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Recaps - Part 1 - 2-12-12

  There was a young minister who gave his first message to his new congregation.  He stood up and said, “love one another.”  They received it well even though it was a bit short.  They thought that maybe because of his inexperience that he didn’t really have much to share.  The next week he gave the same message.  He then repeated the message the following week.  He was approached by some of those in the congregation and asked why he repeated the same message over the past 3 weeks.  He replied; well when you start to do what I said with this message I will go on to the next one. 
  We have a tendency to expect the minister on Sunday morning to give a new message every week.  That’s not an unusual expectation, but I often wonder if it is entirely necessary, especially when we haven’t really applied or maybe not even understood the previous week’s message. 
  I have been in the ministry for 28 years, 32 years if you count my undergraduate training in ministry.  But over the past 24 years that I have been a pastor I have never repeated the same exact message or title.  But I have always wanted to try an experiment.   I want to recap parts of some of the messages I have done over the past 6 months.  I also want to open it up for questions.  My goal is to have you understand what I am saying before we move on to the next message. 
  Many times in the Bible, God appointed certain times every year to remind His people about what lessons they needed to learn.  We call them holydays.  It is a time to recall or remember.  Why?  Because we have a tendency to forget.  
  I see my role and position as that of a teacher and a pastor.  I am not here to entertain.  When I get up here on Sunday mornings I am not trying to impress you with my knowledge or oratory skills, good thing.  I am trying to share with you some lessons I believe God wants to teach us all through His Word.   Any questions? 

1.  Is there anything that happens in our life of any significance that doesn’t first require an action and a willingness to act on our part?  Most of the greatest events in the Bible did not occur without someone first acting before God acted.    
Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, for he who comes to God must first believe that He is, and believe thatHe is a rewarder of those who earnestly seek Him.

Necessary Steps to take
1 – Acknowledge God’s presence and His will in our life.
2 – Know the right thing to do.
3 – Be willing to act on and obey God’s Word in His timing.
Be looking for the signs along the way!
Begin to take baby steps!

2.  What is Worship?  The idea of worship first appears when Cain and Abel make an offering of their first fruit to the Lord in (Gen. 4:3,4). The first place the word “worship” appears is (Gen. 22:5) where it talks about when Abraham was asked by God to sacrifice Isaac. The word worship literally means to “bow down” in submission, even in the Greek NT.    The word “praise” means to “confess and give thanks.”  It first shows up when Judah is born whose name means praise. 
  John 4:23, 2423 "But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. 
What is Jesus saying about worship?
1. It is not confined or defined as a location or a building.  2. The Holy Spirit is involved.
3. Worship expresses the Truth. Worship is formed out of the truths of scripture.  Without scripture we wouldn’t know what worship is. Worship is an extension and an expression of the truth presented in scripture. 

3. What is the Church?  The church is NOT a building, but a Body.  We are the Temple of the HS (I Cor.3:16, 6:19).

So what is the Church?

1. The light of the world (Menorah) / City on a hill. 
2. It is a Koinonia / Fellowship of fellow believers.
3. The Body of Christ (it’s a body not a building).
4. The Temple of the Holy Spirit.
5. The Bride of Christ.
6. The pillar and support of the truth.

7. The Saints / a Holy Place

4. This is the “classroom of the HS.   John 14:26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.
Jesus said that one of the main purposes and ministry of the Holy Spirit would be “teaching.”  He is the master teacher!  

5.  How do we develop Spiritual Maturity?  By allowing the HS to equip us.
Galatians 5:22, 23 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 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.
  It’s the result of tests and trials in our life.   We must develop spiritual “muscle memory”! 
James 1:2-5  Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials / tests, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.  4 And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing. 

 

Is 2012 Really the Beginning of the End? Part 4 - 2-5-12

  So what is our future?   Can we be certain about when Jesus will return?   What is left to be fulfilled? What other views are there?   Is there a way of talking about future events without totally dismissing them as a result of so many false predictions?     

The “Four Views”

1. Historicist– believe that the book of Revelation surveys the whole of church history seen with the 7 churches of Revelation.  It combines church history with 7 periods of secular history. The final period or 7th church period is yet to be fulfilled.  Most Historicists see the Catholic Church as the whore of Babylon and the Pope as the false Prophet which will be done away with upon the return of Jesus. They believe in a literal interpretation of prophecy. A few early Protestant leaders taught this.   Today's Seventh Day Adventists have popularized this position and made false predictions about Jesus’ return. 

2. Spiritual / Allegorical – interpret the book of Revelation as having no single historical fulfillment, only transcendent principles and recurrent themes. Much of scripture is symbolic. They do not take certain apocalyptic events as being literal. The Church is Christ on this earth. They do believe in a final return of Jesus to the earth but to Rome as the center of Christianity.

3. Preterist – see many of the Bible’s prophecy’s as already having been fulfilled with the birth of Jesus to the destruction of Jerusalem in 70ad, the focal point being the destruction of Jerusalem as being the end of the age. They interpret time indicator words such as; “soon, at hand, quickly, this generation and near,” as meaning that it occurred within the generation of those hearing the prophecy. They believe that the kingdom of God will be established as a result of God working through the church in human history, eventually culminating with the return of Jesus to establish His earthly kingdom which will be a new heaven and earth and new Jerusalem. Extreme Preterism believes that everything has already been fulfilled which is called Pantelism.

4. Futurist– also called Dispensationalism or millenarianism. Was first introduced by John Nelson Darby from the Brethren Church and William Miller. They see the book of Revelation and the prophecies of Jesus (Mat. 24) as still needing to be fulfilled. They await a rebuilding of a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem and the Jews conversion.  They divide human history into 7 “dispensations,” or divisions.  Most futurists today see the Catholic Church as the whore of Babylon and the Pope as the false Prophet. They see society as getting worse culminating with the “Rapture,” or a "Secret catching away"  of the Church, in conjunction with a tribulation period initiated by the rise of the “antichrist.” After “The Great Tribulation” (usually a 7 year period) Jesus will physically return to earth in Israel to have an earthly “Battle of Armageddon.”  After the defeat of the Beast and all armies of the world and Satan being bound, this will usher in a “Millennium” (1,000 years) reign of Jesus on this earth from Israel. After 1,000 years Satan will be loosed and thus a final angelic battle leading up to a new earth, new heaven and New Jerusalem. Today's "Left Behind" authors have made this position contemporary.  There are now 5 different views. 

There are other views promoted today by the JW and LDS organizations.  They have both made many false predictions about the return of Jesus.  The best the JW’s can offer is for people to be a part of the new paradise earth, not heaven.  The 144,000 have filled all the spots in heaven.  The LDS offers godhood for faithful Mormons and unbelievers can be a part of the lowest level of existence, the terrestrial kingdom. 

Can we know the future and should we even speculate?  Not if speculation leads to predictions!
Guidelines for Proper Prophecy Interpretation

1. Always place prophecy within the context it is being spoken. When, where and who is speaking and who is being spoken to? What did it mean to the hearers? Not everything that is prophecy is for us today. Prophecy is meant to prepare those who are reading it. 
Follow proper hermeneutics.

2. If there is language that seems to be “symbolic,” maybe it is. Be careful not to take the literal symbolically and the symbolic literally. Try not to mix and match, be consistent. This can only be done if you ask the question, “is this sort of language used anywhere else in the Bible and how was it understood?” Many times, symbols are interpreted within the text itself. The Bible is not written with a Western 21st century mindset.

3. Look for the possibility of fulfillment within the “time indicator words” that are mentioned (quickly, soon, at hand, this generation, etc..). Look at any historical texts written at that time, or about it. Don’t invalidate, or reinterpret, the writer’s impressions, or credibility, just because it doesn’t fit your chronology or theology.

4. Consider the possibility of other correct interpretations of prophecy. Also, know the history of your particular view point. No one is 100% correct on their views!!  Speculation is not to be taken seriously.  Never go by one person’s interpretation!

5. Be careful of the “mix and match and fill in the blank” approach to prophecy, as well as the “Christian fiction” approach. Do not put names and faces to things that do not have names and faces, when scripture is involved. Don’t open the newspaper side by side with the Bible looking for fulfillments.  Fiction is no license, or excuse, for speculation, or misinterpretation.  If a person is wrong about their interpretation, it is on the verge of being false prophecy, which is specifically condemned in scripture.

6. Some prophecies cannot be fully understood prior to their actual occurrence. The first coming of Jesus is a perfect example of this. His return may be no different, “no man knows the hour”... History seems to repeat itself, because humans are predictable and creatures of habit and God is the same. 

Many people have been fooled over the centuries to believe the lies of self-proclaimed prophets and prognosticators, only to have their lives and their faith dashed and shipwrecked on the rocks of bad theology.    In recent history we can remember those who have committed suicide when things didn’t work out the way they had thought they should. 

You can have faith in God and the scriptures without buying into the lies.  You can have a great life without thinking that the end of the world is near.  Focus on what Jesus said to focus on, which is becoming a disciple of His and making other disciples. There is no secret knowledge of the future God is keeping from you, or has only revealed to a select few.

Is 2012 Really the beginning of the End Part 3

God's Calendar and False predictions 1-29

What calendar should we go by?  What about the “biblical calendar?”  Is there such a thing?  The church over the centuries has replaced and abandoned the only calendar God ever established. 

The Biblical Calendar  The current year date today is 5772
  Many Christians are unaware that there is a calendar that is established in the Bible.   The Bible is written according to a “Lunar calendar.” It is also divided according to an agricultural frame work.  It is also divided according to a 7 day week and 7 holy days within the year according to the seasons. 
  Every key event in the Bible occurred during one of the 7 biblical holy days.  One of the major examples of this was the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus occurring during the Passover, Feast of Unleavened Bread, and First Fruits, all spring holy days. 
  Another major event was the “Day of Pentecost,” 50 days after the Passover, which occurred in Acts chapter 2.   The first Pentecost, or Shavuot, occurred in Exodus 19, commemorating the giving of the Torah and the people of God entering into a covenant relationship with God.   The day of Pentecost in Acts fulfilled the prophecy of Jeremiah 31:31, the people of God entering into a “New Covenant.” 

Jewish Calendar

Current Jewish year

To read more on the Seven Biblical Feasts click on the link below

Biblical Feasts

The Pitfalls of Predictions

Should we even be predicting anything based on biblical prophecies? 
We should be reminded of the words of Jesus.
Matthew 24:36  36 "But of that day and hour (or year) no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone. 

Acts 1:6-7 And so when they had come together, they were asking Him, saying, "Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?"  7 He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has fixed by His own authority;

  So why do we continue to hear of people predicting future events based on the Bible?  Even this past year. There has been a rise of end time organizations over the past 200 years.  Organizations like the Mormons / Later Day S, JW and Seventh Day Adventists, all out of the 1800’s.  Many times organizations and even denominations have said that God has raised them up in these last days to correct or bring to light certain scriptures the church has forgotten.  
  Why the fascination?  I believe that it is partly due to the fear that people experience as a result of past human historical events.  People want answers for why things are happening the way they are and why is God allowing it? 
  Why did God give prophecies in the Bible?  It was mainly to prepare the people, who were hearing them, or to be as a witness or sign when it occurred.  When Jesus did come, people had the wrong idea based on their own expectations. 
  The church throughout the centuries has always taught that the next event to occur in human history is the return and second coming of Jesus, followed by the resurrection of the dead; which is the rejoining of spirit and body, and then a final judgment of all humanity. 

Let's go over some of the false Predictions over the centuries

To see a list of false predictions click on False Predictions Over the Centuries

So what can we learn from all of these failed predictions? Should we be concerned about the Mayan calendar?

 

Is 2012 Really the beginning of the End Part 2

Top 10 reasons people have given for the end of the world in 2012 1-22-12

10. Changes in the Sun's magnetic field will lead to powerful flares.
There is nothing new about this phenomenon. The sun goes though a well-documented 11-year sunspot cycle that is driven by its magnetic field entangling, reforming and flipping polarity. Yes, the peak of the next cycle is in 2012 (or 2013), and some predictions suggest it might be 30 to 50 percent stronger than the last peak.  But experts say it will certainly not be the biggest peak ever recorded.
  The bottom line is that no dragon's breath of flame will stretch across 100 million miles of space and blowtorch Earth. The largest solar flare recorded to date, on Nov. 4, 2003, spewed several billions of tons of plasma in Earth's direction. The flare's X-ray radiation that impacted our protective atmosphere had the equivalent radiation of 5,000 suns.   We're still here.

9. The Earth's magnetic field will reverse.
Don't hold your breath. The last field reversal happened nearly 800,000 years ago.  Geological evidence shows that the field has reversed its orientation tens of thousands of times over Earth history. Yet there is no definitive evidence that a magnetic field reversal has ever caused any mass extinction due to increased cosmic ray influx.

8. The Earth's rotation axis will tip.
This isn't nearly as easy as tipping cows. Unlike Mars, which does go though wide excursions in it axial tilt, Earth's tilt is kept steady by the gravitational influence of the moon. An object the size of Mars would have to hit Earth to transfer enough momentum to knock us out of kilter. But Mars-sized protoplanets were kicked into interstellar space over 4 billion years ago.

7. A grand alignment of Jupiter and Saturn will gravitationally perturb Earth.
For the past several decades there have been doomsday claims that the combined gravity from grand planetary alignments will cause geologic and meteorological upheavals on Earth.  None are scheduled for 2012.
In 1962 an extremely rare grand conjunction of the classical naked-eye planets drove astrologers crazy. The conjunction happened on Feb. 4-5 and was accompanied by a solar eclipse! The most infamous grand conjunction was in 1982 and popularized in a book called "The Jupiter Effect," which predicted earthquakes and massive tides. Life went on as usual both years. The moon has a vastly greater gravitational influence on Earth than Jupiter. It's called location, location, location! At a whopping distance of 400 million miles from Earth, Jupiter's tug is pretty wimpy.

6. The Sun will align with the galactic equator on the winter solstice.
So what? These are simply coordinates in the sky. It has no physical reality any more than the intersection of Broadway and 7th Avenue at Times Square influences the geology of Manhattan Island. This is greatly confused with the fact that the sun's position actually oscillates up and down as it orbits the galaxy, like a horse on a carousel.
We pass through the galactic plane every 35 to 40 million years. It's possible that an increased number of comets might be hurled towards the Earth because of gravitational interaction with the densest parts of our galaxy during this passage. But we are talking about the consequences spanning many thousands of years, not crashing down on our heads in any one specific year.

5. The black hole in the galactic center will affect us.
The Milky Way's black hole has no influence on the galactic disk. The black hole is three million solar masses. The Milky Way is several trillion solar masses when we add the tug of dark matter. Any gravitational influence of the black hole over the galaxy would be like the tail wagging the dog. The Milky Way's collision with the Andromeda galaxy will dump gas into the black hole and it will blaze as a quasar. But that's several billion years away.

4. An asteroid will smash into Earth.
A threatening near-Earth asteroid that's gotten the most press is the 900-foot wide Apophis. But its chances of collision have been downgraded to 1 in 250,000 at its next close approach in 2029. In theory, an uncharted asteroid or comet could come out of the blue tomorrow. But if we don't know about it today, the Mayans certainly didn't know about it 1,200 years ago. Earth-killer impacts are tens of millions of years apart. So there's no reason to be a doomsday clock-watcher.

3. The rogue planet Nibiru will swing by Earth.
There isn't such a planet any more than the planet Naboo from the Star Wars trilogy is real. Purported Internet pictures of the interloper are photographic lens flares or hoaxes. Don't believe every dot you see photographed in the sky.

2. Supernovae or hypernovae will irradiate Earth.
There are no stars that are so close to Earth that radiation from their supernova demise would seriously affect us. The nearest candidate, the red giant Betelgeuse, is predicted to explode in the next 1,000 years. The monster star Eta Carinae is also on a short fuse. Neither doomed star has a spin axis precisely aimed at Earth, so we don't have to worry about being fried by a narrow beam of gamma rays ejected from the core's implosion. In fact the kinds of stars that shoot out these Death Star beams are uncommon in the Milky Way. Earth has a one percent chance of getting zapped over 10 billion years. Scratch gamma ray bursts off of your homeowner's insurance policy.

1. A cloud of negative energy engulfs the solar system.
Wow! A dark cloud with a bad attitude! This sounds suspiciously like a Star Trek episode. Dark energy is all around us already, but it is not packaged into clouds. The same goes for dark matter.

If the Mayan were supposedly predicting the end of the world, then why couldn’t they foresee and predict the end of their own civilization?  Their calendar simply ran out of days, it wasn’t a prediction of the end of the world. 

So what are we to make of all these predictions?
  A primitive culture was not attempting to predict the end of the world.   As usual, the media
and those with an agenda, are using yet again false predictions to fuel controversy and make money.  They have done it before, like with the so-called predictions of false prophets like Nostradamus, and they will do it again.  The question is… will we fall for the hype yet again? 

  Is there an increase in cosmic and natural disaster occurrences? 
There is no way to accurately chart and compare whether or not cosmic and natural disasters have increased over the past 100 years.  What has increased is our ability to record and detect cosmic and natural disasters. As a result of satellite observations we can view natural phenomenon that normally would have been undetectable.  So the events of the past would not have even been recorded.  What also has increased is our population in areas that are prone towards natural disasters, so the death toll increases.   We can also report about those catastrophies more now than ever.  We really don’t know the natural cycles that the earth has been through and will be repeated because of lack of recorded information.

Psalm 24:1  The earth is the LORD's, and all it contains, the world, and those who dwell in it.

Psalm 147:4  He counts the number of the stars; He gives names to all of them.

Acts 17:26  He made from one, every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times, and the

boundaries of their habitation,

 

Is 2012 The Beginning of the End?  Part I 1-15-12

  We have heard so much talk over the past couple of years how that according to the Mayan calendar that the world will end on December 21st, 2012 at 11:11pm.  Were they predicting the end of the world?  Is there a correlation between the Mayan calendar and our present day calendar?  Does it relate at all to what the Bible teaches about the beginning of the end? 

  Do you remember the hype and predictions about Y2K?  Is this another Y2K?  People have been gearing up over the past few years for catastrophic weather disturbances, a poor economy thus leading to a shortage of food.  People are buying underground shelters and storing up food.  Is predicting Dec. 21st, 2012, as a doomsday or moment of cosmic shifting, yet another complete fabrication and a chance for a lot of people to cash in?
  We are suffering from what can be called yet another “End Times Madness!”  If Christians jump on board these predictions we will yet again lose credibility and become a laughing stock.  This will be like how the Left Behind series became popular in the 1990’s fueled by the Y2K scare.  But when things didn’t happen according to their predictions did they give back the money they made? 

  Do any of the Maya predictions have anything to do with the prophecies about the return of Jesus or the end of the world?  There has been an attempt to merge the 2 predictions.  Each century there have been numerous predictions about the end of the world and the second coming of Jesus, especially since the 1800’s and the rise of many end time or latter day cults. 

  The Mayan calendar apocalypse is an attempt to combine the recent so-called science of global warming and its global catastrophe predictions within some sort of religious façade.  One of the problems is that Christians are also using these predictions to tie them to biblical prophecies.  Does God need any assistance from the news, science, or other religions to teach on biblical prophecies?  

What calendar is God on?  Does God follow a calendar? 
1. Gregorian / Julian Calendars
 In doing this study, I did research on a number of different calendars that we follow today.  Most of us today follow the Gregorian solar calendar that replaced the lunar Julian calendar used since 46 BC.  It was decreed by Pope Gregory the 13th on Feb. 24th 1582 to correct the date for Easter.   It was based on the solar cycle rather than just the lunar cycle, even though it does use the lunar cycle also when determining Easter.  
  But what about determining year one of our calendar? In the year 1278 AUC ( a b u rbe c ondita), meaning the number of years since the founding of Rome, Pope John I (Pope from 523 to 526 AD) commissioned Dionysius Exiguus, a monk and chronologist, to align the chronology of the date(s) of certain Christian holy days. Dionysius convinced Pope John I that the years of our calendar should start from the date of the birth of Jesus Christ. Dionysius determined that Christ was born in the year 753 AUC. The Pope then decreed that the year 754 AUC was the year 1 Anno Domini (AD) and, it seems, he completely overlooked the fact that his innovation had Christ’s birth occurring after Herod’s death (4 BC) which is a contradiction of Matthew’s gospel . Dionysius also neglected to include a year zero "0" and his alignment started off the Christian era at year "1" (Even a child right out of the womb has to live for 12 months before he or she is considered a year old). Dionysius' error has never been corrected and 1 AD is actually "year zero" so everything in "BC" retrogrades a year (4BC is actually 5 BC). This error has been incorporated into much of our astronomical and astrological software.  It is virtually impossible to accurately reconcile various calendars without there being many errors and uncertainties.
 The point is that our present calendar has inaccuracies which make the combining of the Mayan calendar and our calendar also inaccurate.   But what exactly was the Mayan calendar and what is it predicting?  

2. The Maya Culture and Calendars 

  It is called Monument Six, a massive stone tablet that was found at an obscure ruin in southern Mexico during highway construction in the 1960s.  It involves Bolon Yokte, a mysterious Mayan god associated with both war and creation. Unfortunately, erosion and a crack in the stone make the end of the passage almost illegible. That, however, never stops a determined archeologist, one of whom, Guillermo Bernal of Mexico's National Autonomous University, interprets the last eroded glyphs as maybe saying, "He will descend from the sky." 
  The Mayans went by 2 different calendars.  The “Long Count” calendar used by the Maya to document past and future events. Their other calendars were simply too short to document any date beyond 52 years. The 52-year calendar -- known as the "Calendar Round" -- was used as it spans a generation, or the approximate lifetime of an individual.
  Purely as a consequence of the Long Count's numerical value, many Mayan scholars agree that the calendar will "run out" after 5,126 years (or, at least, it's first cycle does). The Mayans set this calendar to begin in the year 3114 B.C. (according to our modern Gregorian calendar). If the Long Count began in 3114 B.C. and it's calculated to continue for 5126 years, the "end date" will be -- you guessed it -- 2012 A.D. Further refinement sets the date to Dec. 21, the day of the winter solstice the shortest day of the year, for the Northern Hemisphere.  It’s not even a global prediction. 
  A huge issue when studying ancient calendars comes when trying to correlate their time frames with our modern (Gregorian) calendar. After all, for archaeologists to work out when a big event is documented in the Mayan calendar (such as a war, famine or religious celebration), it needs to be translated into "our" years, months and days.
  As the Gregorian calendar erroneously follows the birth of Jesus as being 2012 years ago, based on the year one beginning with the birth of Christ, we have an inaccurate standard time line for over two millennia of historical events.  But to understand the events documented by the fallen culture, Mayan scholars needed to find significant events common in both the Gregorian and Long Count calendars so they can "correlate."
  To do this, most Mayan scholars use a well-respected correlation factor called the "GMT constant." GMT stands for the initials of the last names of the archaeologists who calculated the constant: Joseph Goodman, Juan Martinez-Hernandez and J. Eric S. Thompson.  But Gerardo Aldana of UC Santa Barbara is now questioning the validity of this correlation factor due to a possible misidentification of ancient astronomical events. 
  The Maya were highly skilled astronomers who kept meticulous records of the night sky. They documented the phases of the moon, recorded eclipses and even tracked the movement of Venus. In fact, the Venus cycle was an important calendar for the Maya. Their records enabled them to predict future astronomical cycles with great accuracy. 
 So does the Mayan calendar predict the end of the world?  The Hopi and Mayan elders do not prophesy that everything will come to an end. Rather, this is a time of transition from one World Age into another. The message they give concerns our making a choice of how we enter the future ahead. Our moving through with either resistance or acceptance will determine whether the transition will happen with cataclysmic changes or gradual peace and tranquility. The same theme can be found reflected in the prophecies of many other Native American visionaries.  
  Part of the 2012 mystique stems from the stars. On the winter solstice in 2012, the sun will be aligned with the center of the Milky Way for the first time in about 26,000 years. This means that whatever energy typically streams to Earth from the center of the Milky Way will indeed be disrupted on 12/21/12 at 11:11p.m. Universal Time. But scholars doubt the ancient Maya extrapolated great meaning from anticipating the alignment — if they were even aware of what the configuration would be.   Astronomers generally agree that it would be impossible the Maya themselves would have known that. What's more, we have no record or knowledge that they would think the world would come to an end at that point. University of Florida anthropologist Susan Gillespie says the 2012 phenomenon comes from media and from other people making use of the Maya past to fulfill agendas that are really their own. 
  There were three periods of Mayan history, the Pre-Classic 300BC-250AD, Classic Period 250AD-900AD, and the Post Classic-after 900AD. All held significant events for the civilization. However, during the Post Classic period, around 750 AD, the Mayan Civilization started to collapse.
  Their religion was very important.  They had many religious festivals honoring their deities and heroes of their culture.  Their temples were dedicated to their deities.  A common practice would be for a priest to take on the name of their deity.  They would offer up human sacrifice of adults and children to their deities and kings, most of them were slaves. 
  What caused their collapse?  Many mysteries have been shared and stories told about how this down fall occurred, yet not one can come to a distinct conclusion. Peasant revolt and agriculture abuse are just a few of the possibilities that may have lead to the destruction of the city.
  The most widely accepted of these theories on the collapse of the Mayan Civilization is a peasant revolt. The hierarchy of the Maya was completely dependent on slave labor. The people of most power were nobles and priests.   Some have even said that it came as a result of global climate change and misuse of their natural resources (Sound familiar?).  No one is really sure why it collapsed. How about God judged the culture because of its paganism and mistreatment of humans. 

Next week’s topic: The top 10 reasons people have given for the end of the world in 2012

Not By Might! 1-8-12

Ever tried to accomplish something that you thought was important yet it seemed as if everything and everyone seemed against you to accomplish it?   We all have conflicts that arise in our lives where we feel like the world is against us.  Does that mean we should give up in the face of adversity? 
  The children of Israel were sent into exile around 586BC, as a result of their disobedience to God, and stayed in exile for 70 years.  But 70 years later God opened a way for them to return to Jerusalem and start rebuilding the Temple and their lives.  During the whole process of rebuilding, their enemies mocked them and tried to interfere as they tried to rebuild and they experienced set backs, but the Lord gave them the strength to continue and finally to rebuild. 

Zechariah 4:6  “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel saying, it’s not by your might or power and abilities alone, that will accomplish the rebuilding, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of hosts. 

When we do things in our own strength it may get done, but it will never last. 
Psalm 127:1 Unless the Lord builds the house the labor will be in vain.

  God brings about increase in due season and not before.  Trying to make a plant produce fruit when it’s not the right season will be in vain.  We have to go through the in between seasons in our life and ministry in order to experience times of increase. It tests our commitment and prepares us for the harvest.  You need the rainy seasons in order to see fruit.  Only God can bring the rainy seasons and the fruit.  What we learn in the in between times are sometimes the most valuable lessons in our life that will later bring good fruit in our lives.  We can’t always have the sunshine. 

  We always have to check our motives. Are we wanting to bring glory to God or us?  Sometimes we can try everything we think we should do, but it still does not prosper.
  I know people that think that if you just have the latest technology in worship that it will bring the increase.  The best worship times that I have been a part of have been sitting in a circle with others with a guitar and just singing hymns and choruses without any technology.   We get so caught up today in churches where we think that we have to have all the bells and whistles in order to lure in others.   You cannot manufacture the presence of God; otherwise it will be like putting lipstick on a pig. 

  In Nehemiah chapter 8 it records that the children of Israel had neglected the Word of God since the time of Joshua.  This is what led them into disobedience and later exile. 
  We can do all the busyness of church things, but if we neglect the Word of God it all means nothing.  We can have all the fellowship dinners, church outings, meetings, fundraisers, and still miss the point and focus of ministry.  All that will last is the Word of God and not buildings and fundraisers.  Unless the ministry is built upon the Word of God; ministry will all be for naught!   Unless what we do is Spirit led; it will be pointless and powerless. 

Matthew 7:24-27 "Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine, and acts upon them, may be compared to a wise man, who built his house upon the rock.  25 "And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and burst against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded upon the rock.  26 "And everyone who hears these words of Mine, and does not act upon them, will be like a foolish man, who built his house upon the sand.  27 "And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and burst against that house; and it fell, and great was its fall."

What will we be building this year? 

 

New Beginnings? 1-1-12

What are you going to recommit to this year?  Did you make any resolutions? Or maybe commit to for the first time? Is it possible to truly have a new beginning or to start over?

Areas of Commitment
Bible study
Being active in ministry opportunities
Your marriage or relationships
Your family
Striving against personal struggles

  For me it is the Apostle Paul that teaches me about what goals we should have in life and how to deal with the past.  This was a man who had a lot of personal baggage in his life. 
Philippians 3:8, 12-14  I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish in order that I may gain Christ.  12 Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.  13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what liesahead,  14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
  Paul wanted to forget.  Did you know that there is actually a chemical in your brain that helps you forget?  I used to think that our brain records every event like a tape player stuck on record and only chooses to recall certain events. Come to find out that remembering is a choice because our brain wants to naturally forget.  We forget in order to protect ourselves.
  It’s actually a good thing to be able to forget; otherwise your mind would be constantly thinking and playing back every waking moment.  But even when we do choose to remember our memories can be distorted.  There is such a thing as “selective memories.”  Ever said “well that’s not how I remember it.” What’s to say that we can’t influence the way things are remembered.  The fact is… is that we have to choose how to remember something. 
  Some memories are very useful to remember, but there are others that are not useful.  What memories are you going to choose to allow to influence the rest of your life: Fear?  Guilt?  Anger? Anxiety and stress? Resentment, unforgiveness (a self inflicted poisoning)? Regrets?  Disappointments?  Doubt?  Sorrow?  Addiction?  Lust?  Your mind wants to let it go so let it! 
  Your focus determines your course. Like when your car slides out of control. What will be your focus?  It’s important to learn from the past, but you cannot let it determine your future.  You set the direction of your life no one sets it for you.  Take ownership of who you are In Christ.  “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”  You can’t do that unless you are first willing to unclench what you are holding onto and forget.
  Memory is a tricky thing.  Sometimes we get so caught up in the everyday things of life that we forget to stop and take time to remember the things that really matter. We get so caught up in remembering and reliving the past that we forget to live in the present. We tend to forget the things we should remember and remember the things we should forget.  Why do we hold on so tightly to the bad things that have affected us in the past?  Put the past behind you! 
  Ever heard the saying “forgive and forget?”  It’s possible!  When we choose to forget, are we just living in denial or repression?  Not if those memories keep us from moving forward with God. We can reshape how and what we remember.  God does.  Repentance is one of God’s greatest gifts. Psalm 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.  Hebrews 10:17 And their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.
  Stop rehashing the past and move forward into the future! Forget about it, let it go! Each day is a new opportunity for a new beginning and with it the ability to forget or to remember. 

The Greatest Gift of All! 12-24-11

  What was the greatest gift you ever received for Christmas that you still remember getting it to this day?   For me it was my first GI Joe doll that had fuzzy hair and beard I got 42 years ago. I remember sneaking a peek of it in the closet in my mother’s room and slightly unwrapping it before Christmas day when it was under the tree.   I also got a small foot locker full of items that went with the doll.  I still remember the smell of the new plastic and the feel of the fuzzy hair.  
  Let me ask another question… where is that gift now?  Did you eventually lose interest in it or did it break?  I must admit that I still have many of things I was given growing up.  I held onto that first GI Joe and eventually passed down my GI Joe collection to my sons, when they became old enough to appreciate it.  But that first GI Joe doll the pull string voice box began to break so I traded it in for other toys my first son wanted, along with some of the items in the footlocker.
  I still have the original wooden footlocker with my name written on it and even some of the items, but I have to admit I haven’t really thought about it.  My sons played with them for a while but they eventually grew out of playing with GI Joe dolls.  Good thing I guess.  I must also admit though that I still have replicas of various movie props today and as a hobby I even make some. 
  Why?  Because there is something special about receiving and giving gifts isn’t there?  But we get so many gifts in our lifetime that we thought were so important at the time, only to forget about them.  I think that’s why the Disney Toy Story movies were so popular.  Human nature being what it is we often take for granted something that is given to us that we didn’t earn, because we have no skin in the game and because it cost us nothing. 
  What happens many times to gifts we have been given?  We often lose interest, they are ignored or forgotten, and often they fall into disrepair due to misuse, or are lost, or they end up in a next garage sale. 
   What does this have to do with Christmas?  Well of course the greatest gift that we could ever receive is Christ.  But we all know that.  This is why we are here, in order to give thanks for that wonderful gift.  That is what Christmas is all about… the greatest gift!  But Christ is a gift that is intended to be shared.  He only truly becomes the greatest gift when He is shared.
  But sometimes we ignore that gift. Or we just keep it to ourselves or sitting on the shelf.  If something is special to you, you share it with everyone you meet.   

Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, that no one should boast.

Ephesians 4:7-8 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift.  8 Therefore it says, "When He ascended on high, He led captive a host of captives, and He gave gifts to men."

1 Timothy 4:14  Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed upon you;

  After all the gifts have been given and opened what is left is usually a mess.  The day after Christmas the adrenaline and good feelings start to wane as we begin to deal with the reality of life.  We ask questions like did we get the present we wanted, or do I need to return what I received?   Is this all there is?  How am I going to pay this Christmas off?  Maybe we even conclude that Christmas is just for children.  We may even think about those who have gone on before us and how much we miss them.   Christmas has a mixed bag of feelings. 

  I have a cure for the day after blues and regrets.  Continue to share the greatest gift.  Don’t let Christmas end in your heart.  Celebrate His birth every day and keep on giving the gift that really matters and that will last for eternity.   Jesus is a gift that never breaks, or needs to be traded in, or end up in a garage sale after losing interest.  Do not neglect the gift you have been given.   Allow the Holy Spirit to stir up the gift within you this year.  Commit this year to ongoing learning about the truth of the scriptures and become a part of meaningful life changing ministry.   So when next Christmas comes again you will honestly be able to say that you still have the greatest gift.

   So what are you going to do with the greatest gift of all that the world could ever receive?  

  One of the greatest gifts we have been given this year has been this ministry.  We greatly appreciate all the hard work and dedication that many of you have given.   May God bless this gift. 

The Body Part 4 – “The Senses” 12-18-11

  You need more than a head, a heart and a voice to be considered a body… you need the ability to move, see, touch and hear.  The Senses and the ability to act represent the various gifts of the HS that the Body has been given.  What happens when we don’t use our physical senses?  We cannot gather all the information we need to survive, or they atrophy.
  I seldom here anyone teach on the practical use and meaning of the gifts of the Spirit.  Many will say that they believe in them, but if you don’t use them and teach about them I question whether or not you truly believe in them and believe that they are for today.  If you don’t teach it you don’t believe it. 
  I have heard many say that after we had received the canon of scripture the need for spiritual gifts ceased.   They quote the following scripture:
1 Corinthians 13:9-12 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part; 10 but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away. 11 When I was a child, I used to speak as a child, think as a child, reason as a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I shall know fully just as I also have been fully known.

  The following scripture is the focus of our ministry here.  As mentioned last time, God has given the church the 5 fold ministry for the expressed purpose of equipping the church for ministry.  Ephesians 4:7,8 11-13  7 But to each one of us grace / charis was given according to the measure of Christ's gift.  8 Therefore it says, "When He ascended on high, He led captive a host of captives, and He gave gifts to men."  11 It was God, through the Holy Spirit, who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12 in order to equip and prepare the saints for the work of ministry / service / diakonia, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

Ephesians 4:15-16  we are to grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the head, even Christ,  16 from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by that which every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.

  If we do not follow the proper order and working of ministry in the church we will never mature spiritually In Christ. 
  Now we turn to the portions of the NT that are ignored or avoided.  God also has given the body 9 gifts / graces / charisms of the Spirit, or Spiritual Senses for the designed purpose of growth.   
1 Corinthians 12:4-11 Now there are varieties of gifts / graces / charisms, but the same Spirit.  5 And there are varieties of ministries / diakonia, and the same Lord.  6 And there are varieties of abilities / energema, but the same God who works all things in all persons.  7 But to “each one” is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.  8 For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit;  9 to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit,  10 and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues.  11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as “the Spirit wills.”

I have yet to see any congregation effectively address and use the gifts of the Spirit in a practical way.  For the most part they are avoided like the plaque because we just don’t know what to do with them, or we just consider them to be personality attributes.  We just focus on certain ministries like pastoral, missionaries, and various ministry directors. Everyone else just becomes “volunteers” to support the other ministries.  No one really thinks they even have a ministry that they are called to do.  After all, that’s why we pay ministers right? 

We should never shy away from being open to how God wants to use us, even if we don’t fully understand.   God works within and outside of our comfort zones. 

No part of the body should say they are more important than the other. There is no spiritual hierarchy when it comes to the gifts of the Spirit and no insignificant member.  
1 Corinthians 12:14-21 For the body is not one member, but many. 15 If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I am not a part of the body," it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body.  16 And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I am not a part of the body," it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body.  17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were hearing, where would the sense of smell be?  18 But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired.  19 And if they were all one member, where would the body be?  20 But now there are many members, but one body.  21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you"; or again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." 

There are also more abilities and responsibilities God has given the body.
Romans 12:4-8  For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function,  5 so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.  6 And since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let each exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith;  7 if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching;  8 or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

1 Corinthians 14:1  Pursue love, yet desire earnestly / jealously the spiritual gifts.

Can you honestly say that you desire to see the gifts of the Holy Spirit exhibited in your life?   I know many believers who because they don’t understand or feel comfortable with the gifts do not desire to see them demonstrated in their life.  This is quenching or resisting the Holy Spirit.   

I may not “understand” how the various senses and organs of my body work, but I’m sure glad they do.   Not allowing God to use you in the Body of Christ is like not using all of your senses, but only the ones you prefer to use. 

People who serve the Body of Christ, no matter how small the responsibility, should be chosen according to the graces and gifts God has given them through the Holy Spirit and not just assume that just anyone is called to serve in a specific area of ministry. 

We must know and work in the areas of our giftedness, but that’s not necessarily synonymous with what is our comfort zone.   As a person matures, God may be equipping them to serve in areas they never were a part of before.   

So why is it that we don’t see the gifts of the Spirit in operation today?  What happens when you don’t use a certain sense?  It atrophies due to misuse or disuse, or one becomes stronger than the other.  What happens if we favor certain members of the body and ignore the rest?  They atrophy as well.  Many churches are suffering from spiritual atrophy.

May we desire and pray that God helps us to use all of the members and senses of the Body of Christ.

 

The Body Part 3 – The Voice - 12-11-11

The Bible speaks to us about how God speaks to us.  It talks about the “voice or mouth” of God.   If even uses the term “breath of God.”  It is referring to the will of God.  How does God speak to us today?  Can we know His voice and will?   

I have been sharing with you over the past two weeks concerning the head and the heart and that the Bible teaches a great deal about the proper order of things.  But where did it all begin?  We have to start at the beginning in Genesis.  God said that He “made man in His image.”  I believe that this is not just symbolic. God has a head, and a heart, and a voice, as well as other senses.  Maybe not the physical kind exactly like ours, but if we are made in His image we have those attributes as well. 

God doesn’t speak just to hear Himself talk, it is usually for a purpose. 
The Hebrew word for voice is “kol.”  Do you know what the Greek word for “voice” is?  It’s “phone.” 

Jesus said in John 10:27 "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me;

Hebrews 3:7-10 Therefore, just as the Holy Spirit says, "Today if you hear His voice, 8 Do not harden your hearts as when they provoked Me, as in the day of trial in the wilderness, 9 Where your fathers tried Me by testing Me, And saw My works for forty years. 10 "Therefore I was angry with this generation, and said, 'They always go astray in their heart; and they did not know My ways';
(Psalm 95:7-11)

On Mount Sinai, the children of Israel literally heard the voice of God (Exodus 19).  Some believe that when God spoke He spoke in all languages. That event was the first recorded Day of Pentecost.   This was repeated in Acts 2 on the Day of Pentecost.  God spoke in languages that all who were hearing could understand the message about Jesus. 

What does the Bible say how God speaks to us and through us?
1. His Word / Jesus
John 1:1-3  1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  2 He was in the beginning with God.  3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.

Revelation 19:13  And He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood; and His name is called The Word of God.

Hebrews 1:1-2  God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers through the prophets many times and in many ways,  2 in these last days God has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.

Hebrews 4:12-13  For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.  13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.

Scripture is alive!  As long as we continue to lift up and teach God’s Word through this ministry God will continue to speak through us and people will be drawn to Jesus.

2. Through the Five fold ministry of the Church
1 Timothy 3:15 I write so that you may know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.

Ephesians 4:11-13 It was God, through the Holy Spirit, who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers,
12 in order to equip and prepare God's people for the work of the ministry, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

  I don’t see committee or church member on the list.  A person must be “called” to be in the position of speaking for God and advising and leading God’s people.  Not voted in by committee. 
  In Acts people were chosen for ministry positions as a result of prayer and fasting, no matter how small the task.  They had to be full of God’s grace, Spirit, faith and wisdom.  In today’s churches any warm body will do, no matter if they are a disciple of Jesus or not.  Those positions unfortunately don’t extend outside the sanctuary walls.  God positions us in certain situations and venues in society in order to be in strategic places of influence. 

3. Through the Holy Spirit   Throughout the Book of Acts the Holy Spirit is referred to in very personal ways.  It is even said that the Holy Spirit said certain things to the Apostles. 
Acts 8:29  And the Spirit said to Philip, "Go up and join this chariot."
Acts 10:19  And while Peter was reflecting on the vision, the Spirit said to him, "Behold, three men are looking for you.
Acts 13:2  And while they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." 

Romans 8:14  For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 

You can’t be led if you don’t know how to listen.  You can resist, test, and even quench the Holy Spirit’s influence and voice. This is why it states when you hear His voice not to harden your heart.  We can become hard of hearing.

4. Through Prayer and Worship   The Holy Spirit intercedes through us and for us.   When we focus on God He speaks to us. 
Romans 8:26-27  26 And in the same way the Holy Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words;  27 and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

John 4:24  "God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." 

5. Through Angels All throughout the Bible it records God’s heavenly messengers bringing messages to His people through the angel of the Lord and specific Angels such as Michael and Gabriel.  Christmas begins with a message from the Angel Gabriel. 

6. Dreams and Visions  God also directed and spoke to His people through their dreams and visions.  We think of Joseph, Daniel, and the Apostles Peter and Paul. 

7. Through events in our lives  As a result of all of the above ways that God speaks to us, we can examine our own life to see how God has interacted with us and learn.  

God is speaking, but are we listening?  I believe that the Church universal is beginning to lose its voice and authority that God has given her to speak to the issues of today.  The church is God’s only voice in this world, but unfortunately we have become spiritually hard of hearing His voice.

 

The Body Part 2 – The Heart 12-4-11

  When the Bible speaks of men being “the head,” it is not referring to intelligence or capabilities, but rather authority and accountability. Women are quite capable of making intelligent decisions.   Unfortunately, over the centuries the role of women has been distorted.
  The second part of the series in talking about the Body is the “heart.”  If men are the Head, then women are the Heart.  What is a body without a heart?  Dead! The head cannot live independently from the heart.  It’s not a matter of one being more important than the other; they both need each other in order to be alive!  The heart and head cannot do the work of the other.   To talk about the heart, we must return to Adam and Eve.

Genesis 2:21-24  21 So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh at that place.  22 And the LORD God fashioned into a woman the rib which He had taken from the side of man, and brought the woman / bride her to the man / husband.  23 And the man said, "This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman / Isha, Because she was taken out of Man / Ish."  24 For this cause a man / Ish shall leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave to his wife / Isha; and they shall become one / Echad flesh.

  The Bible says that Eve was taken from the “side” of Adam, or the part nearest to his heart.  Just as Adam was head over Eve, so too Eve represents the Church who Christ is the head of.   Eve was Adam’s bride just as the church is Christ’s bride.  The Church is the woman and the head / overseer is a man!  
 The Hebrew word for Man is Ish and for Woman is Isha.  The woman was to be “inseparable” from the man (“bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh”).   You can’t be the HEA-d without a piece of the HEA-rt.  You can’t be woman Ish-a without a piece of the Man Ish.  You can’t have wo-man without man. 
  “They shall become One.”  The word “One” here is also the same Hebrew word use in (Deut. 6:4) when referring to God being “One.”  It does not mean “single,” but is a “composite unity.”  You cannot operate properly unless the head and the heart work together “side by side.”   It is a matter of “function” not superiority! 

1 Corinthians 11:11-12 However, in the Lord, neither is woman independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. 12 For as the woman originates from the man, so also the man has his birth through the woman; and all things originate from God.

1 Corinthians 11:3 But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a woman, and God is the head of Christ. 

Ephesians 5:23-33 For just as the husband is the head of the wife, just as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body.  24 But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything.  25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her;  26 that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word,  27 that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she should be holy and blameless.  28 So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself;  29 for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church,  30 because we are members of His body.  31 For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh.  32 This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church.  33 Nevertheless let each individual among you also love his own wife even as himself; and let the wife see to it that she respect her husband.

  In Hebrew there is no neuter, only feminine and masculine.  But why do we refer to vehicles and other inanimate objects in the feminine?    
  A person is Jewish if the mother is Jewish because the flesh of the mother is so intricately intertwined with her children, much more than a man. A mother also tends to be more emotionally involved and nurturing than a father.   There are some biblical examples of this.

 The Bible uses the word “heart” to represent someone’s truest intentions, passion and focus. 
We use comments like… they really have heart, believe in your heart, the heart of the matter, or their heart really isn’t in it.  God is said to have a heart Gen. 6:6. 
  The Bible says that “where your heart is so will be your treasure.” 
Matthew 6:19-21  Do not lay up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 "But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; 21 for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

God looks at the heart. 
1 Samuel 16:7 For God seesnot as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."

Your heart indicates your passion and focus.  Want to know what a person really believes?  Just listen to their conversation. 
James 1:26 If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man's religion is worthless.

Matthew 12:34-37  For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart.  35 "The good man out of his good treasure brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of his evil treasure brings forth what is evil.  36 "And I say to you, that every careless word that men shall speak, they shall render account for it in the day of judgment. 37 "For by your words you shall be justified, and by your words you shall be condemned."

God places His laws upon our hearts. 
Hebrews 8:10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws into their minds, and I will write them upon their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be My people.

We must believe in our heart.
Romans 10:8-10  But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart "-- that is, the word of faith which we are preaching,  9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved;  10 for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.

God judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12  The word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
David was a man after God’s own Heart (Acts 13:22).

  So I hope I have helped put to rest any rivalry that we have been made to believe exists between the role of men and woman, especially in marriages and in ministry.

The Body Part I - The Head 11-27-11

  I am beginning a 4 part series entitled “The Body.”  We will be going over what the Bible teaches concerning various issues and its usage of the words - Head, Heart, Voice, and The Senses. Today we are going over the concept of what Paul teaches on the meaning of the “Head.”    
  The word “head,” as it is used by Paul, can mean responsibility, authority, a covering, head of state or kingdom, direction, leadership, or first in order.  It is the same Greek word, so the context determines its usage.

  It is a biblical fact that the first man Adam was formed as a result of God making a decision to create an entity that would share His image (Gen.1:26-28), he was the first or the “head” of all humans.  He then formed man from the dust of the earth and breathed life into him. He then became a living soul.  Later, in order to provide a proper helper for Adam, Eve was created from his side, but he was her “head,” or the one who helped create her.  He was given authority or responsibility for her.
  Adam was also given authority over all the living creatures as well as the Garden, because he was the “head” or in charge.  Adam was the first “earthly” son of God (Luke 3:38). 

1 Corinthians 11:3 But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a woman, and God is the head of Christ. 

1 Corinthians 15:22  For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all shall be made alive.

1 Corinthians 15:45-47  So also it is written, "The first man, Adam, became a living soul." The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.  46 However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural; then the spiritual.  47 The first man is from the earth, earthy; the second man is from heaven.

Head also refers to the order of authority, similar to the “head of a household.”  In Judaism, the male was the head of the covenant and his family received the blessings of his obedience to that covenant.  His wife and children by extension were saved and part of that covenant.  This is why in the Book of Acts it mentions a number of times that when a man believed and was baptized it also included his “household.” 

Ephesians 1:22-23  And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church,  23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

Head also means the head of state, or over a kingdom.
Colossians 2:10 and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority;

Head can also mean direction or leadership. 
Ephesians 4:15-16 but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the head, even Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by that which every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love. 

Head can mean order of succession, or beginning, or progenitor.
1 Corinthians 11:3  But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a woman, and God is the head of Christ.

1 Corinthians 11:11-12 However, in the Lord, neither is woman independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. 12 For as the woman originates from the man, so also the man has his birth through the woman; and all things originate from God.
1 Timothy 2:5  For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

Colossians 1:18-19  He is also the head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the first-born from the dead; so that He Himself might come to have first place in everything. 19 For it was the Father's good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him,

Head can also mean the order of blessing as well as responsibility.   There is a reason Jesus was born a man and not a woman or neuter.  Because He represents the first man, Adam. 
Ephesians 5:23 For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. 

  So why do some women seem to have a fear of men as leaders, or as head over them?  It is based out of fear.  It is based on various poor examples of men not living up to their God given role as head.  Being the Head to some men was not equal submission one to the other, but being overbearing and expecting mindless submission, thus causing women to lose their confidence and trust in a man’s leadership.  Men abandoned their families.  Even in today’s society the man who is macho is the one who is not committed to one woman. We need to train up a generation of biblical men who are the proper head of their house.  Christ as head is committed to his bride the Church. 
Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ (the head) also loved the church and gave Himself up for her;
  In today’s society and churches it seems as if people are wanting to undermine the order of what God has intended from the beginning. 
  The husband is no longer head of the household.  In fact, men are not even needed.  To be masculine is more of a negative term. 
  It seems that Jesus is no longer the head of the church, but merely a “figure head” or symbol.  Just as Christ who is a man represents the head leadership in the church, so too those who represent Christ in the church as head should be men.  Since Adam, a man, represents Christ, a man, who is the head of the church, so too a man should represent the head of the church as Overseer and head of a flock or congregation. 
  Now this may not be popular, or even an acceptable notion in some of today’s churches, but it represents the order of things from the beginning.  We seem to go by the saying “anything a man can do I can do better.”  Men cannot fill the role of women either.  We don’t need to get in touch with our feminine side; we just need to value women as much as we value ourselves.
  It is not a matter of “better,” but a matter of function and design.  The reason more women are being called to be senior pastors is because men have relinquished their God given authority and responsibility as overseers. 
  The role of women in ministry has always been that of helper.  Just as Adam the head had Eve to help, so too the head of the church should have women to support the ministry.   Eve was an integral part of Adam’s leadership, but she was NOT the head.  There were women who were also disciples of Jesus and Paul that assisted with certain roles in ministry.

Qualifications for leadership in the Church.
1 Timothy 3:1-4 It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do.  2 An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,  3 not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, uncontentious, free from the love of money.  4 He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity
  As head, men still have the responsibilities of the first head Adam to guard and protect our wives, our families, the church, and our world.  End with YouTube song Courageous. 

 

Open My Eyes 11-20-11

How do we see and interpret events in our life?  Many times in life we fail to see the big picture.  We think that there is no plan and that life is filled with random and unrelated events.  We may even think that God overlooks events in our life, or that things just happen without His notice.  We get so caught up in the everyday struggles of life that we fail to see God in the things that happen. 

The Christian life is compared to a struggle or a battle. This is one of my favorite stories in the OT.   
2 Kings 6:14-18 The King of Aram sent horses and chariots and a great army there, and they came by night and surrounded the city.  15 Now when the attendant of the man of God had risen early and gone out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was circling the city. And his servant said to him, "Alas, my master! What shall we do?"  16 So he answered, "Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them." 
17 Then Elisha prayed and said, "O LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see." And the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he saw; and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.  18 And when they came down to him, Elisha prayed to the LORD and said, "Strike this people with blindness, I pray." So He struck them with blindness according to the word of Elisha.

Many times the difference between success and defeat in a battle is “perspective.”  From what vantage point are we looking?  When we do the right thing, God is all around us whether we see Him there or not.  The battle is the Lord’s.  We lose the battles in life because we fail to see and acknowledge God’s presence in them.

We have to be prepared ahead of time for the upcoming battles.  We fail the battles in our life because we are unprepared.  I have had to remind myself, that when I struggle it is not just against people.  There are other forces involved behind the scenes.  If we fight a battle with the wrong weapons we will lose.  God’s arsenal is not comprised of man made weapons, but seven principles.  The number “seven” representing completion and perfection. 
Ephesians 6:12-18  For our struggle is not just against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.  13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, stand firm. 
14 Stand firm therefore, having put on the belt of truth,
and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 
15 and having worn on your feet the preparation of the gospel of peace; 
16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming missiles of the evil one. 
17 And take the helmet of salvation,
and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 
18 With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,

Don’t “overestimate” evil’s ability to succeed!
1 John 4:4 You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. 

James 4:7  Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

If God is for us who cares who is against us.
Romans 8:31-39  What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?  32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?  33 Who will bring a charge against God's elect? God is the one who justifies; 34 who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. 
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?  36 Just as it is written, "For Thy sake we are being put to death all day long; We were considered as sheep to be slaughtered."  37 But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. 
38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,  39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love and presence of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

That pretty much covers everything!!  Do what is right in the eyes of the Lord and you are guaranteed His presence. That doesn’t mean that things will always go easily. 

The end result of struggles should be an increase in maturity and wisdom.
James 1:2-8 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.  4 And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may become mature and equipped, lacking in nothing. 
5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.  6 But let him ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.  7 For let not that man expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, 8 being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

No struggle will result in a loss, unless we fail to learn from it.  May God open our eyes in the midst of the battles of life to see what is truly going on.

 

Members or Disciples? 11-13-11

  So if you belong to a certain congregation and are a “member,” what does that mean?  People are asked to go through “membership classes” in order to “join.”  You make public confession that you will “support” that congregation.  You may even be asked if you believe in Jesus.  But is there a difference between membership and discipleship?
  Sometime over the centuries the church has confused membership with discipleship. You can be an attendee, but not a disciple. We think that if a person attends church services, or is an “active member,” that they are a disciple. We count attendance rather than disciples.  We gauge our success based on how many we can convince to attend our services or events. But what does the Bible mean when it speaks of being a disciple? 
  For me, the issue of discipleship forms everything else.  Questions like what is the church, what is worship, why we are here, where are we going, all come out of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus.
  The English word “disciples” is used 238 times and “disciple” 29 times in the NT from Matthew to Acts.  The Greek word is “Mathetes” which simply means “student or learner.”   The Hebrew word is “talmudim.”  This is one of the reasons that I say that this is a classroom of the HS.   I believe that we are to be trained up as disciples. 
  If you wanted to become a student or disciple of a rabbi in Jesus’ day, you would leave everything and follow him and commit yourself to his teachings.  You would “take on the yoke of the Rabbi.” 
Matthew 11:29-30 "Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls.  30 "For My yoke is easy, and My load is light."

  Jesus just prior to his ascension placed discipleship at the forefront of what the apostles should accomplish and by extension it is also our purpose.
Matthew 28:19-20 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

  Churches are responsible for the confusion about what it means to be a disciple.  Many churches have substituted discipleship with membership.  Membership and attending a church service doesn’t make you a disciple anymore than being born in an airport makes you a plane.
  The word “member” is used only in (I Cor. 12) and it means a “limb.”  It is not referring to someone who attends a service, or activities, but one who is an intricate part of the rest of the body of Christ the church and uses the gifts they have been given through the HS for its benefit. 
  Membership is NOT discipleship.  We are not called to go and make members.  Many think that if they just attend that’s all they need and all you need to do is make a “decision” for Christ, which most of the time means very little on our part.  We are to make disciples not decisions.  Are we raising a generation of attendees, or disciples?  I wonder what the real count in some churches would be if they only counted disciples? 
  Now I would hope that if you do become a member of a congregation that you are a disciple of Jesus, but I can tell you that that is not one of the emphases of most congregations, especially in your larger churches and especially the mega-churches. You merely have to mentally assent to or sort of agree with certain statements, if that, and maybe go to a few classes, and hopefully show up on Sunday occasionally. 
  I have NEVER found a church where anyone follows up to see if their members are becoming disciples, or requiring of their members to begin study “prior to or after” becoming members.  Some congregations have even totally done away with the idea of making sure people become disciples.  All that seems to matter is how many attend and how much they give. 
  If you want to become a member join a club, but if you want to become a Christian you have to become a disciple of Jesus.  
  In the early church, you had to be a learner or proselyte for a year and you were carefully discipled before being allowed to participate and even call yourself a Christian.  Today, we are afraid to place any requirements on those who call themselves Christians, lest we scare them away.  We seem to be running a popularity contest.  We don’t seem to want to offend anyone and imply that they need to be educated on what it means to be a Christian.  We want to soft sell Jesus and create so-called non-threatening opportunities for people to become involved.  We emphasize fellowship and entertainment rather than discipleship. We are basically encouraging spectator believers, who dabble with discipleship. 
 Unfortunately, the measure of a successful church today is gauged by its attendance and what programs can it provide for me and my family, not whether or not it makes disciples, nor whether or not it teaches truth.

  So what is a disciple?  A disciple is not just someone who believes that Jesus exists, or is even God’s Son, even the demons believe that.  A disciple knows and studies the teachings of his rabbi and does what his rabbi does.  So if we are disciples of Jesus, we will do the kind of things Jesus did and know what he teaches.  

John 14:15 "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.
John 14:24 "He who does not love Me does not keep My words.

  Is our goal and sole motivation today still the same as Jesus’ command to make disciples?   Or are we only trying just to keep the doors of the building open and have fundraisers, carry-ins and entertainment?   Many have substituted busyness with discipleship. 
  I hate to say it, but I believe that most adults who call themselves Christians in most churches today only have an elementary Sunday School understanding of the Bible, if that.  That’s why most cults are filled with ex church members. 
  It’s no wonder the church is not affecting the world like the apostles did and why we don’t see the same kind of things happening that are recorded in Acts… because the church leadership has failed its mission mandate given to us by Jesus to make disciples. 
  We have lowered the standard.  People no longer come to the church to hear or find the truth.  They are more interested in fellowship rather than discipleship.  They want to stay as they are and just add Jesus like another accessory, like wearing a cross around their neck.

Matthew 10:32-39  "Everyone therefore who shall confess Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven.  33 "But whoever shall deny Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven.  34 "Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.  35 "For I came to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; 36 and a man's enemies will be the members of his household.  37 "He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.  38 "And he who does not deny himself and take up his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.  39 "He who has found his life shall lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake shall find it.

  We get so caught up in the distractions and busyness / business of everything that we think that comes with being a Christian, but its just trappings.  If you decide to follow Jesus and become His disciple, you will have to unlearn many things and leave everything behind. 

 

The Root Part II - 11-6-11

 A second root I would like to discuss is the Materialistic root.
2. Materialistic Root It is easy to fall into the trap of materialism. What is at the root of materialism?  We think that security is found in how much we have.  We begin to think that we no longer need God to provide all our needs and we believe the lie that we provide all of our own needs.  We place more importance on acquiring things then we do God.  Materialism can take root in our lives and produce discontentment and a false sense of security.  It also distorts and redirects our priorities.   Materialism can become a form of idolatry. 

Luke 8:14  14 "And the seed which fell among the thorns, these are the ones who have heard, and as they go on their way they are choked with worries and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to maturity.

1 Timothy 6:10-12  For the love and pursuit of monetary security is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith, and pierced themselves with many sorrows. 11 But flee from these things, you man of God; and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance andgentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

  It is easy to see the excesses of materialism in our society.  Just take a look at some of our popular TV programs, or entertainers, or sports.  What is the message people come away with?  That you are nobody unless you have a lot of money, live a certain lifestyle, or have a certain talent, or even own certain things. We even feel compelled to become materialistic in the work place in order to get ahead. We end up compromising our Christian values for the sake of impressing someone.    
  Materialism leads to being discontent with what you have and who you are.  It is a purely humanistic image and contributes to distorting God’s Image of what He made you to be. 
  So how do we uproot the emphasis and affects of materialism in our life and culture?  Through the Gospel.  Christianity is about sacrifice and giving.   But unfortunately we also see the affects of materialism in the church.  We want big buildings to prove we are something, with big programs whose focus is purely social and to entertain, and big budgets not for the sake of spreading the Gospel, but for comfort and prestige. The words of Jesus to the rich young ruler still ring true today and need to be said to the church, “go sell all that you have and follow me.” 

3. Emotional Roots  When we become offended or hurt in any way, there is the possibility that a root of bitterness can begin to take hold and grow.  We allow the things of this world to choke out our faith.   We allow bitter roots to bring forth bitter fruit.   

Hebrews 12:15  See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled;

If we allow bitterness to take root, it will affect every area of life.  Living with resentment is like taking poison, but waiting for the other person to die.

4. Spiritual Roots It is possible to say you are a Christian and hear the Word of God and even study it but it never is allowed to take root enough to change your life.  You keep returning to the elementary things of God and remain immature. 

Luke 8:13  And those on the rocky soil are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no firm root; they believe for a while, and in time of temptation fall away.

We are not called to be fruit inspectors, but we are told to make judgments based on a person’s actions and words or what they produce, their fruit. This misconception that believers are not supposed to judge is unbiblical. It is one scripture that is taken out of context.

Matthew 7:1-6  "Do not judge lest you be judged.  2 "For in the same way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you.  3 "And why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?  4 "Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' and behold, the log is in your own eye?  5 "You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.  6 "Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.

The scripture is speaking about “hypocrisy,” and not holding yourself to the same standard that you judge others.   

So what theological, materialistic, emotional, and spiritual roots have you allowed to take root?
So how do we uproot the bad roots?  Surrender ourselves to the work of the Holy Spirit. 
He will bring to light any theological errors we have believed and lead us into all truth.
He will convict us of sin and bring about repentance and righteousness and destroy materialistic roots.
He can bring about healing and forgiveness and address any of our emotional roots.
He will help us to become mature in the Lord and allow us to be rooted firmly in the faith in order to plant good spiritual roots.

 

The Root Part I - 10-30-11

  In the Bible, the Hebrew word for “Root / Shoresh” is used figuratively and metaphorically to represents many things.  Definitions can include: “depth, the cause, or source, or offspring.” Another usage means “foundation, or the original.”  We also use the term “uprooted” when referring to what we must do to start over.   
  In the natural world, a seed produces the root and the root in turn produces the rest of the plant.  The seed and the root looks nothing like the plant it produces.  The root also determines how healthy something will grow.  It holds the DNA of the plant.  So if the root is bad, the rest of the plant will be bad.  The fruit of a plant is called its “Produce.” 
  This can also be applied to humans.  Who a person is, is revealed in what that person “produces.”  In the Bible, a person’s actions are called their “fruit, or produce.”  What kind of fruit does the root produce?   Jesus had these words to say about those who produce bad fruit.

Matthew 7:17-20  Even so, every good tree bears good fruit; but the bad tree bears bad fruit.  18 A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit.  19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.  20 So then, you will know them by their fruits.

Matthew 13:28-30 And he said to them, an enemy has done this! And the slaves said to him, Do you want us, then, to go and gather them up?  29 But he said, No; lest while you are gathering up the tares, you may root up the wheat with them. 30 Allow both to grow together until the harvest; and in the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, "First gather up the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them up; but gather the wheat into my barn.”
  At certain points in development many plants look the same, just like people appear to be the same.  So in the parable of the wheat and the tares, Jesus said to allow both the good and bad plants to grow up together side by side in order to see what fruit it produces.  But when it comes to the point of producing, it is only after the plant begins to mature that you can distinguish the good from the bad plants. In agriculture, what happens to a plant that produces bad fruit?  It is uprooted. 
  How does that apply to people?  A person is not who they are the last time you saw them, but who they have been throughout their life and in your relationship with them.  Anyone can put on a good front for a short period of time, but as they develop, you will begin to see their true fruit.  This is why if you are considering getting into a long term relationship with someone it is best to know them for a long time to see how that person reacts in many circumstances.   
  With people, it also applies, that if the root is bad, the tree will be bad.  Can grafting in new branches change the root?   No.  The root may support the grafted in branches, but it doesn’t change the root.  We will be going over 2 different types of roots in the Bible. 

1. Theological Roots In Romans chapters 9-11 Paul speaks about the future of the Jewish people.  He is talking about the relationship the church has with Israel.  He states that we have been grafted into the root of faith of Israel.   God did NOT plant a new tree called the Church.  

Romans 11:16-18  And if the first piece of doughbe holy, the lump is also; and if the root be holy, the branches are too.  17 But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and became partakers with them of the rich root of the olive tree,  18 do not be arrogant toward the branches; but if you are arrogant, remember thatit is not you who supports the root, but the root supports you. 

  We are now a part of the “household of faith” of Israel. 
Ephesians 2:12-20  Remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.  13 But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.  14 For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one, and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall (in the Temple court.), 15 by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thusestablishing peace, 16 and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity.  17 And He came and preached peace to you who were far away, and peace to those who were near; 18 for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father.  19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household, 20 having been built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone. 

  I would like to address another theological root.  I feel a sense of responsibility to address statements that may confuse what is proper Christian doctrine.  http://www.churchleaders.com/pastors/videos-for-pastors/155945-joel-osteen-endorses-mormon ism-as-christianity.html  I saw just this past Thursday a popular TV preacher who lives in Texas when he was interviewed on TV say that he believed that Mormons were Christians because they believed in Jesus as savior.  He even compared them to other mainline denominations.  Is this true?  To answer that question we must ask what did the root and founder of Mormonism Joseph Smith teach about Jesus. 
  By addressing the various teachings of the LDS and comparing them with orthodox Christian doctrines, you will discover that it is not the same heavenly father, Holy Spirit, or Jesus, that we know of in the Bible, or what has been taught by the church. 
  The LDS of today varies a little from the LDS teachings of its founders, it’s much more politically correct and its image is much more polished.  But it’s not a matter of a few bad theological apples spoiling the whole bunch.  If the root is bad, the tree is bad.  You may be able to graft in a few good branches in, but it doesn’t change the root.  If you want to know what any religion will become, just look at the root and what they teach. 

In Thy Book 10-26-11

We just finished recalling the biblical holy day of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.  During that time we were to evaluate our life and ask the question “is my name written in the Book of life?” Does God

keep track of things?  Because of God’s grace do we need to be concerned? Did you know that the Bible teaches that God records, stores, and keeps track of at least 4 things in our life?   

What does the Bible say that God records and remembers? 
1. Our tears. Did you know that storing tears in a bottle was an actual practice? Tears represent our sorrows.  There isn’t a tear that we cry that does not get God’s attention.
Psalm 56:8  Thou hast taken account of my wanderings; and put my tears in Thy bottle; Are they not in Thy book? 

Psalm 126:5-6  Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting.  6 He who goes to and fro weeping, carrying his bag of seed, Shall indeed come again with a shout of joy, bringing his sheaves with him. 

Revelation 21:4  He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there shall no longer be any death; there shall no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away."

2. Our prayers.  Ever wondered what God does with the prayers we pray?  In the Temple there was a golden Altar of Incense that was in the holy place just before the curtain to the Holy of Holies.  The bowls of incense were filled every day by one of the designated priests.  It was to burn 24 hours a day and it represented the prayers of the saints.

Acts 10:4  And fixing his gaze upon him and being much alarmed, he said, "What is it, Lord?" And he said to him, "Your prayers and alms have ascended as a memorial before God.

Revelation 5:8  And when He had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, having each one a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.

Revelation 8:3  And another angel came and stood at the altar, holding a golden censer; and much incense was given to him, that he might add it to the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.

3. Our deeds.  Does God record the good and the bad deeds that we do? 
Exodus 32:32  But now, if Thou wilt, forgive their sin-- and if not, please blot me out from Thy book which Thou hast written!"

II Corinthians 5:10  For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

The recording of “Deeds” are mentioned 11 times in the letters to the seven churches (Rev.2:2-3:15.).  Revelation 2:2  I know your deeds and your toil and perseverance. 
Revelation 20:12-15  And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds. 

God can also forgive and forget our evil deeds.
Romans 4:7-8  Blessed are those whose lawless deeds have been forgiven, And whose sins have been covered.  8 "Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will not take into account."

Psalm 103:12  As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.

4. Our names.  Names represent who we are and how we are identified.  God knew us and formed us and even recorded our days before we were born. 

Psalm 139:16 Thine eyes have seen my unformed substance; and in Thy book they were all written, The days that were ordained for me, When as yet there was not one of them.

Philippians 4:3 Indeed, true comrade, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

Names once in the book of life can be removed! 
Psalm 69:28  May they be blotted out of the book of life, And may they not be recorded with the righteous.

Revelation 3:5  'He who overcomes shall thus be clothed in white garments; and I will not erase his name from the book of life, and I will confess his name before My Father, and before His angels.

Revelation 20:12-15  And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds.  13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead which were in them; and they were judged, every one of them according to their deeds. 14 And death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire.  15 And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

Revelation 21:27  and nothing unclean and no one who practices abomination and lying, shall ever come into it, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life.

We will receive a “new name” that only God and us will know! 
Revelation 2:17  He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, to him I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows but he who receives it.'

 

Lost and Found 10-9-11

  Have you ever lost something that was precious to you and later found it?  Something as simple as a favorite item, something expensive, a relationship, and for some of us even a memory.  How did that make you feel?   Did you tell anybody about it?   We have a tendency to tell people about the things that mean the most to us, or that we love, or are passionate about.  Anything from something as insignificant as a product that worked well for us, a movie or book we enjoyed, to our family.  What about telling other people about God?  
  Who was the focus of Jesus’ ministry?  Luke 19:10 “I came to seek and to save those who are lost.”  Is ministry more about the lost, or the found?  Is it more important who is here, rather than who is not here?  When we just focus on the found, sometimes we forget we were once the lost.  In fact, when the lost become the found, the found should in turn be looking for the lost!   Do we have an urgency to find the lost, or have we become content?  Are we connecting with the disconnected?  Are we reaching the un-reached?  Are we touching the un-touched?   Is there someone like you out there that needs to be found?

Luke 15:1-32 Now all the tax-gatherers and the sinners were coming near Him to listen to Him.  2 And both the Pharisees and the scribes began to grumble, saying, "This man receives sinners and eats with them."  3 And He told them this parable, saying,   4 "What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture, and go after the one which is lost, until he finds it?  5 "And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.  6 "And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!'  7 "I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. 
  8 "Or what woman, if she has ten silver coins and loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it?  9 "And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin which I had lost!'  10 "In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." 
  11 And He said, "A certain father had two sons; 12 and the younger one said to his father, 'Father, give me the share of the estate that falls to me.' And he divided his wealth between them. 
  13 "And not many days later, the younger son gathered everything together and went on a journey into a distant country, and there he squandered his estate with loose living. 14 "Now when he had spent everything, a severe famine occurred in that country, and he began to be in need.  15 "And he went and attached himself to one of the citizens of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.  16 "And he was longing to fill his stomach with the pods that the swine were eating, and no one was giving anything to him.  17 "But when he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have more than enough bread, but I am dying here with hunger!  18 'I will get up and go to my father, and will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight; 19 "I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me as one of your hired men." 
  20 "And he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him, and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him, and kissed him.  21 "And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'  22 "But the father said to his slaves, 'Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet;  23 and bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let us eat and be merry;  24 for this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found.' And they began to rejoicing. 
  25 "Now his older son was in the field, and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing.  26 "And he summoned one of the servants and began inquiring what these things might be.  27 "And he said to him, 'Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.'  28 "But he became angry, and was not willing to go in; and his father came out and began entreating him.  29 "But he answered and said to his father, 'Look! For so many years I have been serving you, and I have never neglected a command of yours; and yet you have never given me a goat, that I might be merry with my friends; 30 but when this son of yours came, who has devoured your wealth with harlots, you killed the fattened calf for him.'  31 "And he said to him, 'My child, you have always been with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 'But we had to be merry and rejoice, for this brother of yours was dead and has begun to live, and was lost and has been found.'"
  It’s not that Jesus is saying that they were to be “more concerned” about the one lost sheep, one lost coin, or even the one lost son, God is “as concerned” about the lost as He is the found.
  The lost once they are found don’t become neglected, but should begin to realize just how valuable they really are, and as a result of seeing how valuable they were when they were lost, should in turn go looking for the lost until they are found. 
  The shepherd didn’t abandon and lose the other 99 sheep.  They were not “less important” to the shepherd as the one lost sheep, but “as important.”  The woman who lost the one coin which was a part of her dowry was not “more concerned” about the one coin that was lost over the other 9 she had, she was “just as concerned.”  She didn’t neglect the other 9 coins or think they were less valuable just to find the one that was lost.   Gain 1 lose 9 is not a good profit.

  Do any of you remember the Smothers Brothers?  It was a comedy team that was around in the 1960’s.  The younger brother Tommy when his older brother Dick would be putting him down, Tommy would always try to end the rant with, “yeah, and mom always liked you best.”  I think the older brother really felt like his mother really liked his younger brother best and was acting out of his insecurity and resentment.   
  I think that’s similar to the story about the older brother’s response when his father celebrated when his younger brother returned.  The father was not saying that his older son was “less important” than his younger son, but that he was “as important.” 
Luke 15:13 “My child, You have always been with me, and all that is mine is yours.” 
God is not a neglectful father! 
  Jesus gave 3 responses to finding something that was lost.  With the lost sheep and the coin the response was joy when found.  But when it came to the lost son, the response was not joy, but envy! 
  Why didn’t the older brother go looking for his brother?  He wasn’t dead, just lost.  He was under the wrong impression that his father was “more concerned” about his younger brother. BTW – the older brother always inherits more than the younger brother. 
  When we stop being “as concerned” about those who are lost and “more concerned” about our own needs and turn inward, we become like the older brother who got angry at his father for still loving the lost son.  His father reminded him just how important he always was to him.   He didn’t say his younger brother was more important to him than he was, but that was the mistaken conclusion the older brother came to.  
  Jesus was making a statement about the present religious sentiment of the day towards sinners and non-believers. Their theology had turned so inward that they became more concerned about maintaining and holding on to what they had and their identity, instead of sharing it with the whole world. They thought they were “more important” than the unrighteous.  What parent would ever say that their children are not equally as important? 
  In-reach and Out-reach, what’s the difference?  Is one more important than the other, or are they equally as important.  When congregations become more concerned about their own interests and not “as concerned” for those who are not within their 4 walls, then that congregation will begin to die. 
  It’s hard to change our mindset to believe that God is just as concerned about those who are not in the fold yet, as He is about those who are in the fold.  Everything that we do should have an aspect of outreach to it!  It’s not about being an evangelist; it’s about touching someone’s life.   What would it take to reach someone like you out there? 
  Any faces come to the forefront of your mind that you can pray for this year and ask God how you can help them. Pray for divine appointments and start expecting and looking for them.  “Once I was lost, but now I’m found, was blind but now I see!” 

Wake Up! 10-2-11

This past Thursday began the fall Biblical holy days.  It begins with the day of Yom Terruah (Day of blowing of the Shofar) or Rosh Hashanah (New Year).  Next Saturday begins Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) which is a week long time of repentance and the following Wednesday Succot (Feast of Tabernacles / Booths) which is a celebration of the great ingathering of the final harvest.  

  Were any of you told about the different biblical holy days other than maybe a little about Passover and Pentecost?  Even then it was presented like Jesus and the church invented it right? 
  What does any of this have to do with Christianity? Is there such a thing as a biblical calendar that we should observe?  Are we to go by a Christian calendar?  Is there such a thing as a Christian calendar that all Christians agree on and observe?    

Jesus was born during a biblical holy day.  His ministry is recorded around biblical holy days.  He died during a biblical holy day.  His burial and resurrection were during a biblical holy day.  The apostles received the Holy Spirit on a biblical holy day.  We celebrate communion fashioned after the last supper which was a celebration of the biblical Holy Day of Passover.  Many believe that His return will be during a certain biblical holy day. Every significant “Christian” event is associated with a biblical holy day! 

  So why shouldn’t we as Christians at least acknowledge the significance of the biblical holy days when they come up in our secular calendar?  Instead, we invented holidays such as Halloween and Thanksgiving in the fall, which have nothing to do with the biblical holy days and were added just a few hundred years ago. Even Christmas and Easter have become secular, not biblical. 

  The main issue for me is, is acknowledging the biblical holy days as a Christian, biblical? 

The first objection I get in acknowledging the biblical holy days is the statement:  didn’t Jesus end all these observances as a result of fulfilling the Law?  The second objection is: Where does it say in the NT that we should observe these holy days? 

Did Jesus do away with the celebration of the biblical holy days and replace them?   Did the early church later do away with observing them, or replace them? Does God still follow a calendar? 

  Jesus never added any holy days to the biblical calendar, but lived His life observing them and fulfilling them.  It is a scriptural fact that the apostles after celebrating Pentecost, a biblical holy day, still went to the temple in Jerusalem as long as it stood. They did not participate in any sin offerings, but they still participated in many Jewish customs relating to the Law and the biblical holy days.  There was much discussion about what requirements that were to be placed upon gentiles who came to believe in Jesus as their messiah. 

Acts 15:14-22 Simeon has related how God first concerned Himself about taking from among the Gentiles a people for His name. 15 "And with this the words of the Prophets agree, just as it is written, 16 'After these things I will return, and I will rebuild the tabernacle of David which has fallen, and I will rebuild its ruins, and I will restore it, 17 in order that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who are called by My name,' 18 says the Lord, who makes these things known from of old. 
19 "Therefore it is my judgment that we do not trouble those who are turning to God from among the Gentiles, 20 but that we write to them that they abstain from things contaminated by idols and from fornication and from what is strangled and from blood.  21 "For Moses from ancient generations has in every city those who preach him, since he is read in the synagogues every Sabbath."  22 Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church,

Acts 15:27-29  "Therefore we have sent Judas and Silas, who themselves will also report the same things by word of mouth.  28 "For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden than these essentials: 29 that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols and from blood and from things strangled and from fornication; if you keep yourselves free from such things, you will do well

  Did this include not observing the biblical holy days?  Did this mean that they were going to replace them with other holy days that were strictly Christian? There is no scriptural reference to replacing or adding to the biblical holy days with Christian holy days.  What did cease were the sin offerings that were prescribed through the Mosaic covenant.  They also met on Saturdays for worship as well as on Sundays. 

  It was not until well after the 4th century that other holidays such as Christmas and Easter were spoken about.   Paul does make reference to the significance of Passover in his writings to gentiles.
1 Corinthians 5:7-8  Clean out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, just as you are in fact unleavened. For Christ our Passover also has been sacrificed.  8 Let us therefore celebrate the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

The book of Hebrews references to other scriptural comparisons between the OT and NT and where they find their fulfillment in the finished work of Jesus. 

The fall biblical holy days teach us about many things pertaining to the finished work of Christ.  But many see aspects of the fall feasts that are yet to be fulfilled.  I have listed on line a link to more information about their fulfillment in Christ.  Let me just highlight a few points. 

Click here to read about the Biblical Holy Days

So the bottom line is this… to fully understand the NT and what Jesus has accomplished through his death, resurrection, ascension, and will accomplish through His return, we must be educated on what the biblical holy days meant.  God went by a biblical calendar throughout the entire Bible.  It is not necessary for salvation to celebrate the biblical holy days as the Jews do today, but it is necessary for us to understand what they teach us about salvation. 

"Acts 29" - 9-25-11

Please turn to the Book of Acts chapter 29. But there is no Acts chapter 29. Should we consider the book of Acts closed? I believe that the Book of Acts is still being written seen through what is recorded in the history of the Church and through our lives. Chapter 29 represents what is still to come.

I clearly remember that when I first started studying the Bible I was so excited to read that God was still working in the world today in miraculous ways. Every day seemed like a new adventure. I looked for opportunities where I could expect God to move. The problem was that I was immature in the Lord. I thought God had to do what I wanted Him to do when I wanted Him to do it. I was destined for some rude awakenings!

Even though I have experienced many disappointments in my life, I have not given up on expecting God to move in my life and in this world.

I have heard it said many times that events and miracles that occurred in the Gospels and Book of Acts ceased after the death of the last apostle. Let me ask this question then, did the Holy Spirit leave after the death of the last apostle? Where is it recorded that God ceased doing certain things?

Some quote 1 Corinthians 13:9-10 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part; 10 but when that which is perfect comes, the partial will be done away.

They say that the word “perfect” refers to the Canon of scripture and that “partial” refers to miracles and the gifts of the HS. So they say that the miracles and manifestations of the gifts of the HS ceased after we received the canon of scripture, but they would never say that the HS is gone. So since the canon of scripture is considered to be closed, is what God did that is recorded in the NT over? But the same HS is here today. Does that make sense?

Romans 8:11 But if the same Holy Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who indwells you.

I will be the first to admit that many times I don’t know why God does or doesn’t do what He has done before. But I refuse to say that He will not do something. I also will not say that God will do the same thing again in the same way.

I have heard people say that what God did for me, or for the apostles, He is obliged to do for you. Is that true? While I refuse to tie the hands of God, I cannot say that what God does for one person He will do for another. We cannot force or manipulate the hand of God.

There are certain things God promises to “all who believe,” but there are certain events that have occurred in biblical history that God will not repeat - for instance: create another Adam and Eve, build another ark or cause a global flood, have another Moses part the sea, have Jesus being born again, dying, resurrecting and ascending.

But there are many other things that God will do through the power and work of the Holy Spirit. We see throughout the Book of Acts that God continued to repeat having people receive the HS, sometimes in similar ways. People were being saved and baptized again.

John 14:16-17 "And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; 17 that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not behold Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you, and will be in you.

John 14:12 "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go to the Father.

John 16:7-8 But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper shall not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. 8 "And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin, and righteousness, and judgment.

What would be the advantage of Jesus leaving if things that God did ceased?

John 16:13-15 But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. 14 "He shall glorify Me; for He shall take of Mine, and shall disclose it to you. 15 "All things that the Father has are Mine; therefore I said, that He takes of Mine, and will disclose it to you.

If the HS is not present and we don’t have the HS within us then we are not children of God.
Romans 8:14 For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

1 Corinthians 2:12-13 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things freely given to us by God, 13 which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words.

So are you still writing that 29th chapter of Acts? What events have you recorded and are being recorded?

"He’s Alive!" 9-18-11

I am always perplexed on how a person can claim to be a Christian and know very little about what the Bible teaches. For many Christians, occasionally listening to the pastor on Sunday morning is their only source of learning God’s word, or they depend on memories of past Sunday School classes as a child. If there was a way to test our spiritual grade level I wonder what grade we would be in.

Jews and Christians were called “the people of the book.” They believed that the written Word of God was not just writing on a page, but actual words from God and alive.
Hebrews 4:12-13 For the Word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.

There were only two things that the Bible says that God gave a part of Himself to; humans and the scripture.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is inspired / breathed into by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

The Bible is much more than just words, facts and historical information, it is alive! How? Because it is a person! Jesus is the Word of God.
John 1:1-2 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God.

Revelation 19:10-13 10 For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." 11 And I saw heaven opened; and behold, a white horse, and He who sat upon it is called Faithful and True; and in righteousness He judges and wages war. 12 And His eyes are a flame of fire, and upon His head are many diadems; and He has a name written upon Him which no one knows except Himself. 13 And He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood; and His name is called The Word of God.

2 Peter 1:20-21 But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, 21 for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.

Jesus is referred to as the “light” and so is the Word of God. Light is synonymous with Truth. Light reveals the truth. Light exposes lies.
Psalm 119:105 Thy word is a lamp to my feet, And a light to my path.
John 1:4-8 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. 6 There came a man, sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came for a witness, that he might bear witness of the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came that he might bear witness of the light.
1 John 1:7 but if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.
John 1:4-8 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.
John 8:12 Again therefore Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world; he who follows Me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life."

Jesus is the Truth. The Word of God is Truth. Truth sets you free. Jesus sets you free!
John 8:31-32 "If you abide in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; 32 and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

John 8:36 "If therefore the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.

You will never be truly able to live out the Word of God without studying it.
2 Timothy 2:15 Be diligent / study in order to be able to present your convictions, which have been approved of God, as a skilled workman who does not need to be ashamed (of the Gospel or of his work), accurately handling the Word of Truth.

1 Peter 3:15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense/ Apologia to everyone who asks of you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.
If you are a Christian, you will have a natural desire to know God’s Word, because the Holy Spirit that is within you can only work in your life in conjunction with the Bible. He cannot do what He is called to do in our lives, which is to teach us and lead us in to truth and bring all things into remembrance that Jesus taught, if we are not studying what Jesus taught.

Can you know God outside the special revelation of His Word? There is a general revelation that all persons can see Romans 1:18-21 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. 21 For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God, or give thanks; but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

You will never be able to fully experience God outside of the Word of God! You can be a part of many fellowship groups, a member of the choir, even a member of a Church, but if you are not studying God’s Word it means nothing.

Without knowing God’s Word you will be tossed around like a ship in a storm and fall prey to the deceitfulness of our culture and the enemy.

Some people don’t want to study the Bible because they think that then and only then will they be held accountable, like ignorance is bliss. While it is true that to know the good you ought to do and to not do it is sin, studying God’s Word is a must do!

The one thing that will remain is God’s Word. Luke 21:33 "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.

Spiritual Maturity 9-11

Ever been accused of being immature? Ever been told to “grow up?” I have been many times. I was also told that girls are more mature than boys.

There are different ways to gauge how mature something is. There is physical maturity based on how old something is or its physical stages of development. There is emotional and experience maturity based upon what someone has been through and have learned and experienced and how a person reacts in various situations. But what about spiritual maturity?

Another word for maturity is “fruit.” If you do a study on the word fruit in the NT you will find that it consistently refers to maturity and the actions of people.
Luke 8:14-15 And the seed which fell among the thorns, these are the ones who have heard, and as they go on their way they are choked with worries and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to maturity. 15 "And the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word in an honest and good heart, and hold it fast, and bears fruit with perseverance.

Some Christians stay at the same level of maturity their whole spiritual life. God never leaves you where He finds you!
Hebrews 6:1 Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,

The world’s influence can stagnate your spiritual growth.
Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and mature.

Striving towards spiritual maturity is a life-long pursuit. Even Paul never fully achieved it
Philippians 3:12-16 Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become mature, but I press on in order that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as are mature, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you; 16 however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained. The key is to not lose ground.

The goal of ministry is spiritual maturity.
Ephesians 4:11-16 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry / service, to the building up of the body of Christ; 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the full measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. 14 As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; 15 but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the head, even Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by that which every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up (body building) of itself in love.

We will never reach full maturity in Christ without it being a team effort. You need someone to spot you as you workout your salvation.

The kind of fruit that we are producing in life is directly linked to our dependence on the Holy Spirit.
Galatians 5:16-25 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. 17 For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.
19 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, 21 envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you just as I have forewarned you that those who practice such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
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 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.

The two ways that you can gauge maturity is through our actions and words. But we are not called to be fruit inspectors.

Not many people like taking tests, but your level of spiritual maturity can only be truly revealed as a result of various tests. Tests are designed to reveal what you do or don’t know.
James 1:2-5 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials / tests, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing. 5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

So where are you in your walk with Christ? How goes it with your soul? Have you been going through a lot of tests lately? Maybe failed some? It just means that God isn’t finished with you yet. We all need to keep fighting the good fight of faith. We all need each other in order to become spiritually mature.

Who are We? 9-4

I think by now you know that I believe that there is confusion about what the Church is. Obviously, I do not believe that it is a building. But when did the confusion begin? I believe that when the church began to be combined with the state it shifted from being identified as a people to a place. A place became the sanctuary or Temple, instead of the people. The Church became an organization identified with a single location. Instead of the state existing in order to protect the church’s rights, church and state became a single identity and later heads of states became heads of the church.

In an attempt to protect the church and the scriptures, scripture study was no longer the right of every believer, but only of a select few sanctioned by the church / state. Throughout the history of the church, there have been individuals who attempted to put the scripture back into the hands of believers and they paid dearly for it. So what we have today is the right given back to the believer to study, but we unfortunately retained the belief that the church is a location. We do need a place or building to meet in, but the Church is so much more than what we have come to define it as. Here is what the NT says the church is.

1. the Ekklesia / Church (used 77 times) simply means an Assembly or Congregation.
2. the People / Church of God, (I Peter 2:10) You once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
3. Sons and Children of God Romans 8:14 For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 1 John 3:1 See how great a love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called children of God; Galatians 4:6 And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!"
4. Christian used only 3 times in the NT 1 Peter 4:16 but if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not feel ashamed, but in that name let him glorify God.
5. the Household of Faith Galatians 6:10 So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.
6. the Pillar and Support of the Truth, 1 Timothy 3:15 conduct yourself properly in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth
7. the Salt of the Earth and Light of the World a city on a hill, Matthew 5:13-14 "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how will it be made salty again? It is good for nothing anymore, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. 14 "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.
8. the Saints (used 58 times), the Holy Ones / Holy of Holies,
9. Not strangers or aliens but Fellow Citizens Ephesians 2:19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household,
10. the Body of Christ, Ephesians 4:12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;
11. the Bride of Christ, Ephesians 5:23 For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body.
12. the Temple / Sanctuary of the Holy Spirit, 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 Do you not know that you are a temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? 17 If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are.

13. the Redeemed, the Justified and Sanctified of the Lord,
Galatians 3:13-14 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us-- for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree "-- 14 in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Romans 8:30 whom He predestined, these He also called; and whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
1 Corinthians 1:2 to the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours:
14. the Elect and the Called, Beloved Jude 1:1 to those who are the called, beloved in God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ. Hebrews 3:1 Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of a heavenly calling,
15. a Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood and Holy Nation, a People for God’s own possession,
1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession,
16. the General Assembly, the Church of the Firstborn enrolled in heaven – Hebrews 12:23 the general assembly and church of the first-born who are enrolled in heaven.
17. Partakers of the divine nature 2 Peter 1:4 partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world
18. a Grafted in Branch Romans 11:17 You were grafted in among them and became partakers with them of the rich root of the olive tree.
19. Heirs and fellow-partakers of the Covenant and Promises of God
Romans 8:16-17 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him.
Ephesians 3:6 fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
Ephesians 2:12-14 you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one, and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall
20. Blessed of God Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,
21. Sojourners, aliens, strangers and Pilgrims on this earth, Citizens of Heaven
Philippians 3:20-21 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; 21 who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.
1 Peter 2:11 I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts, which wage war against the soul.
22. Believers in Jesus Christ who believe that there is Ephesians 4:4-6 There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all. (lists 7)

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The Classroom of the Holy Spirit 8-21

Can you remember your first classroom experience? How about subsequent classroom experiences? Had a favorite teacher or topic? What about a bad experience, a bad teacher, or grade? For good or bad, our first learning experiences affect how we view learning later in life. Maybe you don’t think you are a good student.

Jesus said that one of the main purposes and ministry of the Holy Spirit would be “teaching.” He is the master teacher! He is able to teach everyone no matter what, even if they have a learning disability. So it only seems to follow, that when we get together that it is supposed to be a time of learning and more of a classroom.

John 14:16-17 And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; 17 that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not behold Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you, and will be in you.

John 14:26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.

John 16:13-14 But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. 14 "He shall glorify Me; for He shall take of Mine, and shall disclose it to you.

The Apostle Paul frequently compared being a Christian to everyday workers like builders, farmers, soldiers and even athletes. He expected every believer to learn God’s Word. 2 Timothy 2:15 Be diligent to present your convictions, which have been approved of God, as a skilled workman who does not need to be ashamed (of the Gospel or of his work), accurately handling the word of truth.

1 Peter 3:15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense/ Apologia to everyone who asks of you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.

How did the first congregations of the first few hundred years learn the Word of God? The Book of Acts records that they met weekly from house to house being taught from the Apostles teachings, either in person or with their writings (Acts 2:42, 6:2, 4, Gal. 6:11, I Cor. 16:19, II Cor. 10:9, 10, Col.4:15, Philemon 1:2, II Pet 3:16).

They didn’t have big buildings. They didn’t build “churches,” they were the church and wherever they met God was present. No where in the NT is it encouraged to build buildings called “churches”! We are the “sanctuary” and the “Temple of the Holy Spirit!” It will only be the lives that we touch that we will truly leave behind as a legacy and bring with us.

So why are we so caught up in building sanctuaries that in time will only lie dormant and break down and later are abandoned or destroyed?

What I envision for this ministry is that it becomes a center for teaching, learning, and equipping both locally and globally. Our vision must exceed our grasp and ability for us to achieve it in our own strength, therefore insuring that we must rely upon God to achieve it. For me where we meet is insignificant. People put too much confidence in a place and less confidence in the people.

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What is the Church? 8-14

Why is it, that when we use the word “church” that we associate it with a building, or a place? We say that “We are going to church today.” Is that correct? The Bible refers to a person’s family as their “house / Beit.” When you add God to the household is becomes Beth-El, which is part of the name of our congregation. The Hebrew word for house was also used to refer to the “house of Lord” where God’s presence was said to exist. We have a tendency to interchangeably use the reference to a building and to those in the house, or those who are a part of a family.

The Greek word for the English word for "church" is Ekklesia. It simply means a gathering or congregation of people. The Greek word Synagogue also is used to refer to an assembly of people. So where did we get the actual word “church”? Our actual English word church comes from the 14th century Anglo Saxon word "Kirk," which means a building.

The word “church” as it is used in the Bible refers to a gathering of people and not a building. We forget that "wherever two or more are gathered together (synagogue) in My Name, the Lord is in the midst" (Mat.18:20). The Church is a community of people of any size gathered together anywhere in His Name. It is not confined to a building! The church is suffering from an Identity crisis!

The Church is represented, but not confined to, 7 things in the Bible

1. One of the earliest symbols of the church is the Menorah. We see this referred to in (Rev.1:10-12). It is also a symbol for the people of Israel. The seven branches are the symbol for completion and perfection. Jesus is seen standing in the middle of the menorah representing the servant candle and the light of the world. The church is also called to be the “light of the world”. The Menorah's unique structure served more as a symbol for the spiritual, rather than its physical light. It is primarily a metaphor used to symbolize the special relationship between God, and Israel and the Church.

2. The church is a fellowship. Acts 2:42, 46, 47 And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship / Koinonia, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 46 And day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house (Oikos) to house (Oikos), they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, 47 praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.

3. Paul used the illustration that the church is the "body of Christ," Romans 12:4-5 For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.

4. Paul revolutionized the way that we are to see ourselves as believers. The church and its members are called the Temple of the Holy Spirit (I Cor. 3:16). Believers replaced the actual Temple in Jerusalem. The church is a living organism, rather than a dead building. The true church is one foundation of faith, not a foundation of brick and mortar. After the coming of the Holy Spirit God’s presence would no longer be seen as being confined to a building!

5. The Church is the Bride of Christ Ephesians 5:23, 25-27 For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her; 26 that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she should be holy and blameless.

6. 1 Timothy 3:15 I write so that you may know how one ought to conduct himself in the household (Oikos) of God, which is the church (Ekklesia) of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.

7. The church are the Saints. Ephesians 4:11-13 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints / Hagios = Holy Place for the work of service / diakonia = ministry, to the building up of the body of Christ; 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. You don’t have to die and go to heaven to be a saint!

That is a tall order isn’t it. But as long as we don’t know who we are, we will never become what God wants us to be. That’s more than just coming here on Sunday, it’s allowing the Holy Spirit to equip us and bring us to maturity. This is the classroom of the Holy Spirit.

So what is the Church?
1. The light of the world (Menorah) / City on a hill.
2. It is a Koinonia / Fellowship of fellow believers.
3. The Body of Christ (it’s a body not a building).
4. The Temple of the Holy Spirit.
5. The Bride of Christ.
6. The pillar and support of the truth.
7. The Saints / a Holy Place

We are the people of God, sojourners in this land, citizens of heaven. The church is bigger than any one person, one congregation, or even one denomination. It’s bigger on the inside. It cannot be confined!

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What is Worship? 8-14-11

If you have ever attended a church service for any length of time you may have come away with and idea of what worship is. But every congregation has its own traditions of what a worship service should or should not include. Each Denomination has its own traditions, protestant and Catholic can’t agree. Should we sing acapella or with instruments? Sing hymns that are more traditional, or contemporary choruses, or even blended songs, or maybe it should be like attending a rock concert? Should we follow a liturgy or lectionary? Should we have communion weekly, monthly, or quarterly? What is worship?

The idea of worship first appears when Cain and Abel make an offering of their first fruit to the Lord in (Gen. 4:3,4). The first place the word “worship” appears is (Gen. 22:5) where it talks about when Abraham was asked by God to sacrifice Isaac. The word worship literally means to “bow down” in submission, even in the Greek NT.

The word “praise” means to “confess and give thanks.” It first shows up when Judah is born whose name means praise. Worship is expanded through Moses and later completed through Solomon when a Temple is built in Jerusalem.

First century Jewish worship involved bringing offerings to the second Temple in Jerusalem, but after its destruction in 70ad offerings ceased and the synagogue replaced it and prayer replaced sacrifices. Even today the synagogue is called temple.

First century Christians did go to the Temple for worship while it stood, but not to bring offerings, but after its destruction worship was confined to homes and even the catacombs.
Interestingly, this past week marked the destruction of the two Temples in Jerusalem.

Jesus was asked about worship in the Gospel of John chapter 4 by the infamous Samaritan woman at the well John 4:20-24 "Our fathers worshiped in this mountain, and you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship." 21 Jesus said to her, "Woman, believe Me, an hour is coming when neither in this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, shall you worship the Father. 22 "You worship that which you do not know; we worship that which we know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 "But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. 24 "God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." The word “worship” is used 10 times here.

What is Jesus saying about worship?
1. It is not confined to or defined as a location or a building.
2. The Holy Spirit is involved.
3. Worship expresses the Truth.

Paul was revolutionary in changing the mindset about how we were to view the temple as a place of worship. Paul said that “believers” are the “Temple of the H.S.”
1 Corinthians 3:16-17 Do you not know that you are a temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? 17 If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are.

So what is worship? Singing can be used to express worship. Praying can also express worship. Proclaiming the truth of the Gospel is also worship. Sacrificial giving is an act of worship. Many times what we have today in any given church service is an attempt on the part of believers to define what worship is. The focus of true worship is always God and our relationship to Him and with other fellow believers. Praise does not mean fast music and worship does not mean slow music. All songs should involve praise and worship.

Which comes first, worship or scripture? Worship is formed out of the truths of scripture. Without scripture we wouldn’t know what worship is. Worship is an extension and an expression of the truth presented in scripture. If you fail to properly interpret or understand scripture you will not be able to truly worship in a way or form that is pleasing to God. You will worship a God that doesn’t exist.
Culture does not form worship nor are we to be conformed by it. Culture is transformed through worship. We do not look to our culture to define what appropriate forms of worship are; otherwise it will turn into entertainment not worship. The congregation will become the audience and the altar the stage.

If we are the Temple of the Holy Spirit, then we must consider our bodies and what we do with it to be an act of worship. Romans 12:1 I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

I believe that when we gather to worship that it becomes the “classroom of the Holy Spirit.” This is a time of learning. Matthew 18:20 For where two or three have gathered together in My name, there I am in their midst."

Hebrews 13:15 Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, to confess with the fruit of our lips and give thanks to His name.

James 4:10 Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.

At the end of time all people and nations will humble themselves and worship before Jesus
Romans 14:11 For it is written, "As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow and worship Me, and every tongue shall give praise to God."

The Bible records worship in heaven Revelation 5:11-14 11 And I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne and the living creatures and the elders; and the number of them was myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands, 12 saying with a loud voice, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing." 13 And every created thing which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them, I heard saying, "To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever." 14 And the four living creatures kept saying, "Amen." And the elders fell down and worshiped.

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“Taking A Step Forward” 8-7-11

Is there anything that happens in our life of any significance that doesn’t first require an action and a willingness to act on our part? Most of the greatest events in the Bible did not occur without someone first acting before God acted.

Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, for he who comes to God must first believe that He is, and believe that He is a rewarder of those who earnestly seek Him.

Joshua 3:13 And it shall come about when the soles of the feet of the priests who carry the ark of the LORD, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan shall be cut off, and the waters which are flowing down from above shall stand in one heap."

James 1:5-8 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, 8 being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

Matthew 14:28-29 And Peter answered Him and said, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water." 29 And He said, "Come!" And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus.

Noah had to build the ark before God sent the flood. Abraham had to be willing to offer his son Isaac up before God blessed him. Moses had to first stretch forth his staff.

Necessary Steps to take
1 – Acknowledge God’s presence and His will in our life.
2 – Know the right thing to do.
3 – Be willing to act on and obey God’s Word in His timing.
Be looking for the signs along the way!
Begin to take baby steps!

So how do we know what is the right thing to do?

James 4:17 Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do, and does not do it, to him it is sin.
John 16:13 But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.

Romans 8:14-16 For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba! Father!" 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,

Sometimes God gives you a clear direction. Most times He wants us to step out and trust Him and He will begin to reveal His will as you step out. Sometimes, we even have to be forced and challenged to take a step in the right direction.

Doing the right thing is seldom easy. Most times we just want to stay in our comfort zone and do what is familiar and easier. That’s never what God calls us to do. We are always in-between doing what’s easier and popular and doing what’s right. It’s always easier going the direction the crowd is going, rather than blazing a new trail. The road is wide and easier that leads in the wrong direction, but narrow is the way that leads to God.