Every once and a while, I’ll spend a little time perusing the North American Mission Board web site (www.namb.net). There are times, I come across very interesting and helpful information. Recently, I stumbled on one such web page. From the Center for Missional Research, came an article entitled, “How do the Unchurched View Southern Baptists?” (http://www.namb.net/site/apps/nl/content2.asp?c=9qKILUOzEpH&b=2027651&ct=3198399) There were three very interesting findings.
First, 40 percent of those who’d attended a service were not familiar enough with Southern Baptists to form an impression. Over half of the people who had not attended a service where unfamiliar with the SBC. The findings show that “almost half of those surveyed just have no familiarity with who we are.”
Secondly, they looked at the “Impact of Knowing a Church is Southern Baptist on decision to visit or join.” These findings were especially troublesome. Among the unchurched people who expressed an opinion, almost three times as many said it would have a negative impact.
Finally, I thought the results of the age and willingness of people to “visit or join” a SBC church was interesting. Younger adults were substantially less willing to visit and join a church if they knew it was an SBC church.
What are we missing? There is no doubt that the over whelming majority of people have no idea who Southern Baptist are. I think there is no doubt loyalties to denominations are a bygone product. Most people could care less what denomination they attend. We, too, must realize joining a Southern Baptist Church does not have an impact upon our salvation. In fact, a person’s affiliation with any denomination means nothing. Salvation is based upon a person’s affiliation with our Savior, Jesus Christ and Christ alone. We can not rest on the simple fact that we are Southern Baptist and beliee people will be knocking down our door. So what can we learn from research like this?
First, we must continually engage our community. Gone are the days where people would simply come to your church. In states like Oklahoma and Texas, Southern Baptist work is woven into the fabric of local communities. However in more pioneer work like Kansas and Nebraska, Southern Baptist work is relatively new and unknown. Furthermore, the days of people simply coming to our church are long gone. We must be out into the community. Jim Toole reminded me that too many of our churches are becoming too much like seminaries (Let’s Worship Fall 2007). All we do is take in and never give out. We must get to know them and address their needs. They must see a church that genuinely cares for them and shows compassion for their families. We can not expect them to simply waltz into our church because we are Southern Baptists. We must be looking for ways to connect to them in their environment and then lead them to a place of faith. Toole goes on to say, “When your people give back to God from an overflow of what He gives them, it makes room for more of God in their hearts. If they hold in the glory of God, they become complacent, complaining, and uncaring. However, if they give God the glory due His name, they become caring, compassionate, and contagious” (Let’s Worship pg 62). We must continually be creating avenues for people to come and link arms with us. We can do this through one-day fairs, Angel Food Ministry, revivals, vbs, and maybe the most effective, small groups.
Secondly, we must exhibit Christ-like character. Matthew 9:36 tells us that Jesus had compassion on the crowd because they were harassed and helpless. Do you have the same compassion for people? Do you care that many do not have the most basic necessities in life? Do you care that many are lost without Jesus? Not only do we need to continually engage society, we must be willing to exhibit the attitude of Christ. We must develop a heart that truly seeks the well-being and welfare of others. This is one of the reasons I believe compassion ministries of our church are so very important. Ministries like Angel Food are open avenues to meet the physical and spiritual needs of others.
Finally, we must care enough to explain the Gospel to others. Let me outline a few very simple steps to help us all become more focused upon sharing the gospel with others:
1. Pray God will give you an attitude of multiplication. In most churches, if a survey were taken and the question were asked if they wanted to see growth up to ¼ of the people would say no. This should not be.
2. Be attentive to God’s Spirit. Everyday, ask God to bring people to you that you can share your story with.
3. Answer God’s prompting. If you are asking God to bring people to you, be ready to respond to His prompting.
4. Talk with them – don’t be pushy or use religious jargon – once again, follow God’s leading.
5. When the door is open, share your testimony in 100 words or less. Are you able to share who you were before Christ, how you can to know Christ, and who you are today with Christ as your Lord and Savior? Can you do this in 100 words or less? You may not have much time.
Let me share a very quick story of how God uses opportunities to let us share the hope of Jesus. I was going to a garage sell this past Friday. I’m always looking for cheap books. As I was looking in a box of books, I noticed that many of the books were Bibles and a few other Christian books. Talk about an easy opening for the Gospel! I simply asked the person, “I see you have a lot of Christian Bibles, do you have a faith in Jesus?” Her answer was simple, “Oh, those are my mother’s books. I’m not religious – I’m spiritual but not religious.” I asked her, “What do you mean spiritual?” Over the coming minutes, I was able to talk about the importance of Jesus Christ in our lives. Come to find out, this lady was a mother of a little girl who had already been coming to our church. As we closed, I was able to invite her to our church. I have taken her name and have begun to pray for her every time God brings her name to me. I have no doubt God will honor the effort at a garage sell and will bring this lady into the Kingdom. I had to have my eyes open to the opportunity. I had to be bold enough to ask a question and finally I had to be sensitive enough to talk with her. Every Christian can do what I did. It does not take a preacher, just a person who really cares enough.
We must be willing to engage society, exhibit a transformed life, and be willing to explain the Gospel when God opens the door. In other words, we must invest in lives of people. In order to offer change, we must invite them to church. We must begin to pray to have a positive influence upon people so we may have a major Kingdom impact upon lives. Are you a caring, compassionate, and contagious Christian? If not, why not? Pray that God will take your heart and create in you a compassionate and caring heart so you can be a contagious on fire Christian.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Friday, June 22, 2007
"Always" of Scripture
It is always a lot of fun to do word studies in the Bible. I’m not real sure how I begin these studies but this week I did a study of the word “Always.” As I studied the word, I discovered four words that have a common link to the word “Always.” The Greek word for “always” is “Pantote.” It has the idea of “at all times or always” (see 1 Thes 5:16). There is also the Greek word, “Adialeiptos” which means “without ceasing” (see 1 Thes 5:17). The third word is the Greek word “aei” and means “at any and every time, perpetually” (see Phi 4:4 or Col 4:6). The final word is the Greek word “pas” which means all. This is a very common Greek word. It has the idea of being inclusive. For instance, the verse “For all have sinned…” the word all is “pantes” from the root “pas.” This is the word used for “everything” in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 “”in everything give thanks…” Therefore, there is nothing in which we can not give thanks.
As I thought about these four words, I realized collectively they give the idea of being inclusive, always or perpetually. They each have the idea of “each and every time.” Let me show you a few places where the words are used:
Always be confident 2 Cor 5:6
Always rejoice 2 Cor 6:10, Ph 4:4
Always be zealous Ga 4:18
Always give thanks – Eph 5:20, 2 Th 1:13, 1 Th 5:18
Always pray – Eph 6:18, 1 Th 5:17, 1 Tim 2:1
Always obey – Ph 2:2
Always have your conversation filled with grace Col 4:6
Always be kind 1 Th 5:15
Always be joyful 1 Th 5:16, James 1:2
Always be prepared to witness 1 Pe 3:15
Always love 1 Co 16:14
I realize these traits should not characterize my life some of the time or even most of the time. These traits should characterize my life all the time. I should respond with confidence, joy, thankfulness and love each and every time. I don’t know about you, but that is extremely challenging. I would be the first to admit my conversation is not always filled with grace nor do I give thanks in everything or have joy perpetually. As I humble myself before God and desire to continually be transformed into the image of Christ, it is not hard to know what He wants from me. God wants me to always love, to always be confident, to rejoice in all things, to continually give thanks, to always have a prayer on my lips, to obey Him in all things, to speak with grace and be kind to everyone. Wow! What a challenge to my heart. I pray God will continually fill me with His Spirit that I might live a life fully devoted and honoring to Him.
As I thought about these four words, I realized collectively they give the idea of being inclusive, always or perpetually. They each have the idea of “each and every time.” Let me show you a few places where the words are used:
Always be confident 2 Cor 5:6
Always rejoice 2 Cor 6:10, Ph 4:4
Always be zealous Ga 4:18
Always give thanks – Eph 5:20, 2 Th 1:13, 1 Th 5:18
Always pray – Eph 6:18, 1 Th 5:17, 1 Tim 2:1
Always obey – Ph 2:2
Always have your conversation filled with grace Col 4:6
Always be kind 1 Th 5:15
Always be joyful 1 Th 5:16, James 1:2
Always be prepared to witness 1 Pe 3:15
Always love 1 Co 16:14
I realize these traits should not characterize my life some of the time or even most of the time. These traits should characterize my life all the time. I should respond with confidence, joy, thankfulness and love each and every time. I don’t know about you, but that is extremely challenging. I would be the first to admit my conversation is not always filled with grace nor do I give thanks in everything or have joy perpetually. As I humble myself before God and desire to continually be transformed into the image of Christ, it is not hard to know what He wants from me. God wants me to always love, to always be confident, to rejoice in all things, to continually give thanks, to always have a prayer on my lips, to obey Him in all things, to speak with grace and be kind to everyone. Wow! What a challenge to my heart. I pray God will continually fill me with His Spirit that I might live a life fully devoted and honoring to Him.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Security Part 1
As a pastor of a Southern Baptist Church, I have found the doctrine of the Security of the Believer to be one of the most misunderstood beliefs in the church today. On one hand, there are those who believe that a sinner’s prayer, a casual profession and a warm water dunking will secure them eternally no matter how they choose to live. On the other hand, there are those who believe one can loose their salvation at any turn and could possess eternal life one day and be in danger of the fires of hell the next. Like most beliefs, the truth is probably best found in the middle. I have a very strong belief and am a great proponent for the Security of the Believer. Over the coming weeks, I am going to address this very important topic.
I am going to attack this issue with about four different writings. First, I simply want to say I believe the clear teaching of scripture overwhelmingly supports the belief that a genuine follower of Christ is eternally secure in the hands of Christ. As we examine this doctrine, allow me to show you a few promises in Scripture:
1. The Present Tense of Eternal Life
1 Jn 5:13-14
13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.
He writes to those who believe (present tense) so they may know (without a shadow of a doubt) that they have (possess now) eternal life. What do they possess? How long is eternal life? I could have eternal life one day and loose it the next day it would not be eternal.
2. The promise of eternal life
Jn 3:16-17
16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Once again, when one believes what do they receive? How long is eternal life? When do you begin your eternal life with Christ? (the moment you believe).
3. God’s Plan
Jn 6:39-40
39 And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. 40 For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day."
What is the Father’s will? How many will Jesus lose?
4. In the hand
Jn 10:27-30
28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. 30 I and the Father are one."
When Christ gives us eternal life, we shall never perish. We are placed in His hands where nothing can snatch us out.
5. The Deposit
Eph 1:13-14
13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession-to the praise of his glory.
When a person believes, they are marked with a seal the promised Holy Spirit. The Bible says, (not I) the Holy Spirit is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance. The Holy Spirit is a deposit (part of the purchase-money or property given in advance as security for the rest) God gives us the Holy Spirit has a deposit promising there is more where that comes from.
The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament says that “arrobon” (deposit) is a commercial loan word from the Semitic signifying ‘pledge’ or ‘deposit’. Paul uses it in 2 Corinthians 1:22 and Ephesians 1:14 for the Spirit who is for us the guarantee of full future possession of salvation” (page 80).
6. Kept for us
1 Pe 1:3-4
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade-kept in heaven for you,
In Ephesians we see that the Holy Spirit is the deposit on our inheritance. Where is our inheritance kept? How can we loose something we do not keep?
7. The Presentation
Jude 24 –
24 To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy- 25 to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.
Who keeps me from falling and presents before His glorious presence?
8. Ro 8:35-39
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
What can separate us from the love of Christ?
As we go through this process of looking at the security of the believer, I have outlined a few Promises from Scripture. Part two will show that the doctrine of the security of the believer is based not only on the promises from Scripture but also the Pardon of the Father, the Payment of the Son, and the Power of the Holy Spirit. I will show that this doctrine does not give us a license to sin but is a promise to give us continual hope and confidence in the keeping power of God.
As I close this part, I echo the great words of Paul to Timothy: “Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day” (2 Tim 1:12). I, too, am convinced that Christ is able to guard what I have entrusted to him.
I am going to attack this issue with about four different writings. First, I simply want to say I believe the clear teaching of scripture overwhelmingly supports the belief that a genuine follower of Christ is eternally secure in the hands of Christ. As we examine this doctrine, allow me to show you a few promises in Scripture:
1. The Present Tense of Eternal Life
1 Jn 5:13-14
13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.
He writes to those who believe (present tense) so they may know (without a shadow of a doubt) that they have (possess now) eternal life. What do they possess? How long is eternal life? I could have eternal life one day and loose it the next day it would not be eternal.
2. The promise of eternal life
Jn 3:16-17
16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Once again, when one believes what do they receive? How long is eternal life? When do you begin your eternal life with Christ? (the moment you believe).
3. God’s Plan
Jn 6:39-40
39 And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. 40 For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day."
What is the Father’s will? How many will Jesus lose?
4. In the hand
Jn 10:27-30
28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. 30 I and the Father are one."
When Christ gives us eternal life, we shall never perish. We are placed in His hands where nothing can snatch us out.
5. The Deposit
Eph 1:13-14
13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession-to the praise of his glory.
When a person believes, they are marked with a seal the promised Holy Spirit. The Bible says, (not I) the Holy Spirit is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance. The Holy Spirit is a deposit (part of the purchase-money or property given in advance as security for the rest) God gives us the Holy Spirit has a deposit promising there is more where that comes from.
The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament says that “arrobon” (deposit) is a commercial loan word from the Semitic signifying ‘pledge’ or ‘deposit’. Paul uses it in 2 Corinthians 1:22 and Ephesians 1:14 for the Spirit who is for us the guarantee of full future possession of salvation” (page 80).
6. Kept for us
1 Pe 1:3-4
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade-kept in heaven for you,
In Ephesians we see that the Holy Spirit is the deposit on our inheritance. Where is our inheritance kept? How can we loose something we do not keep?
7. The Presentation
Jude 24 –
24 To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy- 25 to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.
Who keeps me from falling and presents before His glorious presence?
8. Ro 8:35-39
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
What can separate us from the love of Christ?
As we go through this process of looking at the security of the believer, I have outlined a few Promises from Scripture. Part two will show that the doctrine of the security of the believer is based not only on the promises from Scripture but also the Pardon of the Father, the Payment of the Son, and the Power of the Holy Spirit. I will show that this doctrine does not give us a license to sin but is a promise to give us continual hope and confidence in the keeping power of God.
As I close this part, I echo the great words of Paul to Timothy: “Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day” (2 Tim 1:12). I, too, am convinced that Christ is able to guard what I have entrusted to him.
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
A Tornado Emergency in Greensburg
The devastation is incredible. As the news reports come flowing in and pictures are shown, I am struck with the awesome destructive power of the F5 tornado. A few weeks after the Hoisington tornado, I toured the area of destruction. Also, a couple of months after hurricane Katrina I walked the beaches where the devastating hurricane made landfall. In both of those instances, I was truly amazed, humbled, and awestruck by the severe devastation. However, in both of those cases, there were parts of town which were left standing. There were places to regroup and plan strategies to rebuild. However, the Greensburg devastation is so total. My heart grieves for the people of that city and the many more Kansans who were affected by many powerful storms last week. I still believe God is in complete control. I know He offers comfort to each person who has cried even one tear of loss and pain this week. I have complete assurance that He cares about each of those people more than we can ever imagine (for more on suffering see my Thoughts on West Virginia). As I look back on the ominous evening of destruction in Kansas, I am reminded of a great truth the body of Christ needs to always be mindful of: Advance warning can be very effective and life saving.
As reports keep streaming in, there is one great story of the work of the National Weather Service in Dodge City. Approximately 20 minutes before the tornado unmercifully entered the city limits of Greensburg, a NWS weather man issued a rare Tornado Emergency bulletin. It is believed that bulletin alone saved countless lives. A single warning of impending doom truly was instrumental in saving lives. As I reflected upon that amazing story, I was reminded of the importance of the body of Christ in warning people of impending judgment and doom. I believe one of the great mandates of the church is to be about the business of warning people of certain divine judgment.
The prophet Ezekiel was called to be a watchman for the house of Israel. In chapter 3 verse 17, he is commanded to warn the people. In the Hebrew, the word “warn” has the idea “to teach, to warn, to shine, to send out light.” The prophet was told to teach, to warn, and to shine the words God gives him. God goes on to tell the prophet,
Ezekiel 3:18-19
18 When I say to a wicked man, 'You will surely die,' and you do not warn him or speak out to dissuade him from his evil ways in order to save his life, that wicked man will die for his sin, and I will hold you accountable for his blood. 19 But if you do warn the wicked man and he does not turn from his wickedness or from his evil ways, he will die for his sin; but you will have saved yourself. (see also 33:7-9).
Ezekiel was commanded to warn the people. In fact, God says if he did the blood of the guilty would not be upon him. However, if he failed to warn the people, the blood of the people would be upon him. Could you imagine what would have happened if it came out that the NWS knew a F5 tornado was making a beeline toward Greensburg yet failed to give out a warning? It would have been unconscionable, irresponsible, and deadly. They would have come under great scrutiny. People would have lost their lives for their costly mistake and someone would have lost their job. The question for the body of Christ is very simple: Could you imagine knowing of the impending doom, destruction, and judgment of God and not telling anyone? Our not warning people of the judgment of God is unconscionable, irresponsible, and deadly. No matter your eschatological views, most Christians would agree that everyone must face God in judgment. “Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake; some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt” (Daniel 12:2). When was the last time you warned someone of their future? When was the last time your church became busy and concerned over the souls of people? We have been called to be a watchman for God and to warn the people of God’s plans. We must take this mandate serious and get busy in the business of shinning Christ, warn people of the impending destruction, and teach them of God’s grace and mercy.
What do we tell people? Ezekiel was told to tell them, “As surely as I live … I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die, O house of Israel?” (Ezekiel 33:11). As we warn people, we need to tell them five basic truths: The problem, the penalty, the pardon, the promise and the purpose.
First, we must remind them of the problem of sin. We are all sinners (Roman 3:2). Each and every one of us has fallen short of God’s glory. Once we tell them of the problem of sin, we must remind them that the penalty of sin is death (Romans 6:23). Because we have sinned, we deserve to die. But the good news is that Jesus Christ has paid the pardon for our sin (1 John 2:2). Instead of you and me dying, Jesus Christ died for us. The promise of God is simple: if we only repent of our sins, believe in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we will be saved. In repentance, there will be a change of life and direction. Our conduct and character will be different and we will be able to enjoy times of refreshing (Acts 3:19). Finally, as a person becomes convicted of their sin, as they understand the penalty they deserve, as they believe in the pardon Christ gives, and as they accept the promise, then and only then are they able to live for the purpose and plan God has for their lives. God has an incredible plan and purpose for our lives. It is only has we join ourselves in faith to Christ that we can begin to realize God’s amazing plan for our lives.
Body of Christ, let us get busy in warning people. We are the instruments God has chosen to get His good news to a lost and dying world. Let us make sure that the blood of others will not be upon us. By all means, do not be guilty of the sin of silence. I have praised God many times over the last few days on the timely tornado emergency given to the people of Greensburg. There can be no doubt of the number of people that saved. Let us learn the lesson well and be about the business of warning everyone around us. There is time left for us to act. Someday it will be too late – but not yet! Warn the people. Tell them of the hope and salvation God has offered each of us through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ.
As reports keep streaming in, there is one great story of the work of the National Weather Service in Dodge City. Approximately 20 minutes before the tornado unmercifully entered the city limits of Greensburg, a NWS weather man issued a rare Tornado Emergency bulletin. It is believed that bulletin alone saved countless lives. A single warning of impending doom truly was instrumental in saving lives. As I reflected upon that amazing story, I was reminded of the importance of the body of Christ in warning people of impending judgment and doom. I believe one of the great mandates of the church is to be about the business of warning people of certain divine judgment.
The prophet Ezekiel was called to be a watchman for the house of Israel. In chapter 3 verse 17, he is commanded to warn the people. In the Hebrew, the word “warn” has the idea “to teach, to warn, to shine, to send out light.” The prophet was told to teach, to warn, and to shine the words God gives him. God goes on to tell the prophet,
Ezekiel 3:18-19
18 When I say to a wicked man, 'You will surely die,' and you do not warn him or speak out to dissuade him from his evil ways in order to save his life, that wicked man will die for his sin, and I will hold you accountable for his blood. 19 But if you do warn the wicked man and he does not turn from his wickedness or from his evil ways, he will die for his sin; but you will have saved yourself. (see also 33:7-9).
Ezekiel was commanded to warn the people. In fact, God says if he did the blood of the guilty would not be upon him. However, if he failed to warn the people, the blood of the people would be upon him. Could you imagine what would have happened if it came out that the NWS knew a F5 tornado was making a beeline toward Greensburg yet failed to give out a warning? It would have been unconscionable, irresponsible, and deadly. They would have come under great scrutiny. People would have lost their lives for their costly mistake and someone would have lost their job. The question for the body of Christ is very simple: Could you imagine knowing of the impending doom, destruction, and judgment of God and not telling anyone? Our not warning people of the judgment of God is unconscionable, irresponsible, and deadly. No matter your eschatological views, most Christians would agree that everyone must face God in judgment. “Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake; some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt” (Daniel 12:2). When was the last time you warned someone of their future? When was the last time your church became busy and concerned over the souls of people? We have been called to be a watchman for God and to warn the people of God’s plans. We must take this mandate serious and get busy in the business of shinning Christ, warn people of the impending destruction, and teach them of God’s grace and mercy.
What do we tell people? Ezekiel was told to tell them, “As surely as I live … I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die, O house of Israel?” (Ezekiel 33:11). As we warn people, we need to tell them five basic truths: The problem, the penalty, the pardon, the promise and the purpose.
First, we must remind them of the problem of sin. We are all sinners (Roman 3:2). Each and every one of us has fallen short of God’s glory. Once we tell them of the problem of sin, we must remind them that the penalty of sin is death (Romans 6:23). Because we have sinned, we deserve to die. But the good news is that Jesus Christ has paid the pardon for our sin (1 John 2:2). Instead of you and me dying, Jesus Christ died for us. The promise of God is simple: if we only repent of our sins, believe in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we will be saved. In repentance, there will be a change of life and direction. Our conduct and character will be different and we will be able to enjoy times of refreshing (Acts 3:19). Finally, as a person becomes convicted of their sin, as they understand the penalty they deserve, as they believe in the pardon Christ gives, and as they accept the promise, then and only then are they able to live for the purpose and plan God has for their lives. God has an incredible plan and purpose for our lives. It is only has we join ourselves in faith to Christ that we can begin to realize God’s amazing plan for our lives.
Body of Christ, let us get busy in warning people. We are the instruments God has chosen to get His good news to a lost and dying world. Let us make sure that the blood of others will not be upon us. By all means, do not be guilty of the sin of silence. I have praised God many times over the last few days on the timely tornado emergency given to the people of Greensburg. There can be no doubt of the number of people that saved. Let us learn the lesson well and be about the business of warning everyone around us. There is time left for us to act. Someday it will be too late – but not yet! Warn the people. Tell them of the hope and salvation God has offered each of us through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Biblical Intake 1
In my quiet time, I am reading the book of Colossians. It is one of those books I really enjoy. I do things probably different than most people. I try to stay in one book for an entire month. I especially like to spend time in the Epistles this way. I am able to read the entire Epistle many times in a period of a month. As I do, I am able to slowly glean and mine amazing truths from God’s Word. However, there is also time for me to linger, meditate and simply consume God’s Word. I always begin with an entire reading of the passage I intend to delve into for the month. Sometimes it may be portions of scripture instead of a full book. For instance, I love to spend a month in John 13-21. I also break up books like Romans, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Hebrews, and other longer books this way. But my favorite is to take books like Colossians read them in one sitting and then begin back in chapter 1 and read them slowly a few more times during the month. I find this way especially useful to learn of the author’s intent and to really be informed of the context of the letter.
The intake of God’s Word is so very important. Too many Christians simply peruse the Word with the same interest and passion they do a good novel, a cheap Harlequin romance, or an interesting news article. Too often we forget that the Bible is the very Word of God. It is God speaking to us. It reminds me of the letters I would receive from my wife, Heidi, while we were dating miles apart. I would consume those letters. I would take it, smell it, tear it open, linger over every word, read it over and over again so grateful for each and every letter. The Bible is God’s love letter to you and me. How do you think Heidi would have felt if I would receive her letters and they would have stayed in an unopened envelope for a week or two? How would she feel if I would have read those letters with no passion and feeling? How would she how felt if the only reason I read her letters was to appease her and put me on her good side? How does God feel when we treat His love letter the same way?
It has been said of Spurgeon that he believed “There is no such thing as reverence for God and faithfulness to Christ, without obedience and faith in their words” (Spurgeon v. Hyper Calvinism by Iain H. Murray pg 9). Murray goes on to write, “Spurgeon is only repeating what Scripture itself says when he writes: ‘Unless we receive Christ’s words, we cannot receive Christ; and unless we receive the apostles’ words, we do not receive Christ; for John saith, ‘He that knoweth God heareth us; he that knoweth not God heareth not us. Hereby now we the spirit of truth and the spirit of error’” (Murray pg 9). I would go so far to say that a person’s attitude toward the Word of God is a very good barometer of their faith and closeness of their walk with God. Let me ask you a question. Other than you’re your time at church, how much time do you spend in the Word? The closeness of your walk with God is in direct proportion to the time you spend with God in His Word. If you have no desire to immerse yourself in the Word there can only be a couple of things at work. I will give you a little credit and simply say the first reason is you are simply too busy. The other two reasons (and much more accurate) are you do not have the Spirit of God living in you or you have so quenched the Spirit that He is unable to influence your decisions. Both of the later reasons have very serious implications and leave you on very shaky ground.
So when you are not in the Word what are you missing? There have been volumes of work that addresses this question. Let me offer a very simple illustration. Since I’m reading Colossians, let examine verse 2 of chapter 1. I have already read through the entire book once. I have now come back and will slow down my reading and read the Book as if God is over my shoulder reading with me. I have a picture of a first grade teacher hovering over their student and teaching them what a word or passage means they have just read. God is with me, reading His Word and helping me to decipher what He wants me to hear and glean that day. I quickly come to verse 2 and stop. “To the holy and faithful brothers in Christ at Colosse.” I would love to proceed without reading this verse again. But I can not and I dare not leave until I have thought about what this passage means. Paul called the church holy, faithful, and in Christ. I know I am in Christ. That occurs the moment I am convicted of my sin, repent, and place my faith and trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. I also know in my position before God, I am holy. I have been set apart from the world and I am different because Christ lives in me. Oh how I wish I could go to verse three. The more I am eager to proceed the more God’s Spirit whispers “stop!” As you read the Word, be sensitive to the Spirit’s leading. He will show you what He wants you to take away for that day. For me it was very simple, I know in position I am holy, but in my practice am I holy? I know God is faithful; it is who He is. But am I faithful to God and His Kingdom?
The Spirit takes His surgical knife and begins to do surgery on my soul. In my spirit, He asks me tenderly and lovingly, is my behavior holy? Am I faithful? I stop reading and begin to look deeply into my life. With the aid of the Spirit, I begin to think of areas I have not been holy or faithful. I begin to confess those areas of sin and freely give them over to God. It is not easy but it is extremely beneficial and fruitful. In fact, it grieved my heart as I realize how unholy and unfaithful I am. But praise be to God, He is a God of forgiveness and he freely forgives those who come to Him in faith and repentance.
That morning I only read two verses of scripture. But God was able to take those verses and do a radical operation on my heart. You may think this sounds horrible, painful, and difficult. However, the opposite is true. In fact, it was one of the most freeing mornings I have experienced in a long time. Furthermore, I rose from my study refreshed, renewed, and revived in Christ. It was wonderful. That morning reminds me of John 17:17, “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” Each and everyone one of us needs times of being sanctified and washed by God’s word. I challenge you to allow God’s Spirit to do surgery on you. Slow down when you read the Bible. Whether you read two verses, two chapters, or two entire books a day it matters not if you miss the direction and leading of God.
The intake of God’s Word is so very important. Too many Christians simply peruse the Word with the same interest and passion they do a good novel, a cheap Harlequin romance, or an interesting news article. Too often we forget that the Bible is the very Word of God. It is God speaking to us. It reminds me of the letters I would receive from my wife, Heidi, while we were dating miles apart. I would consume those letters. I would take it, smell it, tear it open, linger over every word, read it over and over again so grateful for each and every letter. The Bible is God’s love letter to you and me. How do you think Heidi would have felt if I would receive her letters and they would have stayed in an unopened envelope for a week or two? How would she feel if I would have read those letters with no passion and feeling? How would she how felt if the only reason I read her letters was to appease her and put me on her good side? How does God feel when we treat His love letter the same way?
It has been said of Spurgeon that he believed “There is no such thing as reverence for God and faithfulness to Christ, without obedience and faith in their words” (Spurgeon v. Hyper Calvinism by Iain H. Murray pg 9). Murray goes on to write, “Spurgeon is only repeating what Scripture itself says when he writes: ‘Unless we receive Christ’s words, we cannot receive Christ; and unless we receive the apostles’ words, we do not receive Christ; for John saith, ‘He that knoweth God heareth us; he that knoweth not God heareth not us. Hereby now we the spirit of truth and the spirit of error’” (Murray pg 9). I would go so far to say that a person’s attitude toward the Word of God is a very good barometer of their faith and closeness of their walk with God. Let me ask you a question. Other than you’re your time at church, how much time do you spend in the Word? The closeness of your walk with God is in direct proportion to the time you spend with God in His Word. If you have no desire to immerse yourself in the Word there can only be a couple of things at work. I will give you a little credit and simply say the first reason is you are simply too busy. The other two reasons (and much more accurate) are you do not have the Spirit of God living in you or you have so quenched the Spirit that He is unable to influence your decisions. Both of the later reasons have very serious implications and leave you on very shaky ground.
So when you are not in the Word what are you missing? There have been volumes of work that addresses this question. Let me offer a very simple illustration. Since I’m reading Colossians, let examine verse 2 of chapter 1. I have already read through the entire book once. I have now come back and will slow down my reading and read the Book as if God is over my shoulder reading with me. I have a picture of a first grade teacher hovering over their student and teaching them what a word or passage means they have just read. God is with me, reading His Word and helping me to decipher what He wants me to hear and glean that day. I quickly come to verse 2 and stop. “To the holy and faithful brothers in Christ at Colosse.” I would love to proceed without reading this verse again. But I can not and I dare not leave until I have thought about what this passage means. Paul called the church holy, faithful, and in Christ. I know I am in Christ. That occurs the moment I am convicted of my sin, repent, and place my faith and trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. I also know in my position before God, I am holy. I have been set apart from the world and I am different because Christ lives in me. Oh how I wish I could go to verse three. The more I am eager to proceed the more God’s Spirit whispers “stop!” As you read the Word, be sensitive to the Spirit’s leading. He will show you what He wants you to take away for that day. For me it was very simple, I know in position I am holy, but in my practice am I holy? I know God is faithful; it is who He is. But am I faithful to God and His Kingdom?
The Spirit takes His surgical knife and begins to do surgery on my soul. In my spirit, He asks me tenderly and lovingly, is my behavior holy? Am I faithful? I stop reading and begin to look deeply into my life. With the aid of the Spirit, I begin to think of areas I have not been holy or faithful. I begin to confess those areas of sin and freely give them over to God. It is not easy but it is extremely beneficial and fruitful. In fact, it grieved my heart as I realize how unholy and unfaithful I am. But praise be to God, He is a God of forgiveness and he freely forgives those who come to Him in faith and repentance.
That morning I only read two verses of scripture. But God was able to take those verses and do a radical operation on my heart. You may think this sounds horrible, painful, and difficult. However, the opposite is true. In fact, it was one of the most freeing mornings I have experienced in a long time. Furthermore, I rose from my study refreshed, renewed, and revived in Christ. It was wonderful. That morning reminds me of John 17:17, “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” Each and everyone one of us needs times of being sanctified and washed by God’s word. I challenge you to allow God’s Spirit to do surgery on you. Slow down when you read the Bible. Whether you read two verses, two chapters, or two entire books a day it matters not if you miss the direction and leading of God.
Monday, April 23, 2007
It Begins in Earnest
Tomorrow my diet begins in earnest. How many times have I said that? My wife would argue I’ve said in at least two thousand times in our 17 years of marriage. I would hope it is only a few hundred times. The point, however, is simple: Something must change in my life. I eat way too much food, exercise much too little, and seemingly gain weight faster than most people brush their teeth. It is time to get serious about my physical health.
I have read every diet book out there. I have researched the diets and can tell you the difference between a carbohydrate, complex sugar, protein, and fat. I can explain to you the premise behind most of the “in” diets and can argue the pros and cons of each. I have done research about what vitamins I need and what pills I should avoid. I know where to find the best recipes and belong to a couple of the internet diet groups. The problem is I have lost a total of zero pounds. Even though I can tell you all about diets and loosing weight, until I begin to put into practice what I have learned, I will loose no weight. All the knowledge in the world will have no direct benefit to me until I practice what I learn.
I have realized how much my spiritual life is like a diet. Loosing weight means I must take out some things in my life (fats, sugars, calories etc.) and put some things into my life (exercise, fiber, fruits, vegetables etc). Loosing weight takes effort. Likewise, living a life of holiness means I must take some things out of my life (busyness, legalism, bitterness, etc) and replace it with something good (spiritual disciplines.). Holiness takes effort. Do I really want to loose weight? Do I really want to shed a few pounds in order to take pressure off my heart and body? Then I must have a complete lifestyle change. Do I want to live a holy life of dependence and obedience to my Lord? Do I want to get rid of my flesh that so easily entangles me to live a life worthy of my calling? Then I must have a complete lifestyle change.
I do understand that in our position before God we are holy. I am not speaking of our position before God. Instead, I am speaking of the practice of holiness. If we were honest, far too many Christians do not practice holiness. It is the practice of holiness which takes effort. Paul tells Timothy to “train yourself to be godly” (1 Timothy 4:7). The word “train” is the Greek word gumnazo. It is the word we get our English word gymnasium from. It means to exercise or to train. It implies the idea of effort. In fact, the word means to exercise naked. As I thought about that word, I realized it means we must lay ourselves bare to God. We must strip ourselves of everything that entangles us from being the person God has created us to be. We must be willing to do anything to “work out our salvation with fear and trembling” (Phil 2:12).
Over the coming months, we are going to lay ourselves bare to our Lord. We are going to make an effort to practice holiness. To accomplish our goals, we are going to examine the spiritual disciplines and begin practicing them in our lives. Three of my favorite authors on the subject are Dallas Willard, Richard Foster, and Donald Whitney. I would encourage you to get their works on this subject. I think Richard Foster’s Celebration of Discipline is the best work out their on the subject of spiritual disciplines.
I have made a commitment to God and myself to take a more serious look at my physical and spiritual bodies. They are both important to Him. As I write, I will let you know how my struggle in the physical world is going and also lead us down a road of spiritual health. I encourage you to take the trip with me. Let me know how you are doing. I would love to be praying for you on this incredible journey.
I have read every diet book out there. I have researched the diets and can tell you the difference between a carbohydrate, complex sugar, protein, and fat. I can explain to you the premise behind most of the “in” diets and can argue the pros and cons of each. I have done research about what vitamins I need and what pills I should avoid. I know where to find the best recipes and belong to a couple of the internet diet groups. The problem is I have lost a total of zero pounds. Even though I can tell you all about diets and loosing weight, until I begin to put into practice what I have learned, I will loose no weight. All the knowledge in the world will have no direct benefit to me until I practice what I learn.
I have realized how much my spiritual life is like a diet. Loosing weight means I must take out some things in my life (fats, sugars, calories etc.) and put some things into my life (exercise, fiber, fruits, vegetables etc). Loosing weight takes effort. Likewise, living a life of holiness means I must take some things out of my life (busyness, legalism, bitterness, etc) and replace it with something good (spiritual disciplines.). Holiness takes effort. Do I really want to loose weight? Do I really want to shed a few pounds in order to take pressure off my heart and body? Then I must have a complete lifestyle change. Do I want to live a holy life of dependence and obedience to my Lord? Do I want to get rid of my flesh that so easily entangles me to live a life worthy of my calling? Then I must have a complete lifestyle change.
I do understand that in our position before God we are holy. I am not speaking of our position before God. Instead, I am speaking of the practice of holiness. If we were honest, far too many Christians do not practice holiness. It is the practice of holiness which takes effort. Paul tells Timothy to “train yourself to be godly” (1 Timothy 4:7). The word “train” is the Greek word gumnazo. It is the word we get our English word gymnasium from. It means to exercise or to train. It implies the idea of effort. In fact, the word means to exercise naked. As I thought about that word, I realized it means we must lay ourselves bare to God. We must strip ourselves of everything that entangles us from being the person God has created us to be. We must be willing to do anything to “work out our salvation with fear and trembling” (Phil 2:12).
Over the coming months, we are going to lay ourselves bare to our Lord. We are going to make an effort to practice holiness. To accomplish our goals, we are going to examine the spiritual disciplines and begin practicing them in our lives. Three of my favorite authors on the subject are Dallas Willard, Richard Foster, and Donald Whitney. I would encourage you to get their works on this subject. I think Richard Foster’s Celebration of Discipline is the best work out their on the subject of spiritual disciplines.
I have made a commitment to God and myself to take a more serious look at my physical and spiritual bodies. They are both important to Him. As I write, I will let you know how my struggle in the physical world is going and also lead us down a road of spiritual health. I encourage you to take the trip with me. Let me know how you are doing. I would love to be praying for you on this incredible journey.
Thoughts on God, Suffering and West Virginia
Thoughts on the Virginia Tech Massacre
For the past couple of days, I have been riveted to the news reports of the terrible tragedy on the campus of Virginia Tech. There are many times when our nation is faced with incredible tragedy. This week is one of those times. I believe there is no better time for us to consider the things of God than during a time of heartache and heartbreak. I believe we serve such big God that He is not taken back by our concerns, worries, doubts, and questions. There is not one person on this earth who will not be impacted by tragedy in some aspect. It is imperative for you and I to have a sound biblical view about God in times of tragedy.
My theological training as taught me that God is sovereign, omnipresent, omnipotent, omniscient, immutable, and eternal. However, when we face times of trials and suffering, theological terms often do not soothe the broken heart or our deep felt hurts. When we face a time of suffering we do not need a well spoken or written treatise on the attributes of God. Instead, we need hands on, applicable and relative set of truths that we can hold onto no matter what we face. Therefore, I submit to you three very simple truths which will help you to face any trial you may face. On the surface, these elementary truths may seem much too simple to be of any good. Nonetheless, in times of suffering, the simple often brings the most meaning. Furthermore, in times of suffering, the simple can be better remembered and believed.
In our times of suffering, God cares about every heartache and tear we have. I can not say it simpler. God is a god that truly cares about you. The Bible teaches us that He is our Father. As a Father, he has an infinite capacity to care about each of us. There are times our feelings may tell us that He does not care. However, the truth is we can “cast our cares upon Him, He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
• Are you standing over a graveside of a loved one? God cares!
• Are you facing mounting debt and a mountain of bills? God cares!
• Are you contemplating divorce and fed up with your life? God cares!
• Have you just been diagnosed with an incurable disease? God cares!
• Are you having worries you can seem to get past? God cares.
The most basic truth of all is this: No matter what is raging around you, God cares.
Not only does God care, but God also comforts. I remember so vividly when I was a young child how much I enjoyed going to my parent’s bed when I was scared. When I had a nightmare or a storm was thrashing around our house, there was only one place I wanted to go. I always made a bee line to my parent’s bed. There was strength and comfort in my parent’s bed. I never forget how I felt when my father’s arm would gently cradle me. Even when the storm was violent and intense, I found comfort in my father’s arms. I know my Father in Heaven is even better than my earthly father at bringing comfort. 2 Corinthians chapter 1 promises me that God is a god of all comfort. He is not a god of a little comfort or some comfort but all comfort. When I face times of trouble and trials I look quickly to the presence of God to bring me comfort. I go to the Psalms and read the promises I find in Psalms. I go to the passage in 2 Corinthians and rely in faith that my God is one of comfort. I read 1 Peter 5 and in prayer, I freely give away my life and allow the peace of God to come in and take the place of worry. When you are scared, crawl up in your Father’s lap. Allow the peace and presence of God to fill you and overflow in you. Take time to silently sit before God, taking in His word, and believing it for what it says. As you do, the God of comfort will bring his comfort to you.
The second truth in times of suffering is also very simple: No matter what it looks like God is a god of comfort and offers you the comfort of His presence.
God not only cares and comforts us in our time of distress, but we can rest in the assurance that God is in complete and total control. For some, that might be a distressing truth. If God is in control, why would He allow this young man to massacre 32 people on the campus of Virginia Tech? Honestly, I do not fully know. What I do know is history is not randomly taking place. History, past, present, and future, is on a logical course of completion. God is working His plan in perfect detail. The events of April 16 at Virginia Tech did not surprise God or take Him off guard. The book of Acts teaches us that the death of Jesus was part of God’s “set purpose and foreknowledge” (Acts 2:23). Just as the death of Jesus was part of God’s redeeming plan, so was the massacre at Virginia Tech. I do not fully understand all of what that implies. However, I do know and trust God is still on His throne working everything out as He chooses to the completion of His glory and Christ’s ultimate rule. I would much rather trust a God who chooses not to intervene during the shootings than trust a God who was impotent to do anything about it. God was, is, and always will be able to intervene. What we view as inactivity on God’s part is simply God sovereignty working His perfect plan for Christ’s future reign. .
The third truth in times of suffering is very simple, even when it doesn’t look like it, God is in complete control.
As a follower of Christ, was does this mean to me? To those in need, I must become Jesus to them. I must never forget that often times God shows people He cares as I take time to show I care. I do not need to have all the answers. I must simply be willing to show I care by my presence. I must realize that often God comforts people through me. Often a gentle touch or a godly word, God can bring comfort to a person. I must be willing to be a bridge for God’s care and comfort.
Finally, if you are facing incredible times of suffering, I offer the following words of encouragement. God has given us tears to cry, so cry. God has given the gift of touch, so go to someone and receive the comfort held in a hug. God has given us time, so wait. While time does not heal all wounds, in time the wounds begins to heal and you realize you will make it another day. God has given us truth, so believe it. God does care and will comfort you. Finally, God has given himself, trust Him. If you have yet to place you faith and trust in Jesus Christ, do so now. Don’t face another series of trials without the comfort and care of a wonderful Savior. Drop me a line, I would love to talk to you about how Jesus can begin to make His home in you.
My heart is broken for those people who have lost loved one this week. But I take great comfort in knowing that my God reigns and He will have great glory in the midst of great suffering.
For the past couple of days, I have been riveted to the news reports of the terrible tragedy on the campus of Virginia Tech. There are many times when our nation is faced with incredible tragedy. This week is one of those times. I believe there is no better time for us to consider the things of God than during a time of heartache and heartbreak. I believe we serve such big God that He is not taken back by our concerns, worries, doubts, and questions. There is not one person on this earth who will not be impacted by tragedy in some aspect. It is imperative for you and I to have a sound biblical view about God in times of tragedy.
My theological training as taught me that God is sovereign, omnipresent, omnipotent, omniscient, immutable, and eternal. However, when we face times of trials and suffering, theological terms often do not soothe the broken heart or our deep felt hurts. When we face a time of suffering we do not need a well spoken or written treatise on the attributes of God. Instead, we need hands on, applicable and relative set of truths that we can hold onto no matter what we face. Therefore, I submit to you three very simple truths which will help you to face any trial you may face. On the surface, these elementary truths may seem much too simple to be of any good. Nonetheless, in times of suffering, the simple often brings the most meaning. Furthermore, in times of suffering, the simple can be better remembered and believed.
In our times of suffering, God cares about every heartache and tear we have. I can not say it simpler. God is a god that truly cares about you. The Bible teaches us that He is our Father. As a Father, he has an infinite capacity to care about each of us. There are times our feelings may tell us that He does not care. However, the truth is we can “cast our cares upon Him, He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
• Are you standing over a graveside of a loved one? God cares!
• Are you facing mounting debt and a mountain of bills? God cares!
• Are you contemplating divorce and fed up with your life? God cares!
• Have you just been diagnosed with an incurable disease? God cares!
• Are you having worries you can seem to get past? God cares.
The most basic truth of all is this: No matter what is raging around you, God cares.
Not only does God care, but God also comforts. I remember so vividly when I was a young child how much I enjoyed going to my parent’s bed when I was scared. When I had a nightmare or a storm was thrashing around our house, there was only one place I wanted to go. I always made a bee line to my parent’s bed. There was strength and comfort in my parent’s bed. I never forget how I felt when my father’s arm would gently cradle me. Even when the storm was violent and intense, I found comfort in my father’s arms. I know my Father in Heaven is even better than my earthly father at bringing comfort. 2 Corinthians chapter 1 promises me that God is a god of all comfort. He is not a god of a little comfort or some comfort but all comfort. When I face times of trouble and trials I look quickly to the presence of God to bring me comfort. I go to the Psalms and read the promises I find in Psalms. I go to the passage in 2 Corinthians and rely in faith that my God is one of comfort. I read 1 Peter 5 and in prayer, I freely give away my life and allow the peace of God to come in and take the place of worry. When you are scared, crawl up in your Father’s lap. Allow the peace and presence of God to fill you and overflow in you. Take time to silently sit before God, taking in His word, and believing it for what it says. As you do, the God of comfort will bring his comfort to you.
The second truth in times of suffering is also very simple: No matter what it looks like God is a god of comfort and offers you the comfort of His presence.
God not only cares and comforts us in our time of distress, but we can rest in the assurance that God is in complete and total control. For some, that might be a distressing truth. If God is in control, why would He allow this young man to massacre 32 people on the campus of Virginia Tech? Honestly, I do not fully know. What I do know is history is not randomly taking place. History, past, present, and future, is on a logical course of completion. God is working His plan in perfect detail. The events of April 16 at Virginia Tech did not surprise God or take Him off guard. The book of Acts teaches us that the death of Jesus was part of God’s “set purpose and foreknowledge” (Acts 2:23). Just as the death of Jesus was part of God’s redeeming plan, so was the massacre at Virginia Tech. I do not fully understand all of what that implies. However, I do know and trust God is still on His throne working everything out as He chooses to the completion of His glory and Christ’s ultimate rule. I would much rather trust a God who chooses not to intervene during the shootings than trust a God who was impotent to do anything about it. God was, is, and always will be able to intervene. What we view as inactivity on God’s part is simply God sovereignty working His perfect plan for Christ’s future reign. .
The third truth in times of suffering is very simple, even when it doesn’t look like it, God is in complete control.
As a follower of Christ, was does this mean to me? To those in need, I must become Jesus to them. I must never forget that often times God shows people He cares as I take time to show I care. I do not need to have all the answers. I must simply be willing to show I care by my presence. I must realize that often God comforts people through me. Often a gentle touch or a godly word, God can bring comfort to a person. I must be willing to be a bridge for God’s care and comfort.
Finally, if you are facing incredible times of suffering, I offer the following words of encouragement. God has given us tears to cry, so cry. God has given the gift of touch, so go to someone and receive the comfort held in a hug. God has given us time, so wait. While time does not heal all wounds, in time the wounds begins to heal and you realize you will make it another day. God has given us truth, so believe it. God does care and will comfort you. Finally, God has given himself, trust Him. If you have yet to place you faith and trust in Jesus Christ, do so now. Don’t face another series of trials without the comfort and care of a wonderful Savior. Drop me a line, I would love to talk to you about how Jesus can begin to make His home in you.
My heart is broken for those people who have lost loved one this week. But I take great comfort in knowing that my God reigns and He will have great glory in the midst of great suffering.
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