Some time ago during one of the rehearsals of a certain choir, as I was commenting on something, one of the choir members made a dangerously negative comment. Of course the individual in question had no idea that years of being married to a musician has made my good hearing even better, so her "whispered" diatribe was quite audible. I think she forgot that I am the daughter of a King, just as she had been called to be. So, I asked God to help all of us hear Him and embrace unity in community. (Within days of her comment, the LORD removed her from ministry and she has not ministered anywhere since then: a real-life example of yesterday's blog, which cautioned us to take care in how we relate to the prophetic community).
But don't condemn her: we all have our moments. I recall vividly the summer of 2005, when Pastor Sam shook my hand and said "So glad to have you on the team!" I looked him right in the face and replied, "I am not on your team." Oh, God is so gracious- I'm so glad God did not strike me dead on the spot, but believe me a chain of events began occuring which I knew were directly related to my defiance of Pastor Sam's position and apostolic authority. In my season of fighting against the work God had called me to do, I'd unwittingly sided with the devil. Fortunately I woke up, apologized, and learned to submit to God's plan and God's agent, and life has been much better since then.
As has been preached over and over at BBCN, let's remember the Judeo-Christian model: there are only two sides. If we say that Jesus is our Savior and Lord, then presumably we should be on His side, right? Well, the scriptures warn us that there is a large group of people that claim to belong to Him but walk in defiance of His mandates. There will be many suprises on the Great Day of the Lord, when the indictment of "the many" unfolds: "Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in your name? and in thy name have cast out demons? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then I will profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity" (Matthew 7:22-23).
What is the measuring stick being used? Execution of the will of the Father (Matthew 7:21). That's what I pray for: Father, please reveal Your will to me. Please give me a heart to obey You and do what You say. I want to crucify my own desires and carry out Your will. My preferences are irrelevant in light of Your glory.
God, we are Your body. Do whatever You want to do with us. We are living sacrifices, laying on the altar. We choose to lay here and let You prune us and carve us and purify us with the fire of Your Holy Spirit. Thank You for helping us to look more like You. Thank You for causing us to embrace Your agenda and reject the agenda of the devil who seeks to make us ineffective. Lord Jesus, we love You. Thank You for hearing us. In Your name we pray, Amen.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Prophetic Warning #4: Respect God's Anointed.
I think that we don't usually consider the relationship between our treatment of God's people and our personal circumstances. Psalm 105 (which is also contained in I Chronicles 16) gives us some insight regarding God's perspective on His people and in particular His ministers. Let's reflect on this for a few minutes today.
Prophetic Warning #4: Be extremely careful to show respect and love to Pastor Sam and his team at BBCN.
Psalm 105 begins with an exhortation for us to thank the LORD, call on the LORD, be witnesses for the LORD, sing to the LORD, worship the LORD, look to the LORD, seek the face of the LORD, and remember the miracles and judgements of the LORD.
The Psalm continues with a recounting of the mighty acts of God, with mentions of some of the men God used to carry out His program of deliverance. In the midst of this, the psalmist David reminds us that God said something: "Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm" (Psalm 105:15; I Chronicles 16:22).
I'd like to think there is some relationship between our willingness to extol God as detailed in Psalm 105:1-7 (I Chronicles 16:8-14), and our willingness to obey Him in this matter of respecting the persons whom God has placed in positions of authority as detailed in Psalm 105:15 (I Chronicles 16:22).
Touch not mine anointed... Who's anointed? Well, if we use the Old Testament as our blueprint, we see that God mandated anointing for priests (Exodus 29:4-7; 30:30-32). He called for the anointing of prophets and kings (I Kings 19:15-16). In addition to the anointing of individuals, God also mandated the anointing of the tabernacle and its furniture (Exodus 30:22-29). So we have these groups anointed: God's civic leaders (kings), God's spiritual leaders (priests), God's spokespersons/advisors to His leaders (prophets), and God's physical property (the tabernacle and its furniture).
...and do my prophets no harm. For those of you who may have been tempted to nitpick at my previous paragraph, don't bother. I know that not all prophets in scripture have a record of being anointed with oil at the inauguration of their ministry. But God is so good; He has put in this rider, "my prophets", encompassing every man and woman He calls- the oil of anointing, the ritual of anointing, is not the issue. The issue is the call of God.
Don't seek the harm of persons whom God has called to be a prophetic voice in the community of faith. What has God said? "He suffered no man to do them wrong" (Psalm 105:15; I Chronicles 16:21). God will not permit you, naysayer, to continue speaking ill of the men and women He has selected as servant-leaders for the BBCN community. Consider yourself warned.
Prophetic Warning #4: Be extremely careful to show respect and love to Pastor Sam and his team at BBCN.
Psalm 105 begins with an exhortation for us to thank the LORD, call on the LORD, be witnesses for the LORD, sing to the LORD, worship the LORD, look to the LORD, seek the face of the LORD, and remember the miracles and judgements of the LORD.
The Psalm continues with a recounting of the mighty acts of God, with mentions of some of the men God used to carry out His program of deliverance. In the midst of this, the psalmist David reminds us that God said something: "Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm" (Psalm 105:15; I Chronicles 16:22).
I'd like to think there is some relationship between our willingness to extol God as detailed in Psalm 105:1-7 (I Chronicles 16:8-14), and our willingness to obey Him in this matter of respecting the persons whom God has placed in positions of authority as detailed in Psalm 105:15 (I Chronicles 16:22).
Touch not mine anointed... Who's anointed? Well, if we use the Old Testament as our blueprint, we see that God mandated anointing for priests (Exodus 29:4-7; 30:30-32). He called for the anointing of prophets and kings (I Kings 19:15-16). In addition to the anointing of individuals, God also mandated the anointing of the tabernacle and its furniture (Exodus 30:22-29). So we have these groups anointed: God's civic leaders (kings), God's spiritual leaders (priests), God's spokespersons/advisors to His leaders (prophets), and God's physical property (the tabernacle and its furniture).
...and do my prophets no harm. For those of you who may have been tempted to nitpick at my previous paragraph, don't bother. I know that not all prophets in scripture have a record of being anointed with oil at the inauguration of their ministry. But God is so good; He has put in this rider, "my prophets", encompassing every man and woman He calls- the oil of anointing, the ritual of anointing, is not the issue. The issue is the call of God.
Don't seek the harm of persons whom God has called to be a prophetic voice in the community of faith. What has God said? "He suffered no man to do them wrong" (Psalm 105:15; I Chronicles 16:21). God will not permit you, naysayer, to continue speaking ill of the men and women He has selected as servant-leaders for the BBCN community. Consider yourself warned.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Prophetic Warning #3: Business As Usual.
One unusual defense mechanism we humans engage in is this stance of behaving as if everything is normal, when in fact it is not. There are a few pastors, our own BBCN pastors among them, who have called their churches to fast and pray during this time. My fear is that we have been so busy this month throwing birthday parties for ourselves that we have forgotten the call to consecration through fasting and prayer.
Prophetic Warning #3: The lie of "business as usual" in the face of destruction.
What was so special about October 28, 1929? Nothing. Its ordinariness stands in stark contrast to October 29, 1929, the day most historians use as the start of the Great Depression. When I think of October 28, 1929, I am reminded of the words of Jesus: "As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark..." (Matthew 24:37-38).
Many of us are not fasting and praying because we really believe today is like any other day. Figuratively speaking, we have never experienced rain. We see no clouds, and we conclude that our pastors and prophets, the "Noah"s of our day, are alarmist or foolish. To compound matters, some who claim to be Christians are still preferring the sin of the world to the joy of obedient, humble service to God. They are both ignoring and undermining the program and plan of God by saying "no" to His call, even as they sit in His house.
If that describes you, I'd like to remind you that God loves you and He wants you to return to Him with your whole heart. Why should you perish when you have known the truth? On this anniversary of the 1929 stock market crash, let's seek the LORD- to worship Him, to hear Him, and to do what He says.
This is not business as usual. God is shaking the nation and the world, and the only protection is Himself- He is the safe haven, the place of refuge. He is the source of joy and peace in the midst of crisis.
The door of the ark is on its hinges, and God is shutting it... will you be inside or outside?
Prophetic Warning #3: The lie of "business as usual" in the face of destruction.
What was so special about October 28, 1929? Nothing. Its ordinariness stands in stark contrast to October 29, 1929, the day most historians use as the start of the Great Depression. When I think of October 28, 1929, I am reminded of the words of Jesus: "As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark..." (Matthew 24:37-38).
Many of us are not fasting and praying because we really believe today is like any other day. Figuratively speaking, we have never experienced rain. We see no clouds, and we conclude that our pastors and prophets, the "Noah"s of our day, are alarmist or foolish. To compound matters, some who claim to be Christians are still preferring the sin of the world to the joy of obedient, humble service to God. They are both ignoring and undermining the program and plan of God by saying "no" to His call, even as they sit in His house.
If that describes you, I'd like to remind you that God loves you and He wants you to return to Him with your whole heart. Why should you perish when you have known the truth? On this anniversary of the 1929 stock market crash, let's seek the LORD- to worship Him, to hear Him, and to do what He says.
This is not business as usual. God is shaking the nation and the world, and the only protection is Himself- He is the safe haven, the place of refuge. He is the source of joy and peace in the midst of crisis.
The door of the ark is on its hinges, and God is shutting it... will you be inside or outside?
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Prophetic Warning #2: Infrastructure.
You know, I don't want to be known as the one with all the bad news- but I think that part of the role of a watchman is to say what they see, then leave it to the people of God to respond as they see fit. There is hope in the midst of crises, and I think that as we mature in Christ we are able to still rejoice even when things seem "hopeless" in the world's eyes.
Prophetic Warning #2: The collapse of the city's infrastructure.
Since my early twenties I have had a recurring dream that showed thousands of people on the streets. They were waiting for buses and trains: not angry, not rioting, but waiting with resigned looks on their faces. Other people, like me, were walking everywhere they needed to go. There were still some cars and delivery trucks on the roads, but almost no buses. In my dream it was the middle of the day but most of the retail stores were closed. People seemed to have accepted the fact that, if they were taking mass transit, it would take them hours to get where they needed to go.
We tend to treat the city's infrastructure as if it's indestructible. I don't run for the subway because I know another train will come. I expect that when I pick up a landline phone I will get a dial tone. What am I thinking? I'm thinking that since we've paid our taxes these goods and services will continue as normal... but my recurring dream seems to indicate otherwise.
Fortunately, as believers in Jesus Christ we know that our true "infrastructure" is not roads or bridges or waterworks... Christ is our sure foundation and cornerstone. In the midst of confusion and despair, He steps forward and offers incomprehensible peace and unspeakable joy. And His love, flowing through us, captures the attention of the world.
What are you using to build your foundation? I Corinthians 3:10-15 is a wonderful passage to meditate on today, as we reflect on the importance of being grounded in Jesus Christ. Blessings and peace to you, my friends.
Prophetic Warning #2: The collapse of the city's infrastructure.
Since my early twenties I have had a recurring dream that showed thousands of people on the streets. They were waiting for buses and trains: not angry, not rioting, but waiting with resigned looks on their faces. Other people, like me, were walking everywhere they needed to go. There were still some cars and delivery trucks on the roads, but almost no buses. In my dream it was the middle of the day but most of the retail stores were closed. People seemed to have accepted the fact that, if they were taking mass transit, it would take them hours to get where they needed to go.
We tend to treat the city's infrastructure as if it's indestructible. I don't run for the subway because I know another train will come. I expect that when I pick up a landline phone I will get a dial tone. What am I thinking? I'm thinking that since we've paid our taxes these goods and services will continue as normal... but my recurring dream seems to indicate otherwise.
Fortunately, as believers in Jesus Christ we know that our true "infrastructure" is not roads or bridges or waterworks... Christ is our sure foundation and cornerstone. In the midst of confusion and despair, He steps forward and offers incomprehensible peace and unspeakable joy. And His love, flowing through us, captures the attention of the world.
What are you using to build your foundation? I Corinthians 3:10-15 is a wonderful passage to meditate on today, as we reflect on the importance of being grounded in Jesus Christ. Blessings and peace to you, my friends.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Prophetic Warning #1: Famine.
On my way home from church last night, I felt very strongly that the LORD wants us to share together in some prophetic warnings we have received. I hope this does not strike you as a process of aimless or hopeless spectating, nor an 'alarmist' type of move, but that each of us will be open to God's leading regarding the way we care for ourselves and our families at this critical (kairos) time.
Warning #1: The sign of famine
Several months ago I gave a prophetic song during one of our Wednesday evening services. I'd never done that before, and it has not happened since then. The text that the LORD sent was Philippians 4:6-7: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
As I sang through this text, the song shifted to a number of scenarios which would certainly have the potential to cause anxiety: "Do not be anxious about anything: when there's no food, when there's no gas, when the heavens are brass, the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and guard your minds in Christ Jesus."
An associate of mine has recently urged me to buy as much food as I can in preparation for what she believes will be a swift and drastic decline in the availability of food. Based on Revelation's phrase "a quart of wheat for a day's wages" and of course based on the book of Joel (among others), we can say there is a Biblical precedent for the depletion of crops that are foundational resources for multiple industries. The reality, though, is that I have neither the money nor the space to stockpile anything. I prefer to use the strategy I learned many years ago by pastor and watchman David Wilkerson: in the times where we have had no food and there was no money coming in, I would lay my hands on the empty refrigerator and thank God for the food that He was sending... and within twenty-four hours someone would show up with food for my household. I know that I'm not the only person who has done this. And I can tell you God answers prayer: even in my seasons of unemployment I have never gone hungry.
Matthew 6:25-34 is the quintessential passage which exhorts believers not to worry. I encourage you to read it and meditate on it, even as you ask God what He wants from you during a time of famine. God bless you as you obey Him and seek to be a reflector of His glory.
Warning #1: The sign of famine
Several months ago I gave a prophetic song during one of our Wednesday evening services. I'd never done that before, and it has not happened since then. The text that the LORD sent was Philippians 4:6-7: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
As I sang through this text, the song shifted to a number of scenarios which would certainly have the potential to cause anxiety: "Do not be anxious about anything: when there's no food, when there's no gas, when the heavens are brass, the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and guard your minds in Christ Jesus."
An associate of mine has recently urged me to buy as much food as I can in preparation for what she believes will be a swift and drastic decline in the availability of food. Based on Revelation's phrase "a quart of wheat for a day's wages" and of course based on the book of Joel (among others), we can say there is a Biblical precedent for the depletion of crops that are foundational resources for multiple industries. The reality, though, is that I have neither the money nor the space to stockpile anything. I prefer to use the strategy I learned many years ago by pastor and watchman David Wilkerson: in the times where we have had no food and there was no money coming in, I would lay my hands on the empty refrigerator and thank God for the food that He was sending... and within twenty-four hours someone would show up with food for my household. I know that I'm not the only person who has done this. And I can tell you God answers prayer: even in my seasons of unemployment I have never gone hungry.
Matthew 6:25-34 is the quintessential passage which exhorts believers not to worry. I encourage you to read it and meditate on it, even as you ask God what He wants from you during a time of famine. God bless you as you obey Him and seek to be a reflector of His glory.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Special Miracles II
Today let's continue digging into a passage that was briefly mentioned by Pastor Steven during Wednesday night's revival service.
"And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul" (Acts 19:11). Yesterday we dealt with the "how": the miracles were effected by a community of faith that took healing virtue with them from the church to the persons outside of church in need of healing.
Today we look at "why": I believe the answer to "why" is, because there was a larger community outside of the community of faith that was in dire need of healing and deliverance.
"...and the diseases departed from them..." It really is amazing when you consider that an average churchgoer, with just a handkerchief, walks up to Pastor Sam- sorry, I meant Paul- after service and touches Paul with a kerchief, then takes the subway to Montefiore Hospital- oh, I meant the churchgoer walks to the other side of Ephesus- and sees his friend laying down sick, and says, "In service today the power of the LORD was present for healing, and I just want to lay this kerchief on you and pray for you..." and before he can pray, the healing virtue of God is released through the kerchief to his sick friend, and all of a sudden the sick friend is no longer sick. Guess what? That still happens today. We don't see it much in this country, but God has not lost His power. And God is no respecter of persons, so there is no reason to believe that the graces afforded the first-century church are no longer available for His twenty-first century children.
"...and the evil spirits went out of them". It's interesting to note the distinction between physical illness, which scripture refers to as a spirit of infirmity, and the reality of psychological illness, which can be attributed to the work of evil spirits. Later on in the Acts 19 passage we see an incident involving the sons of Sceva, men who were not submitted to Jesus but who were known to be successful exorcists. While there is precedence for persons outside of the counsel of God to be able to perform certain wonders, there always comes a point where the power of God is clearly demonstrated to be superior to any other power (see Exodus chapters 7 through 12).
Is there a lesson for us here in the twenty-first century? Yes. Let's come to church expecting to meet God, and expecting to have an encounter with Him. We do not get to choose how God shows up, but we can know that He will show up. Additionally, let's embrace the idea of carrying the power of God with us from the service to the streets. Yes! We can bring healing and deliverance without saying a word: let's touch people and allow the Spirit of God to work through us.
As has become our custom, there will not be a blog posted on Sunday. By God's grace I hope we'll continue this spiritual journey together on Monday. Blessings and peace to each of you!
"And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul" (Acts 19:11). Yesterday we dealt with the "how": the miracles were effected by a community of faith that took healing virtue with them from the church to the persons outside of church in need of healing.
Today we look at "why": I believe the answer to "why" is, because there was a larger community outside of the community of faith that was in dire need of healing and deliverance.
"...and the diseases departed from them..." It really is amazing when you consider that an average churchgoer, with just a handkerchief, walks up to Pastor Sam- sorry, I meant Paul- after service and touches Paul with a kerchief, then takes the subway to Montefiore Hospital- oh, I meant the churchgoer walks to the other side of Ephesus- and sees his friend laying down sick, and says, "In service today the power of the LORD was present for healing, and I just want to lay this kerchief on you and pray for you..." and before he can pray, the healing virtue of God is released through the kerchief to his sick friend, and all of a sudden the sick friend is no longer sick. Guess what? That still happens today. We don't see it much in this country, but God has not lost His power. And God is no respecter of persons, so there is no reason to believe that the graces afforded the first-century church are no longer available for His twenty-first century children.
"...and the evil spirits went out of them". It's interesting to note the distinction between physical illness, which scripture refers to as a spirit of infirmity, and the reality of psychological illness, which can be attributed to the work of evil spirits. Later on in the Acts 19 passage we see an incident involving the sons of Sceva, men who were not submitted to Jesus but who were known to be successful exorcists. While there is precedence for persons outside of the counsel of God to be able to perform certain wonders, there always comes a point where the power of God is clearly demonstrated to be superior to any other power (see Exodus chapters 7 through 12).
Is there a lesson for us here in the twenty-first century? Yes. Let's come to church expecting to meet God, and expecting to have an encounter with Him. We do not get to choose how God shows up, but we can know that He will show up. Additionally, let's embrace the idea of carrying the power of God with us from the service to the streets. Yes! We can bring healing and deliverance without saying a word: let's touch people and allow the Spirit of God to work through us.
As has become our custom, there will not be a blog posted on Sunday. By God's grace I hope we'll continue this spiritual journey together on Monday. Blessings and peace to each of you!
Friday, October 24, 2008
Special Miracles
Today let's begin digging into a passage that was briefly mentioned by Pastor Steven during Wednesday night's revival service.
"And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul" (Acts 19:11). How? And why? Let's look at the explanation given in Acts 19:12.
"so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him..." Apparently there was a community of people who either heard something or saw something during Paul's ministry, because they were bringing these kerchiefs and cloths with them to church. Also note that Paul was not selling cloths, and in fact we can argue that Paul was not even touching the cloths- the verse says "handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him", a scene reminiscent of the phenomenon of the woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5:25-34). Just as Jesus did not touch the woman, but it was the woman who touched Jesus' clothes, in the same way the Acts passage implies that it was the people touching Paul's frame with their kerchiefs, not Paul reaching out to touch anything.
"...were taken to the sick..." Paul was not traveling around visiting sick people. It was the community of Christians who took upon themselves the ministry of visitation. The laity, not the leadership, carried these aprons and kerchiefs to those who were too sick to come to the service. Some Christians, who are caught up in a 'cult-of-personality' mindset, get very upset when they are sick and are visited by a lay person instead of being visited by a pastor. If that's you, get over it. The pastors are called to preach. There are others that the Lord has called to the ministry of visitation.
How was Paul's ministry of miracles made manifest? Through a community of believers who not only had faith in the power of God to heal, but who took the initiative to carry that healing with them when they left the church.
Tomorrow we will continue with the remainder of Acts 19:12. See you then!
"And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul" (Acts 19:11). How? And why? Let's look at the explanation given in Acts 19:12.
"so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him..." Apparently there was a community of people who either heard something or saw something during Paul's ministry, because they were bringing these kerchiefs and cloths with them to church. Also note that Paul was not selling cloths, and in fact we can argue that Paul was not even touching the cloths- the verse says "handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him", a scene reminiscent of the phenomenon of the woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5:25-34). Just as Jesus did not touch the woman, but it was the woman who touched Jesus' clothes, in the same way the Acts passage implies that it was the people touching Paul's frame with their kerchiefs, not Paul reaching out to touch anything.
"...were taken to the sick..." Paul was not traveling around visiting sick people. It was the community of Christians who took upon themselves the ministry of visitation. The laity, not the leadership, carried these aprons and kerchiefs to those who were too sick to come to the service. Some Christians, who are caught up in a 'cult-of-personality' mindset, get very upset when they are sick and are visited by a lay person instead of being visited by a pastor. If that's you, get over it. The pastors are called to preach. There are others that the Lord has called to the ministry of visitation.
How was Paul's ministry of miracles made manifest? Through a community of believers who not only had faith in the power of God to heal, but who took the initiative to carry that healing with them when they left the church.
Tomorrow we will continue with the remainder of Acts 19:12. See you then!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Refinable or Rebukable
With apologies to those of you who usually look for my blog at two or three in the morning, here is today's post.
Let's briefly reflect on the postmodern "shifts": Pastor Steven spoke about one on Sunday night, and I propose the second one based upon my own reflections.
The church is being refined. We have shifted from "watching" to "doing". Services are no longer spectator events, they are events where the congregation is expected and encouraged to participate through the singing of hymns and choruses, through prayers, through giving, and through responding to the preached word during altar calls. Beyond services, the church community is being formed, fashioned, and discipled into the image of God. This occurs through our individual relationships with God and through the ministry of His Spirit.
The church is being rebuked. You really would have to be a simpleton not to realize that, over the past few years, the LORD has been sending the same message through several pastors and prophets: abandon sin and turn to the LORD with all your heart. Further, a clear warning has been sounded: those "in" the church who have not submitted themselves fully to God's refinement process will be removed.
Yes, refinement is painful. And it is humbling to be rebuked. But the only alternative for those who bypass these two processes is to be removed. Remember the parable of the wheat and the chaff? And remember that great line from an old hymn: "The flames shall not hurt you- I only design thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine"... Let's embrace the refining fire and endure the rebuke!
Let's briefly reflect on the postmodern "shifts": Pastor Steven spoke about one on Sunday night, and I propose the second one based upon my own reflections.
The church is being refined. We have shifted from "watching" to "doing". Services are no longer spectator events, they are events where the congregation is expected and encouraged to participate through the singing of hymns and choruses, through prayers, through giving, and through responding to the preached word during altar calls. Beyond services, the church community is being formed, fashioned, and discipled into the image of God. This occurs through our individual relationships with God and through the ministry of His Spirit.
The church is being rebuked. You really would have to be a simpleton not to realize that, over the past few years, the LORD has been sending the same message through several pastors and prophets: abandon sin and turn to the LORD with all your heart. Further, a clear warning has been sounded: those "in" the church who have not submitted themselves fully to God's refinement process will be removed.
Yes, refinement is painful. And it is humbling to be rebuked. But the only alternative for those who bypass these two processes is to be removed. Remember the parable of the wheat and the chaff? And remember that great line from an old hymn: "The flames shall not hurt you- I only design thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine"... Let's embrace the refining fire and endure the rebuke!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Stage Theories
The logical progression, if I were to write in a logical fashion, would be to continue the theme of energy which Pastor Steven spoke about this past Sunday (and which we have blogged the last two days). But I think it might be more interesting to double back to the beginning of the sermon, so that we might reflect on the concept of church as a living, growing entity. This will be a shorter blog than usual: I just want us to have a quick recap of the sermon so we can spend less time reading and more time thinking.
In learning about the Ephesian church, we can read scriptures from Acts, Ephesians, Timothy, and Revelation. These scriptures paint pictures of the church in various stages of development. As a new church, it enjoyed the zeal of radical apostles who were unafraid to challenge the world system of their day. As a growing church, it modified itself to accomodate the new forms of leadership that each era promoted. And finally, we see the exhortation from the resurrected Christ to the mature Ephesian church: "Yet I hold this against you, you have left your first love..." Not the greatest assessment, but they at least could repent and change their ways.
When Jesus pays you a visit, what will He say?
In learning about the Ephesian church, we can read scriptures from Acts, Ephesians, Timothy, and Revelation. These scriptures paint pictures of the church in various stages of development. As a new church, it enjoyed the zeal of radical apostles who were unafraid to challenge the world system of their day. As a growing church, it modified itself to accomodate the new forms of leadership that each era promoted. And finally, we see the exhortation from the resurrected Christ to the mature Ephesian church: "Yet I hold this against you, you have left your first love..." Not the greatest assessment, but they at least could repent and change their ways.
When Jesus pays you a visit, what will He say?
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Energized Leaders
Today, let's continue reflecting on Sunday's sermon. Yesterday we looked at the concept of energized people; today we'll review Pastor Steven's comments regarding energized leaders.
If there is going to be strength in any community, there must be strong leadership present. The apostles did not remain in the upper room after the Holy Spirit empowered them. As leaders, we have a mandate to go out into the "front lines" of the world and make disciples of all nations. The apostles were present and active in the early church: present in Jerusalem, present in Antioch. And they reproduced themselves by instituting other leaders: evangelists, deacons, elders, bishops. Leaders begat leaders, and the church grew in strength and numbers.
If there is going to be diversity in any community, there must be diversity present in the leadership. This comment is actually a combination of what was preached Sunday morning and the prophetic word we received on Sunday evening. The church in Ephesus reflected mixed leadership: there were men and women in leadership roles, and the leaders also reflected variation in levels of experience- that is, less experienced leaders were allowed to preach and hold positions of authority, and were discipled by more experienced leaders (for example, the Acts 18 and 19 references to John's disciples being instructed in the way of Jesus Christ).
Pastor Steven expanded on this idea of diversity during Sunday evening, when he implored the congregation (comprised largely of Jamaican immigrants) to make room for worshipers of other racial and cultural extractions. As you can imagine, there was a particular and palpable resistance to the prospect of Bronx Bethany no longer being identifiable as a "Jamaican" church. But God has a way of breaking down idols, and for some congregants Bronx Bethany as it exists today has become an idol. Watch out.
My friends, let's not forget- this is the LORD's church. God has begun expanding our pastoral staff: one-third of our pastors are Latino (Pastors Publio and Marta). That expansion will continue as God increases the diversity of His leaders, as a model of the diversity that will appear in the laity. And it will appear soon.
Bronx Bethany, are you ready? God is.
If there is going to be strength in any community, there must be strong leadership present. The apostles did not remain in the upper room after the Holy Spirit empowered them. As leaders, we have a mandate to go out into the "front lines" of the world and make disciples of all nations. The apostles were present and active in the early church: present in Jerusalem, present in Antioch. And they reproduced themselves by instituting other leaders: evangelists, deacons, elders, bishops. Leaders begat leaders, and the church grew in strength and numbers.
If there is going to be diversity in any community, there must be diversity present in the leadership. This comment is actually a combination of what was preached Sunday morning and the prophetic word we received on Sunday evening. The church in Ephesus reflected mixed leadership: there were men and women in leadership roles, and the leaders also reflected variation in levels of experience- that is, less experienced leaders were allowed to preach and hold positions of authority, and were discipled by more experienced leaders (for example, the Acts 18 and 19 references to John's disciples being instructed in the way of Jesus Christ).
Pastor Steven expanded on this idea of diversity during Sunday evening, when he implored the congregation (comprised largely of Jamaican immigrants) to make room for worshipers of other racial and cultural extractions. As you can imagine, there was a particular and palpable resistance to the prospect of Bronx Bethany no longer being identifiable as a "Jamaican" church. But God has a way of breaking down idols, and for some congregants Bronx Bethany as it exists today has become an idol. Watch out.
My friends, let's not forget- this is the LORD's church. God has begun expanding our pastoral staff: one-third of our pastors are Latino (Pastors Publio and Marta). That expansion will continue as God increases the diversity of His leaders, as a model of the diversity that will appear in the laity. And it will appear soon.
Bronx Bethany, are you ready? God is.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Energized People
On Sunday our guest speaker, Pastor Steven, began a series of sermons on the church at Ephesus. Today we will take a brief look at one source of that church's energy: the people.
In Acts chapters 18 and 19 reference is made to the disciples of John. As we learned yesterday, John's disciples had two characteristics that distinguished them as powerful men and women of God:
They had revolutionary power. The disciples of John, like John himself, did not limit themselves to the social norms of the day. John chose to bypass the traditional system of worship and instead preached in the wilderness: and scripture tells us that people went into the desert to hear John preach. John was simultaneously radical and relevant, and his doctrine touched the hearts of the people.
They had repentance power. As Pastor Steven shared, life is not just about social justice. John's disciples embraced a ministry of repentance... and here is where many Christians today drop the ball. Repentance is critical to conversion, and is critical to being in a position to influence society for good. If we want to see a better society, we would do well to first take a step towards bettering ourselves.
But, we cannot better ourselves by ourselves! It is a work of the glorious Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit who "teaches us to say no to ungodliness and worldly passions". Today, and everyday, let's submit ourselves to Him: so that He might convict us towards repentance, and that He might start a revolution in us that transforms our lifestyle, our family, our community, and our world.
In Acts chapters 18 and 19 reference is made to the disciples of John. As we learned yesterday, John's disciples had two characteristics that distinguished them as powerful men and women of God:
They had revolutionary power. The disciples of John, like John himself, did not limit themselves to the social norms of the day. John chose to bypass the traditional system of worship and instead preached in the wilderness: and scripture tells us that people went into the desert to hear John preach. John was simultaneously radical and relevant, and his doctrine touched the hearts of the people.
They had repentance power. As Pastor Steven shared, life is not just about social justice. John's disciples embraced a ministry of repentance... and here is where many Christians today drop the ball. Repentance is critical to conversion, and is critical to being in a position to influence society for good. If we want to see a better society, we would do well to first take a step towards bettering ourselves.
But, we cannot better ourselves by ourselves! It is a work of the glorious Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit who "teaches us to say no to ungodliness and worldly passions". Today, and everyday, let's submit ourselves to Him: so that He might convict us towards repentance, and that He might start a revolution in us that transforms our lifestyle, our family, our community, and our world.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
A Day To Pray IV
Let's pray for our pastors:
Pastor Sam
Pastor Benji
Pastor Joy
Pastor Richie
Pastor Publio
Pastor Marta
We thank God for these men and women who lead by reminding us of God's word and His expectations, and pray that God will use them to prepare us to demonstrate our own ability- to independently reflect on His word, and to remain grounded in His word (see Second Peter 1:12).
There will not be a blog post for Sunday. I hope you'll visit the site again on Monday. Blessings and peace to each of you.
-Genise
Pastor Sam
Pastor Benji
Pastor Joy
Pastor Richie
Pastor Publio
Pastor Marta
We thank God for these men and women who lead by reminding us of God's word and His expectations, and pray that God will use them to prepare us to demonstrate our own ability- to independently reflect on His word, and to remain grounded in His word (see Second Peter 1:12).
There will not be a blog post for Sunday. I hope you'll visit the site again on Monday. Blessings and peace to each of you.
-Genise
Friday, October 17, 2008
Leading The Witness
The final part of Sunday's sermon asked the question, "What do the leaders do?" Second Peter 1:12 shows us that the role of the leader is to remind us of what has already been said, to help us to stay on the right track.
Pastor Sam shared two very important components of this aspect of reminding. He stated that leaders are not around forever. Some of you know that this is not the first time our pastor has alluded to his being apart from us. To be frank, it is not something I want to blog about- but here we are, and I sense we really should deal with this today.
The first component of why leaders "remind" has to do with the fact that we are often tempted when we are apart from the body of believers. Yes, there are times when the enemy of our souls confronts us in a church service. But I've found that, in my own life, the enemy battles me when my pastor and my friends are not around to help defend me. There are some situations where decisions have to be made in an instant, independent of any other counsel but the counsel of God as revealed to you.
The second component, which pains me to consider, is that Pastor Sam will not always be around. Contrary to what some people believe, Pastor Sam is human... and so are we. If you live your life banking on the pastor being available to keep you accountable, keep in mind that this is just a slice in time where we've been blessed with him. We need to be able to get through temptations and challenges without him, because one day we will be without him.
So, how do we do this? We listen when our leaders speak to us, and we make sure that we understand what we have been taught. If we have been good students of the word, then we will demonstrate our skills when we have to stand alone:
-We will be capable of our own reflection, which is grounded in the character of God (goodness, glory, love, and power).
-We will be stable on our own foundation, which is grounded in the word of God (not Pastor Sam, not our friends, but Jesus Himself).
As our church leaders prepare to return us "back to basics", let's continue to pray for them even as they pray for God's leading in their endeavor to equip us for the days ahead.
As was said on Sunday, the leaders remind us in order to reinforce us. Let's be ready to learn, to do, and to stand, so that when we are on our own we will make God proud in the way we represent and reflect Him in the world. Amen!
Pastor Sam shared two very important components of this aspect of reminding. He stated that leaders are not around forever. Some of you know that this is not the first time our pastor has alluded to his being apart from us. To be frank, it is not something I want to blog about- but here we are, and I sense we really should deal with this today.
The first component of why leaders "remind" has to do with the fact that we are often tempted when we are apart from the body of believers. Yes, there are times when the enemy of our souls confronts us in a church service. But I've found that, in my own life, the enemy battles me when my pastor and my friends are not around to help defend me. There are some situations where decisions have to be made in an instant, independent of any other counsel but the counsel of God as revealed to you.
The second component, which pains me to consider, is that Pastor Sam will not always be around. Contrary to what some people believe, Pastor Sam is human... and so are we. If you live your life banking on the pastor being available to keep you accountable, keep in mind that this is just a slice in time where we've been blessed with him. We need to be able to get through temptations and challenges without him, because one day we will be without him.
So, how do we do this? We listen when our leaders speak to us, and we make sure that we understand what we have been taught. If we have been good students of the word, then we will demonstrate our skills when we have to stand alone:
-We will be capable of our own reflection, which is grounded in the character of God (goodness, glory, love, and power).
-We will be stable on our own foundation, which is grounded in the word of God (not Pastor Sam, not our friends, but Jesus Himself).
As our church leaders prepare to return us "back to basics", let's continue to pray for them even as they pray for God's leading in their endeavor to equip us for the days ahead.
As was said on Sunday, the leaders remind us in order to reinforce us. Let's be ready to learn, to do, and to stand, so that when we are on our own we will make God proud in the way we represent and reflect Him in the world. Amen!
Thursday, October 16, 2008
D.O.A.
For the handful of you who may not know, D.O.A. is an abbreviation for the term "Dead On Arrival". Today is a good day to reflect on the indictment of the fig tree, a story in Scripture that for some reason keeps resurfacing from the pulpit of Bronx Bethany... it seems that some people are not listening yet, and God has been demonstrating amazing patience in His willingness to stay His hand of judgement.
As we were reminded on Sunday, there are certain principles we must understand:
If you're not growing spiritually, you're probably dead.
Those who are not born again are spiritually dead, and as such cannot see the kingdom of God.
If you claim to have been born again, but you are not growing spiritually, then you are either dying or dead.
In the spiritual world, just as in the physical world, growth is a key indicator of life. Scripture exhorts us to grow in grace, to add to our faith, to demonstrate a maturing in our love for God and each other. A lack of growth indicates that we are both ineffective and unfruitful (Second Peter 1:8). A lack of growth also leads to spiritual blindness and spiritual near-sightedness, which becomes apparent in our conduct and our decision-making processes: a lack of growth evidences itself in a lifestyle lived from impulse rather than from the directive of the Spirit of God.
The strange aspect of this "dead-ness" is that the spiritually dead often appear to be very much alive. Pastor Sam alluded to the cut flowers in the sanctuary, which were beautiful, in full bloom, but had no roots. In the same way, we can pretend to be the carriers of spiritual life, but after a season it will be apparent to all that we were just putting on a show.
I leave you today with a paraphrase of one of Pastor Sam's comments: the indictment of the fig tree (Mark 11:12-25) is that it was presenting a great horticultural display, evidenced by an abundance of leaves, but lacked what was required of it as an agricultural plant- there was no fruit.
Jesus is looking for fruit. What will He find when He walks up to you?
As we were reminded on Sunday, there are certain principles we must understand:
If you're not growing spiritually, you're probably dead.
Those who are not born again are spiritually dead, and as such cannot see the kingdom of God.
If you claim to have been born again, but you are not growing spiritually, then you are either dying or dead.
In the spiritual world, just as in the physical world, growth is a key indicator of life. Scripture exhorts us to grow in grace, to add to our faith, to demonstrate a maturing in our love for God and each other. A lack of growth indicates that we are both ineffective and unfruitful (Second Peter 1:8). A lack of growth also leads to spiritual blindness and spiritual near-sightedness, which becomes apparent in our conduct and our decision-making processes: a lack of growth evidences itself in a lifestyle lived from impulse rather than from the directive of the Spirit of God.
The strange aspect of this "dead-ness" is that the spiritually dead often appear to be very much alive. Pastor Sam alluded to the cut flowers in the sanctuary, which were beautiful, in full bloom, but had no roots. In the same way, we can pretend to be the carriers of spiritual life, but after a season it will be apparent to all that we were just putting on a show.
I leave you today with a paraphrase of one of Pastor Sam's comments: the indictment of the fig tree (Mark 11:12-25) is that it was presenting a great horticultural display, evidenced by an abundance of leaves, but lacked what was required of it as an agricultural plant- there was no fruit.
Jesus is looking for fruit. What will He find when He walks up to you?
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
The Sincerest Form Of Flattery
After three and a half years at Bronx Bethany I am noticing that my husband and I have, unintentionally, begun to behave more like Pastor Sam. And I think each of you could say the same thing about someone that you work with every day, or that you see every week, or that you are close to.
It seems that part of our human nature is this phenomenon of imitation. We see children imitate their parents all the time. We see teenagers model their emerging selves after favorite performing artists or teachers. We compliment married couples using phrases like "they've been together so long, they are starting to look alike" or "they are so close they can finish each other's sentences".
This past Sunday's sermon reminded us that we can choose to let go of our own nature, and take on the nature of God. Pastor Sam noted that this is not simply participation in community, but participation in the essential nature of God.
The old story is a true story: God is love. In fact, God is Himself a community of love. You may recall Pastor Sam's referencing of Saint Augustine, who perceived the expression of God's love in His creation of community even with Himself: God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit. He Himself, at once both Lover and Beloved, sharing love. We would do well to imitate Him in our relationships here on earth.
However, in light of that love expressed in community, I will need to warn you. Part of the primary indictment of God against Bronx Bethany is that some of us believe that the mere assembling of believers is sufficient to gain entrance into heaven, and have therefore chosen not to be a living expression of the love of God. Listen. What good does it do you to sit in church, then go home and continue to live in a way that is completely contrary to the nature of God? Dichotomous behavior like that is reminscent of the parables in Matthew 25, which we have already dealt with in earlier blogs. But the warning still sounds: don't put yourself in a position where Christ Himself can only declare, "Truly, I don't know you" (Matthew 25:12).
As we heard on Sunday, ordinary people that struggle with human nature can instead choose to become engulfed in the divine nature. Let's imitate our glorious God today.
It seems that part of our human nature is this phenomenon of imitation. We see children imitate their parents all the time. We see teenagers model their emerging selves after favorite performing artists or teachers. We compliment married couples using phrases like "they've been together so long, they are starting to look alike" or "they are so close they can finish each other's sentences".
This past Sunday's sermon reminded us that we can choose to let go of our own nature, and take on the nature of God. Pastor Sam noted that this is not simply participation in community, but participation in the essential nature of God.
The old story is a true story: God is love. In fact, God is Himself a community of love. You may recall Pastor Sam's referencing of Saint Augustine, who perceived the expression of God's love in His creation of community even with Himself: God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit. He Himself, at once both Lover and Beloved, sharing love. We would do well to imitate Him in our relationships here on earth.
However, in light of that love expressed in community, I will need to warn you. Part of the primary indictment of God against Bronx Bethany is that some of us believe that the mere assembling of believers is sufficient to gain entrance into heaven, and have therefore chosen not to be a living expression of the love of God. Listen. What good does it do you to sit in church, then go home and continue to live in a way that is completely contrary to the nature of God? Dichotomous behavior like that is reminscent of the parables in Matthew 25, which we have already dealt with in earlier blogs. But the warning still sounds: don't put yourself in a position where Christ Himself can only declare, "Truly, I don't know you" (Matthew 25:12).
As we heard on Sunday, ordinary people that struggle with human nature can instead choose to become engulfed in the divine nature. Let's imitate our glorious God today.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Escapee
What a joy to be free! I'm an escapee!
Let's continue unpacking Sunday's sermon, in which Pastor Sam shared a number of insights from Second Peter 1. In verse 4 of that chapter, we see that we can escape corruption because of what God has done for us. The key is that God has done it, not us. He permits us to be in relationship with Him:
This relationship is possible because of God's glory and goodness. It is not our own glory and goodness, and conversely it is not our lack of glory and goodness either. This dynamic relationship with God is all about God. He has called us into this relationship: beware of falling into the presumptious notion that we have contributed anything to this endeavor- we have not.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, we can escape corruption. This fact is rooted in, and backed by, God's divine power; it is motivated, and guaranteed, by God's glory and goodness; and it is executed in His precious promises.
How can I be sure that the Lord has brought me into relationship with Him? How can I be sure of God's power, character, and word? Because He has spoken: in Scripture, through His servants, and to us individually. Praise Him, God is still speaking. Our responsibility is to hear and obey.
So, let's ask that classic Pastor Sam question: "What has God said?" Are you listening?
Let's continue unpacking Sunday's sermon, in which Pastor Sam shared a number of insights from Second Peter 1. In verse 4 of that chapter, we see that we can escape corruption because of what God has done for us. The key is that God has done it, not us. He permits us to be in relationship with Him:
This relationship is possible because of God's glory and goodness. It is not our own glory and goodness, and conversely it is not our lack of glory and goodness either. This dynamic relationship with God is all about God. He has called us into this relationship: beware of falling into the presumptious notion that we have contributed anything to this endeavor- we have not.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, we can escape corruption. This fact is rooted in, and backed by, God's divine power; it is motivated, and guaranteed, by God's glory and goodness; and it is executed in His precious promises.
How can I be sure that the Lord has brought me into relationship with Him? How can I be sure of God's power, character, and word? Because He has spoken: in Scripture, through His servants, and to us individually. Praise Him, God is still speaking. Our responsibility is to hear and obey.
So, let's ask that classic Pastor Sam question: "What has God said?" Are you listening?
Monday, October 13, 2008
Abundance Of Entrance...
I am starting to sound like a broken record, but I will say it again to start this week's blogs:
Bronx Bethany, how we need to pray!
Sunday's sermon, titled Making Sure In A Time Of Uncertainty, gave us many important insights to reflect on throughout this week. In fact, one week is not long enough to unpack all the details and implications brought out by Pastor Sam's exposition on Second Peter chapter 1.
Today we will just reflect on the phrase "abundance of entrance". Pastor Sam made a comment, complete with animation, of how he desires to enter heaven not by the bare minimum of effort, but after a lifetime of holy living made possible by God's own power working in us. Although we had a good laugh at Pastor Sam's imagery of angels having to step out of his way as he burst into the heavenly realms, there is a passage in scripture that gives us pause... perhaps it even disturbs us, if we think about it long enough.
As was noted clearly in the sermon, there are some believers who are not terribly interested in growing in their walk with the Lord. Their interest is in 'just getting by'. Instead of avoiding pitfalls, they play at the edge in expectation that God will somehow excuse their penchant for living on the edge of disaster.
I'll give a personal example. If God says that I am not to be yoked together with unbelievers, yet I continually choose to date and court non-Christians, then I've deliberately increased the odds that I will end up in serious romantic involvement with lovers who cannot appreciate Jesus Christ, the deepest Lover of my soul. I spent years as a so-called 'Christian' engaged in this pattern of thinking, and am so glad that God in His mercy created the right set of circumstances to break me free from that cycle by His Spirit.
Verse 23 in the book of Jude speaks of 'snatching others from the fire'- that is, those who have chosen the corruption that is in them rather than abandoning their own nature for the divine nature (Second Peter 1:4). I was snatched from the fire. Some of you have to snatch others from the fire. And some of you are in the fire, and due to your callousness might not even realize that you will burn to death unless God sends a rescue team.
God is in the business of rescuing... but when He sends the rescue squad, will you cooperate in the rescue effort? Or will you retreat further into the flames?
Therefore, my brothers... make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (Second Peter 1:10-11)
Bronx Bethany, how we need to pray!
Sunday's sermon, titled Making Sure In A Time Of Uncertainty, gave us many important insights to reflect on throughout this week. In fact, one week is not long enough to unpack all the details and implications brought out by Pastor Sam's exposition on Second Peter chapter 1.
Today we will just reflect on the phrase "abundance of entrance". Pastor Sam made a comment, complete with animation, of how he desires to enter heaven not by the bare minimum of effort, but after a lifetime of holy living made possible by God's own power working in us. Although we had a good laugh at Pastor Sam's imagery of angels having to step out of his way as he burst into the heavenly realms, there is a passage in scripture that gives us pause... perhaps it even disturbs us, if we think about it long enough.
As was noted clearly in the sermon, there are some believers who are not terribly interested in growing in their walk with the Lord. Their interest is in 'just getting by'. Instead of avoiding pitfalls, they play at the edge in expectation that God will somehow excuse their penchant for living on the edge of disaster.
I'll give a personal example. If God says that I am not to be yoked together with unbelievers, yet I continually choose to date and court non-Christians, then I've deliberately increased the odds that I will end up in serious romantic involvement with lovers who cannot appreciate Jesus Christ, the deepest Lover of my soul. I spent years as a so-called 'Christian' engaged in this pattern of thinking, and am so glad that God in His mercy created the right set of circumstances to break me free from that cycle by His Spirit.
Verse 23 in the book of Jude speaks of 'snatching others from the fire'- that is, those who have chosen the corruption that is in them rather than abandoning their own nature for the divine nature (Second Peter 1:4). I was snatched from the fire. Some of you have to snatch others from the fire. And some of you are in the fire, and due to your callousness might not even realize that you will burn to death unless God sends a rescue team.
God is in the business of rescuing... but when He sends the rescue squad, will you cooperate in the rescue effort? Or will you retreat further into the flames?
Therefore, my brothers... make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (Second Peter 1:10-11)
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Sunday's Sundry Sayings
Here are a few notes from my journal to close out this special week. These statements are quotes and paraphrases from Pastor Art's sermon this past Sunday. Thank you, Pastor Art, for visiting Bronx Bethany and manifesting the gift of prophecy. Truly you've spoken forth the heart of God in a spirit of love and humility.
God is always doing something in His church;
When you hear the word sanctification, think freedom;
Life is not found behind us, it's found before us;
Do not be frozen by your past or your present- you were meant to be free in Jesus Christ;
We must hear God's voice and go for Him;
God does not divide His power with the state nor with popular opinion;
We have to get to the point where we are willing to risk it all for Jesus;
God calls common people to live uncommon lives;
We must be willing to do do whatever it takes to live for God;
The past was good, but God wants us to be part of His preferred future.
Blessings to each of you! As has become our norm, there will not be a blog post on Sunday- the next blog will post on Monday.
Blessings, grace, and peace.
-G-Force
God is always doing something in His church;
When you hear the word sanctification, think freedom;
Life is not found behind us, it's found before us;
Do not be frozen by your past or your present- you were meant to be free in Jesus Christ;
We must hear God's voice and go for Him;
God does not divide His power with the state nor with popular opinion;
We have to get to the point where we are willing to risk it all for Jesus;
God calls common people to live uncommon lives;
We must be willing to do do whatever it takes to live for God;
The past was good, but God wants us to be part of His preferred future.
Blessings to each of you! As has become our norm, there will not be a blog post on Sunday- the next blog will post on Monday.
Blessings, grace, and peace.
-G-Force
Friday, October 10, 2008
This Is Risky!
I don't enjoy taking risks, but I am very quick to do things that might be perceived as risky. Why? Only because God says so. So, when God told me to go back to school and my boss told me she would not approve my vacation days that I was planning to use to attend school, I sided with God and resigned the job. Some people thought I was crazy. Guess what? They're right. In the kingdom of God, logic doesn't always work. There are times we are crazy enough to ask Jesus to prove who He is, and He responds by telling us to get out of the boat and brave the winds (Matthew 14:22-33).
Pastor Art gave a wonderful analogy in Sunday's sermon which we can reflect on today: are we a church on the move, or are we a museum?
The effective church is the "moving" church. It is a church that has broken free from the need to preserve tradition. It is a church that is willing to throw away programs that don't meet the needs we have in this twenty-first century. It is a church that does not wait for people to come in: its members go out into the world and win souls for Christ. It is a church that has learned how to fight and prevail in enemy territory. The moving church takes risks.
The failing church is the "museum" church. Museums are notorious for minimizing risk, and some churches have become museums. The praise and worship must be no longer than (fill in the blank) because church must be over by "x"o'clock. "Decently and in order" has become a blanket excuse for ignoring the prompting of the Holy Spirit, who occasionally asks to be placed in the order of service even though He was not scheduled to appear. The museum church, like a real museum, often is full of beautiful displays, gets lots of visitors, and enjoys a huge endowment. But it is not willing to budge when Jesus says 'get out of the boat', and an atmosphere of disobedience hangs over its sanctuary.
Bronx Bethany, how we must pray! "Here I am, send me!" May God give us courage and strength to keep moving, to His glory.
Pastor Art gave a wonderful analogy in Sunday's sermon which we can reflect on today: are we a church on the move, or are we a museum?
The effective church is the "moving" church. It is a church that has broken free from the need to preserve tradition. It is a church that is willing to throw away programs that don't meet the needs we have in this twenty-first century. It is a church that does not wait for people to come in: its members go out into the world and win souls for Christ. It is a church that has learned how to fight and prevail in enemy territory. The moving church takes risks.
The failing church is the "museum" church. Museums are notorious for minimizing risk, and some churches have become museums. The praise and worship must be no longer than (fill in the blank) because church must be over by "x"o'clock. "Decently and in order" has become a blanket excuse for ignoring the prompting of the Holy Spirit, who occasionally asks to be placed in the order of service even though He was not scheduled to appear. The museum church, like a real museum, often is full of beautiful displays, gets lots of visitors, and enjoys a huge endowment. But it is not willing to budge when Jesus says 'get out of the boat', and an atmosphere of disobedience hangs over its sanctuary.
Bronx Bethany, how we must pray! "Here I am, send me!" May God give us courage and strength to keep moving, to His glory.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Ingredient List
Pastor Art shared a wonderful anecdote this past Sunday, informing some of us (and reminding others) that originally our denomination was called Pentecostal Church of the Nazarene. The term "Pentecostal" is no longer part of the official name of our denomination, but I think it still is alive and well in our hearts and lifestyles. Let's do a quick re-cap of Pastor Art's comments:
We are Spirit-led. Who makes the decisions in your heart? Is it your own flesh, your agenda, or do you stand still and wait for the counsel and mandate of God to be revealed to you? We do not just say "Here am I, send me" (Isaiah 6:8), but we also say "Speak to me- I am listening" (First Samuel 3:10).
We are Spirit-filled. Some of you who attended the National Black Nazarene Conference last summer will remember Pastor Sam's comments regarding the ministry of the Holy Spirit: "It is not only what you do at church, it's what you do at home!" Spirit-fulness is evidenced not only by charismatic graces, but is also evidenced by transformed lives.
Let's demonstrate the love and graces of the Holy Spirit to those we interact with, whether inside or outside of church.
We are Spirit-led. Who makes the decisions in your heart? Is it your own flesh, your agenda, or do you stand still and wait for the counsel and mandate of God to be revealed to you? We do not just say "Here am I, send me" (Isaiah 6:8), but we also say "Speak to me- I am listening" (First Samuel 3:10).
We are Spirit-filled. Some of you who attended the National Black Nazarene Conference last summer will remember Pastor Sam's comments regarding the ministry of the Holy Spirit: "It is not only what you do at church, it's what you do at home!" Spirit-fulness is evidenced not only by charismatic graces, but is also evidenced by transformed lives.
Let's demonstrate the love and graces of the Holy Spirit to those we interact with, whether inside or outside of church.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Way-Walking
The book of Acts informs us that prior to the believers being called "Christians", they were known as followers of "The Way". In this past Sunday's sermon Pastor Art noted that the church is still a community of people following "the way": our love for Christ moves us to be active agents of His love and compassion, pointing the way to salvation.
Today, let's reflect on the three components of our walk with God which were noted in Sunday's sermon:
We walk with God, from Whom we've come. Our first encounter with God in Genesis is realized in His creativity. He designed us, made us, and gave us some things to do while on this earth. Do you know what He's called you to do? If so, are you doing it?
We walk with God, with Whom we're traveling. The prophet Amos asks, "Do two walk together except they have agreed to do so?" (Amos 3:3). Our daily walk with God is expressed in prayer, giving, fasting, watching, and other spiritual disciplines. The discipline offered in a spirit of humble obedience pleases God and opens opportunity for His salvation to be expressed (Psalm 50:23).
We walk with God, to Whom we're going. Although we sometimes behave otherwise, the truth is that one day our physical bodies will breathe their last, and our spirits will end up in one of two places- either rejoicing in the presence of God and His angels, or lamenting in the lake of fire, which is the second death (see the blogs on Revelation 20 for more detail).
My prayer is that we all will choose to live for Christ, so that when we die we'll gain entrance into His eternal presence. Keep walking in the way that pleases Him!
Today, let's reflect on the three components of our walk with God which were noted in Sunday's sermon:
We walk with God, from Whom we've come. Our first encounter with God in Genesis is realized in His creativity. He designed us, made us, and gave us some things to do while on this earth. Do you know what He's called you to do? If so, are you doing it?
We walk with God, with Whom we're traveling. The prophet Amos asks, "Do two walk together except they have agreed to do so?" (Amos 3:3). Our daily walk with God is expressed in prayer, giving, fasting, watching, and other spiritual disciplines. The discipline offered in a spirit of humble obedience pleases God and opens opportunity for His salvation to be expressed (Psalm 50:23).
We walk with God, to Whom we're going. Although we sometimes behave otherwise, the truth is that one day our physical bodies will breathe their last, and our spirits will end up in one of two places- either rejoicing in the presence of God and His angels, or lamenting in the lake of fire, which is the second death (see the blogs on Revelation 20 for more detail).
My prayer is that we all will choose to live for Christ, so that when we die we'll gain entrance into His eternal presence. Keep walking in the way that pleases Him!
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Excuse Me, You're Blocking My View.
This past Sunday's sermon text was Isaiah 6:1-8. It is a challenge to consider this text. I find it a challenge because I cannot approach it abstractly; it forces me to confront and renounce my weaknesses and propensities. I hope the passage does the same for you.
"In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne..." (6:1). Who is your King Uzziah? Perhaps your mom, your pastor, your favorite singer? Sometimes we meet people whose personas are so overwhelming that we find ourselves watching them instead of watching the Lord. Our gaze rests on them, our thoughts linger on them, our first response in crisis is to call on them... and we leave our true Sovreign in the background. Jesus' words still speak: "He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me..." (Matthew 10:37). Sometimes God mercifully shifts King Uzziah out of the way, so that the ultimate King might be seen.
"...and the train of his robe filled the temple" (6:1). As Pastor Art noted on Sunday, when the train of the Lord fills the temple there is no room for anything else. Competing voices and competing agendas cannot stand in the presence of God. King Uzziah was good, but the Lord of hosts (6:3) is great. As we examine ourselves, are there good things that we are embracing at the expense of great things? Are we ready to renounce the good for the sake of the great?
My Lord, God of the armies of earth and heaven, I will not blame my "King Uzziah" for blocking my view of You. I'm the one who chose to keep staring at him instead of gazing into Your beautiful face. Forgive me. Jesus, help me to drop my agendas and just allow You to consume me. Holy Spirit, fill me and keep filling me until there is no room for any other. Thank You, God, for reminding me that You do not entertain competitors. Help me to be authentic in my "yes": yes, I'm here. Send me.
"In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne..." (6:1). Who is your King Uzziah? Perhaps your mom, your pastor, your favorite singer? Sometimes we meet people whose personas are so overwhelming that we find ourselves watching them instead of watching the Lord. Our gaze rests on them, our thoughts linger on them, our first response in crisis is to call on them... and we leave our true Sovreign in the background. Jesus' words still speak: "He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me..." (Matthew 10:37). Sometimes God mercifully shifts King Uzziah out of the way, so that the ultimate King might be seen.
"...and the train of his robe filled the temple" (6:1). As Pastor Art noted on Sunday, when the train of the Lord fills the temple there is no room for anything else. Competing voices and competing agendas cannot stand in the presence of God. King Uzziah was good, but the Lord of hosts (6:3) is great. As we examine ourselves, are there good things that we are embracing at the expense of great things? Are we ready to renounce the good for the sake of the great?
My Lord, God of the armies of earth and heaven, I will not blame my "King Uzziah" for blocking my view of You. I'm the one who chose to keep staring at him instead of gazing into Your beautiful face. Forgive me. Jesus, help me to drop my agendas and just allow You to consume me. Holy Spirit, fill me and keep filling me until there is no room for any other. Thank You, God, for reminding me that You do not entertain competitors. Help me to be authentic in my "yes": yes, I'm here. Send me.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Reinforcements
On Sunday we were privileged to have a guest preacher for our denomination's centennial celebration. Pastor Art shared a relevant word, and this week we'll take a few thoughts from his sermon for further reflection.
It is always a pleasure when God sends a minister from outside our locale, and it's even a greater experience of joy when that minister echoes and reinforces the word that God has been sending through our local pastors and prophets. We are in a season of learning about the kingdom of God, and yesterday's sermon continued that theme.
Today, let's think about the unpleasantries of kingdom business.
At the beginning of his sermon, Pastor Art shared that God is always doing something in His church. We tend to assume that the move of God is always a powerful positive thing to experience. But, that is not the case. We learned two key points that we can ponder.
First, we learned that when God is moving the experience might be unpleasant for us. Certainly Bronx Bethany is experiencing this, as we see a clear increase in demonic activity that I directly attribute to the increased presence and power of the Spirit of Jesus at work in the congregation and in our leaders. (Perhaps I should have begun today's blog by saying "viewer discretion advised", but you're already here so you might as well keep reading.) Yes, there is a battle going on. The devil is very busy and has found some people in church that are open to promoting his agenda of deception and destruction. The enemy's goal, if he cannot derail us, is to immobilize us or distract us. So don't be surprised when things are stolen, people are maligned, or individuals choose the foolishness of antagonism over the wisdom of reconciliation. My friends, don't get thrown off by the distractions. As we have heard before, "stay in your lane".
Second, we learned that God is moving even when we don't see it. This brings to mind the experience of Daniel, whose night in the lion's den served as a teaching tool for nations through the letter of King Darius: "... people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. For he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end" (Daniel 6:26). The Scripture lists Daniel as one who prospered, but that prosperity did not exempt Daniel from slander, relegation to the den of lions, and a life of exile.
In light of Daniel's experience, we can look at our own struggles and receive the prophetic proclamation shared by Pastor Art: "God is positioning you uniquely... and all of a sudden the momentum is going to take off."
Bronx Bethany, move those tent pegs. It seems that our borders will soon be enlarged.
It is always a pleasure when God sends a minister from outside our locale, and it's even a greater experience of joy when that minister echoes and reinforces the word that God has been sending through our local pastors and prophets. We are in a season of learning about the kingdom of God, and yesterday's sermon continued that theme.
Today, let's think about the unpleasantries of kingdom business.
At the beginning of his sermon, Pastor Art shared that God is always doing something in His church. We tend to assume that the move of God is always a powerful positive thing to experience. But, that is not the case. We learned two key points that we can ponder.
First, we learned that when God is moving the experience might be unpleasant for us. Certainly Bronx Bethany is experiencing this, as we see a clear increase in demonic activity that I directly attribute to the increased presence and power of the Spirit of Jesus at work in the congregation and in our leaders. (Perhaps I should have begun today's blog by saying "viewer discretion advised", but you're already here so you might as well keep reading.) Yes, there is a battle going on. The devil is very busy and has found some people in church that are open to promoting his agenda of deception and destruction. The enemy's goal, if he cannot derail us, is to immobilize us or distract us. So don't be surprised when things are stolen, people are maligned, or individuals choose the foolishness of antagonism over the wisdom of reconciliation. My friends, don't get thrown off by the distractions. As we have heard before, "stay in your lane".
Second, we learned that God is moving even when we don't see it. This brings to mind the experience of Daniel, whose night in the lion's den served as a teaching tool for nations through the letter of King Darius: "... people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. For he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end" (Daniel 6:26). The Scripture lists Daniel as one who prospered, but that prosperity did not exempt Daniel from slander, relegation to the den of lions, and a life of exile.
In light of Daniel's experience, we can look at our own struggles and receive the prophetic proclamation shared by Pastor Art: "God is positioning you uniquely... and all of a sudden the momentum is going to take off."
Bronx Bethany, move those tent pegs. It seems that our borders will soon be enlarged.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
A Day to Pray III
Sometimes it's good to just spend time in God's presence. No agenda, no asking for anything, just an hour or two to hang out with God. When we consider the tens of thousands of hours He has blessed us with over the decades, it's really not a big deal to release a couple of hours back to Him.
I hope that you love being in His company. Let's rest in Him today. As usual there is no Sunday blog planned, the next blog will post on Monday. Take care saints, and remember to pray.
"For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil." First Peter 3:12
I hope that you love being in His company. Let's rest in Him today. As usual there is no Sunday blog planned, the next blog will post on Monday. Take care saints, and remember to pray.
"For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil." First Peter 3:12
Friday, October 3, 2008
Now Boarding...
This week, we have reflected on the fate of the wicked as revealed in Revelation 20. And we have encouraged our readers towards the renunciation of evil and the embracing of the will and mandate of God.
In considering the grace of God, we sometimes make the mistake of thinking we have all the time in the world. I hope that these blogs have helped to open the Scriptures so that we all realize there is a limit to grace. It is not a popular message, but is one we must reconcile in our hearts. And it is a message we must preach.
During Sunday's sermon Pastor Benji said, "Now is the time to get registered for heaven." How right he is. For those of you readers who are Christians, I encourage you to continue praying for the salvation and deliverance of those who have not submitted their hearts and lives to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
And for those of you who are hanging out with Christians but have not personally submitted your life to the Lord Jesus, don't kid yourselves. Make a decision for Christ while you have the chance. I apologize for being curt, but this is no time for sugar-coating. If no one else tells you, I am telling you: showing up in church isn't good enough- you need to submit to Jesus and give Him full access to control every area of your life. He loves you and He wants you for Himself.
If Jesus is calling you, do not keep telling Him "no" or "wait"... remember, you are not immortal- you have an expiration date. Don't take the risk of leaving this life without having given your life to Jesus.
In considering the grace of God, we sometimes make the mistake of thinking we have all the time in the world. I hope that these blogs have helped to open the Scriptures so that we all realize there is a limit to grace. It is not a popular message, but is one we must reconcile in our hearts. And it is a message we must preach.
During Sunday's sermon Pastor Benji said, "Now is the time to get registered for heaven." How right he is. For those of you readers who are Christians, I encourage you to continue praying for the salvation and deliverance of those who have not submitted their hearts and lives to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
And for those of you who are hanging out with Christians but have not personally submitted your life to the Lord Jesus, don't kid yourselves. Make a decision for Christ while you have the chance. I apologize for being curt, but this is no time for sugar-coating. If no one else tells you, I am telling you: showing up in church isn't good enough- you need to submit to Jesus and give Him full access to control every area of your life. He loves you and He wants you for Himself.
If Jesus is calling you, do not keep telling Him "no" or "wait"... remember, you are not immortal- you have an expiration date. Don't take the risk of leaving this life without having given your life to Jesus.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Crime Upon Crime
...they persecute those you wound and talk about the pain of those you hurt... (Psalm 69:26)
In an earlier blog we discussed the Old Testament example of Moses making reference to God's book of life. Today we'll take a look at another Old Testament example, contained in Psalm 69. This psalm of David, which contains prophetic references to the sufferings of Christ, includes a verse that out of context seems cruel- but I think a bit of exploration and reflection might help us in understanding David's position.
Verse 28 states: "May they be blotted out of the book of life and not be listed with the righteous." The latter half of this verse indicates that the "they" referred to in the first half of the verse are not righteous. But who are "they"?
Those who hate without reason (69:4, 69:14);
Those who seek to destroy the righteous (69:4, 69:18-19);
Those who engage in mocking, scorning, and slander (69:7-12, 69:19-20, 69:26).
When we compare David's psalm to Revelation 21:11-15 (see yesterday's blog "Casting Call" for more detail), we find that "they" are, in fact, murderers. As we mentioned yesterday, Jesus gives the kingdom definition of murder during the sermon on the mount (Matthew 5): murder is not only the physical taking of a life, but it is also a thought process characterized by angry hearts and unreconciled relationships. And, as murderers, "they" will be consigned to the lake of fire, which is the second death.
So, David's plea that "they" be blotted out of the book of life was a prayer request that certainly lined up with the statement we have from the resurrected Christ in Revelation 21.
Revelation 19:10 tells us that the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. Psalm 69 is a wonderful example of prophetic expression that is corroborated by the life, ministry, and word of Christ.
"They" do not have their names written in the book of life. Do you?
In an earlier blog we discussed the Old Testament example of Moses making reference to God's book of life. Today we'll take a look at another Old Testament example, contained in Psalm 69. This psalm of David, which contains prophetic references to the sufferings of Christ, includes a verse that out of context seems cruel- but I think a bit of exploration and reflection might help us in understanding David's position.
Verse 28 states: "May they be blotted out of the book of life and not be listed with the righteous." The latter half of this verse indicates that the "they" referred to in the first half of the verse are not righteous. But who are "they"?
Those who hate without reason (69:4, 69:14);
Those who seek to destroy the righteous (69:4, 69:18-19);
Those who engage in mocking, scorning, and slander (69:7-12, 69:19-20, 69:26).
When we compare David's psalm to Revelation 21:11-15 (see yesterday's blog "Casting Call" for more detail), we find that "they" are, in fact, murderers. As we mentioned yesterday, Jesus gives the kingdom definition of murder during the sermon on the mount (Matthew 5): murder is not only the physical taking of a life, but it is also a thought process characterized by angry hearts and unreconciled relationships. And, as murderers, "they" will be consigned to the lake of fire, which is the second death.
So, David's plea that "they" be blotted out of the book of life was a prayer request that certainly lined up with the statement we have from the resurrected Christ in Revelation 21.
Revelation 19:10 tells us that the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. Psalm 69 is a wonderful example of prophetic expression that is corroborated by the life, ministry, and word of Christ.
"They" do not have their names written in the book of life. Do you?
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Casting Call
In Sunday's sermon we learned that the fate of those whose names are not found written in the book of life is that they will be thrown into the lake of fire, which is the second death (Revelation 20:14-15). God Himself lists the characteristics of those who will suffer this fate. We have His criteria recorded in Revelation 21.
God begins, though, with a commendation to those who have been faithful to Him: He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!... To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life. He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son" (Revelation 21:5-7). For the company of the righteous, there is the joy of receiving God's commendation.
The wicked, who God will consign to the lake of fire, are found in the following companies (Revelation 21:8):
The cowardly. As the popular verses state, God has not given us a spirit of fear (Second Timothy 1:7) and God expects that we will demonstrate faith in Him and His word (Hebrews 11:1-6). Failure of faith is an affront to God.
The unbelieving. God speaks through His word, His pastors and leaders, and through His bride the church. The question is not whether we hear, but whether we believe what we hear. Unbelievers are succumbers, not overcomers, and as such will not receive God's inheritance.
The vile. Back when I was younger, we used to use the term "depravity". The vile are those who are corrupt in heart, and that corruption expresses itself in their behavior.
The murderers. In God's economy murder is not just an action, but also is expressed in intention. Matthew 5:21-26 indicates that the spirit of murder is present in angry reactions and unreconciled relationships.
The sexually immoral. My friends, this should be a no-brainer but I will say it anyway. If you are filling your mind with pornography and spending your time chasing other people's spouses, if you are sexually involved with someone that is not your spouse, if you are sitting at home plotting your next illicit liaison, then you are making your bed in hell. You need to repent.
Those who practice magic arts. Some of you have gotten caught up in secret societies and do not realize that it is NOT normal to be sitting in a big chair channeling demons that are pretending to be dead monarchs. Astrology, freemasonry, and even interactive games that require you to assume the identity of spirit characters are things that we as believers need to steer clear of: they are tickets to destruction.
The idolaters. It is never a good idea to place anyone or anything ahead to God. He Himself has told us that He is jealous (Exodus 20:4), and in fact He Himself gave the directive that we are not make, bow to, nor worship idols. In distinguishing these three things- creation ("make"), adoration ("bow"), and exaltation ("worship"), God warns us quite clearly.
All liars. I believe this includes not only lying to other people, but also lying to ourselves and lying to the Holy Spirit of God. Acts 5:1-11 is an excellent illustration of God's perspective on lying.
These are those who will be thrown, or as we used to say, cast into the lake of fire. And this is a "casting" call that none of us should be signed up for.
God begins, though, with a commendation to those who have been faithful to Him: He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!... To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life. He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son" (Revelation 21:5-7). For the company of the righteous, there is the joy of receiving God's commendation.
The wicked, who God will consign to the lake of fire, are found in the following companies (Revelation 21:8):
The cowardly. As the popular verses state, God has not given us a spirit of fear (Second Timothy 1:7) and God expects that we will demonstrate faith in Him and His word (Hebrews 11:1-6). Failure of faith is an affront to God.
The unbelieving. God speaks through His word, His pastors and leaders, and through His bride the church. The question is not whether we hear, but whether we believe what we hear. Unbelievers are succumbers, not overcomers, and as such will not receive God's inheritance.
The vile. Back when I was younger, we used to use the term "depravity". The vile are those who are corrupt in heart, and that corruption expresses itself in their behavior.
The murderers. In God's economy murder is not just an action, but also is expressed in intention. Matthew 5:21-26 indicates that the spirit of murder is present in angry reactions and unreconciled relationships.
The sexually immoral. My friends, this should be a no-brainer but I will say it anyway. If you are filling your mind with pornography and spending your time chasing other people's spouses, if you are sexually involved with someone that is not your spouse, if you are sitting at home plotting your next illicit liaison, then you are making your bed in hell. You need to repent.
Those who practice magic arts. Some of you have gotten caught up in secret societies and do not realize that it is NOT normal to be sitting in a big chair channeling demons that are pretending to be dead monarchs. Astrology, freemasonry, and even interactive games that require you to assume the identity of spirit characters are things that we as believers need to steer clear of: they are tickets to destruction.
The idolaters. It is never a good idea to place anyone or anything ahead to God. He Himself has told us that He is jealous (Exodus 20:4), and in fact He Himself gave the directive that we are not make, bow to, nor worship idols. In distinguishing these three things- creation ("make"), adoration ("bow"), and exaltation ("worship"), God warns us quite clearly.
All liars. I believe this includes not only lying to other people, but also lying to ourselves and lying to the Holy Spirit of God. Acts 5:1-11 is an excellent illustration of God's perspective on lying.
These are those who will be thrown, or as we used to say, cast into the lake of fire. And this is a "casting" call that none of us should be signed up for.