GET REAL

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. 

                                                   -Ephesians 2:1

The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 

                                                   -1 Timothy 1:5

DO YOU HAVE A REAL AND GENUINE FAITH?

ARE YOU A TRUE FOLLOWER OF JESUS CHRIST OR A
MERE SPECTATOR?

IS YOUR FAITH ALIVE OR DEAD?

Perhaps it is time for you to “GET REAL” regarding your faith. God has a task for you to do using the resources and abilities He has entrusted to you. Maybe for you it is time to examine yourself and see if you are truly of the faith or just playing church.

Look at these practical admonitions from God…

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.

                                                 -James 3:17

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

                                               -James 1:22

So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

                                              -James 2:17

You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.

                                             -James 2:24

For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.
                                          -James 2:26
There are a lot of people that believe in God and who even believe Jesus to be the Christ and Son of God. But remember, just believing is not enough.

You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!
                                         -James 2:19

What is your next step in serving & honoring God? Once you’ve identified what it is that God wants you to do then “DO IT”. Want help? Seek out someone in the Lord’s church that you respect who you know has your best interest at heart and ask for their counsel. You want to make it a joyful day for one of your church leaders? Tell them you want to take your faith to the next level in serving the Lord. They will be overjoyed to offer guidance. We definitely need more doers of the Word! So…what more can you do to serve and honor the Lord?

JUDGMENT A REASON TO PRAISE!

God knows us so very well. He knows our tendency to put things off (procrastinate) and that may be one reason He has not revealed to us when Judgment Day will come. If we knew exactly when Jesus would return whether it was a year, ten years or a hundred years from now, we would likely postpone our obedience to His Word and refrain from worshiping Him. Because we do not know when He will return we must behave as though it could be very soon.

We have a reason to praise and rejoice because there will be a day when God will set all things right according to His righteousness. Whether we think of the coming Judgment Day or not we worship with joy because we are grateful for what God is doing for us day by day.

Oh sing to the Lord a new song;
sing to the Lord, all the earth!
2 Sing to the Lord, bless his name;
tell of his salvation from day to day.
3 Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous works among all the peoples!
4 For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised;
he is to be feared above all gods.
5 For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols,
but the Lord made the heavens.
6 Splendor and majesty are before him;
strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
7 Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples,
ascribe to the Lord glory and strength!
8 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
bring an offering, and come into his courts!
9 Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness;
tremble before him, all the earth!
10 Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns!
Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved;
he will judge the peoples with equity.”
11 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;
let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
12 let the field exult, and everything in it!
Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy
13 before the Lord, for he comes,
for he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness,
and the peoples in his faithfulness. -Psalm 96 (ESV)

FAITH SUPPLEMENTS

                             

WHAT IS YOUR NEXT STEP 

IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP & SERVICE 

TO THE LORD JESUS CHRIST?

3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. 10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. 11 For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.                  -2 Peter 1:3-11 (ESV)

Why do people take supplements?   Is it not to improve or enhance their health and performance?  We take vitamins, minerals and other supplements to increase our strength, stamina & minds.   We also take supplements to assist in the prevention of or to resist sickness & disease.  In short, we take supplements to improve our physical and mental       well- being as we travel this life.

God does not want His people to become complacent and lazy but desires for them to be productive and attuned to the tasks He has prepared for us to do.   Yes, God has a work for you to do!   He not only expects you to use the abilities He has given you to serve and honor Him but He also expects that you growth and increase in your service as He blesses you to do.  Did you notice the phrases underlined in the Scripture text above.

"supplement your faith"

"if these qualities are yours and are increasing"

"be all the more diligent"

"if you practice these qualities"

Not only does God expect the inward qualities of your faith and character to improve He also expects your good works and acts of service to improve as well.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. -Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)

 Are you using your faith supplements?  

Is your Christian character becoming more and more holy?

Are you striving to abound and increase in your service to the Lord & His Church?

So...WHAT IS YOUR NEXT STEP?

BE A COMFORTER

34 Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ -Matthew 25:34-40

You were created in Christ Jesus for good works (Ephesians 2:10). Some of those good works are to be a comfort to others. God sends you out each day to be an encourager and comforter. He uses your arms to hold the hurting person and your smile to cheer their heart. You help Jesus by helping others. Your faith shows up in your actions, so act out. Bring God glory by the way you comfort and serve.

God works all things out for the good of those who believe in Him. When someone is hurting they may need to vent, to purge their raw feelings and thoughts out. Slapping them with bandages of Bible verses on their wounds is not always the most effective means to comfort. However, if there is a Scripture that has brought you comfort it may be useful for them as well, so share it. Offer to pray with the person right then and there. Don't simply say,"I'll pray for you" and then later forget to do it. Place a gentle hand on them and pray for them right then and there in their presence. Your prayer will have a much stronger impact to bring comfort. Too often you may think that prayer is the last thing we can do when it should be at the top of our list as a way to comfort.

People appreciate knowing they're being thought of. With all the technology and means of communication today there is no reason we can't stay connected with someone. So use the phone, email, text or social media to stay in touch as time passes.

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. -2 Corinthians 1:3-4

ARE YOU A FAN OR A FOLLOWER?

One of the most sobering passages of Scripture tells of a day when many who consider themselves to be followers of Jesus will be stunned to find out that he doesn’t even recognize them.

21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ 

                                                              -Matthew 7:21-23

Is your relationship with Jesus just a casual weekend thing or are you fully committed? Fans often confuse their admiration for devotion. They mistake the knowledge of Jesus for intimacy with Jesus. How many think they can have a relationship with Jesus without having to make any real changes? Jesus wants complete renovation. Belief in Jesus is not the same as following him. When we decide to believe in Jesus without making a commitment to follow him, we become nothing more than fans.

There is no forgiveness without repentance. There is no salvation without surrender. There is no believing without committing. Jesus is the one who defines the relationship, not you. He is clear that being a fan who believes without making any real commitment to follow isn’t an option. At some point you will be in a position to have to decide between being a fan or a follower of Jesus.

Are you going to remain simply an admirer of Jesus or are you going to follow Him? Can you give up whatever it is that has hindered you to follow Jesus thus far?

So…

PLOW ON!

"No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God." -Luke 9:62

Back in the day, to plow a field required crude tools and a mule, if you were fortunate enough to own one.  No motorized or electrical equipment with GPS to mark the rows for you.  To use a hand plow took strength and concentration to guide the plow and animal at the same time.

To "plow" implies work and effort. It takes concentration on where you are in the field at that moment so you don’t stumble. You also must keep your focus on what lies ahead so the rows are straight while watching for obstacles up ahead. Sometimes you may hit a rock or stump that stops you in your tracks. What are you going to do? Turn around and go back through the rows you've already plowed? That doesn’t even make sense!

We cannot return to the past and be honorable to God. Why would we ever want to? That doesn’t make sense either! Our desire should be to concentrate on the task at hand and keep our focus on where He is leading us. Sure, there will be “rocks” that try to get in the way and stop our progress. “Keep plowing!”

What “rock” have you hit today? Ask God to help you move it or get around it so that you can continue to honor Him. God has great plans for you and your blessings may be just the other side of that rock!

PLOW ON FOLKS!

WHAT DID JESUS LOOK LIKE AND SHOULD WE DISPLAY IT?

What did Jesus look like? The above, 1940 painting, has been copied and printed millions of times, put on postcards and greeting cards. Many churches even have this image, or one similar to it, hanging in their facilities.  But is this a true representation of what Jesus looked like and should we be displaying it?  

The Bible doesn't give us a specific, physical description of what Jesus actually looked like. Throughout history various depictions have emerged seemingly of what the artist of the time envisioned Jesus to look like. We have a Caucasian Jesus, African Jesus, Oriental Jesus and more.   

Did Jesus have long or short hair, a beard, a mustache? Was he tall or short?

Of course, the most popular renderings of Jesus has him with long hair, a beard, and a mustache. Such an image became popular in art work in the fourth and fifth centuries and beyond.

Most of the images we see today are probably inaccurate. Jesus was a Jew, so He likely had a somewhat darker skin such as Middle Eastern cultures had. This is a far cry from the European/Caucasian Jesus we see in modern art.   Below are some of the earliest known images depicting Jesus in the ancient world.   

This is perhaps the earliest known depiction of Jesus. Found in the catacombs of Rome. It dates to around 190-220 A.D. and shows Jesus healing the bleeding woman, as recorded in Mark 5:24-34. He is seen with short hair and no beard, as well wearing as a Roman toga. Of course it is very doubtful that Jesus ever wore a Roman toga but this is the artist rendering of Jesus, like a Roman. It does show Jesus with no beard and short hair.

This fresco is  another very early depiction of Jesus. It portrays the story of Jesus healing a paralyzed man. It was found in a Syrian City and has been called the "Dura Europos". This image dates to about 230 A.D. and was found on the wall of a one of the earliest known church buildings. It may not be the clearest image but it shows short, curly hair and no beard or mustache. He is also wearing a tunic and sandals. 

Later in the 4th Century we have this image found at a cemetery of one of Emperor Constantine's villas. This is perhaps the first known image depicting Jesus in the traditional form we are accustomed to seeing today. Long hair, beard and mustache.

This beautiful mosaic was found in Britain and dates to the 4th Century also. It has the Greek "Chi" & "Rho", the first two letters of Christ, often used to refer to Jesus. This image has Jesus depicted as a clean shaven Roman in a toga with short hair.  

What Jesus looked like does not matter. If it was deemed important, one or more of the New Testament writers would have provided a physical description.

The New Testament does provide several non-physical descriptions of Jesus that are to capture our imaginations and excite our spirits. He is the light of the world (John 1:5); the bread of life (John 6:32-33); the living water (John 4:14) our High Priest (Hebrews 2:17); the good shepherd (John 10:11,14); the spotless lamb of God (Revelation 13:8); the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2); the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6); and the very image of God (Colossians 1:15) and the list could go on. Such a Savior is more precious and beautiful to us than any piece of art hanging on a wall.

What about the length of Jesus hair? The traditional image, as seen at the top of this article, is likely inaccurate. Being a Middle Eastern male in the 1st Century A.D. it was the tradition or culturally acceptable practice than men had shorter hair than women. We read in 1 Corinthains 11:14, "Does not nature itself teach you that if a man wears long hair it is a disgrace for him."  (ESV)  

Another, and perhaps more important question arises; should we display any artwork depicting Jesus?

Since we really do not know what Jesus physically looked like and that the traditional artwork commonly accepted is probably wrong, I would contend that we shouldn't display them. When someone who enters our facilities sees such an image, it is safe to assume that they consider this is what we believe Jesus looked like. If in fact, since it is not what Jesus looked like, are we not lying or promoting a deception?

Also, consider the second commandment, "You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.  You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God,..." (Exodus 20:4-5)  ESV  

For church members to become upset about removing artwork, wrongly depicting Jesus, may show forth a spirit flirting with idolatry. God gave us the second commandment knowing how easily we are at wanting to have some image before us to depict Him. Could it be that false artwork depicting Jesus is a modern day "golden calf"? This can become a very hotly contested issue when we consider how much artwork there is depicting so many ideas of His appearance.   Stained-glass artwork, illustrations in various Christian literature, and the lists go on. The same could also be said about artwork of the apostles or other Biblical characters. It may be one thing to see illustrations in literature conveying conceived images of Jesus but when artwork is permanently displayed it takes on a whole new aura as an icon that is not to be tampered with.   

If you were to ask children attending our churches to describe or draw what Jesus looked like, what do you suppose their pictures would display?  Most likely it will resemble the artwork we have traditionally been hanging in our homes and in our church facilities. Do we really want to perpetuate misleading and misinforming our children about Jesus? When they find out later that the image we displayed is inaccurate, could they not wonder what other areas we have misled them regarding God, Jesus or other spiritual matters?  Should we not strive to remove such potential stumbling blocks from view?

Our focus should not be on what Jesus looked like but on what He did, Who He is and what He instructs us to do. There is enough there for us to focus on rather than getting bent out of shape over an inaccurate image.    

  

WHY MUDDY THE WATERS?

Jesus prayed for the unity of those who would follow Him and be called by His name.  However, over the centuries false teachings have crept in and caused division among those claiming to be followers of Jesus Christ.   These divisions we call “denominations”.  

Why do so many so-called "Christian" groups muddy the waters of the simple gospel?    

Perhaps one of the most pervasive false teachings that is still with us to this day is that of what is often referred to as “Faith Only”.  

In gatherings of those desiring to know more about God very often those attending heard something like one of these statements:

·        “Bow your head and raise your hand if you want Jesus to come into your heart”

·        “Just say this prayer and ask Jesus to come into your heart”

·        “Just believe and you will be saved”

·        “All you need is faith only”

If these approaches are indeed true and scripturally based it would seem that something in Scripture would support it.   However, nowhere in the New Testament do we see an example of praying a certain prayer (often called “The Sinners Prayer”) asking Jesus to come into your heart and thus you are saved.

What about “faith only” or just believing to be saved?   Is there anywhere in the New Testament that the phrase “faith only” or “faith alone” appears?  Actually there is one place in the New Testament where this phrase occurs:

“You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.” 

                                                                                                                   -James 2:24

James elaborates more on this topic in the same chapter, look at these:

“What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but doenot have works?  Can that faith save him?”  (2:14)

“So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”  (2:17)

“You believe that God is one; you do well.  Even the demons believe—and shudder!”  (2:19)

“For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.”  (2:26)

Belief is an important step but it is not the whole of the way to be saved.  If we leave it at belief only we are no better off than demons and we know what their fate will be.   Belief and actions together are what equate to faith.

Salvation is a process that is not fully realized until you see Jesus face to face.  Throughout the Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, God has always attached a requirement of obedience on our part to receive the promises He makes.

  

In addition to belief one must confess Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:9), repent (Acts 3:19), be baptized (immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of sins and to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38) and to be faithful until death (Revelation 2:10).   Then one will receive the crown of life offered.   

In a real sense no one is saved yet!  We are in the process of receiving salvation but nobody can say they are saved until they see Jesus in person after this life.  Jesus has prepared eternity for us but it is not in our possession just yet.  I can say that I have the hope of salvation and eternity based on claiming Jesus and His promises to be true and following his directions.

How about you?   Do you believe that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God and the only hope for salvation and eternity?  Good!  But don’t leave it there!   Remember…

“You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.” 

                                                                                                                -James 2:24

What is your next step in the process to secure salvation for yourself?

Have questions?   I’d be happy to share God’s answers with you.   Or you can contact me with your questions.  Others may be interested in the same questions you have and perhaps I’ll even write a future blog to address the question you have.

HAVE YOU GOT A PRAYER?

"He who runs from God in the morning will scarcely find Him the rest of the day".                                                          -John Bunyon

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.   -Philippians 4:6 (ESV)

A boy was sent to his room for having misbehaved.   A short time later he came out and said to his mother, "I've been thinking about what I did and I said a prayer."  "That's fine," she said, "If you ask God to make you good, He will help you."  "Oh, I didn't ask Him to help me be good," replied the boy.  "I asked Him to help you put up with me."

The beauty of a conversation with God is t hat we can have one anytime, anywhere and about anything.  There is great power when our inquiry is intentionally focused.

If the request is wrong, God says, "NO".
If the timing is wrong, God says, "SLOW".
If you are wrong, God says, "GROW".
But if the request is right, the timing is right and you are right, God says, "GO!".  (Bill Hybels)

Approaching God with focus means learning to remain in His Word, to ask with perseverance and to believe and receive.  When you pray remember this...

• The love of God that wants the best for you.
• The wisdom of God that knows what is best for you.
• The power of God that can accomplish it.

"You can do more than pray, after you have prayed, but you cannot do more than pray until you have prayed."                                                                                        -John Bunyon

PRAISE & WORSHIP

Praise is the joyful recounting of all God has done for us.  It is closely intertwined with thanksgiving as we offer back to God appreciation for what He has done on our behalf.   Praise can be applied to other relationships as well.  We can praise our family, friends, boss or others.   Praise does not require anything of us.  It is merely a truthful acknowledgement of the good deeds of others.

Worship, however, is different than praise.   Though praise may be part of it worship is the art of losing self in the adoration of another.   Praise is easy, worship is not!

To truly worship God, we must let go of our self-worship.  We must be willing to humble ourselves before God, surrender every part of our lives to His control, and adore Him for who He is, not just what He has done.

Worship is a lifestyle and not just an occasional activity.   So how do you worship from Monday through Saturday?

Through worship we realign our priorities with God’s and acknowledge Him once more as the rightful Lord of our lives.

Worship is intertwined with surrender and is an attitude of the heart.  A person can go through the outward motions and not be worshipping.   God sees the heart, and He desires sincere, heartfelt, praise & worship.


Praise the Lord!
Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty heavens!

2 Praise him for his mighty deeds;
praise him according to his excellent greatness!

3 Praise him with trumpet sound;
praise him with lute and harp!

4 Praise him with tambourine and dance;
praise him with strings and pipe!

5 Praise him with sounding cymbals;
praise him with loud clashing cymbals!

6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!

Praise the Lord!           -Psalm 150 (ESV)

FRAPPING

"Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."                  
                              -Hebrews 4:16  (ESV)

There is a Greek term in this verse that is used only twice in the entire New Testament. The Greek term often translated as "help" is "boetheian".  To better understand this term let's examine its other usage in Acts 27:17...

"After hoisting it up, they used supports to undergird the ship."

The context of the Acts passage is a storm at sea in which the apostle Paul was caught.  As one last measure to hold together the beaten ship, the sailors used "boetheiais" or "helps" (KJV), to undergird the ship.  Technically, this procedure is called "frapping."  Cables are passed underneath the ship and tied around the  hull in an attempt to hold the ship together.

Thus the writer of Hebrews, by using this term, intended to encourage his readers to seek God's undergirding in their time of need.

What areas of your life need to be "undergirded" by God?


Let's look at the broader context of Hebrews...

14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. -Hebrews 4:14-16 (ESV)

Jesus is our source for strength and help. So, maybe its time for you to do some "frapping" in your life.

WORDS TO HANG ON TO!

47 And he was teaching daily in the temple. The chief priests and the scribes and the principal men of the people were seeking to destroy him,48 but they did not find anything they could do, for all the people were hanging on his words. 

                                               -Luke 19:47-48

What an amazing statement, "...for all the people were hanging on his words." Jesus' words are indeed words to hang on to because they are life-giving. Jesus' words are not empty words, but words of the spirit and life.

It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.                                       -John 6:63

What wonderful words of life we have to share with others:

He said He is the Bread of Life: "I am the bread of life" -John 6:48

He said without His blood, we have no life in us: “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. -John 6:53

He said He was "The Way, The Truth and The Life". John 14:6

Jesus said that the man who hears his words and puts them into practice is like the man who built his house by laying the foundation on rock--a strong house that's able to withstand all kinds of inclement weather (Luke 6:46-49).

Take heed of Jesus' words today!

Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.                                                   -Mark 16:16

Jesus' words are words of life, words to hang on to! AMEN!

WHAT DOES A DEVOTED FOLLOWER OF JESUS LOOK LIKE?

"And they devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers."  -Acts 2:42 (ESV)

From the earliest days of the church it was evident that followers of Jesus Christ were devoted to the things of the Lord.    From the New Testament what might we glean as the focus of our devotion to the Lord.

A Devoted Follower of Jesus is...

1)  Devoted to SEEKING GOD regularly through His Word & through worship with others in His Church.

2)  Devoted to SERVE GOD with the blessed gifts and resources He has to help His church & our neighbors.

3)  Devoted to SHARE ONE'S FAITH story with others & the meaningful way God has impacted one's life through the Gospel.

This Three-Part Ministry Plan of SEEK, SERVE, & SHARE must be an integral part of the life of the Lord's church.   Church Leaders must design measurable methods and strategies whereby an honest appraisal can be done to see that progress is being made in these vital areas.   If any program, event, or other ministry does not promote one or more of these three elements then the life and vitality of a congregation may be lacking focus on the true mission of the church.

JUDGED BY GOD'S WORD

12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.       -Hebrews 4:12-13 (ESV)

God gives us a warning of the terrible danger of a hardened heart.  The good news is that there is something that can soften a hardened heart: The Word of God.  God’s Word is sharp like a double-edged sword.  Jesus himself spoke of his own words as bringing life.

  

“The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.”  -John 6:63b

God’s Word also brings judgment:

“The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day.”  -John 12:48

God’s Word pierces into the deepest part of our being.   The Word of God confronts us with the God of the Word.  Because we can keep nothing hidden from God, Christians must be prepared to give an account of our decisions to the Lord.  Just as a lawyer stands between their client and the judge and jury, so it is that Jesus stands as a mediator between God and us.

How might it be liberating to realize that God knows every secret of your heart?

IS THE U.S.A. ONE NATION UNDER GOD?

Is the U.S.A. "One Nation Under God"?  My answer: We have been in the past and we can be again!

It seems that liberal history revisionists are rewriting U.S. History in the textbooks of our children and youth. 

There is the old political saying, "Tell a lie often enough and loud enough and soon everyone will believe it."  

Here are some facts from U.S. History:

• Abraham Lincoln was once talking to a farmer and asked how many legs a cow had.   The farmer, of course, said four.  Abe then asked him how many legs a cow would have if you counted his tail as a leg.  The farmer then said five.  Lincoln said, "No, it doesn't matter what you call the tail, the cow still only has four legs."  The truth is the truth no matter what someone else may say. The Founding Fathers of this nation understood that God had to be in the equation to understand what truth is.

• Do you know what George Washington's first two acts as president were? 1) When sworn into office he kissed the Bible that was used. 2)  He held a two hour worship service in the Congressional Hall.

• Congress voted to put the words, "In God We Trust" on our currency.  

• In 1776, eleven of the thirteen colonies required that before you could run for political office that you must be a professing Christian.

• In 1777 Congress voted to spend $300,000 to distribute Bibles across American and in every classroom as part of their curriculum.

• President Harry Truman said, "I do not believe there is a problem in this country or the world today which could not be settled if approached through the teaching of the Sermon on the Mount."

• President Ronald Reagan said, "If American ever forgets that we are one nation under God we will be one nation gone under."

The solutions to our problems are not going to be found in the White House, the Court House or the State House.  They are going to be found among God's House.  As a nation we have got to get our trust back in God, not in government.

The main problem in our country is that we have strayed so very far from God's Word.  We live in a society that has watered down the Bible to suit our own desires.  

For the time will come when people 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.  -2 Timothy 4:3  (ESV)

For our nation to be "One Nation Under God" you must first be under God yourself.  The more of us that are under God the better we can see our nation turn to God.  It can happen!  It is only through righteousness that a nation is exalted.

So is the U.S.A. "One Nation Under God"?   

My answer:   

We have been in the past and we can be again!

Be A Slave!

             

           
In NT the term “slave” is often used for followers of Jesus.  The term “Lord” (kurios) is a slavery term.  It is given to a master or owner of a slave.

You can’t call Jesus Lord 

without declaring yourself his slave.

We may think of slavery as something your forced into, but Jesus invites you to deny yourself. But why would anyone choose to be a slave?  Who signs up for that?

It’s only by becoming a slave to Jesus that we ever truly find freedom.

Only when we deny ourselves will we truly discover joy of following Jesus.

Let me tell you about my Master who calls you to follow Him…

§  He will provide for you.

§  He will protect you.

§  He has the power to forgive you.

§  He can take the pieces of your life & turn them into beautiful mosaic.

§  He can give rest for the weary.

§  He adopts you as His child.

§  He calls you a friend.

Now, where else will you find that kind of a slave/master relationship?

Instead of raving fans, may our churches be filled with true followers, with slaves!

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”    -Luke 9:23 (ESV)

Think of someone you know who needs Jesus.  What do you think it may be that they need to deny or give up in their life?.

What Is It That You Need To Deny

Or Give Up To Be A

True Follower Of Jesus?