Today the Lord reminded me of some things I'd learned, and clarified them for me. I thought they might be relevant to you as they are to me. They have to do with our interactions with people in the world, and with fellow Christians.
First, it is most important that we do what we say. The issue of living what we preach came up first; often that's going to take crying out to God for help in order to do so. Without that kind of integrity, we lose our good witness and end up ashamed. God comes through with aid when we're committed to actually doing the Word, not just reading it and talking about it.
The issues of "intermarrying with pagans" and "sexual immorality" got a lot of attention: these are obviously really important to the Lord. With the Old and New Testament passages juxtaposed like this, I got a clearer understanding of what the Lord is trying to say, at least to me right now. I think as Christians, we mostly know we're not to marry outside of Christ, or have sex outside of marriage. But I think we can apply this to ourselves in a deeper understanding of intimacy and partnership. We shouldn't be birthing anything of mixed spiritual seed (children of the devil birthing something together with children of God; birthing something that's partly of the devil and partly of God). We shouldn't even take the risk of that kind of illegitimate relationship -- it creates all sorts of trouble.
On the other hand, the Apostle Paul made it clear that the Lord wasn't telling us to go around judging the world for its idolatrous and sexually immoral behavior, or for all the rest of the things he listed (and there is so much more)! God's got it covered. He said he wasn't even telling us to avoid contact with the people in the world, "since then you would need to go out of the world." How could we be a witness in the world if we're not allowed to hang around with people in the world?
If you'll think about it for a minute, Jesus came down out of a holy heaven and entered into a very sinful world, in human form, to hang out with us sinful people. It wasn't because He loved the sin! Obviously He doesn't! He came because He loves people, and He wanted to share God's good news with them. He wanted to give them a way out of the sin, and a way to escape the corruption in the world and the judgement of the world that is to come. He is the Way, and He made it possible for us to see that.
Now it's up to us to do the same. He never engaged in the sinful behavior, however. He was always Himself, yet He made Himself accessible. He was engaging without compromise. Jesus is the best example of how to do godly social networking. Not only that, He's given us His Spirit to help us do it right.
Paul brought up a major issue about how to deal with people who call themselves Christians and don't live like it (and it seems to me that he is talking about habitual lifestyle, not just mistakes, since he called them "evil people"!). As I said before, we should not be one of those. But here we see that we shouldn't even hang around with one of those! Does this seem contradictory? Hang out with the sinners in the world, but don't hang out with the sinners in the Church.
Well, think about it. First, there's the possibility that it might be an imposter (poser, infiltrator), possibly a wolf. Or it could be a person under the influence of a Jezebel spirit. Any of these types are stalking around looking to lead people astray and devour them. Someone doing immoral things within the body of Christ ends up leading others to do the same, usually the lambs. It despoils the testimony of the Church, and it grieves the Spirit of God. The Church is about oneness with God and each other. God will not be one with evil! There may be other reasons besides these. Whatever the reasons for God saying it's a big deal, Paul makes it clear that it's dangerous and that we are to take action. Yes, we are to judge it. We are to disengage from fellowship with them, and we are not to associate. [If you have read further in the letters of Paul, you will see that this choice is to be redemptive always].
As you can see, the things we read in Scripture are very relevant and applicable to our daily lives. I received some clear instruction today, and some things on which to seek God further. I hope you did too.
Questions to ponder:
How committed are you to obeying what the Word of God teaches?
What do you do when you are up against a compromising situation?
Have you ever gotten too involved with an unbeliever? How did that turn out?
How much say does God have in your own social networking practices?
How does God's Word affect how you relate to people in the world? people in the church? Is He calling for any change in these areas?
Have you ever had to give up a Christian friend because they were living a sinful lifestyle? What would tell someone facing that type of choice?
Showing posts with label evangelism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label evangelism. Show all posts
Monday, August 9, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
July 30, 2010 Wearing The Armor of Light
I never noticed before that the passage which says to "put on Christ" is the same passage that says to "put on the armor of light." I think that's awesome! In order to wear this armor, we have to put off the works of darkness. These works are related to being asleep, as the world is. When we're awake, we're walking in love, and this isn't compatible with the works of the flesh, which is the self-centeredness of the fallen nature. Once we've awakened to the reality of our salvation, and we get dressed with the brilliant glory of Christ, what darkness can overcome us?
Again, I'm struck with the prophetic vision of David. He had a relationship with Christ even then, and understood the armor of light. He had no need to fear when he found himself in a dark valley shadowed with evil, enemies, and death. "Dwelling in the house of the Lord forever" takes on a deeper meaning when we understand that it's not necessary to get rid of our natural bodies in order to live in a divine tent of perpetual light that goes wherever we go.
"You are with me" becomes a little more intimate when we're thinking of wearing Christ! It also becomes more public. There's no hiding our salvation or our relationship with the Savior when we're wearing the armor of light! The days of "my faith is personal" (meaning "I don't share it with anyone") are over! When you're dressed in light, can you help but be noticed by people who are in the dark? They might be afraid and run away, but many will be drawn to the light that covers you.
Jesus lives in us by His Word and Spirit when we're born again. But salvation has to be more than just an inner belief, as we have discussed earlier. Having light than shines out from the inside and covers us from the outside is the only effective way to be a witness for Christ. If you're dark, you stay hidden in darkness and nobody notices you. Not to mention how Jesus feels about that! The times we walk around incognito are basically times we're denying that we know Him. I'm not saying we have to be religious about our witnessing! I've known people who talked a lot about the Lord, but were essentially walking in darkness. I've been there myself-- and as "easy" as it is to be asleep, being in the dark is torment when you're a child a God.
The devil feeds on "dust" (Genesis 3:14) which is our self-nature; when we don't put off the works of darkness, he can get us even more entangled in webs of deception, addiction and bitterness than we were before we got "saved." When he's prowling around looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8), he's looking for someone who's not defended, not wearing their armor of light. When we're walking in love, and therefore in the light, we're well defended and have nothing to fear.
Putting our armor on is much more than a morning ritual! Just declaring that we have put on our helmet of salvation, etc., isn't what gets us clothed in light! It's waking up to what salvation really is, and making a command decision to leave the darkness behind. It's called repentance.
We are the children of light! The true light lives in us. Christ's love is shiny and wonderfully resistant to attack. Let's start a fashion trend and wear the light! Shine, shine, shine!
Again, I'm struck with the prophetic vision of David. He had a relationship with Christ even then, and understood the armor of light. He had no need to fear when he found himself in a dark valley shadowed with evil, enemies, and death. "Dwelling in the house of the Lord forever" takes on a deeper meaning when we understand that it's not necessary to get rid of our natural bodies in order to live in a divine tent of perpetual light that goes wherever we go.
"You are with me" becomes a little more intimate when we're thinking of wearing Christ! It also becomes more public. There's no hiding our salvation or our relationship with the Savior when we're wearing the armor of light! The days of "my faith is personal" (meaning "I don't share it with anyone") are over! When you're dressed in light, can you help but be noticed by people who are in the dark? They might be afraid and run away, but many will be drawn to the light that covers you.
Jesus lives in us by His Word and Spirit when we're born again. But salvation has to be more than just an inner belief, as we have discussed earlier. Having light than shines out from the inside and covers us from the outside is the only effective way to be a witness for Christ. If you're dark, you stay hidden in darkness and nobody notices you. Not to mention how Jesus feels about that! The times we walk around incognito are basically times we're denying that we know Him. I'm not saying we have to be religious about our witnessing! I've known people who talked a lot about the Lord, but were essentially walking in darkness. I've been there myself-- and as "easy" as it is to be asleep, being in the dark is torment when you're a child a God.
The devil feeds on "dust" (Genesis 3:14) which is our self-nature; when we don't put off the works of darkness, he can get us even more entangled in webs of deception, addiction and bitterness than we were before we got "saved." When he's prowling around looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8), he's looking for someone who's not defended, not wearing their armor of light. When we're walking in love, and therefore in the light, we're well defended and have nothing to fear.
Putting our armor on is much more than a morning ritual! Just declaring that we have put on our helmet of salvation, etc., isn't what gets us clothed in light! It's waking up to what salvation really is, and making a command decision to leave the darkness behind. It's called repentance.
We are the children of light! The true light lives in us. Christ's love is shiny and wonderfully resistant to attack. Let's start a fashion trend and wear the light! Shine, shine, shine!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
July 13, 2010 The Earth Trembles, The Trees Rejoice
King David and the Apostle Paul seemed to both have the understanding that the natural creation has an awareness of God and proclaims Him in a way that is unmistakable to man. When the earth's quaking and the seas are roaring, it's because the presence of God is near-- He's getting closer. Our response should be in accordance with this: acknowledge His mighty awesomeness, worship Him in the beauty of holiness, glorify Him and make thank offerings, and pray for deliverance from evil. In the midst of all the shaking, we should be able to discern His nearness and rejoice along with the trees! Nature is telling us something-- our salvation is at hand!
Nature also informs us of what is righteous and what is not. Built into us is the knowledge of how God created us and how He created things to be. He reveals His will in nature, and in our own being: spirit, soul and body. As Paul states so powerfully, nobody has any excuse for doing things against nature and against God. What people are doing these days truly follows the description in Romans 2, and it makes nature want to vomit.
When humans "suppress truth in unrighteousness," they are given over to evil in a progression: a darkened mind, then a darkened heart, then darkened physical behavior. It all starts with "exchanging the truth for a lie" and "worshipping and serving the creature instead of the Creator." Romans 1:25
If God gave people up to uncleanness and vile passions, I'd say that's part of His judgment. Verse 18 says the "wrath of God is revealed from heaven." I'm reminded of a a few others verses: "the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God" James 1:20; and "If I whet My glittering sword, And My hand takes hold on judgment, I will render vengeance to My enemies, And repay those who hate Me." Deuteronomy 32:41 and "Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord." Romans 12: 9 NASB (caps were in the translation). Paul said in prelude to that verse (I'm jumping ahead from our reading, I realize): "Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men." Romans 12:17-18
Jesus talked about cities that would have repented if they had seen His works (Luke 10). Jonah's preaching brought the gigantic city of Ninevah to repentance in sackcloth and ashes (even though he was relishing the thought of their destruction). That destruction is coming-- has already started in the people who reject God-- but it is up to us right now to shine forth the glory of God in a way that shows Who He Is. Since God is enthroned in the praises of His people (Ps. 22:3) -- and true praise and worship makes way for the visible, brilliant presence of God-- then our proclaiming His praise would be one way of preaching the truth, and a way that darkened lives could possibly be enlightened again-- before it is too late.
Nature also informs us of what is righteous and what is not. Built into us is the knowledge of how God created us and how He created things to be. He reveals His will in nature, and in our own being: spirit, soul and body. As Paul states so powerfully, nobody has any excuse for doing things against nature and against God. What people are doing these days truly follows the description in Romans 2, and it makes nature want to vomit.
When humans "suppress truth in unrighteousness," they are given over to evil in a progression: a darkened mind, then a darkened heart, then darkened physical behavior. It all starts with "exchanging the truth for a lie" and "worshipping and serving the creature instead of the Creator." Romans 1:25
If God gave people up to uncleanness and vile passions, I'd say that's part of His judgment. Verse 18 says the "wrath of God is revealed from heaven." I'm reminded of a a few others verses: "the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God" James 1:20; and "If I whet My glittering sword, And My hand takes hold on judgment, I will render vengeance to My enemies, And repay those who hate Me." Deuteronomy 32:41 and "Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord." Romans 12: 9 NASB (caps were in the translation). Paul said in prelude to that verse (I'm jumping ahead from our reading, I realize): "Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men." Romans 12:17-18
Jesus talked about cities that would have repented if they had seen His works (Luke 10). Jonah's preaching brought the gigantic city of Ninevah to repentance in sackcloth and ashes (even though he was relishing the thought of their destruction). That destruction is coming-- has already started in the people who reject God-- but it is up to us right now to shine forth the glory of God in a way that shows Who He Is. Since God is enthroned in the praises of His people (Ps. 22:3) -- and true praise and worship makes way for the visible, brilliant presence of God-- then our proclaiming His praise would be one way of preaching the truth, and a way that darkened lives could possibly be enlightened again-- before it is too late.
Monday, July 12, 2010
July 12, 2010 What We're All About
This simple statement is so powerful on its own that I really don't feel the need to say much about it: For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” Romans 1:16-17 NKJV It was the Apostle Paul's mission statement in a way, if I remember rightly what that term means. It was what he was all about, in a nutshell.
After reading in Acts about the conversion and ministry of Paul, I am quite ready to learn from him (via the Holy Spirit) about the power and righteousness of God, the walk of faith, and the message of the gospel of Christ. I want to have his heart, for truth and for souls, imparted to me-- you?
I think I enjoyed, more than ever before, vicariously going on those mission trips as I imagined sailing on the numerous ships to various places, seeing the miracles and rejoicing in the people who received Christ. Now I am looking forward to sitting at that preacher's feet, in a way, and letting the things that motivated him to so lay down his own life get into me and motivate me. There is no time barrier in the Kingdom of God. It's just as real and alive now as it was then. With this attitude, then, I plan on diving into the letters and coming out changed. Want to join me?
After reading in Acts about the conversion and ministry of Paul, I am quite ready to learn from him (via the Holy Spirit) about the power and righteousness of God, the walk of faith, and the message of the gospel of Christ. I want to have his heart, for truth and for souls, imparted to me-- you?
I think I enjoyed, more than ever before, vicariously going on those mission trips as I imagined sailing on the numerous ships to various places, seeing the miracles and rejoicing in the people who received Christ. Now I am looking forward to sitting at that preacher's feet, in a way, and letting the things that motivated him to so lay down his own life get into me and motivate me. There is no time barrier in the Kingdom of God. It's just as real and alive now as it was then. With this attitude, then, I plan on diving into the letters and coming out changed. Want to join me?
Friday, June 25, 2010
June 25, 2010 Earth-Shaking Praise
Our trials and tribulations always have redemptive purposes! We can be assured of this because, when we belong to God, He uses everything for good. We have our share of responsibility, I think, in releasing God's redemptive purpose into our sphere of influence. From reading about Paul and Silas in prison, I realize that praising and glorifying God in the midst of trouble and persecution can be the sign that points people to Christ.
Even when our sufferings are entirely private, praising God with abandon is a key to victory. If we're practicing this when no one is looking, we'll be prepared for action when someone actually is. To me, having victory over my difficult circumstances is a good incentive to do what I know: praise God with my whole heart-- which is a pleasing sacrifice. The thought that I might be practicing for the future-- that other people might be brought into the Kingdom because I glorified God while I suffered-- gives my present trials even more meaning. I might even be able to embrace them with gusto!
Even when our sufferings are entirely private, praising God with abandon is a key to victory. If we're practicing this when no one is looking, we'll be prepared for action when someone actually is. To me, having victory over my difficult circumstances is a good incentive to do what I know: praise God with my whole heart-- which is a pleasing sacrifice. The thought that I might be practicing for the future-- that other people might be brought into the Kingdom because I glorified God while I suffered-- gives my present trials even more meaning. I might even be able to embrace them with gusto!
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
May 5, 2010 A True Witness
"A true witness delivers souls, but a deceitful witness speaks lies." Proverbs 14:25 There is more to being a true witness than telling true facts. Jesus demonstrated this in His witness to the Samaritan woman. His true witness won her to Truth. He also taught her how to be a true witness. Then her true witness won others to Truth. We cannot of our own ability win souls, but we can be in a place where the Spirit of Truth can work to draw people to Christ. Let's see what Jesus had to show and tell about being a true witness.
First of all, Jesus did not hide Who He was or what He had to offer. He didn't try to cover anything up-- He was a true witness in that He did not use any kind of deception. Darkness and deception had no place in Christ, and that is His work in us, to reveal these things by His light of truth. He was spiritually transparent, and the light and love of God shone through. He told pure truth. He had no "fear of man," and He had no need to use tricks to try and win people.
Jesus did not ignore the darkness in the woman to whom He was witnessing. He let the light shine right on it. If we were to do this in a sense of judgment, as probably the woman had often experienced before, the opportunity to share the truth would be over. Even though Jesus' light was shining with nothing but the Father's love and compassion, the woman's habit was to deflect the conversation away from her darkness-- she changed the subject, even though previously, she had been very interested in the offer of living water.
Since the woman began the topic of worship, Jesus took up that topic. [The whole time He was talking to her, He was always steering her away from looking at everything in the natural and helping her to focus upon the spiritual instead. This was really a key in getting her free from her sinful lifestyle.] "You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4: 22-24 He showed her how needful it was that she allow the light in and not hide from it, even to cover up her shameful darkness. He was telling her that God already knew about it, and yet was still willing to reveal Himself to her. She was ready for the revelation, and believed that Jesus was the Messiah, Who was to be her covering.
When the Samaritan woman went to be a witness to the people of her town, she no longer was trying to cover up and hide. She had received His word about being a true witness, and her statement was: “Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did. Could this be the Christ?” Then they went out of the city and came to Him. John 4: 29-30 Something about this was enough to make the whole town want to come and meet Jesus. Once they had heard Him themselves, they too believed.
Whenever Jesus speaks to us, He shows us that He is the provision for whatever it is that we're needing. He also lovingly shows us what it is that is keeping us from receiving whatever it is that He has for us. He does this because He loves us. Every place that is dark in us is a place that can be inhabited by Jesus' light. The light will always overcome the darkness, so all we have to do is let the light in.
One of the best ways to become more filled with Him, which is how we become a true witness for Him, is to worship Him. True worship is not happening when our bodies are doing one thing and our hearts are somewhere else. It also doesn't happen when we're not being honest with the Lord. So true, unveiled worship in God's presence is one of our most important preparations for work in the harvest. This is where we become transparent enough for His light to shine forth into the world. Worship in spirit and in truth needs to become our lifestyle.
The "fear of man" will compel us to cover up (or deflect people's attention away from) things we think will not be acceptable to others. It is always based on our own perceptions, or that which others have taught us. It is not related to how God really sees us, but sometimes to how we think He sees us. The more we encounter the love of God through Christ, the more we realize how very much He loves us. Even if He reveals darkness in us, He shines in His light and dispels it, filling us with His love. We can run and hide from it if we choose, but it is wise to choose truth.
Personally, I have to keep on opening up to the presence of God to overcome the fear of rejection that keeps me struggling with the desire to hide. He keeps on reassuring me of His love, filling me up with His light, and helping me to lay down anything that I might use to hide from Himself and others. This motivates me to continually seek His help: if I am hiding behind something, for example, a mask of cheerfulness when I am depressed, then I have become a deceitful witness telling lies instead of the truth I want to tell. This may sound very harsh, but it is probably one of the greatest reasons in the Church for not seeing a much greater harvest of souls into the Kingdom.
The process of becoming a true witness is often painful, but always rewarding. The joy comes when we get to enjoy the fruit of the harvest with the Father and the Son. "And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together." John 4:36
First of all, Jesus did not hide Who He was or what He had to offer. He didn't try to cover anything up-- He was a true witness in that He did not use any kind of deception. Darkness and deception had no place in Christ, and that is His work in us, to reveal these things by His light of truth. He was spiritually transparent, and the light and love of God shone through. He told pure truth. He had no "fear of man," and He had no need to use tricks to try and win people.
Jesus did not ignore the darkness in the woman to whom He was witnessing. He let the light shine right on it. If we were to do this in a sense of judgment, as probably the woman had often experienced before, the opportunity to share the truth would be over. Even though Jesus' light was shining with nothing but the Father's love and compassion, the woman's habit was to deflect the conversation away from her darkness-- she changed the subject, even though previously, she had been very interested in the offer of living water.
Since the woman began the topic of worship, Jesus took up that topic. [The whole time He was talking to her, He was always steering her away from looking at everything in the natural and helping her to focus upon the spiritual instead. This was really a key in getting her free from her sinful lifestyle.] "You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4: 22-24 He showed her how needful it was that she allow the light in and not hide from it, even to cover up her shameful darkness. He was telling her that God already knew about it, and yet was still willing to reveal Himself to her. She was ready for the revelation, and believed that Jesus was the Messiah, Who was to be her covering.
When the Samaritan woman went to be a witness to the people of her town, she no longer was trying to cover up and hide. She had received His word about being a true witness, and her statement was: “Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did. Could this be the Christ?” Then they went out of the city and came to Him. John 4: 29-30 Something about this was enough to make the whole town want to come and meet Jesus. Once they had heard Him themselves, they too believed.
Whenever Jesus speaks to us, He shows us that He is the provision for whatever it is that we're needing. He also lovingly shows us what it is that is keeping us from receiving whatever it is that He has for us. He does this because He loves us. Every place that is dark in us is a place that can be inhabited by Jesus' light. The light will always overcome the darkness, so all we have to do is let the light in.
One of the best ways to become more filled with Him, which is how we become a true witness for Him, is to worship Him. True worship is not happening when our bodies are doing one thing and our hearts are somewhere else. It also doesn't happen when we're not being honest with the Lord. So true, unveiled worship in God's presence is one of our most important preparations for work in the harvest. This is where we become transparent enough for His light to shine forth into the world. Worship in spirit and in truth needs to become our lifestyle.
The "fear of man" will compel us to cover up (or deflect people's attention away from) things we think will not be acceptable to others. It is always based on our own perceptions, or that which others have taught us. It is not related to how God really sees us, but sometimes to how we think He sees us. The more we encounter the love of God through Christ, the more we realize how very much He loves us. Even if He reveals darkness in us, He shines in His light and dispels it, filling us with His love. We can run and hide from it if we choose, but it is wise to choose truth.
Personally, I have to keep on opening up to the presence of God to overcome the fear of rejection that keeps me struggling with the desire to hide. He keeps on reassuring me of His love, filling me up with His light, and helping me to lay down anything that I might use to hide from Himself and others. This motivates me to continually seek His help: if I am hiding behind something, for example, a mask of cheerfulness when I am depressed, then I have become a deceitful witness telling lies instead of the truth I want to tell. This may sound very harsh, but it is probably one of the greatest reasons in the Church for not seeing a much greater harvest of souls into the Kingdom.
The process of becoming a true witness is often painful, but always rewarding. The joy comes when we get to enjoy the fruit of the harvest with the Father and the Son. "And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together." John 4:36
Saturday, May 1, 2010
May 1, 2010
The essence of evangelism: "We have found the Messiah. Come and see." First of all, we have to have a revelation of the Lord. It helps to tell people how we got that revelation. Next, we introduce them to Jesus. Telling about Him is never enough-- people have to meet Him themselves. Then, in His presence, they experience Him-- He looks at them and speaks into their heart. Then they know He is God. After that, it is between them and God. People have to make their own choice, but trying to convince them without introducing them to a REAL PERSON is of little value. Once you've done that, though, you've done your part, except to pray for them and be a good example of a person who maintains a real relationship with Christ.
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