John 20:15-18
Throughout the Bible, we see God reaching out to His creation in an effort to save and restore. Of course, nowhere is this more evident than in the New Testament and especially in the Gospels through the life of His Son.
Jesus came to earth to seek and save those that were spiritually lost and bound by sin. By His own profession, He makes this clear when He tells His disciples that He did not come to judge mankind, but to save the lost from an eternal death. (John 3:17)
Often we are tempted to think that God is too caught up in the details of the universe to be concerned about our problems. But this is not true. Jesus was and still is totally interested in the lives of each one of us.
Even after His crucifixion, His intimate concern was for those He loved. One example of this is the compassion He had for Mary as she searched for Him at the empty tomb. Jesus had not yet ascended to the Father. He witnessed Mary's deep sorrow and was moved with compassion. "Mary!" Jesus called out to her.
"Rabboni!" which means "Teacher!" was her reply. When she saw the Lord she knew her prayers had been answered. Jesus was alive! This was her greatest need - to know that what He had promised was true.
What is your greatest need? Call out to the Savior, and He will meet that need.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Friday, March 13, 2009
The Evangelizing Church
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. —Matthew 28:19
A church that is focused on exalting God and on building up believers in the knowledge of God’s Word will overflow into the world with the Good News. That’s the commission Jesus gave us when He said,
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19–20).
Every church is called to evangelism. But that comes as the overflow of being a church that exalts God and builds up believers. When we are glorifying God and fulfilling the purpose for which He put us here, when we are being built up as believers, then we will want to go and share our faith. Healthy, well-fed believers will reproduce themselves.
And that builds a healthy church. You show me a church that does not have a constant flow of new believers coming in, and I will show you a church that is dying on the vine, a church that is stagnating. New believers bring energy and excitement back into the congregation.
So the church has to have balance. We need worship. We need teaching. And we need outreach. All of these principles must be emphasized on a regular basis to keep a church strong and healthy. And as we continue in the apostles’ doctrine, in the breaking of bread and in prayers, the Lord will add daily to the church those who are being saved (Acts 2:42, 47).
A church that is focused on exalting God and on building up believers in the knowledge of God’s Word will overflow into the world with the Good News. That’s the commission Jesus gave us when He said,
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19–20).
Every church is called to evangelism. But that comes as the overflow of being a church that exalts God and builds up believers. When we are glorifying God and fulfilling the purpose for which He put us here, when we are being built up as believers, then we will want to go and share our faith. Healthy, well-fed believers will reproduce themselves.
And that builds a healthy church. You show me a church that does not have a constant flow of new believers coming in, and I will show you a church that is dying on the vine, a church that is stagnating. New believers bring energy and excitement back into the congregation.
So the church has to have balance. We need worship. We need teaching. And we need outreach. All of these principles must be emphasized on a regular basis to keep a church strong and healthy. And as we continue in the apostles’ doctrine, in the breaking of bread and in prayers, the Lord will add daily to the church those who are being saved (Acts 2:42, 47).
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Discouragement
Satan's Discouragement
There's an old fable that says the Devil once held a sale and offered all the tools of his trade to anyone who would pay their price. They were spread out on the table and each one labeled. Hatred, malice, envy, despair, sickness, sensuality - all the weapons that everyone knows so well. But off to one side lay a harmless looking wood-shaped instrument marked "discouragement." It was old and worn looking but it was priced far about the rest. When asked the reason why, the Devil replied, "Because I can use this one so much more easily than the others. No one knows that it belongs to me, so with it I can open doors that are tightly bolted against the others. Once I get inside I can use any tool that suits me best."
There's an old fable that says the Devil once held a sale and offered all the tools of his trade to anyone who would pay their price. They were spread out on the table and each one labeled. Hatred, malice, envy, despair, sickness, sensuality - all the weapons that everyone knows so well. But off to one side lay a harmless looking wood-shaped instrument marked "discouragement." It was old and worn looking but it was priced far about the rest. When asked the reason why, the Devil replied, "Because I can use this one so much more easily than the others. No one knows that it belongs to me, so with it I can open doors that are tightly bolted against the others. Once I get inside I can use any tool that suits me best."
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
I Will Speak to You in Your Language
Pilate wrote a sign and put it on the cross.
It read: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS. John 19:19
The framer of our destiny is familiar with our denseness. God knows we sometimes miss the signs. Maybe that's why he has given us so many. The rainbow after the flood signifies God's covenant. Circumcision identifies God's chosen, and the stars portray the size of his family. Even today, we see signs in the New Testament church. Communion is a sign of his death, and baptism is a sign of our spiritual birth. Each of these signs symbolizes a greater spiritual truth.
The most poignant sign, however, was found on the cross. A trilingual, hand-painted, Roman-commissioned sign.
Every passerby could read the sign, for every passerby could read Hebrew, Latin, or Greek?the three great languages of the ancient world. "Hebrew was the language of Israel, the language of religion; Latin the language of the Romans, the language of law and government; and Greek the language of Greece, the language of culture. Christ was declared king in them all." God had a message for each. "Christ is king." The message was the same, but the languages were different. Since Jesus was a king for all people, the message would be in the tongues of all people.
There is no language God will not speak. Which leads us to a delightful question. What language is he speaking to you? I'm not referring to an idiom or dialect but to the day-to-day drama of your life. God does speak, you know. He speaks to us in whatever language we will understand.
There are times he speaks the "language of abundance." Is your tummy full? Are your bills paid? Got a little jingle in your pocket? Don't be so proud of what you have that you miss what you need to hear.
Are you hearing the "language of need"? Or how about the "language of affliction"? Talk about an idiom we avoid. But you and I both know how clearly God speaks in hospital hallways and sickbeds.
God speaks all languages?including yours. Has he not said, "I will ... teach you in the way you should go" (Ps. 32:8 NIV)? Are we not urged to "receive instruction from His mouth" (Job 22:22 NASB)? What language is God speaking to you?
And aren't you glad he is speaking? Aren't you grateful that he cares enough to talk? Isn't it good to know that "the LORD tells his secrets to those who respect him" (Ps. 25:14)?
Think a word of thanks to him would be appropriate? And while you're at it, ask him if you might be missing any signs he is sending your way.
It read: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS. John 19:19
The framer of our destiny is familiar with our denseness. God knows we sometimes miss the signs. Maybe that's why he has given us so many. The rainbow after the flood signifies God's covenant. Circumcision identifies God's chosen, and the stars portray the size of his family. Even today, we see signs in the New Testament church. Communion is a sign of his death, and baptism is a sign of our spiritual birth. Each of these signs symbolizes a greater spiritual truth.
The most poignant sign, however, was found on the cross. A trilingual, hand-painted, Roman-commissioned sign.
Every passerby could read the sign, for every passerby could read Hebrew, Latin, or Greek?the three great languages of the ancient world. "Hebrew was the language of Israel, the language of religion; Latin the language of the Romans, the language of law and government; and Greek the language of Greece, the language of culture. Christ was declared king in them all." God had a message for each. "Christ is king." The message was the same, but the languages were different. Since Jesus was a king for all people, the message would be in the tongues of all people.
There is no language God will not speak. Which leads us to a delightful question. What language is he speaking to you? I'm not referring to an idiom or dialect but to the day-to-day drama of your life. God does speak, you know. He speaks to us in whatever language we will understand.
There are times he speaks the "language of abundance." Is your tummy full? Are your bills paid? Got a little jingle in your pocket? Don't be so proud of what you have that you miss what you need to hear.
Are you hearing the "language of need"? Or how about the "language of affliction"? Talk about an idiom we avoid. But you and I both know how clearly God speaks in hospital hallways and sickbeds.
God speaks all languages?including yours. Has he not said, "I will ... teach you in the way you should go" (Ps. 32:8 NIV)? Are we not urged to "receive instruction from His mouth" (Job 22:22 NASB)? What language is God speaking to you?
And aren't you glad he is speaking? Aren't you grateful that he cares enough to talk? Isn't it good to know that "the LORD tells his secrets to those who respect him" (Ps. 25:14)?
Think a word of thanks to him would be appropriate? And while you're at it, ask him if you might be missing any signs he is sending your way.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
The Certainty of the Resurrection
1Corinthians 14:1-33,39-40; 15:1-11; Psalm 119:145-148; Proverbs 22:11
Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.
But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you unless I speak to you either by revelation, by knowledge, by prophesying, or by teaching? Even things without life, whether flute or harp, when they make a sound, unless they make a distinction in the sounds, how will it be known what is piped or played? For if the trumpet makes an uncertain sound, who will prepare for battle? So likewise you, unless you utter by the tongue words easy to understand, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air. There are, it may be, so many kinds of languages in the world, and none of them is without significance. Therefore, if I do not know the meaning of the language, I shall be a foreigner to him who speaks, and he who speaks will be a foreigner to me. Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel.
Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret. For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding. Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how will he who occupies the place of the uninformed say "Amen" at your giving of thanks, since he does not understand what you say? For you indeed give thanks well, but the other is not edified.
I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all; yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.
Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature.
In the law it is written:
"With men of other tongues and other lips
I will speak to this people;
And yet, for all that, they will not hear Me,"
says the Lord.
Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe. Therefore if the whole church comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those who are uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that you are out of your mind? But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all. And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you.
How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God. Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge. But if anything is revealed to another who sits by, let the first keep silent. For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.
Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues. Let all things be done decently and in order.
Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you-unless you believed in vain.
For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time.
For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. Therefore, whether it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.
1 Corinthians 14:1-33, 39-40; 15:1-11
WORSHIP
I cry out with my whole heart;
Hear me, O LORD!
I will keep Your statutes.
I cry out to You;
Save me, and I will keep Your testimonies.
I rise before the dawning of the morning,
And cry for help;
I hope in Your word.
My eyes are awake through the night watches,
That I may meditate on Your word.
Psalm 119:145-148
WISDOM
He who loves purity of heart
And has grace on his lips,
The king will be his friend.
Proverbs 22:11
Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.
But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you unless I speak to you either by revelation, by knowledge, by prophesying, or by teaching? Even things without life, whether flute or harp, when they make a sound, unless they make a distinction in the sounds, how will it be known what is piped or played? For if the trumpet makes an uncertain sound, who will prepare for battle? So likewise you, unless you utter by the tongue words easy to understand, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air. There are, it may be, so many kinds of languages in the world, and none of them is without significance. Therefore, if I do not know the meaning of the language, I shall be a foreigner to him who speaks, and he who speaks will be a foreigner to me. Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel.
Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret. For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding. Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how will he who occupies the place of the uninformed say "Amen" at your giving of thanks, since he does not understand what you say? For you indeed give thanks well, but the other is not edified.
I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all; yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.
Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature.
In the law it is written:
"With men of other tongues and other lips
I will speak to this people;
And yet, for all that, they will not hear Me,"
says the Lord.
Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe. Therefore if the whole church comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those who are uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that you are out of your mind? But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all. And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you.
How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God. Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge. But if anything is revealed to another who sits by, let the first keep silent. For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.
Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues. Let all things be done decently and in order.
Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you-unless you believed in vain.
For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time.
For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. Therefore, whether it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.
1 Corinthians 14:1-33, 39-40; 15:1-11
WORSHIP
I cry out with my whole heart;
Hear me, O LORD!
I will keep Your statutes.
I cry out to You;
Save me, and I will keep Your testimonies.
I rise before the dawning of the morning,
And cry for help;
I hope in Your word.
My eyes are awake through the night watches,
That I may meditate on Your word.
Psalm 119:145-148
WISDOM
He who loves purity of heart
And has grace on his lips,
The king will be his friend.
Proverbs 22:11
Monday, March 9, 2009
The Holy Spirit: Gift Giver
1 Corinthians 12:1-31
Look into any church, and you will find a few apathetic believers. Their faith may be real, but it is inactive. Some of these people have simply decided that they lack the right skills to live daily for Christ. But a believer’s limitations are no excuse for ignoring God’s call to personal ministry—human strength and talent are inadequate for serving the Lord. That is why the Holy Spirit gives each believer a spiritual gift at salvation.
Knowing exactly what a believer’s future holds, the Spirit can bestow on him or her the capacity to carry out God-given work. We can’t choose for ourselves what our gift will be; we are gifted in accordance with the calling placed on our life. The Lord also takes into account our inherent talents and personality so that our effectiveness is maximized.
Some Christians regard certain gifts as proof of genuine faith. For example, a number of churches view speaking in tongues as a prerequisite for serving the Lord. However, according to Scripture, the only “gift” common to all believers is the Holy Spirit Himself. Today’s passage shows that spiritual gifts are distributed among the body of Christ, with no single manifestation being given to every believer (vv. 29-30).
The Holy Spirit makes certain that we have the right tools to serve according to our calling. It is time to shake off any apathy or expectations of others that keep us glued to the pew. Start looking for a place to serve, whether in your church, community, or at work, and you will soon discover how the Holy Spirit has gifted you.
Look into any church, and you will find a few apathetic believers. Their faith may be real, but it is inactive. Some of these people have simply decided that they lack the right skills to live daily for Christ. But a believer’s limitations are no excuse for ignoring God’s call to personal ministry—human strength and talent are inadequate for serving the Lord. That is why the Holy Spirit gives each believer a spiritual gift at salvation.
Knowing exactly what a believer’s future holds, the Spirit can bestow on him or her the capacity to carry out God-given work. We can’t choose for ourselves what our gift will be; we are gifted in accordance with the calling placed on our life. The Lord also takes into account our inherent talents and personality so that our effectiveness is maximized.
Some Christians regard certain gifts as proof of genuine faith. For example, a number of churches view speaking in tongues as a prerequisite for serving the Lord. However, according to Scripture, the only “gift” common to all believers is the Holy Spirit Himself. Today’s passage shows that spiritual gifts are distributed among the body of Christ, with no single manifestation being given to every believer (vv. 29-30).
The Holy Spirit makes certain that we have the right tools to serve according to our calling. It is time to shake off any apathy or expectations of others that keep us glued to the pew. Start looking for a place to serve, whether in your church, community, or at work, and you will soon discover how the Holy Spirit has gifted you.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
church
At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. --Daniel 6:4
A young Christian professional interviewed for a position in a thriving business once, and brought with him a top-notch resume. In it, he listed many references, including his pastor, his Bible study teacher, and a church deacon.
Unbeknownst to the young man, the business owner was also a Christian. After he had studied the resume, he said, “Young man, I appreciate these recommendations from people in your church. However, what I would really like is a word of recommendation from people who know you during the week as well.”
Oftentimes, the way people live their lives on Sunday is very different when compared to the way they live their lives the rest of the week. Often people act differently at church than they do out in the real world. But the truth is, the biblical truth we hear on Sunday should also be practiced throughout the week! Worship should be a way of life…not a weekly event.
Daniel was a perfect example of someone who was consistent in his relationship with both God and man. In fact, even his enemies couldn’t find any fault with him!
As a follower of Christ, does your life look differently during the week than it does at church on Sunday? The old adage is true: “Actions speak louder than words.” Determine to live a consistent Christian life on Sunday and every other day of the week!
PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask the Lord to help you walk consistently with Him throughout the week…and pray that your life would be a constant reminder to those around you of Christ, the One you serve.
A young Christian professional interviewed for a position in a thriving business once, and brought with him a top-notch resume. In it, he listed many references, including his pastor, his Bible study teacher, and a church deacon.
Unbeknownst to the young man, the business owner was also a Christian. After he had studied the resume, he said, “Young man, I appreciate these recommendations from people in your church. However, what I would really like is a word of recommendation from people who know you during the week as well.”
Oftentimes, the way people live their lives on Sunday is very different when compared to the way they live their lives the rest of the week. Often people act differently at church than they do out in the real world. But the truth is, the biblical truth we hear on Sunday should also be practiced throughout the week! Worship should be a way of life…not a weekly event.
Daniel was a perfect example of someone who was consistent in his relationship with both God and man. In fact, even his enemies couldn’t find any fault with him!
As a follower of Christ, does your life look differently during the week than it does at church on Sunday? The old adage is true: “Actions speak louder than words.” Determine to live a consistent Christian life on Sunday and every other day of the week!
PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask the Lord to help you walk consistently with Him throughout the week…and pray that your life would be a constant reminder to those around you of Christ, the One you serve.
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