What Made the Wise Men wise? Matthew 2

What Made the Wise Men wise?

Prior to the arrival of the Messiah's birth the wise men mentioned in Matthew 2 already had the title of being Wise Men. There is no doubt these men were highly trained, skilled, and intelligent. People respected these men who were held in high esteem for their knowledge and class. But, what was it about these men that made them wise? Was it all the things they had been taught in their lifetime? Was it some type of mystical aura about them that made them wise? Was it their ability to maybe predict the future? Was it their skill in math and science, which very few ever seem to master? All of these undoubtably added to their wise stature, but wasn't the things that made them wise. What made them wise was their keen awareness of what was around them, which led them to act. In other words, their wisdom flowed from the fact they were able to hear and see truth and act in accordance to what they had seen and heard. They saw a star. It wasn't just any star to them. In fact, the star that lit up the night was a sign for the king of the Jews, which was prophesied about in Numbers 24:17. Also, as they pursued where this star was, they entered in Jerusalem asking where the prophets predicted this King's birthplace. They were told Bethlehem. They heard the answer and went to Bethlehem. Prior to leaving the place where the baby Jesus resided, they were warned in a dream not to return the same way they came. They heard what to do and acted in accordance to what they were told. This is what made the wise men truly wise.

Later on in Matthew 8:24, Jesus will say, "Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock." The context of Jesus' statement came in the discourse in the Sermon on the Mount. However, the truth in which he espouses coincides to that of the wise men. They had read about the truth of the star of Jacob. They had believed they had seen the star. They had left to pursue the place where the king would be. They continued to follow the prophecy of this king, which led them to Bethlehem. Being warned in a divine dream not to return the same way, they departed and used an alternate route. They were able to hear truth and act in accordance to that truth. This is what makes wise men truly wise. Are you wise? Am I wise?

Today we live in a world where people think they are wise, smart, intelligent, knowledgeable. You could say they are modern day wise men and women who are experts in their fields, best in their class, salesmen of the year, compute and engineering geniuses, or multi-millionaires. Nevertheless, this does not make anyone wise. What makes them wise is the ability to hear and see truth, and respond to that truth in a positive way. This again, is what makes wise men truly wise!

We Have All We Need

2 Peter 1:3-4

3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence,
4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.

Christ's divine power has granted to us everything that pertains to us living and living godly. This divine power is given through the knowledge of Jesus. In order to embrace life to the fullest and live like we were created and designed to live, we must understand Jesus; who he was and how he lived. Also, in order for us to please God our maker we must constantly increase our knowledge of Christ. And it is Jesus who called us to his own glory. In other words, this knowledge is not a vain knowledge or empty one, but rather it is an intimate, glorious, personal, and good knowledge of Jesus. Accompanied with this glorious and transforming knowledge of Jesus, is promises. Through these promises believers become partakers of the divine nature and able to escape the corruption that is in the world. Basically what Peter points out for the believer is that we have divine power (in Christ) through this divine knowledge (of Christ), therefore we have been given a divine nature (like Christ) that is able to be untainted from the sinful nature of the world and its immoral passions. Believers can live for, unto, and like Christ given the fact they have his power, knowledge, and nature living inside of them. This is why Peter goes on to say and encourage the believers to continue to add to their faith. 

What Gospel have you Responded to?

Our response to the gospel, or the way we live our lives after hearing the gospel, is an indication on what we understood and heard the gospel to be. In other words, how we live and behave after having made a decision or commitment to the gospel is indicative of the gospel we heard. For example, if we hear the gospel according to 'easy believism', which speaks of Jesus being Savior, but not Lord; the results of that gospel may be a contrite prayer over their initial conviction of sin, but a life which continues to be lived for and to their self. 

If one hears the gospel according to 'good works', which teaches one must do good deeds in order to earn heaven and be saved; the results from this gospel is a good moral and decent life lived unto God for entrance into heaven. In many cases and circles this gospel is in addition to the gospel according to Christ's sacrificial death and supernatural resurrection. Therefore, the gospel according to 'good works' diminishes what Christ did and propels 'works' as being salvific. The other result of this gospel is insecurity. There is no security for a person to know whether or not he or she has done enough good works to inherit heaven. Peace and Joy and the hope of heaven are nowhere to be found within this gospel. 

Another gospel that is being propagated is the gospel according to 'prosperity and wealth'. This gospel teaches that God is a genie in the bottle and if you worship and serve him the right way you will have economic prosperity and physical vitality. The results of this gospel is people giving away what they have now in order to receive more of a bountiful blessing God will reciprocate and give them back. Therefore, people give in order to get, rather than giving cheerfully, sacrificially, and completely. If economic hardships do arise of physical ailments occur, this gospel teaches much like Job's friends taught; that person who is experiencing such things must have sinned. 

Last, a gospel becoming more prominent today is the gospel according to 'social liberation'. This gospel teaches a corporate salvation when everyone works together to transform a city and community through healing and aiding social ills. Social ills include poverty, homeless, jobless, abused and neglected women and children, diseases, and eliminating the greedy rich. This gospel looks much like the 'good works' gospel, but this is more corporate in nature rather than individualistic. The proponents for this gospel are usually your secular progressives who seeks to have a utopia society. Other proponents are liberal theologies and Christian sects who have the same desires these secular progressives have, therefore they want to partner with these in order to rid society's ills. The problem with these liberal Christians, is they see riding society of its ills and working to transform communities and societies is salvation. They disregard what Jesus actually came to do (die for the sins of the world), rather they focus on how Jesus served and cared for the poor, outcast, sick, and prisoner. 

But, in the opening of Peter's first letter to the exiles of the dispersion, he writes about the salvation Jesus brought in his life, death, and resurrection. Peter makes many remarks about this gospel. First, he writes about God's great mercy he had on people by causing them to be born again through Jesus Christ. Second, this mercy and grace was accompanied by an inheritance that is 'imperishable, undefiled, and unfading' and waiting to be revealed at a later time. Third, trials which test their faith, are reasons, Peter writes, for them to praise and glory in Christ and the gospel. It is because of these trials their faith is tested and proved to be genuine. Fourth, Peter ends his introduction by explaining how the prophets of old who prophesied about this gospel and salvation searched diligently and inquired meticulously, in order for them to serve future believers who would hear and respond to this gospel. 

The results of this gospel, the gospel according to 'Jesus Christ', is what Peter outlines throughout the remaining letter. A few results would suffice for now. One is those who respond to this gospel will prepare their minds for action. They will place their thoughts fully on the gospel of Jesus which brought grace into their lives. Concentrating and thinking upon this gospel constantly will produce a life of gratitude. Second, this gospel results in holy living, rather than in vile and immoral living as before this gospel. Last, I will quote from verse 22 of chapter 1, "Having purified your should by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart..." In other words, one who responds to the gospel according to 'Jesus' will continue to purify their hearts through obeying the truth, the word of God. This obedience to the truth will produce love for people, a love for truth, and a love for obeying the truth. 

It is within this gospel, grace and mercy are overflowing. Transformation of an individual becomes a reality, which projects from ones life impacting those around them. Those who respond to this gospel participate in good works and in mercy ministries. Why? To be saved? No. But, because this what one does who has been transformed by the gospel of grace and redemption according to 'Jesus Christ'. Therefore, these people do these things because they are saved, not to be saved or reach some type of utopia that leads to salvation. These people seek the welfare and wellbeing of the city in the name of Jesus, not in the name of injustice. 

Hopefully, you can see that people's actions and response to a gospel is indicative of what the gospel is they are responding to. Which gospel have you responded to? 

To do? or Not to do? James tells us to do!

James 4:17 "So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it for him it is sin."

This is a fairly strong verse given the fact that most of us know the right thing and things to do, yet fail to do them all the time. For instance, there are times (I must admit because it is the right thing to do) where I pass over a piece of trash or clothes knowing I should help my wife and put them away, but walk away from them, leaving them for Joannie to pick up and put away. That is sin. There may be times where we see someone in need whether it be material, physical, or emotional, but fail to meet that need. This is sin according to the Bible. 

With Thanksgiving quickly approaching, the right thing to do is love, be gracious, and encourage my family. But if Thanksgiving comes and goes and I have fought with my family, yelled at my family, told them how ignorant they are (Not that I tell them they are ignorant), etc..., I will have failed at doing the right thing. As a result I would have sinned. 

The list could go on and on and on about knowing what the right things are, but failing to do them. Let us approach today, as well as this week, with this thought in mind, "whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it for him it is sin." Let us guard our life from sinning and disobeying the only holy, good, and gracious God; rather let us do as James has encouraged earlier in v7-10 in chapter 4, 

"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.
Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be
turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you."  

How to Train Your 'Dragon' Tongue: James 3:1-12

How to Train your 'Dragon' Tongue
James 3:1-12

21st Century uses of tongue:
- mouths (obviously)
- media
- social media; such as Facebook, myspace, twitter, blogging, etc.
- technology- texting, mms-ing, youtube, etc    


* The Tongue is a Rudder Guiding the Direction of the Body

* The Tongue is a Fire Able to Destroy a Body

* The Tongue is a Poisonous Evil Able to Kill

* The Tongue is A Double Personality Disorder that is Inconsistent 


This is a picture of the tongue and the power of the tongue. The tongue guides a person's life. A persona can receive or not receive based upon the tongue. The tongue has the ability to talk a person into or out of a job. 

The tongue is also powerful enough to set a whole forest on fire. It has the power to spread destruction throughout a body. Not just an individual personal body, but a corporate body, such as a church, group, community, or family. 

Next the tongue is able to kill. It can be full of deadly poison. When used and injected at someone, it can be lethal. The tongue can kill marriages, hopes, dreams, confidence, and trust. It can also physically kill people. Take teen suicide for instance. Many teens commit suicide based upon what their peers have said or the information they are spreading around.

Last the tongue has a personality disorder according to James. With it we bless our Lord and at the same time we curse people, who have been made in the image of God. With our tongue we say prayers, sing songs, and profess our faith. Within the same mouth we curse and swear at people, yell at our wives, slander our brothers, and gossip about others. 

Simply James give us two ways to train our mouth. First, James tell us to be cognizant about the potential misuse and ungodliness that can come out of our mouth. James says, "My brothers, these things ought not be so." Although I am guilty of what James has described about the tongue, I still have to agree with his sentiments. This should not be befitting to a child of God. We should be better, more godly, and more holy when it comes to the uses of our mouth and the vehicles for our mouth. Know that the misuse, the inconsistency, instability, and the flip-flopping use of the mouth should not accompany believers.

Second, James exhorts us to check the source. James shares two simple questions; "Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water?" "Can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs?" What James is getting at is that sources produce what they are intended to produce. Salt water pours forth salt water, and fresh water produces and pours forth fresh water. On the other hand, olive trees produce olives and grapevines produce grapes. In other words, James is saying if one truly praises God and has a heart change, he will not continue in this unbridled use of the tongue. This person will produce what they are intended by God, their Father, to produce; which is righteous, godly, merciful, and gracious fruit.

In order to train your 'dragon' tongue, be cognizant of the potential your tongue has for ungodliness and guard it as well as check your source. What is in your heart? Have you truly been changed by Christ? Have you made him Lord of your life? Or is he simply a religious ornamental figure you pull out on special occasions? If you struggle with your tongue but you know beyond a shadow of a doubt you know Christ, ask him to, through the Holy Spirit, change you. Also, go to another brother or sister in Christ and ask them to hold you accountable in that area of your life.   

Faith Under Fire

James 1:2-4 "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing."

According to James, the author, trials can come in many different ways and formats. Which ever way they come, James declares there should be one reaction and response to them, and that is joy. We are to count it joy when we face trials. James also explains what these various trials do. They test our faith. So, why should we count it joy when our faith is tested? I believe three answers would suffice.

First, the very fact that one has faith is a treasured gift. The bible teaches that grace comes through faith, and grace is a gift from God. Some even believe God grants the faith to an individual in order to accept the grace he offers through Christ. No matter which side of the coin you fall on, one's faith is a treasured gift, because through your faith who have and experience the grace of God. The sheer fact of one's salvation being tested should bring joy to their life. 

Second, by facing these trials God is able to display his grace and power in your life. As long as we live in this world, we will face trials, and those trials as James points out are many. The first trial in found in Genesis 3, where Satan tempted or tested Eve. Where Satan is loosed in the world trials and testings will be present. By succumbing to the temptation and testing Adam and Eve unleashed a wide variety of trials through sin. No longer is Satan the only one causing rifts and friction within the world. The very nature of man does. Man does evil and wicked deeds towards other men. It can be in a business deal, a relationship, a marriage, a family, a ball team, a community, or a government. In each case when something ungodly takes place towards us, believers, our faith is tested. Also the natural world has been damaged where we face natural disasters. These natural disasters test our faith. Living in a fallen world produces trials, and these trials come quite often. Until we reach heaven and the new restored creation, we will face trials. By facing these trials, God is able to work in and through us to strengthen our faith in him. He is able to put on his display his Spirit, his sovereignty, his love, his grace, his mercy, and his power. As we see God at work in us and around us, our faith is strengthened and we become more steadfast in our faith in God. 

Third, not only is the testing of our faith beneficial for us in that we are able to see God work within us, which strengthens our faith in him, but it is also beneficial in that God works within us to grow us to maturity. I just explained how facing trials allows God to work, which leads to a strengthening and steadfastness in our faith in him. Now, as our faith grows in God, our lives grow closer to God. James explains as our steadfastness of faith grows, and we let it have its full effect, then we will grow up in our faith perfect and complete, lacking nothing. Does James really mean if we grow in our faith and grow closer to God, we will be perfect? No. We will never be perfect this side of heaven. However, we will grow closer and closer to God. As we grow God will continue to conform us into the image of his Son, Jesus. In other words, as we live this life which is filled with trials, testings, persecutions, disappointments, disasters, and heartache, God is working through our faith to continue to add virtue upon virtue.

Today, when we face a trial or trails, let us remember the wise counsel of James, and allow God to work in and around us in strengthening our precious faith as well as growing our lives to be more like him. This is why we can consider it 'pure joy' as we face these trials.  

Sacrifices that are Pleasing to God

Hebrews 13:15-16
"Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God."
- fruit of our lips
- doing good
- sharing what we have

These are three sacrifices the author of Hebrews outlines for believers. These are not a comprehensive list of ways we are to sacrifice to God through Christ, but nevertheless are three simple sacrifices one can do in order to please God. We can sacrifice our words in order to bring God praise. Rather than saying things that will elevate us, cover up God, or degrade others let us be people who produce luscious fruit from our lips. The luscious fruit coming from lips are to be words that acknowledge his name. What are words that can acknowledge his name? Words like 'please' and 'thank-you'. Other words like 'God is so good' or 'Better than I deserve'. Other ways we can acknowledge his name from our lips is saying 'I love you', 'I believe in you', 'God loves you', 'God has a plan and purpose for you', or 'God will be with you'. So today in a conversation look for ways either to subtly or boldly acknowledge the name of our great God, Jesus Christ. 

Not only does the author say we can sacrifice our words in order to acknowledge his name, but we can sacrifice in doing good and sharing what we have. Doing good is more exertion and sharing is more giving what we possess. The beauty is, these two go together. They are inseparable. We cannot do good to someone with sharing with them at least our time. Doing good to someone leads inevitably in sharing with that person our time, talents, or treasures. We can do good to someone by simply spending time with that person encouraging them and listening to them. Good actions can be taking someone to the store who has no car or picking up their children. Giving a gift card to someone and writing 'Just thinking and praying for you' is considered doing something good while at the same time sharing with them. 

Notice what the author says at the end of verse 16, "for such sacrifices are pleasing to God." When we sacrifice our words to lift up the name of Christ, and when we sacrifice our time, talents, and treasures and share them with others by doing good to them, we please God. This is our aim in life, as a believer. We live for his glory and fame. Our lives are tools which work to bring recognition and praise to him. How are we doing in these three very simply, yet extremely important areas? What can we say today to bring him glory? What can we do and share with others that will please him?

How's Your Faith?

Hebrews 11

v4-38 describe the Old Testament people who embodied faith. Out of these verses, twenty-five of them appertain to the era from Able to Moses. Only nine verses cover the span from Israel in Jericho until the end of the Old Testament. I point this out simply to show the weight of the beginning of Scripture. All Scripture is inspired and inerrant. But it seems the beginning books of Scripture is vitally important to understand the whole of Scripture as well as to understand who this God is and what he is seeking to accomplish. Within this history of faith, with the bulk of the people of faith preceding Moses, Abraham stands out as the most notable. He is explained in three different ways he expressed faith in God. First, he expressed faith by leaving and going when God told him, although he did not know where he was going. Second, by faith Abraham lived in the land of promise as a foreigner. And third, Abraham, by faith, went to offer up his son Isaac.

At any point a writer in the New Testament begins to write about faith Abraham is always used as an example of faith. Paul in both Romans and Galatians utilizes the life of Abraham to illustrate saving faith. James in his section of 'faith without works is dead', uses Abraham as the poster child of faith leading to action. If we want to know what saving faith is, faith that is pleasing to God, and faith that leads to action, look no further than Abraham. Abraham is par excellence when it pertains to matter of faith. The most comforting aspect of this truth is Abraham's faults. Although Abraham is the par excellence of faith, he still fell short of perfection. Nevertheless writers of the New Testament look to him and have many positive things to say regarding his life of faith. 

The most sobering aspect of this passage in Hebrews 11 is when the authors concludes his running commentary on the faith of Old Testament saints by expressing, "And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect." In other words, these men lived for what we have and have experienced. We have Jesus. We have experienced his saving and cleansing power. These Old Testament men of faith looked forward in anticipation for their Messiah King. Especially given the context of the letter of Hebrews, the author is basically exhorting the believers who are reading this letter to endure their suffering and the persecution they are facing. The author is expressing the idea that believers today, who have experienced God and his saving power through Christ, can live better, more fruitful, more faith-filled lives given the spiritual landscape of what God has made available through Jesus. So if these Old Testament saints lived in this way, what way should we today be able to live? Just like them if not more!        

Let the Gospel Flow From our Lives!

1:8 "For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything." 

Transformed lives are usually the megaphone for the gospel of Jesus Christ. Here in this particular passage and verse we see where the faith and transformation of believers from Thessalonica went out throughout the region and beyond. 

This is Jesus' desire for people, to be transformed by the truth of the gospel. From the transformed and redeemed people, his desire is for them to live a life which flows from the gospel. This will mean people will turn from their idols and serve the living God. They will empty their baggage of filth, guilt, shame, and sin onto Christ, who died to free people from these things that they might live freely and whole heartily to him.  

What is the gospel doing in our life? Is the gospel dormant? Does the gospel sit there day in and day out really never affecting our behavior, words, or life? Is the gospel alive? Is it changing us on a daily basis? Is the gospel affecting our behavior, words, and life? Is the gospel leaping from us onto others? The gospel, when it truly penetrates and changes a life, produces fruit. This does not mean perfection is attainable, but that we strive to please and be continually conformed into the image of our Savior. 

A penetrating gospel does not mean we will have it all together. It does mean we have a Savior who has implanted within us the Holy Spirit for our lives to be filled with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Are these qualities flowing from our life? Paul in the very first part of the letter to the Thessalonians writes, "For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction." 

The gospel transforms! Simple as that. As we live out today, let us makes sure we live it out through the power of the gospel working in our lives. The gospel, through our lives, will sound forth to the places we go. 

Throwing Away our Past and Pursuing our Future Hope

PHIL 3:1-16; 20-21
The Past He Threw Away because of the Present and the Future He Pursued in the Present

Paul's identity no longer was placed in his past in who he once was. Although he had a past to boast about. He was of the real circumcision party, which was Israel. Paul was an ancestor of the tribe of Benjamin. He was a zealous Pharisee who was extremely skilled in the law. However, in light of all this past, he considered it rubbish, dung, feces because of the surpassing worth, grace, salvation, and identity he had in Christ. The present reality of salvation in Christ overwhelming took over Paul's life in such a way he was willing to throw away the past. His past and who he once was no longer mattered to Paul. What did matter was Christ. Joy and purpose for Paul flowed through knowing Christ and Christ's will for his life. 

In his present reality Paul prayed for him to continue to know Christ. In this pursuit of knowing Christ, Paul prayed for three distinct things, but interconnected with one another, in the pursuit knowing Christ more. First, he prayed he would know the power of (Christ's) resurrection. He wanted to experience the resurrection power that Christ had experienced. Second, Paul prayed this knowing Christ would allow him to share in Christ's suffering. This is a difficult thing to pray for the majority of believers. Obviously Paul knew Christ had suffered prior to the resurrection. The road to experiencing resurrection might be marked by suffering. And here Paul is praying he participate and share in Christ's suffering. How many of us pray like this? I know I do not. The third thing Paul prayed for in the context of the pursuit of knowing Christ was for him to become like Christ in his death. What was Christ in his death? Victor, redeemer, a perfect sacrifice, pleasing aroma to God. Christ completed what God had willed for him to complete. He came to save sinners by being the perfect sacrifice for the sins of the world. 

In other words, Paul is praying that he would emulate Christ, even to the point where he shares in his suffering, completes God's will for his life, so that the resurrection he is looking forward to will be that much sweeter and savory. He is not working for his resurrection. That is already a reality because of his salvation. What Paul is doing is vigorously striving to know Christ, which leads him to taste the future resurrection he will experience.

This future hope was a part of Paul's life that conformed him and shaped him into the person he was the the way he lived. Paul goes on to share with his readers that his desire had not become a reality yet, but that he presses on to obtain it. Paul in pursuing with intensity the thing which Jesus purchased for him, which was salvation, reconciliation, restoration, glorification, which all will be completed in the resurrection. In Paul's vocabulary this is the 'goal' and 'prize' of the upward call of God. Our future hope should become a present reality to us in such a way that our lives mirror this future hope. 


Paul ends this particular context with these words, "But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved."  This is a huge part of Paul's motivation to forgo, forget, and even throw away his past in order to pursue this future that Christ has obtained for him. Paul lived in light of heaven. Notice he did not live to earn heaven. That had already been purchased through Christ. Paul's citizenship was paid for. Now, all that is left is a life of gratitude and service in the kingdom of God. Are we living in light of our future citizenship? Are we striving and pursuing Christ with vigor and intensity? Are we forgetting who we once were in the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ and identifying with him? May today we live in light of what Jesus has done for us as well as live in light of what Jesus has obtained for us in the near future. 

What are We Willing to Risk?

PHIL 2:25-30

Epaphroditus...nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me." (v20)

What are we willing to risk for the gospel? We are a society that is comprised of risk-takers and risk-fearers. Many today seem to fall in the category of risk-fearers. Maybe of a bad experience. It could have been a stock market crash, a housing bubble, an unstable economy, fear of the unknown, rejection, or failure. These and more tend to paralyze people from taking a risk. When it comes to church circles it is not much different. Believers tend to cling to comfort, tradition, and familiarity. It is difficult for many to attempt to risk trying a new method or model of ministry due to familiarity, comfort, and tradition. 

In our church we are gearing up to move our services from our permanent building to a school. There are many good reasons for this move, but it is still a risk that we are making as a church. We believe it is in a better location, with more room to grow, and that it is a more neutral location for potential unchurched people to attend. Obviously the downside is the set-up and portability that we will ensue upon this journey. This is a risk we are willing to take. This is not the only risk we want to take for Christ, but this is a present one. And this risk that we are taking is far less dangerous than the risk Epaphroditus and many of our brothers and sisters around the world are having to make. They are risking their lives for the gospel. Ultimately this is the greatest risk anyone will ever make in their lives. 

When put in perspective, risking moving to another location, becoming portable, trying a different way or method, seeking to implement a different ministry model, trying a new ministry, or spending money in order to try and reach people, are far less risky for the gospel than having to risk your life for the gospel. Here in the comfort of American society, may believers begin to risk more and more for the gospel. May we risk our money, pride, tradition, comfort, and presuppositions for the sake of the gospel. In the end, if we risk these things, will we risk losing our lives as many do each and every day?  

Is the Lord with you?

I have been studying the life of Joseph, which I will preach on this Sunday. One aspect of his life that seems to be very prominent is that God was with Joseph. Everything Joseph did prospered. Whether that was in the context of a slave or a prisoner or ruler over Egypt, one could definitely tell the Lord was with Joseph.

Now the morning I was reading 2 Samuel 3,4, and 5 and came to a verse in chapter 5 that says, "And David became greater and greater, for the Lord, the God of hosts, was with him." And I had to pose the question to myself, "Is God with me?" I know that I am saved, I know that I am a child of God, therefore God is 'with' me. But, what I really want to know is if God is really with me? Is God in control of my life? Is God pleased with who I am, what I am, and what I do? Can people see the hand and presence of God exhibited in my life. Is God a cognitive reality to those I come into contact with?

This is what I mean when I ask "is the Lord with you?" So, as you can see there is a difference between the fact that we are a Christian and that the Holy Spirit lives within us, and us being controlled by Him, living for Him, and exhibiting His presence towards those that may be around us. Let us yield to Him today, so that He might be 'with us'. Let us surrender to Him that He might live through us, so that He may become a cognitive reality towards those we will be around today.

Be Doers of the Word: James 1:22

This week, in my study time, God has really been speaking to me about some areas in my life. One of the prayers that I have is that I never cease to allow the Word of God to affect, convict, sharpen, teach, and apply to me first, ever before I begin to teach it to people. I pray that I would not merely read the word and get a couple of great points, but that I would follow what the Word is saying.

This will be the measuring stick by which we can measure whether or not we are growing in the Lord. Are we applying His word to our lives? Are we allowing the word of God to invade and change our lives? When we listen to preachers and teachers, are we sitting there desiring to take truth away and apply it to our lives? Are we formulating our opinions, experiences, and beliefs on the conclusion we have arrived at, or are we formulating them based upon what the word of God has to say.

Therefore, if one of the ways we, as believers, can please God is by doing what the word says; how are we doing? Remember, if we are not in the word, we cannot do what it says. If we are not listening to the word we cannot do what it says. If we are not studying the word, we cannot do what it says. Will we commit to reading, studying, and listening to the word of God so that we can DO the word of God?

3 Aspects to Jesus' Ministry and the 1st Century Church

Last night I was reading a book titled "Missional Church" and came across a portion in a chapter that I felt was very insightful. The portion of this chapter pointed to three main tasks that Jesus done as well as the 1st Century church. These 3 activities of Jesus and the church was part of their missional strategy.

This morning I received an email blasting me about my failure to lead Life Point to be more seeker friendly. Obviously this person did not know much about the ministry here at Life Point nor about the future direction that Life Point seeks to embrace. But, these 3 activities we see Jesus and the Church involved in are 3 areas I seek to lead Life Point to embrace as well.

First task was that of healing. Jesus went all over the countryside healing every disease and casting out demons. Also, part of his healing was to heal those who were social outcasts from society such as the prostitute, woman at the well, and Zacchaeus. Also, this was a task of the 1st Century Church as well. Peter and Paul is seen healing people and casting out the demonic in various cities. This healing ministry was portals that lead to invitations and teachings on the kingdom of God.

Today, here at Life Point the direction that we will take in order to incorporate this type of ministry and healing aspect will be our Food Pantry, Clothes Closet, Restoration, Reconciliation, Counseling, Job Skill training, Widow, Orphan, and Prison ministries. This will seek to aid people who are hurting and struggling in the areas listed.

The second aspect and task of both Jesus and the 1st Century Church was Preaching. Preaching is the public proclamation of good news to a community of people. The book said, "Ephesians 3:10 claims that it is through the church that the wisdom of God is to be made known to the rulers and authorities. The church publicly announces the reign of GOd because it is an embassy full of ambassadors of the reign of God (2 Cor 5:20)." The book goes on to say, "The church's task of announcing the reign of God will mean moving beyond the four walls of the church building, out of the safe group of people who know and love each other, into the public square. The missional church will be in the world with good news."

As of right now we seek to move outside our 4-walls by our involvement in our local schools, recreation league involvement, and our community events. I still believe we can do a better job in our intentionality about pointing people to the Lord. As I read this statement as well I begin to think of other ways we can engage and our community with this proclamation about the Lord. I thought about using technology and other forms of communication that is used everyday. Such as radio, television, commercials, billboards, and blogs. I saw these avenues, not as avenues to necessarily point people to a church, but point them to a thought. To stimulate their minds and hearts to begin to think about who they are, where they are at, and who God is. This would be a form of Mars Hill like we see in Acts 17. Paul engaged the community and the philosophical and spiritual thought of the day by bridging their world with the world and reality of God.

The last task would be that of teaching. I see this taking part in our corporate gatherings on Sunday morning and as well in our small groups throughout the week. It is the leaderships responsibility to equip the people to do the work of the ministry. One way we do that is through our teaching ministry. Jesus engaged in this task. Probably the most famous is Jesus' Sermon on the Mount where He taught the people what it meant to be citizens in the kingdom of God. 'Missional Church' says, "Those who hear the good news and want to become citizens of the reign of God will need teaching... The Church should not expect new people in its midst to know these things automatically."

This leads me to a foundational and fundamental question; "Who is Sunday's for? The saved people or the lost people?" I say it is for those who are part of the Kingdom of God. This doesn't mean that lost people or unchurched people are not present, nor does it mean that we shouldn't invite them. It does mean that we should invite them to participate and observe other believers in the context of what it means to worship, praise, and hear from God. It is vital that we equip and teach believers what it means to live and be part of the Kingdom of God. We cannot do this effectively by watering down the Word, nor can we do that by becoming seeker-driven by watering down what we do, so that a lost person can understand.

Unless the Father draws them they will not come to God, and unless the Spirit of God gives them wisdom and understanding to comprehend, they will not. Therefore it is extremely important for us who are part of the Church, the Kingdom, the Reign and Mission of God to participate in these 3 tasks; healing, preaching, and teaching. Healing and Preaching takes place throughout the week, in the community, while teaching takes place while we are corporately gathered.

To Obey or Sacrifice: 1 Samuel 15:1-23

We come to a passage here in 1 Samuel where we are taught a valuable truth about our relationship with God. To make the long story short, God told Saul, the first king of Israel, to devote the Amalekites to complete destruction. This means that Saul was to leave nothing alive (man, woman, child, and animal). As Saul took over the city, he and his man kept the king alive as well as all the spoil and best looking animals. They neglected to do all that the Lord had said.

God came to Samuel, which was the priest at the time and told him how much He regretted that He had make Saul king. Here is what God said, "I regret that I have made Saul king, for he has turned back from following me and has not performed my commandments." Truth is, this was not the first time Saul had disobeyed commandment in his short rule as king. When Samuel approached Saul and told him of what the Lord had revealed to him, this was Saul's reaction and response, "I have obeyed the voice of the Lord. I have gone on the mission on which the Lord sent me. I have brought Agag the kinng of Amalek, and I have devoted the Amalekites to destruction. But the people took the spoil, sheep oxen, the best of the things devoted to destruction, to sacrifice to the Lord your God in Gilgal."

What an unbelievable, cowardly, response. This shows no leadership whatsoever as the king. He blamed his people, that he led, for his disobedience. So, he is lying on top of the disobedience of not devoting the Amalekites to utter destruction.

Here is what Samuel says, "Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams." God doesn't care what you give him, if you don't obey Him first. You can give him all the money you have. You can come to church every time the doors are open. You can give of your time and serve in the nursery or clothes closets. But, if you don't obey Him and His commandments He doesn't care. He would rather you obey Him and not offer sacrifices, than to offer sacrifices and not obey Him.

Obedience is a pre-requisite for sacrifice. You can sacrifice without obeying. I would say obedience is the ultimate sacrifice. So, the question is: are we merely so-called 'sacrificing' or obeying God? Are we saying to God, 'Oh God, look what I am doing for you, and in your name." Or are we saying to God, "Here is your servant, I am humbly submitting myself to You and Your will and ways."

Sacrifice to God without an obedient heart is in the words of Samuel, "rebellion and a sin of divination and presumption as iniquity and idolatry." It is also a "rejection of the word of the Lord." May that not be said of me. May that not be said of you today, this week, and in our lives.

It's Not Part of our Life it is our Life

I want to speak to the whole idea of what it means to be Christian. What does it mean to be Christian or a follower of Christ or a believer? Many today think it means or describes a religion of someone. Which, if you follow that train of thought, means it is what we do. We act or behave in a certain way. We go to church, try to behave in a moral way, love people, and serve those less fortunate. That is not all that bad. If people do those things, that is great. More power to them. The problem is two-fold: many who profess Christ don't do this, while those who do not profess Christ do them, and this way of thinking make being a Christian a part of a life, not the entirety of a life.

If we dumb down what it means to be a Christian or a believer to what we do, we miss the big picture. Being Christian means that we are part of the kingdom of God. Just because people do moral things and help the poor and less fortunate, does not mean they are part of God's kingdom. It is sad that many other religions and cults are more moral and humanitarian than Christians.

This kingdom, that the bible teachers us about, as of right now is spiritual. When Jesus came on the scene, he brought the clear revelation and teaching on the kingdom of God. He says on numerous occasions that the kingdom of God is at hand. The kingdom of God as of right now is spiritual. All those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ and His sacrifice, in order to have a right relationship with God, are all part of this spiritual kingdom. In this spiritual kingdom God is the Supreme ruler and authority. We are His possessions and part of His reign and rule.

Now this spiritual kingdom also is a forerunner or foreshadowing of the physical kingdom that is coming. There will be a day when God sets up this spiritual kingdom as a physical kingdom, where He will rule and reign. So, as you can see, it is not so much about what we do, or even about a religion, but it is about who we are. We are citizens of God's kingdom. He is the ruler and authority of our lives. He is our God, we are His people. Being American, is not about what we do, it is about who we are! Same goes for being a Christian or believer. We are part of a kingdom that is not of this world. Therefore, we should be living, thinking, and acting accordingly.

Therefore, we go to church because we are part of the kingdom of God and we want to gather with other kingdom citizens and worship our God and ruler! We help out the poor and less fortunate, not for a humanitarian prize, but because in God's kingdom, He takes care of these people. We love each other and even our enemies, because in God's kingdom love is in the air. God is love, therefore He wants His citizens and children to love. We can be unified, although we may disagree of certain issues, because in God's kingdom it is all about Him.

Since we are part of this incredible loving, gracious, merciful, holy, godly, fulfilling, purposeful, and spiritual (soon to be physical) kingdom; we should want to invite others into this kingdom. In fact, God wants us to invite others to be part of this kingdom! This is His whole Mission: to make disciples or followers of Christ and to teach them what it means to be part of this kingdom. In order to be part of this kingdom, you have to be saved from your sin. You have to be pure and holy and righteous. That is why Jesus came, to be our sacrifice for our sin, so that we can be part of this kingdom.

But, we cannot do that if we perceive that being Christian is what we do! If we begin to view our lives as being part of God's kingdom and reign, this should change the way we live and perceive what it means to be a Christian or a believer.

Who Can Stand Before the Lord

I have been reading through 1 Samuel. Today I read chapters 4-7. Within these chapters we see the main subject and object being the ark of the Lord. Now, the Philistines which were arch-rivals of Israel or you could say that they were Israel's nemesis. We see them battle one another on numerous occasions throughout the Old Testament. This particular time, God allowed the Philistines to have the upper hand. Israel was not living for the Lord at this particular time in their history, and they were defeated very easily. As you read the story we find some humor from the Holy Spirit who inspired this to be written down. Since Israel lost, they figured we need some motivation. They thought that if they go and get the ark of the Lord or the ark of the covenant then that would be the edge they need to pull off victory. Never mind seeking the Lord, they just needed an ornament a 'rally cap'. So, they bring the ark into camp, the camp goes wild, the Philistines hear it and get a little scared. They said to themselves when they heard the noise, "gods have come into the camp." Well, Israel's 'rally cap' failed and they lost 30,000 foot soldiers in battle, and they lost the ark. The Philistines now were in control of the ark of the covenant. It wasn't that the ark failed, Israel failed to worship the God of the ark. Anytime we fail to give God glory and honor, then we lose.

So, the Philistines take the ark back to their town and place it in their shrine that they have made in honor of their god Dagon. The next morning when they wake they find their statue of Dagon of the ground face down before the ark of the Lord. They set it up once again. The next morning, they find Dagon once again face down before the ark of the Lord. This time the head and limbs of the statue are detached. Next, the Philistines got together and said to themselves, "What can we do with the ark of the Lord?" They decided to send it to their brothers in the next city. The ark arrives in Gath. Shortly thereafter, people started to get tumors. The bible says, "the hand of the Lord was against the city, causing a very great panic, and he afflicted the men of the city, both young and old..."

The Philistines cannot endure this so they decide to return the ark of the covenant to Israel. They make all the necessary provisions to return it. They return it with pure cows to carry the ark. They also send a guilt offering of gold with the ark. Now the city the ark came to was called Beth-shemmesh. Now here's the crazy thing: people in this city looked on the ark of the Lord and God struck down those who looked on the ark. They want to get rid of it, so they send it to another city where they consecrate a man named, Eleazar, to take charge over the ark. The ark stays in that city for 20 years. During those years, the people of Israel lamented after the Lord.

The next verse we learn the reason why these things happened to Israel, from losing to the Philistines to dying when looking at the ark. "Samuel said to all the house of Israel, 'If you are returning to the Lord with all your heart, then put away the foreign gods and the Ashtaroth from among you and direct your heart to the Lord and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines."

We learn a valuable lesson and truth: God is not to be taken lightly. God desires to be worshipped unadulteratedly. He demands purity and holiness and uprightness. He desires to truly be the one and only God of any people, but especially His own. Israel hadn't lived up to God's commands nor desires.

These passages remind me of Ps 24:3-4, "Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully.

So Who can stand before the presence of the Lord? Those who meet His requirements and demands. Those requirements and demands are simple: be pure, holy, blameless, and make sure you have no other gods before Him. This seems quite impossible! So, who and how can we stand before the Lord? That is where Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit comes in. Jesus, because of His sacrifice and the substitutionary atonement, we are covered by the blood of Jesus. Therefore, no matter what we have done or what we will do, when God looks at us, He sees His Son. He sees us as if we have never sinned before. That's incredible. Now, don't get me wrong or misunderstand; this does not give us a license to sin. This should give us a license to never forget the price that was paid so that we might be in relationship with a Holy God.

Also, the Holy Spirit fills us up and also convicts us of sin in our life and convicts us of other gods we might put before our Heavenly Father. These gods might be the gods of lust, career, materials, money, priorities, recreation, self, or people. It is also the Spirit that continues to sanctify us, meaning continues to make us more and more godly and holy, that we might please Him. So, be reminded today that God requires the upmost respect and reverence along with holiness and purity in His presence.

What Propelled the Church in the 1st Century?

Today we live in a church culture that is always seeking to find what is the next best thing to grow a church. Is it a hip sign? Is it a racy billboard? Is it a eye-catching series? Is it a top-notch band with all the sound and lighting effects?

Sometimes I feel as though the church gets caught up in a rat race of just growing in numbers for the sake of growing in numbers. They want to be successful in the eyes of other churches and people outside the church. They want the eyes to pop when they tell people how many their church runs. Therefore, I believe we set up church today for the unchurched. When people set up the way they do church for the unchurched and the lost, I believe they lose the sense of what the New Testament Church experienced. I believe we water down the nature of the church.

Especially in our society, when we set up church for the unchurched, that means we will create a pseudo-spirit of heightened music and emotionalism and excitement, like that of an American Idol tele-cast. Also, church, if set up for the unchurched and unbelieving, will be slanted towards the consumer. We live in American, the capitol of capitalism and consumerism. Everyday people buy goods that catch their eye, that meets their needs. They are rarely today loyal to a brand. If another store or another brand has what they need on sale, they are there.

I am not saying that we do not seek to be culturally relevant. I believe we need to be culturally relevant, but at the same time, biblically faithful to what we find in Scripture. For instance, Martin Luther during the Reformation would take bar tunes and turn them into spiritual songs. I think there is a way we take things in our culture and turn them into something that focuses on Christ, not the consumer of spiritual things.

So, have churches missed the big picture and the essence of the nature, foundation, and DNA of the church. Have the environments that have been created to move the emotion and give the consumer a great experience taken the place of spirit-filled worship, transformed lives, and gospel-centered expository preaching?

I think it is always wise to go back to Scripture to find out what propelled the 1st Century to grow in such a pagan culture. They did not live in a Judeo-Christian culture. They lived in a polytheistic, pagan, and immoral culture. It was the Roman Empire for crying out loud. Whatever they did, we need to adopt.

I believe they possessed spirit-filled lives that translated into spirit-filled worship. Their lives were lived for the glory of God, not just on Sundays but on every day. Their lives were marked by prayer and holiness. These are truly two aspects and dynamics missing in todays churches. Also, instead of having great music with great vocals, we need to have spirit-filled music, with godly musicians leading us to worship God. It is not enough to have great talent when leading a church to sing about its Savior and God. We need musicians who have met with the Lord, who understand what they are singing, and who can lead others to embrace the truth of the song. We need pastors, teachers, leaders, and believers who have met with God and prayed that God would do a work in them and those around them. We need to beg the Spirit of God to move, not for it to be a great experience.

The second thing we need is more believers who possess and live out what it means to be transformed by the gospel! In the 1st Century you knew who was a Christian and who wasn't. It was displayed in their lives and what flowed out of their lives. They were no longer the same person. They had been changed by the gospel! Today, many believers have the label and title of being a Christian and nothing else. The words they use are no different than before. The way they lead their family is no different. The focuses of their life are no different. They still spend all their money on themselves! For real, how in the world can we set up church for the consumer in mind and then tell them when they get there, that it is all about. That seems like an oxymoron to me. The landscape, by and large, of Christianity in America, is fixated on easy-believism.

The third thing we need to catapult the church to where it was in the 1st Century is biblical, sound, expository preaching/teaching. Read the Scriptures and you will not find water-down, fuzz ball, fuzzy feeling content and truth. You will find hard to believe, hard to handle, hard to hear truth! Jesus' teachings were not easy to hear or sometimes even to understand. In fact, we know that unless the Spirit of God enlightens a person, they will not be able to understand truth! Why would the Spirit of God show up at places that do not honor Him, rely on Him, live for Him, represent Him, and who are faithful to Scriptures? Even Peter even said that Paul's teachings were sometimes hard to understand.

The 1st Century Church grew in a day that had no phones, no internet, no iphone or blackberries, no poster-boards, billboards, television commercials, banners, facebook, myspace, and mass mailers. Don't get me wrong, we would not be wrong in utilizing any of these. I am just saying that the 1st Century Church did not possess these and yet they grew, not just numerically, but also spiritually and in favor with those outside the church. Today those outside snub their noses at those labeled Christians because of their lives being contrary to their doctrine. believe that if we re-capture what the 1st Century Church possessed (Spirit-filled worship, transformed living, and biblically sound/expositional teaching) then we will be headed in the right direction.

Living on the Edge: Samson

As many know, from VBS, Samson was one of the Judges of Israel and one of the strongest men who has ever lived. The secret of his strength lied in the presence of God on his life. The presence and power of God was manifested in the vow of Samson being a Nazarite. Now a Nazarite, could not cut their hair, be near nor touch a dead carcass, and could not drink wine or anything from the vine. In reading Samson's story you see him begin down the path of the slippery slope. He first married a Philistine. He then killed an animal and went back to the dead carcass, that now had honey, scraped some out of it and ate it. He grabs a skeleton from a donkey that he uses as a weapon. He goes into be with a prostitute from the Philistines. Then he meets a woman named Delilah. He falls in love with her. She is approached by the leaders of the Philistines to inquire Samson on where he gets his strength. It takes her awhile to pry the information from Samson. The bible says, "And when she pressed him hard with her words day after day, and urged him, his soul was vexed to death." He then told her where his strength lied. It was in his hair. She, that night, brought in someone to shave his head while he slept. When the leaders of the Philistines came into bind him, the bible says, "And he awoke from his sleep and said, 'I will go out as at other times and shake myself free.' But he did not know that the Lord had left him."

Samson started down a road that eventually led him to lose the presence and power of the Lord on his life. He began to inch his way to defeat. How many of us, including myself, have inched our way to defeat? How many of us try to get as close to the edge as we can without going over? How many of us test the Lord with our disobedient actions? Maybe we reason and say, 'Oh, I have done this before and the Lord hasn't done anything to me yet.'

I see the story of Samson as one of the saddest stories of the bible. Here is a man that had the full on blessing of God. He was the leader of God's people, possessed supernatural strength, yet he lost it all. Other than Delilah shaving his head, what led Samson to lose it all?

1) His pride. He was a prideful man who thought life centered around him and not the Lord. The only time that he does talk to the Lord, it is about avenging himself.

2) His habitual lifestyle. He made it a lifestyle to live contrary to the Lord. He is always going and entangling himself in the affairs and life of the Philistines. He touched not one dead carcass, but two. He has a consistent lifestyle of living contrary to the ways of God

3) Doesn't flee sin. He gives into it. The account with Delilah says it all. He kept on and on letting her press him about his strength. He eventually gave in. If we flirt with sin, we will eventually succumb to sin. If we continue to entertain thoughts, we will eventually fulfill those thoughts.

What can we learn? Stay away from pride of self, an habitual lifestyle of sin and disregard of God, and sin. Learn not to entertain sinful thoughts. If we choose to live on the ledge, eventually we will fall off.

Took off this week for more study time for Easter

Ironic

I had to write about this because I think it is needed in a day of two-faced believers, who may not really intend to be, but are. We live in a day where people who call themselves Christian blatantly live ironically to what their claims are. Their ironic behavior takes places not only outside the context of church, but inside the church as well.

Why do you think church is on the decline in America? Why do we baptize less and less? Why do few churches seem to have the power of God on them? The answer is that their lives are so ironically lived juxtapose to the will and ways of God. Simply put; they do not have the power and presence on God on their lives, just maybe from the claims of their lips. Read Judges and you will see that as soon as the godly leadership passed away the people begin to live completely opposite of the will and ways of God. Therefore, they suffered as a result. They begin to loose battles and begin to be roughed up by surrounding nations.

In 2 Timothy 3:1-5 Paul gives us a description of the behavior of people in the last days. Here's the kicker, these people will be inside the church. My, My, if we are not living in the last days! Paul says in the last days, people will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, arrogant, proud, disobedient, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, negative, not loving good, brutal, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power.

I have one word for this, Oh mylanta (ok, maybe two)! There are people who rally behind the banner of being Christian, yet have lives that are far from what it means to be Christian. Today Churches are filled with those who say "We want to reach people," yet do nothing to reach people. Churches are made up of people who say "We want to help the pastor, or the leadership," yet will not even listen to his suggestions or how they want to do it. God has placed pastors and leaders in authority of shepherding the church, yet people do not even submit to its leadership.

Churches are filled with people that if things do not go their way, they run to the next person they can find that will listen to them and fill that ear with negativity, slander, and maliciousness. Churches are filled with those who have the mentality "this is our church," while neglecting the fact that it is Jesus' Church. It is His bride that He died for. Where do we get off saying that this is 'our' church? How dare anyone say that! We have those who go to church that say "we love everyone," yet are racist and judgmental towards groups of people. There are those in the church that accept the grace and forgiveness of Christ for their screwed up lives and failures, but will fail to forgive and show grace towards others. There are those that will say, "God is my top priority," yet for some reason everything usually gets shoved in front on him from sleep-recreation. Churches say they want to be just like Jesus, yet we (including me) are far from who Jesus was and is.

It is time that we quit playing this Christian game. Christianity is not a game, it is a way of life. Christianity is not a Masquerade Ball that we get to put on a mask and say that we are Christians without living out that we are. I have a feeling that if Jesus had us for dinner, He would vomit us out of His mouth, because the majority of us are rotten, good for nothing food, that would make our Savior sick. "I know your works; you are neither cold not hot Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth." (Rev 3:15)

As you can tell, I am flat going off. I am turning tables through my verbiage rather than my hands. Because, we, by our actions have turned what God deemed His mission vehicle to reach the nations, into a vehicle of ungodliness, backward living, wayward living, backbiting, selfishness, and a puny force, to be reckoned with.

1 John 2:6 says, "whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked. It is my desire to lead believers to living what they believe. And when we do fall, which we will, we will be honest and humble and confess our faults and repent and continue to move forward. I want to lead Christians to embrace the heart of Christ and to truly live out what it means to be a 'Christ-follower'. I want a church comprised of believers who see it as their life calling to reach people far from God. I would love to lead a church to be a magnet for the lost (opposites attract) so that when they come in the church, they see that lives, attitudes, hearts, actions, words, and love are completely different than on the streets!

Let us search our hearts right now to see if there is any ungodliness and filth that we might need to confess. Is there anybody we need to ask forgiveness from or anyone for us to extend forgiveness to? Let us not play a game with the heart and mission of Christ! Let us live unashamedly and holy for Him!

As For Me and My House: Joshua 24

Well there is no surprise at all at the blatant paganism, agnosticism, humanism, and biblical illiteracy. I read a stat the other day that said that 75% of America was in the Lost category. When you hear stats like that, you can understand why our country is headed in the direction it's going. I even heard on the radio today, in the context of talking about Iran and nuclear weapons, one guy saying to let them have it and do what they want with them. That Amidenijad is a good leader. Now, this is a guy in America saying something so idiotic! Obviously he knows nothing about history of the Middle East or of the Jews as well as knows nothing about the eschatological/end time beliefs of the Muslims, Jews, or even Christians.

Our government is slowly taking the place of the church with all of these entitlement programs. Instead of running to the church where hurting people are suppose to run, they have been slowly and even now sprinting towards the government to solve all of their life's problems and ailments. This is going to lead our country even more down the road of paganism, idolatry, moral decay, and atheism. If you don't believe me, begin to look at countries whose government controls everything. If you take a look at Western Europe they are some of the most paganistic and atheistic people on the planet. That is some of the toughest soil for the Gospel to be planted on. No matter how noble the government tries to be and even claims to be, they are slowly taking the place of God in the heart and lives of people. When people hurt, they will no longer call on God, but the government to bail them out. Even the public school system will continue to standardize our children to death, where we we abolish in them the creative mind to think and come to a conclusion on their own. The schools will have the curriculum of what they want the children to learn. Read C.S. Lewis' book 'The Abolition of Man' if you don't believe me. He is spot on.

So, what am I getting at painting this bleak picture? The same thing Joshua in Joshua 24 said, "Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (emphasis mine)

That is exactly the attitude and heart we, as believers, need to embrace in the 21st Century. With everything going on around us, we need to dig our heels in and place our feet on the solid rock and not give in and not give up and stand strong for the Lord. By faithfully serving the Lord we set the tone for those wishy-washy believers. If you read the end of Joshua and the first couple of chapters in Judges you find that Israel served and followed the Lord as long as Joshua and his elders/leaders was alive. After they died Israel begin to fall away from following the Lord. So what if believers today begin to, like I said, embrace this attitude and mentality that they will serve the Lord no matter what! Not serve our interest or even the interest of others, but we would serve God and what He has said. I have a filling that the impact would begin to spread throughout our churches. Many of these churches would be resurrected. This would lead to the church in North America beginning to truly impact the 75% who are considered lost.

Father may we be strong and courageous as we make a bold stand for you in a generation who, by in large has no regard for you. Give us the strength we need. Spirit of God fill us up that we might live according to the commandments and holiness of God. May people see us and see our good works and glorify you on the day of visitation. Thank you for salvation!

Impatience or Patience? Genesis 16

Yesterday in service I made reference to Abram's and Sarai's impatience on account of the promise God had made to them about having an offspring. In my study time I was convicted that many times in life I find myself impatient with what is going on inside of me and around me. Another story we might be familiar with is Moses striking the rock and not speaking to it. Israel was thirsty and were complaining about it, so God told Moses to speak to this rock and water would come out. Out of frustration, Moses struck the rock and failed to speak to it. This failure to obey what God had said kept him out of the Promise Land. Impatience does not get you very far. So what is the difference between Patience and Impatience. How can we still pursue the call and mission of God under patience and control, without becoming impatient?

Definition of Impatience: An Irritation with anything that causes delay; and/or becoming restless with the desire for change and excitement.

Characteristics of Impatience:

* Fails to Remember God's Promises and Word (What Have You Said?)

* Fails to Consult God on Present Actions (What Should I Do?)

* Fails to Trust in God's Answer (Am I taking matters into my own hands?)

* Fails to think of Potential Consequences (What Will Happen if I ____?)

* Sometimes Fails to Treat others properly (Will this or my actions affect anyone negatively?)

* Leads to out-of-control busyness (Is this the best, or should I say no?)

* Reactions and not Responses;

- reactions are spur of the moment decisions that people act out without properly thinking of what they are or will be doing. People react all the time which leads to people leaving friendships and marriages. Reaction leads to anger and resentment and frustration. Reaction leads people to enter into complaining and grumbling mode. Reaction can lead to debt, especially if you react to the Tv add, or car ad, etc...

These are characteristics of impatience and what impatience can lead to. So what is patience? What is godly patience. Because I am not advocating that we do nothing. In Abraham's situation he and Sarai could have kept on having relations with one another as measure to bring about God's promise. Yet they stopped and Hagar entered into Abraham's room. Moses could have taken one deep breath, or hit the pause button, before he struck the rock.

What are specific areas we get impatience, frustrated and bent out of shape?

- Marriages

- Parenting

- Career/Vision

- Finances

- Relationships

- Singleness

- Busyness of life

- Health Problems

How can we become more Patience and less Impatient?

We need to make sure that we are constantly having time with the Lord. Reading His Word and praying. This makes sure that we stay in constant contact with Him and His Word. Live life in the Faith Lane. I say faith lane because many of us, including myself, like to live life in the fast lane. We want what we want and we want it now! But when it comes to living for God and living out His plan there are times where we might have to wait, and then there are times where it may come quickly. It is, many times than not, a mystery with the way God works in our lives. Have time with the Lord, Live Life in the Faith Lane. Third, always pause and ask God, if this is what He wants for you. Take time and talk to God specifically about what you want and what is on your heart. Spill your guts. Tell Him if you are frustrated. Tell Him if you are hurting. Tell Him if you are freaked out. And then begin to ask Him what He would have you specifically to do. Also, during this time it would also be wise to ask for godly counsel from those you trust. Make sure you don't go to someone who will tell you what you want to hear, but will be truthful and honest. Last, make sure what you are leaning towards will not inadvertently harm or hurt anyone, including God. In the case of Abraham and Sarai, Hagar and even Ishmael were hurt. In the case of Moses, God's name was hurt because of Moses' failure to fully listen. So, make sure that are actions will not cause harm or ill-intent on those around us.

Father, give us wisdom today that we may be patient to do those things that You would have us to do. May we not grow impatient in the areas of our life where we are the weakest, but may they be taken over by the Spirit of God that we might walk by the Spirit and not gratify the desires of sinful, impatient flesh. Continue the good work you have begun in each of us. May we give you glory today!

The Paralysis of Fear: Joshua

There is a running sub-theme throughout Joshua and that sub-them is 'Do not fear...' God on numerous occasions tells Joshua and Israel to 'not fear'. I would say (off the top of my head) that in each case it is in the context of moving forward. Whether the moving forward would be leaving the Wilderness and crossing over into the land or going into battle against large and enormous armies.

God told them not to fear because the human tendency is to fear those things we cannot humanly defeat or accomplish on our own. However, God knows the promises that He has made and wants His children to trust Him and move forward to the Destination that He has promised them. No matter what they face, they can be strong and courageous for the Lord is with them and will fight for them.

You could say that humanly speaking that everyday and every battle for Israel was a risk that they took. It was like the 'leap of faith' in the Indiana Jones movie in the 80's. All Israel had was the Promises of God and the Word of God that He would be with them and fight for them. So every time they step out on the battle field they risked their life.

I really believe that I am at a juncture in my life where God is telling me to not fear. I am overwhelmed with ministry, mission, lack of people, lack of money and resources, lack of staff, and reaching for the future. Leading people is not easy. Leading a church is really not easy. Moving people forward to accomplish a dream and vision is extremely difficult. Because people get comfortable, set on their own directions and presuppositions, and when we talk about moving forward, fear grips the heart and paralyzes the faith of God's people.

Joshua led the Children of Israel to...

1) Act in Radical Faith (Move Forward)

2) Actively Participate in the Promises of God (they fought and conquered and inhabited the land)

3) Partially Accomplish God's Plan for them (they did not overtake all the land- they stopped)

Will God's church act radically in faith? Will we be willing to move forward even when it makes no sense humanly? Will we take risks in our own personally life? Will we take risk as a church body? Will we leave comfort, convenience, familiarity, presuppositions, and mediocrity behind?

My prayer is that all would make the journey and possess radical faith and active participation, but I know that is wishful thinking. Heck, 2 1/2 tribes stayed on the East side of the Jordan because of comfort, convenience, and mediocrity.

My prayer for me, individual believers, and the church body is that we would not be paralyzed by fear, but that we would be strong and courageous and that we would move forward, fight hard, and conquer the areas of our life and community God would have us to. God grant us the courage to move forward in our life today, in whatever area that might be in. Give us the strength through the Holy Spirt to move in faith and fight in the power of the Holy Spirit. I pray that you would work through us to accomplish that which You want to accomplish. Let us not settle for mediocrity or the mundane. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your plan!

Deception: Joshua 9

There are many things in life that clothe themselves in fooling attire, only to be rotten, debased, and not God's best. Joshua and the children of Israel experienced being deceived by people who dressed up to act as if they came a long ways, when in all reality they came from down the street. The key verse in Joshua 9 is v14, "So the men took some of their provisions, but did not ask counsel from the Lord." I could imagine these elders of Israel taking the food from these Gibeonites and saying to themselves, 'we will see if you are telling the truth, just give me a piece of bread.' And after eating the bread I can see them spitting it out because of the crustiness and nastiness of the bread. I could imagine them thinking, 'these guys must be telling the truth, because that is some nasty bread, Lord help these people.'

However, since they failed to consult the Lord, they looked just at the appearance and not was underneath. They looked at just what they saw and experienced, not what God would have revealed to them if they consulted Him. I believe this should be a lesson for us even today. We live in such a deceitful society and culture. Things are not always as they appear. That man at our work or lady, may not be what they appear. They may appear very innocent and nice and flattery, but what they are doing is flirting. That job, although may be very good and higher paying, may take you away from your family and church community. That device we are on all the time, may help us stay intouch with friends and family and help us buy things we need, yet it can lead us and draw us in the wrong direction. The car we want and probably deserve, although nice and good, may lead to us being so tied up in debt that we will not be able to give to the kingdom of God. Our busyness, although getting a lot done, may be taking us away from faithfulness to God's mission of reaching people to bring them into a relationship with Him.

There are things in our life that on the surface appear very flattering and appealing to the eye, yet underneath will lead us away from God or prevent us from living as fully devoted to God as He would have us live. We cannot make the mistake that these leaders in Israel made, which was to think they knew best or that they had things under control. Pride leads to fall and failure in God's eyes. Pride leads to a breach and break in covenant with God. Because remember just as Israel was, we are too, in a covenant relationship with God.

So, what we need to do is to run to God for counsel and wisdom and ask Him to reveal to us things in our life that may be deceiving us from fully living for Him. This could be a person, thing, item, job, preference, attitude, or hobby. After asking God to reveal, we need to be quiet and listen. Father today give us wisdom and insight into our lives and areas of our lives that might be in jeopardy of being deceived into not fully living and obeying you. Give us ears to hear and eyes to see. May we surrender to your counsel and direction in our lives.

Be Careful to Do:

I keep going back to this whole idea that I see expressed throughout the Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, and now Joshua. God tells Israel, literally countless times, 'to be careful to do' all that He commands them. I think of those words and three words come to my mind.

1) This is a Word of Caution. What God tells them they better be cautious with their life and actions and make sure that they are following what God is telling them to be careful to do.

2) This is a Word of Exhortation. God is exhorting them to be careful to do that which He is commanding them. He is strongly encouraging them to live the way He has prescribed.

3) This is a Word of Warning. God is saying be careful to do this or else. God doesn't mess words when it comes to what will happen if they fail to be careful to do what He is asking.

I think of these three words, caution, exhortation, and warning and cannot help to apply those to my own life. That God cautions, exhorts, and warns me about being careful to follow what He has outlined. The question is whether or not I take His commandments to heart? I pray that I will and that I do. 1 John 5:3 says, "For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome." Following God and His standard should not be a chore for us, but should be a joy for us. Now, I am not sitting here saying that following and obeying God is not difficult, nor am I not saying it will not require discipline. For we all know following God many times is difficult and will always require discipline. I think that is why again we see Him saying over and over and over, 'be careful to do.'

Will we today 'be careful to do' what we know God has revealed to us. We might not know everything in God's word and have exhausted everything we should know about God, but what we do know, will we keep? Maybe we ask ourselves why 'be careful to do'? Three answers come to my mind:

1) Because He has showed us grace by saving us. He loves us, therefore we love Him back by following Him.

2) Because we are in a covenant relationship with Him. It is not like He saves us and then leaves us to ourselves. He enters into a relationship with us. Therefore we should not blatantly cheat on Him by doing what we want to do and living the way we want to live without any regards to God.

3) People's lives depend on it. 'Being careful to do' all that God has told us distinguishes us from the rest of the world. It elevates God. When this happens people see that and one or two things happen; either they are drawn towards Him or they are driven away from Him. Hopefully they are not driven away because we are too careless not to do what He says!

Let's live for Him today. Father we pray that our lives would be lived today with this whole idea of being careful to do what you have said. Give us strength through the Holy Spirit to live out what we know you have said. Continue to teach us and mold us in your image. Let us be careful to be the husbands, wives, children, parents, people, bosses, workers you have called us to be.

Success in God's Eyes begins with His Word: Joshua 1

Here in this passage the Lord speaks to Joshua and tells him it is time to move the people from the wilderness to the Promise Land. God gives Joshua a strong exhortation that includes what to do and what to be. Joshua is to be strong and very courageous for the Lord God is with him and will never leave nor forsake him. I believe with all my heart the promise that God makes to Joshua, He also makes to us today! He truly will never leave nor forsake us. We might think all hell is breaking loose, but know that God is right there with us. He will not leave when the going gets tough.

The Lord also tells Joshua 'be careful to do according to all the law of Moses my servant...This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that yo umay be careful to do according to all that is written it it." The revealed word of God is to be in Joshua's mouth. He is to be utterly consumed with God's word. God also tells him to meditate on this word. The Hebrew word for meditate is actually a very interesting word. This word can mean 'growl, speak, moan, and even mutter.' And it seems as if God, when He tells Joshua to 'meditate' on His word, is telling Joshua to go around speaking to himself the word of God. That is how God's word will be on his mouth at all times. Joshua's meditation on God's word involves him going around day to day with it not only in his heart, but in his vocal cords, coming out of his mouth.

Meditation for us involves reading God's words, maybe writing it on an index card and taking it with us wherever we go. While in the car maybe we are looking at the verse. Maybe we post it in our office or on our computer. Maybe we put it in our calendar on our phone and set an alarm reminder. The point is simple the word of God should be close to us to the point it is a part of us and coming out of us.

Look at what God says next; "For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." This statement is in context and connection of meditating on God's word. You see success in God's eyes begins with His word. Those who read God's word and follow it through are successful in God's sight. Do you want to be successful? Of course you do! You doesn't want to be a successful dad, mom, husband, wife, business guy or gal, student, ball player, lawyer, doctor, etc... If so, we need to be starting off with God's word and make sure that it is in our heart, in our vocal cords, coming out of our mouth, as well as our lives.

Make sure you spend time with the Lord this morning and make it a point to memorize and meditate on Joshua 1:8. Father, may we continue in Your word. Give us understanding and insight to Your word, as well as the strength and desire necessary for carrying it out. Thank you for Your word and how it is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path and how if we hide your word in our heart, we may not sin against You.

The Way to Go: Deut 34

Here we have the account of Moses' death. God brings Moses on the mountain and lets him get a glimpse of the Promise Land. After the glimpse, Moses passes away. But an incredible thing takes place. God buries Moses. The bible says, "So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord, and he buried him in the valley in the land of Moab oppisite Beth-peor; but no one knows the place of his burial to this day."

God highly honored Moses and his life by burying him, himself. Could you image a life that is so lived for God and His glory that He would personally bury you? Unbelievable! God might not bury us personally, but there will be a time where we will see God face to face and we have the potential of hearing the words, "Well, done my good and faithful servant."

I don't know about you, but I can live with those words. Therefore, if I desire those words to be uttered at my appearance before God, I need to be living with that intention and motivation. God, give us the strength and the wisdom through the Holy Spirit to live for you today, that we might please, obey, and bring you glory.

A Constant Reminder: Deut 29-30

I was sitting here reading through Deuteronomy and thinking that I have blogged about most of this stuff. I was reading where God is reaffirming the covenant that He has made with Israel when He first brought them out of Egypt. God is reminding them that He is in a relationship with them and that He is going to keep His end of the Covenant, but will they keep their end? Will they be obedient and faithful to a loving God who wants to bless them?

God is faithful, and He is God, therefore He cannot lie. What He says, He brings to fulfillment. Us on the other hand have to be reminded constantly to be faithful to God. God tells Israel, "See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil. If you obey the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you today, by loving the Lord your God, by walking in his ways, and by keeping his commandments and his statutes and his rules, then you shall live and multiply, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land that you are entering to take possession of it."

God truly wants to bless us, in order to display who He is in and through us. In order for Him to do that He needs a vessel that is obedient and willing, submitting themselves to His reign and rule in their life. Will we be that vessel today? Will we be willing for God to use us and to live through us?

WHEN YOUR TIRED

Today, for some reason I am extremely tired. Maybe it was the lack of sleep, coupled with the weather and it being Thursday; I don't know, but do know that I am tired. So, what happens in life when we are tired? What should we do? Well, I don't want to sound cliche-ish, but what did Jesus do? He withdrew. He got away and spent time with the Father. Mark 1:35, "And rising very early in the morning while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed."

Jesus got alone with the Father to energize his spiritual and physical battery. And remember that temptation usually become more forceful during the times when you are drained and wore out. So, it is imperative that we withdraw and have some S and S. Silence and Solitude. But I would not only say we need Silence and Solitude, but we need R and R. Rest and Reflection. God gave us this day when He instituted the Sabbath. This is a day where we can Rest and Reflect and worship Him. Having S and S and R and R, will help us through those times in life when we are tired and wore out.

The last thing I will say, is that no matter how wore out we get here, we have a eternity to rest in the presence of our Great God and Savior. We have something worth looking forward to. Have a blessed day!

Whatever It Takes!

I have been thinking about the mission of God and what I am doing to be part of His mission. I have also been thinking about me leading Life Point to embrace His mission. I have come to the conclusion we need to do whatever it takes to be part of His mission! I am convinced that we need to take risks. Risks, as in plural. We need to quit playing safe! We need to quit playing 'church christian' as a little girl and boy would play house. We need to quit pretending we are doing as much as we can. We need to do more!

We need to be audacious and daring. Study the life of Paul and it was as if he was a kamikaze pilot. If he died, so be it! Where are those risks today, especially here in God bless America? We might not be threatened with our heads being chopped off like Paul or other people today in the 21st Century. Risks could be the days we meet, the places we meet, businesses we open, schools we open, open debates we could have with other religions and philosophies, needs we try to meet like orphan/foster care, widow care, poverty care, and homeless care.

If Believers would unite under the banner of the Mission of God, there is nothing that we couldn't do or God couldn't accomplish through us. I am convinced more than ever that we need to work, harder, faster, and smarter. How can we reach more people? How can we create platforms to reach and engage our community? How can we reach the nations and lead people to embrace the nations and pray for the nations? How can we plant more successful churches rather than churches who struggle for years and who go in and out of healthiness?Needless to say, there is so much more we can be doing and need to do. But it will take people who are serious about the mission of God and who have surrendered to the mission of God.

Don't Panic Today! Deuteronomy 20:1-4

In the context surrounding Deuteronomy 20, God is giving laws concerning different aspect of Israel's life. Here in these verses God gives them specific laws or rules to govern them when they go to war. It wasn't going to be a smooth road for Israel although they were in covenant with God. There would be times they would have to battle against another country. Also, there would be times where they would be facing nations that were stronger, more in number, and more advanced militarily. Facing these types of nations would be an act of faith. Read what God prescribes before any of these battles would take place;

"And when you draw near to the battle, the priest shall come forward and speak to the people and shall say to them, Hear, O Israel, today you are drawing near for battle against your enemies; let not your heart faint. Do not fear or panic or be in dread of them, for the Lord your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory."

Did you see that God wanted a preacher to talk to them before they went to battle. He wanted a priest to encourage them and give them a pep talk prior to going to battle. And in this pep talk the preacher would remind them that God has already given them the victory. All they have to do is be believing, be brave, be strong, and fight. And the Lord would do all the fighting in and through them. Pretty cool, huh? The great news for Israel and even for us believers today is that our God fights for us. He is with us. And if we believe Him and are strong in Him, He will give us the victory.

This doesn't mean that we sit on the sidelines or don't participate. In fact, part of the victory come through our participation. There may be times we face, what we believe to be insurmountable odds. There may be times where we face overwhelming circumstances or temptations. The only encouragement we have is to hold on to the anchor of our soul, Jesus Christ. He will never leave nor forsake us. He will lead, guide and see us through. He will fight for us! Let's let Him fight for us!

So, how do you let Jesus fight for you today when facing battles in your life? Maybe a battle with cancer. Maybe a battle with faith. maybe a battle with temptation. Maybe a battle with bombardments with craziness.

- Trust Jesus that He knows what is going on and He will see it through, although it may be painful.

- Hold on to Hope. Hope that this too shall pass and the hope of eternal life with Jesus.

- Remember that our Savior subjected Himself to the battle of sin, which lead to a cross, humiliation, and death. But He overcame that with power and He can do the same with you!

- Remember that people are watching you and how you face your battles in life. Make sure you make Jesus proud! This could be an awesome testimony to those by-standers.

- Commit to memory and meditating on God's Word.