Welcome to Year Two of Glossa Water! Here's a reminder of why we started, and what we do here.
Glossa Water was begun as a response to a dialogue between myself, Sister Marilyn, Pastor Joy, Pastor Benji, and Pastor Sam. We discussed, via e-mail, the idea of having a forum in which Sunday's sermons could be considered in more depth than could be accomplished on a Sunday morning. In August of 2008 the Lord spoke to my heart about setting up a blog site, and Glossa Water was born on August 31 of that year.
Glossa Water is a cyberplace where like-minded individuals can reflect on the previous Sunday's sermon heard at Bronx Bethany Church of the Nazarene. On the occasions where the Lord sends a prophetic message, I pre-empt the scheduled blog in order to share what the Lord has laid on my heart. Lastly, there are occasions where the Lord calls for prayer and fasting, and of course in those instances the call to spiritual disciplines overrides the sermon notes.
Beginning tomorrow, we'll resume our regularly scheduled blogs. Blessings and peace to you, and Happy Anniversary!
Genise
Monday, August 31, 2009
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Glossa Water Year In Review: "Mettle Detector"
(originally posted March 18, 2009)
There's an old saying: character is demonstrated by what you do when no one is watching.
There are some individuals who almost brag about what they will not do during Lent: they "give up" candy, or movies, or some other favorite activity or food.
Jesus gives us a more intensive model to follow. Lent is not just giving up one or two "fun" things for a few weeks: it's a call to relinquish those things that are, as Pastor Sam shared on Sunday, natural, normal, and necessary. In other words, we do not allow our bodies to dictate policy to us: we instead exercise self-control by putting our own bodies under subjection (see First Corinthians 9:27).
This act of giving up natural, normal, and necessary human desires does not occur in a vaccuum. It's accompanied by behaviors we commonly call spiritual disciplines: prayer, fasting, and giving.
These disciplines are spoken of by Jesus. In Matthew 6, we see the disciplines accompanied by a key word: when. Not "if", but "when". It seems Jesus has an expectation that the community who follows Christ will, as part and parcel of their membership in that community, engage in spiritual disciplines. And the engagement is not for public accolades, but is instead a private demonstration of love and obedience to God.
When you give.
When you pray.
When you fast.
When you do these things in accordance with God's protocol of how they are to be done, then "your Father who sees what you do in secret will reward you openly" (see Matthew 6:4, 6:6, 6:18).
And, when you do these things in obedience to the leading of the Holy Spirit, you can be sure that Satan is lurking in the shadows, waiting for an oportunity to tempt you when you are at your weakest physically, mentally, and financially.
During Lent, we undertake this discipline of divesting: intentionally becoming weak and vulnerable, so that we might lean even more on the mercy and grace of God. Pastor Sam used the word "trust" on Sunday, and we would do well to continue reflecting on that simple and profound mandate: Trust God.
When we have expended ourselves, when we have nothing with which to defend ourselves, we cry out to God. And, even if there is no immediate answer, we trust Him. If our situation gets worse instead of better, we trust Him. It's the "mettle detector": our character is revealed by our response to God when He seems to have left us unprotected from the darts of the enemy.
Job, I hear you: "Yes, though He slay me, I will trust Him; I will maintain my way before Him; He shall be my salvation" (see Job 13:15-16).
Oh, my friends, what will your response be when it's your turn to experience the dark night of the soul?
There's an old saying: character is demonstrated by what you do when no one is watching.
There are some individuals who almost brag about what they will not do during Lent: they "give up" candy, or movies, or some other favorite activity or food.
Jesus gives us a more intensive model to follow. Lent is not just giving up one or two "fun" things for a few weeks: it's a call to relinquish those things that are, as Pastor Sam shared on Sunday, natural, normal, and necessary. In other words, we do not allow our bodies to dictate policy to us: we instead exercise self-control by putting our own bodies under subjection (see First Corinthians 9:27).
This act of giving up natural, normal, and necessary human desires does not occur in a vaccuum. It's accompanied by behaviors we commonly call spiritual disciplines: prayer, fasting, and giving.
These disciplines are spoken of by Jesus. In Matthew 6, we see the disciplines accompanied by a key word: when. Not "if", but "when". It seems Jesus has an expectation that the community who follows Christ will, as part and parcel of their membership in that community, engage in spiritual disciplines. And the engagement is not for public accolades, but is instead a private demonstration of love and obedience to God.
When you give.
When you pray.
When you fast.
When you do these things in accordance with God's protocol of how they are to be done, then "your Father who sees what you do in secret will reward you openly" (see Matthew 6:4, 6:6, 6:18).
And, when you do these things in obedience to the leading of the Holy Spirit, you can be sure that Satan is lurking in the shadows, waiting for an oportunity to tempt you when you are at your weakest physically, mentally, and financially.
During Lent, we undertake this discipline of divesting: intentionally becoming weak and vulnerable, so that we might lean even more on the mercy and grace of God. Pastor Sam used the word "trust" on Sunday, and we would do well to continue reflecting on that simple and profound mandate: Trust God.
When we have expended ourselves, when we have nothing with which to defend ourselves, we cry out to God. And, even if there is no immediate answer, we trust Him. If our situation gets worse instead of better, we trust Him. It's the "mettle detector": our character is revealed by our response to God when He seems to have left us unprotected from the darts of the enemy.
Job, I hear you: "Yes, though He slay me, I will trust Him; I will maintain my way before Him; He shall be my salvation" (see Job 13:15-16).
Oh, my friends, what will your response be when it's your turn to experience the dark night of the soul?
Friday, August 28, 2009
Glossa Water Year In Review: "Judas Rising: Indignation And Insurrection"
(originally posted February 27, 2009)
Today, let's reflect on Mark 14:10-11.
Then Judas Iscariot,...
Judas, one of the people at the party, was vocal about his indignation at Mary's offering of pure nard. In response to Judas's complaint, Jesus commended Mary's actions and said that there would be a permanent link between her extravagant gift and the preaching of the gospel.
...one of the Twelve,...
There must have been such a tension in the room, for Jesus to rebuke His disciples- His closest companions- in favor of a woman who exhibited behavior that was culturally and economically inappropriate. And Judas, as the one who spoke up, was clearly identified as being in opposition to what Jesus felt was important.
...went to the chief priests...
Well, I guess it makes sense that Judas, if he was complaining about a Man he perceived as just a rabbi, would take the complaint "one step up" and file a grievance with the priests in charge.
...to betray Jesus to them...
Apparently, the events that occurred at the party were sufficient to cause Judas to shift from being a disgruntled disciple to being an insurrectionist. But, as the John passage tells us, Judas had been frequently breaking the law of God (see John 12:6)- so perhaps it is no surprise that Judas stood in opposition to Jesus.
...They were delighted to hear this and promised to give him money...
What a classic satanic move. The devil doesn't entice you with things you don't care about: a pack of cigarettes is no temptation for the man who has no desire or inclination to smoke. In this case we have already seen in John 12:6 that Judas was a thief, and thieves generally steal things that they want to keep for themselves. The chief priests made the perfect offer, and Judas agreed to betray Jesus.
...So he watched for an opportunity to hand him over.
Judas. A man who spent years in the company of God, in the very presence of Jesus, but was not open to the heart of God. Three years of direct instruction from the Master had no effect on his heart. The action of being directly involved in ministries of healing and deliverance could not deliver him from his desire to steal. And so Judas watched.
Christe eleison: Christ, have mercy on me, I don't want to be the one who lifts a hand against Your plan and program. Help me to be an extravagant giver and an extreme worshipper who lives a life of obedience to you.
Today, let's reflect on Mark 14:10-11.
Then Judas Iscariot,...
Judas, one of the people at the party, was vocal about his indignation at Mary's offering of pure nard. In response to Judas's complaint, Jesus commended Mary's actions and said that there would be a permanent link between her extravagant gift and the preaching of the gospel.
...one of the Twelve,...
There must have been such a tension in the room, for Jesus to rebuke His disciples- His closest companions- in favor of a woman who exhibited behavior that was culturally and economically inappropriate. And Judas, as the one who spoke up, was clearly identified as being in opposition to what Jesus felt was important.
...went to the chief priests...
Well, I guess it makes sense that Judas, if he was complaining about a Man he perceived as just a rabbi, would take the complaint "one step up" and file a grievance with the priests in charge.
...to betray Jesus to them...
Apparently, the events that occurred at the party were sufficient to cause Judas to shift from being a disgruntled disciple to being an insurrectionist. But, as the John passage tells us, Judas had been frequently breaking the law of God (see John 12:6)- so perhaps it is no surprise that Judas stood in opposition to Jesus.
...They were delighted to hear this and promised to give him money...
What a classic satanic move. The devil doesn't entice you with things you don't care about: a pack of cigarettes is no temptation for the man who has no desire or inclination to smoke. In this case we have already seen in John 12:6 that Judas was a thief, and thieves generally steal things that they want to keep for themselves. The chief priests made the perfect offer, and Judas agreed to betray Jesus.
...So he watched for an opportunity to hand him over.
Judas. A man who spent years in the company of God, in the very presence of Jesus, but was not open to the heart of God. Three years of direct instruction from the Master had no effect on his heart. The action of being directly involved in ministries of healing and deliverance could not deliver him from his desire to steal. And so Judas watched.
Christe eleison: Christ, have mercy on me, I don't want to be the one who lifts a hand against Your plan and program. Help me to be an extravagant giver and an extreme worshipper who lives a life of obedience to you.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Glossa Water Year In Review: "Are You Sure You Want To Know?"
(originally posted February 18, 2009)
In this past Sunday's sermon, Pastor Joy made the observation that God's silence is not an indicator of God's absence: on the contrary, He is ever-present. It is His choice whether He responds to us immediately, or whether He allows periods of time to pass with no response. We might indeed feel like the prophet Habakkuk, who in light of God's silence felt that the LORD was being tolerant of evil (see Habakkuk 1: 2-4).
Have you been praying and, like Habakkuk, experiencing "no answer" from the LORD? Be encouraged: God is not asleep, and He is not ignoring you. At the right time, the appointed time, the kairos time, He will respond.
But, perhaps we should not be so impatient in seeking a response: the answer might be very different from what we expect. In the case of Habakkuk, His cry for justice was answered with a pronouncement of judgement. Not only would Judah be punished, but they would be punished by a nation even more wicked than their own (see Habakkuk 1:6,12-13).
How do you approach God when you're experiencing His silence?
How do you respond to God when He tells you something you don't want to hear?
In this past Sunday's sermon, Pastor Joy made the observation that God's silence is not an indicator of God's absence: on the contrary, He is ever-present. It is His choice whether He responds to us immediately, or whether He allows periods of time to pass with no response. We might indeed feel like the prophet Habakkuk, who in light of God's silence felt that the LORD was being tolerant of evil (see Habakkuk 1: 2-4).
Have you been praying and, like Habakkuk, experiencing "no answer" from the LORD? Be encouraged: God is not asleep, and He is not ignoring you. At the right time, the appointed time, the kairos time, He will respond.
But, perhaps we should not be so impatient in seeking a response: the answer might be very different from what we expect. In the case of Habakkuk, His cry for justice was answered with a pronouncement of judgement. Not only would Judah be punished, but they would be punished by a nation even more wicked than their own (see Habakkuk 1:6,12-13).
How do you approach God when you're experiencing His silence?
How do you respond to God when He tells you something you don't want to hear?
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Glossa Water Year In Review: "New York Winter"
(originally posted February 11, 2009)
I love winter, especially here in New York. You never know what a day might bring: it could be snowing, or icy, or fifty degrees, or zero degrees...
But in a normal winter cycle, a walk through the park will reveal a stark, bare picture of plant life. All the trees have lost their leaves and, to the untrained eye, they look dead... but look again.
Do you see it? There's life.
Oh, maybe you won't see it with your eyes until March or April or May, when the trees begin to bud again. But I think you've been through enough cycles to know, by faith, that spring will reveal the life that has existed all through the winter.
As Pastor Benji shared on Sunday, the kingdom of heaven is a living kingdom.
Do you see it?
Oh. Maybe you don't see it because you're too overwhelmed by life's circumstances- maybe your prayer didn't get answered the way you wanted it to. Maybe the triumph of evil has jaded you and you are no longer willing to wait on God. Maybe the duplicity of carnal Christians has convinced you that this God thing is a sham.
May I give you a word of encouragement? See life from heaven's perspective. See springtime in the kingdom: not with your physical eyes, but with the eyes of faith. God's kingdom is real and alive and flourishing, even though it might look dead to the world.
Yes, I can smile in the dead of winter... SOON, soon life will burst forth and everyone will see. And there will be no doubt that it is a work of God, for His glory.
I love winter, especially here in New York. You never know what a day might bring: it could be snowing, or icy, or fifty degrees, or zero degrees...
But in a normal winter cycle, a walk through the park will reveal a stark, bare picture of plant life. All the trees have lost their leaves and, to the untrained eye, they look dead... but look again.
Do you see it? There's life.
Oh, maybe you won't see it with your eyes until March or April or May, when the trees begin to bud again. But I think you've been through enough cycles to know, by faith, that spring will reveal the life that has existed all through the winter.
As Pastor Benji shared on Sunday, the kingdom of heaven is a living kingdom.
Do you see it?
Oh. Maybe you don't see it because you're too overwhelmed by life's circumstances- maybe your prayer didn't get answered the way you wanted it to. Maybe the triumph of evil has jaded you and you are no longer willing to wait on God. Maybe the duplicity of carnal Christians has convinced you that this God thing is a sham.
May I give you a word of encouragement? See life from heaven's perspective. See springtime in the kingdom: not with your physical eyes, but with the eyes of faith. God's kingdom is real and alive and flourishing, even though it might look dead to the world.
Yes, I can smile in the dead of winter... SOON, soon life will burst forth and everyone will see. And there will be no doubt that it is a work of God, for His glory.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Glossa Water Year In Review: "24,001...24,002..."
(originally posted January 23, 2009)
God really does not like it when we worship anything or anyone other than Him. He likens it to the act of having sexual relations with someone who is not your spouse. The prophet Ezekiel had a vision of idolatry occuring within the temple of God, where His Spirit left the sanctuary because of the elders who worshipped false idols in dark areas of the temple (see Ezekiel 8). The opening chapters of Jeremiah use the analogy of the LORD as a husband to Israel, the bride who forsakes God and is described as "laying down like a prostitute" on every hill and under every tree (see Jeremiah chapters 2 through 5).
This allusion to sex is not just metaphorical, because the Scripture shows us that sex was in fact part of the system of idol worship. The worship of Baal in Peor was characterized by three things: the eating of foods that were sacrificed to idols, the worship of those idols, and sexual intercourse with the women of Moab who invited the men of Israel to participate in idol worship (Numbers 25:1-3).
Though we are not given Balaam's name in the early verses of Numbers 25, there are other Scriptures that reveal Balaam's role in causing Israel to commit sexual immorality and spiritual adultery.
Balaam's error is exposed in the words of the resurrected Christ as He addresses the church in Pergamum: "Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and by committing sexual immorality" (Revelation 2:14, italics mine). The risen Christ, our Lord and King, has faulted Balaam. The way of Balaam is the way that leads to death. It is the way that will place you in the position of being fought against by the One who has the sword (Revelation 2:12, 2:16).
In Numbers 31 we read Moses' testimony: "They were the ones who followed Balaam's advice and were the means of turning the Israelites away from the LORD in what happened at Peor, so that a plague struck the LORD's people" (Numbers 31:16). The response to this idolatry and immorality was to immediately remove it from the community. That removal, as recorded in Numbers 25, came in two forms:
Death by the sword.
Death by plague.
"So Moses said to Israel's judges, 'Each of you must put to death those of your men who have joined in worshiping the Baal of Peor.' Then an Israelite man brought to his family a Midianite woman right before the eyes of Moses and the whole assembly of Israel while they were weeping... When Phineas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, the priest, saw this, he left the assembly, took a spear in his hand and followed the Israelite into the tent. He drove the spear through both of them- through the Israelite and into the woman's body. Then the plague against Israel was stopped; but those who died in the plague numbered 24,000... the LORD said to Moses, 'Treat the Midianites as enemies and kill them, because they treated you as enemies when they deceived you in the affair of Peor..." (see Numbers 25:5-18).
Well, that was then. This is now. And God still hates idolatry and immorality.
If a modern-day Eleazar were to follow you home, who would he find you embracing?
God really does not like it when we worship anything or anyone other than Him. He likens it to the act of having sexual relations with someone who is not your spouse. The prophet Ezekiel had a vision of idolatry occuring within the temple of God, where His Spirit left the sanctuary because of the elders who worshipped false idols in dark areas of the temple (see Ezekiel 8). The opening chapters of Jeremiah use the analogy of the LORD as a husband to Israel, the bride who forsakes God and is described as "laying down like a prostitute" on every hill and under every tree (see Jeremiah chapters 2 through 5).
This allusion to sex is not just metaphorical, because the Scripture shows us that sex was in fact part of the system of idol worship. The worship of Baal in Peor was characterized by three things: the eating of foods that were sacrificed to idols, the worship of those idols, and sexual intercourse with the women of Moab who invited the men of Israel to participate in idol worship (Numbers 25:1-3).
Though we are not given Balaam's name in the early verses of Numbers 25, there are other Scriptures that reveal Balaam's role in causing Israel to commit sexual immorality and spiritual adultery.
Balaam's error is exposed in the words of the resurrected Christ as He addresses the church in Pergamum: "Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and by committing sexual immorality" (Revelation 2:14, italics mine). The risen Christ, our Lord and King, has faulted Balaam. The way of Balaam is the way that leads to death. It is the way that will place you in the position of being fought against by the One who has the sword (Revelation 2:12, 2:16).
In Numbers 31 we read Moses' testimony: "They were the ones who followed Balaam's advice and were the means of turning the Israelites away from the LORD in what happened at Peor, so that a plague struck the LORD's people" (Numbers 31:16). The response to this idolatry and immorality was to immediately remove it from the community. That removal, as recorded in Numbers 25, came in two forms:
Death by the sword.
Death by plague.
"So Moses said to Israel's judges, 'Each of you must put to death those of your men who have joined in worshiping the Baal of Peor.' Then an Israelite man brought to his family a Midianite woman right before the eyes of Moses and the whole assembly of Israel while they were weeping... When Phineas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, the priest, saw this, he left the assembly, took a spear in his hand and followed the Israelite into the tent. He drove the spear through both of them- through the Israelite and into the woman's body. Then the plague against Israel was stopped; but those who died in the plague numbered 24,000... the LORD said to Moses, 'Treat the Midianites as enemies and kill them, because they treated you as enemies when they deceived you in the affair of Peor..." (see Numbers 25:5-18).
Well, that was then. This is now. And God still hates idolatry and immorality.
If a modern-day Eleazar were to follow you home, who would he find you embracing?
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Glossa Water Year In Review: "Shut Up And Serve? I Don't Think So"
(originally posted January 8, 2009)
Perhaps Stephen would not have been killed if he had chosen to keep his mouth shut while he was waiting tables. But he was a man full of God, and the truth of God is of no effect if it is not shared. We are a community that touches each other: preaching, baptisms, faith, laying on of hands... there must be a sharing of God in the community that calls God her LORD.
So Stephen, the one full of the Holy Spirit, full of faith, full of God's grace, and full of power (see Acts 6:5 and 6:8), spoke the truth about Israel's history of rejecting God: rejecting His Spirit, rejecting His prophets, rejecting Jesus the Christ. And Stephen infuriated his listeners further by sharing his vision: "'Look', he said, 'I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God'" (Acts 7:56).
Today, there are pastors in certain parts of the world that are being persecuted and even killed for their simple but adamant affirmation: Yes, I see Jesus. Even here in the Northeast Bronx, perhaps even here in Bronx Bethany, there are pastors being stoned to death. Not with literal stones, but with stony words from the stony hearts of "congregants" who refuse to embrace the rhema word of God and who do not share the vision.
Stephen has told us something that is critically important: every now and then, heaven opens. And in those moments believers receive the revelation of God in His majesty and power. Even in the face of being killed, these believers see the beautiful face of Jesus and they respond as His beloved children: "Lord, don't hold this against them" (see Acts 7:60). And that, too, is what Jesus did: while we were still sinners, alienated from Him, He chose to die for us (see Romans 5:8).
Are you ready for the experience of an open heaven? It is coming soon. The words of Elijah's servant (see First Kings 18) echo in the background: I see a little cloud, the size of a man's hand, rising from the sea...
Perhaps Stephen would not have been killed if he had chosen to keep his mouth shut while he was waiting tables. But he was a man full of God, and the truth of God is of no effect if it is not shared. We are a community that touches each other: preaching, baptisms, faith, laying on of hands... there must be a sharing of God in the community that calls God her LORD.
So Stephen, the one full of the Holy Spirit, full of faith, full of God's grace, and full of power (see Acts 6:5 and 6:8), spoke the truth about Israel's history of rejecting God: rejecting His Spirit, rejecting His prophets, rejecting Jesus the Christ. And Stephen infuriated his listeners further by sharing his vision: "'Look', he said, 'I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God'" (Acts 7:56).
Today, there are pastors in certain parts of the world that are being persecuted and even killed for their simple but adamant affirmation: Yes, I see Jesus. Even here in the Northeast Bronx, perhaps even here in Bronx Bethany, there are pastors being stoned to death. Not with literal stones, but with stony words from the stony hearts of "congregants" who refuse to embrace the rhema word of God and who do not share the vision.
Stephen has told us something that is critically important: every now and then, heaven opens. And in those moments believers receive the revelation of God in His majesty and power. Even in the face of being killed, these believers see the beautiful face of Jesus and they respond as His beloved children: "Lord, don't hold this against them" (see Acts 7:60). And that, too, is what Jesus did: while we were still sinners, alienated from Him, He chose to die for us (see Romans 5:8).
Are you ready for the experience of an open heaven? It is coming soon. The words of Elijah's servant (see First Kings 18) echo in the background: I see a little cloud, the size of a man's hand, rising from the sea...
Friday, August 21, 2009
Glossa Water Year In Review: "The Open Show: Nahab And Abihu"
(originally posted January 2, 2009)
"Aaron's sons Nahab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense; and they offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, contrary to his command. So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died before the LORD" (Leviticus 10:1-2).
It's a dangerous thing to engage in activity that is in opposition to the mandate of God. Nahab and Abihu approached the presence of God unworthily, and in the light of His awesome presence they perished.
God particularly doesn't like it when people approach Him with unauthorized forms of worship. He made this clear at the beginning of man's history, as we see recorded in Genesis 4. Cain was rebuked and warned for his offering of fruits: "if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door" (see Genesis 4:7). The implication is that Cain knew what was the right thing to offer, but chose to offer an alternative.
We have the same scenario in Leviticus 10. Nadab and Abihu, along with their two brothers, were present with their father Aaron as Moses instructed them on the proper way to offer the various sacrifices and offerings before the LORD. So they were not ignorant, they were disobedient. But, unlike Cain, Nahab and Abihu did not get a second chance.
God had said previously, "Among those who approach me I will show myself holy" (Leviticus 10:3) - and in that statement we are reminded of the power of God which presents itself in the community of faith, which we've discussed in several of the Back to Basics blogs. There is no question that God shows up. But there is a question of whether the people of God are ready to experience what happens when He shows up in His power.
There are modern-day versions of this scenario, where we see the service of worship compromised by persons who, knowing the mandate of God, choose to step in and defiantly do their own thing. Armed with laptop and lectionary, they make up their own contributions to a ministry they were not called to. And God, in His grace, still ensures that the message He intended to send is sent clearly. "My word will not return void, but will accomplish the purpose for which I sent it..." (see Isaiah 55:10-11). But the day comes when He shows up... and when He does, make sure you are not found offering the strange fire. If you are, you will die and someone will carry you out of the sanctuary (Leviticus 10:4). Those who disobey the mandate of God will be put to an open show.
"Aaron's sons Nahab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense; and they offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, contrary to his command. So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died before the LORD" (Leviticus 10:1-2).
It's a dangerous thing to engage in activity that is in opposition to the mandate of God. Nahab and Abihu approached the presence of God unworthily, and in the light of His awesome presence they perished.
God particularly doesn't like it when people approach Him with unauthorized forms of worship. He made this clear at the beginning of man's history, as we see recorded in Genesis 4. Cain was rebuked and warned for his offering of fruits: "if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door" (see Genesis 4:7). The implication is that Cain knew what was the right thing to offer, but chose to offer an alternative.
We have the same scenario in Leviticus 10. Nadab and Abihu, along with their two brothers, were present with their father Aaron as Moses instructed them on the proper way to offer the various sacrifices and offerings before the LORD. So they were not ignorant, they were disobedient. But, unlike Cain, Nahab and Abihu did not get a second chance.
God had said previously, "Among those who approach me I will show myself holy" (Leviticus 10:3) - and in that statement we are reminded of the power of God which presents itself in the community of faith, which we've discussed in several of the Back to Basics blogs. There is no question that God shows up. But there is a question of whether the people of God are ready to experience what happens when He shows up in His power.
There are modern-day versions of this scenario, where we see the service of worship compromised by persons who, knowing the mandate of God, choose to step in and defiantly do their own thing. Armed with laptop and lectionary, they make up their own contributions to a ministry they were not called to. And God, in His grace, still ensures that the message He intended to send is sent clearly. "My word will not return void, but will accomplish the purpose for which I sent it..." (see Isaiah 55:10-11). But the day comes when He shows up... and when He does, make sure you are not found offering the strange fire. If you are, you will die and someone will carry you out of the sanctuary (Leviticus 10:4). Those who disobey the mandate of God will be put to an open show.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Glossa Water Year In Review: "Wanderlust: The Little Flock"
(originally posted December 15, 2008)
On Sunday Pastor Benji spoke on passages found in Isaiah 53:6 and Matthew 9:36. We'll be spending this week considering the metaphor of sheep without a shepherd.
For today, I just want to bring a question to the table that will hopefully cause us to think about our tendency to do certain "sheep-like" behaviors.
Question: Why do we have this sheep-like propensity to wander?
Our hymnal does us a bit of a disservice, because the editors chose to include an altered version of the third verse of "Come Thou Fount". Here is the third verse as it appears in our hymnal, altered in 1931:
O to grace how great a debtor daily I'm constrained to be!
Let that grace, now like a fetter, bind my yielded heart to Thee.
Let me know Thee in Thy fullness; guide me by Thy mighty hand
Till, transformed in Thine own image, in Thy presence I shall stand.
And here is the original verse, written in 1758:
O to grace how great a debtor daily I'm constrained to be!
Let Thy goodness, like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to Thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love;
Here's my heart, O take and seal it, seal it for Thy courts above.
I believe that the more honest text is the one from 1758. While we have a desire to yield, we are (at least for now) living and functioning in this body of flesh, this nature that resists the process of change and the demands for submission and "holiness unto the Lord". And the last line, the plea for our hearts to be sealed, is a continual prayer. God help the one who thinks he has "arrived" and is no longer in the need of the grace of God.
My prayer is that as we embark on this week of facing up to our dark side, we will find encouragement and hope in the power of our holy God to manifest Himself as our Shepherd, the one who will keep us safe in His fold and prevent us from wandering.
On Sunday Pastor Benji spoke on passages found in Isaiah 53:6 and Matthew 9:36. We'll be spending this week considering the metaphor of sheep without a shepherd.
For today, I just want to bring a question to the table that will hopefully cause us to think about our tendency to do certain "sheep-like" behaviors.
Question: Why do we have this sheep-like propensity to wander?
Our hymnal does us a bit of a disservice, because the editors chose to include an altered version of the third verse of "Come Thou Fount". Here is the third verse as it appears in our hymnal, altered in 1931:
O to grace how great a debtor daily I'm constrained to be!
Let that grace, now like a fetter, bind my yielded heart to Thee.
Let me know Thee in Thy fullness; guide me by Thy mighty hand
Till, transformed in Thine own image, in Thy presence I shall stand.
And here is the original verse, written in 1758:
O to grace how great a debtor daily I'm constrained to be!
Let Thy goodness, like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to Thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love;
Here's my heart, O take and seal it, seal it for Thy courts above.
I believe that the more honest text is the one from 1758. While we have a desire to yield, we are (at least for now) living and functioning in this body of flesh, this nature that resists the process of change and the demands for submission and "holiness unto the Lord". And the last line, the plea for our hearts to be sealed, is a continual prayer. God help the one who thinks he has "arrived" and is no longer in the need of the grace of God.
My prayer is that as we embark on this week of facing up to our dark side, we will find encouragement and hope in the power of our holy God to manifest Himself as our Shepherd, the one who will keep us safe in His fold and prevent us from wandering.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Glossa Water Year In Review: "Make Way For The King"
(originally posted November 26, 2008)
Today I'll be taking a break from the usual format. My prayer is that you'll take the time to read, and take heed.
On this past Monday morning during one of my prayer times, the Lord impressed upon me the need to revisit Ezekiel 9. It has been a long time since I read through the book of Ezekiel, so I did not remember what the chapter dealt with. It's now Wednesday. I'm still reeling over the words of judgement.
It's an old, reliable formula found throughout scripture: the righteous are spared and the wicked are destroyed. Perhaps the greater indictment here is that the wicked are in the house of God, serving as elders and yet worshiping idols, provoking God to wrath (see Ezekiel 8 for details). It is no wonder that, as judgement falls on the community, God gives a chilling directive: "'Utterly slay old men, young men, maidens, little children, and women, but do not touch any man on whom is the mark; and you shall start from My sanctuary.' So they started with the elders who were before the temple" (Ezekiel 9:6, italics mine).
The LORD knows who has His seal and who does not. I pray that each of you who minister from the platform are indeed sealed by God, and will live out your lives in total obedience to Him. If you are choosing to remain in disobedience, be assured that God will not remain a silent spectator.
Make way for the King.
Today I'll be taking a break from the usual format. My prayer is that you'll take the time to read, and take heed.
On this past Monday morning during one of my prayer times, the Lord impressed upon me the need to revisit Ezekiel 9. It has been a long time since I read through the book of Ezekiel, so I did not remember what the chapter dealt with. It's now Wednesday. I'm still reeling over the words of judgement.
It's an old, reliable formula found throughout scripture: the righteous are spared and the wicked are destroyed. Perhaps the greater indictment here is that the wicked are in the house of God, serving as elders and yet worshiping idols, provoking God to wrath (see Ezekiel 8 for details). It is no wonder that, as judgement falls on the community, God gives a chilling directive: "'Utterly slay old men, young men, maidens, little children, and women, but do not touch any man on whom is the mark; and you shall start from My sanctuary.' So they started with the elders who were before the temple" (Ezekiel 9:6, italics mine).
The LORD knows who has His seal and who does not. I pray that each of you who minister from the platform are indeed sealed by God, and will live out your lives in total obedience to Him. If you are choosing to remain in disobedience, be assured that God will not remain a silent spectator.
Make way for the King.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Glossa Water Year In Review: "The Magdalene In Me"
(originally posted November 15, 2008)
This week we have reflected primarily on Thomas, but today I'd like to look at another individual mentioned in John 20: my friend Mary Magdalene.
After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Cuza, the manager of Herod's household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means (Luke 8:1-3).
Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleopas, and Mary Magdalene (John 19:25).
Jesus said, Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God. Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: I have seen the Lord! And she told them that he had said these things to her (John 20:17-18).
You know, I wonder if you would permit Mary Magdalene to sit on your trustee board. Or join your pastoral staff. Sometimes when we're aware of a person's past history we get nervous about allowing them to do certain things in the church. Our guest speaker from this past Sunday was a former drug dealer who God wondrously saved and delivered from that lifestyle. God chose to elevate him and give him full-time work in the kingdom of God.
In our frailty and fear we are less willing to give people second chances. Moses the murderer and David the adulterer would be told, Well, historically people with your background have a tendency to relapse or to never reform, so we really can't take the risk of putting you on the board... certainly we can't put you in the pulpit... Fortunately, God is not afraid to give people second chances! He says, Go and sin no more.
I love the approach of one of my former pastors, a Salvation Army officer who witnessed the conversion of a former alcoholic and drug addict. What did my pastor do? He gave the individual the keys to the church van after a night service and said, Drive these people home. The individual was shocked at the level of trust extended to him, and viewed the assignment as a tangible proof that, just as God forgot the former sins, our pastor too treated the individual in the same way: We will not remember your former sins. Drive this van and embrace your new identity as a trustworthy child of God.
Risky? Yes, of course. But Jesus took the ultimate risk by dying for all of us while we were still sinners. What has He said?
-Mary, you were bound severely but I set you free. I have seen you demonstrate your love and support and I know I can count on you: deliver this message to My disciples.
-Genise, in your weakness I am your strength. I know I can count on you: keep doing the works I've assigned to you.
What about you? I pray that you will be able to say, Yes, God, You can count on me: I will forget about my past and do what You are telling me to do now. Amen!
This week we have reflected primarily on Thomas, but today I'd like to look at another individual mentioned in John 20: my friend Mary Magdalene.
After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Cuza, the manager of Herod's household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means (Luke 8:1-3).
Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleopas, and Mary Magdalene (John 19:25).
Jesus said, Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God. Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: I have seen the Lord! And she told them that he had said these things to her (John 20:17-18).
You know, I wonder if you would permit Mary Magdalene to sit on your trustee board. Or join your pastoral staff. Sometimes when we're aware of a person's past history we get nervous about allowing them to do certain things in the church. Our guest speaker from this past Sunday was a former drug dealer who God wondrously saved and delivered from that lifestyle. God chose to elevate him and give him full-time work in the kingdom of God.
In our frailty and fear we are less willing to give people second chances. Moses the murderer and David the adulterer would be told, Well, historically people with your background have a tendency to relapse or to never reform, so we really can't take the risk of putting you on the board... certainly we can't put you in the pulpit... Fortunately, God is not afraid to give people second chances! He says, Go and sin no more.
I love the approach of one of my former pastors, a Salvation Army officer who witnessed the conversion of a former alcoholic and drug addict. What did my pastor do? He gave the individual the keys to the church van after a night service and said, Drive these people home. The individual was shocked at the level of trust extended to him, and viewed the assignment as a tangible proof that, just as God forgot the former sins, our pastor too treated the individual in the same way: We will not remember your former sins. Drive this van and embrace your new identity as a trustworthy child of God.
Risky? Yes, of course. But Jesus took the ultimate risk by dying for all of us while we were still sinners. What has He said?
-Mary, you were bound severely but I set you free. I have seen you demonstrate your love and support and I know I can count on you: deliver this message to My disciples.
-Genise, in your weakness I am your strength. I know I can count on you: keep doing the works I've assigned to you.
What about you? I pray that you will be able to say, Yes, God, You can count on me: I will forget about my past and do what You are telling me to do now. Amen!
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Glossa Water Year In Review: "BBCN, Apostolic?"
(originally posted November 12, 2008)
We see in John 20 and Acts 1 that most of the disciples experienced two impartations of the Holy Spirit: the first being "receiving the Spirit" through the resurrected Christ's breathing on them in John 20, and the second being "baptism with the Spirit" promised by Christ (Acts 1) and made manifest during the feast of Pentecost (Acts 2).
Which disciples missed out on the initial event of "receiving the Spirit" (John 20:22)? Judas Iscariot, who had already committed suicide; Thomas, who was not in the room; and presumably Matthias, who was not selected to replace Judas until after the event. Thomas and Matthias were present for the subsequent "baptism of the Spirit" recorded in Acts 2. (I don't mean to imply that they were 'less-filled' than their peers for having missed the first event, just making the observation that some of them 'didn't get the first memo'.)
What happens when the Spirit is present?
The Holy Spirit imparts to us the authority to forgive. "If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven" (John 20:22). We should keep in mind a parallel passage regarding forgiveness: it appears after the end of the Lord's Prayer. "But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins" (Matthew 6:15). It seems that John 20:22 gives much credence to the act of absolution, and the Matthew 6 reference suggests that it would be in our best interests to offer absolution so that we in turn will receive that same grace of forgiveness!
The Holy Spirit imparts to us power to work miracles. The word "power" (Acts 1:8) in the Greek is dunamis, the root word from which we get our word "dynamite". Certainly incidents like Philip the evangelist being transported to another town (Acts 8:36-40) suggest activity that has no alternative explanation- it can only be called a miracle. If you want to read more about Philip the evangelist, you can also check out Acts 8:4-13.
The Holy Spirit imparts to us the ability to embrace martyrdom. "And you will be my witnesses..." (Acts 1:8). The Greek word that our Bibles translate as "witnesses" is the word marturios, which is the source of the word martyr. Marturios also gives the connotation of testimony, as if a person were on trial. Do you really want to walk where Jesus walked? It's not about taking a flight to Jerusalem. It's about demonstrating the miracle-working power of God and joyfully suffering the consequences, just as the Jesus and the early apostles were questioned and maligned for speaking the truth and healing people.
Well, I hope I have not been too radical by blogging about absolution and martyrdom and speaking the truth and healing people, but I encourage all of us to reflect on this. If we are (as Pastor Sam said during last July's Nazarene conference) "preoccupied with the ministry of the Spirit", then we would do well to meditate on the scriptures that clue us in to the way the Spirit operates. And, just as the apostolic community of the first-century church experienced this amazing outpouring, we too have the privilege of experiencing God in this twenty-first century... with power to forgive from the heart, power to to be used in the miraculous, and power to witness for Jesus even if it costs us our lives.
So... are you one of those Apostle guys? Don't you wish everyone was?
We see in John 20 and Acts 1 that most of the disciples experienced two impartations of the Holy Spirit: the first being "receiving the Spirit" through the resurrected Christ's breathing on them in John 20, and the second being "baptism with the Spirit" promised by Christ (Acts 1) and made manifest during the feast of Pentecost (Acts 2).
Which disciples missed out on the initial event of "receiving the Spirit" (John 20:22)? Judas Iscariot, who had already committed suicide; Thomas, who was not in the room; and presumably Matthias, who was not selected to replace Judas until after the event. Thomas and Matthias were present for the subsequent "baptism of the Spirit" recorded in Acts 2. (I don't mean to imply that they were 'less-filled' than their peers for having missed the first event, just making the observation that some of them 'didn't get the first memo'.)
What happens when the Spirit is present?
The Holy Spirit imparts to us the authority to forgive. "If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven" (John 20:22). We should keep in mind a parallel passage regarding forgiveness: it appears after the end of the Lord's Prayer. "But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins" (Matthew 6:15). It seems that John 20:22 gives much credence to the act of absolution, and the Matthew 6 reference suggests that it would be in our best interests to offer absolution so that we in turn will receive that same grace of forgiveness!
The Holy Spirit imparts to us power to work miracles. The word "power" (Acts 1:8) in the Greek is dunamis, the root word from which we get our word "dynamite". Certainly incidents like Philip the evangelist being transported to another town (Acts 8:36-40) suggest activity that has no alternative explanation- it can only be called a miracle. If you want to read more about Philip the evangelist, you can also check out Acts 8:4-13.
The Holy Spirit imparts to us the ability to embrace martyrdom. "And you will be my witnesses..." (Acts 1:8). The Greek word that our Bibles translate as "witnesses" is the word marturios, which is the source of the word martyr. Marturios also gives the connotation of testimony, as if a person were on trial. Do you really want to walk where Jesus walked? It's not about taking a flight to Jerusalem. It's about demonstrating the miracle-working power of God and joyfully suffering the consequences, just as the Jesus and the early apostles were questioned and maligned for speaking the truth and healing people.
Well, I hope I have not been too radical by blogging about absolution and martyrdom and speaking the truth and healing people, but I encourage all of us to reflect on this. If we are (as Pastor Sam said during last July's Nazarene conference) "preoccupied with the ministry of the Spirit", then we would do well to meditate on the scriptures that clue us in to the way the Spirit operates. And, just as the apostolic community of the first-century church experienced this amazing outpouring, we too have the privilege of experiencing God in this twenty-first century... with power to forgive from the heart, power to to be used in the miraculous, and power to witness for Jesus even if it costs us our lives.
So... are you one of those Apostle guys? Don't you wish everyone was?
Friday, August 14, 2009
Glossa Water Year In Review: "When Presence And Power Are Not Enough"
(originally posted November 7, 2008)
Some time ago we talked about the indictment against "the many" (see Matthew 7:22-23), and today I'd like to revisit that in light of this past Sunday's sermon.
There are some churches that are full of bench-warmers. People come in, they listen, and at the end of the service they go home. But during the week there is no evidence to support their claim of faith in Jesus Christ: they are tyrants at work and at home, they don't pray or read scripture or engage in spiritual disciplines... yet there they are, back the next Sunday, sitting in that same row, as if the act of being in church once a week is sufficient to save their souls.
Being present is not enough.
To compound matters, the Matthew passage indicts not the bench-warmers, but the first-string players. The ones who have prophetic giftings. The ones who can exorcise demons. The ones who can do miracles. The ones who have won the respect and love of the congregation because of the marvelous gifts being used among God's people. What does Jesus say? Get out of My sight; you are not on My team.
Being powerful is not enough.
What is God looking for?
Growth. Growing in grace, being submitted to the Holy Spirit who teaches us to say no to ungodliness (see Titus 2:12), learning to recognize the voice of God and be swift to obey Him.
Love. Our demonstration of love for God and love for each other points the world to Jesus, and prevents us from stumbling into sin (First John 2:10). Additionally, our increased love for God leads us to obey Him, and to reject any love for the things of this world (First John 2:15-17).
Certainly there are other things God expects of His children, but for today let's just reflect on these: to grow in the grace of God, and to demonstrate God's unconditional love. Two acts of humble obedience that far surpass our presence and power in ministry.
Some time ago we talked about the indictment against "the many" (see Matthew 7:22-23), and today I'd like to revisit that in light of this past Sunday's sermon.
There are some churches that are full of bench-warmers. People come in, they listen, and at the end of the service they go home. But during the week there is no evidence to support their claim of faith in Jesus Christ: they are tyrants at work and at home, they don't pray or read scripture or engage in spiritual disciplines... yet there they are, back the next Sunday, sitting in that same row, as if the act of being in church once a week is sufficient to save their souls.
Being present is not enough.
To compound matters, the Matthew passage indicts not the bench-warmers, but the first-string players. The ones who have prophetic giftings. The ones who can exorcise demons. The ones who can do miracles. The ones who have won the respect and love of the congregation because of the marvelous gifts being used among God's people. What does Jesus say? Get out of My sight; you are not on My team.
Being powerful is not enough.
What is God looking for?
Growth. Growing in grace, being submitted to the Holy Spirit who teaches us to say no to ungodliness (see Titus 2:12), learning to recognize the voice of God and be swift to obey Him.
Love. Our demonstration of love for God and love for each other points the world to Jesus, and prevents us from stumbling into sin (First John 2:10). Additionally, our increased love for God leads us to obey Him, and to reject any love for the things of this world (First John 2:15-17).
Certainly there are other things God expects of His children, but for today let's just reflect on these: to grow in the grace of God, and to demonstrate God's unconditional love. Two acts of humble obedience that far surpass our presence and power in ministry.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Glossa Water Year In Review: "Family Yes, Society Yes, Deity No... You Lose"
(originally posted November 5, 2008)
Today we continue our journey through the parables mentioned in this past Sunday's sermon. Let's dig in to the parable of the rich young ruler, which is found in three of the four gospels (Matthew 19:16-26; Mark 10:17-27; Luke 18:18-27).
This is my condensed version:
The ruler: "Lord, what must I do to obtain eternal life?"
Jesus: "Keep the commandments."
The ruler: "Which ones?"
Jesus: "The ones relating to family and society."
The ruler: "Been there, done that. What else?"
Jesus: "We have to have a talk about idolatry. You can't be complete until you sell your earthly riches. They've become a stronghold in your life and you need to let them go."
The ruler: (walks away)
My friends, let's talk about idolatry.
The scandal of the rich young ruler was that his love of wealth and property was a violation of God's commandments relating to Himself: do not place any gods before the Almighty God (ordination); do not make a physical representation of an idol (creation); do not bow down to an idol (veneration); do not worship an idol (adoration) (Exodus 20:1-6).
Keep in mind that the ruler's wealth, in and of itself, was not the problem. Scripture informs us that it is God who gives us the power to get wealth (Deuteronomy 8:18), so if He equips us to be wealthy then that's great, we thank God for it. However, the apostle Paul warns us that the love of money is the root of all evil; the desire for riches opens the door for temptation and snares (First Timothy 6:9-11).
The temptation surfaces in the identification: the rich young ruler. Do you hold identifiers that are snares to your soul? Your school... your socioeconomic status... your home... your church affiliation... anything that has captured your heart and dulled your ears to the voice of God? Do you know what it is? Are you willing to let it go?
Today we continue our journey through the parables mentioned in this past Sunday's sermon. Let's dig in to the parable of the rich young ruler, which is found in three of the four gospels (Matthew 19:16-26; Mark 10:17-27; Luke 18:18-27).
This is my condensed version:
The ruler: "Lord, what must I do to obtain eternal life?"
Jesus: "Keep the commandments."
The ruler: "Which ones?"
Jesus: "The ones relating to family and society."
The ruler: "Been there, done that. What else?"
Jesus: "We have to have a talk about idolatry. You can't be complete until you sell your earthly riches. They've become a stronghold in your life and you need to let them go."
The ruler: (walks away)
My friends, let's talk about idolatry.
The scandal of the rich young ruler was that his love of wealth and property was a violation of God's commandments relating to Himself: do not place any gods before the Almighty God (ordination); do not make a physical representation of an idol (creation); do not bow down to an idol (veneration); do not worship an idol (adoration) (Exodus 20:1-6).
Keep in mind that the ruler's wealth, in and of itself, was not the problem. Scripture informs us that it is God who gives us the power to get wealth (Deuteronomy 8:18), so if He equips us to be wealthy then that's great, we thank God for it. However, the apostle Paul warns us that the love of money is the root of all evil; the desire for riches opens the door for temptation and snares (First Timothy 6:9-11).
The temptation surfaces in the identification: the rich young ruler. Do you hold identifiers that are snares to your soul? Your school... your socioeconomic status... your home... your church affiliation... anything that has captured your heart and dulled your ears to the voice of God? Do you know what it is? Are you willing to let it go?
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Glossa Water Year In Review: "Prophetic Warning #6: The Cessation Of Intercessory Prayer"
(originally posted November 1, 2008)
"Do not pray for them; do not cry for them; do not intercede for them; I will not hear you" (Jeremiah 7:16, paraphrase mine).
God promises to punish wickedness and idolatry, and we see that scenario played out over and over again throughout scripture. This passage in Jeremiah, however, reveals another side of God's process of punishment: the call for intercessors to stop interceding.
For an intercessor, this is the worst sign to encounter. When God says stop praying, it's an indication of a set decision. Destruction is coming, and the man in the gap is relieved from his prayer assignment: It's over.
Jeremiah 7:16 gives us a summary of the prayer process of the intercessor:
Pray. We seek the face of God concerning a situation we may not have direct knowledge of, but that we sense God wants us to bring before Him.
Cry. As we understand the nature, gravity, and urgency of the prayer need, our prayer shifts from mere intellectual exercise and is joined by an emotional response: we feel the need, and we cry out to God because we know that if God does not step in, then disaster will result.
Intercede. Intercession involves a deep identification with those who are the subjects of the prayer. The book “Rees Howells: Intercessor” contains excellent examples of the lengths to which an intercessor goes in identifying with the subject and/or prayer need. A shorter text, “Daniel Nash: Prevailing Prince of Prayer” chronicles the work of Daniel Nash, an intercessor who was part of the prayer power behind the ministry of Finney. I highly recommend both texts.
Sometimes the work of intercessory prayer is accompanied by fasting. Sometimes it's accompanied by watching (choosing to deny ourselves sleep in order to wait before God in prayer). But, at the end of the day, it's always God who has the final decision on matters. We can't guarantee that our fervent prayers will change God's mind... but we still pray. That is, we pray until God says stop.
There are some who continue to live as if life has no deadlines- as if they can always get an extension granted from God and continue to defy His mandates. What does God say? It's over. No more extensions.
But if we plead, who knows if God might hear us and delay our punishment (see Second Samuel 12:22)? Bronx Bethany, keep praying- perhaps our prayers can hold back the judgement that sits at our doorstep. Pray, cry, intercede...
"Do not pray for them; do not cry for them; do not intercede for them; I will not hear you" (Jeremiah 7:16, paraphrase mine).
God promises to punish wickedness and idolatry, and we see that scenario played out over and over again throughout scripture. This passage in Jeremiah, however, reveals another side of God's process of punishment: the call for intercessors to stop interceding.
For an intercessor, this is the worst sign to encounter. When God says stop praying, it's an indication of a set decision. Destruction is coming, and the man in the gap is relieved from his prayer assignment: It's over.
Jeremiah 7:16 gives us a summary of the prayer process of the intercessor:
Pray. We seek the face of God concerning a situation we may not have direct knowledge of, but that we sense God wants us to bring before Him.
Cry. As we understand the nature, gravity, and urgency of the prayer need, our prayer shifts from mere intellectual exercise and is joined by an emotional response: we feel the need, and we cry out to God because we know that if God does not step in, then disaster will result.
Intercede. Intercession involves a deep identification with those who are the subjects of the prayer. The book “Rees Howells: Intercessor” contains excellent examples of the lengths to which an intercessor goes in identifying with the subject and/or prayer need. A shorter text, “Daniel Nash: Prevailing Prince of Prayer” chronicles the work of Daniel Nash, an intercessor who was part of the prayer power behind the ministry of Finney. I highly recommend both texts.
Sometimes the work of intercessory prayer is accompanied by fasting. Sometimes it's accompanied by watching (choosing to deny ourselves sleep in order to wait before God in prayer). But, at the end of the day, it's always God who has the final decision on matters. We can't guarantee that our fervent prayers will change God's mind... but we still pray. That is, we pray until God says stop.
There are some who continue to live as if life has no deadlines- as if they can always get an extension granted from God and continue to defy His mandates. What does God say? It's over. No more extensions.
But if we plead, who knows if God might hear us and delay our punishment (see Second Samuel 12:22)? Bronx Bethany, keep praying- perhaps our prayers can hold back the judgement that sits at our doorstep. Pray, cry, intercede...
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Glossa Water Year In Review: "The Sincerest Form Of Flattery"
(originally posted October 15, 2008)
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.
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.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Glossa Water Year In Review: "This Is Risky!"
(originally posted October 10, 2008)
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.
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.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Glossa Water Year In Review: "Excuse Me, You're Blocking My View"
(originally posted October 7, 2008)
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.
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.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Glossa Water Year In Review: "Snatching Destruction From The Jaws Of Salvation"
(originally posted September 9, 2008)
Do you know what bothers me? Sometimes when Pastor Sam is preaching, and he is preaching about something serious, there are certain persons who will laugh out loud. They are not engaging in a 'Toronto blessing' laugh, and they are not suffering from any medical condition as far as I know- it doesn't happen during other components of the service. And they are not holding side conversations with their friend. They appear to be laughing as a direct response to what has been said. If someone out there has a plausible explanation for this phenomenon I'd love to hear it, because I really don't understand how a soul headed for hell can be a comical subject.
Today's title is adapted from a comment made during Sunday's sermon. In reflecting on Noah's neighbors ignoring his years of "carpentry evangelism" and Lot's hesitation and excuses in the face of angels imploring him to flee the impending destruction of the cities Sodom and Gomorrah, Pastor Sam gave the following insight: when God makes a way of escape, there are some who snatch destruction out of the jaws of salvation. God always has a rescue plan, and in His gracious way He does not force it onto us. He calls us to embrace it. But the Scripture gives us numerous examples of men and women who cast aside the rescue option and choose to remain in an environment that is slated for destruction.
If you'll forgive me for not being spiritual, allow me to just appeal for a moment to your logical, rational mind. If you were living in Noah's time, and you and your children have spent the past ten years laughing at Noah's 'radical obedience' as he built this strange uber-container in a land that never knew rain, wouldn't you have picked up on the cue when you saw two of every living creature, one male and one female, walking down to the ark? Would you not have wondered when you saw the seven pairs of all clean animals and birds trekking to take their place in the ark? Ah, and we hear Jesus: if you don't believe based on what I say, at least believe based on the demonstrated signs and wonders. It's the last-chance demonstration of the spectacular power and provision of God before He breaks out in judgement.
Lot, and Lot's wife, still live in the hearts of those who see God at work and yet resist His call to flee from destruction. What does it mean when you have seen the angels of God strike a community with blindness (Genesis 19:1-14), and the angels of God say "Destruction is coming- you must hurry", and your response is "No, I will hesitate"? It means that you are snatching destruction from the jaws of salvation. It means you are sitting comfortably in the fourth row, laughing out loud while humble sons of God are making an appeal for you to run to Jesus while you still have a chance. Would you still laugh if I told you that you only have thirty days left? Unfortunately, history suggests that the answer is yes. So we appeal to the mercy of God and ask Him to take your hand and lead you out (Genesis 19:15-16).
Redemption, rescue, reconciliation, rejoicing. We pray that everyone will be caught and secured in the salvation of God. We pray especially for the four people that God has placed as special prayer requests at this time, as we prepare to celebrate the one hundredth anniversary of our denomination. Celebrating the denomination is nice, but it is nothing compared to the celebration of souls coming to Christ. We are looking for, and expecting, a community that is safe in the ark.
Do you know what bothers me? Sometimes when Pastor Sam is preaching, and he is preaching about something serious, there are certain persons who will laugh out loud. They are not engaging in a 'Toronto blessing' laugh, and they are not suffering from any medical condition as far as I know- it doesn't happen during other components of the service. And they are not holding side conversations with their friend. They appear to be laughing as a direct response to what has been said. If someone out there has a plausible explanation for this phenomenon I'd love to hear it, because I really don't understand how a soul headed for hell can be a comical subject.
Today's title is adapted from a comment made during Sunday's sermon. In reflecting on Noah's neighbors ignoring his years of "carpentry evangelism" and Lot's hesitation and excuses in the face of angels imploring him to flee the impending destruction of the cities Sodom and Gomorrah, Pastor Sam gave the following insight: when God makes a way of escape, there are some who snatch destruction out of the jaws of salvation. God always has a rescue plan, and in His gracious way He does not force it onto us. He calls us to embrace it. But the Scripture gives us numerous examples of men and women who cast aside the rescue option and choose to remain in an environment that is slated for destruction.
If you'll forgive me for not being spiritual, allow me to just appeal for a moment to your logical, rational mind. If you were living in Noah's time, and you and your children have spent the past ten years laughing at Noah's 'radical obedience' as he built this strange uber-container in a land that never knew rain, wouldn't you have picked up on the cue when you saw two of every living creature, one male and one female, walking down to the ark? Would you not have wondered when you saw the seven pairs of all clean animals and birds trekking to take their place in the ark? Ah, and we hear Jesus: if you don't believe based on what I say, at least believe based on the demonstrated signs and wonders. It's the last-chance demonstration of the spectacular power and provision of God before He breaks out in judgement.
Lot, and Lot's wife, still live in the hearts of those who see God at work and yet resist His call to flee from destruction. What does it mean when you have seen the angels of God strike a community with blindness (Genesis 19:1-14), and the angels of God say "Destruction is coming- you must hurry", and your response is "No, I will hesitate"? It means that you are snatching destruction from the jaws of salvation. It means you are sitting comfortably in the fourth row, laughing out loud while humble sons of God are making an appeal for you to run to Jesus while you still have a chance. Would you still laugh if I told you that you only have thirty days left? Unfortunately, history suggests that the answer is yes. So we appeal to the mercy of God and ask Him to take your hand and lead you out (Genesis 19:15-16).
Redemption, rescue, reconciliation, rejoicing. We pray that everyone will be caught and secured in the salvation of God. We pray especially for the four people that God has placed as special prayer requests at this time, as we prepare to celebrate the one hundredth anniversary of our denomination. Celebrating the denomination is nice, but it is nothing compared to the celebration of souls coming to Christ. We are looking for, and expecting, a community that is safe in the ark.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Glossa Water Year In Review: "And Your Name Is...?"
(originally posted September 1, 2008)
It's not hard to live a dichotomous life. If we just keep saying no to the agenda of God, He will stop striving with us and will allow callouses to form on our reprobate hearts. And, strangely enough, He does not cancel the promises. We tithe and see the windows of heaven opened. We can pray and see people healed. We can even be effective in evangelism. I know this because I have lived this. And I appreciate the plaintive inquiry: what good is it if a man gains the whole world but loses his soul?
Oh, the dreaded fear of not being recognized by Jesus. As we heard in Sunday's sermon, and as we have read for ourselves in Matthew 25, this is a reality of the kingdom of God. If the LORD had returned in 1990, I certainly would have been 'cast into the darkness'... the consequence of embracing my own agenda and using God as a personal candy machine. To quote Reverend Darryl, I was saved but not surrendered. God, in His graciousness, has allowed me to live long enough to wake up and happily abandon my agenda for His.
What is God seeking? Not just trimmed lamps, but a supply of extra oil; not just talent, but immediate and aggressive investment of the talent with the intent to produce a substantial return; and not just 'all my work is for the Master', but a heart to embrace 'the least of these'. Reflecting on these three parables has led me to consider, deeply and with excitement, how I can support God's agenda in a way that brings Him returns worthy of commendation.
It's not hard to live a dichotomous life. If we just keep saying no to the agenda of God, He will stop striving with us and will allow callouses to form on our reprobate hearts. And, strangely enough, He does not cancel the promises. We tithe and see the windows of heaven opened. We can pray and see people healed. We can even be effective in evangelism. I know this because I have lived this. And I appreciate the plaintive inquiry: what good is it if a man gains the whole world but loses his soul?
Oh, the dreaded fear of not being recognized by Jesus. As we heard in Sunday's sermon, and as we have read for ourselves in Matthew 25, this is a reality of the kingdom of God. If the LORD had returned in 1990, I certainly would have been 'cast into the darkness'... the consequence of embracing my own agenda and using God as a personal candy machine. To quote Reverend Darryl, I was saved but not surrendered. God, in His graciousness, has allowed me to live long enough to wake up and happily abandon my agenda for His.
What is God seeking? Not just trimmed lamps, but a supply of extra oil; not just talent, but immediate and aggressive investment of the talent with the intent to produce a substantial return; and not just 'all my work is for the Master', but a heart to embrace 'the least of these'. Reflecting on these three parables has led me to consider, deeply and with excitement, how I can support God's agenda in a way that brings Him returns worthy of commendation.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Glossa Water Year In Review: "Casting Call"
(originally posted October 1, 2008)
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.
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.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Christus Victor!
Towards the end of his sermon, Pastor Brian shared an encouraging word: victory is possible for all Christians running the race of faith.
Are you burdened, or do you feel that you have lost all chance of living a victorious life? Don't despair! We have obtained victory through the work of Jesus Christ- the One who humbled Himself and became obedient to death on a cross; the One who confounded the devil and made an open show of him; the One who was fit to suffer on our behalf.
Lord, help us to remember that it is You who works in us and through us. Help us to drop our personal agendas and fully embrace Your program and plan for our lives.
Are you burdened, or do you feel that you have lost all chance of living a victorious life? Don't despair! We have obtained victory through the work of Jesus Christ- the One who humbled Himself and became obedient to death on a cross; the One who confounded the devil and made an open show of him; the One who was fit to suffer on our behalf.
Lord, help us to remember that it is You who works in us and through us. Help us to drop our personal agendas and fully embrace Your program and plan for our lives.