Looking Good Is Not Good Enough

"You have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. ... Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy. The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches." - Revelation 3:1,4-6

Do you know what it means to be a nominal Christian.  You can probably guess. Nominal means "in name or thought but not in fact or not as things really are". Nom as the root of the word is French and Haitian Creole for name. It is "nombre" in Spanish. "Nome" in Italian. "Nomen" in Latin. Enough of the etymology lesson. To my point, to be a nominal Christian is to wear the "name tag" that declares you are a Christian - having the reputation, but you are not living the life. Your heart is not truly devoted to God. A Christian in name only - nominal.

That was the many in the Church of Sardis. Doing good things perhaps but all the while being spiritually dead. The world can see their works, good in the eyes of man - but God sees the heart. 

"But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." - 1 Samuel 16:7

What does a nominal look like in the world today. Well, a person who does not spend time with God apart from Sunday church service, if that. They have no hunger for the Word of God. The only scripture they are exposed to is what is projected on a screen at church. They seldom pray. Perhaps they will toss a prayerful "bone of gratitude" when they eat a meal. But they don't see the need to pray before the appetizer. Appetizers don't count - just the main meal - maybe. Or they pray when they are having some trouble and then they call on God like He is a 911 service. They seldom mix it up with other Christians unless they happen to run in the same social circles or see them at work. Nominal. They don't really have time for God - just can't seem to squeeze Him into their schedule. Nominal.

"Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and, in your name, perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!" - Matthew 7:21-23

Does this seem harsh. The truth is that the only way you will be rejected by Jesus is if you are not a Christian. Not a born-again believer. If you bear the name but don't carry the cross. You have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. This is not about losing your salvation. It is about never being saved - just acting like you are. Believing that looking good is good enough. 

Like our pastor said last Sunday. A nominal Christian should either repent and change their ways or change their name.

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

Let Your Yes Be Yes - Not Maybe

 “But let your “Yes” be “Yes,” and your “No,” “No,” lest you fall into judgment.” – James 5:12

Have you ever given that verse much thought? In my experience, very often people, Christians, will commit to something - perhaps even make a resolution. The only problem is that the commitment or resolution lacks something - Resolve. To be resolved, in this sense, is to reach a firm decision about something. To be committed to seeing it through "come hell or high water". Nothing will sway you from accomplishing whatever it is that you have said "yes" to. But so often there are many things that can sway us from that commitment. From that resolute decision to do some - thing.

In the case of the church there are some implications that we fail to take into account. The times when we have agreed to do something or committed to do something that has a spiritual nature or context to it. All too often we treat those commitments as lightly as our agreeing to mow the grass on Saturday only to be invited to play golf with friends. Well, we can mow the grass another day, can't we? Yes, if God gives us another day that is. That reminds me of one such account in the Book of Acts, Chapter 5.

"Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. With his wife’s full knowledge, he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet. Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God. When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died." - Acts 5:1-5

What! You ask. He died? Does that seem a bit extreme for simply deciding to keep for himself that which he was his to begin with. Did you catch Peter's words? "How is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit - You have not lied just to human beings but to God." Lied to the Holy Spirit. When you agree to do something for God - which may be a simple commitment at church - which represents the Body of Christ - to then choose to not do it is to lie to the Spirit. 

Why does this happen - all too frequently I might add? I think it happens because when most people say "yes" they are really saying maybe. Like choosing between mowing the grass or golfing. For God there is no maybe. It is either yes or no. To say yes and not do it is the same as lying to God. Make you uncomfortable? It should. It does me. This is what Jesus said to the Church at Laodicea.

"I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see." - Revelation 3:15-18

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

Living Behind A Glass Wall

"Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them, “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple." - Luke 14:25-27

Salvation can bring separation. When Jesus was saying that your love for your family must look like hate compared to your love for Him - that is a hard thing to imagine.  I have written about this before. Matthew 22 says we are to love God first. Exodus 20 says we are to have no other gods (people or things) before Him. God demands to be first. But that is really not what this BLOG post is about. It is about rejection. Being rejected by your family or friends because of your faith. It is about being put in a position where you are challenged to choose. Faced with a choice of acceptance by God or acceptance by people you care about.

Some of you reading this know what it is like to be distanced from your family because of your new life in Christ. Held at arm's length. Being sent out to the other side of a glass wall. Tolerated perhaps but not embraced. Almost as if you were dead or a stranger - not part of the group anymore. Such a weight to carry. Jesus minded us that - 

"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also." - John 15:18-20

That doesn't mean your heart won't hurt. That the thought of the loss won't make your heart weary. But you see, it is not really you that they have put on the other side of that glass wall. It is Jesus that they want no part of, and you remind them of Jesus and more than that, of their sin. So why would they want you around. They do make you an unspoken offer - reject God - be like us and you will be embraced once again. Resist the temptation. 

"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint." - Isaiah 40:28-31

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

When Will Jesus Return?

"But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore, you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect." - Matthew 24:36-44

Each morning, I scan Yahoo News headlines on the internet which is a compilation of stories from other news sources. The headlines speak of war, corruption, death, social unrest, and political turmoil. Very little "good" news, rather a vivid reflection of what is happening in a world that is far from God and devoid of faith in His Son, Jesus. 

With all of the turmoil in the world I have heard a number of Christians talk about the imminent return of Jesus. His coming in the clouds.  It seems to them that surely it will be soon, The Tribulation and the Rapture seem to be just around the corner. There is no question about whether it will happen one day. But what day? Bondye Konnen - only God (the Father) knows. Jesus said that. Oh, how we would like to know - but we won't until the moment it happens. 

Many people in the world do not dispute there is a God and for many, even that there is a Savior, His Son. But they are willing to wait to embrace those truths, perhaps for a more convenient time. Putting it off until they are ready, which is often never. And unfortunately, for most, death will come before they make their final choice and then it will be too late. 

I think the four greatest events in the history of mankind are God creating Man, Adam sinning in the Garden, Jesus rising from the grave, and Jesus returning one day for the Church. Returning for both those who are alive and those who physically dead who were saved by faith in Jesus. Three are in the past, and the fourth is yet to come.

Until that Day, life will go on. There will be wars and rumors of wars as one people group attempts to impose their will on another people group. Sin will reign over the world. Christians will continue to see and hope that the events are a sign of Jesus' imminent return - but He will not return until the Father sends Him - like God sent Him the first time - but this time not as a baby in swaddling clothes, but as King Jesus.    

In the meantime, we must continue to be faithful and be the light. Martie and I just witnessed the solar eclipse - at least the last if it. We had stopped at the Texas Welcome Center on our way back from Lake Charles. The staff was offering the use of the special glasses to anyone who wanted to see the eclipse. When I looked, I saw the shadow of the moon overlapping the sun. I was reminded that although the moon was casting its shadow temporarily it has no lasting power over the sun - just as sin has no power of the Son. The god of this world will try to overshadow the Son, but to no avail. And just like the sun, the Jesus WILL prevail.

"I will lift up my eyes to the hills From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber.  Behold, He who keeps Israel [the spiritual Israel, Romans 9:6-8] Shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; The Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, Nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in From this time forth, and even forevermore." Psalm 121 

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

Knowing When and Being Willing To Say Yes

 "Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black. But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one" - Matthew 5:36-37

We have worked alongside volunteers - Christian volunteers - for many years. Since 1993 - that's 30 years - wow - a long time. Martie and I have often said that one of the joys of the path that the Lord has called us to walk is that we have met so many wonderful Christians. People who are willing to set their lives on the back burner to serve others. Living out the second greatest commandment (Matthew 22:39) and giving visible, tangible testimony to the greatest expression of love which was shared by Jesus in John 15:13. 

I find something else at work in many churches. The Christians are more interested in living their lives - focused on themselves. Willing to help but only if is convenient and is not in conflict with some other event that was, I think, more interesting to them. Ministry is not convenient. Ministry requires you to give something up - you - your time - your devotion to other things. When the opportunity presents itself, you know if the Spirit is prompting you. You know if it is God speaking to your heart. The question is will you obey His voice.

"Then Jesus answered and said: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion.  So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.’ So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?” And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise." - Luke 10:30-37

You must be willing to be inconvenienced - letting your daily routine and plans be interrupted by God. That is not to say you should say "yes" to every request by man - but "yes" to every call by God. How will you know the difference? By drawing close to God and listening to His voice. Like the Prophet Samuel.

"And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. So he arose and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you did call me.” Then Eli perceived that the Lord had called the boy. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down; and it shall be, if He calls you, that you must say, ‘Speak, Lord, for Your servant hears.’ ” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. Now the Lord came and stood and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel answered, “Speak, for Your servant hears.”" -  1 Samuel 3:8-10

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

 

You Are What You Eat

"Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day. You, through Your commandments, make me wiser than my enemies; For they are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, For Your testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients, Because I keep Your precepts. I have restrained my feet from every evil way, That I may keep Your word. " I have not departed from Your judgments, For You Yourself have taught me. How sweet are Your words to my taste, Sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through Your precepts I get understanding; Therefore, I hate every false way. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Psalm 119:97-105

This may pre-date you, but there used to be a commercial encouraging good nutrition that said, "You are what you eat." Meaning that if you eat the wrong foods, your body will be affected in a negative way. Conversely, if you eat the right foods then your body will be healthy. In Psalm 119 David told the Lord that the Word of God was sweet to his taste - sweeter than honey. Taking the Word in regularly ensured that David would be spiritually healthy. It is also a light and lamp so as to keep him from stumbling in a dark world. 

In verse 11 of that Psalm, David said, "Your Word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against you." The Word of God is called the Sword of the Spirit - good for both spiritual offense and defense.  (Ephesians 6) It was given to us for both our spiritual and natural benefit. It is like an operator's manual for our human and heavenly existence. But wait there's more! It contains a great manufacturer's warranty - signed by the Blood of the Lamb and sealed by the Spirit of God.

The Lord admonished Joshua in the Book of Joshua that as Joshua walked in step with the Word that he would be prosperous and successful. Prosperity and success not necessarily according to the world's standards but promised by God's design and promise.

"This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:8-9

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

In It But Not Of It

"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." - 1 John 2:15

I was reading an article about the worldwide response to the Hamas attack on Israel and Israel's counterattack, specifically in England. This is an excerpt. 

"Which brings me back to Britain's Home Secretary Suella Braverman’s speech. When she criticized “multiculturalism”, she was not criticizing the countless immigrants who, like her own parents, have happily integrated into British society. She was criticizing those who haven’t integrated. Those, in fact, who refuse to integrate, and who actively reject British values. Or, in the Home Secretary’s phrase, those who are “in the society but not of the society”. -Then, on Sunday, as hundreds of pro-Palestine activists marched through Manchester, one attendee said she was “full of joy [and] pride” at what had happened. And, at a similar demonstration in Brighton, a woman described Hamas’s attacks as “beautiful and inspiring”."

When I was in grade school the United States was described as a "melting pot", a blending of many cultures and races, all embracing one another and the ideals penned in the Constitution and Bill of Rights. But for some time, like Great Britian, our country has also struggled with the challenges brought on by multi-culturalism. The U.S. is longer a melting pot, if it ever really was. 

Radin that article I wondered, "what if the underlying issue in Britain is religious and not nationalistic?" Suppose those Islamic immigrants view their Islamic faith as having primacy over their allegiance to the United Kingdom. And what if the enmity having its origin being between Ishmael and Issac, the Arabs and the Jews, dominates those immigrants thinking and beliefs.  I suspect what we are watching is, at its roots, a religious issue and not a national allegiance issue.  

So, let's consider our faith for a moment. As Christians we have been called out of the culture we live in. Only rendering unto Caesar what is Caesar's and withholding that which is God's. There may come a day, and it may be nearer than you think that we Christians will be called out as cruel, haters, unpatriotic even by our own national culture because of a stand we must take in obedience to God's revealed will. We are commanded to not integrate into the culture, but we, instead are to live alongside those who do not share our beliefs. 

The difference between our response and that of Islam is unlike those of Islam who hate people who do not share their faith and revel in their deaths, we are called to love them, in spite of what they put their faith in. Why? Because God loves them. We are not to participate in their sin and disobedience.

"If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I [Jesus] have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you." - John 15:19

How long will Christians be tolerated? I don't know. But I do know that the Bible says there is a day coming when we won't be. My counsel to you is the same as the Lord's encouragement to all of us. 

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." - Joshua 1:9

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone