Matthew 5:27.

You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.'

According to Jesus when you have violated the Tenth Commandment you have already violated the Seventh. The Tenth Commandment defines greed and greed is one of the signs of advanced depravity in Romans 1.

They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. Romans 1:29

Do your own study of greed in the Luke 12:15, Ephesians 5:3, 5, Colossians 3:5, 2 Peter 2:14 and 1 Timothy 6:10.

Sexual temptation: What should I do?

2009-11-25T20:25:00.000-08:00

We can easily recognize sexual temptation. It is very present in life, in pictures, advertisements, fiction and ritual.

We are told how to handle these temptations. RUN!

Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. 1 Corinthians 6:18

Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:22

This is how Joseph handled it. He ran.

She caught him by his cloak and said, "Come to bed with me!" But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house. Genesis 39:12

Do you know where you stand?

2009-11-23T19:35:00.000-08:00

1. You may have figured this out that many “born again” Christians have not been born again. How do we know? There are two basic reasons:

• They do not show the evidence of life in Christ
• They are later truly born again and the evidence then immediately is apparent.

2. You may also have realized that there are Christians, real ones, who live like unbelievers. How can we tell the difference between the believer and the unbeliever? It is difficult, but here is the basic evidence.

• The unbeliever can enjoy his sin.
• The believer cannot enjoy his sin. Even if not caught by the culture, he is always caught by God and disciplined by God!

And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons:

"My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline,
and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
because the Lord disciplines those he loves,
and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son."

Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Hebrews 12:5-11

3. You may also have realized that there are real unbelievers pretending to be Christians. These are hypocrites

With these three problems in the Christian culture, we dare not compare our life and conduct with any of the three. Compare yourself with God’s norm.

We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise. 2 Corinthians 10:12

Here are a few encouraging scriptures.

Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. Hebrews 7:25

In KJV “completely” is “uttermost.” God does not save part way. He is not a partial savior for a partial sinner.

I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life. John 5:24

Notice “hears” “believes” and “has” are all presence tense verbs. Eternal life is NOW. “Will not be” is future tense. “He has crossed over” is past tense. Eternal life begins in an instant and guarantees the future because of what happened when belief happened.

It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 1 Corinthians 1:30

Jesus Christ is our wisdom, that is:
• Our righteousness
• Our holiness
• Our redemption
Jesus Christ does not save us in pieces or driblets.

My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.
We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. The man who says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.
1 John 2:1, 3-6

Obedience is expected.

But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them. Ephesians 5:3-7

Isn’t that clear?

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. Ephesians 5:8-14a

More clarity.

You may be in one of the three situations described at the beginning of this post.

If you do not know, do the following:

• Read 1 John chapters 1-5 every day for five days. Pay attention. You will find out what you are.
• Ask God to show you individual sins in your life. Confess them. If joy is restored you were a Christian at the time you were committing them. If joy does not return or if you can’t think of many you are not a Christian.
• If you already know that you are a hypocrite or if you found out that you are not saved by doing the above assignments, then confess your state of sinfulness and confess Jesus Christ is Lord.

That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. Romans 10:9-10

Thank God!

Politics and money

2009-11-07T14:01:00.000-08:00

Forty-five years ago Lyndon Johnson was President of the United States. Art Buchwald wrote the following:

“As soon as the President finished his State of the Union speech, I was ordered to get some public reaction. So I immediately called my father in Forest Hills, New York, and asked him what he thought of all the things the President wanted to do (The Great Society).

“If he’s got the money,” my father said, “let him go ahead.”

“I don’t think he has the money, Pop.”

“I knew there was a catch to it.”

Politicians don't change

2009-11-02T14:00:00.000-08:00

Here is a description of a politician between 900 and 1000 BC. It is in 2 Samuel 15:1-6.

Absalom was not a good guy. He used promises and flattery. Sometimes this happens in the church too. People are bought with promises, lies and flattery.

I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears. Acts 20:29-31

For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts. You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else.
1 Thessalonians 2:3-6

In the world and in the church, stay awake!

Glory

2009-11-02T13:58:00.000-08:00

If the ministry that condemns men is glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness! For what was glorious has no glory now in comparison with the surpassing glory. And if what was fading away came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts! And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3:9-11, 18

This glory is a glory which is given to men. The one glory faded; in fact it looks as if it had no glory at all in comparison with the surpassing glory, a glory which lasts. This glory which lasts is ever increasing.

We as believers have more glory than Moses as long as we keep our hearts and faces unveiled to reflect God’s glory.

Deceiving and being Deceived

2009-09-13T09:03:00.000-07:00

These two words both describe one who is following Satan.

Yes we know that lying is following Satan. We did not know that being lied to was following Satan.

Eve was lied to; she followed Satan. We know we are not lie. We are not to believe lies that are told to us. If we do believe a lie, we are in sin.

The liar says that he is telling the truth. The truth teller says that he is telling the truth. It is up to the listener to know the difference.

Here are a few ways to discern lying:

1. smooth talk
2. flattery
3. suggestion
4. subtlety
5. involved explanations
6. know the truth very well
7. know the enemy’s tactics well

More on the Stimulus Bill

2009-09-10T15:53:00.000-07:00

In the August 27, 2009, Wall Street Journal there was a note on the front page with no story attached.

“The Federal Government sent about 3900 stimulus payments of $250 each this spring to prison inmates.”

I am assuming that these inmates are old enough to be on Social Security. I can thank of no other reason. That is why we received the $250 each. It certainly could not be intended to buy future “votes” because a conviction of a felony deprives the felon the right to vote.

Even if this package was not intended to buy votes, it demonstrates moral irresponsibilty.

Our returned checks to the Secretary of the Treasury still has not cleared.

Questions about Sin

2009-08-22T10:01:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I wrote down 35 different questions or statements that have been given to me over the 61 years I have been a Christian. These short sentences and questions were why the questioner was not a Christian. While I was thinking about these reasons I wrote down a Biblical answer to each of them.

Although the questions were different there were only a few different real reasons.

1. The person loved sin.
2. He did not want to repent to change.
3. He was afraid God would change him.
4. In other words he did not want an answer to his question.

Are there people who ask questions who really want an answer? Yes, but the questions sound different in content and manner. They sound more like this:

• God be merciful to me a sinner!
• What must I do to be saved?
• I am afraid to die.
• I am sick of sin.

The questions that I wrote down do not sound like this!

Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will. 2 Timothy 2:23-26

Stimulus Bill

2009-08-19T15:59:00.000-07:00

For those who may be interested, a few months ago, I related how I had returned the $250 stimulus money from Social Security which was electronically deposited in each of our accounts on May 7, 2009.

I sent the $500 check made out to the Secretary of the Treasury to our state senator with a letter. This was with the advice of his office. I sent it in April upon the receipt of the announcement from Social Security that we were going to receive the $250 deposits.

On 7 May I received the check back from the senator with a letter that it was against Senate rule to handle things associated with the Executive branch of the government. He suggested I get in touch with I.R.S. The I.R.S. said that they could not touch it because it was Social Security money. I got no personal response from Social Security.

On 6 June I sent the check directly to the Secretary of the Treasury with a letter. I sent it certified mail. It was signed for on 24 June, 15 days later. It is now 17 August. The check has not cleared nor have I received an answer from the department.

Casualties

2009-08-18T09:58:00.000-07:00

We are greatly concerned about civilian fatalities in Iran and Iraq. We are also very concerned about every American serviceman who is killed in these wars.

In a war area it is more dangerous to be a civilian than a soldier.

In World War II in addition to the 5, 752,400 Jews killed in the Holocaust, 42,168,000 civilians were killed as opposed to 25,282,100 military personnel.

In the Viet Nam war South Viet Nam military fatalities were 220,357. Civilian deaths were 1, 177,446.

Let me throw in a few other facts of sin and death. According to John McCardell in the July 2009 Atlantic Monthly, “each year underage drinking kills some 5000 young people, 600,000 injuries and 100,000 cases of sexual assault among college students.” Another 8000 deaths are from legal age drinking. Center for Disease Control says alcohol related deaths not including accidents and homicides are 22,073 a year. Planned Parenthood says that there are 42 million abortions a year, 1.37 million of which are in the United States. There are approximately 15,000 murders a year in the United States.

Are we as concerned about civilian deaths in this country as we are about Afghanistan?

Why keep on sinning?

2009-08-16T09:56:00.000-07:00

But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin. No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him. 1 John 3:5-6

No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God's seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God. 1 John 3:9

We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the one who was born of God keeps him safe, and the evil one cannot harm him.1 John 5:18

Do we find it easy to believe that Jesus died so that we might be forgiven and go to heaven yet find it difficult to believe that He died to set us free from the power of sin?

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 2 Peter 1:3

God gave us many provisions not to sin, but the basic one is the new birth.

Crowds or Mobs

2009-08-12T09:52:00.000-07:00

On Crowds, Mobs, World Cup games, celebrations after the winning of the World Series, NBA finals and the Super Bowl.

The crow at the Vienna symphony is not the same as a crowd at a Rolling Stones concert. There will be applause at one and frenzied raucous noise in the crowds of the other.

There is a great difference between a frenzied man and a frenzied mob. A frenzied man may be crazy and can be subdued but a frenzied mob is considered innocent and cannot be subdued. A few may be arrested in a riot, but not everyone. A frenzied crowd is contagious for more frenzy.

This has been going on for centuries.
But the Jews were jealous; so they rounded up some bad characters from the marketplace, formed a mob and started a riot in the city. They rushed to Jason's house in search of Paul and Silas in order to bring them out to the crowd. Acts 17:5
When they heard this, the crowd and the city officials were thrown into turmoil. Acts 17:8

The assembly was in confusion: Some were shouting one thing, some another. Most of the people did not even know why they were there. The Jews pushed Alexander to the front, and some of the crowd shouted instructions to him. He motioned for silence in order to make a defense before the people. But when they realized he was a Jew, they all shouted in unison for about two hours: "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!" Acts 19:32-34

When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in the Lycaonian language, "The gods have come down to us in human form!" Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes because he was the chief speaker. The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates because he and the crowd wanted to offer sacrifices to them. Acts 14:11-13
Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. Acts 14:19
The same crowd who wanted to worship Paul and Barnabas a few days later stoned Paul and left him for dead. The same crowd who shouted “Hosanna” to Jesus on Sunday shouted “Crucify” on Friday. This was mob action, not individual action.

Here is a quotation from Charles Mackay’s book Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds publication in 1841: “Men, it has been well said, think in herds; it will be seen that they go mad in herd, while they only recover their senses slowly, and one by one.”

When I was a boy, younger than eight, my father told me to not join a crowd even as an observer or with curiosity. My presence gives authority to the mob whether it is a lynch mob or a student riot. An attendee is not innocent of the actions of the crowd.

Principle of Expediency?

2009-07-06T11:24:00.000-07:00

On April 15 while driving in Moscow, Idaho, I came across several hundred people having a tax “tea party”. As I understand it was one of several hundred such parties across the United States. I have not participated in these kinds of events.

A few days later we received two letters from the Social Security Administration telling us that each of us was having $250.00 deposited into our bank accounts. This was from the law signed by President Obama in February.

I immediately made out a check to the US Treasury for $500.00. I am sending it to our senator to give to the Secretary of the Treasury.

There were several reasons for this action:

1. We are not AIG, Chrysler, General Motors, Wells Fargo, or Bank of America – we are not too big to fail. We may be too small, but we are not failing. Our home is paid for, as is our car.
2. To send $250.00 to each of millions of Social Security recipients is irresponsible and immoral. It is either conscious money or buying votes.
3. We have already received more money from Social Security than we have ever put into it.

Here is a motto I have followed all my life:

“Where principle is involved, be deaf to expediency.”

Here is a quote from Jeeves in the “Return of Jeeves” describing Britain in 1953:

“We are now living in what is known as the Welfare State, which means – broadly – that everybody is completely destitute.”

Narnia

2009-07-06T11:22:00.000-07:00

Many of you have read the Chronicles of Narnia. You liked them when you read them or had them read to you. You should read them again for your second or third time. You may say “I am an adult.” Listen, these are stories for adults. I am not talking about the movies.

The reason for this important encouragement is this; I first read, The Last Battle 51 years ago. I am reading it again. Please read chapter three and encourage all your friends and relatives to read it also. If all you see is an interesting story, enjoy it and keep reading. However there might be more. Pay attention. Pass this on.

Adam and Jesus

2009-07-06T11:20:00.000-07:00

Adam was made a little lower than the angels. Adam was crowned with glory and honor. Everything was put under his feet. Adam died and lost that glory and honor.

Jesus was made a little lower than the angels. He is now crowned with glory and honor. Because He suffered death, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.

The death of Christ for everyone is the reason that Christ is now crowned with glory and honor.

He shared in our humanity so He could die. He died to destroy him who holds the power of death – that is the devil – and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.

You can find all this in Hebrews, chapter 2.

Testimony

2009-05-26T21:34:00.001-07:00

Two and a half years ago we received the following testimony on the booklet, How to Be Free From Bitterness. It had been forwarded twice when we received it. You can download the booklet from our website www.ccmbooks.org or you can write us for hard copies (we ask $1/each). A paperback version can be ordered from Canon Press at http://www.canonpress.org/shop/item.asp?itemid=392&catid=

To Whom It May Concern:
Wanted to share: Because I’ve had deep-rooted bitterness and anger for so many years, I kept re-reading the pamphlet, highlighting stuff, but only up to about 2/3rds of it. I couldn’t “sincerely” say the prayer it calls for. After several months of this, I was able too, and found that the other essays after it were XCLNT and informative also. My anger made me a felon almost 7 years ago. Within the last year I’ve been blessed with having that dismissed even. This pamphlet impacted my life, and I will always keep it and reread it to maintain the level of forgiveness it helped me to attain. I consider it my “other bible”. I’ve shared it, recommended it to others, and know that I am blessed to just have been exposed to it. It is a totally different outlook on the topic of bitterness and anger, and a “MUST-HAVE” reading requirement fro those who suffer perpetually due to their inability to let go of anger and bitterness. The introspection essay meant a lot to me also because I beat myself up badly and repetitively from guilt. Now hat I’ve confessed my sin, I know, thru God’s grace, I am forgiven, and I won’t let the “lord of this world”/the devil, use it against me to convict myself anymore. Please maintain my anonymity though. I’m not proud of my past and don’t share it with people who would not benefit from hearing my story. God Bless You!

You brother in Christ,
.

More on Prayer

2009-05-26T21:33:00.001-07:00

You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs—he wants to please his commanding officer. Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 1 Timothy 2:1-6

Here is another comprehensive paragraph.

First of all that:
1. Requests
2. Prayers
3. Intercessions
4. Thanksgiving
5. Be made for everyone

Why?

God is pleased to use our obedience in this to save men by bringing them to the knowledge of the truth.

Who is your Hero?

2009-05-26T21:29:00.000-07:00

What are the differences between the following lists of characters in books?

1. Tom Sawyer, Becky Thatcher, Nancy Drew, Oliver Twist, Huckleberry Finn, Jim Hawkins, and Penrod.
2. Hudson Taylor, George Mueller, Amy Carmichael, Adoniram Judson, David Brainard and, Gladys Aylward

The first list of names are fictional, the second are real people.

The first list are heroes without being Christian.

The second are heroes because they are Christian.

The first list are forever boys or girls. They never grow up.

The second list we have their whole life.

The first hat cannot be, or should not be imitated.

The second list can be and should be imitated.

I encourage you to read biographies of Godly people.

Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct. Hebrews 13:7

Teaching the Truth

2009-05-26T21:25:00.001-07:00

We have many ways of teaching truth. These include Sunday Schools, Vacation Bible Schools, camps retreats, confirmation classes, Bible studies, Bible colleges, Christian elementary and secondary schools, Christian colleges and universities, seminaries, parachurch group like the Navigators, CBMC, Young Life, Inter Varsity, Campus Crusade for Christ, Youth for Christ, Child Evangelism Fellowship, mass evangelism, radio and TV evangelism, preaching in churches, personal evangelism, literature evangelism, Bible translation, Gospel recordings, foreign missions and parent-child evangelism.

Assuming all of these are effective, but considering how much of the above there is, this nation should be a converted and godly nation. Of this list we have participated in, prayed for, or given to all but confirmation classes. Some of the works are very effective, some are less effective.

Less effective:

1. where law and judgment are not presented before the good news
2. where there is not genuine love from the teacher for the people taught.

This will include many places that emphasize the truth more than love.

More effective:

He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. Acts 11:24

It is very simple. We should not have ministries to the lost with people who are not filled with the Holy Spirit. The evidence will be the fruit of the Spirit, boldness, and power.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-25

Boldness
After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. Acts 4:31

Power
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:8

For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5

Some missionaries have to return if there financial support falls below a minimum standard. Others have to return because of family problems. Does anyone get recalled because they are not filled with love, joy, power, and boldness? How about pastors of churches?

Can money make you secure?

2009-05-26T21:22:00.000-07:00

Do you have enough money to be secure?

The name of the LORD is a strong tower;
the righteous run to it and are safe.
The wealth of the rich is their fortified city;
they imagine it an unscalable wall. Proverbs 18:10-11

Notice the difference. The name of the LORD is a strong tower. The wealth of the rick is an imaginary defense.

One is real; the other is not. The righteous are safe. The rich are not.

How are you praying?

2009-05-13T11:41:00.001-07:00

How are you praying?

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Ephesians 6:18
Notice how comprehensive this sentence is.

Pray:
1. in the Spirit
2. on all occasions
3. with all kinds of prayers and requests
4. be alert
5. always keep on praying
6. for all the saints.

Why Pray?

2009-05-13T11:39:00.000-07:00

Why are you praying?

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time. 1 Timothy 2:1-6

Here is another comprehensive paragraph.

First of all that
1. requests
2. prayers
3. intercessions
4. thanksgiving
5 be made for everyone.

Why? We do this because it pleases God our Savior and because it is part of the process of people being saved and coming to a knowledge of the truth.

Two Types of Knowledge

2009-04-20T22:25:00.000-07:00

There are at least two types of knowledge:
1. information, facts, truth,
2. personal experience of the facts.

It is possible to know that Barack Obama is president of the United States without knowing Barack Obama.

It is possible to know that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior without knowing Jesus Christ the Lord and Savior.

Much of the world does not have either kind of knowing Jesus Christ. Much of the United States knows who He is but still doesn’t know Him.

How can we correct this anomaly? It is by using the facts with love, kindness, and the Holy Spirit.

We seem to be short of speaking the truth in love in the power of the Holy Spirit, in joy, in peace, in patience, in kindness and goodness.

These are the things that will make people want to know Him, and not just know about Him.

Agnostics too

2009-04-19T22:40:00.000-07:00

Here are two definitions of words that are related.

Agnostic: unknown or unknowable, 1870, from the Greek gnostos, known, one who holds the view that any ultimate reality (or God) is unknown and probably unknowable.

For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Romans 1:20-21

Ignorant: destitute of knowledge or education, lacking knowledge or comprehension.

Because he has chosen not to know the agnostic says it is not knowable in order to excuse his sin and ignorance. Now that he has chosen ignorance he is now incapable of knowing.

The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. 1 Corinthians 2:14

Atheists – Part 3

2009-04-19T22:38:00.000-07:00

Here are a few home truths about atheists.

Atheists for some reason become strident. If God does not exist there is no reason to become hysterical. However, if God does exist and you think He does not, then there is a good reason to become hysterical.

Here are some expressions which describe such people:

“Whistling in the dark”

“Argument weak, shout here”

Atheists find that they cannot stay off the subject of this non-existent being. Two famous examples in recent history of this are George Bernard Shaw and Bertrand Russell. Three contemporaries are Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris and Christopher Hitchens.

Atheists -- Part 2

2009-04-12T22:50:00.000-07:00

A few rational thoughts on atheists.

There are three kinds of self proclaimed atheists:

1. The most common kind says, “I do not believe in God.” Notice the grammar. The “not” modifies “believe” not “God”. What he is really saying is: “There is a God in whom he does not believe.”

2. The second most common kind of atheist says, “I believe there is no God.” In this case the “no” modifies “God.” However the “atheist” says he believes there is no God. His basis is belief. His is a faith position. He is saying either that he has a positive faith in nothing or a positive belief in something. If it is nothing then he is a faith atheist. If it is something, the something is his god.

3. The rarest kind of atheist says, “There is no God.” He makes a dogmatic statement as if he was declaring a fact. His is not a faith position. It is a factual position, not a theoretical position. However, when he makes a factual statement the burden of proof rests on him. A believer has no burden of proof.

It might be difficult to prove a positive. It is impossible to prove a negative. To establish a negative to be true, the prover has to know absolutely everything.

Atheists -- Part 1

2009-04-08T11:02:00.000-07:00

A few biblical pronouncements on atheists.

The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good. Psalm 14:1

The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, and their ways are vile; there is no one who does good. Psalm 53:1

since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools Romans 1:19-22

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun, Psalm 19:1-4

God in His goodness and common grace has made His eternal power and deity known to everyone on the earth. People are not born atheists. They become atheists. They were not born fools; they become fools.

Humble or Humiliated?

2009-04-06T20:50:00.000-07:00

Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18

Before his downfall a man's heart is proud, but humility comes before honor. Proverbs 18:12

For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. Luke 14:11

"I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." Luke 18:14

But when his heart became arrogant and hardened with pride, he was deposed from his royal throne and stripped of his glory. Daniel 5:20

Your heart became proud on account of your beauty, and you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor. So I threw you to the earth; I made a spectacle of you before kings. Ezekiel 28:17

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 1 Peter 5:6

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:29

By the meekness and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you—I, Paul, who am "timid" when face to face with you, but "bold" when away! 2 Corinthians 10:1

Somehow our worldwide culture has taught that pride is a very high virtue. It is instead the character of the devil.

Eric Kirkland, now with the Lord, said, “there are two types of men in the world; humble men and men about to be humiliated.”

Tax Season and Tax Reason

2009-03-23T09:16:00.000-07:00

Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Romans 13:1-7

This is the biblical reason for government and the biblical reason for taxes. We have come up with many other reasons for government and for taxes.

There are other reasons for paying taxes.

After Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax came to Peter and asked, "Doesn't your teacher pay the temple tax?"
"Yes, he does," he replied.
When Peter came into the house, Jesus was the first to speak. "What do you think, Simon?" he asked. "From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes—from their own sons or from others?"
"From others," Peter answered.
"Then the sons are exempt," Jesus said to him. "But so that we may not offend them, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours." Matthew 17:24-27

They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. "Teacher," they said, "we know you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren't swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are. Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?"
But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, "You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? Show me the coin used for paying the tax." They brought him a denarius, and he asked them, "Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?"
"Caesar's," they replied.
Then he said to them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's. Matthew 22:16-21

Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
Romans 13:1 and 7

The reasons are to:
1. not give offense
2. give secular money to secular rulers
3. obey as the tax is demanded, and we are to submit to rulers, good ones and bad ones.

A testimony worth reading

2009-03-20T10:26:00.000-07:00

CSD is C. Stephen David. We have been in touch with him for several years. His wife’s testimony is in “How to Be Free From Bitterness.” He had the booklet translated into Telegu. I am passing this link on for information and prayer.

http://www.sakshitimes.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=363&Itemid=43

CSD lives in Hyderbad, India.

What hymnal are they using in heaven?

2009-03-13T14:53:00.000-07:00

There are two answers to the following question and statement,
1. What are the lyrics in Heaven?
2. Search the Scriptures daily to see if these things are true.

The first quotation is from “90 Minutes in Heaven” by Don Piper. Over 3 million copies of that book have been sold.

“As I stood before the gate, I didn’t think of it but later I realized that I didn’t hear such songs as “the Old Rugged Cross” or “The Nail-Scarred Hand.” None of the hymns that filled the air were about Jesus’ sacrifice or death. I heard no sad songs and instinctively knew that there are no sad songs in heaven. Why would there be? All were praises about Christ’s reign as King of Kings and our joyful worship for all he has done for us and how wonderful he is.”

Page 3, 90 Minutes in Heaven
Don Piper

The second quotation is from Revelation 5:9-14.
And they sang a new song:
"You are worthy to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
because you were slain,
and with your blood you purchased men for God
from every tribe and language and people and nation.
You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God,
and they will reign on the earth."
Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they sang:
"Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength
and honor and glory and praise!"
Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing:
"To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be praise and honor and glory and power,
for ever and ever!" The four living creatures said, "Amen," and the elders fell down and worshiped.

One hundred million angels were singing about the death of Christ around the throne. This is in addition to the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures singing about the death of Christ. The death of Christ is the major theme in Heaven. Either Mr. Piper was not there or was listening or did not remember, or did not know the scripture or the co-author added it. In any case he should not have written that sentence for 3 million people to believe.

Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. Acts 17:11

When we listen to preaching, watch a movie or read a book, search the Scriptures to see if what is communicated is true.

Present Light

2009-03-01T21:53:00.000-08:00

The Lord Jesus, about 2000 years ago said, “This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.” John 3:19-20

Maybe 200 years before that Job (24:13-17) said the following:

There are those who rebel against the light,
who do not know its ways
or stay in its paths.
When daylight is gone, the murderer rises up
and kills the poor and needy;
in the night he steals forth like a thief.
The eye of the adulterer watches for dusk;
he thinks, 'No eye will see me,'
and he keeps his face concealed.
In the dark, men break into houses,
but by day they shut themselves in;
they want nothing to do with the light.
For all of them, deep darkness is their morning;
they make friends with the terrors of darkness.

We who know the Lord Jesus are His light in this dark world.

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:24

Are you a follower of Jesus?

This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 1 John 1:5-7

Few Good and Godly Heads of State

2009-01-30T14:23:00.000-08:00

There have been many evil dictators, kings, emperors, popes, and sultans in the Bible before and since. There have been relatively few good and godly heads of state.

People, when choosing a leader, will overlook immorality, infidelity, and lack of ethics but will not stand for incompetence. They would rather have a competent man who lacks integrity than the other way around. It would be nice to have both. It is rare. If this is of interest to you, make a list of leaders to make your case.

Storm Clouds Looming on the Horizon

2009-01-20T15:47:00.000-08:00

The following is a quotation from a letter from Abou-Elia.

I remember as a child sensing the eerie calm as a storm approached. Gaza is in the midst of a violent storm… though for you who live far from that patch of real estate bordering Egypt to the south and the Mediterranean Sea to the west, it may appear to be a storm that impacts only that local vicinity. This will probably not be the case.

There are good guys and bad guys on both sides of the issue, as well as a lot of spiritual blindness. I’m not a Muslim and am strongly opposed to extremist ideas, forcing others to accept Islam or Islamic law or harming people who want to further understand spiritual truth that conflicts with Islam. The Islamic side is so focused on honor and gaining better world positioning that they’d sacrifice every Gaza resident. Additionally they would never, EVER admit to fault as they cannot bear the possibility of not being right. But then I look at the Jewish side and am appalled at their dullness, spiritually speaking. The Jews are living with a faith system that they put into the shredder two thousand years ago. To put it in the English vernacular… they are a morally dysfunctional society… they have no foundation. They too must repent… and soon, or the repercussions will be greater than their ability to cope. Jesus wept over Jerusalem saying, “If you had known in this day, even you, the things which make for peace! But now they have been hidden from your eyes.” (Luke 19:42)

The price of unbelief is very high. I want things to be different… but they aren’t… yet.

Something you ought to know is that there are many Muslims in Gaza who are not fanatical followers of Islam. They don’t want this fighting… and furthermore, they are eagerly waiting for someone who will tell them about Jesus Christ. Yes, it’s true. There are probably more Muslims in Gaza hoping to know the story of salvation in Jesus Christ than there are citizens in your city ready to do the same!

We have found that Middle Easterners are most often genuinely delightful. Venturing beyond one’s own prejudices and faulty ideas, it is easy to establish lifelong relationships. Of course, our objective isn’t simply a good visit… our goal as ambassadors for Christ is to show the same sort of compassion that our Savior and King, Jesus Christ had when He proclaimed the kingdom of God.

Advice: Please don’t quickly take political sides. They’re both wrong. We can help most by praying fervently that our LORD will awaken the dead conscience present on both sides. We can pray that both sides will acknowledge their sins. We can pray that both sides come to know the One who gave His life a ransom for many and this necessitates repentance.

Forgiveness Versus Excusing: Vision Obscured

2009-01-19T16:43:00.000-08:00

This quotation is from Bob Flynn, President of The Christian Military Fellowship.

One day Jesus said to His disciples, “There will always be temptation to sin, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting! It would be better to be thrown into the sea with a millstone hung around your neck than to cause one of these little ones to fall into sin. So watch yourselves! If another believer sins, rebuke that person; then if there is repentance, forgive. Even if that person wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, you must forgive.” (Luke 17:1-4 NLT)

I find that when I think I am asking God to forgive me I am often in reality (unless I watch myself very carefully) asking Him to do something very different. I am asking Him not to forgive me but to excuse me. But there is all the difference in the world between forgiving and excusing. Forgiveness says, “Yes, you have done this thing, but I accept your apology; I will never hold it against you and everything between us two will be exactly as it was before.” But excusing says “I see that you couldn’t help it or didn’t mean it; you weren’t to blame.” If one was not really to blame then there is nothing to forgive. In that sense forgiveness and excusing are almost opposite. (C.S. Lewis, Virtue and Vice)

We often needlessly wander through the darkened fortress of discouragement and despair—the high, impenetrable ramparts of our own building. Brick by brick they did rise from the hardness of our own heart—cemented indestructibly by the piteous mortar of our ever-bleeding soul. We are powerless to extricate ourselves from this fallen estate because of our self-deception. We think we are asking forgiveness for our sins, but without accepting responsibility. Did the Scriptures say that Christ would “excuse” our sins? No, He offered forgiveness if we confess them. If we look to the testimony of the Cross, we can see the Savior offering prayer on our behalf, “Father, forgive them.” He could not yet forgive us because we had not repented. Nevertheless, His example was to pray for our forgiveness and not (as we would) harbor ill will in the heart).

We are in darkness when we fail to wrestle with the responsibility of our own sin! Our honest confession must begin with the attitude of our heart. Are we really seeking “excusing” when the Scripture clearly teaches us to seek “forgiveness?” Our journey must begin at the gates of penitence—the work of the Holy Spirit that allows us to grieve over our sin and see its result through His eyes. Then is our repentance possible and our forgiveness assured.

As we walk this path to forgiveness, the Holy Spirit will bring to light the true gravity of our offenses. Though clearly we are no longer the objects of the wrath of God, our sin still comes with its own reward. If we are the conduit through which the offense travels, the gravity looms large. But if we heed the conviction of the Holy Spirit upon our heart, then the road back into the Light of Christ appears before us; and what we meant for evil will be transformed by Him who sits upon the throne of the universe.

Consider today the aforementioned words of Clive Staples Lewis and his warning to be careful that forgiveness petitions be not instead desires of excusing!

Grace is the spring of the Christian’s walk, and furnishes directions for it. He cannot with impunity (chapter 17) despise the weak. He must not be weary of pardoning his brother. If he have faith but as a grain of mustard seed, the power of God is, so to speak, at his disposal. Nevertheless, when he has done all, he has but done his duty (Luke 17:5-10). (Dr. John Darby)

We are here taught, that the giving of offenses is a great sin, and that which we should every one of us avoid and carefully watch against, Luke 17:1, 2. We can expect no other than that offenses will come, considering the perverseness and forwardness that are in the nature of man, and the wise purpose and counsel of God, who will carry on his work even by those offenses, and bring good out of evil. It is almost impossible but that offenses will come, and therefore we are concerned to provide accordingly; but woe to him through whom they come, his doom will be heavy (Luke 17:2), more terrible than that of the worst of the malefactors who are condemned to be thrown into the sea, for they perish under a load of guilt more ponderous than that of millstones. This includes a woe, 1. To persecutors, who offer any injury to the least of Christ’s little ones, in word or deed, by which they are discouraged in serving Christ, and doing their duty, or in danger of being driven off from it. 2. To seducers, who corrupt the truths of Christ and his ordinances, and so trouble the minds of the disciples; for they are those by whom offenses come. 3. To those who, under the profession of the Christian name, live scandalously, and thereby weaken the bands and sadden the hearts of God’s people; for by them the offense comes, and it is no abatement of their guilt, nor will be any of their punishment, that it is impossible but offenses will come. (Matthew Henry)

How long should you wait to confess Sin?

2008-12-19T16:40:00.000-08:00

As soon as I sin I get disciplined, chastised by God. When God disciplines me, He takes away my joy. Why does He do that? He does so, to bring my disobedience to my attention so I will repent and confess. Let’s suppose God did not discipline me. Every time I sinned I would have more joy in the Lord.

It is true that

…where sin increased grace increased all the more (Romans 5:20).

That did not mean

…shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? (Romans 6:1)

NO!

God takes away my joy so I will admit my sin in repentance, be forgiven and have restored joy. This descent continued for three years. Yes, I confessed some sins during those years, but my state was gradually down hill.

This is really a 6-step event. The first thing I do is sin, disobey. The second thing is I get disciplined. The third thing is I lose my joy. Now God takes away my joy by discipline when I sin, in order to get my attention so I will confess and repent, be forgiven and have joy again.

Well, my joy started down, not quite that steep. It probably went down gradually and then came up a little bit, then down some more. In other words, over the next three years my joy gradually went down. In the meantime, God was using me in different ways, but the joy was less.

It was in the Sea of Japan, in my stateroom on the USS Brinkley Bass (DD887) in March of 1951 that I realized what the problem was. It was 3 years of accumulated, un-confessed sin. I began to confess sin, and as I did, my joy came back up. It was great. It was just like a new birth, except this was not a new birth. When I was born again, I did not confess all of my sins. I couldn’t have possibly. I confessed Jesus Christ as Lord. When I confessed Him as Lord, my sins were forgiven. That was the new birth. After my restoration in March of 1951, I would again disobey, lose my joy and get disciplined. This time, instead of not confessing, I’d confess after I’d waited awhile…a week, 2 weeks, ten hours.

I did that for about four years—up to 1955. I realized that if Jesus Christ could forgive 20 years at one instant, as He did when I received Christ, and if He could forgive the 3 years of accumulated sin in a few hours, and if He could forgive 10 hours’ worth or two weeks’ worth, He could forgive me in one instant. I could sin, lose my joy, confess it, and be back in the joy of the Lord in a very short interval of time.

(An excerpt from How to Maintain Joy in your Life, p.6&7)

Discipline: The Only Reason to Lose Your Joy

2008-12-17T20:14:00.000-08:00

God disciplines believers. If you are without discipline, you are not a believer. It says in Hebrews 12:8, You are illegitimate children and not true sons.

When you are disciplined it is not pleasant. That is the only biblical reason to lose your joy--the discipline of God. So, when you get disciplined, you say, "Boy, I'm so miserable; I might not be a Christian." Maybe that proves you are. Have you ever known anyone who seems to get away with murder and it doesn't bother them? Then you step out of line one little fraction and you get disciplined fast? It's because the Lord loves you. It is not pleasant. However, if you pay attention to it and respond to the discipline, and confess your sin, you are blessed and the joy returns.

(An excerpt from How to Maintain Joy in your Life, p.3&4).

Joy is not Circumstantial

2008-12-16T15:18:00.000-08:00

We would like to think there are other reasons for people losing their joy. One of the reasons we would like to think that people lose their joy is temptation. “Boy, if you went through the temptation I went through, you would not have joy either.” But the Scripture says: Count it all joy when you fall into divers (many different kinds of) temptations (James 1:2 KJV). Temptations are no reason to lose your joy.

You say, “Well, if you were persecuted like I am persecuted, you would lose your joy.” What does the Bible say about that?

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness ‘sake” (Matthew 4:10 NKJV).

You say, “But I just lost my mother.” And the scripture says,

Do not sorrow, as others who have no hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13 NKJV).

The scripture also says,

Rejoice in the Lord always: again I will say, rejoice (Philippians 4:4 NKJV).

The normal Christian life is a life of joy. The reasons we lose joy, we think are circumstantial. “If you were in these circumstances, you would lose your joy.” I’m not saying there aren’t pleasant circumstances and unpleasant circumstances, but when people think that circumstances or environment are a reason for joy, it is not true.

People say, “If I were in Sun Valley skiing I would be happy,” or

“If I were married, I’d be happy,” or

“If I were divorced, I would be happy.”

They are saying their happiness is dependent upon circumstances, good circumstances—happiness, bad circumstances—unhappiness. People, who are environmentally happy and think that that is the joy of the Lord, are mistaken. There is the one biblical reason why the joy of the Lord is taken away.

It is stated in Hebrews 12:11,

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it (NKJV)

(An excerpt from How to Maintain Joy in your Life, p.3)

A Post Last Summer: Following Up

2008-12-15T16:55:00.000-08:00

Last summer I printed the following post:

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. (Colossians 2:6, 7 NIV)

Years ago a friend of mine told me he was not into evangelism because the more converts he had, the more backsliders he had. Of course that is not a reason to hold back on evangelism, but it makes us wonder why it sometimes seems to be so.

Here is a major reason. The new Christian often is not taught to live the Christian life the same as he was taught to receive Christ. He is taught a different way of living than he was taught of receiving. That is why he falls. The new Christian received Christ by grace through faith. He did not receive Christ by “try” or by “effort.” He is not to live by “try” or by “effort.” He is to live by grace through faith. In other words, the Christian life should be like being born again every day.

(An excerpt from On Being a Christian, p.68)

I received a reply from Hopeful which I did not answer at the time. Here is her reply and my answer which I hope will be a help to her and for others who have the same question.

From Hopeful:

I don't understand what this means. How does living the Christian life NOT involve effort if we are to strive to make our calling and election sure, and if we created for good works (surely work involves effort) in Christ? I really don't get this.

My answer:

Dear Hopeful,

I checked several translations and none of them say "strive" to "make your calling election sure" in 2 Peter 1:10. Here are a few scriptures which may help you do away with pre-Christian effort.

You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard? Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort? Have you suffered so much for nothing—if it really was for nothing? Does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you because you observe the law, or because you believe what you heard? Galatians 3:1-5 (NIV)--notice "by human effort?"

For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith." Romans 1:17 (NIV)--notice "from first to last"

When Christians "try" they use their own energy. When we "try" we do not "trust" God. When we "try" we trust ourselves.

To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me. Colossians 1:29 (NIV)--notice "all His energy"

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 2 Peter 1:3--notice "His divine power" and "everything we need for life and godliness"

Yes "good works" are the result of our salvation but they are "the fruit of the Spirit" good works.

Joy is restored when Sins are confessed

2008-12-12T12:21:00.000-08:00

Let’s look at the 32nd Psalm:

Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit. When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night ‘our hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgression to the Lord’ and you forgave the guilt of my sin.”

There are two conditions here. One is where the person’s sins are covered, are forgiven, where he confesses his transgressions to the Lord. The other is when he keeps silent. David says his bones wasted away through groaning all day long when he kept silent. Have you ever felt like that, like you are just wasting away, that you are groaning all day long, that your strength is sapped as in the heat of summer? Or the King James Version says, “dried up, the drought of summer.” This is because the hand of the Lord is heavy. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me. Keeping silent—that is not being willing to admit sin. Simple admission gets forgiveness. The whole 51st Psalm is on confession.

In the 13th verse, David says, Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you.

That is what we would like. We would like sinners turning back to God. We would like to be able to teach transgressors God’s ways. But verse 13 starts out, Then…well, when is that?

Look at the 12th verse: Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me. Then both Psalm 32 and 51 say the person is, blessed whose transgressions are forgiven. The joy of the Lord’s salvation is restored when sins are confessed.

(An excerpt from How to Maintain Joy in your Life, p.2&3)

An Ambulance, First

2008-12-11T12:49:00.000-08:00

For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His Son…Romans 8:29 (MV)

Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in it lust…Romans 8:12 (NKJV)

But now that you have been set free from sin, and become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life…Romans 6:22 (NIV)

These texts tell us that we should be like Jesus Christ. He did not save us so that we could sin; rather He saved us so that we would not sin. One of the biggest problems a Christian has is what to do with sins in his life. How do you handle sin? It just seems to be endemic that Christians sin and they sin far more then the Bible allows for them to sin.

My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin…1 John 2:1 (NIV)

The Bible does not command sin. It commands the opposite. What I am talking about in this article is not the major solution to sin in the Christian’s life, but part of God’s solution. It is more like rust remover than it is like paint. It is no preventative; it’s curative.

An old illustration is found in a poem I found in a book I read as a small boy, long before I was a Christian. It was called: A Fence or an Ambulance. I cannot recite the poem anymore, but I used to like it. It was a story of a certain cliff that dukes and peasants were falling over regularly. Everybody was falling off this cliff. The people in the shire had to come up with a solution of what to do about this problem.

They had a meeting, and one of the councilman said, “What we need is an ambulance. We’ll keep an ambulance parked in the valley. Whenever anyone falls off the cliff, the ambulance is right there. Everybody was voting for the ambulance when someone objected and said, “No, put a fence at the top of the cliff.”

Then they shouted him down, “What do you mean a fence at the top of the Cliff? We’ve interviewed every single person who has fallen off that cliff and nobody has asked for a fence. They are always asking for an ambulance. We’ve got you out-voted. Obviously, the ambulance is what is needed.”

God happens to have a fence, and God happens to have an ambulance. This article is about the ambulance. You ask, “Why are you talking about the ambulance first?” Well, when people are already smashed at the bottom, they are more interested in the ambulance. We will talk about the ambulance first—how to get people fixed up so they are interested in a fence.

(An excerpt from How to Maintain Joy in your Life, p.1&2)

"Sin" is a Mild Word

2008-12-05T14:42:00.000-08:00

…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…Romans 3:23 (NIV)

The definition of “sin” is “missing the bull’s eye of the target.” The Glory of God is the bull’s eye. All of us have missed it. We have fallen short of God’s glory. “Falling short” needs forgiveness.

However there are clearer and stronger words. Here are a few of them with the Bible references.

Rebellion and Arrogance:

For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has rejected you as king. 1 Samuel 15:23 (NIV)

Wicked:

Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 (NIV)

Evil:

People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them. They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over weak-willed women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth. 2 Timothy 3:2-7 (NIV)

He did evil in the eyes of the LORD, following the detestable practices of the nations the LORD had driven out before the Israelites. 2 Kings 21:2 (NIV)

But the people did not listen. Manasseh led them astray, so that they did more evil than the nations the LORD had destroyed before the Israelites. 2 Kings 21:9 (NIV)

Filthy:

All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away. Isaiah 64:6 (NIV)

But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Colossians 3:8 (NIV)

…and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the filthy lives of lawless men. 2 Peter 2:7 (NIV)

We have tried to soften these awful words with nice sounding euphemisms. However, that only makes the judgment worse.

Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter. Isaiah 5:20 (NIV)

Calling something evil, “good” does not make it good. If it is dark, it is still dark; if it is bitter, it is still bitter.

The American People Elect Candidates based on the Wrong Reasons

2008-12-03T11:26:00.000-08:00

Although I was not conscious of it, I was alive when Herbert Hoover was elected President of the United States. From my kindergarten year into my senior year of high school, Franklin Delono Roosevelt was President. I remember where I was when he died in 1945. I marched in Harry Truman’s inauguration in 1949. I was in the Korean War when Truman fired General MacArthur. Since then I have been very conscious of all of the Presidents and remember certain events, good and bad, in of their presidencies.

My conviction, looking back on all of these years, is not that the American people have collective wisdom in electing the next president, but that we have a maximum of two terms for any one president.

Rather than great wisdom in the people it looks (without being cynical) like there are other factors not in any order of precedence.

Gender, race, age, looks, money, principles, location, political party, social status, education, intelligence, knowledge, truth, and lies. The most important decisive factor is the electorate, is credulousness.

Two factors which do not have as much weight, but should have in a candidate, are wisdom and integrity.

The Blind cannot lead the Blind

2008-12-01T16:38:00.000-08:00

Here is a very short parable.

“Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit?” Luke 6:39 (NIV)

That is all there is to the parable, two short rhetorical questions. The answers are in the questions. Jesus was not talking about physical blind men. The parable referred to spiritual blind guides teaching spiritually blind followers. The pit is not a hole in the ground. It is the lake of fire.

The blind guides are the Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens of this world!

What is Real Wisdom?

2008-11-28T15:02:00.000-08:00

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. James 3:13 (NIV)

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. James 3:17 (NIV)

Notice the words that are associated with wisdom from Heaven.

1. Humility
2. Pure
3. Peace-loving
4. Considerate
5. Submissive
6. Full of Mercy
7. Good fruit
8. Impartial
9. Sincere

There are people who think they, themselves, are wise. Other people also may think they are wise. If they do not have the above characteristics, they have deceived themselves and their fans are neither observant nor do not know the definition of wisdom.

Different Needs in Unbelievers

2008-11-25T13:28:00.000-08:00

Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. Jude 22, 23 (NIV)

Here are three extreme means of evangelism, on three different needs in unbelievers.

1.Doubters:

-Be merciful
-Show mercy
-Preach mercy

Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. Romans 10:17 (NIV)

Doubt is removed by faith and faith is caused by the preaching of Christ.

2. In the fire—those on the brink of death. Snatch them from the fire. This is urgent preaching and insistent on repentance.

3. People in filth—Mercy and fear

Mary sings of the mixture of mercy and fear in her song.

His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. Luke 1:50 (NIV)

Christians are not to Love the World

2008-11-24T16:04:00.000-08:00

You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. James 4:4 (NIV)

Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world. 1 John 2:15, 16 (NIV)

I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. John 17:14-16

As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. John 17:18 (NIV)

The world is in opposition to God and in opposition to those that love God. The world hates them. Christians do not like to be hated by the people who surround them. Yet God wanted them to be surrounded by the world, but not tainted by it and certainly not to love the world.

Show Respect for those in Authority

2008-11-12T17:06:00.000-08:00

Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Romans 13:1-7 (NIV)

Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king. 1 Peter 2:13-17 (NIV)

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time. And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a teacher of the true faith to the Gentiles. 1 Timothy 2:1-7 (NIV)

All of these texts are clear. They do not need to be taught the content. People need to be taught to obey the content.

How to obey:

1. Confess the sin of not obeying the law. That is disobeying God. The president, the king, and the governors are God’s servants.
2. Obey by doing good. That is God’s will. This obedience silences the ignorant talk of foolish men.
3. Show respect for everyone, love the brothers, fear God, and honor the president.
4. Pray for the president and all those in authority. There are two reasons for this:

a) That we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
b) God wants all men to be saved. There seems to be a connection with (a).

If you are bummed about the election, confess it. As long as you are bummed you are not rejoicing in the Lord always.

Loyalty & Treason are not Necessary Words for a Christian

2008-11-10T16:57:00.000-08:00

A few days ago I mentioned both loyalty and treason were bad words. To the normal worldly person loyalty is always a good word and treason is always a bad word. I suggested there are better words.

Here are a few, God, love, truth, obedience, responsibility and humility. With these as our standard as Christians we find that loyalty and treason are not necessary words. I can obey God with love, truth, and humility. If I have a responsibility to my wife, children, church, and nation, I carry them out by obedience to God and love for God and my wife, children, and nation.

You can reply by saying that I am “loyal.” Not even close. Loyalty is an artificially created humanistic emotion. Love is a God authored and created emotion.

The man in the Bible that stands out in loyalty in my mind is Joab. His brother Abishai is a close second. The man who stands out in love and obedience is Paul. There is not a whiff of loyalty about him.

…though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless. But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. Philippians 3:4-11 (NIV)

Loyalty & Treason

2008-11-04T17:09:00.000-08:00

Over the years I have periodically thought about loyalty. I am thinking about it again. In my earlier thinking, I came to the conclusion that the word was a bad word and the practice was a bad practice.

Loyalty causes things like millions of people giving strong adherence to, and following of people, like Hitler, Mussolini, Tojo, Stalin, Lenin, Mao, and causing the premature death of hundreds of millions of people. And the people who were loyal thought it was a good thing.

Loyalty causes people to say, “I was born a Methodist, I will die a Methodist”, even though the Holy Spirit may have left the Methodist church a hundred years ago.

Loyalty causes people to say, “South High School in Omaha is the best high school because I go to South High.

Loyalty is taught in nations, churches, and schools. In military units, it is called “Espirit de corps.”

Pep rallies help it along, Martial music helps it along.

We have a problem with what I have just written. That is, the opposite of loyalty, is treason and treason is bad. A traitor is an evil person.

If I remember correctly, here is a quotation from the Merchant of Venice.

“The man who has no music in his soul is fit for treasons, stratagems, and spoils.” That is not scripture, but it gives a worldly view of treason. It is not good.

Jeremiah was considered a traitor by the king and the people. He was the only one obedient to God.

Dietrich Bonheoffer was executed as a traitor because he was in the plot to assassinate Hitler.

If loyalty is bad and treason is bad, then there must be something else.

Christian Wives are Commanded to Respect their Husbands

2008-10-23T16:11:00.000-07:00

In the last few weeks I have had separate conversations with three teenage boys, all of whom were raised in evangelical homes.

During the conversations I asked each of them where they wanted to be in ten years, professionally, spiritually, and maritally. As I remember they all wanted to be in computers; they all wanted to be Godly and they all wanted to be married. Good answers. What kind of a woman did they want to marry? Each of them wanted to marry a woman who was more Godly than he was. Asked about how they planned to be Godly in ten years, I found none of them wanted to read the Bible, obey their parents and one of them was profane and it did not bother his conscience.

I drew their attention that Christian wives are commanded to respect their husband. They also want to respect their husbands. That is also one of their considerations for a prospective husband. Normally they want to marry a man who is older, taller, smarter and if she is a Christian wants him to be Godlier than she is.

This is not new. Over the last fifty years among Christian men I have seen an abdication of maleness or to be more direct, a spiritual self emasculation. This is more than irresponsibility. It is gross sin.

Meditations for Muslims: Responding to what God has Done

2008-10-15T13:18:00.000-07:00

You have read the last few months in the Injil what God has done and will do through his Son. How do you respond to what God has done?

Here are a few statements telling us what our response must be.

Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. John 1:12, 13 (NIV)

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. John 3:16-18 (NIV)

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him. John 3:36 (NIV)

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28, 29 (NIV)

…he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus. Romans 3:26 (NIV)

That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. Romans 10:9, 10 (NIV)

All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name. Acts 10:43 (NIV)

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord…Acts 3:19 (NIV)
The key responsive words are receive, believe, have faith, come, confess, repent and turn.

Although these words are different in meaning, the object of each word is the Lord Jesus. They are the same events.

We will be glad to send you a copy of the Injil, free, in any language you request.

Meditations for Muslims: God's Gift to Us

2008-10-14T14:08:00.000-07:00

You have read what God has done for the forgiveness of our sins. There are four words which describe God’s gift to us. They are “Love,” “Grace,” “Kindness,” and “Mercy.”

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (NIV)

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 (NIV)

Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance? Romans 2:4 (NIV)

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8, 9 (NIV)

But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:4-7 (NIV)

This is the character of God in giving us salvation.

We will be glad to send you a copy of the Injil, free, in any language you request.

Meditations for Muslims: All Men will be Judged

2008-10-13T14:16:00.000-07:00

The Injil describes the final judgment in several places.

Here are a few of them.

Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what he had done. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:11-15 (NIV)

Is your name written in the book of life?

Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. We live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (NIV)

And from David in Psalm 1:4-6:

Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. Psalm 1:4-6 (NIV)

We will be glad to send you a copy of the Injil, free, in any language you request.

Meditations for Muslims: It will be the End of Sin and Satan

2008-10-10T12:16:00.000-07:00

Behold, I am coming soon! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy in this book. Revelation 22:7 (NIV)

Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Revelation 22:12, 13 (NIV)

He who testifies to these things says, "Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. Revelation 22:20 (NIV)

I encourage you to read the entire chapters from which these quotations came. When Jesus comes it will be the end of history as we know it. It will also be the end of sin and Satan.

Please correspond with me if you have any questions.

We will be glad to send you a copy of the Injil, free, in any language you request.

Meditations for Muslims: The Dead in Christ will Rise First

2008-10-09T12:09:00.000-07:00

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ…Philippians 3:20 (NIV)

…for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath. 1 Thessalonians 1:9, 10 (NIV)

For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? 1 Thessalonians 2:19 (NIV)

May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones. 1 Thessalonians 3:13 (NIV)

Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (NIV)

May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:23, 24 (NIV)

We will be glad to send you a copy of the Injil, free, in any language you request.

Meditations for Muslims: Jesus' Statements on His Return

2008-10-08T15:17:00.000-07:00

One of the greatest truths in the Injil is the promise of the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. In addition to the promise we see what will happen at that time.

The next few days will be quotations from the Injil on His coming.

Here are statements from Jesus himself.

At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory. And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other. Matthew 24:30, 31 (NIV)

So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. Matthew 24:44 (NIV)

Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. John 14:1-3 (NIV)

You heard me say, 'I am going away and I am coming back to you.' If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. John 14:28 (NIV)

We will be glad to send you a copy of the Injil, free, in any language you request.

A State of Iffyness

2008-10-02T11:49:00.000-07:00

It seems our nation has deteriorated into a state of iffyness on right and wrong. We think if it is legal, it is right (abortion, 19-year-old drinking age). If it is illegal, it might be wrong…on the other hand it might not be wrong (marijuana, 55 mph speed limit). It is right if it is permissive and questionable if it is restrictive. If everyone is doing it, it is okay. Peer pressure also determines right and wrong. Not only is this a relative morality (situation ethics) but it is a constantly changing relative morality and the change is downward.

Periodically, there is a hue and cry against immorality based upon bad results, as in Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), or the present pressure to increase the drinking age to 21 (assuming the “drinking” age really means “drunk” age because it is based upon the number of traffic fatalities caused by people “driving under the influence” under the age of 21). Should we also measure the number of fatalities caused by people 21 or over driving under the influence? Would that change legislation?

Many are incensed over child abuse and child pornography, some of it because of the bad results in society. The attempt is to change the laws so people would know these things are wrong and consequently stop it.

I am sympathetic and supportive of most of these movements, but there is something inadequate about them. Even the outcry against abortion is based upon the numbers (millions) of babies being killed. If there were only one abortion, would there be an outcry for a change in the law?

There is far more sexual immorality than there are abortions. Where is the outcry? Lying is wrong if it is under oath (perjury). It is only considered wrong if the legal code says it is wrong. Whether or not the laws ever change in either a permissive or restrictive direction, there are certain things that are wrong. Here are a few.

They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them. Romans 1:29-32 (NIV)

The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21 (NIV)

Meditations for Muslims: The Father's Love for the World

2008-10-01T12:04:00.001-07:00

Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead— Galatians 1:1 (NIV)

The last two months you have read many verses from the Injil about the Deity of Jesus Christ, His death for the sins of the world, His burial and His resurrection from the dead. When any one person turns from his sins and turns to the Father because of the Father’s love for the world in the death of His Son, that person receives forgiveness of sins, power to live a godly life, and everlasting life.

We will be glad to send you a copy of the Injil, free, in any language you request.

Meditation for Muslims: The Holy Spirit's Declaration

2008-09-30T11:41:00.000-07:00

Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God— the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures regarding his Son, who as to his human nature was a descendant of David, and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 1:1-4 (NIV)

Notice the resurrection of Jesus did not make Jesus the Son of God. The resurrection was the Holy Spirit’s declaration that He was the Son of God.

We will be glad to send you a copy of the Injil, free, in any language you request.

Meditations for Muslims: So will it be...

2008-09-29T14:29:00.001-07:00

So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. 1 Corinthians 15:42-44 (NIV)

We will be glad to send you a copy of the Injil, free, in any language you request.

Meditations for Muslims: If there were No Resurrection of the Dead

2008-09-27T14:27:00.000-07:00

But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men. 1 Corinthians 15:12-19 (NIV)

We will be glad to send you a copy of the Injil, free, in any language you request.

Meditations for Muslims: Jesus was raised on the Third Day According to the Scriptures

2008-09-26T14:01:00.000-07:00

Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born. 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 (NIV)

We will be glad to send you a copy of the Injil, free, in any language you request.

Meditations for Muslims: The Apostle Paul Continues to Testify

2008-09-25T12:58:00.000-07:00

“That is why the Jews seized me in the temple courts and tried to kill me. But I have had God's help to this very day, and so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen— that the Christ would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would proclaim light to his own people and to the Gentiles.” At this point Festus interrupted Paul's defense. "You are out of your mind, Paul!” he shouted. "Your great learning is driving you insane.” Acts 26:21-24 (NIV)

We will be glad to send you a copy of the Injil, free, in any language you request.

Meditations for Muslims: The Apostle Paul Explains why He's on Trial

2008-09-24T14:07:00.000-07:00

And now it is because of my hope in what God has promised our fathers that I am on trial today. This is the promise our twelve tribes are hoping to see fulfilled as they earnestly serve God day and night. O king, it is because of this hope that the Jews are accusing me. Why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead? Acts 26:6-8 (NIV)

We will be glad to send you a copy of the Injil, free, in any language you request.

Meditations for Muslims: Festus Explains Charges against the Apostle Paul

2008-09-23T16:53:00.000-07:00

I told them that it is not the Roman custom to hand over any man before he has faced his accusers and has had an opportunity to defend himself against their charges. When they came here with me, I did not delay the case, but convened the court the next day and ordered the man to be brought in. When his accusers got up to speak, they did not charge him with any of the crimes I had expected. Instead, they had some points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive. I was at a loss how to investigate such matters; so I asked if he would be willing to go to Jerusalem and stand trial there on these charges. When Paul made his appeal to be held over for the Emperor's decision, I ordered him held until I could send him to Caesar. Acts 25:16-21 (NIV)

We will be glad to send you a copy of the Injil, free, in any language you request.