Proverbs 12:20 Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but those who plan peace have joy. ESV
I have a challenge for you (and for myself as well). As you go about your daily activities think about ways to encourage peace between yourself and others. Is what I'm about to say going to heal a relationship or cause division. Are my actions going to primarily serve myself at the expense of someone else, or am I benefiting another-giving them peace?
It would be wonderful if our whole world operated this way. One day it will-when Jesus Christ returns to rule. But for now wouldn't it be nice if we looked for ways, actually plotted it out, to give peace to other people; to help asuage fears, break down walls, heal hurts, and avoid pitfalls.
It may be more in your power than you know-if you just do a little planning. Who knows, it could be fun!
Pastor Tom
Friday, August 18, 2006
Thursday, August 17, 2006
How to Get Smart
How would you counsel someone if they wanted to get smarter? You might tell them to go back to school. You might say to visit the library. You might tell them to take an online class. Or you might even tell them to get out in the world and learn by experience-through the school of hard knocks.
We have thousands of universities with PhD level professors who think the way to get smart is to study science and literature and philosophy. We have gurus of finance who will (for a fee - call now, operators are standing by) tell you the smartest way to invest your money. Even your friends and buds are quick to tell you how to become more intelligent.
Now - I'm not knocking education, or experience, or friendship. But I think that sometimes in this world we have it backwards when it comes to how to get smart.
Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. ESV
Fear can be a healthy thing. It can keep you from getting a speeding ticket (for most of us anyway), it can keep you from putting your hand on a hot stove or of going into that cave with the snoring sounds coming out of it.
The kind of fear here in the Hebrew has two components: 1. Be afraid, be very afraid and 2. Be in awe. God is not someone to be triffled with or taken for granted. You will die if you come into His presence on your own. He is also something to be in awe of - imagine a being that holds the entire universe together, knows every thought of every person who has ever lived and manages the entire thing so it works together perfectly in ways we can't even imagine.
So step one in how to get smart is to fear God. Step two is to seek His knowledge diligently.
Proverbs 2:4-5 If you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, 5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. ESV
If we start with knowing who we are in relationship to God, and that real wisdom only comes from Him, then we are in better shape to learn the things that will really benefit us - those things that draw us close to Him. Words to get smart by.
Pastor Tom
We have thousands of universities with PhD level professors who think the way to get smart is to study science and literature and philosophy. We have gurus of finance who will (for a fee - call now, operators are standing by) tell you the smartest way to invest your money. Even your friends and buds are quick to tell you how to become more intelligent.
Now - I'm not knocking education, or experience, or friendship. But I think that sometimes in this world we have it backwards when it comes to how to get smart.
Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. ESV
Fear can be a healthy thing. It can keep you from getting a speeding ticket (for most of us anyway), it can keep you from putting your hand on a hot stove or of going into that cave with the snoring sounds coming out of it.
The kind of fear here in the Hebrew has two components: 1. Be afraid, be very afraid and 2. Be in awe. God is not someone to be triffled with or taken for granted. You will die if you come into His presence on your own. He is also something to be in awe of - imagine a being that holds the entire universe together, knows every thought of every person who has ever lived and manages the entire thing so it works together perfectly in ways we can't even imagine.
So step one in how to get smart is to fear God. Step two is to seek His knowledge diligently.
Proverbs 2:4-5 If you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, 5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. ESV
If we start with knowing who we are in relationship to God, and that real wisdom only comes from Him, then we are in better shape to learn the things that will really benefit us - those things that draw us close to Him. Words to get smart by.
Pastor Tom
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Do You Trust the Word?
Twice in the last two chapters of the Book of the Revelation, the angel speaking to the Apostle John calls the words he is speaking as "trustworthy and true." (Revelation 21:5, 22:6)
It got me to wondering. Do you trust that the Word of God - the Bible - is trustworthy and true? A lot of people doubt that the Bible even is God's Word. They think it was made up men. Some think that parts of it are true and others are not. They look to certain books and think they shouldn't be in the Bible because what they say doesn't agree with their theological or philosophical position.
Without going into a huge dissertation about how we got the Bible, suffice it say that for the early church it was very obvious which books were included. Although there committees that ratified the books of the New Testament - they were only agreeing with what everyone alreaady knew.
Basically, God gave prophets and apostles His words which they wrote down. All the books agree with each other doctrinally and if you read any of the other books that people wanted to include in the Bible its obvious why they are not inspired.
The problem when we doubt the Bible is that we don't know which parts to believe and trust and which not to trust. That calls into question our understanding of God, and even of salvation.
So I would encourage you to study up on how we got our Bible and believe that the words God gave us in there are indeed "trustworthy and true."
Pastor Tom
It got me to wondering. Do you trust that the Word of God - the Bible - is trustworthy and true? A lot of people doubt that the Bible even is God's Word. They think it was made up men. Some think that parts of it are true and others are not. They look to certain books and think they shouldn't be in the Bible because what they say doesn't agree with their theological or philosophical position.
Without going into a huge dissertation about how we got the Bible, suffice it say that for the early church it was very obvious which books were included. Although there committees that ratified the books of the New Testament - they were only agreeing with what everyone alreaady knew.
Basically, God gave prophets and apostles His words which they wrote down. All the books agree with each other doctrinally and if you read any of the other books that people wanted to include in the Bible its obvious why they are not inspired.
The problem when we doubt the Bible is that we don't know which parts to believe and trust and which not to trust. That calls into question our understanding of God, and even of salvation.
So I would encourage you to study up on how we got our Bible and believe that the words God gave us in there are indeed "trustworthy and true."
Pastor Tom
Sunday, August 13, 2006
The Christian EULA
In studying Luke 9 I came across an interesting series of situations and statements by Jesus that led me to what I call the "Christian End User License Agreement." If you've ever installed a piece of computer software then you've encountered a EULA. It's that series of statements you have to agree with in order to install.
Well, Jesus says to "take up our cross daily" and follow Him. We should understand what we're getting ourselves into as disciples of Jesus. And this chapter helps us.
The whole study can be found on our website: www.CalvaryChapelNewberg.org - just look for Luke 9:1-36. But I've been asked to reprint them here, and I also have a link to a printable Word document as well.
The Christian EULA
Well, Jesus says to "take up our cross daily" and follow Him. We should understand what we're getting ourselves into as disciples of Jesus. And this chapter helps us.
The whole study can be found on our website: www.CalvaryChapelNewberg.org - just look for Luke 9:1-36. But I've been asked to reprint them here, and I also have a link to a printable Word document as well.
The Christian EULA
Principal 1: I agree to go where Jesus says and do what He says using His power
Principal 2: I will not try to harmonize what I do with the world around me
Principal 3: When Jesus asks me to do something I am not capable of, I won’t try to solve the problem in my own way, but by tapping into His resources.
Principal 5: I will willingly lay down my life to Jesus and let Him raise it up again in newness of life each day.
Principal 6: I acknowledge that all this obedience, pain, misunderstanding, trial, and transformation ends in something incredibly wonderful.
Pastor TomFriday, August 11, 2006
The Fields Are Ripe
Today I just have a prayer request. Jesus said "Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest" (John 4:35) and "The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest ." (Matt 9:37-38)
The Lord may be opening a door for us to take the gospel to Kenya. Pray that our way there will be secured. Also pray for the gospel going out through Google Video. We started putting Bible study messages there a few months ago and are seeing people come to know Jesus through them.
I am feeling more of an urgency lately to see the lost come to the Lord. We all need to pray for those around us who have not found salvation. We need to pray for people to come into our churches to help with the work of reaching and teaching. We need to pray that God's Word will go into hearts and save souls.
Will you join me?
Pastor Tom
The Lord may be opening a door for us to take the gospel to Kenya. Pray that our way there will be secured. Also pray for the gospel going out through Google Video. We started putting Bible study messages there a few months ago and are seeing people come to know Jesus through them.
I am feeling more of an urgency lately to see the lost come to the Lord. We all need to pray for those around us who have not found salvation. We need to pray for people to come into our churches to help with the work of reaching and teaching. We need to pray that God's Word will go into hearts and save souls.
Will you join me?
Pastor Tom
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Color Within the Lines
It's amazing to me just how much teaching there is out there that calls itself Christian. Some of it is great - and the variety is good. In fact, Paul told his protegy Timothy to "follow the pattern of sound doctrine" that Paul had laid down. That Greek word means "outline." I love that - Paul gave us the outline of healthy doctrine and then like a coloring book Timothy fills in the shades and colors of that doctrine - just making sure to color within the lines.
You'd think that would be enough - but there are plenty of people who use the same crayons as we do but color way outside the lines. Their doctrine may sound Christian but it does not reflect the outlines of doctrine that Paul and the Apostles gave us.
So how do you tell the difference? First you have to trust that the Bible is the Word of God. Peter tells us that the Scriptures were not "cleverly devised fables" but eyewitness accounts and words given directly by Jesus Christ - inspired by the Holy Spirit - and recorded and passed down to us.
Secondly the doctrine needs to follow this basic tenant: "By this you know the Spirit of God; every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God."
The person and work of Jesus Christ is central. God, became man, died on the cross for our sins, raised to eternal life. There are other shades of things that add to this, of course, but that's the core of the gospel. Believing in this, giving your life to this, is what saves us.
This space is too short to expound more - my point today is actually to suggest that our filter be a little more stringent when it comes to new ideas and doctrines.
John writes: "If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your hous or give him any greeting, for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked words." 2 John 10-11
My encouragement today is just be wary when someone comes into your computer or your TV or your iPod - listen carefully to make sure their teaching squares with the gospels and Apostles teachings. If not - just say "good bye".
Pastor Tom
You'd think that would be enough - but there are plenty of people who use the same crayons as we do but color way outside the lines. Their doctrine may sound Christian but it does not reflect the outlines of doctrine that Paul and the Apostles gave us.
So how do you tell the difference? First you have to trust that the Bible is the Word of God. Peter tells us that the Scriptures were not "cleverly devised fables" but eyewitness accounts and words given directly by Jesus Christ - inspired by the Holy Spirit - and recorded and passed down to us.
Secondly the doctrine needs to follow this basic tenant: "By this you know the Spirit of God; every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God."
The person and work of Jesus Christ is central. God, became man, died on the cross for our sins, raised to eternal life. There are other shades of things that add to this, of course, but that's the core of the gospel. Believing in this, giving your life to this, is what saves us.
This space is too short to expound more - my point today is actually to suggest that our filter be a little more stringent when it comes to new ideas and doctrines.
John writes: "If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your hous or give him any greeting, for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked words." 2 John 10-11
My encouragement today is just be wary when someone comes into your computer or your TV or your iPod - listen carefully to make sure their teaching squares with the gospels and Apostles teachings. If not - just say "good bye".
Pastor Tom
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
When You Feel like a Failure
Do you ever feel like life is a real bummer - like every time you try you fail, every time you get up you fall, every time you think things are going okay they come crashing in around you?
Welcome to the club! Sometimes we as Christians think that when we come to Christ we are perfect. We read how when God sees us he sees Jesus and Scriptures like "be perfect as I am perfect." And we see the lives of the apostles and think that when we blow it then God just can't love me.
The Apostle John had a great perspective on this. He said "if we say we have no sin then we lie and the truth is not in us." When we do fail we need someone to stand in for us - that's Jesus. He takes the punishment for us so we can indeed be clean before God.
But what if we don't feel clean? What about those times when we just feel like dirt even after we have repented and sought God's forgiveness?
Listen to this little verse: 1 John 3:19 "By this we shal know that we are of the truth and reasure our heart before him; for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything."
Even if you don't feel forgiven, can you trust the One who knows more than you?
Pastor Tom
Welcome to the club! Sometimes we as Christians think that when we come to Christ we are perfect. We read how when God sees us he sees Jesus and Scriptures like "be perfect as I am perfect." And we see the lives of the apostles and think that when we blow it then God just can't love me.
The Apostle John had a great perspective on this. He said "if we say we have no sin then we lie and the truth is not in us." When we do fail we need someone to stand in for us - that's Jesus. He takes the punishment for us so we can indeed be clean before God.
But what if we don't feel clean? What about those times when we just feel like dirt even after we have repented and sought God's forgiveness?
Listen to this little verse: 1 John 3:19 "By this we shal know that we are of the truth and reasure our heart before him; for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything."
Even if you don't feel forgiven, can you trust the One who knows more than you?
Pastor Tom
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Why Do My Friends Hate Me?
You may have had this experience: you hear the gospel, respond in your heart, and give your life to Jesus Christ. Over the weeks and months that follow you find yourself reading the Bible, praying, going to church, and having a relationship with God. Your life begins to change - your character, your words, and your actions. You no longer want to do the things you used to - partying, swearing - whatever. You are different on the inside and you know it.
The problem is - your friends know you have changed too. They didn't respond to the gospel like you did and they are just the same as they always were. But they want you to be just the same as them and they pressure you to do the things you used to do and when you tell them you don't want to anymore they get angry.
Believe it or not, the Apostle Peter wrote about this in his 1st letter:
1 Peter 4:4 "With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you..."
So what's the answer? Certainly its not to just go with them and do the things you now know do not bring glory to God. The answer is to be who you are now and realize the reality that surrounds you both. Listen to how verse 4 ends:
"...but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead."
We must all account for what we have one. Be thankful that Jesus cleansed your account of sin so that you have a clean record. And pray that their hearts will be open to the same gospel that changed you.
Pastor Tom
The problem is - your friends know you have changed too. They didn't respond to the gospel like you did and they are just the same as they always were. But they want you to be just the same as them and they pressure you to do the things you used to do and when you tell them you don't want to anymore they get angry.
Believe it or not, the Apostle Peter wrote about this in his 1st letter:
1 Peter 4:4 "With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you..."
So what's the answer? Certainly its not to just go with them and do the things you now know do not bring glory to God. The answer is to be who you are now and realize the reality that surrounds you both. Listen to how verse 4 ends:
"...but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead."
We must all account for what we have one. Be thankful that Jesus cleansed your account of sin so that you have a clean record. And pray that their hearts will be open to the same gospel that changed you.
Pastor Tom
Monday, August 07, 2006
What Makes You Angry?
James 1:19-20 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness that God requires. ESV
I love James' practical advice for Christian living. If all of us would simply do what these two verses suggest, how much happier we would be.
Be quick to hear - make it a point to listen to those around you. What are they really saying, what are they really feeling, what need are they crying out for? Too often we listen only to give us a space to formulate our next statement. Next time you are in a conversation tune into the words and their meaning.
Be slow to speak - spouting off our opinions on things is something we are good at. I would encourage us all to take time once we have listened to formulate a response that blesses the hearer and glorifies God - not one that just shows off who or what we know.
Be slow to anger - what ticks you off? Try to pay attention to those triggers and think about why. Perhaps there is something in your background that grates at you whenever someone saya a certain word or phrase. Or perhaps someone else is goading you - trying to get an angry response from you. But know this - your anger doesn't do God's work, especially if it is anger at another person.
Try instead to postpone the anger till you've had time to think about why you are angry, judge if it is something in you rather than something in them - and had time to pray about it. Remember: "forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us."
Pastor Tom
I love James' practical advice for Christian living. If all of us would simply do what these two verses suggest, how much happier we would be.
Be quick to hear - make it a point to listen to those around you. What are they really saying, what are they really feeling, what need are they crying out for? Too often we listen only to give us a space to formulate our next statement. Next time you are in a conversation tune into the words and their meaning.
Be slow to speak - spouting off our opinions on things is something we are good at. I would encourage us all to take time once we have listened to formulate a response that blesses the hearer and glorifies God - not one that just shows off who or what we know.
Be slow to anger - what ticks you off? Try to pay attention to those triggers and think about why. Perhaps there is something in your background that grates at you whenever someone saya a certain word or phrase. Or perhaps someone else is goading you - trying to get an angry response from you. But know this - your anger doesn't do God's work, especially if it is anger at another person.
Try instead to postpone the anger till you've had time to think about why you are angry, judge if it is something in you rather than something in them - and had time to pray about it. Remember: "forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us."
Pastor Tom
Friday, August 04, 2006
What Are You Training For?
Hebrews 5:14 "But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil."
It's frankly becoming more and more difficult to do what this verse says. Our society today so blurs the line between what is good and what is evil that its hard sometimes for even us Christians to distinguish.
Our media doesn't help either. Movies, television shows, magazines - you name it - shout to us that if we say something is sin then we have sinned. Pretty soon we end up with moral relativism - what's good in a situation is good everywhere.
We also end up with post-modernism. Post-modernism says that each of us has a bit of the truth and that if we get together and share our truths then that is the truth for that situation. This philosophy basically says there is no such thing as absolute truth.
I think that is in fact not true. I firmly believe that God's Word - handed down to us through the prophets and apostles is truth and we better listen to it at our own peril.
My word today is just be careful little ears what you see. I'm not advocating you smash in your TV, but pay much closer attention to the values behind the shows, and practice determining good from evil by comparing what you see and hear to what God says.
It's frankly becoming more and more difficult to do what this verse says. Our society today so blurs the line between what is good and what is evil that its hard sometimes for even us Christians to distinguish.
Our media doesn't help either. Movies, television shows, magazines - you name it - shout to us that if we say something is sin then we have sinned. Pretty soon we end up with moral relativism - what's good in a situation is good everywhere.
We also end up with post-modernism. Post-modernism says that each of us has a bit of the truth and that if we get together and share our truths then that is the truth for that situation. This philosophy basically says there is no such thing as absolute truth.
I think that is in fact not true. I firmly believe that God's Word - handed down to us through the prophets and apostles is truth and we better listen to it at our own peril.
My word today is just be careful little ears what you see. I'm not advocating you smash in your TV, but pay much closer attention to the values behind the shows, and practice determining good from evil by comparing what you see and hear to what God says.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Boiling It All Down
I love it when I run across a little snippet of Scripture that really says it all. I read such a verse today in the oft neglected book of Titus.
Titus 2:2 Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. NIV
What I love about this verse is the last phrase "sound in faith, in love, and in endurance."
In many ways that is our walk with Jesus Christ: to promote healthiness in these three areas.
Faith - our trust in God, no matter what; our understanding of who God is, and our ability to let our lives be controlled by Him.
Love - what that relationship does in our lives - mainly to change our character from the inside out and then focus that new character outward to others by love that gives without regard to what we get, if anything, in return.
Endurance - that quality of stick-to-itiveness that causes us to undergo trials, troubles, and tribulations without freaking out. The more you go on your walk with the Lord the more the enemy will lob at you. As you learn to endure you will grow in maturity - and then your faith will also grow, beginning the circle all over again.
Titus 2:2 Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. NIV
What I love about this verse is the last phrase "sound in faith, in love, and in endurance."
In many ways that is our walk with Jesus Christ: to promote healthiness in these three areas.
Faith - our trust in God, no matter what; our understanding of who God is, and our ability to let our lives be controlled by Him.
Love - what that relationship does in our lives - mainly to change our character from the inside out and then focus that new character outward to others by love that gives without regard to what we get, if anything, in return.
Endurance - that quality of stick-to-itiveness that causes us to undergo trials, troubles, and tribulations without freaking out. The more you go on your walk with the Lord the more the enemy will lob at you. As you learn to endure you will grow in maturity - and then your faith will also grow, beginning the circle all over again.
Monday, July 31, 2006
Setting An Example
A lot of times we think that when we as Christians are involved in public ministry - that is when the Lord needs to shine out of us. That might be as we worship on Sunday, teach a Sunday school class, are on worship team, doing a vacation Bible school or on a mission.
But in reality, you are your best witness when you just go about leading your life - going to school, work, with your family.
Paul said this in 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 "and aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may live properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one."
People are watching you. How you react in times of trial is important. How you treat your wife, parents, children, friends and neighbors matters.
Just remember that wherever you are you are a representative of Jesus Christ. That ought to change how we act, don't you think?
But in reality, you are your best witness when you just go about leading your life - going to school, work, with your family.
Paul said this in 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 "and aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may live properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one."
People are watching you. How you react in times of trial is important. How you treat your wife, parents, children, friends and neighbors matters.
Just remember that wherever you are you are a representative of Jesus Christ. That ought to change how we act, don't you think?
Friday, July 21, 2006
What to Wear Today
What is your persona? If I were to ask a friend, a family member, a co-worker, and someone you stood in line with at the store - what would they say?
Every day in every situation we put on some sort of clothing - not shirts and skirts, but words and actions. In our culture there are traits that are revered: independence, competition, looking out for self, getting ahead, not letting anyone get to you - and my favorite - every action has an equal and opposite reaction.
I know if you are reading this you may be thinking that your persona is the personality of Jesus - and it should be, but is it? What happened the last time someone cut you off on the freeway or cut in line at the grocery store? Has someone ever cheated you or lied to you or said something mean about you to someone else? Have you ever found yourself running a little rough-shod over someone to get what you wanted? Probably. I know I have.
I ran across a real impacting verse to share with you. It's Philippians 4:5 "Let your gentleness be evident to all." The word "gentleness" can also be translated "mild" or "moderate." It comes from two Greek words that suggest the idea of placing your hand on something else and being like that thing you are touching in form. It would be like cupping a beautiful flower in your hand without harming it, rather than squeezing it in your fist until it is crushed.
That idea is how Paul (and the Lord) wants our personalities to be towards others. It doesn't mean to be a doormat - in another place Paul encourages us not to be timid or afraid of those who oppose the gospel. But I think we can make choices when we deal with others - we can make sure we are taken care of first, and if others survive the effort then okay. Or we can seek to find out what makes someone else tick, and perhaps mold ourselves to help them first.
Philippians 2:4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others . NIV
It's just a thought - when you have a choice of personalities to wear, consider wearing gentleness and an attitude that sees and responds to the interests of others.
Every day in every situation we put on some sort of clothing - not shirts and skirts, but words and actions. In our culture there are traits that are revered: independence, competition, looking out for self, getting ahead, not letting anyone get to you - and my favorite - every action has an equal and opposite reaction.
I know if you are reading this you may be thinking that your persona is the personality of Jesus - and it should be, but is it? What happened the last time someone cut you off on the freeway or cut in line at the grocery store? Has someone ever cheated you or lied to you or said something mean about you to someone else? Have you ever found yourself running a little rough-shod over someone to get what you wanted? Probably. I know I have.
I ran across a real impacting verse to share with you. It's Philippians 4:5 "Let your gentleness be evident to all." The word "gentleness" can also be translated "mild" or "moderate." It comes from two Greek words that suggest the idea of placing your hand on something else and being like that thing you are touching in form. It would be like cupping a beautiful flower in your hand without harming it, rather than squeezing it in your fist until it is crushed.
That idea is how Paul (and the Lord) wants our personalities to be towards others. It doesn't mean to be a doormat - in another place Paul encourages us not to be timid or afraid of those who oppose the gospel. But I think we can make choices when we deal with others - we can make sure we are taken care of first, and if others survive the effort then okay. Or we can seek to find out what makes someone else tick, and perhaps mold ourselves to help them first.
Philippians 2:4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others . NIV
It's just a thought - when you have a choice of personalities to wear, consider wearing gentleness and an attitude that sees and responds to the interests of others.
Thursday, July 20, 2006
The Reunion
I attended a high school reunion last weekend. It was an interesting experience to say the least. One of the most intersting parts of it, though, was a statement made by one of the organizers.
She said: "isn't it great that we can all be together and none of that high school stuff is here?"
What she meant was that none of the cliques and groupings and ostrasizing that so many feel not being in the "in crowd" was absent after these many years.
The funny thing was - she was totally wrong. All of the same stratification that we all suffered through in high school was totally evident there at the reunion - the jocks and popular crowd sat up front and were all hugs and bravado - while the others felt just as left out as before.
Now, I'm not sound sour grapes or anything - I actually do have a point. At first I thought - "isn't it great that in the church none of that "high school" stuff exists?" The trouble is - it does. We have our own cliques and "in" groups in church too. And I think it's wrong. We should make an effort to make sure everyone is equally welcomed and equally treated.
This has been a problem in the church since its inception. James talked about it in his letter (James 2). Paul also addressed the inequality of treatment in the church:
Galatians 3:27-28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female , for you are all one in Christ Jesus. ESV
I know we can't get rid of all the human tendency to gather into groups - including some and exluding others - but we should make that effort - why? In part because of another reunion we will all attend - the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.
When Jesus comes to take us away with him in the rapture, we'll attend the biggest blowout reunion the universe has ever seen. At that reunion the organizer will be able to stand up and say "isn't it great that all that earth-stuff is gone?"
Why don't we start now.
She said: "isn't it great that we can all be together and none of that high school stuff is here?"
What she meant was that none of the cliques and groupings and ostrasizing that so many feel not being in the "in crowd" was absent after these many years.
The funny thing was - she was totally wrong. All of the same stratification that we all suffered through in high school was totally evident there at the reunion - the jocks and popular crowd sat up front and were all hugs and bravado - while the others felt just as left out as before.
Now, I'm not sound sour grapes or anything - I actually do have a point. At first I thought - "isn't it great that in the church none of that "high school" stuff exists?" The trouble is - it does. We have our own cliques and "in" groups in church too. And I think it's wrong. We should make an effort to make sure everyone is equally welcomed and equally treated.
This has been a problem in the church since its inception. James talked about it in his letter (James 2). Paul also addressed the inequality of treatment in the church:
Galatians 3:27-28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female , for you are all one in Christ Jesus. ESV
I know we can't get rid of all the human tendency to gather into groups - including some and exluding others - but we should make that effort - why? In part because of another reunion we will all attend - the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.
When Jesus comes to take us away with him in the rapture, we'll attend the biggest blowout reunion the universe has ever seen. At that reunion the organizer will be able to stand up and say "isn't it great that all that earth-stuff is gone?"
Why don't we start now.
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Our Constant Battle
If you are a Christian you are in a constant battle. No, I'm not talking about the battle against the enemy: Satan - though that battle is very real. I'm talking about a battle within yourself.
In Galatians 5, Paul says "...the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opossed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do." ESV
The battle within you is the constant struggle between doing what the flesh desires and what the Spirit of God desires. How to tell the difference? Read on in Galatians:
19 "Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." ESV
This is what is called an ad hoc list - it isn't inclusive of everything. Lying, for instance, is not in here, but is a work of the flesh. Basically anything that does not bring glory to God is not of the Spirit.
So what are characteristics of the Spirit?
22 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires." ESV
And that's the key - we can't just push down the flesh and decide in ourselves to be like God - that's making ourselves perfect by our own efforts. It also doesn't mean that you can just do anything you like because Jesus died for your sins (see 5:13).
But if you are in Christ you have been crucified. You no longer live, you no longer own yourself - Jesus does. What Paul wants us to do is actually very simple:
16 "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh."
So my word for today is: have the attitude that your flesh is dead, and live your life focused on the Spirit filling you, motivating you, guiding you. The more you relate to God - praying, worshipping, learning, stretching - the less you will find time or desire for the things of the flesh.
In Galatians 5, Paul says "...the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opossed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do." ESV
The battle within you is the constant struggle between doing what the flesh desires and what the Spirit of God desires. How to tell the difference? Read on in Galatians:
19 "Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." ESV
This is what is called an ad hoc list - it isn't inclusive of everything. Lying, for instance, is not in here, but is a work of the flesh. Basically anything that does not bring glory to God is not of the Spirit.
So what are characteristics of the Spirit?
22 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires." ESV
And that's the key - we can't just push down the flesh and decide in ourselves to be like God - that's making ourselves perfect by our own efforts. It also doesn't mean that you can just do anything you like because Jesus died for your sins (see 5:13).
But if you are in Christ you have been crucified. You no longer live, you no longer own yourself - Jesus does. What Paul wants us to do is actually very simple:
16 "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh."
So my word for today is: have the attitude that your flesh is dead, and live your life focused on the Spirit filling you, motivating you, guiding you. The more you relate to God - praying, worshipping, learning, stretching - the less you will find time or desire for the things of the flesh.
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
How Much Is Too Much?
I've heard Christians quote what they think is a Bible verse: "God won't bring more into my life than I can handle, but with it He will bring a way of escape."
Actually, that's not correct. Here's what the verse in 1 Corinthians actually says:
1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape , that you may be able to endure it. ESV
In fact, the opposite of is actually true - God often puts us in places that are beyond our capabilities to handle. Paul the Apostle found himself in those situations often.
2 Corinthians 1:8-9 For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. 9 Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. ESV
We don't like to hear these words. We don't like to think of God letting us be overwhelmed, but it's true. So why on earth would He allow something like that into our lives? Paul says it: "to make us rely no on ourselves but on God."
So the next time you are overwhelmed, realize God is working to make you trust in Him more and trust in yourself less.
Finally, listen to what Paul says in chapter 4 of the same letters:
2 Corinthians 4:7-11 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. 11 For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. ESV
Actually, that's not correct. Here's what the verse in 1 Corinthians actually says:
1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape , that you may be able to endure it. ESV
In fact, the opposite of is actually true - God often puts us in places that are beyond our capabilities to handle. Paul the Apostle found himself in those situations often.
2 Corinthians 1:8-9 For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. 9 Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. ESV
We don't like to hear these words. We don't like to think of God letting us be overwhelmed, but it's true. So why on earth would He allow something like that into our lives? Paul says it: "to make us rely no on ourselves but on God."
So the next time you are overwhelmed, realize God is working to make you trust in Him more and trust in yourself less.
Finally, listen to what Paul says in chapter 4 of the same letters:
2 Corinthians 4:7-11 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. 11 For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. ESV
Monday, July 10, 2006
Imitate Me
Sounds pretty haughty, doesn't it? Truth is there is a lot of truth in that statement - just not how it is sometimes applied today in the church.
I want to take a somewhat reflexive moment on the role of the pastor. There are plenty of good things about being a pastor - and plenty of good reasons for them to exist in the church. The body of Christ needs good teaching and they need godly leaders to watch out for the members of the body and protect them.
The Scripture the title of this post refers to is 1 Corinthians 11:1. It says "Imitate me as I imitate Christ." The problem some pastors face today is that they live the first part of that verse and forget the second. Some pastors see their congregations swell, they get "fans" and some fame. Pastors are human too (I know that seems hard to believe sometimes) and I think all that power goes to our heads.
They start thinking that they are the reason the church is what it is. And they mistakenly start putting more of themselves out there and less of Jesus. When subtle contradictions in character arise, it becomes more their character and less of the Lord's character that they exhibit. But as long as the church is "successful" then they can justify that behavior. "Where God guides, God provides" right?
Well, I want to challenge that - and I say that as a pastor. Our responsiblity is to always reflect the character of our Lord Jesus - and then encourage people to follow that example. It's not our character they are imitating, but the Lord's in us. In any point at which we stray from what Jesus is like then we are wrong wrong wrong and no one should imitate that.
I want to take a somewhat reflexive moment on the role of the pastor. There are plenty of good things about being a pastor - and plenty of good reasons for them to exist in the church. The body of Christ needs good teaching and they need godly leaders to watch out for the members of the body and protect them.
The Scripture the title of this post refers to is 1 Corinthians 11:1. It says "Imitate me as I imitate Christ." The problem some pastors face today is that they live the first part of that verse and forget the second. Some pastors see their congregations swell, they get "fans" and some fame. Pastors are human too (I know that seems hard to believe sometimes) and I think all that power goes to our heads.
They start thinking that they are the reason the church is what it is. And they mistakenly start putting more of themselves out there and less of Jesus. When subtle contradictions in character arise, it becomes more their character and less of the Lord's character that they exhibit. But as long as the church is "successful" then they can justify that behavior. "Where God guides, God provides" right?
Well, I want to challenge that - and I say that as a pastor. Our responsiblity is to always reflect the character of our Lord Jesus - and then encourage people to follow that example. It's not our character they are imitating, but the Lord's in us. In any point at which we stray from what Jesus is like then we are wrong wrong wrong and no one should imitate that.
Friday, July 07, 2006
You Can Do Anything You Like
Sounds pretty good, huh? It's true, really, for the Christian. Since you have died in Christ the Law no longer applies to you. Read Romans for more.
Oh - there's just one catch:
1 Corinthians 10:31 "...whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." ESV
That's easy, right? Not really. Think about it - anything you think, say, do - all your motivations, dreams, aspirations, desires - all bringing glory to God. That means it doesn't bring glory to you or anyone else or anything else.
The word "glory" (Gk: doxa) comes from another word that means "to seem." The idea is honor accorded from a good opinion. Jesus revealed the "glory" of God by revealing His character and actions. It drew people with ears to hear to the Father.
Are your words ones that draw people to the Father or repel them ("if this is what a Christian is like I don't want to have anything to do with Jesus")?
It's a good test - if anyone knew fully what I was thinking, or saw what I was doing would it accord a positive or negative opinion about God?
So - do anything you want, just do it to glorify God.
Oh - there's just one catch:
1 Corinthians 10:31 "...whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." ESV
That's easy, right? Not really. Think about it - anything you think, say, do - all your motivations, dreams, aspirations, desires - all bringing glory to God. That means it doesn't bring glory to you or anyone else or anything else.
The word "glory" (Gk: doxa) comes from another word that means "to seem." The idea is honor accorded from a good opinion. Jesus revealed the "glory" of God by revealing His character and actions. It drew people with ears to hear to the Father.
Are your words ones that draw people to the Father or repel them ("if this is what a Christian is like I don't want to have anything to do with Jesus")?
It's a good test - if anyone knew fully what I was thinking, or saw what I was doing would it accord a positive or negative opinion about God?
So - do anything you want, just do it to glorify God.
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
All Things Work Together For Good?
Romans 8:28 "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." ESV
This is really a great verse - and its one of those that I think you can pluck out of Romans and let it stand on its own without much context. But I also think there is an interesting twist on this if you look at within the scope of what Paul is saying in that chapter of Romans.
On the surface we may interpret this verse as saying "God will work out everything so that I'll feel good about it." Yet if Paul used that logic he would feel like a dismal failure. Many times he was stoned, beaten, yelled at, thrown in jail - all for doing something good: preaching the gospel.
In fact, if you look in Romans 8 he also says "For your sake we are being killed all day long." This doesn't sound like everything is working out okay at all.
There's a song I love by Casting Crowns on their Lifesong album called "Praise You in This Storm." Here is one of the lines:
"I was sure by now that you would have reached down and wipe our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day, but once again I say "amen" and its still raining."
In reality, "working out for good" doesn't mean it works out for good as we see it. It works out for good as God sees it, and sometimes God sees it good that we suffer - like Paul.
So what should we hold on to then? Look at verses 37-38:
"37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."
First realize that although it may appear like defeat - God is working behind the scenes to reach His victory - and that no matter what, your connection to God and His love can never be broken - no matter what.
In fact, though, verse 37 is also true. We are more than conquerors. Through Jesus we have conquered the most evil enemy there is: death. Beyond that, no enemy can be that terrible.
So when you are in the midst of struggle and defeat seems all around you - remember that it is God's good that is being worked out, the Spirit is praying for you (verse 26) and that nothing can separate you from your God - nothing!
This is really a great verse - and its one of those that I think you can pluck out of Romans and let it stand on its own without much context. But I also think there is an interesting twist on this if you look at within the scope of what Paul is saying in that chapter of Romans.
On the surface we may interpret this verse as saying "God will work out everything so that I'll feel good about it." Yet if Paul used that logic he would feel like a dismal failure. Many times he was stoned, beaten, yelled at, thrown in jail - all for doing something good: preaching the gospel.
In fact, if you look in Romans 8 he also says "For your sake we are being killed all day long." This doesn't sound like everything is working out okay at all.
There's a song I love by Casting Crowns on their Lifesong album called "Praise You in This Storm." Here is one of the lines:
"I was sure by now that you would have reached down and wipe our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day, but once again I say "amen" and its still raining."
In reality, "working out for good" doesn't mean it works out for good as we see it. It works out for good as God sees it, and sometimes God sees it good that we suffer - like Paul.
So what should we hold on to then? Look at verses 37-38:
"37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."
First realize that although it may appear like defeat - God is working behind the scenes to reach His victory - and that no matter what, your connection to God and His love can never be broken - no matter what.
In fact, though, verse 37 is also true. We are more than conquerors. Through Jesus we have conquered the most evil enemy there is: death. Beyond that, no enemy can be that terrible.
So when you are in the midst of struggle and defeat seems all around you - remember that it is God's good that is being worked out, the Spirit is praying for you (verse 26) and that nothing can separate you from your God - nothing!
Monday, July 03, 2006
What About Those Who Haven't Heard?
It's a common question - what about the natives who live in the dark jungle who have never had contact with anyone outside of their tribal area - how could God possible judge them?
Well, there is a Scripture in Romans that helps me to understand this more fully.
Romans 2:12-16 For all who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. 13 For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified. 14 For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. 15 They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them 16 on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus. ESV
I think one of the things Paul is saying here is that God gave each of us a conscience to help us know right from wrong. Our conscience has been tainted somewhat by sin - Paul later describes it as a "searing" effect. But somehow - even those who have not heard the Law - God will able to judge them by showing them the actions of their own conscience.
I also think that somehow the gospel message has been given to everyone - that there is a God, that we don't measure up, that judgment awaits unless something happens, that if we turn from this evil in us to God Himself as our rescuer, then we can be saved.
Do I know how it works? No. But this I do know - that our God is just and fair and righteous. He will not condemn anyone who does not deserve it. Romans 2 just gives us a clue as how this can happen.
Well, there is a Scripture in Romans that helps me to understand this more fully.
Romans 2:12-16 For all who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. 13 For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified. 14 For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. 15 They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them 16 on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus. ESV
I think one of the things Paul is saying here is that God gave each of us a conscience to help us know right from wrong. Our conscience has been tainted somewhat by sin - Paul later describes it as a "searing" effect. But somehow - even those who have not heard the Law - God will able to judge them by showing them the actions of their own conscience.
I also think that somehow the gospel message has been given to everyone - that there is a God, that we don't measure up, that judgment awaits unless something happens, that if we turn from this evil in us to God Himself as our rescuer, then we can be saved.
Do I know how it works? No. But this I do know - that our God is just and fair and righteous. He will not condemn anyone who does not deserve it. Romans 2 just gives us a clue as how this can happen.
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