Jake's Corner

Has God Forgotten?

2009-11-10T22:41:00.008-05:00

Psalm 77:9...Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has He in anger shut up His tender mercies?

To everything there is a season we read in Ecclesiastes chapter 3. But human nature desires only those seasons that brighten our sky, lift our spirits, put a smile on our face, and give us a good night rest. This we would say is only natural. All of us would be quick to agree to actually desire anything outside of this realm would be unnatural. Yet we're taught that there is a time for everything under heaven. Let's face it, there are certain seasons that we would simply choose not go through. Yet let's remind ourselves of Job's famous words...shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity? (Job 2:9)

For numerous and various reasons not mentioned in this post, we go through seasons where we feel as though God is not near. It feels as though God is far from us and we begin to slide down a slippery slope of questions that can lead to the pit of despair and hopelessness. Where is God? we ask, ...why isn't he answering my prayers? ...Why don't I feel his presence? ...Has He left me? ...Does He really love and care for me? If so, then where is He?

The psalmist Asaph who wrote the 77'th psalm gives us great insight and teaches the principles of what to do in this case. Asaph a man under the Holy Spirit's inspiration who penned a few of the psalms was all to familiar with this season that so many have gone through. ...Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has He is anger shut up His tender mercies? That there were a great many men of God that struggled with such seasons is no secret. But the Word of God also gives us the remedy of how to get through those seasons. In the next three verses Asaph gives us the principles of how to get us through these seasons. (vs10) ...but I will remember the years of the right hand of the Lord most high. (vs11)...I will remember the works of the Lord. Surely I will remember your wonders of old. (vs12)...I will also meditate on all your work, and talk of all your deeds.

Friend, when the night season comes upon you, there is a way for us to be sustained, return to the 77'th psalm and apply the principles of Asaph and remember the goodness of the Lord in times past and meditate upon all the works he has done.

Aiming To Be Well Pleasing

2009-09-03T10:03:00.007-04:00

2 Corinthians 5:9...therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him.

Most of us understand that in order for us to aim at something we must keep in continually before us, in must remain continually in the cross hairs of our sights. This comes only as a diligent and conscious effort as we focus on our intended desire. Here our aim is to be well pleasing to Him. This means that we must daily remind ourselves of what we are aiming at.

Let's first recognize that first and foremost when God the Father looks at us He is well pleased when He sees Christ in us the hope of glory. Yet what Paul is talking about here is not only the internal work of salvation and union with Christ that God has accomplished within us, but the exhortation for us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. This is a deliberate desire to be well pleasing to our Father through the way we live our lives. This means keeping Christ in the forefront of our minds in everything that we do. It means to repeatedly ask yourself the question...would the Father be pleased with me in doing this...enjoying that...looking at this?

Do you see then that our first priority then is not to win souls, or establish churches or usher in the latest element that will help our church move forward? Our primary aim, above all, is that we maintain our 'aim' to be well pleasing in his sight. Yes this means that we must first and foremost focus on our own life in Christ. It is maintaining our first love, maintaining our intimate relationship with our loving Saviour. By tending to our own relationship with the Lord above all else, we will be an epistle known and read by all men, written not with ink, but by the Spirit of the living God.

Thirst No More!

2009-08-31T22:00:00.005-04:00

John 4:14...but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give to him will never thirst...

How truly precious Jesus is. To the believer Jesus is the only thing that satisfies completely.

When for a season we find ourselves wandering through the desert Jesus becomes our heavenly

manna and the water that springs forth from the rock. And so Christ becomes all that is needed

in every trial and tribulation and circumstance.

Put the Christian in prison and you'll find him singing praises. Strip the Christian of all his earthly

goods and you'll find him in quiet contentment. Observe a Christian in a time of loss, and you'll

find him mourning not as the world does, but filled with a calm inner peace. Speak to him of

death, and you'll find him filled with anticipation and not fear. Jesus so completely satisfies that

it changes everything about the believer in regards how he lives his life and all he pursues, as well

as his response to tribulations.

The more we see the sufficiency of Christ in all things, the more we thirst for Him knowing our

thirst is only satisfied in Him. And what a joy it is to the Lord Jesus when we thirst for more of

Him. It gives the Lord great pleasure to satisfy our thirst and to see us coming back for more.

Come! He beckons us, come and freely drink, come and be satisfied, come and never thirst again.

Holding To Tradition

2009-08-25T21:40:00.010-04:00

2 Thessalonians 2:15...therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught whether by word or our epistle.

Hold the phone, turn off the tv and pull up a chair. The only time people want anything to do with the word tradition in anyway is when talking about genres and styles. But when it comes to Christianity we are being told from every direction that traditional Christianity and traditional church are out. We are told the church must change or die. My question is since when did human persuasion and human fads become the rule by which the church lives or dies? Show me oh changing one - where within the Word of God do we read that the church and the beliefs of the church must change with the prevailing winds of the times? Or is it maybe that the level of change required is nothing more than humanistic pressure that we are yielding to because we think we have any part in building God's church?

In a world where Post Modernism and the emergent church are leading the charge coupled with relativism and pluralism the traditional church feels all the more pressured to make changes that seem to put the church growth strategy in our hands instead in the hands of the one who died for her and gave to her eternal life. After all, Jesus did say..."I will build my church". (Matt 16:18)

Paul exhorted the church when he wrote the second book to the church in Thessalonica to stand fast and hold to the traditions which the church had been taught whether in word or by epistle. Although this book wasn't written directly towards us, yet we are to maintain and apply the same diligent attitude as did the church to which it was written. What must we do in order to hold fast to the traditions that we have been taught? Let me share with you one of the ways we can do this.

We must understand the 'traditions' are the doctrines that we are taught within the Bible itself. Hold fast to those. But in order to hold fast to those we must know what they are. Dare I say that it is not sufficient to merely have an idea stuffed in the back of your mind of what you think you believe. All you have then is a personal philosophy. We must know what scripture teaches and where it teaches it and have it seared into our hearts and minds. This is the only way we will be able to hold fast. Be not content with simply having an idea of what you think you believe, let the scriptures be the backbone of the traditions that we hold fast, or else you will be as a wave tossed to and fro (James 1:6).

Demonstrating Christian Character

2009-08-24T11:38:00.011-04:00

1 Corinthians 11:1...Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.

Far be it from me to bring down one of the greatest men who ever walked the face of the earth apart from Jesus Christ. Paul lived his life in a manner where he suffered the loss of all things and counted them as rubbish that he might gain Christ. It is made abundantly clear to us that this was due to the grace of God bestowed upon him. Who suffered more for the cause of Christ then the Apostle Paul? Who endured more trials and tribulations then Paul?

When we look at the life of the apostle Paul we are left in awe of what he endured for the sake of Christ. But let us see not only acknowledge the sufferings of Paul, but another aspect that we would rather not have mentioned when facing our own days of trials and tribulations. And that would be the constant and predictable character of the apostle Paul.

There is a common philosophy out there today that the character demonstrated by such godly men as Paul and others cannot be replicated in our day and time. Did Paul demonstrate exceptional character? Yes, but only such character as God desires from all believers. Peter commands us to be holy as God is holy. The standard God set for Paul is the same standard set for us today. God expects no less from us as He did from Paul. We have the same Spirit, the same faith and the grace as was given to the apostle Paul. The measure with which these things are given to each believer differs in accordance with our growth and sanctification.

Looking at the extraordinary life of Paul, why is it that we expect such wondrous and gleaming character from him and presume that we are not capable of demonstrating such character as did He? Could it be that we are simply trying to justify our own unwillingness to demonstrate Christ likeness? Could it be that we are to lazy to appropriate the attributes of Christian character? Could it be that there is a greater underlying problem that we are not confessing? Make no doubt the standard for us is the same as it was for Paul. After all, even Paul commanded...imitate me, even as I imitate Christ....

Sanctification Comes By Way Of The Truth

2009-08-21T22:07:00.003-04:00

John 17:17...sanctify them by your truth, your word is truth

These are a few of the precious words that Jesus lifted heavenward to his Father. Part of what

makes these words so precious is that these words are prayed for those whom the Father has given

to Jesus. The request of Jesus is this, sanctify all those that will come to me. How precious is that,

how beautiful, the Lord praying for His own. If there ever was someone we would want to pray for

us, it would be most precious if it were the Lord himself. And thus the Lord Jesus has prayed not

only for those who sat and listened at his feet, but for all those who believe in Him through their word.

But the Lord's prayer was not for earthly success, not for an easy life, not for a good and fun

filled life, but that the Father would sanctify them by His truth. Now the work of sanctification cannot

begin unless the Holy Spirit has applied the work of regeneration. Furthermore we see that there is

a process of sanctification. Sanctification does it's work as we abide in the word. We will only grow in

sanctification as we as God's children immerse ourselves into his Word. It is as we grow in our

knowledge and understanding of the Word that we are continuously sanctified.

How many times have I spoken to the Christian and have heard the famous retort which they

don't realize so many people give, ...they don't read - because they don't understand what they're

reading and don't retain what they're reading. Beloved, let us look through this thin veiled excuse

and realize the only way we will understand and retain the precious life changing truth's of the

Scriptures by continuously reading and studying the Word. To not spend time studying and reading

God's Word is to halt the process of sanctification that our Lord so earnestly prayed for - for you.

The Catalyst Of All Christians

2009-08-14T22:47:00.003-04:00

2 Cor 5:14...for the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus,

that if One died for all, then all have died;

A quick glance at this verse and one can draw from it the very essence of all Christian motivation.

Why do Christians do things that seem utterly foolish to the rest of the world? For the love of Christ

compels them - that's why. All things that we do, for the glory of God are done because the love of

Christ is the catalyst that drives the motives of the Christian.

A missionary will travel the far corners of the earth - not because he loves man to that extent,

but because the love of Christ compels him (although the love of Christ compels us to love our fellow

man). We share the gospel with those not yet regenerated by the Holy Spirit because the love of

Christ compels us. We forgive one another not just because it's the right thing to do, but because the

love of Christ compels us. And so the list goes on, but the Christian life is not based on a list of does

and don'ts, but rather based upon the love of Christ - as you guessed...because His love compels us.

The more clearly we see Christ as the gloriously wonderful God and Savior that He is, the more

His love should compel us. Countless thousands of Christians have laid down their lives for the

sake of the gospel because the love of Christ compelled them. A brother called me today and shared

with great joy how he had shared the gospel with a person who wasn't even sure if God existed.

Why did he do it - you guessed it - the love of Christ compelled him. And that is exactly what the

love of Christ does. So this evening as you look back over the day of grace you just enjoyed, can you

tell me how the love of Christ compelled you today?

Are Idols Not Statues?

2009-08-11T13:31:00.005-04:00

1 John 5:21...Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.

When we hear the word "idol" we think of of wooden statues, we think of Israel's golden calf, or

maybe the indigenous people of Africa dancing around fires offering sacrifices to the gods. But for us

in North America we have been introduced to another idol. We have heard many a sermon in the last

twenty years (give or take a decade) about how we have our own idols. It's not in the form of a wooden

statue, golden calf of some ancient Greek deity rather anything from your car, motor bike, or any other

material possession that we have become completely consumed with.

But let us not deceive ourselves. Shining your classic car, or polishing your Harley is not the only

form of idolatry. In fact such cases of idolatry may not be as dangerous as others. What am I talking

about? Suffice it to say that sins that are seen are not as dangerous as those that are hidden. Yes

they are both sin, and we know that the fruit of sin is death, but hidden sins are simply more dangerous

than those not seen.

So what form of idolatry is not seen? you might ask. To which we must look to the infallible word

of God. Colossians 3:5...mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth,

fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness

which is a form of idolatry.

There is that sneaky old hidden enemy we call covetousness not heard of since God gave Moses

the ten commandments. Who knew that covetousness was connected to idolatry? So the next time

we begin to criticize the person who is drooling over his idol, remember that coveting is equally as

wicked, because idolatry - as covetousness - starts in the heart long before it's ever seen.

Christians Are Seekers Of Righteousness

2009-08-10T18:02:00.008-04:00

Isaiah 51:1...Listen to Me, you who follow after righteousness;

You who seek the Lord: Look to the rock from which you were hewn.

And to the hole of the pit from which you were dug.

Although written to Israel who time and time again find themselves being rebuked by the

Lord as they sin against Him, there is a most incredible truth for all to see. There seems to be in

this day a strange phenomena with in the Christian world. And yet it is nothing new as we see that

it existed in the very days of the apostles. This phenomena that I speak of is the constant use of the

term "Real Christian".

This term forever casts the Christian in a negative light. There is a constant wondering and

evaluation of all those around if they are "real Christians". With this constant ongoing battle

within one's own mind in regards to others genuineness, it can cause a person to become quite

cynical at times if we are not careful.

O but the Word of God leaves us these beautiful truths if we will only see them. To seek the Lord

is to seek righteousness. One cannot seek after God apart from seeking righteousness. And greater

yet those that are His, bought by the precious blood of the lamb not only seek after righteousness,

but walk in righteousness. One is not proved to be a Christian because he calls himself one, but it is

his righteous walk that gives evidence that He is a child of God. Let it be known, that a Christian

will demonstrate acts of righteousness for he is a slave to it. Let us put aside all self - justifications

of unrighteousness and let our actions speak the truth of who's children we are.

The "Ought" Walk Of The Christain

2009-08-09T21:26:00.000-04:00

1 John 2:6...He who says he abides in Him ought himself

also to walk just as He walked.

One very short verse - one very tall order. This predominately unknown and little quoted

verse holds no bias against anyone. It makes no excuses for anyone, nor have I ever heard anyone

suggest how precious this verse is to them. May I suggest that perhaps the reason for this is not

merely what it says, but what it implies.

The implication here is that anyone, regardless of race, gender, or status or age, who makes

the claim of abiding in Christ ought to walk as Jesus walked. The term 'walk' refers to a course of

life. We ought to live the course of life Jesus lived. Ought - almost seems to soft a word, as though

this is a mere suggestion void of any necessary or diligent effort applied to it. But a deeper look at

the word "ought", and we begin to see that we have an ill informed application of this word. Looking

within the context of this chapter it becomes evident that "ought" actually refers to an obligation

that befalls us due to a debt owed that we cannot repay.

Further more this obligation is not one that is burdensome to us, rather one that is born

out of love for the one who bore the debt for us. But all of this is hinged on abiding in Christ.

The one who abides in Christ will be empowered by the Holy Spirit to walk as Jesus walked.

The source of love, strength and ability and joy to walk as Jesus walked all springs forth only

as we abide in Him. Fruit only flourishes and maintains it's sweetness as it abides in the vine.

So is our ability to walk as Jesus walked possible as we abide in the vine.

This brings forth a question; as you evaluate your own life, are there areas where your walk

is contrary to the walk of Christ? Are there areas in your life where, you know you "ought" to

walk differently? Do not think it insignificant if your walk does not reflect the walk of Jesus.

The devastating truth might just be, that you are non of His.

The Excruciating Pain Of Waiting

2009-08-06T22:43:00.000-04:00

Psalm 27:14...Wait on the Lord, Be of good courage,

And He shall strengthen your heart,

Wait, I say, on the Lord!

Humans are a strange and demanding bunch aren't we? We petition God with the desire to receive now. Not tomorrow, not next week, now. We claim that we have waited, we claim to have been patient, but in a sudden act of resignation we hold God in contempt of not having answered our prayers which we so desperately needed answered. Did God not understand we needed this answered precisely at this moment? Or was God deliberately withholding from our need? How quick we are to judge. How quickly we become God's accusers.

Yet here is what we must learn; it is not God who is slow in answering, rather it is we who lack in patience. A deeper look at our lack of patience will reveal that it is further a lack of faith and trust in the Sovereign God of all creation. We presume in our finite minds that the time of waiting has been sufficient and is now passed, but where is the Lord in this matter? Yet it is only when we embark upon these tumultuous times that our faith and trust in the Lord are increased and brought to maturity leading to patience.

Only through these devastating times will we even begin to understand that the good courage necessary for these trying times come as we wait upon the Lord after having trodden this path many a time. But the real treasure which sits at the proverbial "end of the rainbow" can only be enjoyed after the stones of stumbling, become the stepping stones for the journey, and in that we find the heart that He - the God of all creation - has strengthened.

God's Sustaining Faithfullness

2009-08-04T21:39:00.000-04:00

Psalm 27:1...The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?

These words can only be uttered by him who has been transferred from the Kingdom of Darkness to the Kingdom of Light. Without out this miraculous transition there is no understanding or acceptance of this verse. We must note of how intensely personal this verse is. The Lord is my light, my salvation, the strength of my life. There is an extreme assertiveness with in this verse which is only made possible by the one who has come to understand through trials and tribulations the depths of this truth.

Most Christians echo a hearty amen after reading this verse. Yet how often do we not encounter a believer blind and disheartened and seemingly unaware of this truth. Loss of income, health issues, and the uncertainty of tomorrow like waves rise up and threaten to swallow us mercilessly. Oh how we wish that simply believing verses like this would be the key to preventing us from having to experience tribulations where the truth of this verse need to be appropriated.

But let us remind ourselves, that these words were uttered as David faced crippling tribulations within his life. Paul's words ...for me to live is Christ and to die is gain... were uttered all the while being chained to the Praetorian guards. The disciples of Jesus rejoiced that they had been counted worthy to suffer for Christ. Beloved let us acknowledge that for us to truly be able to understand and know fully the depths and meaning of this verse, we must be hit with the waves of tribulations and trials and the uncertainty that tomorrow brings. Only then can we confirm from our inner most being, Jesus is my light, and my salvation - whom shall I fear? The Lord is my strength, of whom shall I be afraid? For it is the Lord who reached forth and pulled me out of the tempest and allowed me in my little faith, to experience the fullness of His salvation.

The Virtuous Wife

2009-08-03T16:01:00.000-04:00

Proverbs 31:10-12...Who can find a virtuous wife?

For her worth is far above rubies.

(11) The heart of her husband safely trusts her;

So he will have no lack of gain.

(12) She does him good and not evil

all the days of her life

Society (feminist movement) holds no secrets about how they paint the male race all with one brush. There seems to be this constant belittling of all men and a proving of sorts that women can do all things as good if not better then men can. Why is this still an issue? Having asked that question, brings to my mind something that we see within the evangelical church. Although there may not be a bold attack on men within the church as there is in society, we see that there are traces of this demonstrated in more inconspicuous ways.

But let me clarify another point here just so that we don't ignore the other side of the problem. Men are not completely innocent in regards to chauvinism. But this to is a two way street. Pay special attention to the many conversations even among church women and you will discover that men are criticized in everything from being insensitive, clueless, right down to their inability to be a good responsible parent. Through the many years of this constant bashing of men and outright disregard for them and even their God given responsibility we now see boys enter into manhood afraid to be men.

Just within the last two weeks I heard several conversations among church women who were belittling their husbands in the presence of other women. I myself sat in the cross hairs of a woman some time ago who made it abundantly clear that she is the leader in her home, and that she would run her house the way she saw fit because "husbands are good for nothing in the home".

How sad and devastating. What we fail to realize is that this is actually contrary to scripture. Well, we can give God thanks because not all women have fallen into this trap. Furthermore we see a movement being spurned by the True Woman Conferences imploring women to once again return to the biblical definition of a godly woman. Let us pray that this will sweep through our churches and leave in it's wake the beauty of godly women.

With this in mind my wife posted a blog just recently in regards to this very topic as well and I found myself humbled with the wife that God has given me. For those that know my wife know that she possesses a gentle spirit and that it takes something extraordinary for my wife to vent about anything at all. But she did, and I am glad she did. There is a time and a place for venting, I believe this was her time. May the Lord raise up more women who will stand for true womanhood.

Link to - I Have A Beef. http://marciaklassen.blogspot.com/2009/07/i-have-beef.html

Grace Grace God's Glorious Grace

2009-08-03T14:14:00.000-04:00

2 Peter 3:18...but grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever. Amen.

Ah the beauty and the sweetness of God's grace. How rich, how sweet, how glorious. Little time is needed when reflecting upon ones own condition to realize how undeserving we are of His glorious grace. We often fall in danger of making far to little of how great God's grace truly is.

It is my experience when I examine myself of how guilty I am of making far to little of God's amazing grace. As one who has the undeserved privilege of weekly making known the riches of God's grace to his beloved church it becomes painful to realize how oft I have made so little of the greatness of His grace. It finally dawned upon me that to make little of God's grace is in actuality to make little of Jesus Christ. To make much of Jesus Christ is to make much of His grace.

This took me back to Richard Baxter's book "The Reformed Pastor" in which Baxter writing to pastors I believe he hit the nail on the head when he wrote ..."Content not yourselves with being in the state of grace, but be also careful that your graces are kept in vigorous and lively exercise"...

This quote from Richard Baxter hit home with me when I turned my thoughts towards the verse mentioned in 2 Peter 3:18. My eyes were opened to the realization that grace that is not "vigorously and lively exercised", is grace not grown at all. If we desire to make much of the grace of God, it must be exercised. Grace exercised is to make much of grace. Grace exercised opens the door to grace increased. As we grow in our understanding of grace and the Lord Jesus Christ we must come to the place where we see that grace of God - from God, was not extended to us merely to be enjoyed as unmerited favour, but also as the power of God towards us and through us that we might exalt the Lord Jesus Christ in all His fullness. Let us therefore in the words of Richard Baxter; ..."be also careful that your graces are kept in vigorous and lively exercise"...

Pastor Or Puppet?

2009-07-25T21:06:00.000-04:00

2 Timothy 2:2...and the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also...

As I meditated upon this verse today I had a sudden flash in my mind of the vast number of young pastors that are being churned out it mass production. Hardly a day goes by where we don't hear of another new church that's making waves and capturing the attention of people in droves. Large stages, mesmerizing backdrops, dimly lit auditoriums, and a young slim pastor that seems to fit into the latest hip fashions that for some reason never seem to quite fit my physique. Not that being under the national average height and being over weight has anything to do with it right?

Yet anymore it seems to me, when churches are looking for 'the pastor' that's going to lead their church into the future and beyond, the criteria used looking for 'the pastor' seems to be somewhat different then what it used to be. Anymore, it seems that churches are looking around for someone who not only is well versed in scripture and a great orator but comes with a degree in business management. At times the emphasis even seems to get put on management more so then on any of the other requirements. Churches are looking for someone who is able to manage the many events and programs of the church, give direction and approval for the next building proposal and make a few cameos here and there. More and more this seems to be the trend of the modern church.

Is this what the Lord requires from those that he has ordained to lead his beloved church? I'm drawn back to the story of Jesus confronting his apostle Peter after having had breakfast with the Lord on the shores of the sea of Galilee...

John 21:15-17...so when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me more than these? He said to Him, "Yes Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Feed my lambs." (16) He said to him again a second time, "Simon son of Jonah, do you love me?" He said to Him, "yes Lord, you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep." (17) He said to him a third time, "Simon son of Jonah, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him a third time, "Do you love Me?" And He said to him, "Lord, you know all things; You know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed My sheep."

When I think of a pastors calling within the church in regards to the above mentioned verses, it seems different to me then what's becoming common place today. How do we understand the commands of Jesus directed to Peter that morning on the shores of the Galilean sea?

I believe we have a wonderful example in that great puritan pastor Richard Baxter, and should revisit the simple things that Baxter exercised as a Pastor that - according to my understanding fit well within Jesus command to feed and tend 'His' sheep.

Richard Baxter was known for teaching individuals through personal counseling and catechizing. The term 'catechizing' might even be unknown to some who might read this post. This shows us just how things have shifted today. Personal counseling is so much on the rise that we now offer Christian Counselling outside of the church, with some Counsellors charging a handsome fare. But catechizing people is something that has been lost almost in it's entirety. Dare I suggest this is the reason we have an over flow of Christian Counsellors outside of the church when in reality they should be within the church.

In the Book "The Reformed Pastor" written by Richard Baxter, we see some of Baxter's convictions when he said ..."Christians, should regularly come to their pastor with their problems, and let them check their spiritual health, and ministers should regularly catechize their entire congregations." Baxter's main contribution to the puritan ideals of ministry was to ..."upgrade the practice of personal catechizing from a preliminary discipline for children to a permanent ingredient in pastoral care for all ages"...

This to me, seems much more in line with what Jesus demands from his ordained pastors. Let us not look around to see what we demand of pastors, but look back and emanate those that align with the precious word of God. many pastors now are led by their job descriptions instead of the Holy Spirit and the many demands that came along apart from the word of God.

Last year I was asked to come and speak at a small church that was just getting up and running and out of courtesy I asked how much time was allotted for me to speak, and his response saddened me. With a distant look on his face void of emotion he replied ; "15- 20 minutes is all you get, I once preached for 25 minutes and almost lost my job." I burst out laughing only to see his face drop to the floor in all seriousness. it ends up he wasn't kidding. Preaching it seemed, was one small thing that was a part of many bigger things they were pursuing that he been put in charge of. Although this might seem kind of surreal, this actually happened. This has left a lasting thought on my mind, how long before it becomes common place that pastors are nothing more than mere puppets?

The Thief With A Great Noise

2009-06-19T13:44:00.000-04:00

This weekend our little country side airport - home to only a few small Cessna planes and several crop dusters is being transformed into a mighty military air force base with some of the most intimidating fighting machines upon the face of the earth. For my son who has an intense fascination with planes who plans on being a pilot, there simply could not be anything else that would draw his attention more than these mighty military machines of the skies. He has had this date marked on his calender since January in anticipation of this day. The only other thing he could wish for would be to be hoisted into the heavens by one of these machines. Having flown a Cessna before he can only envision what it would be like in one of those machines with almost limitless power.

One by one the planes began to arrive last night and throughout the day today and at every sound that came from the outside of our home my son was running to the windows hoping to see one of these warriors of the skies. As I was sitting down for lunch contemplating how the sandwich in front of me was going to taste we were rudely awakened by a ground shaking thunder from above our home. In a moments glance I caught my sons face who had a bewildered look on his face as though uncertain what was happening as the thunder roared. At that very moment he realized that we had experienced the element of surprise as the long awaited fighters finally cut through the skies just above our home.

In an instant we were outside as we beheld a fighter jet rolling and cutting through the air as though the heavens were subject to him. We watched in amazement as he performed his maneuvers with stealth and accuracy all the while feeling the thunderous power of these machines vibrate through our bodies. After the display of noise and power my son confided in me that he had not been ready for such an intimidating display of thunder and power.

I was immediately reminded of 2 Peter 3:10...but the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.

Most people when hearing these verses cringe with fear and some even with despair. I have to admit that it causes me to shudder as well. However, what a great reminder i had to today from my son as he diligently watched the heavens the last several days with anticipation knowing that the time was coming where he would behold what he had waited for all this time. Are you waiting with anticipation the return of our Lord? Are you diligently waiting, knowing that he will come as He has promised? I believe in that great day when the heavens will pass away with a great noise, that the noise we beheld from these fighting machines will pale in comparison. The intimidation that these machines emanate from the power they demonstrate will all be but nothing. But when we shall hear the great noise of the heavens passing away, we will know that what we have anticipated and waited for so long has finally come. Oh that we would all be washed in the blood of the Lamb, Oh that we would herald the soon coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Oh what a day, when our faces shall light up with the glory of the Lord.
Are you watching?

The Effectual Power'fulness' Of Christ (Part 2)

2009-04-17T12:54:00.000-04:00

A while ago I posted an article entitled "The Power'fulness' of Christ" and once again find it necesarry to elaborate more fully on this very topic. I have noticed a disturbing trend among the community of believers in that we proclaim Jesus to be our Lord and Savior, yet with an attitude that Christ is only sufficient for eternity, not the hear and now. The form of beleif being that he is able to give to me salvation for eternity, but is insufficient to save me from the sin and wickedness that encompass us here and now.

Have we fallen into the trap where we believe that Christ isn't relevant for the problems Christians face today? Can this truly be? If this is the case friends, then the Bible is powerless, uninspired, and in error among a whole list of other problems.

But on the other hand, if the Word of God is infallible – and it is, if it is good for doctrine, for correction, and training in righteousness – and it is, then that must mean that the effectual working of Christ is not merely sufficient for salvation in eternity, but also for life and godliness here in the present - thus being 'effectual'. With this in mind I have compiled a list of the offices and positions the scriptures declare Jesus holds. This is by no means a comprehensive list.

But here are some of the things that Jesus is for us - and to us...

Advocate (1 John 2:1).
Arm of the Lord (Isaiah 51:9; 53:1).
Author and Finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).
Blessed and only Potentate (1 Timothy 6:15).
Bread of Life (John 6:35, 48).
Bright and Morning Star (Revelation 22:16).
Captain of Salvation (Hebrews 2:10).
Captain of the Lord’s hosts (Joshua 5:14,15).
Chief Cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20; 1 Peter 2:6).
Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4).
Commander (Isaiah 55:4).
Counselor (Isaiah 9:6).
Creator (John 1:3).
Dayspring (Luke 1:78).
Deliverer (Romans 11:26).
Desire of all nations (Haggai 2:7).
Door (John 10:7).
Eternal life (1 John 1:2; 5:20).
Faithful and True (Revelation 19:11).
Faithful witness (Revelation 1:5; 3:14).
Fountain (Zechariah 13:1).
God (Isaiah 40:9; John 20:28).
Good Shepherd (John 10:14).
Governor (Matthew 2:6).
Head of the Church (Ephesians 5:23; Colossians 1:18).
High Priest (Hebrews 4:14).
Horn of salvation (Luke 1:69).
Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23).
Judge (Acts 10:42; 2 Timothy 4:8).
Just One (Acts 7:52; 22:14).
King (Zechariah 9:9, with Matthew 21:5).
King of Glory (Psalms 24:7-10).
King of Kings (1 Timothy 6:15; Revelation 17:14).
King of peace (Hebrews 7:2).
King of righteousness (Hebrews 7:2).
King of Saints (Revelation 15:3).
Lawgiver (Isaiah 33:22).
Leader (Isaiah 55:4).
Life (John 14:6; Colossians 3:4; 1 John 1:2).
Light of the world (John 1:8; 8:12).
Living Bread (John 6:51).
Living Stone (1 Peter 2:4).
Lord and Savior (2 Peter 1:11; 3:18).
Lord Christ (Colossians 3:24).
Lord God Almighty (Revelation 15:3).
Lord of all (Acts 10:36).
Lord our righteousness (Jeremiah 23:6; 33:16).
Mediator (1 Timothy 2:5).
Messenger of the covenant (Malachi 3:1).
Messiah (Daniel 9:25; John 1:41).
Mighty God (Isaiah 9:6).
Potentate (1 Timothy 6:15).
Power of God (1 Corinthians 1:24).
Prince (Acts 5:31).
Prince of life (Acts 3:15).
Prince of peace (Isaiah 9:6).
Prince of the kings of the earth (Revelation 1:5).
Prophet (Matthew 21:11; Luke 24:19; John 7:40).
Ransom (1 Timothy 2:6).
Redeemer (Job 19:25; Isaiah 59:20; Isaiah 60:16).
Resurrection and life (John 11:25).Rock (1 Corinthians 10:4).
Savior (Luke 2:11; 2 Peter 2:20; 3:18).
Savior of the Body (Ephesians 5:23).
Sceptre (Numbers 24:17).
Shepherd (Mark 14:27).
Shepherd and Overseer of Souls (1 Peter 2:25).
Shiloh (Genesis 49:10).
Sure Foundation (Isaiah 28:16).
Surety (Hebrews 7:22).
Teacher (Matthew 23:8; John 3:2).
True Light (John 1:9).
True Vine (John 15:1).
Truth (John 14:6).
Way (John 14:6).
Wisdom (Proverbs 8:12).
Wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:24).

May the effectual work of Christ be evident in those who name the name of Christ.

Why Are Young Adults Leaving The Church?

2009-03-31T11:16:00.001-04:00

There has been a certain topic that has itched my ears in recent weeks and has caused me to question the whole subject as well as do a little research on my own. Now, I do not pretend to know the whole of the matter nor am I a scholar on the subject, but I will share the little I know.

It is becoming painfully obvious if you have paid any attention at all that there is a problem with adults in their early twenties leaving the church. Different studies will demonstrate that this perecentage can be anywhere between 75 to 95%.
A great percent of the people that form this statistic are the very ones that faithfully climbed the ranks through sunday school, and collected their sticker for memorizing the weekly sunday school verse, and at the earliest opportunity after they learned to play 5 chords on the guitar joined the praise group and participated in all events offered for the youth group and some even rose to the top of the class to become part of the 'youth committee' that would have a part in making the youth experience more fun and effective for the others. After all, what a better way to be effective then to have the input from the very ones we're trying to reach out to right???

So the question that everyone is trying to answer is...why is this happening? Why are the 'twentysomethings' leaving the church in droves when they have had all that wonderful biblical teaching that we have provided for them in that crucial early part of their life?

In September 11 2006 George Barna Group released a study on this very topic in which they said....
... David Kinnaman, the director of the research, pointed out, "There is considerable debate about whether the disengagement of twentysomethings is a lifestage issue - that is, a predictable element in the progression of people’s development as they go through various family, occupational and chronological stages - or whether it is unique to this generation. While there is some truth to both explanations, this debate misses the point, which is that the current state of ministry to twentysomethings is woefully inadequate to address the spiritual needs of millions of young adults...

Now granted we could analyze this topic to death and point to so many problems as to what we as churches need to do to meet this need in the twentysomethings. But bottom line - there are two things that really jump out at me in this quote; 1 – Is this unique to this generation?
2 – The current state of ministry to twentysomethings is woefully inadequate to address the spiritual needs of millions of young adults

The first thing I did was to look at church history - what is the difference between youth ministry in church history in comparison today. And interestingly enough we will discover that youth ministry as we know it today did not exist. The whole youth ministry movement was not born until the late 1800's and and early 1900's.

So is this problem unique to this generation? The answer is yes, because it has had no part nor place in church history. Long story short - youth ministry was born in the industrial revolution of the mid 1800's when churches took note of the young men who were moving into central urban areas to work in the factories. These young men of which many worked six days a week went gallivanting about town on Sundays. Laypersons then inspired to educate them with the scriptures. It began as a parachurch ministry. Youth ministry was not focused on the youth of the church rather on those outside the church. Through the years it has changed it's focus and it's form to the point today where youth ministry is the criteria by which families choose their churches. Thus in many cases, churches that do not put their focus on developing a thriving youth ministry also risk loosing the older generation who support the work of the church.

Now, this does still not address the fact that so many 'twentysomethings' are leaving. We can point the finger at many different areas as to why this is happening, however, I want to focus on the one that I believe is the one where the issue starts.

Too quote the study once again by George Barna Group...'the current state of ministry to twentysomethings is woefully inadequate to address the spiritual needs of millions of young adults'...

I have to admit that I agree with this quote. The ministry to the twenty-somethings is woefully inadequate. The reason for this is because we have segregated nearly every age group within the church. We now have children's ministry, young teens ministry, teen ministry, young adults ministry, college and career ministry, young marrieds ministries, married with children ministries, and the list goes on and on and on.

We have so segregated the church that you need a directory to find where you fit in the church. If there is not a ministry that is focused on your age specifically then we feel as though the church does not care about us. Many churches now feel that they cannot function unless they have a ministry for every age. To top it off if you don't have a ministry structured this way you are looked upon as being archaic and non relevant to the peoples needs today.
I brings to my mind what Paul wrote to the Corinthian church in concern for their faithfulness.

2 Cor 11:3...but I fear, lest somehow as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ...

Are we in trouble of the same thing in our day in regards to what we have done with the church as Paul feared the Corinthians would do with their faith? Have we taken the church in her simplicity and added our own intellect thinking that we can make more of her – because we live in the age of wisdom and knowledge?

What did the church do in the 1800 years preceding the age of youth ministry?
What we find is something so simply that we think that it's almost to simple to work for us today in our age of applied intellectualism.

In fact it was a model based on the simplicity of the scriptures. Christian education was taught in the homes by the fathers. The father assumed the role of the priest of the home and taught his children the scriptures, taught them to pray. Children observed fathers who loved the Lord and walked in paths of righteousness, and together they sat around the table and read the family Bible and called it the family altar. This format was based in verses susch as;

Prov 4:1-4...hear my children, the instructions of the father, and give attention to know understanding...(2)...for I give you good doctrine, do not forsake my law...(3)...when I was my father's son, tender and the only one in the sight of my mother...(4)...he also taught me, and said to me, let your heart retain my words, keep my commandments and live...

Deut 6:6-7...and these words which I command you today shall be in your heart...(7)...you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up...

Eph 6:4...and you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord...

I think if we were honest with ourselves, we would have to admit that we have strayed from this structure which seemed to be far more effective than what we have done and seen in the last 150 years.

I served as a youth leader for 3 years before entering the ministry and what I discovered was devastating to me. In my desire to by accountable to the parents as to what was being taught and the issues concerning the youth in our group, I would call the occasional meeting with the parents. In a youth group with 75 kids I began to become frustrated that only 2 or 3 couples would show up for these meetings. When addressing the parents that did not come to the meeting the common response was that they trusted me and my abilities to teach their kids. Several years later when issues began to arise with concern about what some of the youth were involved in, the finger was pointed at the church for not having taught their children better. Let's be honest, the hammer then falls on the youth leader, he is the one they blame.

But the problem was not only that the youth leader had bad theology and was ignorant of solid Biblical doctrine, but there was another problem that people failed to admit. The introduction of youth ministry has for the most part replaced the family altar, and children are no longer learning from the fathers and mothers in the way they should go that when they are older they will not depart from it.

Do not misunderstand me, I am not against youth ministry, I actually believe it has a place within churches. However, youth ministry should only confirm what Father and Mother are already teaching little Johnny and Suzy in their home, and although this is not a guarantee that your child will not leave when in their twenties, history proves that it's results are greater than ours.

Is Gnosticism Finding It's Way Back Into The Church?

2009-02-15T20:13:00.000-05:00

In the following article there is much more that could be said in regards to Gnosticism, however, the focus of this article is not so much the many different philosophies of Gnosticism but rahter some of the ways that I have seen it rear it's ugly head in today's church. I will begin by answering a few questions and then expand on them.

Question: Can there be such a thing as a Gnostic Christian?
Answer: There is actually no such thing as Christian Gnosticism, because they are mutually exclusive systems of belief. A true Christian is not a Gnostic and a Gnostic most certainly is not a true Christian. In this sense, modern Gnosticism is consistent with first century Gnosticism.

Question: Is it possible that Gnosticism has quietly weaseled it's way into the church?
Answer: Yes, it is possible and I will identify in this article the possible different forms of Gnosticism that have found their way into the church and the different forms they have taken on. Gnosticism was perhaps the most dangerous heresy that threatened the early church during the first three centuries. Influenced by such philosophers as Plato, Gnosticism is based on two false premises.

First, it espouses a dualism regarding spirit and matter. Gnostics assert that matter is inherently evil and spirit is good.

Question: So what exactly does that mean, or how does it work itself out?
Answer: As a result of this presupposition, Gnostics believe anything done in the body, even the grossest sin, has no meaning because real life exists in the spirit realm only. It means that they could indulge in sin with no guilt or remorse.

Question: What does that 1st century heresy look like in today's church?
Answer: It is cleverly disguised in a wonderful doctrine of the Bible, but with a heretical application. We hold tightly to the doctrine that Christ died for sin, once for all, (1 Peter 3:18) and by that sacrifice, he has perfected forever those who are being sanctified (Heb 10:14). "Modern" Gnosticism, under the cloak of this doctrine, limits that doctrine to - my sins are forgiven, past present, future, and therefore, God will not and cannot hold sin against me. Therefore I can live in my sin, indulge in my desired indulgence, and there is no need to change – or – repent. The other perversion that we see is in the verse of Romans 7:17...it is no longer I that do it, but sin that dwells within me...and through wrong interpretation and application, they say...I'm not accountable for the sins I just committed, I didn't do it – rather sin which dwells within me that did it. Therefore not taking responsibility for our own sin, and through that mindsest, gives license to indulge, and negating all of Romans 6. The Bible is very clear that those who practice lawlessness shall not inherit the kingdom of God

Galatians 5:19-21...now the works of the flesh evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleaness, lewdness, (20) idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, , selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, (21) envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like; of which I tell you before, as I have told you in time past, that they wchich do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God...

Don't fool yourself, if you are indulging in these things - do not think that because you once said a prayer of faith in Christ that you are fine. You're not - the Bible tells us to examine ourselves to see if we are in the faith...unless you are disqualified...thinking you are ok when you parctice these things you are guily of modern day Gnostecism.

Second, Gnostics claim to possess an elevated knowledge, a “higher truth” known only to a certain few. Gnosticism comes from the Greek word gnosis which means “to know” because Gnostics claim a higher knowledge, not from the Bible, but acquired on some mystical higher plain of existence. Gnostics see themselves as a privileged class elevated above everybody else by their higher, deeper knowledge of God. To discredit the idea of any compatibility between Christianity and Gnosticism, one has only to compare the teachings of the two on the main doctrines of the faith. On the matter of salvation, Gnosticism teaches that salvation is gained through the acquisition of divine knowledge which frees one from the illusions of darkness. Although they claim to follow Jesus Christ and His original teachings, they contradict Him at every turn. Jesus said nothing about salvation through knowledge, but by faith in Him as Savior from sin. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Eph 2:8-9).
However, knowledge does play an important part of faith in Christ, for grace and peace are ours and increase through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior – but this only to those that are born again (2 Peter 1:1-2)

Thirdly: Christianity asserts that there is one source of Truth and that is the Bible, the inspired, inerrant Word of the living God, the only infallible rule of faith and practice (John 17:17; 2 Tim 3:15-17; Heb 4:12). It is God’s written revelation to mankind and is never superseded by man’s thoughts, ideas, writings, or visions. The Gnostics, on the other hand, use a variety of early heretical writings known as the Gnostic gospels, a collection of forgeries claiming to be the “lost books of the Bible.” Thankfully, the early church fathers were nearly unanimous in recognizing these Gnostic scrolls as fraudulent forgeries that espouse false doctrines about Jesus Christ, salvation, God, and every other crucial Christian truth. There are countless contradictions between the Gnostic gospels and the Bible. Even when the so-called Christian Gnostics quote from the Bible, they rewrite verses and parts of verses to harmonize with their philosophy. Although we may not be rewriting scripture, we try and make scripture fit our philosophies instead of conforming our life to fit the word of God. This same Gnostic attitude is very evident when we ask...what does this verse mean to me? And then making it fit our philosophies instead of asking – what did God mean by this and then searching scriptures for the truth. The Person of Jesus Christ is another area where Christianity and Gnosticism drastically differ. The Gnostics believe that Jesus’ physical body was not real, but only “seemed” to be physical and that His spirit descended upon Him at His baptism, but left Him just before His crucifixion. Such views destroy not only the true humanity of Jesus, but also the atonement, for Jesus must not only have been truly God, but also the truly human (and physically real) man who actually suffered and died upon the cross in order to be the acceptable substitutionary sacrifice for sin (Heb 2:14-17). The biblical view of Jesus affirms His complete humanity as well as His full deity.
Gnosticism is linked to much New Age heresy. It is based on a mystical, intuitive, subjective, inward, emotional approach to truth which isn’t new at all. It’s very old, going back in some form to the Garden of Eden, where Satan brought into question God and the words He spoke and convinced Adam and Eve to reject them and buy into a lie. He does the same thing today as he prowls and deceives. He still calls God and the Bible into question and catches in his web those who are either naive and scripturally uninformed or who are seeking some personal revelation to make them feel special, unique, and superior to others. But extra-biblical revelations always lead to error. Let us follow the Apostle Paul who said to “Test everything. Hold on to the good” (1 Thess 5:21) and this we do by comparing everything to the Word of God, the only Truth.
Put these things together, and what you have is a great number of people who profess to be Christian, but denying the power of God and you can't tell apart the Christian from the Sinner.

The Power"fulness" Of Christ

2008-12-21T23:35:00.000-05:00

That's right - the powerfulness of Christ. You may not hear it put that way very often, but I believe it warrants such a strange word. I have not studied church history in great length, but by simply putting two and two together, it seems that if we are not continually checking to see if our lives bear proof of the work of Christ within us, we quickly come to the place where we stray from the narrow path as Christian did in the book "The Pilgrims Progress".

So the question is, how do you know if you have strayed? Or let's throw in another question, how do you know you were ever on the narrow path to begin with? One of the first things I do when sitting down with someone looking for guidance or direction is ask them several questions about Christ. Who is Christ? and... what happened to you when you became a Christian? You can probably guess what the common response is to these questions. Jesus is Lord, and he forgave my sins and I'm on my way to heaven. I always respond with an additional question - what else? To which I get a variety of responses...what do you mean what else? or...I'm not sure...

Granted, these type of answers we could expect from people that have just been saved, who really have not spent time in the Word. But if you have been a Christian for some time, the Bible gives us clear guidelines as to how we should be growing or the fruit that should be evident in our lives. Granted, sin will always be at the door waiting to entice and deceive us, but our focus should not be so much on the power of sin, as it should be on the power of Christ.

When overcoming and putting off sin, our eyes and focus should be squarely focused on the Lord Jesus Christ and not on sin. A great picture of this is found in Numbers 21:4-9 where the children of Israel having spoken out against God and Moses once again and accusing God and Moses of bringing them out in the wilderness to die, were being attacked by fiery serpents and dying. In their cry for mercy, God instructed Moses to make a snake of bronze and put it on a pole, ...and it shall be that everyone that is bitten, when he shall look at it, shall live.

This bronze snake is a foreshadowing of Christ becoming sin for us and being raised up on the cross for the sins of man. Israel's focus and their gaze was to be on the snake mounted on the pole. So it is with us, if we do not want to be consumed by sin, our gaze and focus must be on the Lord Jesus Christ who was raised up for us on the cross.

When Jesus died on the cross, the power that was demonstrated through His death and resurrection was far greater than anything witnessed in past human history. Because Christ was sinless - sin could not keep him there, because he was God, death could not contain him there. But what else happened at the cross along with the fact that he conquered death, forgave our sins, and gave us eternal life?

I will share additional verses that have an impact on Christians through the work of the cross.

Romans 5:3-4...and not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulations produces perseverance, (4) and perseverance, character, and character, hope.

Romans 6:6-7...knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. (7) For he who has died has been freed from sin.

Romans 8:28...and we know that all things work together for good, to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose

1 Cor 2:5...that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God

2 Cor 4:8-9...we are hard pressed on every side yet not crushed, we are perplexed, but not in despair, (9) persecuted, but not forsaken, struck down, but not destroyed...

Gal 5:22-23...but the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness (23) gentleness, self control, against such there is no law

Gal 5:24...and those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with it's passions and desires

Eph 5:8-9...for you were once darkness but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (9) for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness and truth.

Col 1:13...He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of his love

2 Tim 1:7...for God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Titus 2:14...(Jesus Christ)...who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for himself his own special people, zealous for good works

Heb 10:14...for by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified

1 Peter 1:3...as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge of him who called us by glory and virtue

1 Peter 1:4...by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust

1 John 4:4...you are of God little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world

These are just a sample of verses that clarify additional things that happened through the work of the cross that affect every believer. If none of theses things are reality in our life, then we need to seriously ask ourselves, if the proclamation of faith that we made was in the powerful Jesus Christ the Son of God, or if it was in a foreign powerless jesus that has no impact on your life. Beware lest you be deceived.

Proverbial Stumbling Block

2008-12-15T12:01:00.000-05:00

I have often marveled at on old friend who many times told me that he had alot of useless knowledge of things that had absolutely no value. I think sometimes I could be found guilty of thinking about things that have no value to me either. Recently sitting in my office having one of these spells, I wondered where the term "proverbial stumblick block"came from. Who cares, it really doesn't matter. But it did draw my mind to the book of Proverbs. Nestled in the Old Testament this book has often been looked at as a "proverbial stumbling block".

When sitting down and reading any one of the 31 chapters of this proverbial book your mind can be taken in any number of directions ranging from thoughts, attitudes, and actions, often contained in just a couple of verses. Many people have therefore simply come to the place where they have decided to pick out individual verses without ever seeing the depth that the surrounding verses add to those individual verses. Some have decided to overlook this book in it's entirety.

What we need to realize is this book is just as much a part of the canon of scripture as any of the minor phophets, or the book of revelation for that matter. We would do well to remember that God gave to Solomon wisdom and knowledge (1 Kings 3:1-14) (2 Chr 1:12-14) and it was Solomon who by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit penned this fascinating book.

Then looking at the first chapter we see the purpose of this book...(1) to know wisdom and instruction, (2) to perceive words of understanding, (3) to receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, judgment, and equity...etc, etc, etc...

Not to mention that this book contains some amazingly practical insights for growing in wisdom and knowledge and the many many insights that teach us the benifits of righteous living and godly character. Could it be that Proverbs might be one of the least applicatted gems in Christiandom? After all, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge - Prov 1:7