In our society, there are many groups that take a hard line “for us” or “against us” approach. A person is either “pro choice” or “right to choose.” One can either “support” same-sex marriage or “oppose” it. People draw their lines in the sand, and whether right or wrong, they will bitterly defend their position to the end. It’s amazing, then, that when it comes to Jesus, there are many—even those who call themselves Christians—who want to straddle the fence.
One of the most appalling things I’ve seen was a 2005 Larry King interview with world-renowned religious leader Joel Osteen, who was flat-out asked the question, “Is Jesus Christ the only way to heaven?” Osteen hemmed and hawed and danced around the answer. His ultimate response? “Let God be the judge of who goes to heaven or hell.” While this is an obvious truth—God will be the judge, it was disappointing to see that a man who pastors tens of thousands of Christians was unwilling to actually say with his own mouth, “Jesus is the way.” If our religious leaders are so wishy-washy, it’s no wonder so many Christians have a hard time standing up for their faith.
It has been said, “If you don’t stand up for something, then you will fall for anything.” Christians are falling by the wayside daily because many churches and “spiritual leaders” are so focused on proclaiming the “prosperity” and “blessings” of God, they are forgetting to teach the basic precepts of the faith.
There is a choice to be made. Before the Israelites entered the Promised Land, their leader, Joshua, took a hardline “for” or “against” stance. He said, “…Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:25) There was no toeing the line or straddling the fence. The people could either be for God or against Him. Fast-forward to the New Testament, and God (who is unchanging) demands the same of us today. We are either for Him or against Him. In fact, in Revelations 3:15-16, God rebukes the church in Laodicea, saying, “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.” How many Christians today will be counted among the Laodiceans?
A Bible commentary noted here, “Deep down, there is no one more miserable than the lukewarm Christian is. They have too much of the world to be happy in Jesus, but too much of Jesus to be happy in the world.”
Are we “for” Jesus or “against” Him? The Bible makes it clear that it’s either one or the other. Choose for yourself today.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Armed and Ready
When it comes to spiritual warfare, many of us are familiar with Ephesians 6:10-18, which talks about putting on the whole armor of God. Yet if we were to undergo a surprise inspection, would we find that we are missing some essential equipment? A quick weapons check can help ensure we’re prepared on a daily basis.
While Paul does a great job of illustrating the spiritual principles in this passage, it’s easy for us to write them off as a “Sunday School exercise.” (How many, like myself, remember the days of Vacation Bible School where we actually made paper versions of our spiritual armor?) But although illustrative, Paul’s words are very serious. In verse 12, he reminds us that our struggle is not something tangible, such as against flesh and blood, but spiritual in nature.
Belt of truth (v. 14)—Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6). If we gird ourselves with the knowledge of Him, we are able to walk securely in the world.
Breastplate of righteousness (v. 14)—Proverbs 4:23 tells us, “Above al else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” Covering ourselves with God’s righteousness can protect us from the attacks on the heart that can ultimately destroy us.
Feet fitted with readiness (v. 15)—The “gospel of peace” that Paul speaks of is Jesus’ ministry. We should be ever ready to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ and go out to those in need.
Shield of faith (v. 16)—In this day and age, we need the shield of faith more than ever! It seems that Christians are constantly under attack by those who are led by their own ways. It is our faith that helps us “extinguish the flaming arrows” of attacks on our beliefs.
Helmet of salvation (v. 17)—With our heads protected, we can reduce the chances of “spiritual brain injury” and keep our minds rightly focused on Jesus’ saving grace.
Sword of the Spirit (v. 17)—This is the Bible, the Holy Word of God, which has also been described as being even sharper than a “double edged sword.” (Hebrews 4:12). We are to carry it confidently, as it is a powerful weapon in spiritual warfare.
Let us keep in mind that the greatest trick of the enemy is to lure us into a false sense of security. When we let our guard down, we leave ourselves prone to attack. We must make sure we do a daily inspection so that we are fully armed and ready for whatever comes our way!
While Paul does a great job of illustrating the spiritual principles in this passage, it’s easy for us to write them off as a “Sunday School exercise.” (How many, like myself, remember the days of Vacation Bible School where we actually made paper versions of our spiritual armor?) But although illustrative, Paul’s words are very serious. In verse 12, he reminds us that our struggle is not something tangible, such as against flesh and blood, but spiritual in nature.
Belt of truth (v. 14)—Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6). If we gird ourselves with the knowledge of Him, we are able to walk securely in the world.
Breastplate of righteousness (v. 14)—Proverbs 4:23 tells us, “Above al else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” Covering ourselves with God’s righteousness can protect us from the attacks on the heart that can ultimately destroy us.
Feet fitted with readiness (v. 15)—The “gospel of peace” that Paul speaks of is Jesus’ ministry. We should be ever ready to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ and go out to those in need.
Shield of faith (v. 16)—In this day and age, we need the shield of faith more than ever! It seems that Christians are constantly under attack by those who are led by their own ways. It is our faith that helps us “extinguish the flaming arrows” of attacks on our beliefs.
Helmet of salvation (v. 17)—With our heads protected, we can reduce the chances of “spiritual brain injury” and keep our minds rightly focused on Jesus’ saving grace.
Sword of the Spirit (v. 17)—This is the Bible, the Holy Word of God, which has also been described as being even sharper than a “double edged sword.” (Hebrews 4:12). We are to carry it confidently, as it is a powerful weapon in spiritual warfare.
Let us keep in mind that the greatest trick of the enemy is to lure us into a false sense of security. When we let our guard down, we leave ourselves prone to attack. We must make sure we do a daily inspection so that we are fully armed and ready for whatever comes our way!
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Homegoing
This week, the funeral services for songstress Whitney Houston were held in Newark, NJ. News outlets such as CNN buzzed with the novel term “homegoing.” For those outside of the Baptist tradition, this might seem like quaint, even exotic nomenclature for a funeral service, but it’s quite appropriate for those who are in the faith.
The Christian perspective on death can be quite different from those who are unbelievers. We don’t think of death as an ending, but a continuation. When our bodies expire, our souls continue onto the next phase—everlasting life with Jesus Christ, our Lord. Therefore, death may not be as grievous a proposition as it is for others.
This hope of life after death allows us to, in many instances, celebrate the passing of a loved one from this life to the next. Once we recover from the shock and sadness of losing someone special from this earthly dwelling, we can begin to rejoice in knowing that person is present with the Lord. The “homegoing” can even be seen as an acknowledgement of a life well lived on earth that culminates in the greatest reward.
A person of faith, who believes in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the savior from the penalty of sin, can truly rest in peace when this life has ended. And so can their family and friends. Whitney Houston’s homegoing service demonstrated the comforting power of the Holy Spirit for those who believe. As 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 says, “Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.”
We can pass from this life at any moment. When the time comes, do you know for sure where you’re going? If you have any doubts, it’s time to know about Jesus, and the saving power of His love.
The Christian perspective on death can be quite different from those who are unbelievers. We don’t think of death as an ending, but a continuation. When our bodies expire, our souls continue onto the next phase—everlasting life with Jesus Christ, our Lord. Therefore, death may not be as grievous a proposition as it is for others.
This hope of life after death allows us to, in many instances, celebrate the passing of a loved one from this life to the next. Once we recover from the shock and sadness of losing someone special from this earthly dwelling, we can begin to rejoice in knowing that person is present with the Lord. The “homegoing” can even be seen as an acknowledgement of a life well lived on earth that culminates in the greatest reward.
A person of faith, who believes in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the savior from the penalty of sin, can truly rest in peace when this life has ended. And so can their family and friends. Whitney Houston’s homegoing service demonstrated the comforting power of the Holy Spirit for those who believe. As 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 says, “Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.”
We can pass from this life at any moment. When the time comes, do you know for sure where you’re going? If you have any doubts, it’s time to know about Jesus, and the saving power of His love.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Taking Ownership
It seems that fewer and fewer people are “owners” these days. In some residential areas, there are more apartment renters than homeowners. In the luxury car industry, some have speculated there are more leasers than car owners. It has even been reported recently that the DVD industry is failing because more people are opting streaming services such as Netflix vs. buying DVDs of blockbuster movies. We’re losing ownership. Fast.
There was a time when you purchased something, and that was the end of it. After 5, 10, or even 15 years, you would consider replacing it. And that was usually a very deliberate decision made after weeks of pouring through reviews, making comparisons, and having lengthy conversations with salespeople about product features. Today, the average appliance may be changed every 3 to 5 years. And technology becomes old after just 2 years of use. Even most cell phone carriers offer a “New Every 2” incentive, so that you can have the latest devices every other year.
My parents came from a generation of “1 and done.” That meant, you bought something and you were pretty much done paying for it. Back then, if you purchased a television, you may have put out a lot of money upfront for the best model you could afford. And that was the end of it. Today, after spending hundreds, or even thousands of dollars for a great television, you still have to pay a monthly fee for service (even for local access!). When my parents bought me a toy, that was pretty much it until it fell apart. Today, the toys we purchase our kids come with separate attachments, cartridges, and even monthly service fees that force us to keep making payments over time.
Aren’t you glad that at least there’s one thing that’s paid for that you never have to worry about again? As Christians, we know that the price has been paid for our sin debt. Jesus sacrificed Himself and paid for our souls in full. If we believe this, there’s no monthly fee, no payment plan, no service agreement that will keep us apart from Him. God’s love is a constant, as Psalm 100:5 tells us, “For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.”
From now until the end of time, we are His and He is ours. That’s the kind of ownership that matters.
There was a time when you purchased something, and that was the end of it. After 5, 10, or even 15 years, you would consider replacing it. And that was usually a very deliberate decision made after weeks of pouring through reviews, making comparisons, and having lengthy conversations with salespeople about product features. Today, the average appliance may be changed every 3 to 5 years. And technology becomes old after just 2 years of use. Even most cell phone carriers offer a “New Every 2” incentive, so that you can have the latest devices every other year.
My parents came from a generation of “1 and done.” That meant, you bought something and you were pretty much done paying for it. Back then, if you purchased a television, you may have put out a lot of money upfront for the best model you could afford. And that was the end of it. Today, after spending hundreds, or even thousands of dollars for a great television, you still have to pay a monthly fee for service (even for local access!). When my parents bought me a toy, that was pretty much it until it fell apart. Today, the toys we purchase our kids come with separate attachments, cartridges, and even monthly service fees that force us to keep making payments over time.
Aren’t you glad that at least there’s one thing that’s paid for that you never have to worry about again? As Christians, we know that the price has been paid for our sin debt. Jesus sacrificed Himself and paid for our souls in full. If we believe this, there’s no monthly fee, no payment plan, no service agreement that will keep us apart from Him. God’s love is a constant, as Psalm 100:5 tells us, “For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.”
From now until the end of time, we are His and He is ours. That’s the kind of ownership that matters.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Super Bowl of the Soul
Today is Super Bowl Sunday. I’m not going to take sides or make any armchair quarterback calls today, but I’d like to make a Biblical sports analogy and talk about how to win the Super Bowl of the soul.
In any kind of sports contest, you may notice that athletes have intense focus. They never seem to lose sight of the goal. They are trained to drive toward what’s ahead. They sweat, they push, and they work as hard as they can to reach the end goal. And for those who press forward to the end, they enjoy the sweet taste of victory. Our Christian journey is much like that. We are all striving to reach the end goal—eternal life. In order for us to reach it, we have to make the right moves to get there.
It begins with training. Studying the Word of God and going before the Lord in prayer helps to strengthen our spiritual muscle. We are better able to endure when we are well prepared for the struggle ahead. Just as worldly athletes need a healthy diet to keep themselves in shape, as Christians, we should be careful about what we ingest. Do we allow ourselves to overindulge in spiritual “junk food,” or do we have a steady diet of good counsel, positive conversation, uplifting music, and pure thoughts?
On the field—that is our daily life—we have to keep our focus. Of course there are obstacles to face. Some opponents are easy to maneuver around. But sometimes we come across more fierce competition. We need to be careful not to get sidelined by the sins that may easily beset us. And by no means should we ever let them push us back! There are times we may get caught up and fall flat, but we need to get up and keep going. There may be scars, and there may be bruises, but they serve as a testimony of how God has brought us through even the most difficult plays.
To reach the end goal, we have to stay focused on what’s ahead. In Philippians 3:12-14, Paul says, “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
Are you running in such a way to get the prize? Are you headed toward the goal line? Press forward, never give up, and keep the faith!
In any kind of sports contest, you may notice that athletes have intense focus. They never seem to lose sight of the goal. They are trained to drive toward what’s ahead. They sweat, they push, and they work as hard as they can to reach the end goal. And for those who press forward to the end, they enjoy the sweet taste of victory. Our Christian journey is much like that. We are all striving to reach the end goal—eternal life. In order for us to reach it, we have to make the right moves to get there.
It begins with training. Studying the Word of God and going before the Lord in prayer helps to strengthen our spiritual muscle. We are better able to endure when we are well prepared for the struggle ahead. Just as worldly athletes need a healthy diet to keep themselves in shape, as Christians, we should be careful about what we ingest. Do we allow ourselves to overindulge in spiritual “junk food,” or do we have a steady diet of good counsel, positive conversation, uplifting music, and pure thoughts?
On the field—that is our daily life—we have to keep our focus. Of course there are obstacles to face. Some opponents are easy to maneuver around. But sometimes we come across more fierce competition. We need to be careful not to get sidelined by the sins that may easily beset us. And by no means should we ever let them push us back! There are times we may get caught up and fall flat, but we need to get up and keep going. There may be scars, and there may be bruises, but they serve as a testimony of how God has brought us through even the most difficult plays.
To reach the end goal, we have to stay focused on what’s ahead. In Philippians 3:12-14, Paul says, “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
Are you running in such a way to get the prize? Are you headed toward the goal line? Press forward, never give up, and keep the faith!
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Whatever Happened to Sin?
Some things are too old fashioned to even bother worrying about today. Remember rotary telephones, typewriters, and record players? Those are things of the past, belonging to another era of years ago. However, it seems that among some Christians, the idea of “sin” goes right up there with drive-in theaters—we’ve heard of it, or remember it, but that was something from a long time ago.
Back in the day, “fire and brimstone” preachers would warn their congregations about the consequences of sin. To be a Christian meant being mindful of avoiding sinful practices and being repentant for falling into the snares of sin. Today, many good, church-going people are told about prosperity and the blessings of the Lord. But how often are we being reminded that He hates sin? The word doesn’t even seem to be part of most people’s vocabulary these days. Often, we hear about “right and wrong” but the word “sin” is conspicuously absent.
When people don’t understand the very premise of sin, the idea of Christianity itself can seem trivial or old-fashioned. Perhaps this is why some people think of going to church as something to be done out of “tradition.” Perhaps this is why even within the church there are so many people suffering and struggling with sin. Maybe this is why our society is rapidly moving away from the Christian principles many of us grew up with, and now focuses on “doing what you feel is best for you.”
So then, what is sin? Sin is anything that displeases the Lord. Adam and Eve committed the first sin. After being told explicitly not to eat the fruit of a certain tree, they decided to do so. It was blatant disobedience toward God. And for that sin, they were punished and brought condemnation into the entire world. We, as human beings, are born into sin. Originally, God gave His chosen people a Law to follow which would save them from the penalty of sin, which is death. But the Law was too much for people to live by, and all their sacrifices were for naught. So God had to send His own Son into the world as the perfect and ultimate sacrifice for mankind. Through Jesus Christ’s life, crucifixion and resurrection, we are saved from the penalty of sin. To become a Christian, we need only to believe and confess that this is true.
If we continue to look at sin as a thing of the past and buy into the present-day idea of “just living the best you can,” we lose the promise of an eternal future.
What are your thoughts on sin? Leave a comment here, on Facebook, or Twitter.
Back in the day, “fire and brimstone” preachers would warn their congregations about the consequences of sin. To be a Christian meant being mindful of avoiding sinful practices and being repentant for falling into the snares of sin. Today, many good, church-going people are told about prosperity and the blessings of the Lord. But how often are we being reminded that He hates sin? The word doesn’t even seem to be part of most people’s vocabulary these days. Often, we hear about “right and wrong” but the word “sin” is conspicuously absent.
When people don’t understand the very premise of sin, the idea of Christianity itself can seem trivial or old-fashioned. Perhaps this is why some people think of going to church as something to be done out of “tradition.” Perhaps this is why even within the church there are so many people suffering and struggling with sin. Maybe this is why our society is rapidly moving away from the Christian principles many of us grew up with, and now focuses on “doing what you feel is best for you.”
So then, what is sin? Sin is anything that displeases the Lord. Adam and Eve committed the first sin. After being told explicitly not to eat the fruit of a certain tree, they decided to do so. It was blatant disobedience toward God. And for that sin, they were punished and brought condemnation into the entire world. We, as human beings, are born into sin. Originally, God gave His chosen people a Law to follow which would save them from the penalty of sin, which is death. But the Law was too much for people to live by, and all their sacrifices were for naught. So God had to send His own Son into the world as the perfect and ultimate sacrifice for mankind. Through Jesus Christ’s life, crucifixion and resurrection, we are saved from the penalty of sin. To become a Christian, we need only to believe and confess that this is true.
If we continue to look at sin as a thing of the past and buy into the present-day idea of “just living the best you can,” we lose the promise of an eternal future.
What are your thoughts on sin? Leave a comment here, on Facebook, or Twitter.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
After the Fast
During a period of fasting, I turn away from the snacks and goodies that I enjoy so much. No sleeve of chocolate chip cookies for me, no greasy French fries, and certainly no sugary sweet muffins, cookies, or cupcakes. But after the fast has ended, eventually the cookies, cakes, and fries make their way back into my diet. Considering how easy it is to fall back into poor food choices, how much easier is it to fall back into sinful choices each day?
Those who fast understand how spiritually great we can feel during that period of self-denial. Our focus is on God and we are consciously avoiding sinful behaviors. We may even feel a sense of “extra righteousness” when we turn away from carnal things to focus on the holy: “No, no, I will not watch that new episode of Law & Order tonight—I’m going to spend the evening studying the Word.”
Yet fasting is usually for only a predetermined amount of time. After the fast, we return to our regular lifestyle. Some like myself may want to linger in the fasting mode a little longer, to hold on to that spiritual closeness we feel towards the Lord. But eventually, our routine kicks in, and we realize that we’re falling back into our regular lifestyle.
But when we return to our “regular” life we should be careful that we don’t fall into our “regular” sin. Hebrews 12:1 warns of “the sin that so easily entangles.” It is my belief that this type of sin varies between individuals. What easily entangles me may not easily entangle you. But whatever it may be, we should be on the lookout to avoid the snare of any sin that might trip us up.
After the fast, we are usually spiritually squeaky clean. But let us be reminded of the warning in Matthew 12:43- 45. Those sins—or demons, even—from which we have been cleansed, are always lurking for a way to come back and drag us down even more. After the fast, we need to be even more vigilant about avoiding sinful behaviors. We need to make definite decisions to avoid being caught up in our “favorite” sins.
Living a holy life is more than periodic fasting—it’s a series of conscious choices that have everlasting results. Maybe there are some issues you are struggling with right now—sins that you find yourself repeating and regretting time and again. It’s time to have a conversation with Jesus and ask Him for help in overcoming these problem areas of your life.
Offer Him repentance, and He’ll give you abundance!
Those who fast understand how spiritually great we can feel during that period of self-denial. Our focus is on God and we are consciously avoiding sinful behaviors. We may even feel a sense of “extra righteousness” when we turn away from carnal things to focus on the holy: “No, no, I will not watch that new episode of Law & Order tonight—I’m going to spend the evening studying the Word.”
Yet fasting is usually for only a predetermined amount of time. After the fast, we return to our regular lifestyle. Some like myself may want to linger in the fasting mode a little longer, to hold on to that spiritual closeness we feel towards the Lord. But eventually, our routine kicks in, and we realize that we’re falling back into our regular lifestyle.
But when we return to our “regular” life we should be careful that we don’t fall into our “regular” sin. Hebrews 12:1 warns of “the sin that so easily entangles.” It is my belief that this type of sin varies between individuals. What easily entangles me may not easily entangle you. But whatever it may be, we should be on the lookout to avoid the snare of any sin that might trip us up.
After the fast, we are usually spiritually squeaky clean. But let us be reminded of the warning in Matthew 12:43- 45. Those sins—or demons, even—from which we have been cleansed, are always lurking for a way to come back and drag us down even more. After the fast, we need to be even more vigilant about avoiding sinful behaviors. We need to make definite decisions to avoid being caught up in our “favorite” sins.
Living a holy life is more than periodic fasting—it’s a series of conscious choices that have everlasting results. Maybe there are some issues you are struggling with right now—sins that you find yourself repeating and regretting time and again. It’s time to have a conversation with Jesus and ask Him for help in overcoming these problem areas of your life.
Offer Him repentance, and He’ll give you abundance!
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