Let's not forget how good we have it here. Click on the following link:
http://www.townhall.com/columnists/RebeccaHagelin/2007/09/27/the_suffering_of_secret_believers?page=2
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
True Success
As Christians, we're to exist in the world without succumbing to its influences (Phil. 2: 15). The world holds wealth, power, and prestige in high esteem. Success is somewhat of a national religion here in America, and I'm pretty sure it's the main reason for class reunions.
There's absolutely nothing wrong with having material and financial wealth as long as it doesn't have you. It had a stronger influence on the rich young ruler in Mark 10: 17-23 than his desire to serve the Lord. The rich fool in Luke 12: 13-21 was greedy. In Luke 16: 19-31 we read of the rich man and Lazarus. The rich man had it good here on earth, but he had little regard for his own soul or anyone else's welfare. I don't believe for a minute that he didn't know of Lazarus' destitute condition. He just didn't care. I'm sure he would have given all he had to get out of torments, if that were possible. While here on earth though, he was apathetic and greedy. The real kicker for me is that while he was in torments, he was so self-centered that he wanted Lazarus to serve him.
Just remember, life is like a monopoly game. No matter who lost or won, when the game is over, all the pieces go back in the box. Also, I've yet to see a U-haul follow a hearse.
As God's people, we need to redefine our definition of success. The Bible has quite a lot to say about the matter.
1. Success has more to do with how you treat others than how they treat you. Be
the bigger person. Don't be so self-absorbed that you can't ask the other
how they're doing. Be willing to lose some battles with others in order to win the
war for their soul later.
A. Job. 13: 1-17
B. Mar. 9: 33-37
C. 1 Pet. 5: 5-6
D. Mt. 7: 12
E. Luk. 23: 33-34
2. Success doesn't matter about how others see you, but rather, how God sees
you. It's human nature to enjoy hearing people compliment your
accomplishments, but seek to glorify God with your successes.
A. Heb. 13: 20-21
B. Mt. 5: 8
C. Psa. 139: 23; 86: 11
D. 1 Sam. 16: 7
E. 1 Chr. 28: 9
F. Prov. 27: 19
3. Success should reflect our internal qualities--not our external circumstances.
Hollywood airbrushes celebs to give them the facade of perfection. Some buy
into the myths they see in a magazine and then put unrealistic expectations on
themselves. The world values visual aesthetics over true substance of
character.
4. How God defines success:
A. Being kind to others: Eph. 4: 32; Rom. 12: 3, 15-21; 14: 19; Jno. 14: 12-15.
B. Seeking first the kingdom: Mt. 6: 33; Eccl. 12: 13
C. Be genuine. Work to develop the Christian graces: 2 Pet. 1: 5-7;
Gal. 5: 22-26.
I would appreciate your questions and comments.
There's absolutely nothing wrong with having material and financial wealth as long as it doesn't have you. It had a stronger influence on the rich young ruler in Mark 10: 17-23 than his desire to serve the Lord. The rich fool in Luke 12: 13-21 was greedy. In Luke 16: 19-31 we read of the rich man and Lazarus. The rich man had it good here on earth, but he had little regard for his own soul or anyone else's welfare. I don't believe for a minute that he didn't know of Lazarus' destitute condition. He just didn't care. I'm sure he would have given all he had to get out of torments, if that were possible. While here on earth though, he was apathetic and greedy. The real kicker for me is that while he was in torments, he was so self-centered that he wanted Lazarus to serve him.
Just remember, life is like a monopoly game. No matter who lost or won, when the game is over, all the pieces go back in the box. Also, I've yet to see a U-haul follow a hearse.
As God's people, we need to redefine our definition of success. The Bible has quite a lot to say about the matter.
1. Success has more to do with how you treat others than how they treat you. Be
the bigger person. Don't be so self-absorbed that you can't ask the other
how they're doing. Be willing to lose some battles with others in order to win the
war for their soul later.
A. Job. 13: 1-17
B. Mar. 9: 33-37
C. 1 Pet. 5: 5-6
D. Mt. 7: 12
E. Luk. 23: 33-34
2. Success doesn't matter about how others see you, but rather, how God sees
you. It's human nature to enjoy hearing people compliment your
accomplishments, but seek to glorify God with your successes.
A. Heb. 13: 20-21
B. Mt. 5: 8
C. Psa. 139: 23; 86: 11
D. 1 Sam. 16: 7
E. 1 Chr. 28: 9
F. Prov. 27: 19
3. Success should reflect our internal qualities--not our external circumstances.
Hollywood airbrushes celebs to give them the facade of perfection. Some buy
into the myths they see in a magazine and then put unrealistic expectations on
themselves. The world values visual aesthetics over true substance of
character.
4. How God defines success:
A. Being kind to others: Eph. 4: 32; Rom. 12: 3, 15-21; 14: 19; Jno. 14: 12-15.
B. Seeking first the kingdom: Mt. 6: 33; Eccl. 12: 13
C. Be genuine. Work to develop the Christian graces: 2 Pet. 1: 5-7;
Gal. 5: 22-26.
I would appreciate your questions and comments.
Church Loyalty
Some who wear the name "Christian" seem to enjoy trashing the bride of Christ. Ironically, although they purport to dislike various aspects of the church, for some reason they keep attending the services. What's dangerous is that although it might be only one person doing the damage initially, that person can poison an entire crowd of people, and eventually, a whole congregation. I've seen it happen.
1. Fair-Weather Christians:
A fair-weather Christian will stay associated with the body of Christ physically even though their heart is elsewhere. John referred to such people as being in darkness (1 Jno. 2: 19). They're the seed that fell on stony ground. They're easily drawn away by temptation (Luk. 8: 13). Anything will cause them to skip services (a party, the Superbowl, etc.). I'm not talking about instances in which one is physically ill, truly impeded by some crisis, or made to work by their employer. Some things cannot be helped. However, we cannot serve two masters, and the Lord says if we're not for him, we're against him (Mt. 6: 24; 12: 30).
We're to remain "grounded and steadfast," and "set for the defense of the gospel," not unlike the cleated sandals of a Roman soldier (Phil. 1: 15-17). We're to remain unmovable.
2. Are you ashamed to be a member of the body of Christ?
Read Mk. 8: 38; 14: 66-72. Would Jesus feel betrayed by you like he was when Peter denied him three times?
All humans, Christians included, are fallible. Luckily, as Christians, we can be restored to very moment we acknowledge our sins to God and repent (1 Jno. 1: 9). Despite our personal shortcomings, we are to continue to defend the gospel. The church is made up of members, like myself, who are far from perfect. Apostle Paul referred to himself as "chief" among sinners. I know what he means. I've been a prodigal daughter myself. I'm blown away by how much God loves me anyway (Rom. 5: 8). That's why I never want to cast aspersions upon the church to others, especially unbelievers. Nor do I ever want to ridicule those who govern my local congregation and who are responsible for my soul, as well as their own (Heb. 13: 17; 1 Tim. 5: 17). Ridicule of the church can also extend to various parts of the worship services which are authorized in the Scriptures. Such an attitude should not exist.
We should guard the Lord's church with a godly jealousy (2 Cor. 11: 2-3). Would you sit idly by while someone talked trash about your husband or children? Not a chance!! You would most likely turn into a she-bear if that happened. Being criticized hurts, doesn't it? Continuing that thought, I've included the following poem. Personally, I hate poetry. That's why I'm not a high school lit teacher, I suppose. I give you the following, however, because I appreciate the message it imparts and it's short:
THREE GATES
If you are tempted to reveal
A tale someone has told
About another, make it pass,
Before you speak, three gates of gold.
These narrow gates: First, 'Is it true?'
Then, 'Is it needful?' In your mind
Give truthful answer. And the next
Is last and narrowest, 'Is it kind?'
And if to reach your lips at last
It passes through these gateways three,
Then you may tell the tale, nor fear
What the results of speech may be.
I know this is about talking about another individual, but it could just as easily apply to the church.
3. The gospel light vs. "gospel lite":
"Gospel lite" is ineffective; unable to save anyone. Unfortunately, in order to cushion themselves from critics, some churches have watered down the gospel message--taken the teeth out of it. This makes it not just ineffective, but just plain boring to listen to. Do you enjoy eating diet food? Not me! Would you pour cold tap water into a freshly brewed cup of coffee? Absolutely not me! Both of the foregoing examples would result in my food and my coffee having very little flavor to it. It would be just plain nasty. I want what I have to digest to taste good. Likewise, the gospel message was designed to have some punch to it. Our speech is to be "with grace seasoned with salt" (Col. 4: 6). Paul said to speak only sound doctrine and to rebuke and exhort within the authority of the Scriptures (Titus 2: 1, 15). We have to take into account that those who remain untaught the basics have no foundation on which to build loyalty to the cause of Christ. I used to have a boss who said that it wasn't good enough to say we do this or that "just because;" that we need to understand why and be able to give a reason for the mechanics of the work we perform.
4. Our purpose for existing:
Think of the reason why we come together every first day of the week. What if your small child was in the middle of the road about to be hit and your neighbors' teenage son, an only child, ran out and pushed him or her to safety before being struck and killed by the speeding truck himself? Come the day of that young man's memorial service are you going to stay home because: (1) you worked really hard all week and you're really tired and deserve a day off; or (2) you have so many other things that you need to do that there's just no time to attend? How do you think that young man's parents would feel? How then do you think God feels when we forsake the memorial of His Son? One thing I cannot get past is Hebrews 10: 25: "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching." (NIV)
We can expect perhaps some mental persecution from people treating us badly or making us social outcasts because we choose to do the right thing. Therefore, courage for the cause of Christ must be cultivated (Eph. 4: 14-15). Ecclesiastes 12: 13-14 says, "Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil."
We are to stand for the faith and speak the truth in love (Eph. 4: 15). Lost souls are the high price for our failure to do so.
In conclusion, consider the following quote from author Jill Briscoe:
"The problem with sin is you never sin to yourself. If you go cold spiritually, you lower the temperature of everyone else around you. I believe God will hold us accountable for that."
Amen, Jill, so do I.
God bless you all and I look forward to your questions and comments.
1. Fair-Weather Christians:
A fair-weather Christian will stay associated with the body of Christ physically even though their heart is elsewhere. John referred to such people as being in darkness (1 Jno. 2: 19). They're the seed that fell on stony ground. They're easily drawn away by temptation (Luk. 8: 13). Anything will cause them to skip services (a party, the Superbowl, etc.). I'm not talking about instances in which one is physically ill, truly impeded by some crisis, or made to work by their employer. Some things cannot be helped. However, we cannot serve two masters, and the Lord says if we're not for him, we're against him (Mt. 6: 24; 12: 30).
We're to remain "grounded and steadfast," and "set for the defense of the gospel," not unlike the cleated sandals of a Roman soldier (Phil. 1: 15-17). We're to remain unmovable.
2. Are you ashamed to be a member of the body of Christ?
Read Mk. 8: 38; 14: 66-72. Would Jesus feel betrayed by you like he was when Peter denied him three times?
All humans, Christians included, are fallible. Luckily, as Christians, we can be restored to very moment we acknowledge our sins to God and repent (1 Jno. 1: 9). Despite our personal shortcomings, we are to continue to defend the gospel. The church is made up of members, like myself, who are far from perfect. Apostle Paul referred to himself as "chief" among sinners. I know what he means. I've been a prodigal daughter myself. I'm blown away by how much God loves me anyway (Rom. 5: 8). That's why I never want to cast aspersions upon the church to others, especially unbelievers. Nor do I ever want to ridicule those who govern my local congregation and who are responsible for my soul, as well as their own (Heb. 13: 17; 1 Tim. 5: 17). Ridicule of the church can also extend to various parts of the worship services which are authorized in the Scriptures. Such an attitude should not exist.
We should guard the Lord's church with a godly jealousy (2 Cor. 11: 2-3). Would you sit idly by while someone talked trash about your husband or children? Not a chance!! You would most likely turn into a she-bear if that happened. Being criticized hurts, doesn't it? Continuing that thought, I've included the following poem. Personally, I hate poetry. That's why I'm not a high school lit teacher, I suppose. I give you the following, however, because I appreciate the message it imparts and it's short:
THREE GATES
If you are tempted to reveal
A tale someone has told
About another, make it pass,
Before you speak, three gates of gold.
These narrow gates: First, 'Is it true?'
Then, 'Is it needful?' In your mind
Give truthful answer. And the next
Is last and narrowest, 'Is it kind?'
And if to reach your lips at last
It passes through these gateways three,
Then you may tell the tale, nor fear
What the results of speech may be.
I know this is about talking about another individual, but it could just as easily apply to the church.
3. The gospel light vs. "gospel lite":
"Gospel lite" is ineffective; unable to save anyone. Unfortunately, in order to cushion themselves from critics, some churches have watered down the gospel message--taken the teeth out of it. This makes it not just ineffective, but just plain boring to listen to. Do you enjoy eating diet food? Not me! Would you pour cold tap water into a freshly brewed cup of coffee? Absolutely not me! Both of the foregoing examples would result in my food and my coffee having very little flavor to it. It would be just plain nasty. I want what I have to digest to taste good. Likewise, the gospel message was designed to have some punch to it. Our speech is to be "with grace seasoned with salt" (Col. 4: 6). Paul said to speak only sound doctrine and to rebuke and exhort within the authority of the Scriptures (Titus 2: 1, 15). We have to take into account that those who remain untaught the basics have no foundation on which to build loyalty to the cause of Christ. I used to have a boss who said that it wasn't good enough to say we do this or that "just because;" that we need to understand why and be able to give a reason for the mechanics of the work we perform.
4. Our purpose for existing:
Think of the reason why we come together every first day of the week. What if your small child was in the middle of the road about to be hit and your neighbors' teenage son, an only child, ran out and pushed him or her to safety before being struck and killed by the speeding truck himself? Come the day of that young man's memorial service are you going to stay home because: (1) you worked really hard all week and you're really tired and deserve a day off; or (2) you have so many other things that you need to do that there's just no time to attend? How do you think that young man's parents would feel? How then do you think God feels when we forsake the memorial of His Son? One thing I cannot get past is Hebrews 10: 25: "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching." (NIV)
We can expect perhaps some mental persecution from people treating us badly or making us social outcasts because we choose to do the right thing. Therefore, courage for the cause of Christ must be cultivated (Eph. 4: 14-15). Ecclesiastes 12: 13-14 says, "Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil."
We are to stand for the faith and speak the truth in love (Eph. 4: 15). Lost souls are the high price for our failure to do so.
In conclusion, consider the following quote from author Jill Briscoe:
"The problem with sin is you never sin to yourself. If you go cold spiritually, you lower the temperature of everyone else around you. I believe God will hold us accountable for that."
Amen, Jill, so do I.
God bless you all and I look forward to your questions and comments.
Prayer Warriors List
Please assist me as often as you will in people that need to be added to the prayer warriors list down below. Since I will not receive an updated church bulletin until tonight, I do not have a complete list. I will revise it as soon as possible when I do receive one.
Posting Comments, Questions, Etc.
Many of you actually know me, so you know who Sokmnkee is. While you can certainly use your name to post questions and comments, you may choose a screen name in lieu of your real name and, therefore, remain anonymous unless you choose to reveal yourself to me. I'm hoping this medium will help you to ask questions you might not otherwise and to share your own knowledge on various topics with us.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Welcome To My House!
I've created this blog primarily so I can get to know my sisters in Christ from the Main Street congregation in Milan better. However, it's not just for us. Please invite friends from the surrounding area, no matter what their faith, to join us. I want us to have loads of fun here, but my primary aim is for us to study God's Word together through the convenience of the internet. I really wanted to have this take place in my home in person, but I kept running into obstacles with friends' schedules not being mutually agreeable. My hope is that you will log on, ask questions, and participate. I know that some of you aren't comfortable responding in our live group studies because you're bashful. I respect that because I am too. Just know that I love each and every one of you and you are the main reason I've created this site. Please do not hesitate to ask bold questions. The more thought provoking the question, the more interesting the discussion. I do plan to offer up at least one topic for study and discussion per week and there will be an outline to go with it.
Please comment and let me know what you would like to get out of this website and any topics you would like for us to cover.
Please comment and let me know what you would like to get out of this website and any topics you would like for us to cover.
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