Have you ever stopped to think about the inconveniences we'll go through on a daily basis to ensure our conveniences? It's actually pretty comical AND ironic when you think about it. Everyday, we get up and go to work for 8 or more hours to pay for a nice, air conditioned house, cable television, cell phones, swimming pools, fancy cars and a plethora of other toys. In fact, we spend so much time working to pay for these things that we seldom have time to actually enjoy them. That's ironic, if you ask me.
My wife loves Disney World. Just the other day she was telling me that it's time for us to take our family back to the "most magical place on earth". Here' the kicker...she's figured out that we need at least $5000 saved up to make this dream vacation happen. Get this...that means that we'll have to work hard, work extra and save like the dickens, eschewing countless smaller enjoyments, all so that we may embark on this one big enjoyment. So if all goes as planned, we'll save for two years or so, making sacrifice after sacrifice, so we can enjoy one week.
You know what this is like because, unless you're made of money, you've probably done the same thing at some point. Oh boy how we will inconvenience ourselves in pretty big ways to enjoy a few small conveniences! So true...unless, of course, we start talking spiritually.
It seems that when it comes to spiritual matters, we take just the opposite course. We avoid any kind of inconvenience. Spiritual things that take up our time are, more times than not, placed on the back burner of our lives. Now, what's crazy about all of this is that the spiritual things in life are, actually, the most valuable things. Yet, we treat them as if they are of no value, at worst, or of very little value, at best!
In the Western Christian's mind, faith...and all that goes along with it...should be easy. In our minds we've convinced ourselves that if God really wants something from us, He'll make it simple. When it comes to making spiritual decisions, some actually operate from the mentality that the path of least resistance MUST be the path ordained by God. In fact, if something gets hard, many Christians will conclude that God is "shutting that door".
One small problem exists with this logic, however...specifically the fact that God NEVER promised that His path was easy. In fact, Jesus made it clear over and over and over again that following Him would be the most difficult thing that any of us could choose to do (cf. Matthew 10:16-25, 32-39; 16:24-27; 20:25-28; 24:9-14; Mark 8:34-38; 13:9-13; Luke 9:23-26, 57-62; 12:49-53; 14:25-27; John 12:24-26; 15:18-21; 17:14-16). According to Him, following Him would cost us everything (be inconvenient), but would offer the greatest of pay offs in the end.
Now, I've already demonstrated how each of us are willing to put up with inconvenience in order to secure for ourselves a convenience that we may or may not even get to frequently enjoy. How crazy is it, then, that we won't put up with the inconveniences brought about in our lives because of Christ even though we know the "convenience" of Heaven awaits those who are faithful followers? Seriously, in light of eternity, is making time for Scripture study really such an inconvenience? In light of eternity is prayer really such an inconvenience? Is church attendance really such an inconvenience in light of the fact that eternity will be one huge time of worship? Is serving others such an inconvenience? Is giving to God's work...whether it be time, money or talents...such an inconvenience? Is going out of your way to share the Good News of Jesus really such an inconvenience? Is suffering ridicule, persecution or physical loss such an inconvenience in light of eternity?
I'll work hard for a year or so and sacrifice much for a week at Disney! How much will you and I be willing to sacrifice...how hard will we work...for an eternity of Glory? You see, in light of what we get in return, the things that Christ demands of His followers can't really compare! Honestly, they can't even rank as inconveniences in light of the convenience of knowing Him and being known by Him!
***Disclaimer - some of you may read this and think I'm advocating "earning" eternity through present struggle. That is not the case. Salvation is only available through Jesus Christ and a relationship with Him. I will say, however, that a real relationship always comes with responsibility and demands...be it a relationship with another person or with the God of the Universe. Therefore, I don't suffer inconveniences now so that I may "earn" a convenience...instead, b/c of my relationship...I choose to see those things, which would otherwise be considered inconveniences by those w/out said relationship, as a natural by-product of my relationship with Christ. So...as I'm performing all the duties of a follower of Christ, I do so willingly and happily b/c I love Him AND b/c I know He'll reward my faithfulness. Point made? Good, now go get to work for Jesus!***
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
War...What Is It Good For? Part 2
Just today, I read that Glenn Beck of TheBlaze.com has predicted that the world is headed towards World War III. He makes a pretty compelling argument, explaining all of the things that have happened over the past few years which would have provided us a way to avoid its coming; however, according to him, we didn't take any of those "exit ramps" in our nation or in the world so we are inevitably headed down a highway that leads to war.
I have to admit that I have sat for hours over the past few weeks thinking about the state of our world. I've prayed for the persecution happening against Christians by IS in Iraq. I've prayed just as hard for the muslims that this group is putting to death, knowing that the Christians, at least, are going home where they will be with their Lord and Savior. I've prayed for Israel...not just in their fight against Hamas, but also in that the whole world seems to be turning against the little country in which our Christian faith has it's roots. I've prayed for the Russia/Ukraine situation, fearing that one wrong move there by "us" or "them" would push us over the precipice of war. I've prayed for our nation's leadership...especially for our President who appears more and more to be a little boy pretending he knows what he's doing in a man's world. I've prayed that God would help him make good decisions in spite of himself.
All of that to say that Beck has gone on record, saying something that I've been thinking, but not saying, for weeks now. Anyone who is a student of the Scriptures should find it quite simple to find the parallels that seem to show up between our time and what the Bible explains to be the "end times". It definitely looks like things are getting close to a completion in this old world...and when all that Scripture says will happen comes upon us it won't really matter whether you agree with me or not or whether you acknowledge it as what Scripture calls it.
You see, Beck calls it World War III. I call it Armageddon...that's what the Bible calls it too. According to what we read in the Bible, the world, as we know it, will be brought to ruin during this last epic war where Jesus will show up and destroy all those kingdoms of the earth that stand opposed to Him. While this will most definitely be a physical war with real bombs, bullets and bodies, there is a spiritual dimension to all of this that we must acknowledge. This last war will just be a culmination of something that has been going on spiritually since way back at the beginning. For those of us who have a relationship with Jesus and are part of God's family understand that Satan declared war against our Father a long time ago. His goal has always been to set himself upon the throne of God. In fact, the fiercest battle of all happened at Calvary where Satan endeavored to kill the Son of God and where Jesus, through His death, laid the foundation for His ultimate victory over this enemy.
What most of us...even us believers...fail to realize is that we live in this spiritual war zone on a daily basis. Everyday, whether we know it or not, we fight battles. Hopefully, we advance on the enemy lines...at least some of us do. This spiritual war is fought as we proclaim the Gospel in our actions and with our words. We don't fight this war with guns...it is not our intent to kill the soldiers on the other side, but to convert them. This is a war that is fought and won as the soldiers warring on the side of the dictator, Satan, willingly change their allegiance and join in with the gracious and merciful leader of the other side, Jesus. As soldiers of the cross, we are to forcefully advance the Kingdom of God by proclaiming the message of the Gospel of Christ with every word and deed!
Now...here's a truth that I realize is so true. The more powerful and serious the issues are in the spiritual realm, the more they begin to show up in the physical realm. Let me illustrate. When God's people live in radical obedience to the will of the Father, sharing their faith at whatever cost and proclaiming His truth to the nations, things start happening in the physical world that are manifestations of the advance of the Gospel in the spiritual world. We would call these things miracles. Yes...they are happening all over the world in places where the people of God are living radically obedient lives. People coming back from the dead, miraculous healings, people having dreams and visions...we're talking New Testament stuff here. Now, the opposite is true as well...when Satan ramps up his activity in the spiritual realm, the results show themselves in the physical. Have you stopped to consider why there is so much violence? Why persecution? Why terrorism? Why the prospect of war? Why are nations in economic ruin? Why is there so much hate, anger, distrust, self-indulgence and chaos? Why do all of these things seem to be on the increase?
The amazing thing is that we see all of these things and surmise that the way to fix these problems is through political, military or economic means. The problem is that these attempts to remedy evil only treat the symptoms...they aren't cures! The real issue is spiritual in nature...people don't know Jesus! The reason that terrorists terrorize, murderers kill, thieves steal, power-hungry men conquer, hate-filled people destroy and prideful & arrogant people act like they have all the answers is because none of these people know the Prince of Peace! You see...when we know Jesus, He changes us spiritually which results in an outward change as well.
So while we have a responsibility to protect, preserve and promote life...and, yes, sometimes that means we have to stop violence with some kind of physical tool...what we must remember is that the only real cure to the problems of this world is Jesus! Let's face it, we're not just headed for war, we're already at war! The only thing to do is for believers to get serious about sharing the Gospel with friends, family and complete strangers at home and across the world! The solution to the problem of evil is a spiritual one and we hold it in our hands...it's the Gospel!
Of course, don't take my word for it...check out God's Word. "Be strengthened by the Lord and by His vast strength. Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the tactics of the Devil. For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens. This is why you must take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand." (Ephesians 6:10-13) Continue reading in that passage to discover some of the tools He's given us for this fight...pretty cool stuff!
For too long, we've lived ignorant to the fact that this war is raging all around us. We've neglected our part in it. We've shirked our responsibility. We've lived life as though only the physical were real. We've treated our daily decisions as if they are of little consequence. We've elected leaders solely on economic or social terms...instead of what they stand for morally. We've done all of this and now this spiritual war is about to break out into the physical and folks like Glenn Beck see it coming, but they're out of solutions. I have one solution I'd like to suggest...His name is Jesus! One way or the other, He's going to bring about peace. He'll either do it as people turn their hearts to Him voluntarily, or...as we read about in the war to end all wars in Revelation...He'll do so forcefully as He destroys evil...and evil people along with it...by the power of His Word. The Prince of Peace will have His peace!
War...What is it good for?
I have to admit that I have sat for hours over the past few weeks thinking about the state of our world. I've prayed for the persecution happening against Christians by IS in Iraq. I've prayed just as hard for the muslims that this group is putting to death, knowing that the Christians, at least, are going home where they will be with their Lord and Savior. I've prayed for Israel...not just in their fight against Hamas, but also in that the whole world seems to be turning against the little country in which our Christian faith has it's roots. I've prayed for the Russia/Ukraine situation, fearing that one wrong move there by "us" or "them" would push us over the precipice of war. I've prayed for our nation's leadership...especially for our President who appears more and more to be a little boy pretending he knows what he's doing in a man's world. I've prayed that God would help him make good decisions in spite of himself.
All of that to say that Beck has gone on record, saying something that I've been thinking, but not saying, for weeks now. Anyone who is a student of the Scriptures should find it quite simple to find the parallels that seem to show up between our time and what the Bible explains to be the "end times". It definitely looks like things are getting close to a completion in this old world...and when all that Scripture says will happen comes upon us it won't really matter whether you agree with me or not or whether you acknowledge it as what Scripture calls it.
You see, Beck calls it World War III. I call it Armageddon...that's what the Bible calls it too. According to what we read in the Bible, the world, as we know it, will be brought to ruin during this last epic war where Jesus will show up and destroy all those kingdoms of the earth that stand opposed to Him. While this will most definitely be a physical war with real bombs, bullets and bodies, there is a spiritual dimension to all of this that we must acknowledge. This last war will just be a culmination of something that has been going on spiritually since way back at the beginning. For those of us who have a relationship with Jesus and are part of God's family understand that Satan declared war against our Father a long time ago. His goal has always been to set himself upon the throne of God. In fact, the fiercest battle of all happened at Calvary where Satan endeavored to kill the Son of God and where Jesus, through His death, laid the foundation for His ultimate victory over this enemy.
What most of us...even us believers...fail to realize is that we live in this spiritual war zone on a daily basis. Everyday, whether we know it or not, we fight battles. Hopefully, we advance on the enemy lines...at least some of us do. This spiritual war is fought as we proclaim the Gospel in our actions and with our words. We don't fight this war with guns...it is not our intent to kill the soldiers on the other side, but to convert them. This is a war that is fought and won as the soldiers warring on the side of the dictator, Satan, willingly change their allegiance and join in with the gracious and merciful leader of the other side, Jesus. As soldiers of the cross, we are to forcefully advance the Kingdom of God by proclaiming the message of the Gospel of Christ with every word and deed!
Now...here's a truth that I realize is so true. The more powerful and serious the issues are in the spiritual realm, the more they begin to show up in the physical realm. Let me illustrate. When God's people live in radical obedience to the will of the Father, sharing their faith at whatever cost and proclaiming His truth to the nations, things start happening in the physical world that are manifestations of the advance of the Gospel in the spiritual world. We would call these things miracles. Yes...they are happening all over the world in places where the people of God are living radically obedient lives. People coming back from the dead, miraculous healings, people having dreams and visions...we're talking New Testament stuff here. Now, the opposite is true as well...when Satan ramps up his activity in the spiritual realm, the results show themselves in the physical. Have you stopped to consider why there is so much violence? Why persecution? Why terrorism? Why the prospect of war? Why are nations in economic ruin? Why is there so much hate, anger, distrust, self-indulgence and chaos? Why do all of these things seem to be on the increase?
The amazing thing is that we see all of these things and surmise that the way to fix these problems is through political, military or economic means. The problem is that these attempts to remedy evil only treat the symptoms...they aren't cures! The real issue is spiritual in nature...people don't know Jesus! The reason that terrorists terrorize, murderers kill, thieves steal, power-hungry men conquer, hate-filled people destroy and prideful & arrogant people act like they have all the answers is because none of these people know the Prince of Peace! You see...when we know Jesus, He changes us spiritually which results in an outward change as well.
So while we have a responsibility to protect, preserve and promote life...and, yes, sometimes that means we have to stop violence with some kind of physical tool...what we must remember is that the only real cure to the problems of this world is Jesus! Let's face it, we're not just headed for war, we're already at war! The only thing to do is for believers to get serious about sharing the Gospel with friends, family and complete strangers at home and across the world! The solution to the problem of evil is a spiritual one and we hold it in our hands...it's the Gospel!
Of course, don't take my word for it...check out God's Word. "Be strengthened by the Lord and by His vast strength. Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the tactics of the Devil. For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens. This is why you must take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand." (Ephesians 6:10-13) Continue reading in that passage to discover some of the tools He's given us for this fight...pretty cool stuff!
For too long, we've lived ignorant to the fact that this war is raging all around us. We've neglected our part in it. We've shirked our responsibility. We've lived life as though only the physical were real. We've treated our daily decisions as if they are of little consequence. We've elected leaders solely on economic or social terms...instead of what they stand for morally. We've done all of this and now this spiritual war is about to break out into the physical and folks like Glenn Beck see it coming, but they're out of solutions. I have one solution I'd like to suggest...His name is Jesus! One way or the other, He's going to bring about peace. He'll either do it as people turn their hearts to Him voluntarily, or...as we read about in the war to end all wars in Revelation...He'll do so forcefully as He destroys evil...and evil people along with it...by the power of His Word. The Prince of Peace will have His peace!
War...What is it good for?
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
War....what is it good for?
I have to admit that, today, I'm a little down. I didn't start the day that way, but my mood is definitely a little "grayer" now than at the beginning. You see, just a little while ago I found out that a friend whom I had lost contact with recently committed suicide. There were some issues this friend struggled with which resulted in their being convinced to believe that life was unlivable. Over the course of my life, I've known 3 people who committed suicide and all three were convinced of that same thing.
When I was in 10th grade, one of my best friends had an argument with his mom and decided that the fallout of that argument made life worthless so he stuck a shotgun in his mouth and pulled the trigger. There wasn't much closure to that for anyone...not even an open casket at the funeral...just a picture on top of a closed box. I remember his mom being so overcome with grief that she, literally, couldn't stand up. It was the worst funeral I've ever been to.
A couple of years ago one of my friends who happened to be a partner in ministry committed suicide. This was a man, whom I know from experience, loved Jesus. I worked alongside him for years and we had some fun times together. I got to see this man lead people to faith in Christ and was actually mentored by him in some ways. The traps he fell into in his moral life, however, destroyed his marriage and disqualified him from ministry. With these two things gone, he felt life was unlivable as well.
As I sit here thinking about these three, I'm reminded how much sin wrecks everything. I understand why God hates sin so much...it literally destroys the things He loves!
This week, I start a new series with our students on the persecution that exists in the Christian world. Did you know that 80% of the Christians in the world live in persecution because of their faith? Did you know that 100,000 Christians are killed each year because of their faith? In fact, it's quite probable that many have died in Iraq, alone, since IS came into the country!
Our brothers and sisters in persecution understand something that we "abnormal Christians" who don't experience ongoing physical & political persecution sometimes forget...we are at war! No, it's not a war against flesh and blood...it's a war against powers, principalities, rulers of the air...it's spiritual! And, leading the charge is our enemy, the devil.
You see, Christians may die at the hands of IS in Iraq, but they aren't the real source of persecution...the enemy is! Christians in China may suffer torture, imprisonment, threats, seizures and death at the hands of the communist government, but that government isn't the source of persecution...the enemy is! In North Africa and the Middle East, Christians may live in constant fear and be ostracized, at best, or murdered, at worst, by militant Islamists, but muslims aren't the source of that persecution...the enemy is!
And...let's be clear. Christians in the US may struggle with fear, doubt, emotional turmoil, failure, lack of self-worth, broken homes, broken relationships, broken dreams, broken faith and addictions and struggles with every possible kind of sin...and, these things may destroy our faith, rob us of our joy, silence our witness and make us spiritually impotent...but these tools aren't the source of our downfall...the enemy is!
I know that 2 of the friends I mentioned were men of God...I'm pretty sure my young friend wasn't because God had laid it on my heart to witness to him and I never did. For the ones who were, I knew their testimony and their witness. These men fell victim to the enemy's lies. In a way, they experienced a kind of persecution. One of the definitions of persecution that we'll be using in our study says that persecution is any act performed against Christians in an attempt to silence their witness concerning Jesus Christ. So...persecution has, at its root, the sole purpose of keeping people from sharing Jesus.
I've come to realize that persecution can be physical, mental, emotional...and spiritual. And, our enemy is adept at using all of the above. In areas where physical and mental abuse is possible...he'll use it. In areas where emotional abuse is possible...he'll use it. And in areas, like the US, where there's freedom to live and act how we choose without much chance of discrimination (for the time being that is)...he'll use the spiritual stuff to keep us bound, afraid, defeated and silent.
At is center...persecution is really all about WAR? And that leads to a logical question...what is that war good for? Well, I would be tempted to say "absolutely nothing", however, I already know how the war is going to end. I know Who is going to be victorious. So, I can say...even in the midst of persecution...with Paul, "We are pressured in every way but not crushed; we are perplexed but not in despair; we are persecuted but not abandoned; we are struck down but not destroyed. We always carry the death of Jesus in our body, so that he life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body." (2 Cor. 4:8-10)
When I'm tempted, because of my failures, to remain silent...when I'm tired and giving in to fleshly desire seems like the logical way to go...when the enemy tries to convince me that Jesus hasn't done much in my life to talk about...when he whispers that the war isn't worth fighting...I'm reminding that Jesus and His message is so much bigger than me AND HE IS WORTH IT! The enemy may bring his worst...he may attack us and make martyrs out of us, but Christ's elect will stand! His bride will not perish! His saints will persevere! He will bring about our victory because He, Himself, is our victory! Yes, this war is good because victory is assured and each battle is worth the fight!!!!
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