“You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard lest, being carried away by the error of unprincipled men, you fall from your own steadfastness, but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.” 2 Peter 3:17-18
What if Abraham Lincoln had never lived - would slavery in America have had to look for another emancipator?
What if Henry Ford hadn’t invented the Model T and the assembly line concept of manufacturing - how long would industry have waited for the improvisation?
What if Christ had not died on the cross of Calvary? The sin problem would still have no resolution.
What if you are unwilling to respond correctly to the adversity which God is allowing in your life? Whose life will be affected by your disobedience, by your unwillingness to search past the surface of your life for that hidden memory, that unsurrendered response, that secret sin, root of anger, or deceit?
Will you allow adversity to do its perfect work of conforming you to the image of Christ? Will you identify with His crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection?
Don’t foolishly draw a line in your life - a line over which you just won’t go in your commitment to follow Christ wholeheartedly.
Adversity may be your best friend to bring your out of your captivity to self and on to the pathway to spiritual growth.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
False Teacher
“But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves. And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned; and in their greed they will exploit you with false words; their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.” 2 Peter 2:1-3
It has been said that those who are deceived are the hardest to convince of that matter.
Today we seem to be inundated with “new” ideas, “new” truths, “new” revelations. Often these go against traditional church teachings - against sound biblical doctrine.
We are warned in Scripture that false prophets and teachers will proliferate in these days. Have you detected any?
It is hard sometimes to know exactly what is wrong with a certain presentation of Bible teaching or inspirational thought. It all sounds so good. The speaker seems to be a respectable person and presents himself well. “Maybe he does have something new to say. Who knows? It might be helpful. After all, the Bible isn’t the only source for knowledge and higher thought.”
Those questions reflect unbelief and a noticeable lack of understanding. Don’t be deceived by appearances. Is the teaching you are hearing consistent with the sound biblical truth? Does it reflect the true nature and character of God?
How can you keep from being deceived? Test, test, test. Anything of God will stand up under close examination.
It has been said that those who are deceived are the hardest to convince of that matter.
Today we seem to be inundated with “new” ideas, “new” truths, “new” revelations. Often these go against traditional church teachings - against sound biblical doctrine.
We are warned in Scripture that false prophets and teachers will proliferate in these days. Have you detected any?
It is hard sometimes to know exactly what is wrong with a certain presentation of Bible teaching or inspirational thought. It all sounds so good. The speaker seems to be a respectable person and presents himself well. “Maybe he does have something new to say. Who knows? It might be helpful. After all, the Bible isn’t the only source for knowledge and higher thought.”
Those questions reflect unbelief and a noticeable lack of understanding. Don’t be deceived by appearances. Is the teaching you are hearing consistent with the sound biblical truth? Does it reflect the true nature and character of God?
How can you keep from being deceived? Test, test, test. Anything of God will stand up under close examination.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Transformation
“And it came about that as he journeyed, he was approaching Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him; and he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’ And he said, ‘Who art Thou, Lord?’ And He said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting, but rise, and enter the city, and it shall be told you what you must do.’” Acts 9:3-6
What happens when a person has an encounter with God? Ask Isaiah. Ask Saul of Tarsus. Ask slave trader John Newton. Ask Charles Colson.
Many looked on each of these with skepticism:
▸ “Hey, have you heard Isaiah’s latest vision?”
▸ “Saul’s alleged conversion is just another plot to fool more Christians. He will show his true colors before long.”
▸ “Old John finally got religion. I wonder how long it will last.”
▸ “Colson? He is just using region to get a reduced rap.”
Although those comments were made of these men, each has proved that a transformation has taken place. Their lives after their encounter with God reflected none of their past. Their contributions to the cause of Christ did and continue to influence the world with unanticipated power.
Why? What made their encounter with God so dynamic? Unlike many “conversions” to Christianity, these notables were forced to face themselves as they really were.
A word which stands out when one encounters God is the word transformation. We can never again be what we were when once we come face to face with God and with ourselves.
What happens when a person has an encounter with God? Ask Isaiah. Ask Saul of Tarsus. Ask slave trader John Newton. Ask Charles Colson.
Many looked on each of these with skepticism:
▸ “Hey, have you heard Isaiah’s latest vision?”
▸ “Saul’s alleged conversion is just another plot to fool more Christians. He will show his true colors before long.”
▸ “Old John finally got religion. I wonder how long it will last.”
▸ “Colson? He is just using region to get a reduced rap.”
Although those comments were made of these men, each has proved that a transformation has taken place. Their lives after their encounter with God reflected none of their past. Their contributions to the cause of Christ did and continue to influence the world with unanticipated power.
Why? What made their encounter with God so dynamic? Unlike many “conversions” to Christianity, these notables were forced to face themselves as they really were.
A word which stands out when one encounters God is the word transformation. We can never again be what we were when once we come face to face with God and with ourselves.
Monday, April 27, 2009
A Right Response
“In the year of King Uzziah's death, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, lofty and exalted, with the train of His robe filling the temple.....Then I said, ‘Woe is me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.’” Isaiah 6:1, 5
Have you been in someone’s presence whose tremendous achievement or position drew from you an incredible sense of awe, and you realized the gulf between their performance and yours? A good example of this would be to notice your response if you suddenly found yourself in the same room with the president of the United States.
As grand as that occasion would be, can you imagine the staggering emotions which would flood your whole being if you were to find yourself in the presence of Jesus Christ? No mere show of honor would do. We would probably react much like Isaiah whose first response was to recognize that he didn’t belong in the setting. He wasn’t prepared. He wasn’t good enough for this. He was grossly inadequate and unworthy.
Isaiah exhibited an undeniable understanding of God’s holiness. What would you be your response to such a meeting? Would you try to look your best?
When we become aware of God, when we see Him as He really is, when we experience His cleansing, our emphasis turns from self to service. What does an examination of your life reveal?
Have you been in someone’s presence whose tremendous achievement or position drew from you an incredible sense of awe, and you realized the gulf between their performance and yours? A good example of this would be to notice your response if you suddenly found yourself in the same room with the president of the United States.
As grand as that occasion would be, can you imagine the staggering emotions which would flood your whole being if you were to find yourself in the presence of Jesus Christ? No mere show of honor would do. We would probably react much like Isaiah whose first response was to recognize that he didn’t belong in the setting. He wasn’t prepared. He wasn’t good enough for this. He was grossly inadequate and unworthy.
Isaiah exhibited an undeniable understanding of God’s holiness. What would you be your response to such a meeting? Would you try to look your best?
When we become aware of God, when we see Him as He really is, when we experience His cleansing, our emphasis turns from self to service. What does an examination of your life reveal?
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Baptism
“And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’” Matthew 28:18-20
Is the act of baptism necessary for today’s believer?It is when you consider:
▸ Baptism is a command of Christ.
▸ Baptism is a public confession of a personal experience with Christ.
▸ Baptism is a visible portrayal of our spiritual experience. Because of salvation we have new life.
▸ Baptism is a symbolic declaration of the gospel of Christ. The gospel tells of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.
▸ Baptism is an obedient act of identification with the body of Christ.
▸ Baptism is a personal identification with the person of Jesus Christ. Christ is our life.
▸ Baptism is a public avowal of faith in the resurrection of Jesus Christ and your own future resurrection.
The real change has taken place in the heart.
Salvation is not dependent upon the observance of baptism. If it were, those who could not be baptized physically would have to be left out of God’s Kingdom.
Baptism is a point or confrontation with the will. Jesus simply said to do it.
Have you been baptized as a sign of your obedient walk with the Savior?
Remember - Incomplete obedience is nothing less than disobedience.
Is the act of baptism necessary for today’s believer?It is when you consider:
▸ Baptism is a command of Christ.
▸ Baptism is a public confession of a personal experience with Christ.
▸ Baptism is a visible portrayal of our spiritual experience. Because of salvation we have new life.
▸ Baptism is a symbolic declaration of the gospel of Christ. The gospel tells of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.
▸ Baptism is an obedient act of identification with the body of Christ.
▸ Baptism is a personal identification with the person of Jesus Christ. Christ is our life.
▸ Baptism is a public avowal of faith in the resurrection of Jesus Christ and your own future resurrection.
The real change has taken place in the heart.
Salvation is not dependent upon the observance of baptism. If it were, those who could not be baptized physically would have to be left out of God’s Kingdom.
Baptism is a point or confrontation with the will. Jesus simply said to do it.
Have you been baptized as a sign of your obedient walk with the Savior?
Remember - Incomplete obedience is nothing less than disobedience.
Friday, April 24, 2009
He is Faithful
“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing; so that also at the revelation of His glory, you may rejoice with exultation. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. By no means let any of you suffer as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; but if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not feel ashamed, but in that name let him glorify God. For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and the sinner? Therefore, let those also who suffer according to the will of God entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.” 1 Peter 4:12-19
Often when we encounter difficulties or trials in our lives, we are reminded of the promise of Romans 8:28, that “God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God...” That is a definite statement of promise in which we can place great trust.
The Scripture reference for today closes with a similar word of hope. Peter says, “Therefore, let those also who suffer according to the will of God entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.” I Peter 4:19
You have probably heard the statement: “Let God be God.” Often it would do us well to stop fighting our circumstances long enough to ask: “What is God trying to say to me through this?”
In verse 19 the word which jumps out at you is “faithful.” God is our faithful Creator, and He can be trusted to do what is right and best.
Often our problem is that we do not see things from His viewpoint, and therefore we confuse “best” with “ease, comfort, and pleasure.” Sometimes “best” is experienced as pain, trial, difficulty, adversity.
Why? It develops within us strong faith and trust in God and hardens our convictions for future trials.
Often when we encounter difficulties or trials in our lives, we are reminded of the promise of Romans 8:28, that “God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God...” That is a definite statement of promise in which we can place great trust.
The Scripture reference for today closes with a similar word of hope. Peter says, “Therefore, let those also who suffer according to the will of God entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.” I Peter 4:19
You have probably heard the statement: “Let God be God.” Often it would do us well to stop fighting our circumstances long enough to ask: “What is God trying to say to me through this?”
In verse 19 the word which jumps out at you is “faithful.” God is our faithful Creator, and He can be trusted to do what is right and best.
Often our problem is that we do not see things from His viewpoint, and therefore we confuse “best” with “ease, comfort, and pleasure.” Sometimes “best” is experienced as pain, trial, difficulty, adversity.
Why? It develops within us strong faith and trust in God and hardens our convictions for future trials.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Be an Encourager
“...that in everything you were enriched in Him, in all speech and all knowledge, even as the testimony concerning Christ was confirmed in you, so that you are not lacking in any gift, awaiting eagerly the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ...” 1 Cor. 1:5-7
The dispenser of wisdom is sometimes experience. When you look at someone else’s circumstances, you may be quick to assess the situation and give a word of helpful advice.
When you are suffering pain, your most common response to the light comments of well-wishers is anger. If they really knew how you felt, they would have no trouble sharing your pain. But not knowing how if feels leads to an uneasy, tensed silence and distance.
A great essay on dealing with pain and suffering is found in Phillip Yancy’s book Where is God When It Hurts? Physical and emotional pain serve and invaluable purpose in life. The lessons learned are not to be forgotten.
Have you ever wondered why you have to go from one difficulty to another? Why life can’t be as easy for your as it is for your friends?
If you respond correctly to pain, it will produce within you a sensitivity to the pain which others bear. When you have lived with pain, you lose much of your fear of pain and can approach those who are suffering and touch their lives in a meaningful way because (and here’s the key) you have learned how to make a friend of pain.
Allow suffering to transform you into a first-rate encourager.
The dispenser of wisdom is sometimes experience. When you look at someone else’s circumstances, you may be quick to assess the situation and give a word of helpful advice.
When you are suffering pain, your most common response to the light comments of well-wishers is anger. If they really knew how you felt, they would have no trouble sharing your pain. But not knowing how if feels leads to an uneasy, tensed silence and distance.
A great essay on dealing with pain and suffering is found in Phillip Yancy’s book Where is God When It Hurts? Physical and emotional pain serve and invaluable purpose in life. The lessons learned are not to be forgotten.
Have you ever wondered why you have to go from one difficulty to another? Why life can’t be as easy for your as it is for your friends?
If you respond correctly to pain, it will produce within you a sensitivity to the pain which others bear. When you have lived with pain, you lose much of your fear of pain and can approach those who are suffering and touch their lives in a meaningful way because (and here’s the key) you have learned how to make a friend of pain.
Allow suffering to transform you into a first-rate encourager.
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