A Call To Serve God More...

I pray this letter finds you all doing well serving the Lord. I pray that we will all be mindful of the opportunities the Spirit may lead us to, but also of our adversaries, namely the world, the flesh, and the devil, of whom we contend against.

Serving with fellow church members, of who are my brothers and sisters in Christ, in Mexico for a week stirs my senses to be more aware of the spiritual warfare that surrounds each and every one of us on a daily basis. Not only do we contend with a world system made of unsaved souls who desire not to serve the risen Saviour, we must rely on being obedient to the Spirit of God to make us mindful of Satan’s devices, not putting confidence in our sinful flesh which all too often leads us astray from the things of God.

Dear friends, we must be willing to place our faith in Christ and serve Him with our whole hearts. Too often I find myself wasting precious time that could be used getting to know my God and strengthening my faith. We cannot contend for the faith if we are unwilling to talk with our King (prayer), mediate upon his Word (Scripture), and put into action that which His Spirit shows us. We cannot allow temporal things to cloud our judgments, hindering us from receiving the wisdom of God that gives us strength and power in spiritual battles.

Our paying lip service to the things of God serves no purpose with man nor with God, for we are but one that neither believes nor cares for even that which we say. For, if we truly loved God, our family and friends, and desired not that one should taste the torments of eternal condemnation, would not our faith move us to witness that which we claim to believe?

You, my friend, may find yourselves doing just that, serving God to your fullest, and to that I say praise God, may you continue steadfast. But, for us (yes, me included) that are not completely using our time wisely, and all to often appear to get sidetracked by the woes and cares of this world, we need to repent (turn away from) those things which may not be sin, but yet hinder us from heading head strong into service for God, putting His will above our own.

Do you desire to know God? Do you desire to serve God? Do you desire to share His Word with others? These are questions that we all need to ask ourselves, being honest with ourselves and God with our answers. If yes, then we must then ask ourselves as to what are we presently doing for the cause of Christ. If no, we must purge ourselves of sin by repentance, seeking the forgiveness of Christ, then moving forth in obedience to the pressing of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Do we not know ‘every one of us shall give account of himself to God?’ [Romans 14:12] May we all live a testimony well pleasing in His sight!

God Bless,

A Little More Expounding on 1 Corinthians 3:1-15

1 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. 2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. 3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? 4 For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?

According to verses 1-4, when we have not progressed in our spiritual walk, but continue with envy, strife, and divisions we are being carnally minded.

Hebrews 5:12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. 13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

1 Peter 2:1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, 2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: 3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

Ephesians 5 speaks of the relationship of the husband and the wife, as the relationship of Christ and the church. As the church, we are to submit ourselves to Christ because He loves us and gave Himself for us. His desire is to present us without blemish, cleansing us by ‘the washing of water by the word.’ Just as we are to grow closer to our spouse by taking time to intimately know them, so must we desire to ‘grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ’ to ‘beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.’ [2 Peter 3:17-18] A marital relationship can’t simply stay at the same stage as when two people first met, and neither can our relationship with Jesus Christ remain the same as the day we were saved. We must mature in our love and knowledge of the things of God through the study and meditation of His Word.

4 For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? 5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?

We have to guard ourselves from becoming –ites. It is okay to say ‘my pastor is Bro. Martin’ and that ‘I attend Fellowship Baptist Church’ but we must remember the gospel message of Jesus Christ is about His death, burial, and resurrection, not about our pastor and our church. When we witness, we are to share with persons the Word of God, not try to convert them to be Southern Baptist on their door step. We should support our pastor and our church, but we must guard against simply becoming a follower of a man (any man). We are to be followers of Christ, but testing all things against the Scriptures. 2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.

As Christians we are to be about witnessing and spreading the gospel message to those around us. As the parable of the sewer (or the seed) [Matthew 13, Mark 4, Luke 8] the seed may indeed fall upon various grounds, but how then shall the seed find the good ground unless we are willing to plant and water with the abilities God has given us? We shouldn’t choose by outward appearance to where or whom to plant and water, but obey the moving of the Holy Spirit.

7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. 8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.

As Christians we must be conscious that we do not allow pride to have us see ourselves as higher than all other Christians and better than all sinners, for we will become self Pharisaical making ourselves of no profitable use to the cause of Christ. We must remember that by grace through faith we have been converted – by God – ‘Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.’ [Titus 3:5-7] For it is Christ who is the ‘author and finisher of our faith’ knowing He which hath begun the a good work in us continues to work in us to do His good pleasure. We have not made ourselves saved, nor can we make someone else saved. We must present the gospel, pray, and trust the Spirit of God will move in the hearts of people.

This also does not mean our service to God means nothing, for Romans 10 shows God uses men to further the gospel in that it ask ‘how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent?’ And here in 1 Corinthians 3 and verse 13 it declares, ‘Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is,’ and so shall there be reward and loss based on our honest deeds toward God and the spreading of His gospel message. Honest deeds means our heart also, not just what we see each other do on the outside, for the Pharisees appear good on the outside but were corrupt within. [Matthew 23:27]

What this does mean is that we are not the focal point, nor is it us or our ideas which save the lost. God and His gospel of Jesus Christ is the focal point, and He is the one who saves sinners. I mean, what is it that we plant and water? We must choose to plant and water that which God has provided, for if not, we will sin in planting and watering with man-made ideas and quick ‘easy believism’ schemes which may show numbers, but not truly converted hearts.

9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.

The only way that we can be ‘labourers together with God’ is to preach and teach the same gospel message He has already declared through Jesus Christ. Paul declares unto us the gospel in 1 Corinthians 15, but also elsewhere throughout Scripture. Verse 11 states, ‘For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.’ Paul says in Galatians 1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

Just as 2 Timothy 2:16 following telling us to study the Word in verse 15, says ‘shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.’ How are we to witness to others and avoid deceit unless we grow from being babes in Christ and keep ourselves from being carnally minded?

We must humbly submit ourselves to the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to work through us, using that which He has given us through Scripture, so that we will grow as Christians, souls will be saved, lives changed, and God receives all of the glory. We do not glory in ourselves when a soul comes to Christ, but glory in the One who has opened our eyes to see and our ears to hear, the One who has given us the seed and the water and works in us to plant and water wherever His Spirit shall lead us, that others may come to know Him also.

Plant, Water, God Gives the Increase (as given in La Ciudad, Mexico)

1 Corinthians 3: 1-15

According to verses 1-4, when we have envy, strife, and divisions we are being carnally minded.

As in verse 4, ‘one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos,’ we must remember we have not come to convert the people of La Ciudad to Baptist or even Southern Baptist, but are here to present to them the ‘good news’, praying the Spirit of God will convict them of sin, grant them repentance, and regenerate them to become followers of Christ. To think otherwise is to be carnally minded.

Verse 6 says, ‘I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.’

As Christians we are to be about witnessing and spreading the gospel message to those around us. As the parable of the sewer (or the seed) the seed may indeed fall upon various grounds, but how then shall the seed find the good ground unless we are willing to plant and water with the abilities God has given us? We shouldn’t choose by outward appearance to where or whom to plant and water, but obey the moving of the Holy Spirit.

Verse 9 says, ‘For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.’

As Christians we must remember that by grace through faith we have been converted – by God – ‘Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.’ For it is Christ who is the ‘author and finisher of our faith’ knowing He which hath begun the a good work in us continues to work in us to do His good pleasure.

For this cause, we see in verse 7, ‘So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.’ This does not mean our service to God means nothing, for Romans 10 shows God uses men to further the gospel in that it ask ‘how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent?’ And here in 1 Corinthians 3 and verse 13 it declares, ‘Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is,’ and so shall there be reward and loss based on our honest deeds toward God and the spreading of His gospel message. Honest deeds means our heart also, not just what we see each other do on the outside, for the Pharisees appear good on the outside but were corrupt within.

What this does mean is that we are not the focal point, nor is it us or our ideas which save the lost. God and His gospel of Jesus Christ is the focal point, and He is the one who saves sinners. I mean, what is it that we plant and water? We must choose to plant and water that which God has provided, for if not, we will sin in planting and watering with man-made ideas and quick ‘easy believism’ schemes which may show numbers, but not truly converted hearts. Verse 11 states, ‘For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.’

The only way that we can be ‘labourers together with God’ is to preach and teach the same gospel message He has already declared through Jesus Christ. We must humbly submit ourselves to the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to work through us, using that which He has given us through Scripture, so that souls will be saved, lives changed, and He receives all of the glory. We do not glory in ourselves when a soul comes to Christ, but glory in the One who has opened our eyes to see and our ears to hear, the One who has given us the seed and the water and works in us to plant and water wherever His Spirit shall lead us, that others may come to know Him also.

Whence Cometh Wisdom

One of my favorite passages of Scripture, and seemingly often quoted by others is Proverbs 3:5, 6.

5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

These two verses share with us some great truths, about trusting and acknowledging the things of the LORD over our own thoughts. Have you ever continued to the next two verses?

7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. 8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.

Here the Scriptures tell us that we are not to be wise in our own eyes. In fact, it goes on to declare that if we fear the LORD and depart from evil, it will bring us health to our physical bodies.

If we are honest, most of us believe we have it all figured out, and seldom wish to adhere to the wisdom of others (of those proven to be wise). This can be seen in our children, as they develop from kids into teenagers and into adulthood, but seldom ceases to exist even as we grow older knowing better than to think we are a “know it all.” It usually isn’t until failure or disaster comes that we may momentarily come to realize that we don’t quite know all there is to know. Sometimes even then we fail to admit it, but simply cast blame elsewhere or reason away why it appears we don’t know as much as we claim to.

In and of ourselves we do not know how to trust in the LORD and not in ourselves, nor do we desire to depart from evil and to allow the LORD to direct our paths.

Whence Cometh Wisdom? From one greater than ourselves!

Maybe David said it best in Psalm 51:

He comes before God in humility, acknowledging his sin, and asking God to show him mercy he knows he does not deserve. He pleads with God to cleanse him of sin, to make him righteous before His eyes; for he knows he is unable to do this himself. He knows God desires truth to dwell within us, and acknowledges that it is God alone who causes us to know wisdom. It is God who gives man a clean heart, and quickens the spirit of fallen man to make it right.

Scripture declares multiple times, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.”

“Be not wise in thine own eyes,” but seek it from the LORD. Take a moment to read Proverbs 2. Here is just a taste:

1 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; 2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; 3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; 4 If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; 5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.

As a Christian, knowing we could do nothing to save ourselves from the depravity which bound us to sin, being freed only through trusting in the wisdom of God by putting faith in Jesus Christ, how is it then that we so proudly claim we can be wise by any means other than obeying and fellowshipping with God in prayer and through His Word? Then, and only then, shall we be granted His wisdom, if we shall repent and trust in Him over ourselves.

Prodigal Prayers

This past Sunday our pastor preached a sermon on the passage of the prodigal son, which he entitled The Prodigal Sons (notice the ‘s’). The sermon referenced the actions of both sons: The son who took his inheritance and left, eventually returning, and the son which stayed with the father, as recorded in Luke 15, notably in verses 11-32.

Today I wanted to give emphasis on the Prodigal Prayers we most often pray as Christians, compared to the Righteous Prayers we should consider more worthy to be offered.

The prodigal prayer goes as follows: “Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me.”

Now, what portion of goods did this son mean? Was it not the inheritance in which he would receive upon his father’s death? Therefore, his selfish desires pushed all wisdom aside, giving over to the “I want my way now” attitude, caring not for the wishes of his father.

How often do we, as Christians, selfishly pray and demand that God do that which we voice to Him in prayer? How often are our prayers filled with what we want done, and seldom about the will of God?

It is not necessarily wrong to pray asking God to heal the sick, to help others, and to help us with wisdom in our emotional, physical, financial, and spiritual needs. We just need to realize that we easily become selfish in our prayers by asking all these things of God, never considering His will, not realizing we have taken the glory from God and given it to what we would like to have done.

Scripture declares: “seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Therefore, we must adhere to the fact that we must first seek the will of God over our own wills concerning our prayer life. Remember Romans 8:28, and recall we are to adhere to the Spirit in prayer, for we know not what to pray for.

Recount the son’s prayer “when he came to himself”: “Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.”

Here we see a couple of things:
1. Confesses he is a sinner and has sinned.
2. Repents by turning from his wicked ways, and returning to that which is right.
3. Requests to be made as a servant, one who is obedient and cares for the will of their master (father) over their own will.
4. Faith exercised in knowing his father had the power and would do so.

Consider your prayer life, and ponder if by chance it is full of merely Prodigal Prayers.

Bitterness

“lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled”

Bitterness may be defined as, “a feeling of deep and bitter anger and ill-will,” and is a powerful enemy of charity and Christian living.

Scripture declares, “grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.”

Bitterness may arise from burdens, criticism, denial of faults, feeling uncomfortable, unforgiveness, and comparing ourselves to others, failing to acknowledge our own sin, along with many others.

We must not allow bitterness to have its way in our lives, for “any root of bitterness springing up trouble” in us, opens the door “thereby many be defiled.” Do we really want to be the reason that many become defiled?

Yes, there may be things that happen in life, that cause us to distance ourselves from other persons and certain things, but we are still to “be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.”

“Be ye angry, and sin not” is not permission to have “a feeling of deep and bitter anger and ill-will” towards someone. For Christ, beaten and suffering, hung upon the cross of Calvary, as a substitute Lamb, crying, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”, and the following verses of Ephesians 4:26 & 27 say, “let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.” Bitterness is giving “place to the devil”, by allowing our anger of sin to grow into “a feeling of deep and bitter anger and ill-will” against person(s) or thing(s), without ever granting forgiveness. Remember, it doesn’t matter if one deserves it, for neither have we, yet Christ has forgiven.

Although, persons and circumstances in our lives may cause us difficulties, whereby the soil of our hearts may become ground for the seeds of bitterness, it is us who nourish the vines of bitterness to grow. Further allowing it to attach itself to those around us, till it takes root so deep, no one can tell from whence it has come. We must allow the Gardner to keep the seeds of bitterness from our soil, for which His seed is made. And if by chance, we have allowed the vines of bitterness to grow above our eyes to see past it, we need only to plead to the Gardner, to clean us as only He knows how.

Put away the seed of bitterness from you, and “be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.”

Burdens

Burdens, of various types, can bring us down into depths of sorrow, if we are not careful to keep our eyes focused on God. They come in many different forms, being brought on by ourselves or others, and can catch us most unaware; especially if we fail to notice or address the signs at the onset. How quickly bags of leaves can become lead weights upon our backs.

• Some burdens are self induced, by sin in our lives, and failing to obey the Word of God.
• Some burdens are created by what others do in sin, which personally affect us.
• Some burdens are created by what we see around us, in people’s lives, our churches, the communities, our country, and the world.
• Some burdens are shared, when we are in a position or asked to pray for, counsel, witness, or help someone (whether unaware to them or by their asking).

When we become burdened down in the trials and worries of this life, we must not allow our pity party to keep us from God. God is still on the throne, and has promised, “that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” We must remember that Christ laid down His life, that we might be saved. He will not forsake us, but has said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” The Holy Spirit also is here, whereby we are “sealed unto the day of redemption.” He is a Comforter to us, if we would only trust in Him. We must reject the works of the flesh, and embrace the fruit of the Spirit.

Something I think we often miss, when we become overwhelmed with our own burdens, is that everyone around us has burdens of their own to endure. At the very moment one finds time to comfort us, their own hearts may be heavy with burdens. Have you ever considered the heart of the pastor, who may carry the burdens of the whole church? Why do we have the right to enjoy a self indulgent pity party, when there are many persons which we could possibly help, suffering the weight of burdens also? Are we any more deserving than them? Are we any more deserving than Christ, whom suffered and gave Himself ransom for our sins, on the burden of the cross of Calvary? Who then was there to give Him comfort? Yet, He has promised to give us “the peace of God, which passeth all understanding.”

I am not saying that some burdens are not more grievous than others, trust me, I know. We are asked to “Bear ye one another's burdens”, and so we must, that the whole body of Christ (each person) may have their needs met.

We cannot allow our own burdens to keep us from listening to the Spirit of God, and continuing to do the work we are called to do. There is hope if “in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”

Critical Teardown versus Constructive Criticism

To criticize someone is quite easy to do. All one must do is observe another person long enough, and we could quickly become critical of that person, their ideas and their actions. If we take notice of ourselves, we may find that this practice, most often, comes about when we do not particular like a person, when we are jealous of this person, or when we simply just think mighty highly of ourselves over another person; especially in times that we may find ourselves disagreeing with this person, whereas others (we wish were on our side) lean more toward them, rather than us.

The problem with being entirely critical of someone else (deeds or actions), is that, in and of itself, does not bring forth anything positive or productive for the one we view with a critical eye, nor for our own humility, nor for those which observe our gossip of the situation from the sidelines.

Criticizing and being critical of another, again, is easy to do, and is sometimes done without even taking thought to the fact that it is being done. Especially when one is fixed upon boosting their own self pride and image, we may fail to see the destructive nature in simply having the critical eye fixed upon everyone but ourselves.

“Criticism voiced out of self-interest or competition may be destructive.”

Constructive Criticism, on the other hand, can be both positive and productive, to both the one and the other, and their relationship. This not only points out a “negative”, but gives a “positive” solution to help improve and/or correct; therefore, helping an individual better themselves (physically, emotionally, spiritually) with encouragement from one they can trust, because the person has shown a love and desire for the improvement of the person, and not simply a selfish desire to merely point out their “flaws”, to only have themselves appear better, can be beneficial to all persons.

We all have places that need constructive criticism, from a pure heart, with a pure desire to want us to succeed in growing as persons and Christians.

Scripture declares, “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” Meekness: “humbly patient; longsuffering”

“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”

Next time you look around that beam, take a moment to see if you are about to perform a Critical Teardown versus Constructive Criticism.

The Hidden Gospel

2 Corinthians 4:

3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:

4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.

6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

We, as Christians, sometimes do not seem to understand why a person may not want to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ, may even despise or viscously reject it, or simply file it into a category of legend and fairy tales, but we should not allow the rejection to enrage us to ungodly behavior of instant hate and equally vial speech towards them. A rejection of the call to the gospel is a rejection of Christ, not us; for we cannot give salvation or take away sin of anyone. All we can do is proclaim the gospel message as prescribe by Scripture.

We must take into account the above Scripture, that “the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not”. Why would Satan want to blind them? “Lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.”

We must pray that the Holy Spirit will convict them of sin and their need of Christ, for our preaching alone is not enough to save anyone, for it is written, “the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”

Scripture declares, God has said, “I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live”, so neither should we take joy in such, but should gladly proclaim the gospel.

Pray for the unbeliever that the Spirit will move them to repentance, and live your life as a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ, that others may see Him in you. Don’t help Satan hide the gospel.

Seeing Our Sin In Others

I initially thought of this concerning one point, but now I believe I have come to realize two observations which can be taken from this thought. Or, at least I have been thinking of the following:

1] Scripture speaks about getting the beam out of your own eye before trying to get the mote out of another’s eye [Matthew 7]. With this in mind, and the observation that most of us find it easier to locate, examine, and point out another’s faults (sins) over our own, I would like to consider the idea that maybe we could actually use this to our own benefit.

I realize, at first, this may sound contradictory to Scripture and that I might be suggesting that we should go around judging others and expounding to them concerning all of their sins that they need to repent of. Actually, what I am considering does include judging, but of self with the help of others.

My suggestion to myself is that when I see what I believe to be sin (or more importantly what Scripture deems as sin) in another’s life (by actions seen), I should first examine myself and see if I hold the same sin in my life. If, upon honest examination of myself, I find that I do indeed also have this sin (or thoughts/actions) in my life, I should take what I would rather tell/give the other person and apply it to myself first. By this, I should be able to bring myself to repentance, by reminding myself that I and the one whom I have mentally judged are both sinners and both need repentance toward God and forgiveness of sins we equally commit. This way, I can focus on the fact that I am not okay in my sin or simply better than this person whom I am quick to judge, but that we are both equally short of the glory of God in our thoughts and actions. We both need the grace and mercy of God found in the atonement for sin provided by Jesus Christ, through putting faith in His work and not our own.

2] Another thought I suppose is when we see sins in persons (children or adults) which resemble our own. What I mean is when we see the expressions, thoughts, and actions of children, teenagers, and adults which appeared to be close or (for some reason or another) look up to us as an example. Are we giving them the proper example, or are we causing others to sin because they are watching us and we fail (because we don’t study to know better, or know better but simply fail to act better). Basically are we teaching them to sin or do right by our example?

I realize that their eyes should be on Scripture and the example of Christ, but I dare say there is most likely no one among us that does not look to someone (whether truly consciously or not) and mimic their ideas and actions as our own if we, by chance, consider them to be above us in intelligence, prestige, spirituality, etc. (even though that may only be our personal perception based on nothing at all).


In both of these thoughts, I can’t help but see if we would first examine ourselves with the sin we easily find in others, we could not only help our own spiritual condition and Christian walk, but also find love and compassion to help others with the same.

Prepare, Seek, Do, Teach

For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments. [Ezra 7:10]

1] Prepare our heart.
Our heart can deceive us. Before we can come to the Word of God we must prepare our hearts to be moved and spoken to by the Holy Spirit for the Bible is a spiritual Book and cannot be understood in the flesh. We must repent of sin, pray for understanding, have faith that God’s Word is true, and obey that which we already know to be right.

2] Seek the teachings of the LORD.
When our heart is right with God we can open His Word in prayer and allow the Holy Spirit to guide us unto understanding the things of God. When we trust God’s Word to be truth and obey that which we already know to be right, the Spirit will grant us wisdom into further knowledge of the things of God. When we are given new or greater meaning into the Scriptures we must be willing to accept them as the Word of God.

3] Do what God has shown us.
If we love God and seek for His wisdom and understanding into what is right, the Spirit will give us truth that we must be willing to accept and act upon. Simply saying that something is true and that we should do it is not the same as obedience. To be obedient is to DO what we clearly see as right in Scripture and the knowledge the Spirit has given, but also to NOT DO that which we clearly see as wrong in Scripture and also that which the Spirit may have convicted us about; whether He has personally convicted others or not concerning the same issue.

4] Teach others the truth.
Not only are we to cleanse our heart, seek the things of God, and do them; we are to teach our children and others the wisdom of God found in the Scriptures. Teaching is not demanding others to “do as I say, not as I do”, but showing our lives to be a light unto those in darkness. People are to see Christ in us by our word and deed. We should happily share our testimony of the saving grace we have been given, how it is a joy to love and serve the Lord, and how exciting it is to mediate in the Scriptures and speak to the Lord in prayer.

Is Doctrine Important

The Warning:

Ephesians 4:

14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

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Where is doctrine found?

2 Timothy 3:
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

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How can we learn doctrine?

Epheisians 4:
By pastors and teachers.

2 Timothy 2:
15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

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Why should we learn doctrine?

2 Timothy 2:
16But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

Titus 2:
6 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.
7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.

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How do we test the doctrine we hold and are taught?

Acts 17:
11These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

Why Are We Waiting On Them

Today we hear a lot about asking, pleading, encouraging, and demanding the lost person to repent of their sin, lifestyles, immorality, thoughts, deeds, etc.

I am not against such, except for the demanding part, for it is not for man to demand, but of God whose commands obedience of mankind. We as Christians are to warn those that disobey the commands of God [Ezekiel 3:18-19] and persuade lost sinners to a Savior (Jesus Christ) which can cleanse them from sin and restore fellowship with God [Luke 14:23].

But our preaching of repentance is not first or only to the lost.

2 Chronicles 7:14:
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

We are to repent of sin and live a Christian testimony.

We are to ask, persuade, and pray for brothers and sisters in Christ to repent of sin and live a Christian testimony.

Only then can we go to the lost world and ask them to do that which we honestly believe and do ourselves. We cannot simply use the parent clause, “Do as I say, not as I do.”

Remember Paul says in 1 Corinthians 10:12, Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

Even Christians are still sinners, but have been regenerated and now have God working in us to do that which is right. It is not that we are better than they (the lost) are, but that we are better off because of what Christ has done for us.

Maybe if all of us Christians could get our act together the lost world would see the picture of Christ in us that Christ said should be shinning through.

Lets take a moment to examine ourselves as close as we examine the lost person and lets see what God will do through us.

What Motivates Me As A Christian

What really motivates me as a Christian to witness and do the things of God. Hmmm…

[1] I believe that at conversion, God instilled a desire in me to do that which is well pleasing to Him. I believe through the power of Christ and the working of the Holy Spirit my conscience is pricked toward obedience. True I may not always “feel” like witnessing and I am something lead astray to sin, but even in these times the Spirit hints and urges me that what I am doing is wrong and that I need to be about my Father’s work. Although I may not always submit, I feel his voice is constantly present to lead and turn me. I just wish I obeyed more often even when I don’t “feel” like it. Remember obedience is doing that which we know we should do and not doing that which we know we should not do.

[2] I believe because of regeneration I now have a love for God that compels me to do what is right. When I consider the things that Christ had to endure for my sinful sake, so that I may be made righteous and forgiven of sin, it causes me to love Him more. How I often wish I had a perfect love for both God and man that could force me to do nothing but that which is right in the eyes of Truth. Although this love does motivate me, too often I ponder where I have felled in my love toward both God and man and wish that I could be better. So I try.

[3] When I think of eternity and that I believe hell is real, I am moved with compassion for those which reject the idea of God and refuse to trust in Christ the Savior for forgiveness of sin. I completely acknowledge that I am personally unable to convert them or force them to believe, but it does not change my burden that I wish that it were possible that all that heard the gospel of Jesus Christ would instantly believe and accept Christ as Lord and Savior. Even of those whom the world sees as the most grossly depraved individuals, although I agree that punishment for crimes must be served, I only wish that their soul would be quickened by the Spirit before they leave this mortal world into an eternity of condemnation.

[4] I sometimes ponder the military and those that risk their lives for the protection of others yet do not know the Savior. They serve for the benefit of both Christians and none Christians, yet if they should perish without Christ what benefit is it to them? I wish they would believe.

[5] I sometimes hear a great sermon, or listen to good music and receive a second wind to promote the gospel message and live the Christian life. The emotions although should not, do often play a role in how, why, and when we do things for the cause of Christ. Emotions can be good, but they can be bad. Emotions can cause us to be excited, happy, brave, and ready to perform that which we need to do, but they can also cause us to be depressed, unhappy, fear, and reframe from doing that which needs to be done. And this evolves our lives as a whole and not just Christian witnessing and living.

What motivates you to a desire to do that which is well pleasing in the eyes of God?

I Say It But Don’t Believe It

I was pondering this thought the other day, so I figured I would post it here.

I was wondering how secure people are in their thoughts of God, Scripture, Christianity, and what they believe. I realize as Christians we do not know everything concerning these topics, but I am speaking of the things that each individuals claims to know and believe.

Are people merely hypocrites meaning they say they believe something but in the quietness when they are alone they really ponder the thoughts that they in fact do not believe things they tell others they do?

My belief is that if you do not believe something, question it, admit you don’t believe it, and do some study to find out why you should or should not believe it. I don’t think that we should say we believe something simply because of pressure from others that do believe it and/or fear that you will be hackled for believing or not believing something. Most likely you will find people on both sides of every issue.

It does a person no good to claim that they are a Christian, love God, love the Bible, love the church people, etc. if when they are alone or with other friends it is obvious that their claims are hollow.

Sure as Christians we may have doubts of certain things, so admit it, pray about it, talk to someone about it, study the issue, don’t just put on an outward secure look while on the inside you are confused, doubtful, and still searching.

Understood, you may have to find someone you can trust that simply won’t hackle or pressure you into “saying” you believe something simply because they cannot accept that you currently do not believe what they believe or understand something in the same light as they do.

Just be honest with yourself and others. Search to find the answers from God by prayer and study of His Word and from other Christians. If you are unclear or undecided on issues and people do not accept that, just move on to someone that does and that you can discuss things with.

As Christians we will never know everything, but there is no reason to claim that which we do not believe simply to save face or to fit in.

Do We Practice Discriminatory Witnessing

As Christians, how is our burdening for the lost world? I mean really deep down inside of us. Are we discriminatory in our witnessing? You might ask what do I mean by discriminatory in our witnessing.

What I mean is this. What are your initial thoughts of the gospel of Jesus Christ unto salvation and your desire and/or action of witnessing when you see a “hot” looking guy/girl, what about an “ugly” looking guy/girl, what about a “clean cut” looking guy/girl, and what about a “heathen” looking guy/girl?

When we see a person do we find ourselves instinctively without thought placing people into different categories based on preconceived ideas we have already generated in our minds? Does this affect our desire and how we witness or whether we witness to them?

Take the “War on Terror” of today, can we see a Middle Eastern person today and witness to them the same way we witness to an American of our own racial, ethnic background? We should, but do we?

Are we consciously or subconsciously practicing Discriminatory Witnessing in deciding who receives the gospel of Jesus Christ and who does not right here in America?

Girls Gone Wild In The Church

I don’t know if you have ever heard of Girls Gone Wild, but with the television ads and news reports concerning it you may have. If you haven't, it does not contain Christian behavior.

I was recently speaking with a pastor I know and he mentioned that there was a church he knew of (not sure if present or if where he had once been pastor) that a group of older women named themselves Chicks Gone Wild.

Granted I can see where these women may have thought it fun to use such a title, but, honestly, for the cause of Christ?

What are we Christians thinking when we use worldly titles and expressions and bring them into the church for spiritual awareness? Do we honestly think it pleases God to take a known thing (name, etc.) of sin and try to tweak it slightly and add a Christian connotation to it? Let’s face it – that just isn’t right.

Proverbs 14:9, Fools make a mock at sin

Is this what we are doing?

No wonder an unsaved person can feel comfortable at church and never have a desire to trust Christ as their Savior.

God help us!

Hate Speech For Hate Speech : Pleasure In Death

As you may already know Jerry Falwell fell asleep for the last time Wednesday May 15, 2007.

I am honestly not sure what all of Falwell’s personal convictions and teachings were. I am not a Falwell-ite or a Falwell follower so I really don’t know if I personally agree or disagree with all that he stood for and voiced.

With that said, I find it interesting that those who claim he was full of “hate speech” have such “hate speech” against him. I think it is somewhat interesting for one to condemn a person of “hate speech” by using “hate speech”. [see here]

What does this say about individual character? Almost like kids – “They did it first!”

Really I don’t want to focus on the bashing of the “friendly” non-theists here, but us Christians. How do we handle this when we are placed in the same condition?

When the Taliban strikes with hate do we desire justice or do we spue speech like “Just kill them all” meaning all Muslims? I’ve heard a preacher say from the pulpit that we should kill all the “rag heads”. Was it worse that he said such or worse that there were “Amen’s” from the congregation? I’ll let you decide.

While all the screaming of “kill him”, about Sadam, did anyone spend the time to ask God to convict his heart, grant him repentance, and open his eyes to the truth of salvation found in Christ? We are told to [Ezekiel 3; 33].

Sure he deserved to pay for his sins (as we all do), but did you rejoice in your belief of him descending to hell or did it bother you at all even in the slightest of what he may endure for all of eternity? Is it because you are “better” than he?

Let’s take a look at Ezekiel 18:

23, Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: and not that he should return from his ways, and live?

32, For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.

And Ezekiel 33:

11, Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?

The Lord GOD says He has “no pleasure in the death of the wicked”, do we?

Lukewarm Spue

The Scripture: Revelation 3:15-16

15 - I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
16 - So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

These verses are concerning the works of “the church of the Laodiceans”.

I have heard two teachings concerning these verses, but both agree that being lukewarm is not where one who claims to be a Christian should find themselves.

[1] I have heard it said (summarized to my understanding) to be [hot] is to be on fire for God with a witnessing testimony, to be [cold] is to basically act as a lost person with no testimony, and to be [lukewarm] is to be wishy-washy with a hypocrite testimony that neither helps other Christians nor leads the lost world to Christ. The objection (I have heard) to this is that why would God want a Christian to be cold, as the phrase “I would thou wert cold or hot” is used in verse 15.

[2] I have heard it said (summarized to my understanding) to be [hot] or [cold] is to be useful to God (as water is useful in both states) as a good testimony. To be [lukewarm] again is to be no good for service but to bring reproach to the name of Christ.

How are we in the sight of God with our prayer, study, witness, and living?

How do we see ourselves today, right now: hot, cold, or lukewarm

Why Do You Do What You Do?

Just a few quick questions to ask yourself today:

1] Do I read and study my Bible because I need a verse to argue with, or because I love God and want to know more about Him?

2] Do I pray always asking for something from God, without ever thanking or praising Him for what He alreay has done?

3] Do I go to church because I have to or to be seen by others, or because I enjoy the fellowship with other believers and to hear more of my Savior?

4] Do I give to my local church because I feel like I must, or because I love Him whom has given to me so much?

5] Do I sing for recognition from the claps of the congregation, or because I love my Savior and desire to praise His name?

6] Do I witness for the sake of arguing and condeming others, or for the sake of drawing those to Christ by allowing His light to shine through me?

7] Do I call myself a Christian for what God has done for me, or for what I have done for God?

8] Do I really know what others think of my Christianity, or am I too busy telling myself what it is?