I figured it out!!! Do you ever have a moment where something that should have been obvious all along suddenly BECOMES obvious?!! Well, that just happened to me. It's not like this is a new revelation, because I have suspected it for a while. But a number of recent observations have made it crystal clear, and the Spirit has helped me to put them all together to form a definitive conclusion. Are you ready? Here it is: Most Christians are biblically illiterate because they don't read or study the Bible. I know that might be a controversial conclusion, but I am convinced that it is true.
So how did I come to that conclusion? I'll give you just a few examples. When asked, most Christians confess to NOT reading the Bible on a regular basis. For many, hearing a sermon on Sundays is their only exposure to God's Word. And when it comes to Sunday mornings, many do not bring their Bibles with them, content to listen to the Pastor read to them. (That's not meant to offend anyone - just an observation). Another observation: Christian bookstores. I have written one book and am STILL working on a second, so I believe there is a purpose in sharing insights from God's Word, but most of the books in Christian bookstores and that people read have little to do with Scripture. In nearly 200 pages in my book, more than 170 of them quoted Scripture. I wanted to point people to God's Word. Only God's Word has spiritual POWER to accomplish God's purpose in our minds, hearts and lives.
Another explanation for biblical illiteracy: Christian blogs like this one. I looked at some very popular blogs and I discovered that like many sermons, 90% of the quotes come from a book other than the Bible. Does it really matter if "so-and-so" said something? What does GOD say?? And that brings up sermons ... countless people have commented that they enjoy hearing the Bible preached when they come to Lighthouse. Many say they have visited other churches - some of them a LOT of other churches - and they don't hear the Bible! Then what do they hear? A pastor's calling is to help people understand GOD's WORD, not to give his own ideas or offer his own pet theories or to quote from the books he has read. When I preach, I tell people that if they hear me say, "I THINK ... , " they can turn off their hearing aids and not listen. It doesn't matter what I think. What matters is what God's Word says.
Imagine the true prophets coming and saying anything but, "Thus says the LORD!" But there were false prophets who were saying other things. Hosea writes, "You stumble day and night, and the prophets stumble with you. ... My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children" (Hosea 4:5-6). Jesus spoke with authority (Matthew 7:24-27), because He wasn't speaking from the traditions of the Pharisees, but from the Old Testament. "Thus it is written," said Jesus over and over again. Paul told his young friend Timothy to "Preach the Word." He said, "The time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths" (II Timothy 4:2-4). He told Timothy, "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth" (II Timothy 2:13). Today people claim to receive a word from the Spirit that has no connection to Scripture. "Doctrine" has become like a four-letter word to many people who claim to be disciples of Jesus.
Jeremiah writes, "This is what the LORD says: 'Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.' But you said, 'We will not walk in it.'" (Jeremiah 6:16). Many in the visible church today do not know God because they have not listened to His Word. They are unable to make any connections between God's promises to Abraham and His fulfillment of those promises in Jesus Christ. Most have no idea how close we are to the return of Christ because they do not recognize the signs that are clearly foretold in Scripture. They don't know about God's plans for Israel, for the Church, for the world. Why? Because they haven't studied God's Word, have not sat under biblical teaching and are content, and in fact prefer, to be entertained rather than taught, rebuked, corrected and instructed in righteousness! (II Timothy 3:16).
The Bible should not be a foreign language to God's people, to those who desire to follow Jesus. The Bible reveals God's character, God's plan and God's power that is at work in those who know Him. My only desire in this blog is to point you there, to get you to read it, to grasp the message it brings and to know the God who reveals Himself in it and so to find salvation through faith in Christ and to be motivated to grow, to learn, and to live with Him and for Him. Read the verses I share with you. Read the context in the chapter they are found. Memorize key verses. Let God speak to you. Commit yourself to being a student of the Bible. It is the most profitable exercise in which you can be engaged.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Sunday, September 9, 2012
"For such a time as THIS ..."
The words from Esther 4:14 are quoted often. Esther, a young Jewish woman, is kidnapped by the King of Persia and is chosen out of all the young women in the king's harem to become queen. An evil plot to destroy the Jews is planned by one of the king's officials and Esther is in a position to go before the king to expose the plot and save her people. Doing so, however, could cost her her life if the king does not receive or or believe her. When she hesitates, her uncle points out this fact: "If you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?"
There are more to these words than first meet the eye. If Esther has been placed in this position for a particular reason, WHO placed her there - and WHY? Those of us who believe in a sovereign God know that it is HE who placed Esther there. Why? Because He had promised centuries earlier that He would bring a Savior from the descendants of Judah, the son of Jacob (Genesis 49:10). God had promised Abraham, then Isaac, and then Jacob that the Savior of the world (Jesus) would descend from them. The Savior HAD to come from the Jews! But Satan, the enemy of God, wanted to stop God's plan. If he could destroy the Jews, perhaps he could change history and defeat God after all.
Satan has not given up his fight against God. I am afraid that many people fail to realize that the one who is the enemy of God is also our enemy. God gives us all the armor we need and the "sword of the Spirit," the Word of God, so that we can stand against him, but we need to put it on! We need to FIGHT! That's where Esther comes in. Esther needed to understand that her life had a purpose beyond what she could see. God uses weak vessels to accomplish His eternal purposes. Circumstances, events, situations take place every day that are orchestrated by God to fulfill His plan to gather a people for Himself who will love Him and serve Him. Esther had a part in His plan - and so do YOU!
Sixty-two years ago today my parents gave me life. From a purely worldly viewpoint my birth was insignificant. I was born in a small rural community in Iowa. I grew up on a farm and went to a school where I had eighteen people in my class - there were less than 100 in our high school. I went to college, then seminary, and have served congregations in South Dakota, North Dakota, Iowa and Michigan. So what's the big deal? Nothing, really ... except that God determined to call me to preach His Word. Want a weak vessel? Here I am! But God had other ideas and nothing will stop His plan. Eight and one-half years ago He led me to Lighthouse Community Church. God brought others to Lighthouse, some before me, some after. And what He has done the past few years and what He is doing today is nothing short of amazing - even miraculous. And it is all connected to hundreds of lives being brought together for HIS purposes. And God is doing this all over the world.
I received birthday wishes from many - even from Guatemala and Pakistan. God has allowed Kathy (my wife) and me to make contact with the body of Christ in Cambodia, Haiti, Guatemala, and through others, Kenya, Romania and other places. God is doing His work all over the world!! And if you have put your faith in Jesus Christ and have been filled with His Spirit, YOU are part of His work. YOU are here for such a time as this! No matter what has gone on in your life, no matter what IS going on in your life, God is at work. If you know Jesus Christ is is because God chose you to be one of His children and He is actively at work in your life. You exist for HIS purposes - to make Him known. You are HERE, "for such a time as this!"
The knowledge of God gives you purpose and meaning every day. I pray that you will come to see His will revealed in your life and that bearing witness to Him will be at the center of every day.
There are more to these words than first meet the eye. If Esther has been placed in this position for a particular reason, WHO placed her there - and WHY? Those of us who believe in a sovereign God know that it is HE who placed Esther there. Why? Because He had promised centuries earlier that He would bring a Savior from the descendants of Judah, the son of Jacob (Genesis 49:10). God had promised Abraham, then Isaac, and then Jacob that the Savior of the world (Jesus) would descend from them. The Savior HAD to come from the Jews! But Satan, the enemy of God, wanted to stop God's plan. If he could destroy the Jews, perhaps he could change history and defeat God after all.
Satan has not given up his fight against God. I am afraid that many people fail to realize that the one who is the enemy of God is also our enemy. God gives us all the armor we need and the "sword of the Spirit," the Word of God, so that we can stand against him, but we need to put it on! We need to FIGHT! That's where Esther comes in. Esther needed to understand that her life had a purpose beyond what she could see. God uses weak vessels to accomplish His eternal purposes. Circumstances, events, situations take place every day that are orchestrated by God to fulfill His plan to gather a people for Himself who will love Him and serve Him. Esther had a part in His plan - and so do YOU!
Sixty-two years ago today my parents gave me life. From a purely worldly viewpoint my birth was insignificant. I was born in a small rural community in Iowa. I grew up on a farm and went to a school where I had eighteen people in my class - there were less than 100 in our high school. I went to college, then seminary, and have served congregations in South Dakota, North Dakota, Iowa and Michigan. So what's the big deal? Nothing, really ... except that God determined to call me to preach His Word. Want a weak vessel? Here I am! But God had other ideas and nothing will stop His plan. Eight and one-half years ago He led me to Lighthouse Community Church. God brought others to Lighthouse, some before me, some after. And what He has done the past few years and what He is doing today is nothing short of amazing - even miraculous. And it is all connected to hundreds of lives being brought together for HIS purposes. And God is doing this all over the world.
I received birthday wishes from many - even from Guatemala and Pakistan. God has allowed Kathy (my wife) and me to make contact with the body of Christ in Cambodia, Haiti, Guatemala, and through others, Kenya, Romania and other places. God is doing His work all over the world!! And if you have put your faith in Jesus Christ and have been filled with His Spirit, YOU are part of His work. YOU are here for such a time as this! No matter what has gone on in your life, no matter what IS going on in your life, God is at work. If you know Jesus Christ is is because God chose you to be one of His children and He is actively at work in your life. You exist for HIS purposes - to make Him known. You are HERE, "for such a time as this!"
The knowledge of God gives you purpose and meaning every day. I pray that you will come to see His will revealed in your life and that bearing witness to Him will be at the center of every day.
Saturday, September 8, 2012
"The TRUTH will set you free!"
The Bible says that "truth" is the "belt" of the spiritual armor we need to withstand Satan's attack and the temptations we face every day - temptations to live in a way contrary to our confession (Ephesians 6:14). The Church, the body of Christ, is "the pillar and foundation of truth" (I Timothy 3:15). Jesus said that His disciples would know the truth and the truth would set them free (John 8:32) ... free from the bondage to sin in which every one of us is born. This is all good news, isn't it?! Then why is it so hard for us to share the truth with each other and to hear the truth sometimes?
Yesterday, I shared that while we are called to "speak the truth in love," so that we will grow up (mature) in Christ, there are times when people within the body refuse to hear the truth, even when it is spoken in love. Love always has the glory of God and the other person's spiritual welfare foremost in mind. Just speaking to make a point is not speaking the truth in love; neither is venting or letting other people know how you feel. When speaking the truth to others we need to speak the truth to ourselves first and check our motives. Ephesians 4:11-16 says that we are to build one another up, not tear down. Much damage has been done by those who break this rule.
But that must not immobilize brothers and sisters in Christ so that we do not fulfill our God-given responsibility to hold one another accountable. Paul writes in II Timothy 3:16 that "all Scripture is God-breathed, and is profitable for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." Most people don't mind being taught - if it's their choice to be taught, but few people appreciate being rebuked or corrected. This is where "speaking the truth in love" becomes a challenge. We all need to hear the truth and we all need to be rebuked or corrected from time to time.
Rebuke sounds harsh and correction seems unpleasant, but they are not intended to be so. These things are meant to be done where there is a relationship of love and trust. This is sadly missing in many church bodies today. People jump from one place to the next for various reasons - some being led by the Spirit ... others trying to find a place that they like or that satisfies their own specific needs. But for whatever reason, people seem to find it difficult to put down roots and build relationships where biblical accountability can take place. Perhaps the best place for this to happen is in a small group.
The early believers met together in their homes. They ate bread together and shared true biblical fellowship. They didn't have Bibles. All they knew was what they had heard. But they knew Jesus, they stood together against the world, and they turned the world upside down. But I think we sometimes, maybe often, glamorize the early church. They had the same struggles we do and I doubt that too many of them liked being rebuked or corrected either. We set ourselves up for major disappointment if we think that ours will be the first congregation in the history of the Church to have no disagreements or broken relationships. We are all in the process of becoming like Christ. It requires commitment and patience to be part of the body of Christ in this world.
Still, God says that we must "speak the truth in love," and that truth must not be our own ideas, theories of men, or quotes from some well-known author. What we share with one another should be, must be, God's Word. That means that you and I must be students of God's Word, learning and growing ourselves so that we will be able to be God's instruments to share His truth with others. If this sounds like work, it is! But remember, the TRUTH - GOD's truth, will set you and others free to serve the living God with joy. And that makes it all worth it!
Yesterday, I shared that while we are called to "speak the truth in love," so that we will grow up (mature) in Christ, there are times when people within the body refuse to hear the truth, even when it is spoken in love. Love always has the glory of God and the other person's spiritual welfare foremost in mind. Just speaking to make a point is not speaking the truth in love; neither is venting or letting other people know how you feel. When speaking the truth to others we need to speak the truth to ourselves first and check our motives. Ephesians 4:11-16 says that we are to build one another up, not tear down. Much damage has been done by those who break this rule.
But that must not immobilize brothers and sisters in Christ so that we do not fulfill our God-given responsibility to hold one another accountable. Paul writes in II Timothy 3:16 that "all Scripture is God-breathed, and is profitable for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." Most people don't mind being taught - if it's their choice to be taught, but few people appreciate being rebuked or corrected. This is where "speaking the truth in love" becomes a challenge. We all need to hear the truth and we all need to be rebuked or corrected from time to time.
Rebuke sounds harsh and correction seems unpleasant, but they are not intended to be so. These things are meant to be done where there is a relationship of love and trust. This is sadly missing in many church bodies today. People jump from one place to the next for various reasons - some being led by the Spirit ... others trying to find a place that they like or that satisfies their own specific needs. But for whatever reason, people seem to find it difficult to put down roots and build relationships where biblical accountability can take place. Perhaps the best place for this to happen is in a small group.
The early believers met together in their homes. They ate bread together and shared true biblical fellowship. They didn't have Bibles. All they knew was what they had heard. But they knew Jesus, they stood together against the world, and they turned the world upside down. But I think we sometimes, maybe often, glamorize the early church. They had the same struggles we do and I doubt that too many of them liked being rebuked or corrected either. We set ourselves up for major disappointment if we think that ours will be the first congregation in the history of the Church to have no disagreements or broken relationships. We are all in the process of becoming like Christ. It requires commitment and patience to be part of the body of Christ in this world.
Still, God says that we must "speak the truth in love," and that truth must not be our own ideas, theories of men, or quotes from some well-known author. What we share with one another should be, must be, God's Word. That means that you and I must be students of God's Word, learning and growing ourselves so that we will be able to be God's instruments to share His truth with others. If this sounds like work, it is! But remember, the TRUTH - GOD's truth, will set you and others free to serve the living God with joy. And that makes it all worth it!
Friday, September 7, 2012
"Speaking the truth in love ..."
You may have heard this phrase before. It is taken from Paul's letter to the Ephesian believers, chapter 4, verse 15. The whole verse reads like this: "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Him who is the Head, that is, Christ."
Do you ever want to SCREAM the truth to people? I'm not talking about people who don't know God, but about those who DO know God and who claim to know Christ ... and some of them actually do know Christ. ... They might be members of your family, or close friends, or part of your church family, or just part of the larger body of Christ. Do you ever want to scream at people who say they are Christians, but who are acting in such a way that they are bringing disgrace to the name of Christ and to His body?? Do you ever want to say, "Stop it! GROW UP!!!"??
I'm sure there have been times when people have wanted to scream at me for that reason. In fact, come to think of it, there have been those that HAVE screamed at me when they saw or heard me speaking or acting in a way contrary to my confession. And speaking of confession, I haven't always honored Christ in my words and my actions - I still have moments, and I suspect you do, too. But screaming doesn't usually help the situation, and words spoken in anger and frustration more often than not fall on deaf ears. What then are we to do? Should we just ignore the actions of others? Should we just consider it none of our business? What's a Christian to do?
As Paul wrote to the Ephesians he was concerned about their life together. He says in Chapter 4, verse 3, that we should "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." Some think this means ignoring our differences and just getting along. But that's not what he goes on to say. He says that Christ has given apostles and prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers "to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up." The goal, as he goes on to say in verse 13, is that there would be REAL unity - a oneness in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God. God wants us to mature, to reach "the whole measure of the fullness of Christ."
How does that happen? It happens when we "speak the truth in love" to one another. Too many people are "talking the talk, but not walking the walk." He describes some in verse 14 as being "infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming." There are some who are actually TRYING to deceive others as they waver back and forth between opposing and contradictory views of almost every subject. They scorn doctrine and say things like, "no one has a corner on truth." They don't want anyone "judging" them and yet they are more than happy to throw stones at others.
But GOD has a corner on truth, and His Word IS truth! There are behaviors that are just not acceptable for those who know Christ - period! And it's not just the BIG sins, but things like gossip and lying and hatred and a host of others. When people we know claim to be part of God's family and consistently live in ways contrary to His Word, we need to do something. Leaving them alone to be tossed back and forth by the wind and waves is not an option, any more than standing on the shore watching someone drown is an option. "INSTEAD, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Him who is the Head, that is, Christ."
He gives us encouragement to be engaged in this task when he says, in verse 16, "From HIM (Christ) the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work." The most loving and useful thing to do as we live together in the body of Christ is to help each other to grow up, and that requires "speaking the truth in love." Love doesn't mean avoiding the truth. There's a difference between being hyper-critical, tearing people down, demanding perfection, being rude, arrogant, judgmental ... you get the idea ... there's a difference between that and loving someone enough to say, "I love you and I'm concerned about you."
It takes courage to speak the truth, even when you know it comes from a motivation of love, because it's not always received that way. But God tells us this is important. I'll talk more about it tomorrow.
Do you ever want to SCREAM the truth to people? I'm not talking about people who don't know God, but about those who DO know God and who claim to know Christ ... and some of them actually do know Christ. ... They might be members of your family, or close friends, or part of your church family, or just part of the larger body of Christ. Do you ever want to scream at people who say they are Christians, but who are acting in such a way that they are bringing disgrace to the name of Christ and to His body?? Do you ever want to say, "Stop it! GROW UP!!!"??
I'm sure there have been times when people have wanted to scream at me for that reason. In fact, come to think of it, there have been those that HAVE screamed at me when they saw or heard me speaking or acting in a way contrary to my confession. And speaking of confession, I haven't always honored Christ in my words and my actions - I still have moments, and I suspect you do, too. But screaming doesn't usually help the situation, and words spoken in anger and frustration more often than not fall on deaf ears. What then are we to do? Should we just ignore the actions of others? Should we just consider it none of our business? What's a Christian to do?
As Paul wrote to the Ephesians he was concerned about their life together. He says in Chapter 4, verse 3, that we should "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." Some think this means ignoring our differences and just getting along. But that's not what he goes on to say. He says that Christ has given apostles and prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers "to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up." The goal, as he goes on to say in verse 13, is that there would be REAL unity - a oneness in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God. God wants us to mature, to reach "the whole measure of the fullness of Christ."
How does that happen? It happens when we "speak the truth in love" to one another. Too many people are "talking the talk, but not walking the walk." He describes some in verse 14 as being "infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming." There are some who are actually TRYING to deceive others as they waver back and forth between opposing and contradictory views of almost every subject. They scorn doctrine and say things like, "no one has a corner on truth." They don't want anyone "judging" them and yet they are more than happy to throw stones at others.
But GOD has a corner on truth, and His Word IS truth! There are behaviors that are just not acceptable for those who know Christ - period! And it's not just the BIG sins, but things like gossip and lying and hatred and a host of others. When people we know claim to be part of God's family and consistently live in ways contrary to His Word, we need to do something. Leaving them alone to be tossed back and forth by the wind and waves is not an option, any more than standing on the shore watching someone drown is an option. "INSTEAD, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Him who is the Head, that is, Christ."
He gives us encouragement to be engaged in this task when he says, in verse 16, "From HIM (Christ) the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work." The most loving and useful thing to do as we live together in the body of Christ is to help each other to grow up, and that requires "speaking the truth in love." Love doesn't mean avoiding the truth. There's a difference between being hyper-critical, tearing people down, demanding perfection, being rude, arrogant, judgmental ... you get the idea ... there's a difference between that and loving someone enough to say, "I love you and I'm concerned about you."
It takes courage to speak the truth, even when you know it comes from a motivation of love, because it's not always received that way. But God tells us this is important. I'll talk more about it tomorrow.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
The God of details ... all the details ...
Get up in the morning, turn on the faucet, expecting warm water ... waiting ... waiting ... no warm water. Water heater ??? Go downstairs, open door to utility room, walk back behind the furnace - but before I get there I see it ........ WATER! I think that is supposed to be IN the water heater. So, the water heater needs to be replaced and I thank God that He is a God of details and I tell myself, "God works ALL things together for good to those who love Him" (Romans 8:28). Even water heaters? Yes, even water heaters. Many don't have water heaters - or water ... or faucets. Then God provides a dear brother to install it if I can go pick one up ... but then circumstances change and he can pick one up ... and then he comes and has it installed in an hour!! Thank you, Lord, for being a God of details - especially on THIS day.
Why this day? Because I am preaching at a funeral today. As we go on about our lives, this family is grieving the loss of a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a great-grandmother, a sister, a friend. Life goes on, but not without tears. I understand what they are feeling. Eighteen years ago today my father left this world to enter the presence of God in heaven. He was buried on my birthday, September 9th, 1994. But there is a message that brings hope - the Gospel of Jesus Christ! The God of details promised to send a Savior and through all the details, the prophecies, the annunciations of His birth, His life, His ministry, His crucifixion ... and His RESURRECTION ... those details were fulfilled to the letter. And now, those who know Him as Savior and Lord HAVE eternal life. Nothing escapes God's view. Nothing ... nothing escapes God's view. He loves His children and His children love Him. He can be trusted, even when we don't understand.
So I received a phone call from a young man and his wife who were expecting triplets. Last Sunday Justin and Amber shared their excitement in front of our church family and also shared that there was a potential risk for two of the babies. We gathered around them and we prayed and we entrusted the babies to the Lord's care and we prayed for healing and we prayed for His will to be done - that He would receive glory. They were going to Ann Arbor today for an appointment with a specialist and a possible surgery to "fix" the problem. In the phone call I received a short time ago Justin shared that the two babies had not survived. The third baby appears to be doing well. So we continue to pray ... to the God of details ... ALL the details.
We believe what the Bible says, that this God works ALL things together for good to those who love Him. But there's more to that verse: " ... who are CALLED according to HIS purpose." So what IS God's purpose - in this? We don't know - yet. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts" (Isaiah 55:9). The debate about when life begins is more than a political game. Life begins at conception. LIFE begins at conception. LIFE, physical and spiritual life BEGINS, is real, at CONCEPTION!! And God's promise ... the God of the details ... HIS promise, to believers ... to HIS children, is that His angels watch over their children and should their lives end before they confess Jesus or reject Him, before they can learn and grow or make that choice, they are WITH HIM.
My father is there. My mother is there. The wife and mother and grandmother and great-grandmother whose body we laid in a grave today is there. And two babies, precious in the sight of the God of details, are there ... in His presence. The God of all the details doesn't make mistakes. We don't need to understand because we wouldn't need faith if we could understand it all.
It has been quite a day. I am so thankful that I know the God of details ... all the details. I hope, I pray, that you do, too.
Why this day? Because I am preaching at a funeral today. As we go on about our lives, this family is grieving the loss of a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a great-grandmother, a sister, a friend. Life goes on, but not without tears. I understand what they are feeling. Eighteen years ago today my father left this world to enter the presence of God in heaven. He was buried on my birthday, September 9th, 1994. But there is a message that brings hope - the Gospel of Jesus Christ! The God of details promised to send a Savior and through all the details, the prophecies, the annunciations of His birth, His life, His ministry, His crucifixion ... and His RESURRECTION ... those details were fulfilled to the letter. And now, those who know Him as Savior and Lord HAVE eternal life. Nothing escapes God's view. Nothing ... nothing escapes God's view. He loves His children and His children love Him. He can be trusted, even when we don't understand.
So I received a phone call from a young man and his wife who were expecting triplets. Last Sunday Justin and Amber shared their excitement in front of our church family and also shared that there was a potential risk for two of the babies. We gathered around them and we prayed and we entrusted the babies to the Lord's care and we prayed for healing and we prayed for His will to be done - that He would receive glory. They were going to Ann Arbor today for an appointment with a specialist and a possible surgery to "fix" the problem. In the phone call I received a short time ago Justin shared that the two babies had not survived. The third baby appears to be doing well. So we continue to pray ... to the God of details ... ALL the details.
We believe what the Bible says, that this God works ALL things together for good to those who love Him. But there's more to that verse: " ... who are CALLED according to HIS purpose." So what IS God's purpose - in this? We don't know - yet. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts" (Isaiah 55:9). The debate about when life begins is more than a political game. Life begins at conception. LIFE begins at conception. LIFE, physical and spiritual life BEGINS, is real, at CONCEPTION!! And God's promise ... the God of the details ... HIS promise, to believers ... to HIS children, is that His angels watch over their children and should their lives end before they confess Jesus or reject Him, before they can learn and grow or make that choice, they are WITH HIM.
My father is there. My mother is there. The wife and mother and grandmother and great-grandmother whose body we laid in a grave today is there. And two babies, precious in the sight of the God of details, are there ... in His presence. The God of all the details doesn't make mistakes. We don't need to understand because we wouldn't need faith if we could understand it all.
It has been quite a day. I am so thankful that I know the God of details ... all the details. I hope, I pray, that you do, too.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Elections, America ... and Coincidences ...
Are you tired of the political conventions yet? When do we get back to real life: Survivor, American Idol, the Voice, Dancing with the Stars ... ??? (Sorry if I missed your favorite!) ... oh, the Race ... how could I forget that? "Run, Charla, run!!" We Americans sometimes seem to have a hard time separating fact from fiction; so when someone handed me a book to read last night, a book of fiction, I debated whether to take a look at it before I went to bed last night after getting home from a meeting a little after 9:00 p.m. I put the book down somewhere around midnight and will probably finish it tonight. Why? Because it is fiction, yet fact. The name of the book, for those of you who may be wondering, is "The Harbinger" - The ancient mystery that holds the secret of America's future. That's all I'm going to say about the book, so you'll have to read it for yourself.
The book is intriguing, however, because the "fiction" (or is it FACT?!) is based on a little-known verse of Scripture that appears to have a connection to our present and our future as a nation. Those at the political conventions try to convince you and me that our future rests in electing them. While I believe it is our duty to vote, I am increasingly convinced that it may not make a whole lot of difference. About fifty years ago, in my lifetime, America turned a corner (described in the book!). Certain decisions have been made; certain things have happened, and they are all tied together. The events going on around us are not mere coincidences. God is at work. Now we stand on the precipice of not only national, but global disaster. There is no hope, unless we change ... and by "we," I mean the entire nation. I'm not holding my breath. I thank God for this nation and the freedoms we have - freedoms fought for by my father and so many others. But "we" have changed, as a nation ... and not for the good. Anyone who denies that has serious issues with their vision!
Our patriotism today is no longer based on "In GOD we trust," even though it is still on our currency. We are no longer "one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." We just aren't. God's judgment is falling on us as a nation, and we deserve it. And here at Lighthouse we have become increasingly aware of the problems in the ONE group of people who have the answer to America's problems, indeed, to the problems of every individual and every nation on the planet: the church. In a recent message I explained that the word, "church," does not appear in the Bible. The word in the original Greek is, "ekklesia," which means, literally, "called-out ones." The true Church, the one body of Christ, consists of those who have been born again by the Spirit of God and who have been "called-out" of the world. "Come out from among them, and be separate," says the Lord (II Corinthians 6:17). God's promise follows in verse 18: "Then I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters."
As citizens of these United States of America, we who believe have a higher calling, for we are also citizens of God's kingdom. In our present sermon series we are looking at God's plan to establish His reign on the earth, from Genesis through Revelation. What young people, and people of all ages, need today is a calling, a sense of purpose that transcends politics and everything else that so easily grabs our attention. It is the calling to be ambassadors of a kingdom the world knows nothing about - the kingdom of God. Knowing Jesus Christ, the King whom God has appointed to rule over all things, means that He guides my thoughts, my affections and my actions. God is an everlasting God and His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom.
I pray that you have come to know God through His Son Jesus Christ and that you know the hope of trusting in Him every day, no matter what goes on in your life and in His world. I pray that you are one of the "called-out ones," and that you take that calling seriously. I think of the words of an old hymn, "This is my Father's world, oh let me ne'er forget, that though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet!" That's where your hope today and in the future lies. However the election turns out, God has determined and will determine our future. And even though judgment will eventually befall our nation, even more than today, you can be at peace in knowing that "if our God is for us, who can be against us?" Our God is able; therefore, we will overcome!!
The book is intriguing, however, because the "fiction" (or is it FACT?!) is based on a little-known verse of Scripture that appears to have a connection to our present and our future as a nation. Those at the political conventions try to convince you and me that our future rests in electing them. While I believe it is our duty to vote, I am increasingly convinced that it may not make a whole lot of difference. About fifty years ago, in my lifetime, America turned a corner (described in the book!). Certain decisions have been made; certain things have happened, and they are all tied together. The events going on around us are not mere coincidences. God is at work. Now we stand on the precipice of not only national, but global disaster. There is no hope, unless we change ... and by "we," I mean the entire nation. I'm not holding my breath. I thank God for this nation and the freedoms we have - freedoms fought for by my father and so many others. But "we" have changed, as a nation ... and not for the good. Anyone who denies that has serious issues with their vision!
Our patriotism today is no longer based on "In GOD we trust," even though it is still on our currency. We are no longer "one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." We just aren't. God's judgment is falling on us as a nation, and we deserve it. And here at Lighthouse we have become increasingly aware of the problems in the ONE group of people who have the answer to America's problems, indeed, to the problems of every individual and every nation on the planet: the church. In a recent message I explained that the word, "church," does not appear in the Bible. The word in the original Greek is, "ekklesia," which means, literally, "called-out ones." The true Church, the one body of Christ, consists of those who have been born again by the Spirit of God and who have been "called-out" of the world. "Come out from among them, and be separate," says the Lord (II Corinthians 6:17). God's promise follows in verse 18: "Then I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters."
As citizens of these United States of America, we who believe have a higher calling, for we are also citizens of God's kingdom. In our present sermon series we are looking at God's plan to establish His reign on the earth, from Genesis through Revelation. What young people, and people of all ages, need today is a calling, a sense of purpose that transcends politics and everything else that so easily grabs our attention. It is the calling to be ambassadors of a kingdom the world knows nothing about - the kingdom of God. Knowing Jesus Christ, the King whom God has appointed to rule over all things, means that He guides my thoughts, my affections and my actions. God is an everlasting God and His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom.
I pray that you have come to know God through His Son Jesus Christ and that you know the hope of trusting in Him every day, no matter what goes on in your life and in His world. I pray that you are one of the "called-out ones," and that you take that calling seriously. I think of the words of an old hymn, "This is my Father's world, oh let me ne'er forget, that though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet!" That's where your hope today and in the future lies. However the election turns out, God has determined and will determine our future. And even though judgment will eventually befall our nation, even more than today, you can be at peace in knowing that "if our God is for us, who can be against us?" Our God is able; therefore, we will overcome!!
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
"Greater things than these ..."
Everything Jesus said was true - everything!! Right? So someone asked me today, "What did Jesus mean when He told His disciples that they would do greater things than the things HE had done?" Those words are found in John 14:12.
Phillip had asked Jesus to show them the Father. Jesus answered, "Don't you know me, Phillip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. ... The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing HIS work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves. I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!" (John 14:9-14).
So what did Jesus mean when He said those who had faith in Him would do greater things? Where are the "greater things?" Where are the miracles? Ah, the miracles. Is THAT what Jesus was talking about? Not really. He was talking about the Father's work and He said the miracles were just evidence of the Father's work. What was the Father's work? The WORD!! Jesus wanted them to believe His Word, His message. When Phillip wanted to see the Father, Jesus said, "The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in Me, who is doing His work." HIS words were His Father's words.
God's desire is to make Himself known. This IS the "greater work" which we are called to do - to carry the message of God the Father to the entire world! That takes us right to Psalm 73, where we looked at verses 25-26 yesterday. When God is all we need and we set our minds on things above, we show that we are living in His kingdom, under His reign, right now, even as we live in this world. God in all His glory is in heaven, but through His Church, His people, the "called-out ones" (the literal translation of the word, "church" ... "ekklesia"), God continues His work on the earth - the work of making Himself known. That's what Psalm 73 is about.
The Psalmist was distraught because evil seemed to be winning. He was ready to go to his friends and to the world and say, "Believing in God doesn't help. What good does it do? Bad things still happen; in fact, those who DON'T believe in God have it easier than those who do. This doesn't make sense!" But then he entered the sanctuary of God (Psalm 73, verse 17). He set his heart and mind on things above and he shut his mouth long enough to LISTEN to God's still small voice. The result was that he gained understanding about how God works in the world and it led him to say, in verses 23-24: "Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory."
Now he was ready to testify. Before, he was, in his own words (verses 21-22), "senseless and ignorant" ... "like a brute beast." God's work is making Himself known in and through His people. Jesus told the disciples that they would do more of that work than HE did because He was going to ascend into heaven and pour out His Holy Spirit to give them wisdom, courage and boldness. Notice the result of God's teaching in Psalm 73, verses 27-28: "Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will TELL of all your deeds!"
"He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father." What an honor, what a privilege, to be an instrument in the Father's hands to proclaim His name to the world. As you live to do that, ask for whatever you need, and the Father will give it to you in the name of Jesus!!
Phillip had asked Jesus to show them the Father. Jesus answered, "Don't you know me, Phillip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. ... The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing HIS work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves. I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!" (John 14:9-14).
So what did Jesus mean when He said those who had faith in Him would do greater things? Where are the "greater things?" Where are the miracles? Ah, the miracles. Is THAT what Jesus was talking about? Not really. He was talking about the Father's work and He said the miracles were just evidence of the Father's work. What was the Father's work? The WORD!! Jesus wanted them to believe His Word, His message. When Phillip wanted to see the Father, Jesus said, "The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in Me, who is doing His work." HIS words were His Father's words.
God's desire is to make Himself known. This IS the "greater work" which we are called to do - to carry the message of God the Father to the entire world! That takes us right to Psalm 73, where we looked at verses 25-26 yesterday. When God is all we need and we set our minds on things above, we show that we are living in His kingdom, under His reign, right now, even as we live in this world. God in all His glory is in heaven, but through His Church, His people, the "called-out ones" (the literal translation of the word, "church" ... "ekklesia"), God continues His work on the earth - the work of making Himself known. That's what Psalm 73 is about.
The Psalmist was distraught because evil seemed to be winning. He was ready to go to his friends and to the world and say, "Believing in God doesn't help. What good does it do? Bad things still happen; in fact, those who DON'T believe in God have it easier than those who do. This doesn't make sense!" But then he entered the sanctuary of God (Psalm 73, verse 17). He set his heart and mind on things above and he shut his mouth long enough to LISTEN to God's still small voice. The result was that he gained understanding about how God works in the world and it led him to say, in verses 23-24: "Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory."
Now he was ready to testify. Before, he was, in his own words (verses 21-22), "senseless and ignorant" ... "like a brute beast." God's work is making Himself known in and through His people. Jesus told the disciples that they would do more of that work than HE did because He was going to ascend into heaven and pour out His Holy Spirit to give them wisdom, courage and boldness. Notice the result of God's teaching in Psalm 73, verses 27-28: "Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will TELL of all your deeds!"
"He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father." What an honor, what a privilege, to be an instrument in the Father's hands to proclaim His name to the world. As you live to do that, ask for whatever you need, and the Father will give it to you in the name of Jesus!!
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