"And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read." Luke 4:16
Jesus went to church! I know that really means He went to synagogue, but the point is that He fellowshipped with others weekly. He was in worship service as a matter of habit. He went faithfully!
So many today are doing just the opposite of what Jesus did. It has become such an epidemic that many churches are closing their doors at times they when they once worshiped. I have talked to many discouraged pastors and members lately who lament over the vast numbers of folks who simply don't attend church as faithfully as they once did. It appears that they have become bored with their Savior. Like the Israelites in the wilderness, they loathe this Manna all the time.
If we are to follow Jesus don't you think that He would lead us to a place of corporate worship and prayer on a consistent basis? He was ever faithful to His Father's house, so why wouldn't He? Where was He when His parents could not find Him after a trip to Jerusalem? When He left the crowds and crossed the lake where did they find Him? (John 6:59) Read the gospels again and count the miracles, signs, and wonders that Jesus did while in the church! Don't just wear a bracelet or a T-shirt with a catchy acronym--let the Spirit lead you to live as Jesus did.
He went when it was convenient and when it wasn't. He went when He was threatened and mocked or when treated with honor. He went with hypocrites and demons in the congregation and when the house was full of saints. He went when life was peaceful as well as when life was turbulent. He went when the people were amazed at Him and when they wanted to throw Him out. Jesus didn't make excuses!
He wasn't there to impress. He didn't just go because He had a position. He was not there to be seen. He went when it was "boring" and when there was great excitement. He was in church!
Be like your savior! Let it be said of you, "As his/her custom is."
Don't be a church forsaking "saint?"
"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." Hebrews 10:25
Friday, February 11, 2011
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Immutable Word
We spent much time considering God's immutability--the quality of being unchanging. Therefore, if God is eternally unchanging then what about His word? It would have to be unalterable as well. There is no wiggle room, then, to change His word to say something other than what He declares. Peter Hitchens (brother of the infamous athiest, Christopher Hitchins) affirms, *"The second atheist problem is the unbelievers' assertion that it is possible to determine what is right and what is wrong without God. They have a fundamental inability to concede that to be effectively absolute, a moral code needs to be beyond human power to alter." In essence, you simply cannot change the laws, precepts, and teachings of God without accountability to God for it. Maybe that is why Jeremiah, under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, wrote, "A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land; The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?" Jeremiah 5:30-31 The people were altering God's word, speaking falsely in His name, or adding to and deleting from His word. He concludes with a rhetorical question that speaks of divine retribution, "...what will ye do in the end thereof?"
I ran across this article. It is not news. It is not newsworthy. It is yet another example of an attempt to make sin sound legitimate. It is yet another attempt to change the values of this nation in opposition to the clear and definite directions of God. Notice the many comments in the comments section where people alter, add to, take away from, misinterpret, or reinterpret the word of God. The author of this article and those who agree with or seek to strengthen the argument are more than likely unawares or seriously underestimating their inability to change the immutable word of the immutable God!
My Take: The Bible’s surprisingly mixed messages on sexuality – CNN Belief Blog - CNN.com Blogs
I knew that my comment would be moderated, so I copied it. Here it is. It is the first I have made on this specific news venue.
I ran across this article. It is not news. It is not newsworthy. It is yet another example of an attempt to make sin sound legitimate. It is yet another attempt to change the values of this nation in opposition to the clear and definite directions of God. Notice the many comments in the comments section where people alter, add to, take away from, misinterpret, or reinterpret the word of God. The author of this article and those who agree with or seek to strengthen the argument are more than likely unawares or seriously underestimating their inability to change the immutable word of the immutable God!
My Take: The Bible’s surprisingly mixed messages on sexuality – CNN Belief Blog - CNN.com Blogs
I knew that my comment would be moderated, so I copied it. Here it is. It is the first I have made on this specific news venue.
"Personally, I think this is some of the most ignorant and uninformed foolishness I have ever read. God is God; He is an immutable God! He does not change His mind at the whim and fancy of men or the railings of a godless society or the ramblings of a so-called "minister". That is the essence of the verse, "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.' Also see "For I am the LORD, I change not;". He does not change His word even when every news agency and TV show of fallen man tries to change His mind for Him. He does not now nor ever will follow the false notion of what is "politically correct". Those who use the concept of, "judge not" as some here have done are hypocrites–which literally means to underjudge. You have underjudged the message of the Bible. You have missed the many other times in the New Testament where men are told to be discerners of truth as in 1 Peter and Jude, 1 John and others. He has clearly taught that homosexuality, as well as pedophilia, adultery, and a whole host of other sins are wrong. They are society killers. Don't drag the Almighty down to your foolish notions of what is right and wrong and seriously consider the words of His prophet, "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" Isaiah 5:20
Yet in His infinite love for a fallen race, the race of Adam, He has provided a gracious atonement, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16"
God Bless!
*Hitchens, Peter; The Rage Against God: How Atheism Led Me To Faith
Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing
Page 141
God Bless!
*Hitchens, Peter; The Rage Against God: How Atheism Led Me To Faith
Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing
Page 141
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Wings
I have been chewed up by too many for not being faithful to my blog for the last few months. I repent! I will get back to work on it as much as possible.
"And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest." Psalm 55:6
Anyone who spends any time with this Psalm clearly understands that David is under great stress. Though we are unsure when David wrote this individual lament (many feel that it was written in response to the situation with Absalom and the council of Ahithophel) we are sure that he knew where his answer was. It was in God Almighty.
The stress of this trial was so great that David wanted to fly away from it as if he had wings like a dove. However, running is never the solution.
During the 1980s, I was sharing this verse at a pre-trial confinement facility. The thrust of the message was that we can stand firm in Christ as fleeing will only compound the problem. The next morning I received a call from the warden who asked what I preached. Laughing, he said the inmates in my group should have seriously listened. They had attempted an escape that night and had been caught rapidly. Each one eventually had time added to their sentences for the escape. True story!!!
It is the same with any trial you face. Don't run from the problem. It only adds to the discomfort. However, there is a safe hiding place. Run to Jesus! What began for David as troubles so great that he could not stand ended as a victory of faith in an Omnipotent Savior! "Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved." Psalm 55:22
"And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest." Psalm 55:6
Anyone who spends any time with this Psalm clearly understands that David is under great stress. Though we are unsure when David wrote this individual lament (many feel that it was written in response to the situation with Absalom and the council of Ahithophel) we are sure that he knew where his answer was. It was in God Almighty.
The stress of this trial was so great that David wanted to fly away from it as if he had wings like a dove. However, running is never the solution.
During the 1980s, I was sharing this verse at a pre-trial confinement facility. The thrust of the message was that we can stand firm in Christ as fleeing will only compound the problem. The next morning I received a call from the warden who asked what I preached. Laughing, he said the inmates in my group should have seriously listened. They had attempted an escape that night and had been caught rapidly. Each one eventually had time added to their sentences for the escape. True story!!!
It is the same with any trial you face. Don't run from the problem. It only adds to the discomfort. However, there is a safe hiding place. Run to Jesus! What began for David as troubles so great that he could not stand ended as a victory of faith in an Omnipotent Savior! "Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved." Psalm 55:22
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Pastors Who Don't Believe
Does your pastor believe the word of God? There are many out there that preach every Sunday but they do not believe in God or they see Jesus as one of many ways to heaven. Statistics show that there are many who deny the truth of the word of God.
The following is a response I posted on another blog at the end of a discussion about believing pastors. I hope you enjoy it.
There are a few pastors who still believe the Bible. Here is one. I believe it as it says it including the first eleven chapters of Genesis. Only a Creator could redeem fallen man. Death before the fall of man is contrary to the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. I wish I had time to tell you why they are searching the heavens for life. It is the only way to prop up the falling theory of evolution since all scientists know that cells are too complex and there has not been enough time on Earth for random chance spontaneous generation of life from inert chemicals.
As far as Jesus, He is the only begotten of the Father, the Second Person of the Trinity by whose blood alone atones, and without whom there is no salvation. He was virgin born for the sole purpose of facing death on a cross to save sinners like us. Again, there is no other path, plan, work, or religion that saves. There is salvation alone in Jesus Christ. He is soon to return and judge the living and the dead.
The problem started in Bible colleges and seminaries when unbelieving men such as Spong, Fosdick, Schleiermacher, Beecher, and Barth began to usurp the authority of the Bible and claim that men's science trumped scripture. The seeds of doubt were first sown by men like Immanuel Kant and Charles Lyell and strengthened by Darwin. Suddenly, Bible colleges vacated the premise that the Bible was authoritative on all matters including science and history. Let God be true and all men liars!
For nearly two hundred years the colleges have poured out godless men that deny scripture and preach a social gospel. It is now catching up in the pew as well. This fall, however, was predicted by Jude and 2 Peter 3. Notice Peter's emphasis on creation and the flood and that men willfully deny the two lest they have to be accountable. Unfortunately, wishing you were not accountable to God does not make it so! There is still a heaven to gain and a hell to shun.
Just wanted you to know that there are still a few who really believe the Bible is the only authority for faith and life.
The following is a response I posted on another blog at the end of a discussion about believing pastors. I hope you enjoy it.
There are a few pastors who still believe the Bible. Here is one. I believe it as it says it including the first eleven chapters of Genesis. Only a Creator could redeem fallen man. Death before the fall of man is contrary to the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. I wish I had time to tell you why they are searching the heavens for life. It is the only way to prop up the falling theory of evolution since all scientists know that cells are too complex and there has not been enough time on Earth for random chance spontaneous generation of life from inert chemicals.
As far as Jesus, He is the only begotten of the Father, the Second Person of the Trinity by whose blood alone atones, and without whom there is no salvation. He was virgin born for the sole purpose of facing death on a cross to save sinners like us. Again, there is no other path, plan, work, or religion that saves. There is salvation alone in Jesus Christ. He is soon to return and judge the living and the dead.
The problem started in Bible colleges and seminaries when unbelieving men such as Spong, Fosdick, Schleiermacher, Beecher, and Barth began to usurp the authority of the Bible and claim that men's science trumped scripture. The seeds of doubt were first sown by men like Immanuel Kant and Charles Lyell and strengthened by Darwin. Suddenly, Bible colleges vacated the premise that the Bible was authoritative on all matters including science and history. Let God be true and all men liars!
For nearly two hundred years the colleges have poured out godless men that deny scripture and preach a social gospel. It is now catching up in the pew as well. This fall, however, was predicted by Jude and 2 Peter 3. Notice Peter's emphasis on creation and the flood and that men willfully deny the two lest they have to be accountable. Unfortunately, wishing you were not accountable to God does not make it so! There is still a heaven to gain and a hell to shun.
Just wanted you to know that there are still a few who really believe the Bible is the only authority for faith and life.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Striking Saul
David had two separate opportunities to kill Saul. King Saul fully understood that David would someday replace him as King over Israel, and that his family would take a subordinate roll in affairs of state. As a result of this and the wretched sin of jealousy Saul had chased David throughout the countryside in an effort to kill David and to stop the plan of God. Even with all of this David felt it would be wrong to take Saul's life. He would wait on God and not curse himself by touching the Lord's anointed even though Saul was clearly a backslider.
In 2 Samuel 1 we read the story of the death of Saul. During the battle at Gilboa, Saul was wounded and left alive on the battlefield. An Amalekite happened upon Saul so Saul begged him to end his life so that the Philistines would not capture him alive. The Amalekite was very excited to tell David the good news. He took Saul's crown and his bracelet and found David at his home in Ziklag. However, David was less than thrilled with the man and he had him killed. "And David said unto him, How wast thou not afraid to stretch forth thine hand to destroy the LORD'S anointed? And David called one of the young men, and said, Go near, [and] fall upon him. And he smote him that he died." 2 Samuel 1:14-15
When we gossip and slander each other, are we not as guilty as the Amalekite? God has called us to love one another and to encourage one another. He has also called us to battle and crucify this old flesh through obedience to the Holy Spirit and the word. If we kill each other with our words, how will we reach the world around us. Are we not setting ourselves up for destruction? "But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another." Galatians 5:15
In 2 Samuel 1 we read the story of the death of Saul. During the battle at Gilboa, Saul was wounded and left alive on the battlefield. An Amalekite happened upon Saul so Saul begged him to end his life so that the Philistines would not capture him alive. The Amalekite was very excited to tell David the good news. He took Saul's crown and his bracelet and found David at his home in Ziklag. However, David was less than thrilled with the man and he had him killed. "And David said unto him, How wast thou not afraid to stretch forth thine hand to destroy the LORD'S anointed? And David called one of the young men, and said, Go near, [and] fall upon him. And he smote him that he died." 2 Samuel 1:14-15
When we gossip and slander each other, are we not as guilty as the Amalekite? God has called us to love one another and to encourage one another. He has also called us to battle and crucify this old flesh through obedience to the Holy Spirit and the word. If we kill each other with our words, how will we reach the world around us. Are we not setting ourselves up for destruction? "But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another." Galatians 5:15
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Strange Parallels--Part 2
There were a few items that were left out of this letter due to time constraints. One was that this pronouncement of judgment began and ended with a message of hope. In the first section of the message about Jerusalem found in Isaiah 2-4, the prophet gives keen insight about our growth as a believer.
Step one--God is exalted! Notice the mountain of the Lord's house being lifted high in Isaiah 2:2. Doesn't that remind you of Jesus statement in John 12:32, " And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me"? Notice Isaiah's statement that there will be an upward flow toward's God's throne. Isaiah saw Jesus exalted and the nations flowing to worship Him. Don't you think that is what we desperately need to do today--to lift Jesus higher so that those snared in sin can find the only available means of escape? Also, God always wants us to progress higher in Christ and not to stagnate in our relationship with Him. He wishes us to flow upward towards the express image of our Savior to the glory of Jesus alone!
Step two, there was a strong desire to learn God's ways found in Isaiah 2:3. When Christ is preeminent in a church or home, all who come in contact with the glory revealed by those believers will become hungry and thirsty for the knowledge of the Lord. Why are many starving spiritually? Maybe because Jesus is not exalted in their midst?
Step three--when we learn the ways of the Lord we naturally want to walk with Him and in His paths as is also found in Isaiah 2:3. When our relationship deepens with God we begin to experience what He desired for Adam--to walk with God daily. Those who walk close to the Lord never trip nor stumble as He guides their every step. He leads them in paths that honor Christ continually.
Finally, step four is a given! If Christ is exalted in your life, if Christ's word and ways are the intense desire of your heart, if Christ's paths are sought and we are found walking in close fellowship with Him, then it is natural that there should be peace in our lives. Notice Isaiah 2:4. They knew that God is peace and the sole desire is to honor that peace. Don't we all know that Jesus wishes us to have a peace that passes all understanding? Exalt Him, learn of Him, walk with Him, and you will experience the benefit of His peace.
I guess I will have to point out His message of hope to the remnant in Isaiah 4:2-6 another time. God Bless!
I have not posted much news in a while, but it has been relatively quiet in relation to Israel. There have been some domestic issues of concern, however. I will post some articles today, but they will not be under any specific headings as usual due to the volume of stories.
Rivlin accuses Carter of supporting Hamas, spurring terror
FoxNews.com - NPR Fires Juan Williams After O'Reilly Appearance
Step one--God is exalted! Notice the mountain of the Lord's house being lifted high in Isaiah 2:2. Doesn't that remind you of Jesus statement in John 12:32, " And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me"? Notice Isaiah's statement that there will be an upward flow toward's God's throne. Isaiah saw Jesus exalted and the nations flowing to worship Him. Don't you think that is what we desperately need to do today--to lift Jesus higher so that those snared in sin can find the only available means of escape? Also, God always wants us to progress higher in Christ and not to stagnate in our relationship with Him. He wishes us to flow upward towards the express image of our Savior to the glory of Jesus alone!
Step two, there was a strong desire to learn God's ways found in Isaiah 2:3. When Christ is preeminent in a church or home, all who come in contact with the glory revealed by those believers will become hungry and thirsty for the knowledge of the Lord. Why are many starving spiritually? Maybe because Jesus is not exalted in their midst?
Step three--when we learn the ways of the Lord we naturally want to walk with Him and in His paths as is also found in Isaiah 2:3. When our relationship deepens with God we begin to experience what He desired for Adam--to walk with God daily. Those who walk close to the Lord never trip nor stumble as He guides their every step. He leads them in paths that honor Christ continually.
Finally, step four is a given! If Christ is exalted in your life, if Christ's word and ways are the intense desire of your heart, if Christ's paths are sought and we are found walking in close fellowship with Him, then it is natural that there should be peace in our lives. Notice Isaiah 2:4. They knew that God is peace and the sole desire is to honor that peace. Don't we all know that Jesus wishes us to have a peace that passes all understanding? Exalt Him, learn of Him, walk with Him, and you will experience the benefit of His peace.
I guess I will have to point out His message of hope to the remnant in Isaiah 4:2-6 another time. God Bless!
I have not posted much news in a while, but it has been relatively quiet in relation to Israel. There have been some domestic issues of concern, however. I will post some articles today, but they will not be under any specific headings as usual due to the volume of stories.
Rivlin accuses Carter of supporting Hamas, spurring terror
FoxNews.com - NPR Fires Juan Williams After O'Reilly Appearance
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Grapes of Wrath
Isaiah 5 continues with the theme of judgment. This chapter was a sermon delivered during one of Israel's religious feasts. Imagine being in attendance and enjoying the sights, sounds, and smells of a fair like attitude. Everyone is happy and joyous, yet while they enjoy the "blessings" of God they are not following God with all their heart. Furthermore, their heart is far from God. Their service is based on keeping a few feasts and occasionally going to worship, but it is all an attempt to placate God. Into this feast steps the emboldened prophet loudly proclaiming the truth, the Word of Almighty God.
His sermon starts with a parable like story about a vineyard which is found in verses 1-7. His point is that they are the vineyard of God and that the fruit they bring forth is corrupt in the sight of the Lord of the Harvest. Fear and foreboding enter the hearts of the once happy feast attendees, but that emotion soon changes to anger as Isaiah declares that they will be destroyed by the Lord of Hosts, Himself for their failure to obey and love God with all their heart.
Part two of the message specifically names the sins in which they were involved with. First, there is a sinful desire for earthly gain over spiritual gain which is found in verses 8-10. Their violation of God's covenant with the land would lead to their being overthrown in verses 9-10. Next, they are judged for their inordinate lust for pleasure manifested in their drinking and partying. Even "church" was more about personal entertainment than heartfelt service to the Lord. This sin carries a pronouncement of slavery. It will go beyond the slavery of alcohol addiction or today's drug addiction. The nation will be sold into captivity.
Can you begin to see the parallels to the US again? It is like Isaiah preached this sermon last Sunday! God help us! Help us to turn our hearts towards you!
His sermon starts with a parable like story about a vineyard which is found in verses 1-7. His point is that they are the vineyard of God and that the fruit they bring forth is corrupt in the sight of the Lord of the Harvest. Fear and foreboding enter the hearts of the once happy feast attendees, but that emotion soon changes to anger as Isaiah declares that they will be destroyed by the Lord of Hosts, Himself for their failure to obey and love God with all their heart.
Part two of the message specifically names the sins in which they were involved with. First, there is a sinful desire for earthly gain over spiritual gain which is found in verses 8-10. Their violation of God's covenant with the land would lead to their being overthrown in verses 9-10. Next, they are judged for their inordinate lust for pleasure manifested in their drinking and partying. Even "church" was more about personal entertainment than heartfelt service to the Lord. This sin carries a pronouncement of slavery. It will go beyond the slavery of alcohol addiction or today's drug addiction. The nation will be sold into captivity.
Can you begin to see the parallels to the US again? It is like Isaiah preached this sermon last Sunday! God help us! Help us to turn our hearts towards you!
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