He First Loved Us

 “We love him, because he first loved us.” -1 John 4:19  

               

       God is love.  Jesus is the risen Christ, and he loves you.  The whole of existence is rooted and grounded in love.  Love has been mocked, distorted, and pirated for society’s own gain yet it remains a truth so profound, so simple, and so pure, because God is love.  It is the gift of divinity to a fallen man, and the passion of His Son towards an unworthy people.  When we understand that God is love and Jesus is Christ, it changes everything.

       God is love, he is the owner of it, the creator, and there is no God without love and no love without God.  When we see attributes and characteristics of things in this world that are labeled as love, that do not line up with what God is; then we can readily conclude that it is not love.   That is not judging, it is judgment.  We either believe the Bible or we do not.  We live by the Bible or we do not.  God has/had the rights to love long before man, and he created us in His likeness and image so that he could have fellowship with man.  So that we, as mortal flesh, could experience this precious gift of love, and understand the immortal blessing of loving God and being loved by God.  Jesus is the Christ.  Christ, the Son of God, was/is Jesus of Nazareth.  He came into this world, to become the saving instrument to redeem a willing heart back to full fellowship with a holy God.  In Christ we find the love of God (and therefore love itself), identified and manifested.  Humanity is/was lost without Jesus.  We are wretched, hateful, lovers of pleasures, lovers of self, unholy, boasters; sinners.  We needed a Savior, a champion of love who could pull us out of hate and give us the love to which we were so blinded to.  Jesus Christ did this for us, he brought and bought love for mankind with His own blood.  His own life sacrificed on cross; the instrument of death, forever changed as a symbol of life.  This is God’s love, Jesus’s love; the righteous for the unrighteous, the holy for the unholy; not a trade, or a bargain, but sacrificial, merciful, gracious, unwavering, passionate love.  We love him, because he first loved us.  It is only because of God and Jesus that we have the ability and capability to love God and love one another.  There is/was no way we can or could love God, unless he first loved us.  The relationship that He desired to have with us in the Garden was ruined by man’s disobedience.  The sin that we are born with manifests itself and we cannot have fellowship.  The love of God: real, true, genuine, perfect love; is the greatest thing a human can possess on this earth.  It reigns within, and is to us a  precious treasure.  It is that love that transforms the very core of a person.  Guiding them in the way of holiness, and empowering them to live in love.  The love of God is gifted to us, packaged in the Holy Spirit and willing bestowed to a heart that has been cleansed through the act of repentance. 

     

        As the engaged bride turns from the single life toward a union with her bridegroom, so we turn from the sinful world to meet the Savior in union.  We are then married to Jesus to live a life of perfect love with Him as our faithful husband.  This is not something that we could ever obtain unless He first loved us.  It is not something we could ever experience unless Jesus first died for us.  God is love, and the love of God can be in us; we love him, because he first loved us.  

O Come All Ye Faithful

 “His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”-Matthew 25:21

Faithfulness is defined by the quality of being loyal and steadfast.  It is not gaudy, or flashy.  It isn’t especially marketable, and does not garner the attention of the masses.  Faithfulness is often taken for granted, and brushed aside for other superlatives.  However, it is paramount for salvation.    

At the time of Jesus’s birth, there are many that we esteem faithful.  Zacharias and Elisabeth who trusted in the Lord even when they were past the age of parenting.  Joining the company of Abraham and Sarah judging him “faithful who had promised.”  Shepherds keeping watch over their flock.  Taking the night shift, the late hour when sleepiness and compromise often take hold.  Yet they abide faithfully.  The wisemen, seeing a star in the east, trusting and striking out on a journey of faith to see the Savior king.  Joseph taking Mary to wife.  A woman pregnant with the child of the Holy Ghost.  This man abided faithfully in spite of every reason to doubt.  Mary, given to the will of the Lord, abandoning all hope of a “conventional” life to bear the child that would save the world.  Serving God faithfully as the mother of our Lord Jesus; the one true Son of God.  Simeon, waiting in the temple for the consolation of Israel, a consolation that was thousands of years in the making, an unknown baby to the world but would be made well known to Simeon and us by the Holy Ghost.  Anna, keeping her post, watching in the temple over the days and years of her widowhood.  Waiting in anticipation for the child Jesus that would come.  Fulfilling her calling to prophesy over Christ in the name of God Almighty.  Faithful were those at the birth of the Savior, reminding us that we must also be faithful.  When the cares of this world come we must be faithful.  When the deceitfulness of riches and the lust of other things creep in we must be faithful.  When the devil is fast at our heels we must be faithful.  We must be faithful in the small things, in the big things, in everything; faithful.  The task of faithfulness will manifest a testimony of deliverance, because God will never leave us or forsake us.  In spite of all the negative, the cries of progress and howls from the world that we believe in fairy tales.  In spite of every doubt, when the Chrsitian walks in faith they walk in strength.  When you believe in spite of the changes in opinion, in spite of the circumstances, abiding in Christ, then “faithful is he that calleth you who also will do it.”  

O come all ye faithful, come they must and come they will.  As the faithful ones came to celebrate the birth of Crhist, so the faithful (and only the faithful) will gather around the throne Christ.  Those that overcome and abide faithful will receive a crown of life.  They will share in the glory, and worship the risen Savior.  The baby that lived, died, and rose to be the conquering king.  A king that brings eternal life to all who are faithful.  O come all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant!   

What Happened To All The Men?

 

“For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.”-Genesis 18:19

 In addition to the militant effort to undermine manhood, the necessity of manhood, and the responsibility of the man; our culture in America today seems determined to prolong adolescence.  Going to the extreme to say it is not even a fixed gender, but a fluid concept.  This ideology from the pit of hell is serving to veil the crime of destroying the hierarchy of the home.  The home is the primary institution of education (in connection with the church), and the foundation of spiritual training, guidance, and even society itself.  At the head of the home is the man.  Today, we stand in great need of the right sort of men.  Not men of the world, men of pride, or human might, but men of the gospel.  The Bible gives us a clear picture of what sort of man all men should aim to be.  He should be holy, self-sacrificing, honorable, blameless, responsible, sober minded, courageous, faithful, humble; he should be an imitation of Christ.  A sanctified man.  

 God chose Abraham because he would “command his children after him.”   In contrast, God judged the high priest Eli’s house because he “restrained not his sons.”  God designed the hierarchy of the home to be principled by the father. There is a drastic difference between a sanctified man, and a man of the world.  There is an even greater chasm between a sanctified man of the Word, and an adolescent “man” of the world.  Adolescents collapse under responsibility, they lack sober mindedness, they are not acquainted with sacrifice, nor understand the importance of discipline.  Particularly spiritual discipline.  They mind earthly things, and give themselves over to fleshly lusts which war against the soul.  Lust of the flesh, and lust of other things (binge watching, social media, sports, entertainment, etc.) that choke the Word.  All the while they are ignorant of the cost of falling to this lust, and failing at their true calling as men.  A boy cannot understand or relate to the rigors of adult life.  They are not prepared to raise children because they are still children themselves (although it doesn't stop them from having them).  They are not prepared to take a wife, or lead a home.  Worst yet, they are not always equipped to understand where to go to become prepared.  In place of seeking God they seek guidance on TikTok and find only “blind leaders of the blind.”  As one crowd cries out to be more feminine and leave off “toxic masculinity", the other embraces carnal strength and pride, calling it “manhood.”  Now we have thirty year old boys, living in perpetual adolescence under the banner of living their truth.  Denying the authority of their Creator, and the wisdom of His divine calling for men.  Which is to be sanctified, sold out, men of the gospel.  Men of the stock of Abraham and lineage of Christ.  Not in blood but in spirit.  Filled with the Holy Ghost and called to be saints.  Surrendered to Christ and resolved to lead as chief servants of the household.  Modeling sacrificial love, and devotion to the commandments of God.  Fathers, husbands, brothers, men; these are not just labels, they are divine responsibilities that come with serious consequences if forsaken.  Godly men have a much wider and deeper understanding of the expectation, leadership and authority that they are tasked with.  Men are clothed with a much greater responsibility than that of a boy.  Or that of the woman, because God has placed the direction, accountability, and duty of being the head of the household squarely on the shoulders of the man.  While the woman is the “help meet” she does not bear the ultimate responsibility; that remains on the man.  Can we not see that the battle ground is not for gender, social standing, or equity?  The battle ground is for the understanding, conviction and resolve to embrace and live biblical principles.  To stand to the truth of the gospel and keep the way of the Lord.  Against all opposition.  Keep it so that God may be glorified, and his purpose propagated in earth as it is in heaven.  If we remain entrenched in the here and now; blinded by the smokescreen of the world and all its politics, we cannot see with the eye of faith.  Therefore, this condition of perpetual adolescence will continue to handicap us, and generations to come.  Children will lack fathers.  Wives will lack husbands.  The church will lack leaders, and the pulpit will want for spirit filled preachers.  The prayer closet will be left vacant, and the forces of Satan will march on unopposed to ravage the home because those tasked to oppose it are absent.  They are distracted, self absorbed, and juvenile.  

            To this generation the scripture cries “If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses?”  Will others look back in the annals of history and wonder of this generation: what happened to all the men? When will enough be enough?  When will we lay down childish things, and take up arms for battle?  When will we get serious about serious matters that are before us?  Resolve to resist unto blood striving against sin.  Lord God, raise up more men.  Men who will stand in the gap.  Men who are conditioned in spiritual warfare and acquainted with the leading of the Holy Spirit.  Devoted, holy, sanctified men.  Lord raise them up, and help me to be among them. 

Not In Word

 “For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.” – 1 Corinthians 4: 20

On September 17th, 1787 the United States Constitution was signed by 39 of the 55 delegates present.  This document was to be, and still is, the supreme law of the United States of America. Originally consisting of seven articles, its authorship is both poetic and pointed.  It defines the laws that govern our land.  However, without the power of the people to enforce its statutes, and without the conviction to stand behind its principles; this great document is nothing more than words on a page.  The birth of the constitution was the birth of the country.  We had since liberated ourselves from tyranny, but still lacked a government to which we as a people could subscribe to and coexist under.  The constitution filled that need amongst many others; but the document was only as powerful as the people who stood for it.  The constitution itself speaks to this beginning with the words “We the people.”  It was to be a government “by the people and for the people.”  Without the people it is only words upon words. 

A poll in April, 2013 shows that at least 88% of Americans own a Bible.  The words found within your Bible are universal truth and law.  They are the commandments of God himself, and the gospel of Jesus Christ.  We are called by God to ascribe to its statues and live out its principles.  It is the road map for our souls and the guide book for our lives.  However, unlike the Constitution, it does not need the support of the people to make it valid.  “The kingdom of God is not in word.”  God’s truths do not live and die by what we say or what we write.  “Let God be true and every man a liar” the scripture says.  Though we have the blessing of the scriptures, they are not just words on a page, they are divinely appointed principles and laws drafted by God, held up by God, and enforced by God.  The kingdom of God begins and ends in glorious power, His power.  We must never make the mistake of believing that men validate God.  Yet  this does not absolve Christians of our duties as ambassadors; our lives as Christians underline the truth of God’s word, even if they do not write it.  Our Christians live “adorn the gospel” and shine as a beacon of hope to the unregenerate and unredeemed.  We walk by faith, in the privilege of being called to this purpose of serving the Almighty.  

It is the power of God that changes lives, the power of God that overcomes the Devil, the power of God that conquers the grave.  Jesus Christ came in power and might, he walked the road of human life, he bled and died, and on the third day the power of God raised him from the grave.  How hard is it for God to raise you out of sin?  The kingdom of God does not exist in word, if it did, it would need us.  God does not need us, he wants us, he desires us.  His kingdom exists in power, unimaginable power, and that power can exist in you.

Go Back To Bethel

 “Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments:” Genesis 35:2

The experience of salvation is marked by change.  Change that is as drastic as darkness to light.  When you meet the Father and His Son, you will not be the same person you were before.  In the garden of Eden mankind knew God, met with God.  We had a perfect fellowship, but that was lost.  Therefore, God made a way that we might get back; back to Bethel.

The context around Genesis thirty five and two is such that God told Jacob to go back to Bethel.  Upon hearing this, he said to his household that they were to put away the strange god’s, be clean, and change their garments.  These were instructions of preparation for a return to the house of God, or Bethel as it was called.  Jacob had been to Bethel once before, he knew Bethel, he named it Bethel.  The last time he was there God showed him a vision of a ladder and the angels of God ascending and descending on it.  This ladder reached from Earth to Heaven.  It reached from God to man.  This ladder was a vision of Christ.  A foreshadowing of the connection that Jesus would bring to us.  Access to the Holy, the bridge over a gulf of sin that separates us.  The vision had such a profound and deep impact on Jacob that he declared that the Lord was in this place and he named the place Bethel.  Which means the “house of God.”  Now he, and his household, are preparing for a return to the house of God.  They are preparing to meet God.  In their preparation they begin to put away the strange God’s, clean themselves, and change their garments.  The strange god’s of that time can be equated to the worldly things and sinful desires of this day.  In Jacob’s time, they coveted after the gods of the people around them.  These were god’s that were not God.  Are we not tempted to do the same?  The strange gods of our day come in many forums, and we must put them away before we can come back to the house of God.  Next we are instructed to be clean.  Once we have renounced the world and the strange gods therein, in our repentance God can and will forgive and offer cleansing purchased by the blood of His Son.  Finally, we are given a change of garment.  Salvation is marked by the blessing of the Holy Spirit, and the change he brings.  A change in heart, spirit, outlook, attitude, and of course our inward nature.  Going back to Bethel encompasses the entire process of sinner to saint.  Salvation is offered so that we can get back to Bethel, back to the house of God.  The fellowship with God.  A fellowship once lost that is now restored within a human heart.  We are the temple of the living God, if God lives within us; for truly this Bethel is not a physical place but a spiritual one.  There is a reverence given to Bethel.  There is a recognition that is demanded of this holy place. 

There must be a journey back to Bethel.  There must be a turning from the world, a cleansing, a change, and a reunion with the Father.  In repentance we find the turning and cleansing, in sanctification we obtain the reunion; and in all of it there is change that happens to us both within and without.  That is because Jesus is within us.  We have been changed from darkness to life, from the power of Satan to that of God. We must go back, back to Bethal.  

Not “Ok.”

“Oh that I knew where I might find him! that I might come even to his seat!”-Job 23:3

“Are you ok?”  Often I have asked this question, and I have been asked the same.  What does it even mean: “ok”.  I suppose we mean to say: Are you well?  Are you healthy, prospering, stable,“ok”.  Many times the reply to this question is: “yes.”  Perhaps we are “ok,” but perhaps, we are not.  We are not ok and we simply don’t want to get into it.  To admit weakness.  To dredge up the past, or darken the present mood.  Perhaps we don’t trust the one asking with our secrets.  Yet inwardly we are shouting: “Oh that I know where I might find him!  That I might come even to his seat!”

It is in God's providence to withhold Himself from mankind.  He is not our waiter.  He is not our butler (although many modern day sermons would characterize Him this way).  There will be times when God does not feel as near as He once did.  Where He must be sought diligently.  When a child is young, it is criminal to neglect the smallest need.  However, as the child grows to adolescence it is injurious for the parent to meet every need and rob the child of that remarkable teacher called responsibility.  At some point they must learn to lean on the teachings set before them.  They must trust even when they are not near.  Sometimes God’s providence has brought us to a place of waiting.  A place of stillness,  a place of solitude; and that will do just fine to be our teacher.  Yet other times our own neglect has placed us there.  Our own sin even.  It is the better part of wisdom to know the difference.  The scriptures lead us to wisdom.  They command us to “draw nigh,” “seek the Lord,” and to wrestle with God as Jacob did proclaiming: “I will not let you go until you bless me.” Job proclaimed: “O that I knew.”  He desired an audience with God.  Though his desire was un-met, his resolve did not change.  Saying later in the same chapter: "Neither have I gone back.”  Perhaps you/we are “ok”.  Perhaps not, but are we resolved?   

The holidays can be bitter sweet.  We all have something to be thankful for, however many mourn a loss this week.  Many sit down for Thanksgiving dinner and see an empty chair, and a reminder of what is never to return.  Some are too overwhelmed to be jolly.  Too burdened to be merry.  Painfully thankful.  They are simply not “ok”.  Happiness is a fleeting moment, not a continual state of being.  This may be you this year.  It’s “ok” to not be “ok”.  Perhaps a far better question than “are you ok?” is “are you resolved?”  Resolved to serve God.  To seek God.  To obey God.  To suffer for God.  Resolved to His providence, His will, and the glory that He will get out of your life.  Not “ok”, but resolved to trust Him all the way.

A Writing From A Brother in Christ

I was recently in communication with a brother (who wishes to remain nameless), and enjoyed the exhortation that he gave.  I asked him if he wouldn't mind writing or sharing it with me.  Here is the text thread I received:

"We can let our relationship and time with God our walk with our Heavenly Father bleed into other parts of our lives but we cannot let other parts of our lives bleed or hinder our walk with God

Our time with God is sacred and nothing else should ever cause us to neglect that, nor restrain us from sharing the Light God has given us with others for this is the highest priority James 5:20. 

But our time at work and even with family is not as important and if we have to put at risk embarrassment or even our jobs to minister to the lost that person's soul is more important than money or reputation 

And what risk is there romans 8:28 and 8:31 God is with us and gave us that job that situation and even the people we are around.  How can we not give it back for Him?

We fear at times reaching out our anxiety heightened when going about touching those souls but we are trying to be a witness for God to present the path out of death into new life 

Can't remember where but 

Which in times past were not a people but are now a people of God which hath not obtained mercy but now obtained mercy that you should show forth praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light 

Ephesians 2 12-15

12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:

13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;

15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

Think of this

We are in a world afflicted with a disease having no hope slowly withering away to our inevitable destruction yet go about our daily lives in wait for that end until one day in the midst of this dark fate our hearts heavy laden with nothing but sorrow and a man a stranger comes before you and gives you a cure 

Your skin gaining warmth that pain that strained you every day growing worse with each passing second now gone and as you rejoice this man asks that you go and tell others that this stranger now a friend a savior has a cure from their death 

Some don't listen afraid of ridicule for an impossible tale of a cure the world hasn't found continue their lives as before like nothing happened but slowly with time around all that sickness the disease the cure in their heart withers and dies as does everyone around them

But others hear the saviors voice they with joy proclaim the cure to all they meet some called crazy others liars they may be rejected ridiculed ignored persecuted but to others who hear and come

Those also have that cure that salvation as all those who mocked perish with their mocking disbelief while those who listened were saved from that terrible fate" 

A Transformed Life

“Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.” Matthew 26:35

            The transformative life of Peter is a testimony of what the power of God can do for every human being.  That he could so change Peter’s heart (and further still the Apostle Paul).  To bring them from the place of doubting and fear, to the bold, sanctified, holy man that he would become; that Christ can do that is a great hope to us all.

 Peter’s love, dedication and zeal for Jesus was evident throughout his walk with Christ.  Think of him as he leaps from the boat to walk the sea saying “Lord if it be thou bid me come unto thee.”  How he refused to allow Jesus to wash his feet thinking himself so unworthy, then the Lord rebukes him: “If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.” Peter responds with his characteristic zeal; “Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head” (John 13:7-9)   Think of him as he answers Jesus's probing question after the multitudes turn back “Will you also go away?”  Peter proclaims “Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life.  And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.” (John 6: 67-69)   He loved God; he loved Christ; and when he said “Though I should die with thee”, I believe that in his heart he meant it, that he meant those words, but he wrote a check from the heart, too big for himself to cash.  Many people love God.  These are they who have a desire to do right and a desire to “sin not.”  However, they find thoughts, actions, deeds, that they wish they wouldn’t do.  Or say.  Or think.  Thoughts, actions, and reactions that they wish they could take back.  Moreover, they promised God, promised him, that they will never do this or that again.  Repenting, and repenting again.  Yet, by and by, they find themselves unable to pay up on the checks they write with their hearts.  We each know what act of defiance is in our lives that we ourselves want so badly to overcome, but like Peter, we write checks with our hearts that our own will power cannot cash.  So what now?  Do we live in constant disapproval and failure towards God?  “God forbid” Paul writes in Romans  After the resurrection of Jesus we find the disciples in an upper room having a prayer meeting; when the Holy Ghost comes.  The promised Spirit fills all that were sitting (Acts 2).  Shortly thereafter, Peter stands up and boldly begins to preach and teach Jesus to everyone around.  The man that once denied now passionately affirms and preaches the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  He not only did it on this occasion, but time and time again he affirmed with boldness that Jesus was the Christ (see Acts 3 & 4).  So, what changed?  Peter changed, through the power of the Holy Ghost.  It purged out the sin and fear in Peter’s heart, sanctifying him wholly and giving Him a witness that we could witness with.  

The Holy Ghost can come into your heart and give you the power to love God the way you want to love him.  He can give you the capital to pay up on all those checks your heart once wrote, but your will power could not cash.  The Holy Ghost can eradicate every obstruction and remove that which yields to disobedience.  He can transform your life.   

Pernicious Preaching

“And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.”-2 Peter 2:2

       As my wife and I were driving I-75 North, I happened to look up and see a large billboard with the following in big black letters: “Go to church, it doesn't matter where, just go.”  At first, it seemed an admirable sentiment (certainly became a wonderful conversation starter); however after reading Second Peter chapter two, I must conclude that this is utter foolishness. 

       Pernicious preaching is destructive, wasteful, ruinous preaching.  Pernicious preaching exalts the man over the message.  The sinner over sacrifice.  It laces lasciviousness into the soundness of scripture in order to please the nature of carnality.  Carnal meaning lustful, sinful, natural, worldly, and unholy.  The worst thing that can happen to a pernicious preacher is he can be successful.  When carnal men use carnal means to accomplish carnal ends it surprises no one.  Hollywood will produce wicked movies to entertain wicked hearts.  The music industry will write ungodly lyrics that resonate with ungodly lifestyles.  Covetous business men will cheat and lie to gain the advantage and make money.  This is no surprise, they are behaving as is their nature.  However, when a church seeks to adopt carnal means to attract carnal men, we profane that holy gospel by which we are called.  Preaching becomes less about promoting Christ, and more about crafting a message than aligns with your marketing scheme.  The preacher devolves into an influencer instead of an evangelist.  Happy to purr like kittens instead of roar like lions.  Undermining the truth, and bringing shame to Christ.  When the message is self centered, self loving, founded in the prosperity of the flesh it is a pernicious message.  The defenders of pernicious preaching will call to our attention the swelling numbers, and rising interest.  While claiming that more are hearing “the message” and who are we to judge?  Yet, all who would say this conveniently forget that God designed the church; not you.  He designed it with a goal, plan, and community. The goal is to glorify God.  The plan is salvation, and the community is the imitation of Christ.  To circumvent this is to undermine it, and bring reproach upon the cause of Christ.  Thereby causing the “way of truth to be evil spoken of.”  Our works will never justify disobedience to the truth.  Christ said: “Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed.”  You cannot open up your garage with a sign that says "hospital" over it and start treating patients.  Criminal charges will come against you, because attempting to care for patients outside the rule of law will get somebody killed.  Likewise, don’t go rent a building, spout catchy one liners about scripture while taking people's money and call it a church.  Destroying the souls of men by speaking peace when there is no peace and building up your own kingdom in the process.  Piling on promises of goodness when sermons of reverence and humility are in order. Not only is it destructive to the hearers but it tempts the faithful.  Tempting them to compromise, and draw back into the world.  Tempting those preachers who are laboring faithfully.  Not to mention starving the appetites of those earnest hearted souls desperate for scriptural truth.  Coming to hear the meat of the gospel only to be fed marshmallows.  Preaching absolution without restitution.  Pride over piety.  Self love, instead of selfless love.  Carnal appetites, satiated by carnal means, and never called to kill it off.  To “crucify the flesh with the affections and lust thereof”.  Pernicious preaching is poisonous preaching; and make no mistake if you are supporting a pernicious preaching church, you have part in the same.  

       While pernicious preaching destroys, principled preaching gives life.  When it convicts, instructs, reproves, exhorts, encourages, and blesses.  The church that wants what God wants, and loves what God loves; that church will gladly spend and be spent in service to God.  Settled upon the truth that we are nothing without Him.  Completely convinced that without a born again, Holy Ghost filled transformative experience, we cannot see God.  Holiness of heart, and holiness of life.  This church, though rejected, defied, and even poor in this world; this church will stand the trying fire.  This church is pleasing to God, because it is obedient to His Word.  Go to this church, because it matters where you go to church.  

The Currency Of Faith

 “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:”- 1 Peter 1:7

       Over the years currency has taken on many forms and fashions.  From gold coins, to paper bills, to the latest model of crypto currency.  The type of currency has changed and evolved to meet our standardization that we deem necessary.  However, in essence, currency will always be a medium of exchange.  

       Faith is the currency of heaven.  For this reason alone it is far more precious than any currency mankind could dream up.  Through faith we are saved, and by faith we are born into the Spirit and led by the Spirit.  We understand the will of God by faith.  We please God by faith, we accomplish the works of God by faith.  It is a currency which we cannot place a value on.  That which is purchased to us with the currency of faith cannot be purchased with any other currency.  Only with the currency of faith can we find such precious promises in our possession.  It is faith that saved the lame man, that healed the blind, that cleansed the leper and cast out demons.  Faith that saves the sinner from the errors of his way, and sanctifies the believer to live holy.  We do not need more money but more faith.  Money can do many things, and often it does for us what we don’t want to do (or are unwilling to do) ourselves.  Yet money, for all her lovers that she entertains, cannot do what faith can do.  Compare one to the other and money comes up strikingly short.  As the saying goes: “there are some things money cannot buy.”  You may spend all day walking the streets of Fifth Avenue, New York but without money you will not be able to purchase a single thing.  You can walk the car lot and test drive a vehicle but unless you have some form of acceptable currency then you will leave in what you came in.  That which is desirable to you will remain beyond your reach.  So it is to the man or woman who desires to please God but lacks faith.  Hence, we do not need more money.  We do not need more organizing, planning, scheming or human enterprise.  We need more faith.  Faith will purchase to us the ability to fight and win spiritual battles.  It will allow us to become lights in a dark place.  Give us wisdom in uncertain times.  Direction to the lost, hope to the hurting and healing to the broken.  I believe Jesus and his disciples condemned the passion for money, because the nature of this medium could only raise its handler to the highest and best standards of the world.  Whereas the one who holds close to him the currency of faith, can rise to the highest and best standards of God. 

       The more currency a savvy investor has the more he can stand to make in the market by simply applying his capital.  In the right place at the right time, of course.  So it is with our faith.  God wants us to exercise our faith.  Pray without ceasing, learn the scriptures, lean on God, trust His Word and act on it.  Love our neighbor as ourselves, and do good to them “who despitefully use us and persecute us.”  He wants us to put our faith into the “marketplace” under the direction of the Holy Spirit so that it might grow.  Cast it into good soil so that a chance of wheat or some other grain might spring up.  Let us use it liberally to purchase to ourselves that which brings God, Christ, and His Church eternal returns.  Spend and be spent with this currency of faith.

Doth Not Wisdom Cry?

“Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?” – Proverbs 8:1  

The truths and principles that should be advocated seem to have the most trouble finding advocates.  The contrary is true as well.  All across the airwaves and television screens the lust of the flesh, eyes, and the pride of life is exalted; to the point where we begin to wonder if wisdom, understanding, virtue, and righteousness have a voice at all.  They do, they cry, and lift up their voice; not in long clamoring tones or flashy filigree.  No, as a pure singing voice in the midst of a squawking crowd, the cry of wisdom and understanding rings true to those who have an ear to hear.  The voice of wisdom cries out through the Christian in a pure, genuine, consistent testimony.  It cries through Creation, in its untenable perfection.  It cries through the truth of the gospel, and the sacrifice of Christ.  A consistent holy life with Jesus Christ at the center, the advocate of wisdom.      

You cannot build anything without consistency.  This is true on a personal level and the same is true on a collective level.  You can’t build a business, a church, or even a book club without consistency.  Consistency is underrated.  You know who they are and maybe you are one of them.  Those folks that when they miss church, it raises red flags and others begin to say, “Where were they tonight?  They are always here”.  These are they you just know they are going to be there for you, to pray, to help, to uplift, and you can flat out, hands down depend on them.  You can depend on them to be the salt and the light each and every day.  You can depend on them not because of them, but because of who they are depending on; Jesus.  In this, in these men and women, wisdom begins to cry and understanding utters her voice.  It takes this, good consistency; because consistency in itself is not enough. You can be consistently twenty minutes late to church and all that does is guarantee that you will consistently disrupt every service.  You can be consistent in letting people down; don’t get me wrong, we all make a mistake now and then, and life happens, but your desire drives your will, and your will determines your decisions, and your decisions create your actions.  Therefore on a day in and day out basis, the fruit of who you are on the inside will show out.  The testimony will show, and to those who are in the Word of God and totally depending on Jesus Christ, the wisdom which is from above will begin to cry out in pure melodies to this lost and dying world.  People begin to see that there is undeniable merit to this “Christianity thing”.  It’s more than just a “good way to live” it is the only way to live.  The life you live day in and day out is your testimony. The words you speak in His name are your testimony.   Our legacy is written with our decisions, sealed by our actions, and transmitted through our words.  When we die it’s not what the preacher says over our bodies that will stick with people, but what we did before we passed.  When you meet a man or woman who lives holy day in and day out, there is no denying that testimony.  There is no way to undermine the wisdom, truth, and understanding of what they preach; and as in a court of law, the truth of a testimony can save or condemn (both you and hopefully those around you).  

No matter who you are, there is someone watching you.  You have influence over somebody, and when we let God lead, the wisdom of his Word will ring out through the righteous consistencies in our lives, because Christ is the voice of wisdom, God help us to be and stay in the place where he can use us to cry out.

Preach The Gospel, Use Words

“But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.”-Romans 10:18

 

       “Preach the gospel, if necessary, use words.”  This quote is often misattributed to St. Francis of Assisi and has made its way around evangelical circles, as well as into literature and sermons.  Used by many to emphasize the necessity of living the example of a Christian life, while simultaneously undermining the need for words to accompany this example.  The reality is that words will be necessary, because the Bible says it is so. 

  

         Our testimony and proclamation of the gospel is critical to the Christian faith.  So much so that the five gifts of the Spirit in Ephesians are linked to proclaiming the gospel.  That the final commission of Christ was to go out and preach the gospel.  The requirement to preach is central to the commandments of Christ.  Preach and preach with words.  This does not diminish the necessity of living a life that backs up your preaching; however to put forward that words are optional is unbiblical.  They didn’t arrest Jeremiah and throw him in a pit for how he dressed, but for what he said.  They didn’t run Elijah down for the marvelous works he did but for the prophecy he spoke.  They didn’t kill Jesus because he was a good guy, they killed him because he spoke the truth.  The scripture testifying: “He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy.”  The disciples could have worked miracles, taught Torah, fed the hungry, and never witnessed to the resurrection of Christ; and they would have been left alone.  However, they were charged to be witnesses of Christ, and they did just that.  They preached, and in preaching they used words, and because of their words they were killed.  We cannot imagine that our lives as Christians will be without persecution, and we cannot assume that a life lived will be enough to draw all men unto Christ.  Words will be necessary, because when the name of Christ is spoken, and the truth of scripture is spoken it moves the character and actions of your life away from what is assumed, and to the primary source.  You are no longer the meaning behind any good, but you're simply a vessel to that meaning.  You are a witness to Jesus Christ and in so doing a witness against sin in others lives and in the world.  If we shine the light of righteousness on sin, persecution will surely follow.   To do this, words are a must.  There can be a reluctance to share the gospel, if we are honest with ourselves I think some may find that we are reluctant, but why are we so reluctant?  I asked myself this question.  Could it be that we are reluctant because we are not totally dead to the world?  That we are unwilling to alienate ourselves from the social groups, and friends that may not agree with us?  To close the door on potential favors, friendships, and business relationships?  It is easier to “live and let live.”  Witness when convenient and not when called upon.  Perhaps, we are reluctant because we don’t always know what to say.  We have not “study to show ourselves approved unto God.”  We have not “sanctified the Lord in our hearts to be ready to give an answer.”  Therefore, when the time and opportunities come up (for they surely do every day), we have nothing to answer or offer other than our own opinion or insight.  Rather than the wisdom of scripture, which can save the lost.  We are reluctant because we are not resigned to the necessity of the message being preached.  The devil has convinced us that it is someone else's job.  Our pastor, elder, friend that is “churchier” than us.  He has us believing that we can “preach, if necessary, use words."

 

       The testimony, and the type of testimony cannot simply be action, it must be with words.  Jesus said: “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.” (Mat 10:32)  In the revival of Ephesus the scripture tells us “ And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds.” (Acts 19:17-18)  All through the scripture we are called to preach with words.  Words render meaning, meaning is the path to truth, and truth demands change.  Change to the sinner means conversion, and conversion leads to sanctification and Satan is against all the above.  Lord help us to look deeply and sincerely into the scriptures and realize the responsibility that faces us.  We who call ourselves Christians.  A holy calling to “witness to Thy glory of salvation full and free.”  A privilege to preach, and use words, for they will surely be necessary.

Repent and Believe

 “And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.” – Mark 1:15

       True repentance comes from genuine conviction.  Conviction is the divine work of the Holy Spirit in which he repoves you of your sin.  He shows you your true standing with God by shining the light of holiness, the fullness of the gospel, and the sacrifice of the risen Christ on your heart and life.  This will by consequence cast a dramatic contrast on a sinful person and cause one to long for change.  Change which begins at repentance.  

        When you go to the doctor to get your yearly checkup you expect him or her to tell you the true condition of your physical body.  Whether sick or healthy you want the truth.  This is especially true when you are really sick.  If you have a sickness that might kill you, but you can change, then you want to know.  Even if the diagnosis exposes your imperfection, how much better to know now while you can change.  The same is true of the spiritual man.  The sickness of sin is termal.  It will doom you.  The good news is there is a cure.  This sickness is highly treatable, with one hundred percent success.  If you repent, and believe the gospel.  The power of Christ can wash away the sins you have committed, and instantly transform you to walk according to his steps.  He will deliver you from sins past, and with the power of the Holy Ghost, keep you from sinning.  However, he is not going to run you down and make you accept Him.  You have to turn from your sin.  As a man going down the wrong road, or an animal walking directly into a trap.  The cry is turn around!  Turn around!  Turn to Jesus.  Turn with your whole heart.  It is a decided turn from wrong, and the immediate consequential action is to do right.  The works mirrored the resolve.  The belief manifested in change. Repentance. Turning away and begging forgiveness with manifest change.  You might be living in a damning spiritual condition and callous or ignorant. Herein is the danger of sitting under the teaching and preaching of those who tell you only what you want to hear and not what God wants you to hear.   Repentance is more than just “I’m sorry.”  It is “I’m sorry and I am not going to do it again.”  You are making a U-turn.  You are turning away from what you want and towards what God wants. 

         A truly repentant heart is instantaneously forgiven by our loving Father.  The scripture says that “if we confess our sins, he is faith and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9).  God is not interested in rubbing your face in what you have done against him; he is waiting to forgive you, longing to absolve you of your transgression, but you must meet the condition.  Once a human heart repents and it is genuinely changed, the next direction is towards righteousness.  Therefore the seamless and necessary second work of grace is the receiving of the Holy Ghost.  It is not the Fathers will that we “continue in sin that grace may abound.”  Which is one of the reasons why he counseled us in the scripture to believe the gospel.  The gospel is Jesus Christ, and the will of Christ (and God) is for HIs people to be sanctified.  Jesus himself longed for us to experience the love and fellowship that He experienced with God.  This is why Jesus died to sanctify those that believe. Repent and believe the gospel. 

Childlike Trust

“Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.” –Job 13:15

There is no faith and trust more remarkable than that of a child’s.  They put complete trust in their parents.  Children do not worry (nor should they) whether food will be on the table, or if the bills are paid; they have their faith in trust in their guardians.  In good times, bad times they trust.  Adults however, not so much.

The older you get, the more you learn, and the less you understand.  The scripture tells us that the cares of this world can choke the Word.  This covers a lot of ground.  In Samson’s case, the cares could mean the things that you care for, the things you put ahead of God.  Your selfish wants and desires.  Which will lead you out of the will of God and choke out God’s divine instruction from your life.  Cares may include legitimate responsibilities such as; food, clothing, shelter, etc.  It could include those you care for in this life.  Your family, friends, sons and daughters.  Those you love and those that are put in your care.  So many things can become a care of this world.  The anticipation of something (good or bad) can be a care of this world.  In Job’s case, he seemed to have everything, and then he  lost everything..  God proved him, and Job’s faith and trust in God carried him through the darkest of days.  In this Job left an example for us, the silver bullet to fretting, worrying, and cares; trust.  Incomprehensible, unnatural, radical trust in Almighty God.  When things are not what they should be, trust.  When the world is not where you think it ought to be, trust.  When you are afflicted, tormented, and rejected; we must put our faith and trust in God saying as Job “though he slay me, yet will I trust in him.”  Total resignation to the will of God and absolute abandonment of your own will, this is not a natural trust, but it is a vital one.  This is the path of the Christian, and the antithesis to the suffocating cares that would creep in and destroy your relationship with Christ and God.

The Bible says “he will keep in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee.”  It also says, “casting all your care on him for he careth for you.”  When you are forgiven God wipes away all past sin.  Then you must give your all to God trusting in him for the first time and he will then send his Spirit and sanctify you.  You are then in perfect peace, and this relationship of trust begins.  To maintain that, we must keep our mind on him and “rework” our thinking to cast our cares instead of hoard them.  Whatever comes up in life, take it to the Lord in prayer and give it to him.  When you do, he will take care of you and it will increase your faith.  This is not a one-time occurrence but a daily exercise. In this we trust God and learn to trust God.  We come as children, and continue with childlike faith.  This is the sanctified life, a life of faith and trust, and it brings with it glorious liberty.