There is a very interesting event recorded in the 16th chapter of Acts; Paul & company are ministering in the city of Philippi and they attract the attention of a young girl. Now, the Bible tells us that this girl is actually possessed of a demon, and because of that, she has unusual powers- much like some of those who would be called a "psychic" today. Also, it is stated that she brought her masters "much gain" through the marketing of this demonic ability.
As she follows the messengers of Christ around, she begins to proclaim: "These men are servants of the most high God, who show unto us the way of salvation." What is this? the devil preaching the Gospel?
This is a passage that I think of whenever I hear of of the celebrities of this world giving their "testimony" of how they have found the Lord. One young singer was recently reported to have attended a large conference at an Australian mega-church. He was, according to reports, afforded "celebrity status" by the church. (I do wonder what the Apostle James might have said about that. See James 2). This young man has spoken of his relationship with Jesus, been written up in Christian magazines, etc.; all because of his "testimony!
During the same time, he makes headlines for outrageous behavior, posts naked pictures of himself, is recorded behaving in ways that are decidedly contrary to Bible teaching- but he, as well as many other in the entertainment world, are held forth as "Christian" because they "say so"!
Notice i this Acts 16 passage, that this demoniac girl's words, or lyrics, are factually true. Paul and his companions were God's servants, come to tel the way of salvation!
However, "the messenger can taint the message!" God does not desire certain kinds of advertisement! Isaiah 52:11 holds forth a command to those who will carry the things of the Lord- the message is to be holy! It is deadly self-deception to believe that we can be a saved worldling!
Regardless of when Jesus return, our days on earth are short! We need to be serious about our pursuit of holiness and guard against the enticements of the world which would cause us to compromise Biblical standards and to expand the way which Jesus proclaimed to be strait and narrow!
It takes more than the right word to make one right! It requires right living, which we can do through Christ!
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Sunday, September 20, 2015
Entertainment Has Paralyzed The American Church
It seems all but impossible to get professed Christians to even be faithful to their church's services today; let alone extending themselves to actively engage this rapidly decaying society!
Looking at social media, I see church leaders ditching services to attend secular sporting or entertainment events- they are even so out of touch with spiritual things as to be posting "selfies" and writing about the good time that they are having. They seem to be clueless to the fact that they have openly defied the Lord's mandate about faithfulness to the times of assembly, and have opted. rather, to be conformed to the world around us!
Am I saying that such events are sinful? Well, many are! They are so filled with drunkenness and profanity that the atmosphere is anything but wholesome. Some will object that we have to "mingle" with the world in order to reach them; and that is true! But, the plain truth is that "evangelism" is rarely the purpose for such activities! There is simply a desire for the things of this world more than for the things of God!
Indeed, the god of this world has blinded the eyes of many today! The prevailing sentiment is that "we are rich and increased with goods and have need of nothing." But the Lord sees things for what they really are! (Revelation 2 and 3).
If the existing American churches are ever going to realize a spiritual awakening, then it is time to lay aside weights and sins and seek the Lord for His touch!
If they refuse, then the Lord will likely raise up others who will take up the banner of Christ and serve Him in spirit and in truth! The call is consistent in old & New Testament: Come out, be separate, put away sin, embrace righteousness and walk in the pathway of obedience to the Lord!
Looking at social media, I see church leaders ditching services to attend secular sporting or entertainment events- they are even so out of touch with spiritual things as to be posting "selfies" and writing about the good time that they are having. They seem to be clueless to the fact that they have openly defied the Lord's mandate about faithfulness to the times of assembly, and have opted. rather, to be conformed to the world around us!
Am I saying that such events are sinful? Well, many are! They are so filled with drunkenness and profanity that the atmosphere is anything but wholesome. Some will object that we have to "mingle" with the world in order to reach them; and that is true! But, the plain truth is that "evangelism" is rarely the purpose for such activities! There is simply a desire for the things of this world more than for the things of God!
Indeed, the god of this world has blinded the eyes of many today! The prevailing sentiment is that "we are rich and increased with goods and have need of nothing." But the Lord sees things for what they really are! (Revelation 2 and 3).
If the existing American churches are ever going to realize a spiritual awakening, then it is time to lay aside weights and sins and seek the Lord for His touch!
If they refuse, then the Lord will likely raise up others who will take up the banner of Christ and serve Him in spirit and in truth! The call is consistent in old & New Testament: Come out, be separate, put away sin, embrace righteousness and walk in the pathway of obedience to the Lord!
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
The Necessity For Revival!
I want to begin with a quote from A W Tozer: But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ. -Philippians 3:7-8
Our most pressing obligation today is to do all in our power to obtain a revival that will result in a reformed, revitalized, purified church. It is of far greater importance that we have better Christians than that we have more of them. Each generation of Christians is the seed of the next, and degenerate seed is sure to produce a degenerate harvest not a little better than but a little worse than the seed from which it sprang. Thus the direction will be down until vigorous, effective means are taken to improve the seed....
To carry on these activities [evangelism, missions] scripturally the church should be walking in fullness of power, separated, purified and ready at any moment to give up everything, even life itself, for the greater glory of Christ. For a worldly, weak, decadent church to make converts is but to bring forth after her own kind and extend her weakness and decadence a bit further out....
So vitally important is spiritual quality that it is hardly too much to suggest that attempts to grow larger might well be suspended until we have become better.
Just recently, I saw a picture that someone had posted on social media; it showed a place where a fresh water source was merging with ocean water. The thing that impressed me was that there was a distinct line of separation between the fresh water and the salt water. At the initial point of meeting, there was a difference that was so obvious, but just a little ways out into the ocean, the "mixture" was such that the difference was no longer discernible!
How like the Church of Jesus Christ this picture is! The first century church was so radically different from surrounding culture that they stood out as a distinct people! Their lifestyles, habits, honesty, purity- their devotion to Christ and to His cause "marked" them as a people who had committed themselves to be disciples, followers of Jesus Christ!
Sadly, history records that this God-ordained separation began to wain. A little ways into the "ocean" of the world, and the difference became obscured! It seemed that cultured had so absorbed, diluted, compromised the convictions of the professed church, that you could not tell where one ended and the other began!
But God is faithful, and Christ will build His church!
There have been seasons of revival, wherein the distinctiveness of holiness has been restored to those who desire a close walk with the Lord. At times, these revivals have shaken, awakened and changed entire communities- even entire nations have been impacted as the Lord has graciously poured out of His Spirit!
We, today, stand in desperate need of such a visitation! The church and the world seem to be one and the same! Professed Christians have, by-and-large, been absorbed into surrounding culture and no discernible difference can be seen! There is no Spiritual power to save, deliver and change lives! And, sadly, there is little concern over the sorry condition of the church today!
But if those who grieve over the sinful state of our nation will give themselves to prayer, intercession and standing against the powers of darkness that hold sway over the masses today, we have every right to believe that God will hear our prayers, and that He will penetrate the darkness and shine His light of revival upon His church once again!
Spiritually, the hour is dark- but God is not limited! He is looking for a people who will work, pray, and believe Him to honor His word!
Our most pressing obligation today is to do all in our power to obtain a revival that will result in a reformed, revitalized, purified church. It is of far greater importance that we have better Christians than that we have more of them. Each generation of Christians is the seed of the next, and degenerate seed is sure to produce a degenerate harvest not a little better than but a little worse than the seed from which it sprang. Thus the direction will be down until vigorous, effective means are taken to improve the seed....
To carry on these activities [evangelism, missions] scripturally the church should be walking in fullness of power, separated, purified and ready at any moment to give up everything, even life itself, for the greater glory of Christ. For a worldly, weak, decadent church to make converts is but to bring forth after her own kind and extend her weakness and decadence a bit further out....
So vitally important is spiritual quality that it is hardly too much to suggest that attempts to grow larger might well be suspended until we have become better.
Just recently, I saw a picture that someone had posted on social media; it showed a place where a fresh water source was merging with ocean water. The thing that impressed me was that there was a distinct line of separation between the fresh water and the salt water. At the initial point of meeting, there was a difference that was so obvious, but just a little ways out into the ocean, the "mixture" was such that the difference was no longer discernible!
How like the Church of Jesus Christ this picture is! The first century church was so radically different from surrounding culture that they stood out as a distinct people! Their lifestyles, habits, honesty, purity- their devotion to Christ and to His cause "marked" them as a people who had committed themselves to be disciples, followers of Jesus Christ!
Sadly, history records that this God-ordained separation began to wain. A little ways into the "ocean" of the world, and the difference became obscured! It seemed that cultured had so absorbed, diluted, compromised the convictions of the professed church, that you could not tell where one ended and the other began!
But God is faithful, and Christ will build His church!
There have been seasons of revival, wherein the distinctiveness of holiness has been restored to those who desire a close walk with the Lord. At times, these revivals have shaken, awakened and changed entire communities- even entire nations have been impacted as the Lord has graciously poured out of His Spirit!
We, today, stand in desperate need of such a visitation! The church and the world seem to be one and the same! Professed Christians have, by-and-large, been absorbed into surrounding culture and no discernible difference can be seen! There is no Spiritual power to save, deliver and change lives! And, sadly, there is little concern over the sorry condition of the church today!
But if those who grieve over the sinful state of our nation will give themselves to prayer, intercession and standing against the powers of darkness that hold sway over the masses today, we have every right to believe that God will hear our prayers, and that He will penetrate the darkness and shine His light of revival upon His church once again!
Spiritually, the hour is dark- but God is not limited! He is looking for a people who will work, pray, and believe Him to honor His word!
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Forever Is Closing In!
Somewhere in my study, I have 2 books which were written by a preacher many years ago, dealing with the reality of a never-ending future that awaits all of humanity. The title of the study is "Living Your life NOW In The Light Of Eternity". The premise is that we are, right now, by our words and actions- or lack thereof- determining what our eternity will be!
There are some decisions that are much too important to relegate to a future that may never arrive! There are issues that demand a sense of urgency from all of us, lest we find out at the end that we have lived and died as fools!
I have no delusions that multitudes are reading this little blog, but my sincere desire is to use all means available in order to challenge saint and sinner alike to be prepared for the unavoidable reality that ALL will appear before the Lord, and ALL will be called upon to give an accounting of deeds done in this life- whether good, or evil!
I absolutely believe that this age is rapidly approaching it's climax! We have to turn a blind eye toward Scripture to not see the prophetic significance of attitudes and events that exist at this present time. One passage that comes to mind in 2 Timothy 3:1-3;
1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
This article is not meant to be an exhaustive study of end-time events; it is written in hopes of challenging those who read it to be serious in their walk through this life, and to give thought to their eternal destination!
One tragic reality about this present hour is that the American church has become so aligned with the spirit of this world that there is little heralding of the Gospel of Christ today! Accommodation has been made to appeal to, and to appease the masses, to the point of grieving the Holy Spirit out of many churches so called today!
Where do you hear of the necessity of holiness today? Where is the trumpet call to come out of the corruption of this world and to live a separated life! Where are the warnings about the spiritually poisoning influences of worldly entertainment today?
Church leaders cannot preach against such sins when they are soaking in it at the movie house or concert! Neither can they preach holiness of heart when they are reveling in current television fare!
Demons cannot be put to flight nor have their powers broken by a back-slidden church that has more in common with the world than with the holy saints of old who wrought righteousness through faith!
Back to the title of this article: Forever Is Closing In! Are we comfortable at the thought of eternity overtaking us while going on with business as usual? Does our life align with Scriptural teachings of what a disciple of Jesus Christ should be?
Sadly; Scripturally; MOST people will be forever lost! Among this multitude will be many who professed to know the Lord! In fact, you can read of them in Matthew 25:31-46;
31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:
32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
42 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:
43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.
44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?
45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.
46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.
Pleas note that the only thing distinguishing these 2 groups is what they they did, and did not do! Some took seriously the directives of the Lord, while others thought that He really didn't mean what He says!
If you were to be launched from this life, into eternity, right now- what would the end result be?
There are some decisions that are much too important to relegate to a future that may never arrive! There are issues that demand a sense of urgency from all of us, lest we find out at the end that we have lived and died as fools!
I have no delusions that multitudes are reading this little blog, but my sincere desire is to use all means available in order to challenge saint and sinner alike to be prepared for the unavoidable reality that ALL will appear before the Lord, and ALL will be called upon to give an accounting of deeds done in this life- whether good, or evil!
I absolutely believe that this age is rapidly approaching it's climax! We have to turn a blind eye toward Scripture to not see the prophetic significance of attitudes and events that exist at this present time. One passage that comes to mind in 2 Timothy 3:1-3;
1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
This article is not meant to be an exhaustive study of end-time events; it is written in hopes of challenging those who read it to be serious in their walk through this life, and to give thought to their eternal destination!
One tragic reality about this present hour is that the American church has become so aligned with the spirit of this world that there is little heralding of the Gospel of Christ today! Accommodation has been made to appeal to, and to appease the masses, to the point of grieving the Holy Spirit out of many churches so called today!
Where do you hear of the necessity of holiness today? Where is the trumpet call to come out of the corruption of this world and to live a separated life! Where are the warnings about the spiritually poisoning influences of worldly entertainment today?
Church leaders cannot preach against such sins when they are soaking in it at the movie house or concert! Neither can they preach holiness of heart when they are reveling in current television fare!
Demons cannot be put to flight nor have their powers broken by a back-slidden church that has more in common with the world than with the holy saints of old who wrought righteousness through faith!
Back to the title of this article: Forever Is Closing In! Are we comfortable at the thought of eternity overtaking us while going on with business as usual? Does our life align with Scriptural teachings of what a disciple of Jesus Christ should be?
Sadly; Scripturally; MOST people will be forever lost! Among this multitude will be many who professed to know the Lord! In fact, you can read of them in Matthew 25:31-46;
31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:
32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
42 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:
43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.
44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?
45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.
46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.
Pleas note that the only thing distinguishing these 2 groups is what they they did, and did not do! Some took seriously the directives of the Lord, while others thought that He really didn't mean what He says!
If you were to be launched from this life, into eternity, right now- what would the end result be?
Tuesday, August 11, 2015
DO WE TRULY DESIRE REVIVAL?
The need for a sweeping spiritual awakening in our land is obvious to all. By and large, the American church is powerless today! Oh, there is much boasting of "revival" and "glory"; we hear such phrases as "The Holy Ghost showed up and showed off!". But, where is the new-creature change the Bible speaks of? Or, as Gideon asked of the angel: "if the Lord is with us, where are the mighty miracles that our fathers spoke of?".
I have followed the reports of "revivals" in recent years, and, after the fog of emotionalism clears, about all that has taken place is some type of "manifesting"! Shaking, falling- or, God help us, barking and howling!
Sadly, there are hundreds of thousands of disillusioned people left in the wake of this kind of worked-up spirituality! Not that there is anything wrong with the emotional aspect of worship; but, when the smoke clears, alas, there has been no "fire"!
DO WE TRULY DESIRE REVIVAL? If we do, then here is where it will start- in a posture of contrition, repentance, and brokenness before the throne of grace!
While out walking and praying this morning, I was reminded of times of spiritual renewal recorded in the Bible. I don't want to rehearse them here, except to say that they always began with the humbling and repentance of God's people. So, I began to pray and for quite some time, I was "drawn out" in prayer for the church.
Are we, personally, prepared to identify with the need, and to ask, and allow, the Lord to change us? If not, than any petition for revival is a fake! A fraud! If we were what we should be, then revival would not be needed! But we aren't, so we need revived!!
"Oh, God- forgive us our arrogance! We have gone along as if all is well, while failing to notice the subtle changes in our lives, our churches, and our land.
Forgive us our indulgences in the things of the flesh while becoming comfortable boasting of our spiritual liberties.
Forgive us for embracing the "idols" of this world.
Forgive us for excusing our lack of holiness with catch-phrases such as, "we're not perfect; only forgiven"!
Forgive us for our affinity for the degrading entertainment of this world that blasphemes Your holy name; that glorifies the very things that made necessary the death of Your precious Son, and fills us with fodder for all sorts of unclean and impure thoughts!
Forgive us for allowing this present world to consume our time, talent and treasure, while we hypocritically boast of having given all to You!
Forgive us of our gossip, back-biting- boasting, arrogance; our holier-than-thou attitude which has certainly been such a stench in your nostrils!
Forgive us for the gross neglect of your holy word; for such little time spent in the closet of prayer when there is so much to pray about!
Forgive us for turning buildings that we dedicate to You into entertainment venues, and getting to the place where we cannot distinguish between stirred emotions and the Presence of Your Blessed Spirit!
Forgive us for foolishly believing that we can serve two, or three, or more, masters!
Forgive us, O, Lord, for grieving You! For taking so very lightly the (little) things that required the shedding of Blood to atone for!
Forgive us for our dry eyes and dry altars, as the world around us goes to hell! Forgive us that our hearts are so out of tune with yours!
Forgive us for the little compartments of "self" the we guard. Those places that we resort to in order to indulge the flesh, in many ways.
Forgive us for taking the "flesh" so lightly that we think co-existence is possible. Forgive us for failing to mortify the flesh!
Lord, the list could be much longer, and we pray for You to reveal to us the needs within these deceitful hearts, that we might cast down every vestige of sin and self!
Lord, grant, once again, repentance unto life, as we pray with the Psalmist: 'Create in me a clean heart, O, God; and renew a right spirit within me.' "
I have a burden to see the Lord honored, and to see His Church renewed. If this resonates with your spirit, then I invite you to join me in repentance, fasting, praying and believing God to simply, yet powerfully, move in accord with the promises of His word.
I have followed the reports of "revivals" in recent years, and, after the fog of emotionalism clears, about all that has taken place is some type of "manifesting"! Shaking, falling- or, God help us, barking and howling!
Sadly, there are hundreds of thousands of disillusioned people left in the wake of this kind of worked-up spirituality! Not that there is anything wrong with the emotional aspect of worship; but, when the smoke clears, alas, there has been no "fire"!
DO WE TRULY DESIRE REVIVAL? If we do, then here is where it will start- in a posture of contrition, repentance, and brokenness before the throne of grace!
While out walking and praying this morning, I was reminded of times of spiritual renewal recorded in the Bible. I don't want to rehearse them here, except to say that they always began with the humbling and repentance of God's people. So, I began to pray and for quite some time, I was "drawn out" in prayer for the church.
Are we, personally, prepared to identify with the need, and to ask, and allow, the Lord to change us? If not, than any petition for revival is a fake! A fraud! If we were what we should be, then revival would not be needed! But we aren't, so we need revived!!
"Oh, God- forgive us our arrogance! We have gone along as if all is well, while failing to notice the subtle changes in our lives, our churches, and our land.
Forgive us our indulgences in the things of the flesh while becoming comfortable boasting of our spiritual liberties.
Forgive us for embracing the "idols" of this world.
Forgive us for excusing our lack of holiness with catch-phrases such as, "we're not perfect; only forgiven"!
Forgive us for our affinity for the degrading entertainment of this world that blasphemes Your holy name; that glorifies the very things that made necessary the death of Your precious Son, and fills us with fodder for all sorts of unclean and impure thoughts!
Forgive us for allowing this present world to consume our time, talent and treasure, while we hypocritically boast of having given all to You!
Forgive us of our gossip, back-biting- boasting, arrogance; our holier-than-thou attitude which has certainly been such a stench in your nostrils!
Forgive us for the gross neglect of your holy word; for such little time spent in the closet of prayer when there is so much to pray about!
Forgive us for turning buildings that we dedicate to You into entertainment venues, and getting to the place where we cannot distinguish between stirred emotions and the Presence of Your Blessed Spirit!
Forgive us for foolishly believing that we can serve two, or three, or more, masters!
Forgive us, O, Lord, for grieving You! For taking so very lightly the (little) things that required the shedding of Blood to atone for!
Forgive us for our dry eyes and dry altars, as the world around us goes to hell! Forgive us that our hearts are so out of tune with yours!
Forgive us for the little compartments of "self" the we guard. Those places that we resort to in order to indulge the flesh, in many ways.
Forgive us for taking the "flesh" so lightly that we think co-existence is possible. Forgive us for failing to mortify the flesh!
Lord, the list could be much longer, and we pray for You to reveal to us the needs within these deceitful hearts, that we might cast down every vestige of sin and self!
Lord, grant, once again, repentance unto life, as we pray with the Psalmist: 'Create in me a clean heart, O, God; and renew a right spirit within me.' "
I have a burden to see the Lord honored, and to see His Church renewed. If this resonates with your spirit, then I invite you to join me in repentance, fasting, praying and believing God to simply, yet powerfully, move in accord with the promises of His word.
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
211, AND NO CONCERN!
As most of you probably know, water reaches it's boiling point at 212 F. Also, most have likely heard the illustration of "how to boil a frog". The theory is that, since the frog is clod blooded and acclimates to temperature changes, it will remain in a pot of heating water, simply adjusting to minute changes, until it is too late to get out! End result- Boiled Frog!
I don't know if the above has ever actually been validated by scientific studies, but I have lived long enough to have seen this scenario play out right here in America! Little-by-little; step-by-step, we have watched as the bedrock foundation of this nation has been eroded! The ideals and principles that are articulated in our founding documents have become outdated, in the minds of many, and the old concepts of decency, morality and civility seem to be all but swept away by the tide of relativism that rose up as a small trickle, but now, rushes as a mighty torrent throughout the western world!
I have watched, as in spite of the few prophetic voices of protest, the church has become more and more aligned with the current thoughts and trends of this, increasingly ungodly, nation; and now- there is no discernible difference between most "people of faith", and the unabashed sinners of this land!
I never thought, in the early years of my Christian life, that I would find myself in conversation with Pentecostal professors who would contend for their liberty to drink alcoholic beverage; pay money to corrupt their spirits with entertainment that portrays all types of Biblically wrong activities; engage in premarital or extra-marital sex; use language that once was recognized as wrong- and the list goes on!
When we shine the light of Scripture upon the reality of this hour in which we live, it leads me to believe that this pot (world) has reached 211, and it is just about to boil over! Tragically, most of the "frogs" are content to just paddle around as if all thing go on just as they always have!
What will these think- how will such people feel- when they come to see that God REALLY MEANS what He says about sin, the need for repentance and the requirement to come out of the world (the pot, if you please) and live a holy life?
God, in His grace, is extending opportunity for whosoever will to get their spiritual house in order, because the boiling point is near at hand- soon to arrive, and multitudes will discover, too late, that they have chosen to play the part of a fool!
I have prayed for years that pastors would be prophets rather than puppets in the pulpit! True shepherds rather than hirelings! Loving God, and humanity, enough to proclaim the truth that we must come out of the world and forsake it's ways if we are to have a legitimate of escaping the wrath to come!
May the Lord grant us ears to hear what the Spirit says to the Church!
I don't know if the above has ever actually been validated by scientific studies, but I have lived long enough to have seen this scenario play out right here in America! Little-by-little; step-by-step, we have watched as the bedrock foundation of this nation has been eroded! The ideals and principles that are articulated in our founding documents have become outdated, in the minds of many, and the old concepts of decency, morality and civility seem to be all but swept away by the tide of relativism that rose up as a small trickle, but now, rushes as a mighty torrent throughout the western world!
I have watched, as in spite of the few prophetic voices of protest, the church has become more and more aligned with the current thoughts and trends of this, increasingly ungodly, nation; and now- there is no discernible difference between most "people of faith", and the unabashed sinners of this land!
I never thought, in the early years of my Christian life, that I would find myself in conversation with Pentecostal professors who would contend for their liberty to drink alcoholic beverage; pay money to corrupt their spirits with entertainment that portrays all types of Biblically wrong activities; engage in premarital or extra-marital sex; use language that once was recognized as wrong- and the list goes on!
When we shine the light of Scripture upon the reality of this hour in which we live, it leads me to believe that this pot (world) has reached 211, and it is just about to boil over! Tragically, most of the "frogs" are content to just paddle around as if all thing go on just as they always have!
What will these think- how will such people feel- when they come to see that God REALLY MEANS what He says about sin, the need for repentance and the requirement to come out of the world (the pot, if you please) and live a holy life?
God, in His grace, is extending opportunity for whosoever will to get their spiritual house in order, because the boiling point is near at hand- soon to arrive, and multitudes will discover, too late, that they have chosen to play the part of a fool!
I have prayed for years that pastors would be prophets rather than puppets in the pulpit! True shepherds rather than hirelings! Loving God, and humanity, enough to proclaim the truth that we must come out of the world and forsake it's ways if we are to have a legitimate of escaping the wrath to come!
May the Lord grant us ears to hear what the Spirit says to the Church!
Monday, August 3, 2015
Discipleship: No Room For Half-Heartedness
Matthew 12 :26 says "If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour." These words of Jesus leave no doubt as to where His disciples are to be found. They will be engaged in the works that He invested His life in! As far as what that might entail; Acts 10:38 tells us that the Master went about doing good, ministering healing to those who were oppressed by the devil!
Such "living definitions" of discipleship are rare, indeed, today! American Christianity has been, by-and-large, reduced to sound bites, claiming promises, boasting of being "blessed and highly favored" while making little, if any, discernible impact for the Kingdom of God!
The church in America has before it a God-given opportunity to help the greatest single group of "oppressed" people right now! The pre-born who are being murdered at the rate of 3,000 per day are in need of those, with voices, who will plead their case! The innocent blood of these precious little ones is crying out for justice today, while the best that most "disciples" can offer is a "like" on facebook!
Do professed followers of Jesus Christ sincerely believe that the One who spoke of little children with a holy compassion will accept this token intercession from His church?
Are "believers" so engrossed in the things of the world that their ears are closed and their hearts are untouched by the plight of these babies who are being ruthlessly murdered and bartered on the open markets of this ungodly nation?
We have seen the homosexuals, who comprise about 3% of this country's population, bring radical change to the laws of the land in just a short time; why won't the 30+% who call themselves Christians awake from their world-induced slumber and pray, call, write, email- lift up our collective voice as a trumpet, and speak out in defense of these helpless victims!
The only realistic answer to such a question would be that, there simply isn't enough concern! In other words: "We just don't care"!
It's amazing how much we hear of "awesome worship services", "powerful altar times", and "inspiring messages". My question is: Why are such "mighty encounters" with the Lord producing so little results in His people!
My conclusion is that most times of "awesome worship" are no more than jam-sessions that excite the flesh! Powerful altar times are simply venting of emotions, and inspiring messages are thinly veiled pop-psychology that tells us how great we are!
Genuine disciples of Jesus Christ are salt and light! Salt will make a difference! Light will reveal and dispel darkness! Those who are truly indwelt by the Holy Spirit of God will be engaged in Kingdom business!
I guess that the pertinent consideration is this: Will we be among those who want to aggressively defend their increasing conformity to the world, while they chase after the latest music, trends, and manifestations; or will we follow the Lord, as true disciples, dare to live a holy, separated life, and speak truth to our generation through all available means?
The book of Ecclesiastes speaks of a time to mourn. If the rapid decline of this nation, marked by the embracing of sodomites and the murder of babies, will not bring the church to a position of contrition, repentance, intercession and proclamation; then, of a truth, we can write "Ichabod" (the glory has departed) over the doors of the buildings across this land that call themselves "houses of God"!
Such "living definitions" of discipleship are rare, indeed, today! American Christianity has been, by-and-large, reduced to sound bites, claiming promises, boasting of being "blessed and highly favored" while making little, if any, discernible impact for the Kingdom of God!
The church in America has before it a God-given opportunity to help the greatest single group of "oppressed" people right now! The pre-born who are being murdered at the rate of 3,000 per day are in need of those, with voices, who will plead their case! The innocent blood of these precious little ones is crying out for justice today, while the best that most "disciples" can offer is a "like" on facebook!
Do professed followers of Jesus Christ sincerely believe that the One who spoke of little children with a holy compassion will accept this token intercession from His church?
Are "believers" so engrossed in the things of the world that their ears are closed and their hearts are untouched by the plight of these babies who are being ruthlessly murdered and bartered on the open markets of this ungodly nation?
We have seen the homosexuals, who comprise about 3% of this country's population, bring radical change to the laws of the land in just a short time; why won't the 30+% who call themselves Christians awake from their world-induced slumber and pray, call, write, email- lift up our collective voice as a trumpet, and speak out in defense of these helpless victims!
The only realistic answer to such a question would be that, there simply isn't enough concern! In other words: "We just don't care"!
It's amazing how much we hear of "awesome worship services", "powerful altar times", and "inspiring messages". My question is: Why are such "mighty encounters" with the Lord producing so little results in His people!
My conclusion is that most times of "awesome worship" are no more than jam-sessions that excite the flesh! Powerful altar times are simply venting of emotions, and inspiring messages are thinly veiled pop-psychology that tells us how great we are!
Genuine disciples of Jesus Christ are salt and light! Salt will make a difference! Light will reveal and dispel darkness! Those who are truly indwelt by the Holy Spirit of God will be engaged in Kingdom business!
I guess that the pertinent consideration is this: Will we be among those who want to aggressively defend their increasing conformity to the world, while they chase after the latest music, trends, and manifestations; or will we follow the Lord, as true disciples, dare to live a holy, separated life, and speak truth to our generation through all available means?
The book of Ecclesiastes speaks of a time to mourn. If the rapid decline of this nation, marked by the embracing of sodomites and the murder of babies, will not bring the church to a position of contrition, repentance, intercession and proclamation; then, of a truth, we can write "Ichabod" (the glory has departed) over the doors of the buildings across this land that call themselves "houses of God"!
Friday, July 31, 2015
How Can We Remain Silent?
Since the infamous Roe v. Wade, in 1973, nearly 60,000,000 (that's sixty million!) babies have been murdered here in the USA, and this holocaust continues with the sanction of the state, and the seeming approval of most who profess to be Christians! Silence is NOT golden in cases such as this!
I know that many "people of faith" disdain anything to do with the political arena, their loud protests of "you can't legislate morality" become a facade behind which they take refuge, while the ungodly continue to legislate their brand of morality!
I want to share some Holy Writ that has direct bearing on the abortion issue. From Proverbs 24:11 If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain;
12 If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?
If we are disciples of Jesus Christ, then we have a mandate to be salt and light in the place where the Lord has planted us! We are here to proclaim the word of God in its entirety- and that certainly includes much pertaining to the sanctity of life!
This is an hour wherein the true colors of organizations such as Planned Parenthood have been revealed for what they truly are- merchants of death! The secular news media would love to let these stories die out, but we can refuse to let that happen if we will use the means at our disposal to keep spreading the message; posting the pictures and the videos; simply and prayerfully, yet passionately pleading the case of the unborn, that they are really people! Little human beings that are being ruthlessly torn apart, crushed- killed in monstrous fashion, before their voices can be heard!
Will you call, write, email- in some fashion or in many fashions, contact your elected representatives and voice your objection to this American tragedy? Or will you remain silent while the innocent continue to be slaughtered and bartered on the death markets of this and other nations?!
God says, in the verses above; "if you fail to deliver those appointed to death, I am keeping records, and you will give account in the day of judgment."
What will you do to help stop the slaughter?
I know that many "people of faith" disdain anything to do with the political arena, their loud protests of "you can't legislate morality" become a facade behind which they take refuge, while the ungodly continue to legislate their brand of morality!
I want to share some Holy Writ that has direct bearing on the abortion issue. From Proverbs 24:11 If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain;
12 If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?
If we are disciples of Jesus Christ, then we have a mandate to be salt and light in the place where the Lord has planted us! We are here to proclaim the word of God in its entirety- and that certainly includes much pertaining to the sanctity of life!
This is an hour wherein the true colors of organizations such as Planned Parenthood have been revealed for what they truly are- merchants of death! The secular news media would love to let these stories die out, but we can refuse to let that happen if we will use the means at our disposal to keep spreading the message; posting the pictures and the videos; simply and prayerfully, yet passionately pleading the case of the unborn, that they are really people! Little human beings that are being ruthlessly torn apart, crushed- killed in monstrous fashion, before their voices can be heard!
Will you call, write, email- in some fashion or in many fashions, contact your elected representatives and voice your objection to this American tragedy? Or will you remain silent while the innocent continue to be slaughtered and bartered on the death markets of this and other nations?!
God says, in the verses above; "if you fail to deliver those appointed to death, I am keeping records, and you will give account in the day of judgment."
What will you do to help stop the slaughter?
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
We've Come A Long Way!
Recently, as I was reading in the book of Acts, I came to a portion of chapter 5 that grabbed my attention. In fact, I just keep thinking about it. Here are the verses:
11 And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.
12 And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch.
13 And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them.
14 And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)
I have read this passage more times that I can recall, and I have noted these verses before, but it seems that, for some reason, they really stood out to me yesterday.
I began to consider the lengths that many churches go to nowadays in an attempt to get "sinners through the doors". For years I have been uneasy about many of the methods, many of which have obliterated any line of demarcation between the church and the world.
It seems that these first generation Christians chose to simply preach "Christ crucified", and trust the Spirit of God to use that message as a sword to pierce the hearts of the hearers! There was no consideration of what genre of music might attract sinners; no shying away from the straightforward call to make a clear decision to follow Christ and turn one's back on the things of this world; no wishy-washy sentimental "we just have to love them in" thinking that by carefully avoiding anything that might offend the sinner that they would somehow get them saved- they just loved the Lord with all of their heart, soul, mind and strength, and loved their neighbors enough to speak of eternal consequences for their choices!
Verse 13 says that no man dared to join himself unto them. There was a recognition that these Christ followers were different! They had witnessed some of their friends and family undergo transformation as they followed this Jesus! They had seen miracles take place as His people prayed in His name! And this "Holy Presence" in the church brought a reverent fear into their hearts!
Yet, as these saved souls pursued the Lord's will and embraced holiness of life, rather than trying to compromise to accommodate and attract the world, the Lord added to the church such as should be saved! In fact, "multitudes" were added!
I'm inclined to believe that the Biblical pattern still works! Pray with me that churches will discard many of their Church Growth manuals and pray through to a state of revival wherein people are saved, sanctified, filled with the Holy Ghost, healed and set free from all bondage! After all, unless the Spirit of the risen Christ is actively moving with His divine giftings in our midst, are we really a part of THE church that we read about in the word of God?
The command of Jesus is not "Attract crowds!", He has clearly told His church to "Make disciples!".
11 And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.
12 And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch.
13 And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them.
14 And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)
I have read this passage more times that I can recall, and I have noted these verses before, but it seems that, for some reason, they really stood out to me yesterday.
I began to consider the lengths that many churches go to nowadays in an attempt to get "sinners through the doors". For years I have been uneasy about many of the methods, many of which have obliterated any line of demarcation between the church and the world.
It seems that these first generation Christians chose to simply preach "Christ crucified", and trust the Spirit of God to use that message as a sword to pierce the hearts of the hearers! There was no consideration of what genre of music might attract sinners; no shying away from the straightforward call to make a clear decision to follow Christ and turn one's back on the things of this world; no wishy-washy sentimental "we just have to love them in" thinking that by carefully avoiding anything that might offend the sinner that they would somehow get them saved- they just loved the Lord with all of their heart, soul, mind and strength, and loved their neighbors enough to speak of eternal consequences for their choices!
Verse 13 says that no man dared to join himself unto them. There was a recognition that these Christ followers were different! They had witnessed some of their friends and family undergo transformation as they followed this Jesus! They had seen miracles take place as His people prayed in His name! And this "Holy Presence" in the church brought a reverent fear into their hearts!
Yet, as these saved souls pursued the Lord's will and embraced holiness of life, rather than trying to compromise to accommodate and attract the world, the Lord added to the church such as should be saved! In fact, "multitudes" were added!
I'm inclined to believe that the Biblical pattern still works! Pray with me that churches will discard many of their Church Growth manuals and pray through to a state of revival wherein people are saved, sanctified, filled with the Holy Ghost, healed and set free from all bondage! After all, unless the Spirit of the risen Christ is actively moving with His divine giftings in our midst, are we really a part of THE church that we read about in the word of God?
The command of Jesus is not "Attract crowds!", He has clearly told His church to "Make disciples!".
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
Are We Ready?
The Bible is rich in promises from the Lord; promises that pertain to all areas of life- but greater than this is the fact that we have promises that go beyond this present world! We, as born-again children of God, have a home eternal in the heavens! We will have a glorified body that will never be touched by disease or racked with pain! Doesn't this sound like a place worth pursuing!
But I haven't even touched upon the most glorious aspect of this eternal place; the most glorious reality is that we shall behold our Lord and Savior face to face! No longer will we be limited by the frailties of this flesh, but we will see Him with our eyes, touch him with our hands, we will eternally enjoy His presence in a place that He has prepared for His own! Praise God!!
But this prepared place is for a prepared people! I know that we are saved by grace, through faith, and that our works do not merit forgiveness; but I also see in the Bible this admonition: "Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." (2 Cor. 7:1).
So, Are We Ready? Are we, as the old song asks, "walking daily by the Savior's side?". In other words, are the things that we involve our lives in- places we go, entertainment we choose, words we speak, things we think upon- are these compatible with the nature of the Holy Spirit Who lives within us, if we are truly saved?
I guess the thing that prompted me in this direction is some recent social media interaction where Christians were all excited about a particular concert that they were attending. I wondered what the attraction was, so I did an online search on "lyrics to the top country music songs." Some of which were by the main attraction at this particular event. Not being a listener to such, I was more than a little shocked by the lyrics, but more so by the fact that Christians deem this as acceptable fare.
The main three themes interwoven throughout most of the song lyrics that I saw were sex, booze, and partying, pretty much in that order.
Do you think that just maybe it's time for this whole WWJD thing to be taken a bit more seriously?
I ask again: Are We Ready? The Bible tells us that without holiness (separated from the world, unto God)no man shall see the Lord. Do we really believe that?
One crucial question to consider is this: Why don't we feel conviction over that which the Bible says is wrong? Have we allowed our heart to grow hard toward His voice? Have we ever truly come out of the world? Are we truly ready for His coming?
My friend, of all the things that you make preparation for as you journey through this life, be sure, above all else, that there stands nothing between your soul and your Savior!
May the Lord grant us ears to hear and hearts to receive His word.
But I haven't even touched upon the most glorious aspect of this eternal place; the most glorious reality is that we shall behold our Lord and Savior face to face! No longer will we be limited by the frailties of this flesh, but we will see Him with our eyes, touch him with our hands, we will eternally enjoy His presence in a place that He has prepared for His own! Praise God!!
But this prepared place is for a prepared people! I know that we are saved by grace, through faith, and that our works do not merit forgiveness; but I also see in the Bible this admonition: "Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." (2 Cor. 7:1).
So, Are We Ready? Are we, as the old song asks, "walking daily by the Savior's side?". In other words, are the things that we involve our lives in- places we go, entertainment we choose, words we speak, things we think upon- are these compatible with the nature of the Holy Spirit Who lives within us, if we are truly saved?
I guess the thing that prompted me in this direction is some recent social media interaction where Christians were all excited about a particular concert that they were attending. I wondered what the attraction was, so I did an online search on "lyrics to the top country music songs." Some of which were by the main attraction at this particular event. Not being a listener to such, I was more than a little shocked by the lyrics, but more so by the fact that Christians deem this as acceptable fare.
The main three themes interwoven throughout most of the song lyrics that I saw were sex, booze, and partying, pretty much in that order.
Do you think that just maybe it's time for this whole WWJD thing to be taken a bit more seriously?
I ask again: Are We Ready? The Bible tells us that without holiness (separated from the world, unto God)no man shall see the Lord. Do we really believe that?
One crucial question to consider is this: Why don't we feel conviction over that which the Bible says is wrong? Have we allowed our heart to grow hard toward His voice? Have we ever truly come out of the world? Are we truly ready for His coming?
My friend, of all the things that you make preparation for as you journey through this life, be sure, above all else, that there stands nothing between your soul and your Savior!
May the Lord grant us ears to hear and hearts to receive His word.
Monday, July 27, 2015
Well, it's time to resurrect this blog and post a few thoughts that, hopefully, will challenge the saints to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I have, for some time, been posting on Facebook, and will continue to do so; but I figure that if you come here, you probably want to hear what I have to say.
My intentions are to update here at least twice weekly- sharing just some brief thoughts pertaining to this walk of faith, and the Christian's responsibility to live as an Ambassador of Jesus Christ! Remember this world is not our home; and, His coming will be for those who are looking for Him!
Keep your heart with all diligence! Guard your mind against the pollution of this untoward generation! Set your affections on things that are above, not on the temporal things of this world!
The coming of the Lord will be without warning! We have been told of the the signs of the times that would herald the nearness of His return, which are unfolding all around us! Do not let that day come upon you as a thief! Do not be lulled into a state of compromise such as has snared multitudes today! The doctrine of Balaam is entrenched in the church world today!
The great news is that if we will hear His voice, if we will follow Him in paths of holiness, then we have no need to fear! He knows His own, and if we are caught up with living for Him when He comes, then we will be "caught up" with Him in clouds of glory, and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
God bless and strengthen you as you walk with Him today!
My intentions are to update here at least twice weekly- sharing just some brief thoughts pertaining to this walk of faith, and the Christian's responsibility to live as an Ambassador of Jesus Christ! Remember this world is not our home; and, His coming will be for those who are looking for Him!
Keep your heart with all diligence! Guard your mind against the pollution of this untoward generation! Set your affections on things that are above, not on the temporal things of this world!
The coming of the Lord will be without warning! We have been told of the the signs of the times that would herald the nearness of His return, which are unfolding all around us! Do not let that day come upon you as a thief! Do not be lulled into a state of compromise such as has snared multitudes today! The doctrine of Balaam is entrenched in the church world today!
The great news is that if we will hear His voice, if we will follow Him in paths of holiness, then we have no need to fear! He knows His own, and if we are caught up with living for Him when He comes, then we will be "caught up" with Him in clouds of glory, and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
God bless and strengthen you as you walk with Him today!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
