Be subject to Governing Authorities
Read Romans 13
Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil.
Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid;
for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath
on him who practices evil.
Romans 13:1-4
The Bible recognizes there are two kinds of law. God’s law and man’s law and when the two conflict, we are always to follow God, that is a given. The question becomes when do we make the distinction.
I think it’s very simple, we are to obey the laws of the country we live in, provided it does not forbid or restrict our beliefs, or impose on us something contrary to what we believe as Christians.
Jesus tells us to pay taxes Matthew 22:21, I think, that can be safely extended to obeying the transportation laws, city by-laws and other civil laws.
There is even an argument to be made here, that we are to respect even the gay marriage law, here in Canada.
The proviso being that the civil government and civil courts not force any minister or church congregation to marry homosexuals, if they believe it is wrong.
Such a move would, at least I feel, under most western governments, be a violation of freedom of religion.
Read carefully what Paul stated at the beginning of Romans 13:
“Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities.... Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.”
It has been said, we in the western world live in a high tech Roman society. A multicultural society that allows diversity of thought and freedom. The result of this, is that provided we live at peace with the civil authorities and those around us, we can have open and free discussions. Paul knew this.
Remember when Paul spoke at the Areopagus in Athens it was the Stoic and other philosophers that invited him, not Christians or Jews.
Paul had been presenting the Gospel in a non-threatening way. He respected what the Athenians believed even though it could safely be said, he didn’t believe what they believed.
He showed respect to them and presented the Gospel to them. Giving them the choice to accept or reject, it was that simple. This is the way we must do it, today.
I firmly believe it is wrong to judge people, or to object to laws instituted by the civil authorities, that are not restricting or imposing things on what I believe as a Christian. To quote Paul:
“For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same.” Romans 13:3
Post Script
Paul and the early Christians did their best to live at harmony with all men and they were for the most part not persecuted by the civil authorities. However there have been leaders and governments throughout history that were simply evil. Nero for one stands out.
Around the world today there are governments that are evil. They wield absolute power crushing anything that even slightly disagrees with them. Pol Pot (Saloth Sar) in Cambodia in the mid twentieth century are examples within living memories. And there are other governments even today that will not tolerate Christians.
Still the church cannot and will not be silenced. If it must go underground or be cautious in what it says. So be it. The church has outlived all who has ever come against it.
Such governments and men who would come against the church should consider the words of the Pharisee named Gamaliel. Who standing up in the Sanhedrin when they were about to judge Peter and the other apostles said,
But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. 35 Then he addressed them: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. 36 Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. 37 After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. 38 Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”
Acts 5:34-39
What more can I say Gamaliel was right. The church is of God. All the efforts of man to stop it have failed. And ultimately those who have apposed have or will one day stand before God as their judge.
About Me
Wednesday 25 January 2012
Wednesday 18 January 2012
Christian life
The Christian Life
Read Romans 12
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies
a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly that he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.”
Romans 12: 1-3
To quote a friend, this chapter has a lot to chew on. In the New King James version it is just a 142 words long, but what a collection of words. Those few words tell us, how we are to live as Christians. A point form look at this chapter goes like this...
1. Vs. 5 in Christ each member belongs to all the others
2. Vs. 6,7 we have different gifts and are to use them in proportion to our faith.
3. Vs. 9 our love must be sincere
4. Vs10 we are to be devoted to one another in brotherly love.
5. Vs 11 we are to keep up our spiritual fervour serving God.
6. Vs12 we are to be Joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer
7. Vs13 Share with God’s people who are in need & practice hospitality
8. Vs14 bless our persecutors
9. Vs15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, mourn with those who mourn
10. Vs16 live in harmony with each other. Don’t be proud, but willing to associate with those in low positions
11. Vs17 don’t repay evil with evil & do right in the eyes of everyone
12. Vs 18 as far as it depends on you live in peace with everyone
13. Vs19 do not take revenge
14. Vs20 if your enemy is hungry feed him, if thirsty give him a drink
15. Vs21 “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
What a list! A list we all fail to follow from time to time.
The reason we fall short many times is because we allow the secular world around us to get into the church and into our lives.
A quick look around the church today shows us we have a “Christian version” of everything the world has.
Many in the church hardly read the bible. These people rely on the words of pastors, preachers and other evangelists, both in church and in the media.
All too often, as I have discussed a topic with other Sunday School teachers I hear “this television evangelist said this” or “that radio preacher said that”. When I question them how those evangelists and preachers came to that conclusions, or why they themselves believe it, they can’t tell me.
They can’t tell me because they haven’t taken the time to read for themselves the Word of God.
The only way to know how to be a Christian is to study God’s manual on how to be a Christian, The Bible.
No evangelist, preacher, Christian teacher, priest, bishop or pope has all the answers, simply because they are human with human frailties, like all of us.
The Bible has been called a living book, that speaks to the individual who reads it. Revealing to them the wonders of God, no matter who they are.
Read Romans 12
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies
a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly that he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.”
Romans 12: 1-3
To quote a friend, this chapter has a lot to chew on. In the New King James version it is just a 142 words long, but what a collection of words. Those few words tell us, how we are to live as Christians. A point form look at this chapter goes like this...
1. Vs. 5 in Christ each member belongs to all the others
2. Vs. 6,7 we have different gifts and are to use them in proportion to our faith.
3. Vs. 9 our love must be sincere
4. Vs10 we are to be devoted to one another in brotherly love.
5. Vs 11 we are to keep up our spiritual fervour serving God.
6. Vs12 we are to be Joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer
7. Vs13 Share with God’s people who are in need & practice hospitality
8. Vs14 bless our persecutors
9. Vs15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, mourn with those who mourn
10. Vs16 live in harmony with each other. Don’t be proud, but willing to associate with those in low positions
11. Vs17 don’t repay evil with evil & do right in the eyes of everyone
12. Vs 18 as far as it depends on you live in peace with everyone
13. Vs19 do not take revenge
14. Vs20 if your enemy is hungry feed him, if thirsty give him a drink
15. Vs21 “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
What a list! A list we all fail to follow from time to time.
The reason we fall short many times is because we allow the secular world around us to get into the church and into our lives.
A quick look around the church today shows us we have a “Christian version” of everything the world has.
Many in the church hardly read the bible. These people rely on the words of pastors, preachers and other evangelists, both in church and in the media.
All too often, as I have discussed a topic with other Sunday School teachers I hear “this television evangelist said this” or “that radio preacher said that”. When I question them how those evangelists and preachers came to that conclusions, or why they themselves believe it, they can’t tell me.
They can’t tell me because they haven’t taken the time to read for themselves the Word of God.
The only way to know how to be a Christian is to study God’s manual on how to be a Christian, The Bible.
No evangelist, preacher, Christian teacher, priest, bishop or pope has all the answers, simply because they are human with human frailties, like all of us.
The Bible has been called a living book, that speaks to the individual who reads it. Revealing to them the wonders of God, no matter who they are.
Monday 16 January 2012
Do you Love?
"I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers, hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the LORD Jesus and toward all the saints, that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.
For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother."
Philemon 1: 1-7
Could your pastor say what is written above about you?
Paul here is actually writing a letter on behalf of Onesimus a runaway slave that was owned by Philemon. Paul had found him in Rome and converted him sending him back asking Philemon to credit anything that Onesimus owed him to his account.
We don’t know what Philemon did from biblical accounts but I have been told that Church history records bishop in the church at Ephesus by the name of Onesimus that was noted for his love and kindness. Many think this was the same person and that Philemon did release him.
The point is here could your pastor speak of your love and faith in Christ and how you share your faith and uplift other believers in the same way Paul did of Philemon.
Could your pastor trust you as Paul did to do the right thing when he sent someone who wronged you back to you?
In short is your faith visible to all, without you telling them, and do you truly forgive those who have done things against you? Do you truly have love in your life?
Take a look at 1 Corinthians 13 and see what love is.
“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love,
I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith,
so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
Love suffers long and is kind: love does not envy, love does not parade itself, is not puffed up, does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil,
does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth, bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.”
1 Corinthians 13:1-8a
Something to think about
Using 1 Corinthians 13 as the definition of love between you and God Do you Love?
For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother."
Philemon 1: 1-7
Could your pastor say what is written above about you?
Paul here is actually writing a letter on behalf of Onesimus a runaway slave that was owned by Philemon. Paul had found him in Rome and converted him sending him back asking Philemon to credit anything that Onesimus owed him to his account.
We don’t know what Philemon did from biblical accounts but I have been told that Church history records bishop in the church at Ephesus by the name of Onesimus that was noted for his love and kindness. Many think this was the same person and that Philemon did release him.
The point is here could your pastor speak of your love and faith in Christ and how you share your faith and uplift other believers in the same way Paul did of Philemon.
Could your pastor trust you as Paul did to do the right thing when he sent someone who wronged you back to you?
In short is your faith visible to all, without you telling them, and do you truly forgive those who have done things against you? Do you truly have love in your life?
Take a look at 1 Corinthians 13 and see what love is.
“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love,
I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith,
so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
Love suffers long and is kind: love does not envy, love does not parade itself, is not puffed up, does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil,
does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth, bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.”
1 Corinthians 13:1-8a
Something to think about
Using 1 Corinthians 13 as the definition of love between you and God Do you Love?
Monday 9 January 2012
Return the Wanderer
“My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.”James 5:19,20.
Another simple truth. We need to be watching out for each other. If a brother in Christ stumbles we need to go to him in humility and gently, not forcefully turn him back to the Lord.
All too many people have been pushed further from the Lord by well meaning Christians who have tried, sometimes without realizing it, to point a person back to the Lord.
Turning a sinner, any sinner, to the Lord I firmly believe requires prayer. Along with that we need to have wisdom to approach the person in the right way. That they may see that we have nothing but good intentions toward them.
Another simple truth. We need to be watching out for each other. If a brother in Christ stumbles we need to go to him in humility and gently, not forcefully turn him back to the Lord.
All too many people have been pushed further from the Lord by well meaning Christians who have tried, sometimes without realizing it, to point a person back to the Lord.
Turning a sinner, any sinner, to the Lord I firmly believe requires prayer. Along with that we need to have wisdom to approach the person in the right way. That they may see that we have nothing but good intentions toward them.
Prayer
"Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." James 5:13-16
Pray, Pray, Pray. “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective” I have seen the power of prayer.
I know the power of prayer. My son was hit by a car doing eighty kilometers an hour when he was ten years old. He should have had lasting brain damage said the doctors. He was in a coma for a week . Doctors told us the longer he was in the coma the worse the prognosis.
Thanks to our family being all over Canada at the time our son was being prayed for from one end of the country to another. He awoke from his coma and after some physiotherapy he was made whole. Today at thirty no one knows he had such a bad accident. Such is the power of prayer.
We all as Christians need to be in constant prayer and doubly so if something tragic happens.
There is also one other thing James tucks into this portion of scripture, “Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.”
All too many people forget to praise God for all He has done for us. When we are happy we should be praising God thanking Him for all His gifts to us.
"Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." James 5:13-16
Pray, Pray, Pray. “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective” I have seen the power of prayer.
I know the power of prayer. My son was hit by a car doing eighty kilometers an hour when he was ten years old. He should have had lasting brain damage said the doctors. He was in a coma for a week . Doctors told us the longer he was in the coma the worse the prognosis.
Thanks to our family being all over Canada at the time our son was being prayed for from one end of the country to another. He awoke from his coma and after some physiotherapy he was made whole. Today at thirty no one knows he had such a bad accident. Such is the power of prayer.
We all as Christians need to be in constant prayer and doubly so if something tragic happens.
There is also one other thing James tucks into this portion of scripture, “Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.”
All too many people forget to praise God for all He has done for us. When we are happy we should be praising God thanking Him for all His gifts to us.
Do not swear an Oath
“Above all, my brothers, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your “Yes” be yes, and your “No,” no, or you will be condemned.” James 5:12.
This is something I believe we should take quite literally do not swear an oath. But rather “let your word be your bond. Let your Yes, be yes, and your No, be no.” if we do not we are no better than the rest of the world.
The consequences of not letting your word be your bond are simple are simple “we will be condemned”.
This is something I believe we should take quite literally do not swear an oath. But rather “let your word be your bond. Let your Yes, be yes, and your No, be no.” if we do not we are no better than the rest of the world.
The consequences of not letting your word be your bond are simple are simple “we will be condemned”.
Be Patient even in Suffering
"Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!
Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy." James 5:7-10
James is calling us to be patient to stand firm in what we believe no matter what circumstance we find ourselves in. We are not to grumble against each other but rather lift each other up. We are not to judge each other, something Jesus tells us in Matthew seven.
James warns us that the Judge, the true Judge who knows the heart of all men is standing at the door ready to enter in.
He tells us the prophets of the Lord suffered for what they believed. Job is an extreme example of suffering for the Lord. Yet he persevered.
James the other apostles and the early church all considered those who have persevered to be a blessed.
He reminds us that ultimately the Lord is full of compassion and mercy towards us, and by us, he means believers
Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy." James 5:7-10
James is calling us to be patient to stand firm in what we believe no matter what circumstance we find ourselves in. We are not to grumble against each other but rather lift each other up. We are not to judge each other, something Jesus tells us in Matthew seven.
James warns us that the Judge, the true Judge who knows the heart of all men is standing at the door ready to enter in.
He tells us the prophets of the Lord suffered for what they believed. Job is an extreme example of suffering for the Lord. Yet he persevered.
James the other apostles and the early church all considered those who have persevered to be a blessed.
He reminds us that ultimately the Lord is full of compassion and mercy towards us, and by us, he means believers
Sunday 8 January 2012
Warning to Oppressors
“Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you. Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. Look! The wages you failed to pay the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered innocent men, who were not opposing you.”James 5:1-6
When I read this I think of my father who was a union activist all his life. All his life he worked with the union to get better wages and benefits for the average working man.
Around the world today there are may who oppress the worker. Companies that move work from one area of the world to another in the name of the bottom line. Companies that employ children in sweat shops. Companies who take advantage of the circumstances in various areas of the world to pay less than adequate wages and benefits as well as providing less than safe working environments for those they employ.
Those who are in control of these companies are given a warning here. They may escape the judgment of man but they will not escape the judgment of God.
When I read this I think of my father who was a union activist all his life. All his life he worked with the union to get better wages and benefits for the average working man.
Around the world today there are may who oppress the worker. Companies that move work from one area of the world to another in the name of the bottom line. Companies that employ children in sweat shops. Companies who take advantage of the circumstances in various areas of the world to pay less than adequate wages and benefits as well as providing less than safe working environments for those they employ.
Those who are in control of these companies are given a warning here. They may escape the judgment of man but they will not escape the judgment of God.
You are a Mist Acknowledge God
“Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil.” James 4:13-16.
The Prophet Isaiah says, “ A voice says “Cry out.” And I said what shall I cry “All men are like grass, and their glory is like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the Lord blows on them. Surely the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall but the word of our God Stands forever.” Isaiah 40:6-8.
Man is limited. We cannot predict what the next day, or for that matter what the next minute will bring.
We, if we are Christians, need to submit to God every moment of our lives. We cannot assume anything.
I remember one day seeing my sister-in-law in good spirits. We talked and everything seemed fine. A short time later I was standing beside her grave. She was fifty-four. With seemingly everything to live for.
Life is fragile and we need to handle it with prayer. Thanking the God of our salvation for it every day.
The Prophet Isaiah says, “ A voice says “Cry out.” And I said what shall I cry “All men are like grass, and their glory is like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the Lord blows on them. Surely the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall but the word of our God Stands forever.” Isaiah 40:6-8.
Man is limited. We cannot predict what the next day, or for that matter what the next minute will bring.
We, if we are Christians, need to submit to God every moment of our lives. We cannot assume anything.
I remember one day seeing my sister-in-law in good spirits. We talked and everything seemed fine. A short time later I was standing beside her grave. She was fifty-four. With seemingly everything to live for.
Life is fragile and we need to handle it with prayer. Thanking the God of our salvation for it every day.
Friday 6 January 2012
Submit to God
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” James 4:7-10
Over the years I’ve seen many Christians with good intentions go their own rout only to fall.
I’ve heard evangelist say “it is “my” ministry” “you must support “my” ministry” they have forgotten the words of Psalms 127:1 when it says, “Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain.” Psalm 127:1a
Each one of us must be aware that we are sinners saved by grace. That we must resist the devil and he will flee. We must fall on our faces and humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord, that He may lift us up.
If we begin to see things as “OUR” ministry we will inevitably try to do it in our own strength.
People will also begin to say it is “our” ministry. They will look and say, “Look what a wonderful ministry so and so has.” “I am supporting “so and so’s ministry.”
This kind of thing runs the risk of leaving God out of the picture. People look at the evangelist or pastor and give him the glory rather than God.
This can also lead to people stumbling should the pastor or evangelist stumble. This should not be so.
After Abram returned from defeating Kedorlaomer and the kings allied with him, the King of Sodom offered to give him all the goods from the defeated people.
“But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have raised my hand to the LORD, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, and have taken an oath that I will accept nothing belonging to you, not even a thread or the thong of a sandal, so that you will never be able to say, ‘I made Abram rich.’” Genesis 14:22,23.
Abraham understood the concept later written down by the Psalmist that, “Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain.” Psalm 127:1a
In doing it in our own strength we will miss not only the best God has to offer, but we will miss the wonderment of God. We will miss seeing the miraculous ways in which he provides.
A pastor, evangelist, Sunday School teacher or for that matter the humble usher in a church all minister at the Lords behest. Without him their ministry ultimately will fail or at the very least not reach its full potential.
We must always remember where we come from and that it is by the grace of God we are saved not by our works. We owe it all to God and that, “Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain.” Psalm 127:1a
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” James 4:7-10
Over the years I’ve seen many Christians with good intentions go their own rout only to fall.
I’ve heard evangelist say “it is “my” ministry” “you must support “my” ministry” they have forgotten the words of Psalms 127:1 when it says, “Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain.” Psalm 127:1a
Each one of us must be aware that we are sinners saved by grace. That we must resist the devil and he will flee. We must fall on our faces and humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord, that He may lift us up.
If we begin to see things as “OUR” ministry we will inevitably try to do it in our own strength.
People will also begin to say it is “our” ministry. They will look and say, “Look what a wonderful ministry so and so has.” “I am supporting “so and so’s ministry.”
This kind of thing runs the risk of leaving God out of the picture. People look at the evangelist or pastor and give him the glory rather than God.
This can also lead to people stumbling should the pastor or evangelist stumble. This should not be so.
After Abram returned from defeating Kedorlaomer and the kings allied with him, the King of Sodom offered to give him all the goods from the defeated people.
“But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have raised my hand to the LORD, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, and have taken an oath that I will accept nothing belonging to you, not even a thread or the thong of a sandal, so that you will never be able to say, ‘I made Abram rich.’” Genesis 14:22,23.
Abraham understood the concept later written down by the Psalmist that, “Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain.” Psalm 127:1a
In doing it in our own strength we will miss not only the best God has to offer, but we will miss the wonderment of God. We will miss seeing the miraculous ways in which he provides.
A pastor, evangelist, Sunday School teacher or for that matter the humble usher in a church all minister at the Lords behest. Without him their ministry ultimately will fail or at the very least not reach its full potential.
We must always remember where we come from and that it is by the grace of God we are saved not by our works. We owe it all to God and that, “Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain.” Psalm 127:1a
Thursday 5 January 2012
Heavenly and Earthly Wisdom
“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil.”
James 3:13-15
There are two kinds of wisdom open to us God’s and man’s.
Wisdom that come’s from God is orderly, exemplified by a good life and deeds, done in true humility.
Earthly wisdom is characterized by envy, selfish ambition. James saying it is “of the devil”.
James makes it clear the signs of God’s wisdom when he says,
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.” James 3:17,18.
No matter who we are we need to ask God for his wisdom. We need to learn what it is to be wise in God’s eyes and to practice that wisdom before man.
The key I believe to God’s wisdom is love. Someone once said to me that, “Love, true love is the beginning of all wisdom.”
The apostle Paul writing to the Corinthians said of love, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a
Jesus said of love, “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-40.
If we love as God want’s us to love we are in many aspects following God’s wisdom.
God in His wisdom looked down on mankind and his multitude of sins and instead of destroying the world showed love toward us,
Jesus noting in the gospel of John, “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. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16,17
It is our job to follow that wisdom and Love the world as God loved the world. In order that we may show people the way of salvation the way to heaven.
James 3:13-15
There are two kinds of wisdom open to us God’s and man’s.
Wisdom that come’s from God is orderly, exemplified by a good life and deeds, done in true humility.
Earthly wisdom is characterized by envy, selfish ambition. James saying it is “of the devil”.
James makes it clear the signs of God’s wisdom when he says,
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.” James 3:17,18.
No matter who we are we need to ask God for his wisdom. We need to learn what it is to be wise in God’s eyes and to practice that wisdom before man.
The key I believe to God’s wisdom is love. Someone once said to me that, “Love, true love is the beginning of all wisdom.”
The apostle Paul writing to the Corinthians said of love, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a
Jesus said of love, “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-40.
If we love as God want’s us to love we are in many aspects following God’s wisdom.
God in His wisdom looked down on mankind and his multitude of sins and instead of destroying the world showed love toward us,
Jesus noting in the gospel of John, “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. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16,17
It is our job to follow that wisdom and Love the world as God loved the world. In order that we may show people the way of salvation the way to heaven.
The Tongue
When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. ... but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. James 3-5,6-10
I’ve heard lots of sermons on this subject. Taming the tongue is hard. For some high profile evangelist and pastors not keeping their tong in check has destroyed their ministries over the years.
The same is true for the individual. Many reputations have been destroyed by what they have said without thought or in haste.
James notes “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.”
One commentary I read said “Since humans have been made like God, to curse a human being is to show contempt for God.”
We must be careful to follow the advise James gives to us earlier when he says,
“....Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak.” James 1:19b.
With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. James 3-5,6-10
I’ve heard lots of sermons on this subject. Taming the tongue is hard. For some high profile evangelist and pastors not keeping their tong in check has destroyed their ministries over the years.
The same is true for the individual. Many reputations have been destroyed by what they have said without thought or in haste.
James notes “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.”
One commentary I read said “Since humans have been made like God, to curse a human being is to show contempt for God.”
We must be careful to follow the advise James gives to us earlier when he says,
“....Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak.” James 1:19b.
Wednesday 4 January 2012
Teachers
“Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” James 3:1
Quite often I think this verse is forgotten in the church. We who teach the gospel will be judged more strictly simply because we know the word of God better.
We who teach must be sure of what we teach. We cannot simply parrot what we hear others say.
All to often I’ve asked people why do you believe such and such a thing? Or can you show me where in the Bible you take what you believe from. Sadly all to often the reply comes back as I don’t know, or such and such an evangelist or pastor tells me it’s so.
This is not just true of those who are not teachers, but of teachers also. They go by what they are taught. Not by what they themselves have learned from the word of God.
James here is giving clear warning to all who teach the word of God from the lowly Sunday School teacher to pastors and evangelist and anyone in the church who wishes to teach. To be extra vigilant as to what they teach and say because they will be held to a higher degree of accountability.
Quite often I think this verse is forgotten in the church. We who teach the gospel will be judged more strictly simply because we know the word of God better.
We who teach must be sure of what we teach. We cannot simply parrot what we hear others say.
All to often I’ve asked people why do you believe such and such a thing? Or can you show me where in the Bible you take what you believe from. Sadly all to often the reply comes back as I don’t know, or such and such an evangelist or pastor tells me it’s so.
This is not just true of those who are not teachers, but of teachers also. They go by what they are taught. Not by what they themselves have learned from the word of God.
James here is giving clear warning to all who teach the word of God from the lowly Sunday School teacher to pastors and evangelist and anyone in the church who wishes to teach. To be extra vigilant as to what they teach and say because they will be held to a higher degree of accountability.
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