Saturday, February 28, 2009
Why Evangelize?
A friend of mine showed me this video from youtube and it cracked me up. If you need a good laugh today, make sure to watch it. I especially love the commentator with the glasses.
While this video provided me with a good laugh, I believe that it made a strong point about the fact that many Christians in the American church are very lax about sharing the gospel of Christ. As a former pastor of mine put it: so many of us Christians are so excited that we have our place at the table that we just sit there content and do not bother to go out and invite others also. This got me thinking about what should motivate us to go out and evangelize more (in addition to the "Evangelism Linebacker" who may be lurking around to "blow you up!").
Here are six things I have thought of that should motivate us to share our faith:
1) CHRIST COMMANDS US TO
Jesus' final words to His disciples were: "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:19-20). One thing that should motivate us to go out and share the good news is the fact that Christ commanded us to do so. Jesus also states "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments" (John 14:15). If we are serious about our love for the Lord and our desire to live His commandments, we will want to uphold and live out this important commandment to honor Christ and bring God glory.
2) SHARING THE JOY WHICH IS OURS
The joy of having a relationship with Jesus Christ is so great that we should have no problem sharing that joy with others. It should make such a difference in our lives that we would not be able to not share. After all, why would we not want to share about how Christ, while we were still yet sinners and enemies of God due to these sins, took our sins upon Himself, the innocent being viewed as guilty, and suffered God's wrath on the cross, the separation from God which we were due to experience for all eternity? All so that we would be considered righteous instead of the guilty sinners which we are. Not only that but after having defeated sin, rising three days later to defeat death and give us assurance that all those who place their trust in Him will be raised to eternal life with God. This is wonderful news that should be easier to share than who won American Idol last night or the latest gossip in the neighborhood. Peter and John are wonderful examples of those who could not keep their joy to themselves. Upon being commanded by the Sanhedrin to no longer teach or preach in the name of Jesus, they respond, "we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard" (Acts 4:20). They could not keep quiet about Jesus! Being placed in jail a few times did not damper their zeal to share their joy. The same joy that propelled them to talk so much about Jesus should also lead us to evangelize more.
3) OUR LOVE FOR OTHERS
Take a moment and think about your family members and closest friends who do not know the Lord. Do you realize that without repentance and giving their life to Christ that they will go to Hell as punishment for their sins? You will not have the pleasure of seeing them in eternity if they do not accept Christ. Our love for our unsaved family and friends should propel us to pray for God to open up their hearts to receive the gospel and give us opportunities to tell them about Christ. Paul had a great love for his fellow Jews and longed for their salvation. "Brethren, my heart's desire and my prayer to God for them is for their salvation" (Romans 10:1). In fact, it was this desire and concern for the Jews that led him to increase his ministry to the Gentiles, knowing that God had opened salvation to them in order to spur the Jews to jealousy. "But I am speaking to you who are Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle of Gentiles, I magnify my ministry, if somehow I might move to jealousy my fellow countrymen and save some of them" (Romans 11:13-14). You never know. God may have chosen to use you to deliver the gospel message to someone in your family for Him to bring to faith.
4) THE MERCY AND GRACE IN EVANGELISM
A big motivation for evangelism should be the simple fact that evangelism is a privilege. We do not deserve to share in any part of God's work. God does not need us to tell others about Him but He chooses to use us. In many ways, God would probably get things accomplished faster if He did not choose to use us. One of the biggest blessings we have as a believer is the ability to serve God in different ways. Out of gratitude to be granted to be the ones whose feet "bring good news of good things" (Romans 10:15), we should go out and gladly do the privilege of our job to evangelize.
5) CHRIST GOES WITH US
One part of the "Great Commission" we usually forget about is Jesus' last statement: "and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). We are not evangelizing on our own but Christ goes with us. If you are nervous about sharing your faith in Christ, don't fear but trust God and seek Him for the words in which you are to say. This is what the apostles did. At the start of the persecution of the early church, they gathered together and prayed that God would "grant that Your bond-servants may speak Your word with all confidence" (Acts 4:29). The Lord answered their prayer as vs. 31 points out and the rest of the narrative in Acts demonstrates. God granted them the boldness to go all over "Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the remotest part of the earth" (Acts 1:8). God gave them the confidence that they needed to proclaim the word unto death (Stephen) and through more imprisonments (Peter).
6) THE RESULTS ARE UP TO GOD AND NOT TO US
It is important to understand that we are only responsible for delivering the message of the gospel and not for its reception or rejection. Scripture is clear that God is the One who works in a sinner's heart to "draw" them to Christ (John 6:44). He is the One who shines the "Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ" in people's hearts (2 Corinthians 4:6) and makes those dead in their trespasses alive in Christ (Ephesians 2:4-5). Paul preached the message in Philippi but the Lord was the one who opened Lydia's heart "to respond to the things spoken by Paul" (Acts 16:14). We are to be those messengers to bring the good news (Romans 10:13-15) to all of those we come in contact with, realizing that the Holy Spirit is the One who uses the message to "pierce" people's hearts (Acts 2:37), draw them to Christ (John 6:44), and bring them to repentance (Romans 2:4; 2 Timothy 2:25).
How is this an important motivation? Recognizing this truth lets us know that we do not have to be perfect in our presentation of the message or that we have to persuade one to come to Christ. God can use the simplest presentations of the gospel to impact one's heart and change their life. We don't need to worry about persuading one because God is the One who opens their hearts to hear the message and changes their hearts, bringing about their conversion. Realizing the fact that it is not based on our ability, we can focus more on getting the truth of the message right, knowing that the gospel is "the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes" (Romans 1:16). God uses the gospel which we are to preach to penetrate the hard hearts of unbelievers. While we will not be held accountable for the results of our evangelizing, I do believe that God will hold us accountable for those opportunities He gave us to share His good news that we did not take. We just need to be faithful to God by following His leading for the opportunities He provides and to faithfully communicate the message.
I pray that you will examine your own life to see how well you are doing in sharing your faith in Christ with others. If you realize that you have been lax in this area, take some time to see which of these motivations might be missing in your life. May God motivate all of us to go out and have the privilege to live out His "Great Commission."
In Christ,
Lee
Soli Deo Gloria!
Sunday, February 22, 2009
A Question for the Weary Worrier: Why?
No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth. For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these.
But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith!
Do not worry then, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear for clothing?' For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
~Matthew 6:24-34
Disclaimer: The author of this brief commentary can be, and has been, described as a "weary worrier" or a "worrywart." This is a self-description which has been confirmed by others in his circle of friends and family.
One sin that most Christians (including myself) commit everyday is worrying. Jesus clearly commands us not to worry: do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on . Taken in context, Jesus is dealing with where one places their trust. The issue is one of security. He gives this command right after stating that You cannot serve God and wealth . We are much like the Pharisees and attempt to find our security in wealth and not God. How many times do we feel that we need a raise or a higher paying job in order to make it through life? We falsely believe that money is the answer to our problems. This has become even more apparent in our society with the current economic trouble we are in. However, a look at Hollywood should quickly dispel these views as obviously money seems to cause more problems for many than solving them.
Jesus' point is that we do not need to place our security in money. Look at His examples. The "birds of the air" do not work to store their food in barns. Instead God cares for them and provides food for them. I love Jesus' point in vs. 27 And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? Worry does not profit at all. If anything, it may take away days of your life instead of changing anything. Also, the "lilies of the field" do not "toil" or "spin" and yet God has clothed them with more splendor than Solomon himself. Surely birds and flowers do not worry about having enough money to eat or clothe themselves. In fact, this should encourage us not to worry because if God takes care of birds and flowers, why would He not take care of those whom He has chosen to be His children. After all, God is not going to give one of His children a brick when He asks for bread (Matthew 7:9-11) and He knows what we need (vs. 32) and will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). Luke's record of Jesus' sermon includes a statement that warms my heart: Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom (12:32). If God has gladly decided to give us salvation through His Son when we were His enemies and dead in our sins, then why would He not take care of providing for our everyday necessities of food and clothing? We sadly can be described just as the disciples as being "of little faith" and just like the pagan Gentiles who are concerned about such things.
Instead of worrying, Jesus commands us to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness (vs. 33). As always, Jesus redirects us from an earthly focus to a heavenly one. He did this earlier when He urged His followers to store up for yourselves treasures in heaven in contrast to treasures on earth (vs. 19-20). Our job is to seek God and trust that He will take care of the rest. The all these things refers to "eating" and "clothing" as well as other material things. Therefore, instead of worrying about tomorrow (this is not saying to not be prepared for the future but only to not be anxious about it) rest in the only place which one can be secure: God. He will care for tomorrow as well as the troubles of today. Praise God that we have a loving God who cares for us and will provide for us!
Snickers asks "why wait?" but Jesus asks "why worry?"
In Christ,
Lee
Soli Deo Gloria
But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith!
Do not worry then, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear for clothing?' For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
~Matthew 6:24-34
Disclaimer: The author of this brief commentary can be, and has been, described as a "weary worrier" or a "worrywart." This is a self-description which has been confirmed by others in his circle of friends and family.
One sin that most Christians (including myself) commit everyday is worrying. Jesus clearly commands us not to worry: do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on . Taken in context, Jesus is dealing with where one places their trust. The issue is one of security. He gives this command right after stating that You cannot serve God and wealth . We are much like the Pharisees and attempt to find our security in wealth and not God. How many times do we feel that we need a raise or a higher paying job in order to make it through life? We falsely believe that money is the answer to our problems. This has become even more apparent in our society with the current economic trouble we are in. However, a look at Hollywood should quickly dispel these views as obviously money seems to cause more problems for many than solving them.
Jesus' point is that we do not need to place our security in money. Look at His examples. The "birds of the air" do not work to store their food in barns. Instead God cares for them and provides food for them. I love Jesus' point in vs. 27 And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? Worry does not profit at all. If anything, it may take away days of your life instead of changing anything. Also, the "lilies of the field" do not "toil" or "spin" and yet God has clothed them with more splendor than Solomon himself. Surely birds and flowers do not worry about having enough money to eat or clothe themselves. In fact, this should encourage us not to worry because if God takes care of birds and flowers, why would He not take care of those whom He has chosen to be His children. After all, God is not going to give one of His children a brick when He asks for bread (Matthew 7:9-11) and He knows what we need (vs. 32) and will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). Luke's record of Jesus' sermon includes a statement that warms my heart: Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom (12:32). If God has gladly decided to give us salvation through His Son when we were His enemies and dead in our sins, then why would He not take care of providing for our everyday necessities of food and clothing? We sadly can be described just as the disciples as being "of little faith" and just like the pagan Gentiles who are concerned about such things.
Instead of worrying, Jesus commands us to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness (vs. 33). As always, Jesus redirects us from an earthly focus to a heavenly one. He did this earlier when He urged His followers to store up for yourselves treasures in heaven in contrast to treasures on earth (vs. 19-20). Our job is to seek God and trust that He will take care of the rest. The all these things refers to "eating" and "clothing" as well as other material things. Therefore, instead of worrying about tomorrow (this is not saying to not be prepared for the future but only to not be anxious about it) rest in the only place which one can be secure: God. He will care for tomorrow as well as the troubles of today. Praise God that we have a loving God who cares for us and will provide for us!
Snickers asks "why wait?" but Jesus asks "why worry?"
In Christ,
Lee
Soli Deo Gloria
Sunday, February 15, 2009
The Difference in Living for the Glory of God
Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
~I Corinthians 10:31
The past couple of days I have been thinking and spending some time mediating on this verse. I wonder how much any of us really take it seriously. I am firmly convicted that the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. In the context of this verse, Paul has just dealt with the issue of the Gentile meat which was offered to idols and those Gentile converts who could not get past this idea when they were offered meat in the market. While everything clearly is from God (I Corinthians 10:25-26), Paul does speak of being careful not to lead one into stumbling who may not be able to get past the fact that this meat would have been offered to pagan gods, which are not gods at all, of course (vs. 28-29). Instead Paul points out that the real issue is one of one's attitude and not what they eat. The attitude that one should have should be to do everything for the glory of God. It does not matter so much what you eat or where you got it from, just whether you are eating for God's glory. If you are concerned about living for God's glory, you will make sure not to offend anyone and would be seeking to profit others and not yourself (vs. 32-33).
The question is, what is our attitude? Jesus pointed out that it is not what we eat that defiles us but what we say since the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile a man (Matthew 15:18). I took some time to think about my attitude this week to see if I lived out this verse of having an attitude of glorifying God in everything which I did. Unfortunately I found myself lacking in many areas. Think back the past week and recall how much of your lunch or dinner conversations were glorifying to God. Would He be pleased at what you looked at on the computer or what you watched on the TV? What about the words in which you said while sitting in rush hour traffic or at that stoplight that would not seem to ever change? So many times we let pride creep in and we fall into the trap of glorifying ourselves and not God. We could even be doing something we say is for God but instead be desiring to draw attention to ourselves. We need to live out Galatians 2:20 and crucify ourselves with Christ and live for Him and not ourselves.
Think about the difference living for God's glory in everything you do would make in your life. How different would things be if you imagined Jesus physically sitting at the dinner table with your friends or family? Would you still be able to tell that crude joke or gossip about a neighbor? What about if Jesus was sitting next to you in the midst of traffic? Could you still yell the harsh words out the window? Would you be able to watch the terrible TV show with Jesus right beside you? Well Jesus is not physically with us, but His Holy Spirit does indwell us and we are told not to grieve the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30). If our focus was on doing things for God's glory, we would be more mindful of others and seeking to benefit them as vs. 33 points out. We would be living a life more pleasing to God because we are seeking to please Him and not ourselves. I want to encourage you to live out this statement. Before you do anything or even while you are doing something, ask yourself the question about whether or not it brings glory to God. If it does not, that should be an indication that you should not be doing it. Let us make Christ the center of everything and go out and live for His glory!!!
Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. ~Colossians 3:17
In Christ,
Lee
Soli Deo Gloria!
~I Corinthians 10:31
The past couple of days I have been thinking and spending some time mediating on this verse. I wonder how much any of us really take it seriously. I am firmly convicted that the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. In the context of this verse, Paul has just dealt with the issue of the Gentile meat which was offered to idols and those Gentile converts who could not get past this idea when they were offered meat in the market. While everything clearly is from God (I Corinthians 10:25-26), Paul does speak of being careful not to lead one into stumbling who may not be able to get past the fact that this meat would have been offered to pagan gods, which are not gods at all, of course (vs. 28-29). Instead Paul points out that the real issue is one of one's attitude and not what they eat. The attitude that one should have should be to do everything for the glory of God. It does not matter so much what you eat or where you got it from, just whether you are eating for God's glory. If you are concerned about living for God's glory, you will make sure not to offend anyone and would be seeking to profit others and not yourself (vs. 32-33).
The question is, what is our attitude? Jesus pointed out that it is not what we eat that defiles us but what we say since the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile a man (Matthew 15:18). I took some time to think about my attitude this week to see if I lived out this verse of having an attitude of glorifying God in everything which I did. Unfortunately I found myself lacking in many areas. Think back the past week and recall how much of your lunch or dinner conversations were glorifying to God. Would He be pleased at what you looked at on the computer or what you watched on the TV? What about the words in which you said while sitting in rush hour traffic or at that stoplight that would not seem to ever change? So many times we let pride creep in and we fall into the trap of glorifying ourselves and not God. We could even be doing something we say is for God but instead be desiring to draw attention to ourselves. We need to live out Galatians 2:20 and crucify ourselves with Christ and live for Him and not ourselves.
Think about the difference living for God's glory in everything you do would make in your life. How different would things be if you imagined Jesus physically sitting at the dinner table with your friends or family? Would you still be able to tell that crude joke or gossip about a neighbor? What about if Jesus was sitting next to you in the midst of traffic? Could you still yell the harsh words out the window? Would you be able to watch the terrible TV show with Jesus right beside you? Well Jesus is not physically with us, but His Holy Spirit does indwell us and we are told not to grieve the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30). If our focus was on doing things for God's glory, we would be more mindful of others and seeking to benefit them as vs. 33 points out. We would be living a life more pleasing to God because we are seeking to please Him and not ourselves. I want to encourage you to live out this statement. Before you do anything or even while you are doing something, ask yourself the question about whether or not it brings glory to God. If it does not, that should be an indication that you should not be doing it. Let us make Christ the center of everything and go out and live for His glory!!!
Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. ~Colossians 3:17
In Christ,
Lee
Soli Deo Gloria!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
It is Well with My Soul
Today in chapel we sang one of my all-time favorite hymns, "It is Well With My Soul." This song is a reminder to me that no matter what may happen in life, I have full satisfaction in Christ and peace that only He can give. Hearing the story behind the song has had an even greater impact on me. In case you have not heard the situations which led the author of the song to compose these lyrics, here is the story: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/494315/even_in_tragedy_horatio_spaffords_it.html?cat=37
Horatio's response to the calamities in his life with such powerful words and faith remind me of Job and his response to all of the trauma that occurred in his life. This righteous man lost everything; his livestock, his servants, and his seven sons and three daughters. Everything that the Lord had blessed him with as recorded in Job 1:2-3 had now been taken away by the end of the chapter. All that Job was left with was his wife who we see later on in the book to be not much of an encouragement or a comfort to him. But Job responds to all of the terrible news which he received all at once in a way many of us would not expect or respond with ourselves. He responds in worship. His wonderful statement reveals the contentment which he could only find in God: Naked I came from my mother's womb, / And naked I shall return there. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD (Job 1:21).
In fact, the apostle Paul's contentment was found in Christ and in Him alone. He states that I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. (Philippians 4:11). While Paul knew what it felt like to live in prosperity, the secret of being filled and of having abundance, he also knew what it felt like to get along with humble means, going hungry, and suffering need. Paul was definitely no stranger to suffering. He gives a list of these many sufferings in 2 Corinthians 11:24-28: Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was shipwrecked, a night and day I have spent in the deep. I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches. And we think we have it bad sometimes! Paul was a friend of suffering. However, back to his discussion of contentment in the letter to the Philippians. What was the secret of Paul's contentment? What helped him through whatever circumstances that he had, whether that be living at ease or several of the horrors he experienced as recounted to the Corinthians. Vs. 13 answers all of these questions: I can do all things through Him who strenghtens me. The secret to Paul's contentment was Christ. Christ enabled him to have the strength to find contentment in all of those experiences in the list as well as those times things were going well for him. It was this contentment that kept Paul going and sustained him to persevere.
I don't know what you may be going through right now but there is hope. The same One which Job, Paul, and Horatio found contentment in during the bleakest of circumstances can be your source of contentment as well. There is no indication in Scripture that Job ever fully understood what was going on with all of the suffering which he went through. We know of the supernatural picture of God and Satan but Job is never revealed to be aware of this. Likewise, we do not always understand why the Lord brings us through certain periods of trials or sufferings but I can assure you that you can find contentment in Him during those times. The three men examined are examples of this. Jesus never promised us a rose garden but He has promised to walk with us through the gardens and valleys in our lives. I encourage you in whatever you may be going through right now, trust in Christ, and may He grant you the peace to be able to say throughout the darkest of trails, "It is Well With My Soul."
In Christ,
Lee
Soli Deo Gloria!
Horatio's response to the calamities in his life with such powerful words and faith remind me of Job and his response to all of the trauma that occurred in his life. This righteous man lost everything; his livestock, his servants, and his seven sons and three daughters. Everything that the Lord had blessed him with as recorded in Job 1:2-3 had now been taken away by the end of the chapter. All that Job was left with was his wife who we see later on in the book to be not much of an encouragement or a comfort to him. But Job responds to all of the terrible news which he received all at once in a way many of us would not expect or respond with ourselves. He responds in worship. His wonderful statement reveals the contentment which he could only find in God: Naked I came from my mother's womb, / And naked I shall return there. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD (Job 1:21).
In fact, the apostle Paul's contentment was found in Christ and in Him alone. He states that I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. (Philippians 4:11). While Paul knew what it felt like to live in prosperity, the secret of being filled and of having abundance, he also knew what it felt like to get along with humble means, going hungry, and suffering need. Paul was definitely no stranger to suffering. He gives a list of these many sufferings in 2 Corinthians 11:24-28: Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was shipwrecked, a night and day I have spent in the deep. I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches. And we think we have it bad sometimes! Paul was a friend of suffering. However, back to his discussion of contentment in the letter to the Philippians. What was the secret of Paul's contentment? What helped him through whatever circumstances that he had, whether that be living at ease or several of the horrors he experienced as recounted to the Corinthians. Vs. 13 answers all of these questions: I can do all things through Him who strenghtens me. The secret to Paul's contentment was Christ. Christ enabled him to have the strength to find contentment in all of those experiences in the list as well as those times things were going well for him. It was this contentment that kept Paul going and sustained him to persevere.
I don't know what you may be going through right now but there is hope. The same One which Job, Paul, and Horatio found contentment in during the bleakest of circumstances can be your source of contentment as well. There is no indication in Scripture that Job ever fully understood what was going on with all of the suffering which he went through. We know of the supernatural picture of God and Satan but Job is never revealed to be aware of this. Likewise, we do not always understand why the Lord brings us through certain periods of trials or sufferings but I can assure you that you can find contentment in Him during those times. The three men examined are examples of this. Jesus never promised us a rose garden but He has promised to walk with us through the gardens and valleys in our lives. I encourage you in whatever you may be going through right now, trust in Christ, and may He grant you the peace to be able to say throughout the darkest of trails, "It is Well With My Soul."
In Christ,
Lee
Soli Deo Gloria!
Monday, January 19, 2009
A Reminder for Inauguration Day
First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
~I Timothy 2:1-4
The historic day in our history as a nation is approaching as tomorrow, Barack Obama, the first African-American president will be sworn in as the 44th leader of the United States of America. The nation will once again have new leadership as Mr. Obama brings his administration to the White House. While a lot is being undertaken for this event, one of the best things we Christians can and must do is to pray for our leaders as God has commanded us in His Word.
Paul instructs Timothy to encourage those in Ephesus to pray for "all men". In fact, he gives three things the believers are to do: pray (entreaties and prayers), petition and praise (thanksgiving). We are to lift up one another in prayer. We are to intercede on others' behalf. We are also to praise God for the work which He is doing in others' lives. However, in addition to the broad category which would include everyone, Paul mentions a specific category of people whom we should pray for: "kings and all who are in authority." Paul specifically points out the government leaders. It is interesting that he takes a brief moment to bring attention to them.
So many times we fail to pray for the president and those who work for the government as well as others whom the Lord has placed in authority over us. I must confess that I do not include these regularly in my own daily prayers as I ought. Yet, these people need our prayers. I cannot imagine how much stress the president is under every day with so many important decisions to make as well as the burden on those in Congress with the weight of carrying the needs of their constituents on their shoulders. And with the economy the way it is and the major issues at stake, all of these could use our prayers. The work they have to do sure would make my papers, readings, and exams appear as a "piece of cake."
While all of these are important things to pray for, Paul seems to have a greater need in mind. Vv. 3-4 seems to indicate that the content of these prayers should be for the salvation for those in authority as well as all men. I believe that Paul is saying here based on the context that God desires all types of men to be saved, whether that be those serving in government or peasant farmers. God does not show partiality to anyone based on their status or role, or nationality as is seen with God saving both Jews and Gentiles. We need to pray that the Lord would work mightly in our leaders' lives and sovereignly open up their hearts and draw them to Him. One of the greatest things we can do as a US citizen here on this earth is to pray for our senators, congressman, and the President and his cabinet. Several of the government leaders really need the Lord. We should pray that they come to know the only God and only mediator, Jesus Christ, who enables for us to have a relationship with God. After all, what better citizens can we be on earth by praying for our earthly leaders' salvation. And for those who are saved, by praying that the Lord would strengthen them and enable them to use their position which He has given them all for His glory!
Another thing I want to point out is that Paul did not say to only pray for those leaders whom you like or those who support the issues which are important to you. Whether a Democrat or a Republican is in office should not effect our praying for them. These prayers are for "all men" and "all who are in authority". In fact, the emperior at the time of this letter was no friend to Paul or any Christian. The emperor at the time was probably Nero who heavily persecuted Christians and even blamed them for the burning of Rome. Something which he possibly did himself. He would have been included in this instruction.
Also, Paul did not put a limit on how many times one should pray for one another and our leaders. He did not give a certain day. We should be lifting up our leaders everyday. With all of the hype for this historic inauguration day, let's not forget to pray!
In Christ,
Lee
Soli Deo Gloria!
~I Timothy 2:1-4
The historic day in our history as a nation is approaching as tomorrow, Barack Obama, the first African-American president will be sworn in as the 44th leader of the United States of America. The nation will once again have new leadership as Mr. Obama brings his administration to the White House. While a lot is being undertaken for this event, one of the best things we Christians can and must do is to pray for our leaders as God has commanded us in His Word.
Paul instructs Timothy to encourage those in Ephesus to pray for "all men". In fact, he gives three things the believers are to do: pray (entreaties and prayers), petition and praise (thanksgiving). We are to lift up one another in prayer. We are to intercede on others' behalf. We are also to praise God for the work which He is doing in others' lives. However, in addition to the broad category which would include everyone, Paul mentions a specific category of people whom we should pray for: "kings and all who are in authority." Paul specifically points out the government leaders. It is interesting that he takes a brief moment to bring attention to them.
So many times we fail to pray for the president and those who work for the government as well as others whom the Lord has placed in authority over us. I must confess that I do not include these regularly in my own daily prayers as I ought. Yet, these people need our prayers. I cannot imagine how much stress the president is under every day with so many important decisions to make as well as the burden on those in Congress with the weight of carrying the needs of their constituents on their shoulders. And with the economy the way it is and the major issues at stake, all of these could use our prayers. The work they have to do sure would make my papers, readings, and exams appear as a "piece of cake."
While all of these are important things to pray for, Paul seems to have a greater need in mind. Vv. 3-4 seems to indicate that the content of these prayers should be for the salvation for those in authority as well as all men. I believe that Paul is saying here based on the context that God desires all types of men to be saved, whether that be those serving in government or peasant farmers. God does not show partiality to anyone based on their status or role, or nationality as is seen with God saving both Jews and Gentiles. We need to pray that the Lord would work mightly in our leaders' lives and sovereignly open up their hearts and draw them to Him. One of the greatest things we can do as a US citizen here on this earth is to pray for our senators, congressman, and the President and his cabinet. Several of the government leaders really need the Lord. We should pray that they come to know the only God and only mediator, Jesus Christ, who enables for us to have a relationship with God. After all, what better citizens can we be on earth by praying for our earthly leaders' salvation. And for those who are saved, by praying that the Lord would strengthen them and enable them to use their position which He has given them all for His glory!
Another thing I want to point out is that Paul did not say to only pray for those leaders whom you like or those who support the issues which are important to you. Whether a Democrat or a Republican is in office should not effect our praying for them. These prayers are for "all men" and "all who are in authority". In fact, the emperior at the time of this letter was no friend to Paul or any Christian. The emperor at the time was probably Nero who heavily persecuted Christians and even blamed them for the burning of Rome. Something which he possibly did himself. He would have been included in this instruction.
Also, Paul did not put a limit on how many times one should pray for one another and our leaders. He did not give a certain day. We should be lifting up our leaders everyday. With all of the hype for this historic inauguration day, let's not forget to pray!
In Christ,
Lee
Soli Deo Gloria!
Monday, January 12, 2009
The Hope of Immanuel
Then the LORD spoke again to Ahaz, saying, "Ask a sign for yourself from the LORD your God; make it deep as Sheol or high as heaven." But Ahaz said, "I will not ask, nor will I test the LORD!" Then he said, "Listen now, O house of David! Is it too slight a thing for you to try the patience of men, that you will try the patience of my God as well? Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel. He will eat curds and honey at the time He knows enough to know to refuse evil and choose good. For before the boy will know enough to refuse evil and choose good, the land whose two kings you dread will be forsaken.
~Isaiah 7:10-16
I originally desired to write this post right before Christmas as I have been studying this wonderful prophecy of the Messiah found in Isaiah but was unable due to my internet acting up and having a busier schedule than intended. But since Christ's birth, death, and resurrection should be celebrated every day by the Christian, this post is just as appropriate for today. Also, the prophet Isaiah recorded this not for it to be studied and read on only one day of the year. My intention is to look at this prophecy in it's historical setting.
The Hope
King Ahaz of Judah saw himself in a hopeless situation. Both Pekah the King of Israel and Rezin the King of Aram (or Syria) had joined forces in order to attack Jerusalem. This alliance caused Ahaz to fear for his security and the security of his people. Upon hearing that the Syrians were with Israel, Isaiah reports concerning Ahaz that his heart and the hearts of the people shook as the trees of the forest shake with the wind (7:2). This fear and lack of trust in God eventually led the king to call for the help of Assyria (2 Kings 16:7-9; 2 Chronicles 28:16-21), which God used as an instrument to punish the people of Israel for their sins of rebellion, idolatry, and disobedence (Isaiah 10:5-7). The king's fear also led the Lord to send three literal signs to provide hope that the alliance of these two kings would not be the end of the king and the nation of Judah. Two of these signs were for the king himself, while the second applied more broadly to the entire nation and pointed to a much further culmination.
All of the signs were children with respective names containing a special message God desired to convey to the king and the people. The first sign was Isaiah's child, Shear-jashub, whose name in Hebrew meant a remnant shall return. This was to communicate to the king that this alliance would not signify the end of Judah. The two kings would not be victorious over Judah. thus says the Lord GOD: "It shall not stand nor shall it come to pass" (Isaiah 7:7). The second sign, Immanuel, will be examined more in depth shortly. Upon the birth of Isaiah's second child (at least the second child of the prophet recorded as Immanuel is never credited to be the offspring of Isaiah or the prophetess), God instructs him to give the child a specific name which again provides hope for the outcome of the war with Israel and Syria. Then the LORD said to me, "Name him Maher-shalal-hash-baz (Isaiah 8:3), which means swift is the booty, speedy is the prey. God goes on to explain how the name indicates the victory which will be given through the instrument of Assyria: for before the boy knows how to cry out 'My father' or 'My mother,' the wealth of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria will be carried away before the king of Assyria (Isaiah 8:4). All of these pointed to the defeat of the Northern Kingdom of Israel so that Ahaz and the people of Judah did not have to fear them.
The Sign of Immanuel
Of the three signs God gave, the child Immanuel stands out from the other two. He was not a child of Isaiah since the mother of the child is described as being a virgin and the prophetess could not have been due to the birth of Shear-jashub previously. Also, this sign was not limited to Ahaz but was given to the entire nation of Judah. The you of verse 14 is plural in Hebrew indicating that the sign is for the nation. If the sign had been specifically given to the king, the pronoun would have been singular. God approached Ahaz through Isaiah and commanded the king to ask a sign concerning the threat from these two kings, probably because the sign of Shear-jashub was not enough to calm the king's fear. Ahaz refuses, claiming that he does not want to test God. This more likely was an excuse since he was not placing his trust in God but the Assyrians since the king had tested God his entire reign through his sacrificing to idols and even burning his own children (2 Chronicles 28:2-4). Isaiah then tells him that since he will not ask for a sign, one would be given to the entire nation of Judah. The immediate hope for that time came with the statements in verses 15-16 describing that For before the boy will know enough to refuse evil and choose good, the land whose two kings you dread will be forsaken. However, a greater hope for the nation also is conveyed with this sign.
This child was no ordinary child as his birth is predicted to be miraculous. He will come from a virgin (vs 14). Much has been made concerning the translation of the Hebrew word, almah, as its literal meaning is young maiden. However, all seven occurences of the word in the Old Testament all refer to young maidens who are virgins. Furthermore, Matthew ends the debate when he, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, identifies this child as being Jesus whom he describes as being born of a virgin (Matthew 1:18). Right after recording the birth of Jesus in the opening chapter of his gospel, he states Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: "Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which translated means, "God with us" (Matthew 1:22-23). Isaiah pointed to a hope which would come to the people 700 centuries later.
The entire nation of Judah as well as all of mankind was in an even greater hopeless state by the plague of sin; a plague much worse than two kings threatening to capture their earthly kingdom. This plague had eternal consequences. Due to the disobedience of Adam, all are born with a sinful nature and all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). This sin placed man under the wrath of God Himself (Romans 1:18) and results in spiritual death (Romans 6:23). In comparison to the reality of eternal conscious punishment in the fires of Hell, eternal separation of God is the most severe. Scripture describes man as being a slave to sin, dead, blind, and lost with nothing in and of themselves able to merit the favor of God. A hopeless situation indeed. The hope came with the birth of the Savior, whose very purpose was to save His people from their sins (Matthew 1:21). The meaning of the name Immanuel, God with us, is used to convey victory as God is on the side of the people (Isaiah 8:10). God has granted victory to those who place their trust in Christ as He has taken their sins upon Himself and experienced God's wrath on the cross for those sins, as well as experiencing the separation from God the sinner is due to experience for all eternity in Hell in order that those who place their trust in Him may be forgiven their sins and declared righteous in God's sight.
Praise God for the sign of Immanuel given so many years ago and how through that child, those of us who have placed our faith in the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ have been rescued from the hopeless state that we were once in and been given eternal life! For those of you who may still be in that hopeless state, may God use this to show you the hope which exists through Christ and His work on the cross, possibly leading you to repentance and placing your faith in Christ as Lord and Savior.
In Christ,
Lee
Soli Deo Gloria!!!
~Isaiah 7:10-16
I originally desired to write this post right before Christmas as I have been studying this wonderful prophecy of the Messiah found in Isaiah but was unable due to my internet acting up and having a busier schedule than intended. But since Christ's birth, death, and resurrection should be celebrated every day by the Christian, this post is just as appropriate for today. Also, the prophet Isaiah recorded this not for it to be studied and read on only one day of the year. My intention is to look at this prophecy in it's historical setting.
The Hope
King Ahaz of Judah saw himself in a hopeless situation. Both Pekah the King of Israel and Rezin the King of Aram (or Syria) had joined forces in order to attack Jerusalem. This alliance caused Ahaz to fear for his security and the security of his people. Upon hearing that the Syrians were with Israel, Isaiah reports concerning Ahaz that his heart and the hearts of the people shook as the trees of the forest shake with the wind (7:2). This fear and lack of trust in God eventually led the king to call for the help of Assyria (2 Kings 16:7-9; 2 Chronicles 28:16-21), which God used as an instrument to punish the people of Israel for their sins of rebellion, idolatry, and disobedence (Isaiah 10:5-7). The king's fear also led the Lord to send three literal signs to provide hope that the alliance of these two kings would not be the end of the king and the nation of Judah. Two of these signs were for the king himself, while the second applied more broadly to the entire nation and pointed to a much further culmination.
All of the signs were children with respective names containing a special message God desired to convey to the king and the people. The first sign was Isaiah's child, Shear-jashub, whose name in Hebrew meant a remnant shall return. This was to communicate to the king that this alliance would not signify the end of Judah. The two kings would not be victorious over Judah. thus says the Lord GOD: "It shall not stand nor shall it come to pass" (Isaiah 7:7). The second sign, Immanuel, will be examined more in depth shortly. Upon the birth of Isaiah's second child (at least the second child of the prophet recorded as Immanuel is never credited to be the offspring of Isaiah or the prophetess), God instructs him to give the child a specific name which again provides hope for the outcome of the war with Israel and Syria. Then the LORD said to me, "Name him Maher-shalal-hash-baz (Isaiah 8:3), which means swift is the booty, speedy is the prey. God goes on to explain how the name indicates the victory which will be given through the instrument of Assyria: for before the boy knows how to cry out 'My father' or 'My mother,' the wealth of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria will be carried away before the king of Assyria (Isaiah 8:4). All of these pointed to the defeat of the Northern Kingdom of Israel so that Ahaz and the people of Judah did not have to fear them.
The Sign of Immanuel
Of the three signs God gave, the child Immanuel stands out from the other two. He was not a child of Isaiah since the mother of the child is described as being a virgin and the prophetess could not have been due to the birth of Shear-jashub previously. Also, this sign was not limited to Ahaz but was given to the entire nation of Judah. The you of verse 14 is plural in Hebrew indicating that the sign is for the nation. If the sign had been specifically given to the king, the pronoun would have been singular. God approached Ahaz through Isaiah and commanded the king to ask a sign concerning the threat from these two kings, probably because the sign of Shear-jashub was not enough to calm the king's fear. Ahaz refuses, claiming that he does not want to test God. This more likely was an excuse since he was not placing his trust in God but the Assyrians since the king had tested God his entire reign through his sacrificing to idols and even burning his own children (2 Chronicles 28:2-4). Isaiah then tells him that since he will not ask for a sign, one would be given to the entire nation of Judah. The immediate hope for that time came with the statements in verses 15-16 describing that For before the boy will know enough to refuse evil and choose good, the land whose two kings you dread will be forsaken. However, a greater hope for the nation also is conveyed with this sign.
This child was no ordinary child as his birth is predicted to be miraculous. He will come from a virgin (vs 14). Much has been made concerning the translation of the Hebrew word, almah, as its literal meaning is young maiden. However, all seven occurences of the word in the Old Testament all refer to young maidens who are virgins. Furthermore, Matthew ends the debate when he, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, identifies this child as being Jesus whom he describes as being born of a virgin (Matthew 1:18). Right after recording the birth of Jesus in the opening chapter of his gospel, he states Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: "Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which translated means, "God with us" (Matthew 1:22-23). Isaiah pointed to a hope which would come to the people 700 centuries later.
The entire nation of Judah as well as all of mankind was in an even greater hopeless state by the plague of sin; a plague much worse than two kings threatening to capture their earthly kingdom. This plague had eternal consequences. Due to the disobedience of Adam, all are born with a sinful nature and all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). This sin placed man under the wrath of God Himself (Romans 1:18) and results in spiritual death (Romans 6:23). In comparison to the reality of eternal conscious punishment in the fires of Hell, eternal separation of God is the most severe. Scripture describes man as being a slave to sin, dead, blind, and lost with nothing in and of themselves able to merit the favor of God. A hopeless situation indeed. The hope came with the birth of the Savior, whose very purpose was to save His people from their sins (Matthew 1:21). The meaning of the name Immanuel, God with us, is used to convey victory as God is on the side of the people (Isaiah 8:10). God has granted victory to those who place their trust in Christ as He has taken their sins upon Himself and experienced God's wrath on the cross for those sins, as well as experiencing the separation from God the sinner is due to experience for all eternity in Hell in order that those who place their trust in Him may be forgiven their sins and declared righteous in God's sight.
Praise God for the sign of Immanuel given so many years ago and how through that child, those of us who have placed our faith in the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ have been rescued from the hopeless state that we were once in and been given eternal life! For those of you who may still be in that hopeless state, may God use this to show you the hope which exists through Christ and His work on the cross, possibly leading you to repentance and placing your faith in Christ as Lord and Savior.
In Christ,
Lee
Soli Deo Gloria!!!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Some Things of Note
I ran across these two blog entres on the web and would like to share them because they make such powerful points:
1) Marley's Message to Scrooge-Dr. R.C. Sproul reveals how many of our attitudes concerning the Christmas holiday are very much scroogelike. May we make the most of our opportunity to celebrate Christ's birth this Christmas!
2) Joseph's Painful Decision-A close look at what Joseph must have wrestled with concerning the news of Mary's pregnancy and an important point which we can learn from the account.
May God use these to encourage and touch you as He has me today!
In Christ,
Lee
Soli Deo Gloria
1) Marley's Message to Scrooge-Dr. R.C. Sproul reveals how many of our attitudes concerning the Christmas holiday are very much scroogelike. May we make the most of our opportunity to celebrate Christ's birth this Christmas!
2) Joseph's Painful Decision-A close look at what Joseph must have wrestled with concerning the news of Mary's pregnancy and an important point which we can learn from the account.
May God use these to encourage and touch you as He has me today!
In Christ,
Lee
Soli Deo Gloria
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)