Think before you speak

   

 I have not posted a blog in several months.  Oh, there have been a few written, but none ever made it to being published.  This blog is supposed to be about leaving something of value for the next generation; challenging people to think about what they believe and why.  In today's world it is easy for a person to sit down at a computer and spit out post after post of angry rhetoric.  It seems everybody has an opinion on everything.  It almost feels like some people have made it their occupation to comment on every Facebook post and news story in the world.  And, let's be honest, has anyone REALLY ever changed their mind because of a few angry sentences on social media?
     So today, let's be reminded of a good rule of thumb.  Before we speak, or even type, remember to T.H.I.N.K.

T - Is what I am going to say or type TRUE?  Have you verified the source of the story?  Is the thing true, or is it convenient?  The Bible reminds us: "Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:" (Proverbs 3:3)

H - Is this information HELPFUL?  It may not be what people want to hear, but if it is needed, so be it. Proverbs 27:6 states," Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful."  However, if what we are about to say does not add to the conversation anything of value, it is better that we remain silent.  "Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding." (Proverbs 17:28)

I - Is what I am about to communicate INSPIRING? There is too much negativity in the world.  Ephesians 4:29 admonishes us to, "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may administer grace unto the hearers."  Are the words we are going to use going to help others be better, or tear them down?  Can we find a better way to say it?

N - Is this information NECESSARY?  How many times could the conversation ended without additional input?  This is especially true when we begin to get involved in "heated" debates.  If we stop feeding the fire, and giving additional validity to useless arguments, they will be seen for what they are.  Stop jumping on the wagon! "Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth." (Proverbs 26:20)

K -  Is what I'm going to say KIND?  This may go back to the point about being inspiring.  It can also be a lesson in tact.  (The only Tact some people know is A-tact {attack})  What we say is sometimes over shadowed by how we say it.  Finding a kinder way to communicate truth may give it a more receptive audience.  We don't have to water down the message, but maybe pepper it with a little more grace.  Peter advises us concerning this by writing from divine inspiration, "For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile." (1 Peter 3:10)

This acronym is not original with me and it is true that this author is a work in progress on all of these points. That being said, I can assure you, the only sure way to positively speak/ type in a way that follows these guidelines is to quote Scripture.  "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works."  (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Please THINK before you speak!

Hurry Up Already!

  We are a busy people.  Humans have a way of filling every single moment of every single day with something.  We rush and rush, hoping to accomplish our goals.  Many people have read Isaiah 40:31.

"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."

What a beautiful picture.  The eagle soars on the unseen wind currents.  A humming bird flaps it wings almost continually.  Which bird would you like to be?  When we trust in the LORD we have an unseen hand holding us up.  Most of the time however, we are like the humming bird acting in our own strength.  When we do, we will get tired quickly.  Ever think this is why most people are suffering from some sort of fatigue?

There are other verses in Isaiah that I would also like to share with you today.  They are found back in chapter 30.  Isaiah 30:15 states, 

"For thus saith the LORD God, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not."

Israel was facing an invading army. Instead of turning to God, and taking their rest in Him, they chose to solve their problems their own way.  In the following verses, God tells them that their choice actions will fail.  The neat thing is found in verse 18.  God tells Israel,

"And therefore will the LORD wait, that He may be gracious unto you, and therefore will He be exalted, that He may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for Him."

God says, "OK, try your own thing.  When it fails I will be right here.  I won't say I told you so.  You will fail, but I will be successful.  I will be exalted. Learn to trust me and you will be happier."  God will never leave His children.  When we are facing a storm, even when we try to face it in our own strength, He will be there in the wings ready to catch us when we fall.  When we are His children, we are in His hand, and no man (not even ourselves) can get us out.  Don't we have a wonderful God!

I say all that to say this: Each day I have to learn to trust God more.  Working in my own power is a trap that it is easy to fall into.  Thankfully, I am never alone.  The LORD is there!  SO, I am learning to wait upon the LORD.  When I do, I will have the strength to soar.  When I don't, He's there to catch me when my wings get tired!  Won't you learn to slow down and wait on the LORD with me?

Live in the here and now

     The past is gone, the future is uncertain, the time we have now is a gift, that's why we call it the present.  I have heard this saying and repeated this saying many times.  It is true to a certain extent.  We need to make the best use of our time here.  In fact, Scripture commands such, "Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time." (Colossians 4:5)  Yet, there is sound wisdom in thinking about the future.  This is what I would like to deal with in this blog.

     There is a law of science that states; every action has an equal and opposite reaction.  Because we know this, we can be prepared for what the future holds.  In our world today, however, it seems like people want to live in the moment and then be rescued from the consequences of their choices.  My mind races considering all the examples that could be listed here.

     I also find that people are not concerned with precedents that are set.  How we do something is just as important as what we do!  Our society is acting so much on emotion and instant gratification we are not thinking through.  What will be the reaction to our action?  What will be the consequence of how we do what we do?  We need to act on rational and sound wisdom.  We need to think about the road we are starting down.

     "See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.  Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is." (Ephesians 5:15-17)

     "Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand." (Philippians 4:5)

     "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." (Galatians 6:7) 

     Please, to everyone that reads this, take a moment to think about why you are doing what you are.  Why are you making the choices that you are?  What goal do you hope to achieve and what lessons are you teaching in how you achieve it (especially to our children)?  Let sound wisdom prevail. "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." (I Corinthians 10:31)

"The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate. Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength." (Proverbs 8:13-14)

I can learn the Bible better on my own

     Personal Bible study is important!  2 Timothy 2:15 declares, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."  Personal Bible study, however, needs something else.  Human beings have a way of misinterpreting Scriptures according to their own personal beliefs.  How do we keep ourselves on track?  The answer: Corporate Bible Study! Getting together with others (through a local church) to discuss and learn the Scriptures!
     I write this blog because of an awesome experience I had last Saturday.  At Anchor Landmark Baptist of Interlochen, we had a Men's Bible Study.  Five men showed up to talk about the Bible.  We didn't agree on everything, but we challenged each other to go deeper in our understanding of the Scriptures.  Personally, I had a great time, and I hope the others did too.
     Those individuals that never want to come to a small group Bible study, Sunday School, or Worship Services because they think they understand the Scriptures well enough on their own are missing out.  They are also not following the principles of Scripture.  I am reminded of Acts 8:31.  Philip asked the Ethiopian Eunuch if he understood the Scripture that he was reading.  His reply "... How can I, except some man should guide me?"  I am also reminded of Nehemiah 8:8.  Ezra reads the book of the law.  There was a group of men with Ezra and Nehemiah 8:8 explains, "So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading."  It helps to have God's Word explained.
    Now let me close with this:  I do not claim to know everything about the Bible. (If someone says they do, they are arrogant and don't really understand!) I am also human and can be wrong.  When I am wrong, I want someone to take the Bible (not their opinion or tradition) and show it to me.  Truth is more important than anything!  Especially the Truth of God's Word!  Study it by yourself, but also study it with others.  We just all may learn something!

Attend the Church of your choice

     This topic is one of the reasons I started this blog.  Many people, with good intentions, promote the idea it doesn't really matter where you worship, just as long as you worship.  Most people believe that all the different denominations are just different branches of the same tree, so just find one that suits you.  While that sounds nice, we have to dig deeper.  What are we really saying when we say that all churches are equal?  A close examination of the different denominations will find that, while they may use similar terms, what they believe is as different as night and day.  There are differences in beliefs about salvation, baptism, church authority, spiritual gifts, and many many more. Some of these ideas stand in direct opposition to each other.  Common sense will tell us that opposing ideas cannot both be right, and if both are not right, one (or both) has to be wrong.  If common reasoning lets us know that two ideas cannot both be true, shouldn't simple logic tell us that all the churches with different beliefs cannot all be right?  Funny how people want to use simple logic in every other area of their life except spirituality. (Which has eternal consequences!)  If there is anything we really need to "get right" it is that which deals with Eternity!

     More importantly, however, Jesus stated in John 4:24, "God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and truth."  How can we worship God in truth in a place that doesn't teach the truth?  Simply put, we can't!  Therefore, we must not attend the church of our choice, we need to attend the church of God's choice.

     Now the question becomes, Which one is God's choice?  This is where we have to prepare ourselves for a little work. (OK, I know work is a four letter word, especially when it comes to people's spirituality, but again our eternity may depend on it.)  To find the church that God would have us to attend, we have to know what His Word says.  If a place is teaching man's traditions, theology that conflicts with the Bible, or anything other than the truth of God's Word, it is not the place God would choose for you.  This is why the Bible encourages us in 2 Timothy 2:15 to "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."  John would add to this, "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world." (1 John 4:1)  Can you say the church you attend preaches and teaches the truth of God's Word?  When was the last time you examined their doctrinal statement against the Scriptures?

     Is a lie as good as the truth?  NO! Then neither are all churches right. Break with the fluffy, shallow sentiment and don't attend the church of your choice, attend the one that's God's choice!

Pentecost is the Birthday of the Church

     It is a common belief today that the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ began on the day of Pentecost.  It is so common, that when you raise objection to the idea, you are looked upon as being crazy.  This weekend, April 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, Anchor Landmark Baptist Church of Interlochen is hosting a Bible Conference to discuss the Origin and Purpose of the Church.  I encourage you to come, but to wet your appetite, let me prove Biblically, the church existed before Pentecost. While there are many more proofs, I will only list five.

1.) Baptism was commanded to be practiced by the church before Pentecost. Matthew 28:18-20

2.) The Lord's Supper (A Church Ordinance) was established before Pentecost. Matthew 26:26-30, Mark 14:22-26, Luke 22:14-20.

3.) Jesus stated that HE would build His church (Mathew 16:18). Therefore, if it was done after His Ascension, it would have been left to another.

4.) They had a "church business meeting" before Pentecost. Acts 1:13-26

5.) Jesus gave the church a plan of action for discipline before Pentecost. Matthew 18:15-17 (This one kind of makes me laugh, because, if you have a Scofield Reference Bible, the commentary states that this is future church discipline.  If you read the verses they are in present tense, not future. How quickly do we abandon good Biblical Analysis when our pet doctrines are challenged!)

The Church of Jesus Christ was founded by Jesus Christ during His personal ministry here on Earth.  That is Biblical Truth.  Don't follow traditions that are not based on the Bible!  Try the spirits, whether they are of God or not!

Love the Sinner, Hate the Sin

     Once I had a debate with a man who made the statement, we should never hate anything.  My premise was that Jesus actually commended hate.  In Revelation 2:6 Jesus stated to the church at Ephesus; "But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate."  Notice, however, the object of the hate of Jesus.  It was the deeds of the Nicolaitans, not the Nicolaitans themselves.  Similarly, we should have the same focus.  We hate no one, for each individual is made in the image of God.  It is pretty clear that, "God so loved the world..." (John 3:16)  As His disciples, we need to love as Jesus loved.

     Unfortunately, our world has come to the conclusion, that if you hate what I am doing, you hate me.  This is far from the truth!  Just because I disagree and speak against your action, does not mean I hate you as a person. It just means I don't like what you are doing. It make me sad you are choosing whatever it is over God, and I want you to know God the way I do. In fact, if a person is relating to you that God said your action is wrong, they are actually acting out of love.  Christians want people to have a relationship with God.  Our sins (and let's be clear, we all have them) are hindrances between us and God.  Isaiah 59:1-2 teaches "Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that He will not hear."

     Any person that tells you God hates an individual is WRONG, and doesn't speak for the LORD.  It is unbiblical to hate people.  If, however, someone tells you God hates your actions, AND they can back it up with Scripture, know that such a thing is true, and you have a choice to make.  God doesn't hate you, He hates what we do that keeps us from Him.  Knowing this, let us remind people how much God loves us!  Jesus suffered and died on the Cross, paid the penalty of sin against us.  All who accept His payment by faith will be saved.  Those who don't, will pay the price themselves eternally!  Will we justify our actions to ourselves, or will we turn to God?  God loves us, not our sin!

Be Angry and Sin Not

     Many moons ago, my father would have me recite a series of phrases before I was supposed to get angry.  "By the shores of Gitchee Gumee, By the shining Big Sea water, stood the wigwam of Nokomis."  I know now that these words are from the Henry Wadsworth Longfellow poem The Song of Hiawatha.  When Dad first told me that crazy sentence, I couldn't help but laugh.  After that, there were many times that those silly phrases were repeated with clenched teeth. I have been known to have a severe problem with my temper. (Of course having a older sister that took pleasure in seeing just how mad she could get me didn't help.)  Thankfully, God has worked on that with me, and explosions don't happen as often as they used to.
     Anger is not a sin.  It can't be.  Jesus got angry.  Anger can lead to sin however.  The Apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesian Church by divine inspiration the following. "Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil." (Ephesians 4:26-27)  So what makes the difference between anger and anger that leads to sin and allows the devil to have an influence over us?
     When Jesus got angry it was because people were making a mockery of the things of God.  As He said, they had turned the house of prayer into a den of thieves.  When we get angry, most of the time it is over a perceived injustice or insult directed toward us.  We then take on the attitude, how dare you do that to ME, and we seek reclaim the standing we think we deserve.  This can lead to hurting others, which, if we are Children of God, is NOT a good testimony.
     How much of the stuff we get angry about really matters?  In the eternal scope of things, personal insults and injustices, are nothing.  We need to remember "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord." (Romans 12:19)  Let's not sweat the small stuff.  Let us instead live as peacemakers.  Then we will be called the Children of God.  In the midst of a volatile world, that's what we want to be!  Let your anger sink into the Shining Big Sea Water of God's Love, and be a witness for Jesus!

We have got to win this election.

(I hope my friends who are like minded will make this post "go viral".)

 

     Let me start with a little story.  Many years ago, in a land far away, two men stood before their nation and begged and pleaded with them.  They told them their reasoning, and what they believed.  They implored their fellow countrymen to make the right choice on a crucial decision.   In the end, the two men were ignored in favor of the popular message and the nation then reaped the consequences of the choice it made.  THIS IS A TRUE STORY!  You will find it in Numbers chapters 13-14.

     The two men were Joshua and Caleb.  They begged the people to follow God and enter the Promised Land.  In return for their faithfulness to God, their countrymen wanted to stone them.  They "lost" the debate and they journeyed with the rest of Israel in the Wilderness for 40 years.  Yet God rewarded their faithfulness to Him, in spite of what their country did.

     Today, I see "Christians" more loyal to a political candidate than they are to God.  On social media, news stories are shared repeatedly.  Debates between people often turn heated, and we are doing this before the watching eyes of the lost world!  What will they think of "Christians"? What will they think of Christ?

     In this political season, I just want to remind God's Children of a few verses of Scripture:

"But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.  Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.  Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing.  MY BRETHREN, THESE THINGS OUGHT NOT SO TO BE." (James 3:9-10)

"The wicked walk on every side, when the vilest men are exalted." (Psalm 12:8)

"Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you," (II Corinthians 6:17)

"And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him." (Colossians 3:17)

     It is not as vital to "lose" the election as it is to lose our testimony!  Let us be more faithful to God and His standards than we are to the elephant and donkey.  No matter who is elected, God is still on the throne!  We may have to experience the wilderness, but God will remember our faithfulness!  Please vote Biblically, but more importantly, honor Jesus your Savior!  Live for Him, He died for you!

Thank You!

Judge Not

     We live in a society where practically everything is acceptable. (And the list of acceptable things continues to grow.)  When preachers, or Christians in general, begin to state an opposition to something, suddenly people become Biblical scholars and quote Matthew 7:1. "Judge not, that ye be not judged."  We are told we cannot voice concerns over the issues because we are judging people.  Christians aren't supposed to judge.
     I totally agree with the idea that Christians are not supposed to judge!  If we will put Matthew 7:1 back into context, the very next verse helps us to clarify.  It says, "For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged..."  We are not to use OUR OWN standards.  We are not supposed to hold people to OUR opinions.  It is also interesting to note that Jesus further explained this doctrine with the parable of the mote and the beam.  In Matthew 7:5 Jesus says, "...first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast the mote out of thy brother's eye."  Simply put, put your own house in order, and then you CAN help somebody else get their life straightened out.
     When Christians voice concern on the issues based on Biblical principles, we are not judging.  We are telling you what the Judge (God) has said.  We are actually commanded in Scripture to warn people that their behavior is wicked.

"When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand." (Ezekiel 3:18)

"Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men." (1 Thessalonians 5:14)

Paul set the example for us.  "I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you." (1 Corinthians 4:14)

     Here's what I know.  Jesus has forgiven me of my sins.  I asked Him to save me, and He did.  I am not perfect, but I am forgiven.  I want the rest of humanity to know the same Love of Christ that I have.  Sinful lifestyles keep us from Christ.  Any of the activities that we preach about will NOT send somebody to Hell.  Homosexuality, murder, gluttony, adultery, whatever sin you want to name will NOT send you to Hell.  They will however, keep you distracted and separated from Jesus Christ, and not knowing Jesus as Savior WILL send you to Hell.  When Christians preach against sinful living, it is to point out the root problem, life separated and lived in rejection of Jesus!
     True Christians (and there are many that take that name, but don't live by it)  are not looking down their noses at those wrapped up in sinful lifestyles.  We just know that we were once there too.  Thankfully we came to know Jesus Christ as Savior and He changed us!  We want the same thing for YOU!  The Judge has set the standards.  Heed the warnings before it is too late!  May you know the same Jesus who delivered me!

Trust your heart.

     People are encouraged all the time to follow their heart.  There used to be a PBS public service commercial that reminded kids, that no matter where you are, there is always someone you can trust.  Yourself.  When we follow our heart, many times we are acting upon emotions.  When have we ever made good choices when deciding with our feelings? Anger, envy, lust, these things come forth from the heart.  Matthew 15:19 states, "For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:"   Jeremiah would add to this, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" (Jeremiah 17:9)  If we can't trust our own decisions who can we trust?  The answer is found Jeremiah 17:10. "I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins . . ."  We can trust the LORD and His Word!
     But let's be honest, how many times do we ask God for direction when we make our choices?  Most of the time we try to run our lives without giving one thought to what God would want.  People make life altering choices that can impact them for the remainder of their earthly life without consulting the One who gave them that life! And then, when we find ourselves in a mess we want to ask, "WHY GOD?!"
     Let me give you an example:  Today is "Super Tuesday."  All across this country people are heading to the polls to vote for a presidential candidate.  Some are going to vote for a candidate because they are angry at Washington.  Some are going to vote because they feel their selection is the most compassionate.  Before you cast that vote on an emotional foundation, can I encourage you to ask, "What would God think about me and my reasons for voting for this person?"  Will you consider Biblical principle before you cast your vote? (For help, note Psalms 12:8 "The wicked walk on every side, when the vilest men are exalted.")
     But this doesn't just apply to presidential elections!  Christian, before you get that tattoo (which will remain with you for life!)  have you consulted God?  Accountable adult, before you take that next social drink, have you considered what God has to say on the subject?  Young person, before you give in to the emotion of passion, have you considered God's plan for sex?  Too often we follow the urges of the heart and not the Scripture that God has given to us.  Remember, God is not trying to take away from you wonderful experiences, He is trying to help you live a full life, and then welcome you into eternity. (Which can only happen if you are a child of God through the Blood of Jesus Christ - see earlier post on Find your own way to God.)
     I guess, to sum this all up; before you decide to do ANYTHING, see what God has to say about your choice.  If you aren't reading your Bible and consulting the LORD, you may find yourself in a heap of trouble! Don't follow your heart, follow God!

Jesus hung out with hookers and crooks.

     Recently I read an article where a young lady changed her political views after what she called a deeper exploration of the Bible.  She came to the conclusion that the Jesus preached by conservative, evangelicals was not the Jesus of the Bible. Her claim is that the Jesus of the Bible "encouraged his followers to 'sell their possessions' and give them to the poor. He hung out with hookers and crooks." I hear this type of reasoning all the time in defense of ideas such as Bible studies in Bars with themes like "Beer, Conversation, and God". (Which does tell the priority right?)  The logic goes, we have to reach people like Jesus did, where they are.
     Did Jesus "hang out with hookers and crooks?"  Did He simply call His followers to "sell their possessions and give them to the poor"?  Let's see what the Bible has to say!
     Who did Jesus spend the majority of His time with?  An objective look at the Gospel record will show that He spent the majority of His time with the twelve men He specifically called to be His Apostles.  He walked, talked, ate, slept, and conversed with these men on practically a daily basis for the duration of His ministry.  He was training these men.  He was teaching His Church.  These are the ones that Jesus "hung out" with.  He was preparing them to spread His message to the rest of the World after His Own death, burial, resurrection, and ascension back to Heaven.  During this time He also had occasional dealings with harlots and cheats, as well as with the religious elite of the day.  Jesus ate in the Pharisees' houses just as much as He did in the houses of the Publicans.  But when Jesus ate with the "cheats" (publicans) what were the circumstances?
    Again, let's look at what the Scriptures say.  We can find the account in Mark 2:14-17. In verse 14, Jesus calls Levi (also known as Matthew) to follow Him.  At that call, Levi left the table where he was receiving taxes, and followed Jesus.  Verse 15 then tells that Jesus was eating in Levi's house and that many publicans and sinners were present.  Jesus called Levi, and then Levi invited his friends to a meal to meet Jesus.  Mark 2:16 reveals that this meal upset the religious elite.  How dare Jesus eat with sinners.  To this Jesus replied that He "...came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."  Here is where we find the difference between what modern liberal theologians claim and Biblical Christianity.
     People claim that Jesus "hung out" with sinners, and that justifies us going into bars, and stooping to the world's standards in order to reach people.  They will continue these things perpetually, because they never challenge those they are reaching in these places to CHANGE!  Can we honestly believe that Matthew continued to be a "cheat' after He met Jesus?  The harlot that Jesus "hung out with" was named Mary Magdalene.  Can we honestly believe she continued to be a prostitute after she met Jesus?  NO!  They repented!  Jesus didn't call us to strive for good works here and make ourselves acceptable unto Him.  He called us to REPENT. Are those who have Bible studies in bars trying to persuade those gathered to turn away from the alcohol, or are they joining in and condoning fleshly living?  I believe Jesus said "REPENT"!
     The Greek word translated repent is meta-knosis. This is a compound Greek word.  It comes from meta; which means to change, and from knosis; which means to think.  Literally, it means to change our thinking.  We are to change our thinking about sin, not justify it.  We should look at sin like God sees sin, and turn away from it.  Good works should happen because we ARE saved, not in order to be saved.  Salvation doesn't work like that.
     Now, what about this idea that we are supposed to sell our possessions and give to the poor?  The closest thing I can find in the Scriptures to this is recorded in Mark 10:21. (This exchange is also recorded in Matthew and Luke.)  Here, Jesus is confronted by a rich young man who asks the question, "what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?" (Mark 10:17)  After this young man claims that he has been keeping the law, Jesus then tells him to sell all that he has, give it to the poor, and follow Him.  By studying this account in context, we should be able to see that Jesus isn't calling His disciples to sell their possessions and give to the poor.  He is, instead, pointing out to this young man what is keeping him from a true relationship with Jesus.  Mark 10:22 reveals, "And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions."  He was unwilling to give up his materialism to follow Jesus.  What was Jesus doing?  He was trying to get this young man to REPENT!
     I find it heart-breaking that so many people think that Jesus is ok with sinful activity and try to use Scripture to justify it.  Many today believe that because God is Love, He doesn't really care what they do.  Yes He is Love, but He is also Just!  He doesn't want us to suffer the eternal consequences of sin; death, Hell, and the eventual Lake of Fire.  This is why He died on the cross in our place.   He came to deliver us from the bondage of sin.  I pray that we will open our eyes to the truth and let Jesus change us!  Repent!

Find Your Own Way to God

   

    The first major doctrine that needs to be challenged is the concept that God intended salvation to be relativistic and pluralistic. We often hear the mantra, "we have to find our own road to God."  This is NOT the message that the Scriptures give us.  (Remember, this blog is based upon the Word of God and the Christianity which the Scriptures present.)
     First, let me say, salvation is open to all people.  John 3:16 states, "For God so loved the world..."  He did not simply love a select few.  We also have the understanding that "Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:13)  Titus adds, "For the Grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men." (Titus 2:11)  All means all, so every person has the opportunity to receive salvation from God.
      Since all have the opportunity to be saved, can each person find God His own way?  Can we each come to God on our own terms?  Again, let us refer to the Scriptures.  Jesus said, "... I am the way,the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6)  The Book of Acts records, "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."  A third verse we could look to is John 3:36 which states, "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him"  These verses alone should make it abundantly clear that unless you believe on Jesus Christ as Savior, you are not going to get to Heaven.  Instead you will face the wrath of God.
     Everyone CAN come to God, but you have to come HIS way! The modern theology which states that we can find God in our own way is a false doctrine that has many thinking they have found a relationship with God, when they have been fooled into worshiping a god of their own choosing. I pray that people will wake up to this delusion and come to know Jesus Christ as Savior before it is too late. We can try to satisfy the judgment penalty of sin in other ways, but we will find it falling short.  Prophetically, Isaiah gives us the answer on how to satisfy God's standards,"He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities" (Isaiah 53:11)
     In the relativism of our modern world, it sounds great to have the ability to approach God anyway we want, but the Truth of the matter is that, again, we must come to God in His prescribed way. It is especially disturbing to me to hear of those claiming to be Christians espousing such a damaging doctrine.  Let us know and stand for the truth!
     So let me ask YOU, the reader a question; Do YOU know Jesus Christ as your Savior?  Have you called upon His name?  Do YOU trust HIM for your salvation, or are you trusting in something else?
"And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ,..." (I John 3:23)

But I say unto you. . .

I have a little girl.  As a parent, part of my job is to point her in the right direction.  It involves teaching her that my voice has valuable information which will be critical to her success.  There are many other voices out there which will compete with mine.  Some of them may catch her ear.  She will ultimately have to decide for herself which voice she will listen to.  It scares me to think of this reality.

     This challenge reminds me of the Words of Jesus found in Matthew chapter 5.  In part of the "Sermon on the Mount"  Jesus used the teaching formula; "Ye have heard it said . . . but I say unto you."  With these words, He was challenging people to consider what they had been taught, and compare it to His Words.  Then, each individual would have to decide what they would follow; what they had been taught, or Him.  Those that found value in the Words of Jesus, would apply His wonderful teaching to their lives. Those that did not would ultimately continue in their traditions.  How frustrating this must have been for Jesus who only had the peoples' best interest in mind?

     Similarly, as a pastor, what I preach must be weighed against all other messages.  Am I teaching the traditions of men?  Am I teaching my philosophy?  Or, as is always intended, Am I preaching the Word of God?  It will be up to those hearing, or reading to decide.  I am starting this blog to try to point people in the direction that I believe to be right.  Much of today's religion focuses on feelings and opinions instead of Scripture.  I hope to challenge preconceived ideas.  It is desirable that people will compared what they know with what is said.  Ultimately, again, you will have to choose.  I hope many will join me on this journey.  May we not be guilty of the Words of Matthew 15:8-9.  "This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.  But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men."

Thank You!

Philip