Live - Part 1

Revelation 5:9-10 And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; For You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and have made us kings and

priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth.”

 

Francis Shaffer wrote a book entitled “How Shall We then Live?” This is an appropriate question for such a time as this. The current crises in the world has been precipitated by the passage in 2 Timothy 3. God will shake that which can be shaken. And as the song says, “there’s a whole lot of shaking going on.” However, the world is not focused on the root cause of the shaking. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against rulers of the darkness in high places, against spiritual wickedness from on high. The solution to the problems of this world is the gospel message of salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. Because of the trials and tribulation of this today, the world is open to a message of deliverance. Jesus said in the great commission: Go therefore and make disciples of all nations ... teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you and lo I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. The Gospel is what the people need.

 

In Acts 10, God has given us a key to reach out with His message of deliverance. This is the record of “houses of fire” and of “Putting new wine into new wine skins.” In this record, God called Peter to minister unto the gentiles. This was unheard of before in the Bible since the Word of God was originally given only to Israel. Cornelius was an unbeliever who had a vision from God in answer to his prayer. He responded to God’s vision with immediate obedience. He followed God’s instruction and sent his servant to go get Peter. Meanwhile, Peter went up on his housetop to pray. He also had a vision and in verse 16, Peter saw the vision three times. God had to remind him over and over, but Peter was inwardly perplexed about the meaning of God’s visual revelation. Peter was one of Jesus’s inner-circle three. However, he needed to see the vision from God three times and he still didn’t understand the meaning of the vision.  The Holy Spirit said explicitly, “three men are looking for you and I have sent them.”

Cornelius feared God with his household. He had an awe, reverence, and respect for God along with everyone in his own house. The question in Acts 10:1-5 is “who’s calling whom?” It’s actually the lost who are calling the Christian believers to minister to them. In distributing Gospel door-hangers to our community, people thank us for doing what the church is supposed to be doing.

The Bible says, don’t put new wine into old wine skins. You have to put new wine into new wine skins otherwise the old wine skins will burst. The record in Acts 10:23 says that “Then (Peter) called them (Cornelius’ servants) in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him.” This was unheard of for someone brought up in the Jewish religion. Jews did not associate with “heathen unbelievers’, meaning Jews did not interact with non-Jews.  Peter was starting a new process and a new norm, i.e., a new wine skin. The new process was ministering to non-Jews and meeting in the home instead of the temple or the synagogue.  

Let"s continue Michael's message in the next post.

In Christ, Brian

It’s Go Time

 

Matthew 28:19a, “Go”.

 

This last Pentecost Sunday in the Christian church, Pastor Willie preached on how Pentecost fits into God’s plan of redemption. 

 

Pentecost is a Christian holiday which takes place on the 50th day (the seventh Sunday) after Easter Sunday. It commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and subsequent giving of the Holy Spirit to permanently indwell all born-again Believers thereafter as a Comforter, a Helper, a Teacher, a Counselor, a Reminder, an Equipper, a Defender, an Encourager and Guide in life. 

 

The term Pentecost comes from the Greek (Pentēkostē), meaning "fiftieth". It refers to the Jewish festival of Shavuot celebrated on the fiftieth day after Passover. This “first-fruits offering to the Lord” from the Spring harvest was instituted by God in Leviticus 23:15-22. Passover, (in Hebrew “Pesach”) which was instituted by God in Exodus 12:14, starts on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan, which is considered the first month of the Hebrew year. This Jewish pilgrimage festive commemorates God (Yahweh) commanding Moses to tell the Israelites to mark a lamb's blood above their doors in order that the Angel of Death would pass over them (that they would not be touched by the tenth plague, death of the firstborn) and leading to their escape from slavery in Egypt. God is with His people and the mercy of God passes over the sins of the people because of a sacrifice – sound familiar? God always has a plan. 

 

Jesus Christ fulfilled God’s Law and died as the perfect Lamb of God on Passover; the first fruit and final sacrifice. 1 Corinthians 15:20-23 says, “But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming.” God acts with intent and purpose because God cares, and God’s activity is history. From the moment of the fall of man, God initiated His plan of Salvation (the protoevangelium in Genesis 3:15) for our redemption and restoration; Jesus came to seek and save the lost and it is finished. We were created by our Creator to enjoy His creation. 

 

So, for the Church (the body of redeemed Believers in Christ as Savior worldwide) and the church (the Followers of Jesus as Lord worldwide), it’s Go time. In John 14:15-18, Jesus promised the sending of the Holy Spirit who love Him and kept His commandments. In Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus proclaimed, “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 of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. In Acts 1:4-8, before His ascension to Heaven, Jesus commanded his followers to wait for the Promise of the Father which they heard from Him, then in Acts 2:1-4, the giving Holy Spirit is fulfilled.

 

The  went from wait to be equipped, to go make disciples. God has provided the Word, the presence, the people and the purpose. The waiting is over. So, what are you waiting for Christian? The Christian church is the hope of the world. It’s go time! 

 

In Christ, Brian

Memorial Day 2023

 

The 1826 original Noah Webster’s Dictionary of the English Language defines the word “ memorial” as: Preservative of memory. Contained in memory; as memorial possession. That which preserves the memory of something; anything that serves to keep in memory. A monument is a memorial of a deceased person, or of an event. The Lord's supper is a memorial of the death and sufferings of Christ. Christian Churches have names; some as memorials of peace, some of wisdom, some of the Trinity. Yes, Webster’s dictionary references the Lord’s Supper, Christ, the Christian church and the Trinity because America was founded as a Christian nation.

 

1 Thessalonians 1:2-4 “We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God.

                                                         

Memorial Day (originally known as Decoration Day) is a federal holiday in the United States for honoring and mourning the U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. It is observed on the last Monday of May. From 1868 to 1970, it was observed on May 30.

 

Remember that freedom isn’t free. Honor those who served to secure and maintain your freedoms. 

 

Happy Memorial Day

In Christ, Brian

Memories

 

Proverbs 10:7 “The memory of the righteous is a blessing.”

 

Memory is defined as: The faculty of the mind by which it retains the knowledge of past events, or ideas which are past. A distinction is made between memory and recollection. Memory retains past ideas without any, or with little effort; recollection implies an effort to recall ideas that are past. Memory is the purveyor of reason. A retaining of past ideas in the mind; remembrance. The human brain is amazingly complex. The conscious mind can handle anything from 40 to 120 bits of information in a second. The memory capacity of an adult human brain on average is trillions of bytes of information.  

 

Our brain records what our senses perceive along with the people, places, things and events in our life and that which is taught, then commits them to memory for recall and application. It is a programed natural process that we do not give much thought to (pun intended); it’s intelligent and automatic. But, we must be aware that mis-information, lies and deception can fool us, and as the saying goes: “garbage in & garbage out”. The goal is to “know the truth and the truth shall set you free”. Reality and truth lead to the making of authentic memories in life which we can cherish. Good, honest, godly people speak the truth in love and loyally teach others with a fidelity for the profit of all.  

 

Isaiah 46:8-10 “Remember this and stand firm, recall it to mind, you transgressors,

remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.”

 

Most importantly, this includes the teaching of our almighty Father God, our Creator and Maker on our mind. We are amazing creatures of body (the physical life), Soul (our mind, will and emotions), and spirit (our spiritual connect and relationship with God). By learning, understanding, knowing and standing firm on the creation that He made and sustain and our valuable purpose in this time and place to which He has placed us. In the process of a lifetime, we create memories for ourselves and others to be honored and enjoyed. We carry them with us and look back in joy in both in what God has done and is doing in our lives, along with what we have done and are doing in making good memories.

 

Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

 

In Christ, Brian

What Does the Lord Require? – Part 3

Michael continues:

In a fallen world where people call evil good and good evil, the devil will take the truth of the Word of God and twist it to his purpose. The Bible says, For the thief (the devil) comes not but for to steal, to kill and to destroy. However, Jesus Christ came that we might have life and have it more abundantly.  

What does the Lord require of thee? What are God’s requirements? Men and women think that success is tied to performance. God has the authority to claim that which He requires. For it is He that has made us, created procreation, and not we ourselves. Before we can approach a holy God, the requirement is that we come to Him with a broken and a repentant heart. The Bible says that because of sin in our lives, “For in my flesh dwelleth no good thing.” We have to repent and accept Christ as Savior and Lord. To approach the throne of God, we must forsake our pride. If God has to break our hearts in order to approach him, then thank him for breaking our hearts knowing that forgiveness, salvation and restoration of relationship is there.

There are three things that God requires of us in order to approach Him. The first is to do justly. To justify is to “make right”. Apart from Jesus Christ there is no justification, because only He died for our sins. The Bible says, “For he who was without sin was made the perfect sacrifice for sin on our behalf that we may be made the righteousness of God in him.” To do justly is to live in the righteousness of Christ.  

God’s second requirement is to love mercy. The nature of God himself is loving kindness and tender mercy. The love of God is the motive behind the actions to activate the Spirit of God in Christ in us. For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but believing faith that worketh in love.

The third and final requirement is to walk humbly with thy God. Humility means to forsake my own pride. My prayer is not to conform God’s will with my will, but to conform my will with His will and my heart with His heart. When we deliberately keep our hearts in proximity with our Lord Jesus Christ, walking in the light as He is in the light, the blood of Jesus Christ will cleanse us from all unrighteousness. The abundant life is to walk humbly with thy God.

To return to the Lord, we as individuals, and as nations, must forsake our pride, humble ourselves, pray, and turn from our wicked ways. Look to the ways of God. Then when we approach our Lord with a broken heart of humility and meekness, we will hear from heaven and God will hear our prayer and heal our land, that we might walk in fellowship with our Father and with our Lord Jesus Christ in the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. For what does the Lord require of you, but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? That we may live our lives to the praise of the glory of His grace!

Your brother in Christ, Michael

What Does the Lord Require? – Part 2

Michael continues: God will not allow sin to hinder His divine purpose. When nations and governments turn their hearts away from God and the truth of His holy Word, God will allow the consequences of sin to bring a nation to its knees, to find Him. In Micah the northern kingdom of Israel had turned their backs on God and His righteous laws. God allowed them to be taken captive into Babylon.  

Likewise in our current times, 2 Timothy 3:2-5 describes people in the last days who have forsaken God and the righteous standard of his holy Word. The Bible says, For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”

The prophet Micah wrote to the southern kingdom of Judah to warn them about the consequences of forsaking the Lord their God. The choice for those who have been called by God is truth or consequences. According to Micah 6:6-8, “Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God? Shall I come before Him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old?” The question is, how shall I approach a holy God. What can I do to appease Him in order to stand in His presence? What sacrifice can I bring that is worthy as an approach offering? “Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?”

The answer is in Micah 6:8: “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” God doesn’t want your outward sacrifice. He wants your heart. He doesn’t want your vain ritualistic offerings of the blood of lambs, goats, and bullocks. He wants the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving from a pure heart of love and gratitude. He has shown us what is good. Good means “fit for the purpose for which the designer designed us.” God wants us to delight in the Law of the Lord ... for blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly nor sits in the seat of the scornful nor stands in the way of sinners. But his delight is in the law of the Lord and in His law doth he meditate day and night.

In the midst of trials and tribulations of this world, it’s easy to become disheartened and discouraged. The little obstacles of life are frustrating and steal our focus from the things of life that really matter. Therefore, guard your heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life. Unless we guard our hearts, the devil will use the distractions of this world to separate our hearts from God’s good purpose. The world’s secular definition of success is diametrically opposed to God’s purpose. The challenge of this life is to be careful when climbing the ladder of success. The greatest failure is that after a lifetime of climbing, we realize that our ladder was leaning against the wrong wall.

Let's finish Michael's message on the next post.

InChrist, Brian

What Does the Lord Require? – Part 1

 

There is a saying: everything was going good … until it wasn’t. It’s been a bit rough for my family for the last week and much to do, with a short time to get it done. We are still in the middle of the situation and racing to prepare for the emotional climax next week. I’m sorry for my lagging on these posts. Any prayers are appreciated. 

 

Here is Michael’s message for this week, where he reminds us that in the midst of interesting times, we have the privilege of tasting and seeing that the Lord is good. The Bible tells us: For all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose. Trials, tribulations and tests are to prove His character in us. The world thinks that reproof is a bad word. However, reproof means to re-prove God’s power in us over and over. For tribulation works patience and patience experience, and experience hope, and hope makes not ashamed because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit which is given to us. We learn something.

Many Old Testament verses are applicable as we confront the trials of our present hour. Jeremiah 29:11-13says, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall you call upon me, and you shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And you shall seek me, and find me, when you shall search for me with all your heart.” Jeremiah was called the “weeping prophet.” He had a heart of love to serve God’s people. His heart was broken because Israel had forsaken the word of the Lord. The name Jeremiah means “God’s elect.” God chose, called, and elected His prophet Jeremiah to declare that whom the Lord loves, he chastises. Because they had turned their hearts from God, Israel would be taken captive into Babylon.

In Jeremiah 24, God gave Jeremiah a vision about Israel and Judah. In the vision he saw a basket of rotten figs and a basket of good figs. According to Jeremiah 24:2-3 says, “One basket had very good figs, even like the figs that are first ripe: and the other basket had very naughty figs, which could not be eaten, they were so bad. God showed Jeremiah that the good figs represented the faithful believers who had been taken captive to Babylon. Despite their captivity for Israel’s forsaking Him, God promised those faithful to His word that God would eventually return them back into the Promised Land. This promise is in verse 6: For I will set mine eyes upon them for good, and I will bring them again to this land: and I will build them, and not pull them down; and I will plant them, and not pluck them up.”

God in His mercy and grace always allows room for repentance when His people return their hearts back to Him. The Old Testament book of Micah shows us how faith fits into a broken and corrupt society. When God seems distant, Micah reminds us that there is hope for those who approach the Lord with a broken and a contrite heart of repentance. When we stray from His Word, God loves us enough to discipline us for whom the Lord loves, He chastises. The word of God is profitable for doctrine, for reproof and correction. To correct means to restore to an upright position. When are verticals are aligned according to His will, then our horizontals are much more enjoyable.  

Let's continue Michael's message in the next post. In Christ, Brian

For the Profit of All

1 Corinthians 12:4-7 “There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.”

 

Our Wednesday evening Small Group Bible Study is going through  series on the Holy Spirit. Natural we come to the gifts of the Spirit and the manifestation of the Spirit, but less known is the reason for the gifts and their manifestation. The purpose to these gifts to born-again Believers is for the profit of all. This reminds me of what is written in Matthew 16:26, “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” 

 

In 1 Corinthians 12:7, the Greek word for “profit” is “sympherō”, meaning that which is profitable. In Matthew 16:26 it is the Greek word “Ōpheleō”, meaning to assist, to be useful or advantageous, to profit. The point is that the purpose of the gifts and manifestations of the Holy Spirit to the born-again Believer is not about their profit, as much as it is about equipping them for the profit of others. Each individual saint (meaning those who have been sanctified in Christ) has the same Lord and has been given different spiritual gifts for ministry by the same Spirit for the advancement of the kingdom of God. 

 

1 Corinthians 12:12-14 goes on to say, “For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. For in fact the body is not one member but many.” The children of God are the body of Christ, each uniquely gifts as the Spirit willed for a specific ministry use that works in unison with the other uniquely gifts brothers and sisters in Christ for the common good of the entire body and the profit of all. 

 

1 Corinthians 12:24-27 goes on to explain that “God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.” The is honor, purpose and value in every part of the body of Believers, and each gifted individual respected for their valuable contribution to the entire body as a whole. 

 

God cares about each individual that He created, but we cannot become conceited about the spiritual gifts that we are given. They have a godly purpose and it’s not about “me”, but about “us” and “them”, helping and encourage others for the glory of God and the spread of the Gospel. They are ultimately for the profit of all.

 

In Christ, Brian

The Fullness of Time

Galatians 4:4-7 “But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out,  “Abba, Father!” Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.”

 

Jesus Christ is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. The Lord is outside of time, but sees and controls all of time, which He created. We live in a finite physical world and do not easily grasp that our infinite Almighty working out his over-arching plan on earth and bringing forth His will when He determined the fullness of time. 

 

With original sin in the Garden of Eden causing the fall of man (which He saw coming), our heavenly Father immediately implemented His plan of Salvation for the forgiveness and restoration of man through the atoning sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, sent by God as a free gift to redeem those under condemnation by His blood, giving eternal life and adoption into the family of God. The gift of God is the Savior of the world (God with us), given by God’s grace and received by saving faith. Born-again Believers are then given the Holy Spirit (God in us), as our Helper, our Comforter, our Counselor and our teacher to dwell inside our heart through life.  

 

As reconciled children of God, we rejoice with the Spirit gratefully proclaiming “Abba (Daddy), Father”! And Christ, Our Savior and Lord is our brother as we all inherit the kingdom of Heaven in the fullness of time. All praise, and honor and glory be to God, our Father, and to His Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord in life. 

 

In Christ, Brian

Bow

 

Isaiah 45:22-23 “Look to Me, and be saved, all you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. I have sworn by Myself; The word has gone out of My mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, that to Me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall take an oath.”

 To bow the nee in prayer and worship to God was such a common occurrence. I wonder if it still is? I remember bowing at my bed a prayer heartfelt petitions to the Almighty: "Now I lay me down to sleep. I pray the Lord my soul to keep. If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take." Then thank God for each member of my family before hopping into bed. Did you do that too?

 

Ephesians 3:14-16 “ For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man.”

 

To bow the knee is to show one's deference [reverence]. This phrase can literally refer to the physical act of kneeling in submission; to yield, to submit in respect. Matthew  Henry stats that when we draw nigh to God, we should reverence him in our hearts, and express our reverence in the most suitable and becoming behavior and gesture. Have we became too casual in our praying and worship? Have we taken who God is and what He has done for us lightly? I guess that this is a self-check for me. I read these verses and see if I measure up. Do I bow the knee,  confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, and live 

 

Philippians 2:8-11 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

 

 

In Christ, Brian

God in Us

 

1 John 4:12-15 “No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us. By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.”

 

In daily devotions, breaking down a passage and deliberately deliberate on the words of Scripture, their meaning and their application in life is uplifting, affirming, faith-building and path-directing with purpose. This apostle tells us in John 4:24 that “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” This infinite sovereign Creator who created time, space and matter is Spirit (outside of time, space and matter) and cannot be seen visually, but spiritually and His Almighty works are evident in creation. 

 

1 John 4:7-11 “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” This human, person to person “love one another” is the Greek word “agapaō” meaning to welcome, to entertain, to be fond of, to love dearly. But this love of others stems from God’s love, which is the Greek word “agape” meaning the supernatural affection, good will, love, and benevolence of God which He extends to us. 

 

1 John 4:19-20 “We love Him because He first loved us. If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?” To abide means to be, or exist, to continue; to remain, to dwell, rest, continue, stand firm, or be stationary, not to depart, to continue to be present, not to perish, to last, endure. To love one another is evidence that God is abiding in us, living in us, perfecting us in His love. We abide in God and we experience the unity of the abiding presence of God through the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit.  

 

We see sin for what it is, against God, our Maker, The godly guilt identified leads to repentance and acceptance of the forgiveness, redemption and salvation found only in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ as our blessed Savior unto new life from above with them in God and God in them daily, adoption into the family of God and eternal life in Heaven. Proclaim the Good News that lives inside of you. And as God proclaims in. Ezekiel 37:27, “My tabernacle also shall be with them; indeed I will be their God, and they shall be My people.”

 

In Christ, Brian

Rest

Matthew 11:28 “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

 

This week, Michael writes: Philippians 4:4 says, “Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice.” This verse is a command. Rejoicing is in the object of our joy. Despite the trials of this world, our rejoicing is in the Lord. In times of trouble, trial and tribulation, when all seems bleak and hopeless, God will say: Rest in my peace because I have you in the hollow of my holy hand. 

 

There is an oxymoron in this life that what men mean for evil, God meant for good. Without a spiritual battle, there can be no spiritual victory. Example: When the Chinese Communists outlawed Christianity, churches moved underground. Today, Christianity is exploding with growth in China. The benefit on the backend is that God deepens us in the furnace of affliction and refines us in the fire of tribulation. He purifies our soul in the fires of pain. God will bring us through what seems to be a wind of destruction and we learn wisdom through the experience. As the Apostle Paul came to understand after he had prayed for God to remove his thorn in the flesh: “Thy strength is made perfect in my weakness, thy grace is sufficient for me.” Therefore God says: “Draw upon the resources of my grace. So shall you be equipped through the testing to testify for me 

and help others in the future who have the same affliction. I have you in my own intensive care.” 1 Peter 5:7says, “Casting all your cares upon the Him for He cares for you.” Our almighty heavenly Father is our very present help in time of trouble. Heaven rejoices when we go through trials with a singing spirit, enduring the test without questioning His mercy, trusting in our Maker and knowing that we will learn from it. Christ will be revealed in it when He brings us through the refining fire.

Grace is “all of Thee and none of me”, for grace is from God. Ephesians 2:8-10 declares. “For by grace are you saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God. Not of works lest any man should boast. For we are His workmanship (His poem, His poetry in motion, His word of art) created in Christ Jesus unto good works which he has prepared beforehand for us to walk.” The book of Hebrews was written to Israel, the twelve tribes descended from Abraham and Jacob to remind them of the purpose for which God sent the Messiah, Jesus the Christ the son of the living God. Hebrews 3:12-13 says, “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.”

Sin is so deceitful that it can trick you to think that sin is acceptable. When we’re indoctrinated by the godless world’s doctrine we will succumb to the world’s definitions that call good evil and evil good. However, the encouragement of believing Christ-followers day by day is the antidote to the deceitfulness of Sin. It’s good to remember those who faithfully taught us the Word of God. Whom the Lord loves, he corrects. 2 Timothy 3:16instructs us, “The Word of God is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, and correction, for instruction in righteousness.” To correct here means to restore to an upright position before God. In the journey to glory on this side of eternity, in the daily walk with the Lord, thank God for brothers and sisters in Christ who encourage us in the Lord … those who restore us to an upright position.

According to Hebrews 3:18-19, “And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who did not obey? So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.” The “sabbath rest” is one of the central themes of the book of Hebrews. The “rest” signifies the completed work of Jesus Christ through His crucifixion and resurrection. Jesus said, “I did not come to destroy the Old Testament law, and the Prophets, but to fulfill them.” When we rest in the completed work that Jesus Christ accomplished on our behalf, we can empty our internal resentment bank. To forgive others, we can rest in the assurance of that which God has forgiven us. God doesn’t angrily wait for us to return our hearts back to Him. Like the forgiving Father who awaited the prodigal son’s return, when we return to our heavenly Father, He will run to meet us and restore us back into His fellowship.  

We encourage one another in the faith when we walk together day by day in unity and harmony of spirit. Therefore, enter into His rest, for Jesus said, “come unto me all you who are weak and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” When we rest in the hollow of God’s holy hand, we will not worry about the affairs of this world. In resting in Him, we are in the calm eye of the spiritual hurricane. Our responsibility is to obey Jesus’ command to get in His lifeboat to go to the other side. Then, when the winds rage and the storm-tossed waves crash around us, He will say, “Peace be still.” Even the winds and waves of life obey Him. God is faithful to His word. The Creator of all is still sovereign over all. Despite the strife, contention, and confusion of this God-rejecting world, regardless of the results of man’s election, we can rest in the assurance that we are the result of God’s election so that we may ever live to the praise of the glory of His grace!

Your brother in Christ, Michael

Soul

Psalm 62:1-2 “Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.”

I think about discussions that I had with my goddaughter over the years on why people act the way that they do. I used to wonder why people had such different personalities and attributes, likes and dislike, wants and perceived needs, or being introverted and extraverted, and so much more. I understood that God created each of us as a distinctly unique individual in our soul [our mind, will and emotions]. And that sanctified born-again Believers were given spiritual gifts by the Holy Spirit upon their conversion unto salvation. It wasn't until I saw a teaching by the late Christian family psychologist Gary Smalley on the four main personalities of people, their godly purpose in society, and each's necessity in community that I made the connection and understood in order to identify, value and interact with others better.

My goddaughter studied Psychology in college, which literally means "the study of the human soul". Every human being consists of body, soul and spirit. Body being the vital biological life, soul being the mind, will and emotions of the individual, and spirit being the personal spiritual connection with God and the Holy Spirit. Psychology is such a fascinating aspect of life and personalities, philosophies and social trends are just amazing for me to consider. To not be tempted by the latest distracting craze or current trend, but take a step back and analyze the situation and keep grounded in healthy life pursuits and not swayed by secular thoughts and any unhealthy behaviors of the culture around me; focus on the Word of God and the fruit of the Spirit for the better. 

Philippians 4:7 “The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

My strong Christian faith is foundational in the providence of God, salvation in Christ and the leading of the Holy Spirit. But, our feet are on the ground in the here and now that interacts with family and society using that sure faith. The light of the Word helps me see truth and try to understand and help others, but with soul contentment. We are blessed in order to be a blessing, but in the framework of what is pleasing in the eyes of the Lord. True happiness is there.

Honestly, though I know God is always there and I intimately active in my life, I feel a bit inadequate and unworthy … like an amateur, but see the need and happy to serve. I am finite in an infinite world, but as a sinner saved by the grace of God, I've been commissioned by my Maker and equipped to handle the kingdom assignment on this side of heaven. Physical word, social work, family work, friendship work, philanthropic word and church work are rewarding efforts because they ultimately are kingdom work on earth. You have to be willing to be willing to try. In terms of the infinite, I may suck at it (we all do), but I am "at it" and improving. It is the family business and it is good for the soul. 

In Christ, Brian

In God is our trust

 

Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”

 

America’s patriotic National Anthem is the Star-Spangled Banner by Frances Scott Key during the War of 1812. The first stanza says: “O say can you see, by the dawn's early light, What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming, Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight Over the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming? And the rocket's red glare, the bomb bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there, O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave? “

 

What is lesser known though, is the fourth and final stanza, which says: “O thus be it ever when freemen shall stand. Between their loved home and the war's desolation! Blest with victory and peace may the Heaven rescued land. Praise the power that hath made and preserved us a nation! Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just, and this be our motto - "In God is our trust," And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.”

 

It is dishonest and malicious when atheist historical revisionists lie about the Christian foundations of this nation. The battle between belief in God and unbelief is explained by the Lord of all Jesus Christ in John 3:19-20 stating, “And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. Evil and hate are strong words, but articulate the truth of the issue. Sinners hate God for God defines what sin is and all sin is against God. Likewise, the God-rejecting world hates Jesus Christ [the Light of the world] because they loved the darkness of sin and unbelief, which the Lord exposes, the Holy Spirit convicts and through repentance, belief and born-again conversion sanctifies and transforms from spiritual death to eternal life. In who is your trust?

 

2 Peter 3:9 declares, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” The Lord Jesus tells us in John 15:17-19 “This is my command: Love each other. “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.” I get it. It is more than intolerance of the unbeliever; it’s a cause and agenda, rooted in evil that blindly proclaims the God is not is not real, does not exist, did not create and sustain all things, and has no sovereign rules over nature and the affairs of the world. Darkness wants to extinguish the light of truth by silencing all opposing arguments, no matter where the evidence points. But, their battle is truly with the Lord.

 

The people of faith, the children of God and the followers of Jesus are called to be salt and light in the world, commissioned to compassionately go make disciples of all nations, to know God and make Him known. Redemption, reconciliation, forgiveness and salvation are the goal. It’s is the Holy Spirit that prepares and transforms the heart.    

 

Romans 10:14-15 instructs Believers: How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!”

 

In God is our trust; that’s the plan.

In Christ, Brian

Glory

 

2 Corinthians 3:17-18 “Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

 

I was talking with the “better half” the other night, and she asked: what do you think about the word “Glory”? Even though most everyone has heard the word, it has all but disappeared from our common language used daily today. Maybe, hearing it in the old 

Civil War hymn “Battle Hymn of the Republic Words”:  

Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord:
He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored;
He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword:

His truth is marching on.

Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!

Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!

Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
His truth is marching on.

 

Glory is a glorious word, but what does it mean exactly? Well, the Greek word for “glory” is “doxa”, meaning the kingly majesty which belongs to God as supreme ruler, majesty in the sense of the absolute perfection of the deity. But also, the most glorious condition of blessedness into which is appointed and promised that true Christians shall enter after their Savior's return from heaven. The felicity of heaven prepared for the children of God; celestial bliss. 

 

When we proclaim: “Glory to God in the Highest”, we are giving Him our heartfelt praise ascribed in adoration; truly honoring our Heavenly Father for His divine presence, provision and power to save. Glorification is our exaltation to honor and dignity; our elevation to glory as adopted children of God and citizens of Heaven. Glory is the word.

 

Julia Ward Howe’s 1862 poem “Battle Hymn of the Republic” continues: 

I have seen Him in the watch-fires of a hundred circling camps,
They have builded Him an altar in the evening dews and damps;
I can read His righteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps:
His day is marching on.

 

I have read a fiery gospel writ in burnished rows of steel:
"As ye deal with my contemnors, so with you my grace shall deal;
Let the Hero, born of woman, crush the serpent with His heel,
Since God is marching on."

 

He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat;
He is sifting out the hearts of men before His judgment-seat:
Oh, be swift, my soul, to answer Him! be jubilant, my feet!
Our God is marching on.

 

In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea,
With a glory in his bosom that transfigures you and me:
As He died to make men holy, let us live to make men free,
While God is marching on.

 

Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!

In Christ, Brian

Mother

  

Leviticus 19:3 “Every one of you shall revere his mother.” 

 

Every person on earth has a mother. God created family by the act or process of begetting offspring in pro-creation. In doing so, our Maker designed and instilled the natural love and nurture of a mother for her child, a bond like no other. Children are cared for, provided for, protected, trained and defended by this great parent and matriarch of mankind sacrificing and laboring countless hours and years to rise them to healthy, learned, godly, moral, wise and productive adults.  

 

Psalm 139:13-14 “For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.

 

The encyclopedia Britannica documents that Mother’s Day,  holiday in honor of mothers that is celebrated in countries throughout the world. In its modern form the holiday originated in the United States, where it is observed on the second Sunday in May. 

 

Anna Jarvis of Philadelphia, whose mother had organized women’s groups to promote friendship and health, originated Mother’s Day. On May 12, 1907, she held a memorial service at her late mother’s church in Grafton, West Virginia. Within five years virtually every state was observing the day, and in 1914 U.S. Pres. Woodrow Wilson made it a national holiday. 

 

Proverbs 23:25 “Let your father and your mother be glad, and let her who bore you rejoice.”

 

This Sunday, honor your mother. Give her the love that she deserves. 

In Christ, Brian

Happy

 

Philippians 4:4-8,13 “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your

gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

 

Our small Group Bible study was reading a group of passages of Scripture, including the passage above, on the topic of “happiness”. The Greek word for rejoice (in the above passage) is “chairō”, meaning to rejoice exceedingly. The 1828 Webster’s dictionary defines the verb “rejoice” as: To experience joy and gladness in a high degree; to be exhilarated with lively and pleasurable sensations; to exult. The verb form of the word “joy” is defined similarly: To rejoice; to be glad; to exult, as in Habakkuk 3:18-19, “I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength.”

 

Psalm 144:15 declares, “Happy are the people whose God is the Lord!” Happiness is something we have been striving to get all our lives ... the pursuit of happiness. It is the singular, most common life goal of all humans together. Yet, happiness is not a one-size-fits-all emotion. There are multiple ways to define and experience happiness, and understanding these differences can help us achieve a much more peaceful and satisfying life. 

 

The Greek Philosopher Aristotle theorized that in order to achieve true happiness, a person must live a life of morals and ethics. He proposed that when people constantly strive to be a better version of themselves, they tend to achieve a higher purpose and greater levels of happiness. This is called  “eudaimonic happiness”. In modern psychology, “hedonic happiness” is associated with instant gratification and short-term pleasure.

 

Psalm 146:5-6 “Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them; Who keeps truth forever.”

“Felicitas happiness” means "fruitful, blessed, happy, lucky") and is a condition of divinely inspired productivity, blessedness, or happiness. Felicitas may be translated as "good luck." While “beatitudo happiness” means supreme happiness, blessedness, beatitude. Yet, “makarios happiness” is God’s divine happiness (not of this world), extended to His holy, redeemed people. Proverbs 16:20 proclaims, “Whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he.” 

Be happy!

In Christ, Brian

Encouraged – Part 2

Michael continues that the antidote to an untamed tongue is to turn from “the wisdom of this world” and instead seek God’s wisdom from above. This wisdom of God comes from the Word of God and prayer. James 3:17-18 says, “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.” Galatians 5:22-23 tells us, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

Ephesians 2:1-8 explains that even when we were dead in trespasses and sin, God gave us grace and loved us anyway. I was convicted and destined for hell, but because of God’s grace, mercy and love, He gave me a Savior and heaven as a gift. I just had to repent, believe and receive it. Luke 6:45 says, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” You can tell a healthy soul that walk by the Spirit by what comes out of the mouth. Salvation involves confessing with our mouth our heart’s conviction that Jesus is Lord and that God has raised him from the dead (Romans 10:9-10). At the moment of salvation, a Christian is fully forgiven, as Christ puts on our sin and we put on His sinless righteousness. Because we have been born-again of God’s Holy Spirit, we have been declared righteous in Christ. From the moment of new birth from above, our forgiveness is a past, present and future reality.  

Even though we have been born-again of God’s Spirit, we continue to sin in our fallen flesh until glory, when we miss the mark of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. However, we remain righteous in God’s sight because of Jesus’ atoning sacrifice. For He who knew no sin was made the perfect sacrifice for sin on our behalf that we may be made the righteousness of God in him. After salvation, if we walk in the light as he is in the light we have fellowship one with another and the blood of Christ cleanses us from all sin. When we sin, if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 

Before we can encourage others, we need to encourage our own hearts in the Lord. This is the purpose of prayer in Philippians 4:4-8 “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”

Aaron’s benediction in Numbers 6:24-26 is a blessing of encouragement: “The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace” ... that we may encourage one another in the Lord, and that together we may live to the praise of the glory of His grace!

Your brother in Christ, Michael

Encouraged – Part 1

 

Philippians 1:7 “For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.”

This week, Michael writes that to encourage means to build up, and to fill with inspiration, reassurance, hope and blessing. Webster’s dictionary defines the word “encourage” as: To give courage to; to give or increase confidence of success; to inspire with courage, spirit, or strength of mind; to embolden; to animate; to incite; to inspirit. An encourager is one who is called alongside to deliver a timely word of kindness. Encouragement inspires us not to give up and give in. Philemon was an example of an encourager. An individual is never more Christ-like than when he encourages a brother or sister who is discouraged, beaten down, and burdened by the tribulation and chaos of this world. Blessed is the person who inspires, stimulates, and influences others to take heart. 

One of the main purposes of the Holy Spirit is to comfort the afflicted and to afflict the comfortable. In times of struggle, when a man or woman is broken and repentant before the Lord, God will lift them up. The Bible tells us that light affliction of this present time is not to be compared with the glory that shall follow. In other words, the best is yet to come; infinitely better. God will remind us through a brother or sister in Christ that despite the pain, God [our Provider and Sustainer] has each of us in His own intensive care.

A word of forgiveness and grace is a word of encouragement. According to Philippians 2:2, “fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” We’re encouraged to be of the same mind as Jesus Christ himself. Jesus let nothing be done out of strife and contention or for his own vain glory. The Bible tells us that He took upon himself the form of a servant and became obedient to his Father, even unto his death on the cross. Jesus although he was God’s only begotten son, served and encouraged those whom God had called Him to minster to.

Philippians 2:3-4 tell us, “Do nothing through vain conceit but look everyone to the needs of others to lift them up according to God’s grace.” James chapter 3 talks about the tongue. The tongue can be used as a knife to figuratively cut down others. It’s better to do what the Bible says in Ephesians 4:29, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” Proverbs 25:11 says, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” But, a critical spirit will kill any relationship. 

 

James 1:19 instructs us, “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” James 3:6 says that the tongue can be like a flame set on fire by hell itself. It will engulf and consume anything in its path. You cannot take an unkind word spoken back. When the flesh is defensive, the mouth will speak from the abundance of the heart. These destructive words will destroy godly relationships. When you have a “short fuse”, it’s open mouth and insert foot. 

Let's continue Michael's message in the next post. In Christ, Brian

Be Blessed

Matthew 5:1-10 Seeing the multitudes, He [Jesus] went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

 

This last Sunday, our Associate Pastor Obie preached on the Beatitudes of Jesus’ sermon on the mount (above). The Latin word “beatitudine” is translated into the English word “happiness” and the Latin word “beatitudo” translates as “blessedness or bliss”. The Greek word for “blessed” here is “makarios”, meaning supremely blest; and by extension, favored by fortune, soulfully well-off and happy. The 1828 Webster’s dictionary defined the word “blessed” as: Happy; prosperous in worldly affairs; enjoying spiritual happiness and the favor of God; enjoying heavenly felicity [contentment, joy, pleasure, bliss, and delight]. 

 

America’s founding document, the Declaration of Independence states: “When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” 

 

This is a brilliantly composed document that links our physical existence with our spiritual existence, which are bound together in, on and by our Creator God. The term “pursuit of Happiness” imparts and holds proper meaning and understanding in the light of the definition “spiritual happiness and the favor of God; enjoying heavenly felicity” from Noah Webster during the founding of America era. It’s not about pursuing what “we” determine makes us happy, it’s about pursuing spiritual happiness in what makes God happy; that which is favorable to God or that which is “right” in the eyes of God, and thereby produces heavenly contentment, joy, pleasure, bliss, and delight. In this pursuit of happiness, we are truly blessed … even the pursuit is a blessing because we are pursuing God, and even when we fail to achieve the goal, the intentions were godly and good.

 

The Greek word for "blessed" used in the Beatitudes is “makarios”, meaning the happiness of God; true, perfect happiness; a state of godly happiness and contentment that was beyond all cares and worries of ordinary people. To be “makarios” blessed, which the world does not know, you had to be God. But, God extends “His happiness” to be experienced by born-again Believes, His children, just as “God’s love” and “God’s peace” which surpasses all understanding. Pursue God’s happiness and be blessed.

 

In Christ, Brian