Apr 2010
“Brothers, what shall we do?”
25/04/10 12:37
When
Jesus ascended into Heaven and sat down at the right
hand of Majesty, He asked the Father to send the
Promise, His Holy Spirit. Ten days later while a
group of believers were worshipping God in an upper
room, there was a sound of a mighty rushing wind and
tongues of fire appeared above each of the disciples
and they were filled with the Holy Spirit!
Wow, what a church service that must have been! Of course the reason God sent the Holy Spirit is because He knew the Church wouldn’t get anywhere without Him. It is just like Gamaliel said to the Sanhedrin when they were frustrated with the apostle’s teachings of Jesus, “Therefore, in this present case I advise you! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”
The Church of Jesus Christ, the Christian faith has been spreading across the breadth of the earth and growing strong for two thousand years! Though at times it has had trouble and at times only a remnant seemed to survive, it would resurrect in another place and become an impacting force in the societies in which she lived.
After Peter preached that first sermon on the Day of Pentecost, the people who heard him cried, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter commanded, “Repent and be baptized, everyone of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off –for all who the Lord our God will call.”
Brothers and Sisters, that command has not changed for two thousand years! This is what Peter, through the Holy Spirit commanded them on that day, and it is what he has commanded us today. My question then is this; why do we see all this ‘other stuff’ going on? The Scriptures go on to say, “They [the believers] devoted themselves to the apostle’s teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”
Can we take a good honest look at ourselves and make an objective assessment? Is it possible that we may have lost the compass that directs where the Church is heading? Why is it necessary to entertain the faithful? Why is the Church busy with so many other things, but doesn’t have time to study God’s Word? I think we have to admit that our prayer time is considered something that we ‘try to get to” after we have done the ‘other things’ and just before the day ends.
Again, I think that we become so entangled in the things of this world that hopes and longings for our eternal home become obscured and tomorrow melds into today. What then shall we do? How can we set the compass needle to point in the right direction?
I think every one of us, who call on the Lord, should repent, humble ourselves and begin to once again, tremble at His Word. This Pastor’s Desk is straight from the Lord and comes after much prayer concerning the conditions of the Church – and I am referring to the Church as a whole. Now, someone may argue that I am being too negative, that I never have anything good to say and that I need an attitude adjustment.
To those I would ask, “Give me another solution that we may try.” I read one the other day from an internationally known preacher; he said, “I don’t think anything has been done in the name of Christ and under the banner of Christianity that has proven more destructive to human personality and hence counterproductive to the evangelism enterprise that the often crude, uncouth, and unchristian strategy of attempting to make people aware of their lost and sinful condition.” (Robert Schuller –Christianity Today Oct.5, 1984)
Wow, what a church service that must have been! Of course the reason God sent the Holy Spirit is because He knew the Church wouldn’t get anywhere without Him. It is just like Gamaliel said to the Sanhedrin when they were frustrated with the apostle’s teachings of Jesus, “Therefore, in this present case I advise you! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”
The Church of Jesus Christ, the Christian faith has been spreading across the breadth of the earth and growing strong for two thousand years! Though at times it has had trouble and at times only a remnant seemed to survive, it would resurrect in another place and become an impacting force in the societies in which she lived.
After Peter preached that first sermon on the Day of Pentecost, the people who heard him cried, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter commanded, “Repent and be baptized, everyone of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off –for all who the Lord our God will call.”
Brothers and Sisters, that command has not changed for two thousand years! This is what Peter, through the Holy Spirit commanded them on that day, and it is what he has commanded us today. My question then is this; why do we see all this ‘other stuff’ going on? The Scriptures go on to say, “They [the believers] devoted themselves to the apostle’s teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”
Can we take a good honest look at ourselves and make an objective assessment? Is it possible that we may have lost the compass that directs where the Church is heading? Why is it necessary to entertain the faithful? Why is the Church busy with so many other things, but doesn’t have time to study God’s Word? I think we have to admit that our prayer time is considered something that we ‘try to get to” after we have done the ‘other things’ and just before the day ends.
Again, I think that we become so entangled in the things of this world that hopes and longings for our eternal home become obscured and tomorrow melds into today. What then shall we do? How can we set the compass needle to point in the right direction?
I think every one of us, who call on the Lord, should repent, humble ourselves and begin to once again, tremble at His Word. This Pastor’s Desk is straight from the Lord and comes after much prayer concerning the conditions of the Church – and I am referring to the Church as a whole. Now, someone may argue that I am being too negative, that I never have anything good to say and that I need an attitude adjustment.
To those I would ask, “Give me another solution that we may try.” I read one the other day from an internationally known preacher; he said, “I don’t think anything has been done in the name of Christ and under the banner of Christianity that has proven more destructive to human personality and hence counterproductive to the evangelism enterprise that the often crude, uncouth, and unchristian strategy of attempting to make people aware of their lost and sinful condition.” (Robert Schuller –Christianity Today Oct.5, 1984)
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A Message from God
18/04/10 07:22
I realize
that with all the technology that we have today, not
many people write letters. You know, that old paper
and pen thing. I am still pretty technologically
challenged and I am thinking we should just go back
to the telegraph, maybe the pony express.
You’ve never heard of a pony express accident
just because some rider was “texting.”
I listen to some of the “news” that comes across Robin’s Facebook. Ugh! “I went to the store…” “I brushed my hair…” “I watched a movie…” Give me a break, already. Tell me something worthwhile. You see, if we went back to paper and pen, maybe we could do away with a lot of the nonsense that comes from tapping that keyboard. Give me something with content. Give me something with meaning. Well, enough of my ranting. I’m starting to sound like one of those “Twitterers” or is it “Twitts’?
There have been times that I have been on the phone or writing a letter to someone and Robin asks me to tell the person that she said, hi, or that she loved them. When I have written letters, there have been times that I included, “Robin says she loves you and hope all is going well.” This tells the reader that not only am I wanting to communicate with them, but Robin has something she would like them to know as well.
It’s kind of nice to get a letter from a friend or a relative and see that someone else wanted to include something in the letter. Like when my mom writes and says, Dad says, “hi” hope all is going well.
Well, think about this for just a moment. You know the epistles that are found in the New Testament are nothing more than letters when originally written. For instance, when Paul wrote his letters to Timothy. The first thing he does is identify himself to Timothy. “Paul an apostle of Christ Jesus, by the command of God.” So, now that he had that clear, he was ready to write the letter. Umm? What should I tell Ol’ Tim? Oh Yeah. “Hey Brother Tim, God wanted you to know that He is sending His grace, mercy and peace. Oh, and by the way, that’s from Jesus too.” (1Tim.1:2)
You see when Paul starting writing his letter, God kind of butted in and said, “Tell Ol’ Tim I said, Hi.” God did this with every letter Paul wrote. Isn’t that neat? God wanted not only the original recipient to know that He sends His love, but each and every one of us that reads those letters time and time again.
So, if you are feeling down and it feels like nobody cares get out your Bible and read an epistle –and don’t miss the little special note from God! “Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Have a God blessed week. Pastor Jim
I listen to some of the “news” that comes across Robin’s Facebook. Ugh! “I went to the store…” “I brushed my hair…” “I watched a movie…” Give me a break, already. Tell me something worthwhile. You see, if we went back to paper and pen, maybe we could do away with a lot of the nonsense that comes from tapping that keyboard. Give me something with content. Give me something with meaning. Well, enough of my ranting. I’m starting to sound like one of those “Twitterers” or is it “Twitts’?
There have been times that I have been on the phone or writing a letter to someone and Robin asks me to tell the person that she said, hi, or that she loved them. When I have written letters, there have been times that I included, “Robin says she loves you and hope all is going well.” This tells the reader that not only am I wanting to communicate with them, but Robin has something she would like them to know as well.
It’s kind of nice to get a letter from a friend or a relative and see that someone else wanted to include something in the letter. Like when my mom writes and says, Dad says, “hi” hope all is going well.
Well, think about this for just a moment. You know the epistles that are found in the New Testament are nothing more than letters when originally written. For instance, when Paul wrote his letters to Timothy. The first thing he does is identify himself to Timothy. “Paul an apostle of Christ Jesus, by the command of God.” So, now that he had that clear, he was ready to write the letter. Umm? What should I tell Ol’ Tim? Oh Yeah. “Hey Brother Tim, God wanted you to know that He is sending His grace, mercy and peace. Oh, and by the way, that’s from Jesus too.” (1Tim.1:2)
You see when Paul starting writing his letter, God kind of butted in and said, “Tell Ol’ Tim I said, Hi.” God did this with every letter Paul wrote. Isn’t that neat? God wanted not only the original recipient to know that He sends His love, but each and every one of us that reads those letters time and time again.
So, if you are feeling down and it feels like nobody cares get out your Bible and read an epistle –and don’t miss the little special note from God! “Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Have a God blessed week. Pastor Jim
The Love for God
11/04/10 17:05
Solomon
tells us that there are many men who claim that they
have unfailing love, but then he adds, “a
faithful man, who can find?” It isn’t
hard to see the insight that he is trying to teach us
here; anyone can say what they want about how much
they love this or that, but it’s actions that
speak louder than words.
In another place he says that all of man’s efforts are for his mouth, yet his appetite is never filled. Maybe man tries to convince himself that he has this unfailing love? I used to tell Robin all the time, just how much I loved her. At one point in our marriage it became evident that these were just words. I tried to convince her and myself that she meant more to me than anything on this earth. But my actions spoke otherwise; my eyes wandered beyond my own pasture, my mouth brought forth both fresh and salt water, and my heart was divided between her and (are you ready for this?)… me!
When I realized this for the first time, that I actually loved Robin because I loved me, I began to see where my actions were proving this ugly disclosure. I loved Robin because she loved me; for when I thought that her love waned, I quickly responded in like manner. If she snapped at me, I snapped back –and sometimes sharper and louder. If I thought she was slacking in her efforts to make our home pleasant, I was right there ready to accuse. What I realized was that as long as she made me happy, then I was ready to show the love that I thought I possessed.
Now, these things I have just admitted were present not only in my relationship with Robin but with everyone I interacted with. What is worse, I even brought it to the table when I became a Christian. (I didn’t discover this wickedness in me until after I became a Christian. It took God a number of years before He could get it through my thick scull, that I really thought of myself as somebody special.) I thought I loved God for Himself but I really loved Him because He loved me.
It was only after a long period of trial and wilderness, a time when God allowed me to walk on my faith without a special touch from His Presence that I realized that I just loved Him. Don’t misunderstand, I love the forgiveness of sins, the blessings He continues to bring, the providential care and protection and the promises that are “yes” and “amen.” And what is so amazing is that God had done these things and provided for me while I was yet His enemy.
Paul said that while were still sinners, Christ died for us –this is love! And so, it stands to reason, that in order for me (or you) to love God for Himself, we must love Him faithfully, even when things do not go our way.
Going back to Solomon’s inquiry for a faithful man, we find him when our eyes are fixed upon Jesus Christ. On the night Jesus was betrayed and handed over to be crucified, He told His disciples that the prince of this world (the devil) was coming to bring about the work of evil men. He let us know that the devil had no power over Him but the world must learn that He loved the Father and that He was going to do exactly what the Father commanded.
This is how we can know that we love God for Himself; when we can obey His Word through any circumstance and in every situation. This is love expressing itself through faith and this is the only thing that matters.
In another place he says that all of man’s efforts are for his mouth, yet his appetite is never filled. Maybe man tries to convince himself that he has this unfailing love? I used to tell Robin all the time, just how much I loved her. At one point in our marriage it became evident that these were just words. I tried to convince her and myself that she meant more to me than anything on this earth. But my actions spoke otherwise; my eyes wandered beyond my own pasture, my mouth brought forth both fresh and salt water, and my heart was divided between her and (are you ready for this?)… me!
When I realized this for the first time, that I actually loved Robin because I loved me, I began to see where my actions were proving this ugly disclosure. I loved Robin because she loved me; for when I thought that her love waned, I quickly responded in like manner. If she snapped at me, I snapped back –and sometimes sharper and louder. If I thought she was slacking in her efforts to make our home pleasant, I was right there ready to accuse. What I realized was that as long as she made me happy, then I was ready to show the love that I thought I possessed.
Now, these things I have just admitted were present not only in my relationship with Robin but with everyone I interacted with. What is worse, I even brought it to the table when I became a Christian. (I didn’t discover this wickedness in me until after I became a Christian. It took God a number of years before He could get it through my thick scull, that I really thought of myself as somebody special.) I thought I loved God for Himself but I really loved Him because He loved me.
It was only after a long period of trial and wilderness, a time when God allowed me to walk on my faith without a special touch from His Presence that I realized that I just loved Him. Don’t misunderstand, I love the forgiveness of sins, the blessings He continues to bring, the providential care and protection and the promises that are “yes” and “amen.” And what is so amazing is that God had done these things and provided for me while I was yet His enemy.
Paul said that while were still sinners, Christ died for us –this is love! And so, it stands to reason, that in order for me (or you) to love God for Himself, we must love Him faithfully, even when things do not go our way.
Going back to Solomon’s inquiry for a faithful man, we find him when our eyes are fixed upon Jesus Christ. On the night Jesus was betrayed and handed over to be crucified, He told His disciples that the prince of this world (the devil) was coming to bring about the work of evil men. He let us know that the devil had no power over Him but the world must learn that He loved the Father and that He was going to do exactly what the Father commanded.
This is how we can know that we love God for Himself; when we can obey His Word through any circumstance and in every situation. This is love expressing itself through faith and this is the only thing that matters.
He is Risen! He is Risen!
04/04/10 21:37
From Mary’s first
declaration to this present moment, the Church has
declared that its Founder is indeed –alive and
well! The Christian faith is supported by this one
truth and, as Paul rhetorically states, “And if
Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless
and so is your faith.”
It is not remarkable to me that God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Neither is it remarkable that He has promised to raise all those who are in the faith. God has brought all things to life. He gave life to all and it is not unbelievable that God can give life to the dead. The wonder of it all is the fact that He has bothered at all!
Please give me a moment of your time. Someone once asked, “Why did God bother to create at all if He knew that mankind would go so wrong?” Why would an all-powerful, all-knowing, benevolent God create a world where there is so much pain and suffering?
And the answer? Jesus of Nazareth! I realize that Jesus is and was the image of the invisible God; He is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being; but He was also –all man. He suffered hunger, weariness, and pain. He suffered just as you and I would and yet, His whole life’s mission was to serve God in perfect holiness through obedience to the call.
He knew this from childhood; “Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body Thou hast prepared for me… Then I said, ‘Here I am, I have come –it is written about me in the scroll. I desire to do Thy will, O my God; your law is within my heart.’” And again, “Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you even from my mother’s breast.”
While Jesus was ministering publicly to His brethren, He often told them that He had not come to do His own will, but the will of him who sent Him. Throughout His life, He cried out to God to save Him from death and God heard Him because of His reverent submission. Jesus knew that full obedience to God would mean death for Him, and so, He cried out to God to save Him from it.
Does that mean that Jesus was asking God to scrap the whole idea and let him live forever without tasting death? Absolutely not! Jesus was praying to be resurrected. Jesus was willing to taste death but He was also believing, (in faith) that God would raise Him up from it! Jesus had read and understood that which David had prophesied, “I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay.”
So you see, the promises that Jesus lived by are the same that we are to live by and if God has raised Jesus to life, He will raise us as well. The resurrection of the dead is one of the most important doctrines that the Church must proclaim as loudly as she can. It is her life, her strength and blessed hope. It separates her from every other world view, and defines her practical creed. We live, because He lives. Easter is a celebration of God fulfilling His promise to Jesus Christ. We are called to rejoice –because He is risen!
Have a God blessed week. Pastor Jim
It is not remarkable to me that God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Neither is it remarkable that He has promised to raise all those who are in the faith. God has brought all things to life. He gave life to all and it is not unbelievable that God can give life to the dead. The wonder of it all is the fact that He has bothered at all!
Please give me a moment of your time. Someone once asked, “Why did God bother to create at all if He knew that mankind would go so wrong?” Why would an all-powerful, all-knowing, benevolent God create a world where there is so much pain and suffering?
And the answer? Jesus of Nazareth! I realize that Jesus is and was the image of the invisible God; He is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being; but He was also –all man. He suffered hunger, weariness, and pain. He suffered just as you and I would and yet, His whole life’s mission was to serve God in perfect holiness through obedience to the call.
He knew this from childhood; “Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body Thou hast prepared for me… Then I said, ‘Here I am, I have come –it is written about me in the scroll. I desire to do Thy will, O my God; your law is within my heart.’” And again, “Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you even from my mother’s breast.”
While Jesus was ministering publicly to His brethren, He often told them that He had not come to do His own will, but the will of him who sent Him. Throughout His life, He cried out to God to save Him from death and God heard Him because of His reverent submission. Jesus knew that full obedience to God would mean death for Him, and so, He cried out to God to save Him from it.
Does that mean that Jesus was asking God to scrap the whole idea and let him live forever without tasting death? Absolutely not! Jesus was praying to be resurrected. Jesus was willing to taste death but He was also believing, (in faith) that God would raise Him up from it! Jesus had read and understood that which David had prophesied, “I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay.”
So you see, the promises that Jesus lived by are the same that we are to live by and if God has raised Jesus to life, He will raise us as well. The resurrection of the dead is one of the most important doctrines that the Church must proclaim as loudly as she can. It is her life, her strength and blessed hope. It separates her from every other world view, and defines her practical creed. We live, because He lives. Easter is a celebration of God fulfilling His promise to Jesus Christ. We are called to rejoice –because He is risen!
Have a God blessed week. Pastor Jim