tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-256402062024-03-06T22:56:27.267-06:00FullyPersuadedBaptist...ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. Jude 3James McEntirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18076786630641849452noreply@blogger.comBlogger621125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25640206.post-71555951810719562202021-01-02T18:13:00.004-06:002021-01-04T18:46:58.139-06:00<p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>A Door Of Hope In The Valley Of Trouble</b></span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGTDC8I6IJOTc_asj1AGFEweJaadcYMtrtvDefPebUuSiz3dzYM-fjawSbX1WtPuXiYwRyFcpKY9WCUL24VmvULwbhwQpDshXPa5A9J4fYGxKDs3DSGbA9LDBUuEUqZOXKltUZ/s1600/valley+of+trouble.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: #660000; color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="988" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGTDC8I6IJOTc_asj1AGFEweJaadcYMtrtvDefPebUuSiz3dzYM-fjawSbX1WtPuXiYwRyFcpKY9WCUL24VmvULwbhwQpDshXPa5A9J4fYGxKDs3DSGbA9LDBUuEUqZOXKltUZ/s320/valley+of+trouble.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p></blockquote><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #292929; font-family: charter, Georgia, Cambria, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; letter-spacing: -0.003em;">Hosea was a Prophet of God to challenge Israel for her spiritual adultery and whoredoms manifested in her idolatry. Hosea was called upon, by God, to do some very difficult things in the context of his ministry!</span></p><p class="gt gu gb gv b gw oz gd gx gy pa gg gz ha pb hb hc hd pc he hf hg pd hh hi hk dc ec" data-selectable-paragraph="" id="0d56" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #292929; font-family: charter, Georgia, Cambria, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; letter-spacing: -0.003em; line-height: 32px; margin: 2em 0px -0.46em; word-break: break-word;">His relationship with his own wife became a metaphor for God’s relationship with Israel. It was tumultuous but in the end provided a way to showcase God’s love for his people.</p><p class="gt gu gb gv b gw oz gd gx gy pa gg gz ha pb hb hc hd pc he hf hg pd hh hi hk dc ec" data-selectable-paragraph="" id="8612" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #292929; font-family: charter, Georgia, Cambria, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; letter-spacing: -0.003em; line-height: 32px; margin: 2em 0px -0.46em; word-break: break-word;">Chapter two of Hosea is where th<span id="rmm" style="box-sizing: inherit;">e</span> troubles begin. The first part of the chapter begins to unfold the unfaithfulness of Hosea’s wife and her misconceptions about the source of her blessings. The last part of the chapter reports the efforts that Hosea intended to make to win his wife back.</p><p class="gt gu gb gv b gw oz gd gx gy pa gg gz ha pb hb hc hd pc he hf hg pd hh hi hk dc ec" data-selectable-paragraph="" id="9f5e" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #292929; font-family: charter, Georgia, Cambria, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; letter-spacing: -0.003em; line-height: 32px; margin: 2em 0px -0.46em; word-break: break-word;">There is something for us to learn from this chapter.</p><p class="gt gu gb gv b gw oz gd gx gy pa gg gz ha pb hb hc hd pc he hf hg pd hh hi hk dc ec" data-selectable-paragraph="" id="1f04" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #292929; font-family: charter, Georgia, Cambria, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; letter-spacing: -0.003em; line-height: 32px; margin: 2em 0px -0.46em; word-break: break-word;">In verse five Hosea forthrightly declares that his wife had played the harlot and apparently those relationships resulted in children born outside a marriage covenant. Hosea’s wife boldly asserted that she would go after her lovers. She did so under the false pretense that these lovers were the providers of her bread, water, wool, flax, oil, and drink.</p><p class="gt gu gb gv b gw oz gd gx gy pa gg gz ha pb hb hc hd pc he hf hg pd hh hi hk dc ec" data-selectable-paragraph="" id="b8c2" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #292929; font-family: charter, Georgia, Cambria, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; letter-spacing: -0.003em; line-height: 32px; margin: 2em 0px -0.46em; word-break: break-word;">In verse 8 Hosea sets himself to correct her assumptions. He chastens her for ignorance related to the fact that it was he who gave her corn, wine, oil, and multiplied her silver and gold. He intended to correct these assumptions by withholding his provision. In verse nine he threatened to take away the corn in the time thereof and the wine in the season thereof. He sets himself to recover his flax and wool that he had given to cover her nakedness. Hosea goes on and threatens to expose and impoverish her. In verse 13 Hosea bemoans the fact that he had been forgotten by his wife.</p><p class="gt gu gb gv b gw oz gd gx gy pa gg gz ha pb hb hc hd pc he hf hg pd hh hi hk dc ec" data-selectable-paragraph="" id="8664" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #292929; font-family: charter, Georgia, Cambria, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; letter-spacing: -0.003em; line-height: 32px; margin: 2em 0px -0.46em; word-break: break-word;">What was Hosea to do??</p><p class="gt gu gb gv b gw oz gd gx gy pa gg gz ha pb hb hc hd pc he hf hg pd hh hi hk dc ec" data-selectable-paragraph="" id="e6cf" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #292929; font-family: charter, Georgia, Cambria, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; letter-spacing: -0.003em; line-height: 32px; margin: 2em 0px -0.46em; word-break: break-word;">He asserts in verse 14 that he would allure her. By what means we might ask? He was going to bring her into the wilderness. He was going to separate her from her lovers and move her to a harsh place and in doing so he was going to speak comfortably to her. This move was not to harm her but to help her.</p><p class="gt gu gb gv b gw oz gd gx gy pa gg gz ha pb hb hc hd pc he hf hg pd hh hi hk dc ec" data-selectable-paragraph="" id="9c4b" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #292929; font-family: charter, Georgia, Cambria, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; letter-spacing: -0.003em; line-height: 32px; margin: 2em 0px -0.46em; word-break: break-word;">In verse 15 Hosea promises that from that desolate place he would give her vineyards. He professes to give her the valley of Achor for a door of hope. Achor is translated from a word that means “trouble”. Hosea was suggesting that he was going to give her a valley of trouble that would be her door of hope. Hosea says the result of his efforts would be that she would sing there. Hosea’s wife would sing in the wilderness, in the valley of trouble because it was in that inhospitable place that she would find her door of hope. Hosea says she will sing there as in the days of her youth, and as in the day when she came out of the land of Egypt.</p><p class="gt gu gb gv b gw oz gd gx gy pa gg gz ha pb hb hc hd pc he hf hg pd hh hi hk dc ec" data-selectable-paragraph="" id="c04c" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #292929; font-family: charter, Georgia, Cambria, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; letter-spacing: -0.003em; line-height: 32px; margin: 2em 0px -0.46em; word-break: break-word;">Of course all of this, as the text clearly indicates, pictures God’s relationship with Israel. God had blessed Israel yet Israel had played the harlot and engaged in idolatry with the heathen nations all about her. She even came to the place where she saw the blessings of God as coming from her false gods. Therefore God expressed his intentions of withholding those blessings. God was going to take Israel into the wilderness and to the valley of Achor (trouble) and there he would speak comfortably to her and provide for her. Separated from her idolatry and isolated with her God Israel would sing as in the day when she came up out of the land of Egypt.</p><p class="gt gu gb gv b gw oz gd gx gy pa gg gz ha pb hb hc hd pc he hf hg pd hh hi hk dc ec" data-selectable-paragraph="" id="7d23" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #292929; font-family: charter, Georgia, Cambria, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; letter-spacing: -0.003em; line-height: 32px; margin: 2em 0px -0.46em; word-break: break-word;">And more to the point. We can, if we are not careful, fall prey to spiritual adultery like the nation of Israel. We can forget God like Israel did. We can attribute our blessings to our selves or the free market or economic prosperity. We should not be surprised when in such a condition that God takes us into the wilderness to separate us from our idols and unto himself. We wake up and find our self in the valley of Achor (trouble) with God speaking comfortably to us and giving us vineyards of refreshment in that desolate place. The next thing you know we will be singing like in the day of our deliverance.</p><p class="gt gu gb gv b gw oz gd gx gy pa gg gz ha pb hb hc hd pc he hf hg pd hh hi hk dc ec" data-selectable-paragraph="" id="eb5f" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #292929; font-family: charter, Georgia, Cambria, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; letter-spacing: -0.003em; line-height: 32px; margin: 2em 0px -0.46em; word-break: break-word;">Just remember that the wilderness, the valley of Achor is God’s means of alluring us. It is his means of weaning us from the things that have kept us from him.</p><p><span style="background-color: #660000;"></span></p><p class="gt gu gb gv b gw oz gd gx gy pa gg gz ha pb hb hc hd pc he hf hg pd hh hi hk dc ec" data-selectable-paragraph="" id="39ad" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #292929; font-family: charter, Georgia, Cambria, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; letter-spacing: -0.003em; line-height: 32px; margin: 2em 0px -0.46em; word-break: break-word;">God gives us the valley of Achor for a door of hope!</p>James McEntirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18076786630641849452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25640206.post-13735383391867218622017-05-22T20:45:00.002-05:002017-05-24T09:52:49.071-05:00Bi-Vocational Ministry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3D0cnO4cj3xZNHqmfDpFH3CcIH11luHlM6IYC0udXqgRi3HKqcvxdC3ORIhFT_x-gWAKp4HZGHyRMVS6k_3azEAJh2sY_2QIf-rojecQUZV38azPKlnbA3Tdzw70_TGCtYwLX/s1600/bivocational.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3D0cnO4cj3xZNHqmfDpFH3CcIH11luHlM6IYC0udXqgRi3HKqcvxdC3ORIhFT_x-gWAKp4HZGHyRMVS6k_3azEAJh2sY_2QIf-rojecQUZV38azPKlnbA3Tdzw70_TGCtYwLX/s320/bivocational.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: justify;">The older I get the
less I like the term bi-vocational pastor.</span><span style="text-align: justify;">
</span><span style="text-align: justify;">I think the term is a misrepresentation of what is happening in the life
of a Pastor who also is engaged in secular employment of some kind.</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">It creates a dichotomy that we argue against
when it is the person in the pew that is in question.</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">I know there are differences but the principle
of a Christ-centered life is not that much different between the person in the
pew, a preacher who also maintains secular employment, and a preacher who does
not (which are probably far fewer than we realize).</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">Don’t worry I’m not going to start a crusade against
a well-established term.</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">Even if I was
inclined to it would be a fruitless battle.</span><span style="text-align: justify;">
</span><span style="text-align: justify;">But I would ask us to change the way we tend to think about such an
arrangement.</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">I have changed the way I
think about it.</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">Some might argue I have
done so out of necessity, but I don’t think so.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
I do believe I am
somewhat qualified to deal with the subject.
I have pastored the same church for over 27 years. All those years I have also maintained
secular employment. Truth be known I have
already had about three “careers” in one life time. I delivered Domino’s Pizza for 17 years. I know, I know it’s hard for me to believe
too. I started delivering pizza when I
was 28 and left the business after I had been a grandpa for several years. I have driven a school bus now for over 13
years. And, as I mentioned I have
pastored for over 27 years. And, yes,
there was a brief time when I delivered pizzas, drove a school bus, and
pastored while making the transition from pizza delivery to student delivery.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
I am a Baptist preacher
that drives a school bus. I am not a
school bus driver who is a Baptist Preacher.
When I came to the church I pastor they could not afford to pay me
anything. They did provide housing and
utilities for a few years until the finances got so tight that I assumed the responsibility
for paying the utilities. Without going
into all the details lest it seem like I’m complaining let me summarize. I really have nothing to complain about. God has been faithful at every turn, no
matter how sharp, and there have been some doozies. But for about the first ten years I did not
receive hardly any compensation for my pastoral work except for a place to live
which was a huge help. The next ten
years I received some compensation but not enough to support a family. Oh, did I mention we raised and homeschooled
six children. Over the last eight year
or so my pastoral salary has increased substantially for which I am grateful.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
Quite honestly
twenty-seven years ago I entered the pastorate here thinking in five years or
so the church will have grown enough to completely support me in the ministry,
ten years max. Well, that didn’t happen. As the years have gone along I have
reevaluated my attitude and spirit about being a pastor with secular
employment. Initially I thought that
getting to “full time” status would be a sign of success. I don’t believe that any more. At some point, I’m not exactly sure when, I
realized I was pastoring full time. I
was preaching and teaching in five services a week (and all the preparation
that demands), doing outreach, overseeing budgets and spending which for the
most part in those days was not a pleasant experience, I was discipling, doing
preacher training, doing administrative work, some building maintenance, I was
planning and providing vision. I was
pastoring full time and I delivered pizza and later drove a school bus. I abandoned the idea that I had to be able to
quit secular employment to consider myself in the ministry full time. And eventually I came to see my secular
employment as just another part of my ministry.
I don’t know what the next years have in store but I do know I am living
comfortably and confidently in the will of God pastoring the church over which
the Holy Ghost made me overseer and driving a school bus.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
When I think about
working preachers in the context of the New Testament a couple of things come
to mind. Churches are to, as best they
can, provide for their pastors. I have
faithfully preached that to my congregation and as they have had opportunity they
have not failed to make that a priority.
I’m satisfied with that. Of
course, the bible also informs us that Paul during his missionary ministry did
some tent-making; literally! He did so
to provide for his own needs and the needs of those that labored with him. It doesn’t refer to him as a bi-vocational
preacher/missionary. It just notes the
fact that he did that. And he did it to
advance the ministry. It was a great
relief when I realized that my secular work was a means of advancing the
ministry of my church. It has afforded my
little church the opportunity to have a pastor.
Every church, even little churches need a pastor who loves them and
studies and prays his heart out to feed them from the scripture and equip them
for the ministry.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
Truth be known I would
not be surprised to discover that most Baptist preachers throughout history
have been gainfully employed as part of their ministry. Because Baptists have often been on the run
and in hiding because of persecution it seems likely that most of those
preachers were engaged in activities that would help meets the temporal needs
of their families. In fact, I think we
might be surprised how many preachers are supplementing their income even
today. It might be in sales, it might be
growing a garden, it might be accepting pay for ministry in places other than
their church, it might be doing side jobs of some kind. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
I don’t know how the
last part of my ministry will play out but I cannot escape the blessings and
benefits of being a preacher who has secular employment. It has kept me grounded. It has kept my preaching grounded. I have a job!
I have a boss! I have
co-workers! I have a time-clock! I have conflicting schedules! I get out of bed at 4:00 and leave the house
at 5:35 every morning on school days. I
get home every afternoon about 5:20. I
do have, on most days, about six hours during the middle of the day to devote
to prayer and study. My secular
employment has kept me mindful of what it is like to get up and go to work and
come home in the evening. I know what it
is to be exposed to things that are hostile to the kind of environment that I
would like to maintain. It is not that I
pastor a church that thinks a preacher only works one day a week. Far from it.
They know better. Most of my men
are given opportunity from time to time to share the word of God with the
congregation. They understand the time
and work it requires putting together a cohesive outline and then stand up and
communicate that message in a way that it will make a difference. So, it’s kind of mutual. I have an idea of what they are going through
because I experience it on a regular basis.
And they have an idea of what I go through because they experience it occasionally. It has facilitated, I believe, to cultivate a
mutual respect.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
I’m not suggesting that
every preacher should secure secular employment. I’m not even arguing that it is the ideal
situation necessarily. But I am arguing
that it is not all bad, it is not unscriptural, and it is not “bi-vocational”. I have one vocation. Pastoring one of the Lord’s churches. The secular employment has been one means of
facilitating that vocation. My secular employment
is part of my ministry. I always tell my
men, you are not welders, carpenters, surveyors, police officers, electricians,
I & E technicians, etc., who are Christians. You are Christians who are welders,
carpenters, surveyors, police offices, electricians, and I & E technicians,
etc. The same applies to preachers who
work secular jobs. In fact, I’m not even
a preacher who is a Christian; I am a Christian who is a preacher.<o:p></o:p></div>
James McEntirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18076786630641849452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25640206.post-18248460860814450822017-02-21T12:30:00.001-06:002017-02-21T13:01:41.116-06:00Moses Also Was Displeased<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBweaWkWGbT_Zs_rb9J9845IPeMdBURnSweNbYVK1lGV2a7aKS8hGTjO3Kr9G0amNFEID62CYVISjAepcd8rC_rPdmfGI9TPiu_DKbkdUW_MX5_jK4-2LUCzlCttjHNGlr4Iyq/s1600/Displeased.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBweaWkWGbT_Zs_rb9J9845IPeMdBURnSweNbYVK1lGV2a7aKS8hGTjO3Kr9G0amNFEID62CYVISjAepcd8rC_rPdmfGI9TPiu_DKbkdUW_MX5_jK4-2LUCzlCttjHNGlr4Iyq/s200/Displeased.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Chapter eleven of Numbers opens with
the declaration “And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD: and
the LORD heard it and his anger was kindled”.
The scripture goes on to relate how that the fire of the LORD burned
among them and consumed them. We are
then pushed along in the narrative and we are reminded that there was a mixed
multitude among them. They were not
Israelites, they did not love the LORD but they were tagging along! It was to the Israelites detriment that they
allowed them to do so. The Bible says in
verse four the mixed multitude fell a lusting.
This is what the mixed multitude always does. Their lusting influenced the people of
God. The bible says the children of
Israel also (along with the mixed multitude) wept again.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
They had not long ago been
severely punished for their complaining ways and they were now at it
again. The essence of their weeping and
complaining was a nostalgic view of Egypt.
They remembered all the fresh food they had to eat and they had become dissatisfied
with the daily manna that was a miraculous manifestation of God’s
provision. They clearly were
entertaining selective memory when it came to Egypt. If I remember correctly The Egyptians had
them in bondage building their great cities for them. They were laboring under cruel
taskmasters. Their complaining ways had
become so chronic that they had a very distorted view of even their recent
past. They wanted flesh to eat!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Having been effected by the mixed
multitude who had created dissatisfaction with the provision of God and set
them to complaining and weeping the bible says the anger of the LORD was kindled
greatly. As Moses listened to the “people
weep throughout their families, every man in the door of his tent” God was also
listening and he was angry about what he was hearing! It may come as a surprise to some that you do
not have to be speaking to God for God to hear you. He hears everything! He heard their complaining and weeping and
his anger was aroused.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Then the bible says this! “Moses also was displeased.” Could you possibly entertain the idea for
just a moment that anything that angers God should displease the people of
God! I don’t expect the unredeemed to be
displease but is it that unreasonable to expect the sanctified to be
displeased?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Of course, there are far too many
who like to think of a God who is never angered. Don’t we all!
And we are free to think it, and espouse it, and to live by it. But it is wrong! God does get angry. And at times he expresses that anger in very
violent ways. He destroyed the earth
with a flood. He destroyed the cities of
Sodom and Gomorrah because of their, well……. sodomy! Some may complain (which is not a good idea)
about the possibility of a God who can get so angry. The reason is because God has mutated in the
minds of many into a great big teddy bear that just smiles at everything and
everyone like he has lost all cognitive ability. I know people do not want a God that they should
fear but we are encouraged repeatedly in Scripture to “Fear the LORD”. The God most people have doesn’t scare anyone,
illicit reverence, or produce genuine worship.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
However, whatever men may think
the God of the bible can have his anger kindled and he can have it kindled
greatly. And I come back to my
proposition. If something angers God it
should displease us! If we want to
determine what anger God we can read our bibles and pay attention. In this passage we learn that complaining
angers God. So, complaining should
displease us! This is just an
example. Sometimes we know something
angers God because he says so. Sometimes
we know because of his reaction to a person and/or events. Staying in <b>THE BOOK</b> should develop the right sensibilities in us about these
kinds of things.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Bottom line! We should not be pleased with things that
make God angry. We should not be lenient
with things that make God angry. We
should not accommodate things that make God angry. When God’s anger is kindled about something
that same something should displease us. <o:p></o:p></div>
James McEntirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18076786630641849452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25640206.post-3284112180024952252016-07-27T09:39:00.000-05:002016-07-27T10:07:22.425-05:00No One Is Perfect!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Uz0cEFT2BD6NsHk0GO1amjyzhAv7vx5R59OP2SLcilpS47e1qqoiNunCxfYvhr6Vj8YU5n945i3Ydgg-WwIwtwbYrynFc9g64CKrGjvuG6n3EyhJoJVZsN1rZqG_CHRH-J1D/s1600/Before+You+Judge+Me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Uz0cEFT2BD6NsHk0GO1amjyzhAv7vx5R59OP2SLcilpS47e1qqoiNunCxfYvhr6Vj8YU5n945i3Ydgg-WwIwtwbYrynFc9g64CKrGjvuG6n3EyhJoJVZsN1rZqG_CHRH-J1D/s1600/Before+You+Judge+Me.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Is there anyone who does not know this? I am thinking that everyone would assent to this basic truth. Most would agree to the statement not from any matter of principle or acknowledgement of fundamental truth but rather the acceptance is often rooted in a kind of mutual agreement to not condemn any particular sin or sinner. I won't call your sin out and you don't call my sin out because after all no one's perfect. The argument assumes imperfect beings have no moral standing to call out sin or sinners.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It might do well to note that not all imperfect people are the same. Some imperfect people despise their imperfections, agonize over the presence of imperfections, struggle to gain victory over the imperfections, and in general have a decided attitude against imperfections their own included. On the other hand you have a whole group of people, which happens to be the largest of the two groups who embrace imperfections, deny they are imperfections, defend and justify imperfections especially their own. In general they have a decided attitude to accept imperfections in themselves and in others.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The "no one is perfect mantra" is really a subtle way of saying the only way you can confront sin and sinners is to be perfect yourself. Clearly this is not a philosophy that is rooted in revealed truth. The bible is full of imperfect men condemning the sins of their generation. God even calls upon and appoints imperfect men with the task of condemning the sin of their generation. This was the role of prophets, it was a role often assumed by the kings and priest of Israel all whom were imperfect men. It is a baton that was passed to the New Testament Apostles and preachers, all of whom were and are imperfect men.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> The message of the bible is not "no one is perfect but God loves you". The message of the bible is "repent and believe the gospel".</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">God calls men to repent! God uses imperfect men to call other imperfect men to repentance. God uses people from the first group mentioned above to call people from the second group mentioned above to repent.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We have devolved into a religious culture that has no moral authority to call anyone to repentance because "no one is perfect".</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">You can't condemn the sin of homosexuality because no one is perfect.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">You can't condemn the sin of partaking of strong drink because no one is perfect.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">You can't condemn the sin of lying because no one is perfect.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">You can't condemn the sin of hypocrisy because no one is perfect.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">You can't condemn the sin of adultery because no one is perfect.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">You can't condemn the sin of fornication because no one is perfect.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The fact is you cannot condemn any sin in particular because no one is perfect.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Homosexuals are condemned not just because they have committed an act of sodomy but because they justify it and insist on normalizing it.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Drunkards are not condemned just because they have taken of strong drink but because they defend it in spite of what the bible says about it.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Liars are not censored just because they have told a lie but because they justify lying.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Adulterers are not condemned just because they have committed adultery but because they rationalize away the shame of it.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Fornicators are not condemned just because they have committed fornication but because they refuse to repent of the fornication.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The condemnation is justified when the sin is defiantly practiced. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">To say "no one is perfect" as a serum to prevent personal sin from being confronted is akin to taking a larger dose of poison to overcome the remedial effect of biblical instruction.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The bible says in <b>Hebrews 4:12-13 </b>For the word of God <i>is</i> quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and <i>is</i> a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things <i>are</i> naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It also says in <b>2 Timothy 3:16-17 </b>All scripture <i>is</i> given by inspiration of God, and <i>is</i> profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And in, <b>2 Timothy 4:2 </b>Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Note the instruction to believers in <b>Hebrews 10:24-25 </b>And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some <i>is</i>; but exhorting <i>one another</i>: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Believers are to provoke one another to good works. Which means two things. If there are good works then there are evil works (sin). And if we are to be exhorting each other to good works then we are to be discouraging evil works.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">When a person says, "no one is perfect" for the purpose of shielding themselves from scrutiny and if by that they mean you have to be perfect to address any imperfections then they in effect are saying only Jesus ever had any moral authority to confront any one about sin, or to condemn sin in general.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">So when Noah confronted his generation as a preacher of righteousness he had no moral authority to do so.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">When Moses confronted the sin and unfaithfulness of his generation he had no moral authority to do so.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">When Nathan confronted David concerning his sin with Bathsheba he had no moral authority to do so.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">When Elijah confronted Ahab and Jezebel along with their wickedness he had no moral authority to do so.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">When Daniel confronted the pride and sin of Nebuchadnezzar and Belshazzar he had no moral authority to do so.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">When Paul confronted sin in the churches he had no moral authority to do so.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The idea that unless morally perfect yourself you have no standing to confront sin and even at times sinners is absurd by biblical standards.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I will close on the same note with which I opened. Of course no one is perfect. But because there is universal imperfection does not mean that all the imperfect people have the same relationship to their imperfections. Some mourn over, despise, and are ashamed of their imperfection. Others announce, parade, and defend their imperfections.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">To fail to make note of that difference is to be the most imperfect of all!</span>James McEntirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18076786630641849452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25640206.post-90973141019538103562016-07-26T14:58:00.000-05:002016-07-26T14:58:53.117-05:00Blessed Are They That Mourn<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Matthew
5:4 Blessed are they that mourn: for
they shall be comforted. In the verse
before us we have one of the more striking paradoxes of the entire
passage. Happy are they that
mourn?? We obviously do not naturally
consider mourning as the path to happiness.
We are clearly being given principles that are from a different perspective
than how we normally view things.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Another
interesting facet of this beatitude is that it begs the question mourn about
what? No explanation is forth coming so
we are left to search the scriptures for an answer. Anything that causes us to search the
scriptures is a good thing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">It
is also interesting that living in a world where the emphasis is on personal
happiness and comfort there is so little of it.
The more we make it a priority the more elusive it seems. It is very likely that the reason for this is
that we fail to understand what brings true happiness and comfort. While mourning may not seem like a direct
path to happiness and comfort it is a sure path for the scripture declares, “Happy
are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">WHAT IT MEANS TO MOURN</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">First
let us consider what it does not mean.
It does not mean to be of an anxious spirit. When we are anxious we have feelings that at
a minimum mimic mourning. The Bible give
clear instruction related to anxiety and being anxious.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidwEVQwAaL8hlOKZw4lAOnGB1Df5CHUgKCOiGu4gzt-7S7s25A5s4K4A9X3iVnGL9YOY27iQarJxpzrtu0l8RG8nTVI6T1t79nWTi4ZjRQJ2_pvCh-UnIPDFiaJVCKLWUfUST_/s1600/Crying+eye.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidwEVQwAaL8hlOKZw4lAOnGB1Df5CHUgKCOiGu4gzt-7S7s25A5s4K4A9X3iVnGL9YOY27iQarJxpzrtu0l8RG8nTVI6T1t79nWTi4ZjRQJ2_pvCh-UnIPDFiaJVCKLWUfUST_/s320/Crying+eye.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Matthew
6:25-34 Therefore I say unto you, <b>Take no thought</b> for your life, what ye
shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on.
Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of
the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet
your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of
you by <b>taking thought</b> can add one
cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the
lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And
yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one
of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is,
and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of
little faith? <b>Therefore take no thought</b>,
saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be
clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly
Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the
kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto
you. <b>Take therefore no thought</b> for
the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.
Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Philippians
4:6 <b>Be
careful for nothing</b>; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with
thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We
should not be anxious about tomorrow. We
should not worry about food and raiment.
We should trust God. Having an
anxious spirit is not spiritual mourning.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">It
does not indicate a failure to rejoice.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Philippians
4:4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again
I say, Rejoice.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We
are to rejoice always. Our rejoicing is
to be in the Lord. So spiritual mourning
is not the absence of rejoicing. We can’t
cloak a lack of rejoicing in the garb of spiritual mourning.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">It
does not mean being despondent.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1
Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon
him; for he careth for you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We
are to cast all our care upon him. This
delivers us from despondency. There is no
justification for despondency. Being
depressed and discouraged is not synonymous with mourning.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The
word “mourn” means to grieve. It can
have reference to either the feeling or the act. It is to lament!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Crabb’s English Synonyms</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> provides the following insight
into the word. “To grieve, in its limited
sense, is an inward act; to mourn is an outward act: The grief lies altogether in the mind; the mourning
displays itself by some outward mark.
One grieves for that which immediately concerns one’s self, or that
which concerns others; one grieves over the loss of property; one mourns the
fate of a deceased relative. Grieve is
the act of an individual; mourn may be the common act of many: a nation mourns, though it does not grieve
for a public calamity. Grief and mourn
are permanent sentiments; lament is a transitory feeling; the former are
produced by substantial causes, which come home to the feelings; the latter
respects things of a more partial, oftentimes of a more remote and indifferent,
nature. We lament a thing today, which
we may forget tomorrow. Mourn and lament
are both expressed by some outward sign; but the former is composed and free
from all noise; the latter displays itself either in cries or simple
words. In the moment of trouble, when
the distress of the mind is at its height, it may break out into loud
lamentation, but commonly grieving and mourning commence when lamentation
ceases.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mourning
is a state of mind. It is the composed awareness
deep in the soul of a man that acknowledges the afflictions or others and
results in some outward display. So what
conclusions might we draw at this point?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Well,
to begin with poverty of spirit seems to be fertile ground for a mournful demeanor. It could be that we do not mourn, as we ought,
because we are not as poor in spirit as we ought to be. The scripture actually provides insight concerning
a heart that mourns.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Psalm
34:18 The LORD is nigh unto them that
are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">A
broken heart and a contrite spirit. To be
broken is to be crushed, to have burst.
To be contrite is to be crushed as if made dust. A broken heart. A heart that has been, is crushed! The idea of a broken and contrite heart
and/or spirit is not an unfamiliar theme in the pages of the bible. Consider:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Psalm
51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken
spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Isaiah
57:15 For thus saith the high and lofty
One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy
place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the
spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Thus
when we think about a mourning that is spiritual we are talking about a person who
is so deeply affected that his heart and spirit is smitten, collapsed, and
crushed to dust.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I
think it is also relevant to point out that a spiritual mourning is not
compatible with frivolous, vain, and sacrilegious humor.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">James
4:7-10 Submit yourselves therefore to
God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will
draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye
double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned
to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the
Lord, and he shall lift you up.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">There
is clearly an element of spiritual vitality that is rooted in a consecrated
mourning that is largely missing from most of our lives. We would much rather be serenaded by the
light hearted “don’t worry, be happy” than “be afflicted, and mourn, and weep:
let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.” Anything that makes us happy and laugh is
good and to be sought and anything that makes us heavy or afflicted is bad and
is to be rejected. This is certainly a
philosophy that is appealing to the flesh but one has to wonder in the face of
the admonition, “Blessed is the man that mourns; for he shall be comforted” if
we have been sold a bill of goods and set on a path that will never secure what
we desire happiness and comfort.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">And
what about Ephesians 5:3-4 But
fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named
among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor
jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">In
most places we could probably get a room full of “amens” preaching about
fornication, uncleanness, covetousness, and filthiness. But if we moved along to foolish talking and
jesting the room just might fall silent.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Foolish
talking is just silly talk, buffoonery.
Let’s consult <i>Crabb’s English
Synonyms </i>again for insight about jesting, “One jests in order to make
others laugh. The jest is directed at
the object. One attempts to make a thing
laughable or ridiculous by jesting about it, or treating it in a jesting
manner. Jests are therefore seldom
harmless. The most serious subject may
be degraded by being turned into a jest.
Treating a thing more lightly that it deserves.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">There
are some serious issues in life. They
are not to be made light-hearted by jesting.
Sin, God, heaven, hell, preachers, preaching, death, relationships,
eternity, etc., are areas in which sobriety should reign.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I
know I have heard over the years plenty of foolish talking and jesting from
preachers and even form the pulpit. It
is unbecoming and brings down the dignity of the office and the pulpit that
should be aflame with righteousness.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">In
contrast a mournful heart will be a sober heart!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1
Thessalonians 5:6 Therefore let us not
sleep, as do others; but <b>let us watch
and be sober</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The
Lord’s coming should promote sober-mindedness.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1
Peter 4:7 But the end of all things is
at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Eternity
should promote sober-mindedness.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1
Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because
your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may
devour:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The
presence of the enemy should promote sober-mindedness.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Titus
2:6 Young men likewise exhort to be
sober minded.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The
dangers of youth should promote sober-mindedness.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">WHY ARE WE TO MOURN</span></u></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">?</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We
should mourn because of sin! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We
should mourn because of personal sin!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Matthew
26:75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus,
which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he
went out, and wept bitterly. This is a
startling exampled! When Peter was faced
with the reality of his unfaithfulness he didn’t go to a support group, he didn’t
take a preacher by the hand, he didn’t by a self-help book written by the
latest religious sensation. He went out
and wept bitterly! When is the last time
I wept over my sin? When is the last time
you wept over your sin?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We
should mourn because of corporate sin!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">In
our families! Job 1:4-5 And his sons went and feasted in their
houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat
and to drink with them. And it was so, when the days of their feasting were
gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the
morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for
Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts.
Thus did Job continually.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">In
our churches! 1 Corinthians 5:1-2 It is reported commonly that there is
fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among
the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife. And ye are puffed up, and
have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away
from among you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">In
our nation! Proverbs 14:34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a
reproach to any people.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We
should mourn because of spiritual coldness!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Revelation
3:15-17 I know thy works, that thou art
neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art
lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because
thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and
knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and
naked:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Revelation
2:4-5 Nevertheless I have somewhat
against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from
whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come
unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except
thou repent.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Matthew
24:12 And because iniquity shall abound,
the love of many shall wax cold.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We
should mourn because of the lost!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mourn
because of their condition!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ephesians
4:17-19 This I say therefore, and
testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the
vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from
the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness
of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto
lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">2
Corinthians 4:3-4 But if our gospel be
hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath
blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious
gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mourn
because of their destination!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Revelation
20:15 And whosoever was not found
written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Psalm
9:17 The wicked shall be turned into
hell, and all the nations that forget God.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mourn
because of their complacency!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Acts
24:25 And as he reasoned of
righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered,
Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for
thee.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Acts
26:28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul,
Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">A PROMISE TO THOSE THAT MOURN</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Spiritual
mourning provides a present opportunity.
“Shall be comforted” is the promise.
We are blessed or happy because we will be comforted. The comfort is promised on the premise of
mourning. Mourning is the prerequisite
to being comforted.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The
source of our present comfort.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">2
Corinthians 1:3-4 Blessed be God, even <b>the Father</b> of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; <b>Who comforteth</b> us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to
comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves
are comforted of God.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">2
Thessalonians 2:16-17 Now our <b>Lord Jesus Christ</b> himself, and God,
even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation
and good hope through grace, <b>Comfort
your hearts</b>, and stablish you in every good word and work.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">John
14:26 But <b>the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost</b>, whom the Father will send
in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your
remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The
present source of our comfort is in the triune God. Father, Son, and Holy Ghost comforts the
heart of the believer. We can afford to
mourn deeply because we have access to divine comfort!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The
hope of our present comfort.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">In
relation to sin.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1
John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is
faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all
unrighteousness.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Psalm
32:5 I acknowledged my sin unto thee,
and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto
the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Proverbs
28:13 He that covereth his sins shall
not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">To
truly mourn over sin is to know the comfort that only God can give in
forgiveness, restoration, cleansing. It
is an ongoing process. God reveals sin,
we mourn over it, God comforts us!
Blessed are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">In
relation to the lost.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Psalm
126:6 He that goeth forth and weepeth,
bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his
sheaves with him.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Galatians
6:9 And let us not be weary in well
doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">To
truly mourn over the lost is to know the comfort that only God can give in
fruit being realized. To truly mourn
over our apathy and to have God comfort us by imparting zeal and fresh
devotion. To have God comfort us with
emerging opportunities. To have God
comfort us with unexpected fruit.
Passion for the lost is ultimately brought about through mourning over
the lost. If we can’t bring ourselves to
mourn over the lost then we should mourn that we cannot mourn! Blessed are they that mourn; for they shall
be comforted.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">A
future reality.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The
promise will be finally and fully realized on the golden shore at the down of
the eternal day!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Revelation
21:3-4 And I heard a great voice out of
heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell
with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them,
and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there
shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any
more pain: for the former things are passed away.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Psalm
30:5 For his anger endureth but a
moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh
in the morning.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Revelation
7:17 For the Lamb which is in the midst
of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of
waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Isaiah
25:8 He will swallow up death in
victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the
rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> LORD
hath spoken it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">One
parting exhortation from the tongue of Jesus in Luke 6:25 Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall
hunger. <b>Woe unto you that laugh now! for
ye shall mourn and weep</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Prior
post in this series:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://fullypersuadedbaptist.blogspot.com/2016/07/poor-in-spirit.html">BlessedAre The Poor In Spirit</a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://fullypersuadedbaptist.blogspot.com/2016/07/the-blessed-life.html"><span style="font-size: large;">TheBlessed Life</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
James McEntirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18076786630641849452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25640206.post-5702198352029152712016-07-19T15:34:00.000-05:002016-07-19T15:34:01.440-05:00Poor In Spirit<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Matthew
5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for
theirs is the kingdom of heaven. The
word poor does not generally conjure up happy thoughts. We do not associate being poor with being
happy. “Poor in spirit” is an
interesting phrase, but it certainly does not sound like something that would
make us happy. As I emphasized in the
<a href="http://fullypersuadedbaptist.blogspot.com/2016/07/the-blessed-life.html">prior blog post</a> it is not the poverty of spirit that produces happiness but the
promise. The poor in spirit are happy
because theirs is the kingdom of heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The
promise is a delightful thought. The
condition is another thing. We certainly
want the kingdom of heaven but this poverty of spirit is something we are going
to have to think about. While we
consider the condition we are imperiling the promise!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I
think that properly understood the idea of being “poor in spirit” in
conjunction with the promise will cultivate a desire to embrace the idea that admittedly,
on its face, is not very appealing. In
order to facilitate our understanding of what it means to be poor in spirit and
appreciate the fact that in doing so we are made happy we need to consider
three areas.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">What
it means to be poor in spirit<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Examples
of being poor in spirit<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The
promise to the poor in spirit</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibG11R9t0TYjhfQP6GlBZ4smmsnCtiF0ZUcZg2w0Olt85n_jUInNwb3TsWqnbAwVmxSNY8nsZCCbIiorkVkUB3oTFP_50cpcVvixHXUHgCCtHxSF4aNfEhGz3WkHVMKLGTenS_/s1600/poor+in+spirit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibG11R9t0TYjhfQP6GlBZ4smmsnCtiF0ZUcZg2w0Olt85n_jUInNwb3TsWqnbAwVmxSNY8nsZCCbIiorkVkUB3oTFP_50cpcVvixHXUHgCCtHxSF4aNfEhGz3WkHVMKLGTenS_/s320/poor+in+spirit.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>WHAT
IT MEANS TO BE POOR IN SPIRIT</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">First,
let us consider what it does not mean.
It does not mean meekness.
Meekness is addressed on its own merit in verse five. It does not mean being mournful. Mourning is addressed on its own merit in
verse four. It does not mean exhibiting
mercy. Mercy is addressed on its own
merit in verse seven.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The
word “poor” here actually encompasses the idea of crouching, like a beggar who
is cringing, to be a pauper.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The
word “spirit” is pnuma which has reference to a current of air, breath, breeze
and by implication has reference to mental disposition. The context usually makes clear in what way
the word is being used.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">To
be “poor in spirit” is to be as a beggar/pauper in our mental disposition. Beggars see themselves as needy. Beggars are dependent upon others. Beggars are, as a rule, thankful for the
least kindness. Beggars do not see
themselves as worthy or respectable.
Beggars, as a rule, are lowly in their approach to others. There is nothing more offensive than an
arrogant, ungrateful beggar!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">So
what conclusion are we to draw from this?
We are to have the demeanor of a pauper.
We are needy creatures. We are
dependent upon others. We are to be
thankful for the least kindness that is shown us. We are not to see ourselves as worthy. We are to be lowly in our approach to
others. All of this flies in the face of
the modern psychobabble that tells us we are to love ourselves and respect ourselves. Self-love, as I see it, is
anathema to being “poor in spirit”.
There is in fact one word that may come very close to summing up the
idea of being “poor in spirit”. That
word is humility! In fact, it may be
that poor in spirit is a fitting definition for humility.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Being
poor in spirit is a matter of understanding and embracing the revealed truth
about ourselves.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Physically
we are dust!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Genesis
2:7 And the LORD God formed man of the
dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man
became a living soul.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Genesis
3:19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou
eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for
dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Psalm
103:14 For he knoweth our frame; he
remembereth that we are dust.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ecclesiastes
3:20 All go unto one place; all are of
the dust, and all turn to dust again.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">2
Corinthians 4:7 But we have this
treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God,
and not of us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Spiritually
we are corrupt!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jeremiah
17:9 The heart is deceitful above all
things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">James
1:14-15 But every man is tempted, when
he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin,
when it is finished, bringeth forth death.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Isaiah
64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing,
and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf;
and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Romans
7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in
my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to
perform that which is good I find not.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We
must live and have our being in the context of the divinely revealed realities!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Psalm
144:3 LORD, what is man, that thou
takest knowledge of him! or the son of man, that thou makest account of him!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1
Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of
God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain;
but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God
which was with me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ephesians
2:8 For by grace are ye saved through
faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Matthew
Henry wrote, “to be poor in spirit, is to think meanly of ourselves, of what we
are, and have and do; . . . It is to
acknowledge that God is great, and we are mean; that he is holy and we are
sinful; that he is all and we are nothing, less than nothing, worse than
nothing, and to humble ourselves before him, and under his mighty hand.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Strong
words that can tend to raise our ire revealing that we are not poor in spirit!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">EXAMPLES
OF BEING POOR IN SPIRIT<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">In
the Old Testament<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Abraham
in Genesis 13:8-9. In this passage Abraham
defers to Lot.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Joseph
in Genesis 45:1-8. In this passage
Joseph refuses to harbor malice in the face of extreme injustice.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">David
in 1 Samuel 26:5-12. In this passage
David forfeits the opportunity to end his suffering at the hand of Saul.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">In
the New Testament<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">John
the Baptist in John 1:27 and John 3:30.
John the Baptist rejoices at the growing influence of Jesus even though
it signaled his diminishing influence.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Epaphroditus
in Philippians 2:25-30. Epaphroditus was
concerned that others were concerned about him.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Stephen
in Acts 7:59-60. Stephen prayed that the
sin of his enemies would not be laid to their charge.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">This
by no means is an exhaustive list but a small sampling of some who at the
particular time mentioned was modeling the virtue of being poor in spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">THE
PROMISE TO THE POOR IN SPIRIT<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Let
us think about the promise in the context of a future reality. The scripture is abundantly clear about the ultimate
role of believers in time to come.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">In
1 Corinthians 6:2 we are told that the saints shall judge the world.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">In
Daniel 7:18 it is revealed that the saints of the most High shall take the
kingdom and possess it forever.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">In
Daniel 7:22 it is further revealed that judgment was given to the saints of the
most High.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">In
Revelation 20:4 we are reminded that judgement will be given to the saints and
the will live and reign with Christ for a thousand years.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The
poor in spirit are destined for greatness. The poor in spirit is a pauper waiting to
become a prince.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">But
what about now? Is there any reward
now? Actually the poor in spirit have a
very present opportunity!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">In
Luke 17:21 Jesus instructs us that “Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo
there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">In
being poor in spirit the laws of the kingdom are operative in our own
heart. Being poor in spirit provides us
the opportunity to bring the influence of the kingdom of heaven into our own
realm of influence. It is the exercising
of kingdom realities that makes one happy, not just in the future but right
now! This is why there are so many
accounts of rejoicing martyrs!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">If
we are poor in spirit, we can have nothing taken from us. The poor have nothing to take. The poor have nothing to defend. The poor have nothing to protect. The poor have nothing to sustain.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">If
we are poor in spirit our happiness will rise above earthly, temporal
circumstances. We cannot be
offended. We cannot be “hurt”. We cannot be affected by ill treatment. We cannot be caught in a cycle of bitterness
and malice. We cannot be adversely
affected by unkind remarks. We cannot be
disturbed by uncharitable actions.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Being
poor in spirit we have no fear of being humbled. As a pauper we are simply thankful for the
slightest expression of kindness. As a
beggar we understand our unworthiness.
When the truth is spoken we acknowledge it with humility. When a lie is spoken we accept it with
dignity and grace.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Barnes
wrote in his commentary, “There is more real enjoyment in thinking of ourselves
as we are, than in being filled with pride and vanity.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Oh
to have the reality of the kingdom in our hearts to such a degree. The poor in spirit do!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Poverty
of spirit is not something that is easily maintained. About the time we thing we have acquired it
circumstances unfold that reveal just how proud we really are. We ultimately bear the cross of poverty of
spirit looking to another day when we will reign with Christ. Having humbled ourselves we will be
exalted. And, when we are exalted it
will be without the baggage of the flesh and we will reign in purity of heart,
without the slightest hint of arrogance of pride!</span><i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
James McEntirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18076786630641849452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25640206.post-14429320731420613132016-07-16T10:07:00.000-05:002016-07-16T10:07:36.782-05:00The Blessed Life<div class="MsoNormal">
Do we even know what it is to live the blessed life? Being blessed is so often directly linked to
our personal comfort provided either through material possessions,
circumstances, or human relationships.
We are blessed when good things happen to us but when bad things happen to
us well, I guess I'm still blessed I just don't feel blessed. We have been conditioned to understand
blessing in the context of the temporal instead of in the context of the
spiritual. It seems from the outset the
passage in question is establishing a lofty standard for spiritual living.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To be truly blessed
one must be truly spiritual!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Is this not what Paul had in mind when he wrote to the
church at Rome, "For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually
minded in life and peace." Life can
only be truly enjoyed in the context of spirituality. Peace is the result of living a spiritual
life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I believe Matthew 5:1-12 provides some valuable insight into
experiencing the blessed life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today I want to examine this passage as a whole. I may come back and look at each of the
elements of the blessed life in subsequent blog posts. It seems important to establish some basic
principles for dealing with and understanding each of the beatitudes set before
us.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So let us take the first twelve verses of Matthew 5 as a
whole. One of the first things to
capture our attention is the use of the word "blessed". The word is used nine times in these twelve
verses and almost immediately sets the tone.
The prominent use of this word makes it incumbent that we understand the
full range of meaning. Consider the
context in which the word is used in our passage there are probably a couple of
definitions that would be useful:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1. Of or enjoying happiness<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2. Bringing pleasure, contentment, or good fortune<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Greek word is translated into one other English word in
our King James Bibles. That word is
"happy". We are therefore, in
essence, dealing with principles that make for happiness. I think an honest reading of the passage
would cause us to conclude that people are not happy because they are looking
in the wrong places for it. For the
unbeliever we should not be surprised but for us who know the Lord there is no
excuse. The tendency is to think we know
what will make us happy, but I believe the passage bears out this is often not
true.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPoa5VTq2k7qFxpPQTB29TW4556YyowyNJ_Ip6Arl4gdXNkun0nKHfdnzTgDJet567rhp34HUXU0cMZeR0YlpdkQXCvup6moJghpmD05xd9PfWRAI9-lefM28WiFGPGoSo3frl/s1600/The-Beatitudes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPoa5VTq2k7qFxpPQTB29TW4556YyowyNJ_Ip6Arl4gdXNkun0nKHfdnzTgDJet567rhp34HUXU0cMZeR0YlpdkQXCvup6moJghpmD05xd9PfWRAI9-lefM28WiFGPGoSo3frl/s320/The-Beatitudes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another interesting thing about the passage is that it
consists of a series of paradoxes. A
paradox is a tenet of proposition contrary to received opinion; a sentiment
seemingly absurd or contradictory; that which in appearances and language is
absurd, but yet true in fact. What is
related in these short statements are contrary to opinion and seemingly absurd
and contradictory.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Blessed are the poor in spirit<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Blessed are they that mourn<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Blessed are the meek<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Blessed are the merciful<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Blessed are the pure<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Blessed are the peacemakers<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Blessed are they which are persecuted and reviled<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In practice we often reject the premises set forth here as
improbable. We can easily find ourselves
in a quandary; knowing we should to yield to the word of God yet believing
these words of God to be impractical. As
much as anything it reveals our lack of faith and the fact that we assess the
word of God from a carnal perspective. Unfortunately, such a perspective keeps
us from seeing and accepting spiritual realities.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are also a series of promises in this passage. There are two potential problems related to
the promises. 1. We miss the promise not
being able to negotiate the paradox.
2. We focus on the promise to the
exclusion of the paradox. The promises
must be viewed in connection with the paradox.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Theirs is the kingdom of God<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They shall be comforted<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They shall inherit the earth<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They shall be filled<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They shall obtain mercy<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They shall see God<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They shall be called the children of God<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Theirs is the kingdom of heaven<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Great is your reward in heaven<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Could it be we want the promise on our own terms?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have come to see the word "for" as the key to
unlocking the passage. It is the word
"for" that ties the promise to the paradox.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Blessed . . . for theirs is the kingdom of heaven<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Blessed . . . for they shall be comforted<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Blessed . . . for they shall inherit the earth<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Blessed . . . for they shall be filled<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Blessed . . . for they shall obtain mercy<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Blessed . . . for they shall see God<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Blessed . . . for they shall be called the children of God<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Blessed . . . for theirs is the kingdom of heaven<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Blessed . . . for great is your reward in heaven<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are happy because of the promise. The rub comes when the required virtues are
introduced in order to experience the promise.
Happy, not because the pursuit is pleasant but because the reward is,
well, rewarding. Everyone wants the
aforementioned promises but one must embrace these spiritual realities. The process may be painful but the fruit will
be sweet. The question is, are we
willing to cultivate the spiritual virtues necessary in order to experience the
promise? The promises are conditional!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These spiritual virtues are the result of being spiritually
minded which is only possible because we have been made partakers of the divine
nature. It is as we live out these
spiritual virtues that we become the salt and light of the world. These spiritual virtues force us to face
issues of the heart, not living by the letter of the law but rather by the
spirit of the law. As each of these
spiritual graces are more fully recognized in our lives we move closer and
closer to the standard so clearly expressed in the last verse of Matthew five,
"Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is
perfect."<o:p></o:p></div>
James McEntirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18076786630641849452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25640206.post-1111815088950400692016-05-16T19:24:00.001-05:002016-05-16T19:46:07.900-05:00New Legalist?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've noticed over the last few weeks that there have been quite a few that have joined the ranks of us legalists. I couldn't tell you who they were if I wanted because I don't keep track of the names, but they are there in all of their Old Testament referencing glory. Maybe they have been closet legalist all this time and the coarsening of the culture has brought it out in them. I suppose that the growing depravity may have urged them to look a little deeper for some clear unmistakable language from the bible itself and before they knew it they had blown the dust off of their Old Testaments and buried deep in the law they found a mostly forgotten precept.<br />
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<b>Deuteronomy 22:5 </b>The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so <i>are</i> abomination unto the LORD thy God.<br />
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I have seen this verse posted numerous times over the last several weeks most of the time it has been a photograph right out of the Old Testament itself, as if to say, Look what God says here! Of course the precept is not a new one but an ancient one. It is really just a small piece of the puzzle that comes together in the Scripture related to gender distinction. God created man male and female and from that time on laid down principles and precepts to maintain a very clear line of distinction. God did not want there to be confusion in this area. God is not the author of confusion. Wherever we find confusion, of whatever sort, we can know that it is the handiwork of man's own wisdom.<br />
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I have not seen to much commentary accompanying the aforementioned verse. I guess that's because it doesn't need much commentary. It is admittedly pretty clear! I also suppose there has been a renaissance of interest in this clear Old Testament precept because of the recent lack of distinction being made in the policy/political arena related to bathrooms and such. Who is suppose to go in which bathroom? A question that probably just three years ago would not have stirred much controversy. But now it has and does. A man can identify as a woman and have access to the women's facilities, and I suppose the other way around as well, but for some reason that does not seem as threatening; and probably not as likely.<br />
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So we are driven into a corner of having to defend the clear gender distinctions that exist. After, saying that's crazy, everyone knows better than that, what's this world coming to, and host of other statements that belie our frustrations we resort to scripture. Even God says, "neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God." There that settles it! God said there is a difference. God said a man should not wear a woman's garment. God said a man should not identify as a woman. A man is suppose to be a man and dress like a man! A man is suppose to go in the men's bathroom!<br />
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This has been a long time coming folks! This didn't just happen over night. It has happened at a minimum over decades. Remember when it was funny to watch Flip Wilson dress up like a woman. And what about that guy on MASH. I never really watched that but I know there was a character that cross-dressed. Made for great entertainment I suppose. I know there have been others. I guess it's not so funny any more!<br />
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I am reminded of Romans 1 where the Bible provides a quite expansive list of unrighteous deed that can be committed and having given the list the chapter concludes with these sobering words, <b>"</b>Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, <b>not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them."</b><br />
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The sin we laugh at may become the sin we have to live with! Proverbs 14:9 declares that "Fools make a mock at sin."<br />
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I wonder if there are other areas over at least the last five or six decades where we have unwittingly or possibly brazenly blurred the distinctions between the sexes. This is not the kind of confusion that comes up in a night. The seeds of it or sown in a culture over much time. <b>Galatians 6:7 </b>Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. I'm wondering if the same is not true of nations. Whatsoever a nation soweth, that shall it also reap!<br />
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Back to the new legalist. I was being a little, OK, a lot sarcastic. I've been referencing Deuteronomy 22:5 for the past 26 years as a pastor and for a good ten years before that in my other ministry opportunities. It has, in many circles, become quite unpopular to do so. Thank God I'm not in a popularity contest. Deuteronomy 22:5 does say and I believe that it is a moral precept that "neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God. As you may have noticed the last two times I referenced the verse I broke in the middle of it with the word "neither". So the verse actually says something else. The first part says, "The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth to a man." That actually doesn't need a lot of commentary either!<br />
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It is interesting that believing the second part of the verse apparently does not make you a legalist but believing the first part does? This is a great mystery! But with enough mental gymnastics just about anything in the bible can be explained away.James McEntirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18076786630641849452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25640206.post-6431393940586615492016-05-12T12:07:00.002-05:002016-05-12T13:59:13.300-05:00The Crumbs Of Omnipotence<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Matthew 15:21-28 </b>Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, <i>thou</i> Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast <i>it</i> to dogs. And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table. Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great <i>is</i> thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.<br />
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The miracle recorded in this narrative is striking because of the exchange leading up to the miracle! Throughout the gospels we find Jesus doing what we have no right to naturally expect. When this encounter is compared to his encounters with others we are a little taken back. Jesus' response to this pleading woman, it would seem, is out of character. However we stand to benefit from the exchange.<br />
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The miracle before us should facilitate a better understanding of omnipotence. Omnipotence by its very nature does not lend itself to degrees! Where omnipotence comes to bear it is there in full weight! The crumbs of omnipotence carry all the vitality of the loaf from which it comes! As we shall see the Syrophenician woman exercised great wisdom and faith in pleading for the crumbs of omnipotence.<br />
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Let us think carefully about this woman in her hour of great need as she hears of and seeks out the great miracle worker who in the end responds to her great faith.<br />
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<b><u>THE PROBLEM OF THE WOMAN</u></b><br />
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The account begins in verse 21 where we are informed of the seclusion of the miracle worker. We are told that Jesus departed into the coast of Tyre and Sidon. These were two sea coast cities of Phonecia. Tyre was the southern most of the two which places Jesus at least 50 miles from his normal place of ministry. He had in fact gone to a foreign country. Mark informs us that "he would not that any man should know it". Jesus was seeking some quiet time, some down time. This is one of those subtle hints of his humanity! Jesus was a man! He was one of us! He wearied in the flesh! He who carried such power in his word and touch was fatigued. It is the miracle of Jesus that omnipotence should be cloaked in the impotence of human flesh. This is the Lord's doing and it is marvelous in our eyes!<br />
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Mark also informs us that "he could not be hid". We shall see that fifty miles from home among a foreign population he was still being sought. His search for solace was soon to be shattered by a Syrophenician woman seeking a miracle.<br />
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It is verse 22 that acquaints us with the woman's need. This woman ends up with three labels between Matthew and Mark. A woman of Canaan, a Greek, and a Syrophenician by nation. Suffice it to say that she was a Gentile. She was not a Jew! The bible tells us that this woman "cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me." There is no cry like the cry for mercy. It is a cry that acknowledges unworthiness, it is a cry of humility, and it is a cry that when sincerely uttered gains the attention of God. It is noteworthy how she addresses Jesus. "O Lord, thou son of David". By calling him Lord she is acknowledging him as master and supreme in authority. But even more remarkable she refers to him as the son of David. There were a multitude of Jews who would not recognize this great truth. He came unto his own and his own received him not. This was a covenant statement. It reveals that she was familiar with the prophesies related to the Jewish Messiah and not only was she familiar with them but she seems to believe that Jesus is the fulfillment of them.<br />
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She then briefly states her problem, "My daughter is grievously vexed with a devil". So the problem was with her daughter. She was agonizing over the condition of her child. For Jesus to intervene on behalf of her daughter would be a great mercy to the mother. Her daughter was possessed of a devil. It was truly a spiritual, supernatural need. He who commanded sickness, disease, weather, and death is about to be called upon to exercise omnipotence against spiritual powers. Devil possession is a most grievous torment potentially resulting in deafness, dumbness, self-mutilation, preoccupation with death, multiple personalities, and suicidal tendencies. We do not know exactly what the symptoms were of the daughter's devil possession. Suffice it to say it prompted the mother to cry out for mercy.<br />
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The next two verses lay out the details of the woman's plea being rejected. Verse 23 tells us that the Lord "answered her not a word". The Lord did not even acknowledge her. There is no greater rejection than silence. It is here that a lesson begins to develop for us. Does it ever seem as though the Lord is silent in the face of your pleadings? Does your agony seem to go unnoticed although you cry out? This reality or perception is a very significant challenge to faith. It was to this woman's faith. When we know the Lord has done so much for others and he seems to turn a deaf ear to our plea it can be very disheartening.<br />
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The disciples did not provide any encouragement for the woman. They besought the Lord to "send her away". She apparently was persistent in the plea. The Lord's silence did not put her off but pushed her forward. The only people who could have lobbied for her cause were encouraging the Lord to send her away. So, now she was faced with silence form the miracle worker and discouragement from the disciples of the miracle worker.<br />
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Finally in verse 24 the Lord answers. However, the answer he finally gave seemed to affirm the disciples desire that she be sent away, "I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel" Jesus says. This woman was not of the house of Israel and thus did not meet the requirements to receive ministry at his hand. The woman simply could not have been given a colder shoulder than what she received.<br />
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This woman was in a desperate place!<br />
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She was a Gentile!<br />
She was experiencing the trauma of living with a devil possessed person!<br />
Her daughter was grievously vexed!<br />
The miracle worker showed no inclination to alleviate her suffering!<br />
The disciples did not take up her cause!<br />
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This was a dark and hopeless situation. The stage is set for a great miracle!<br />
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<b><u>THE PERSISTENCE OF THE WOMAN</u></b><br />
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Verses 25 through 27 record the persistence of the woman. It begins in verse 25 as the woman expresses her desperation. Matthew records that the woman's response to being rebuffed was worship. This is a remarkable response in the face of no encouragement to continue pleading. When we feel as though we have no encouragement to continue pleading may the Syrophonecian woman come to mind. When you feel as though you have been rejected come and worship! Even desperation and discouragement is a platform for worship! She obviously was not worshiping, like us, because of what he had done for her. She was worshiping because of who he was (the son of David), and because of what he could do for her.<br />
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Her plea is abbreviated even further, "Lord, help me". With all she had going against her she still knew that it was Jesus who could help. The intensity is so acute that the request becomes brief and pointed. Maybe you have been there before, when all you could do is say, or pray, "Lord, help me!" If you get to that point may it comfort you to know that is all you need to say.<br />
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Verse 26 is the first time Jesus personally addresses the woman. "It is not meet to take the children's bread and to cast it to dogs", Jesus said to her. The fact that he responded may be encouraging but the response itself could not be considered encouraging. The children were the lost sheep of the house of Israel. The bread? That is himself. He is the bread come down from heaven. Dogs? That is Gentiles. Or, more to the point, this woman! Jesus' response is it would not be right to take what belonged to Israel and give it to Gentiles. Jesus couches this message in very strong language. His is putting her off!! He is saying no, it would not be right.<br />
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But then in verse 27 the woman, by faith, expands on Jesus' argument to make her own. She begins by acknowledging the truth of what Jesus said. She acknowledges the propriety of the Lord's assessment of the situation. She acknowledges that she is not to be numbered among the children. She acknowledges that she is a dog. She acknowledges that the children's bread should not be cast to dogs. Then follows one of those short but powerful words, YET!<br />
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The woman is going to make her own argument to press her case. She is going to raise another point in the same path as the argument Jesus made. "The dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table" the woman says to Jesus. She did not want the loaf of bread. She did not want a piece of bread. She was asking for the crumbs of omnipotence! Because, what she understood is that a crumb of omnipotence is still omnipotence! All the power of the loaf is present in the crumbs. She just needed Jesus to do what for him would be a little thing but for her a big thing. Omnipotence makes any trouble we have very small. Just a little effort by Jesus would mean a great deal in her life. <br />
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<b><u>THE PREVAILING OF THE WOMAN</u></b><br />
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Verse 28 crowns the woman's persistence with prevailing. She now had Jesus' attention. Jesus exclaims, "O Woman, great is thy faith". God is always favorably disposed to faith. Her faith caused her to persevere. In the face of every obstacle she persisted. She would not be turned away. Where she felt no right to the children's bread she laid claim to the crumbs; and they were granted her.<br />
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Jesus said to the woman, "Be it unto thee even as thou wilt". She was granted the desire of her heart. She was granted mercy and help. Her daughter, we should already believe, has been granted deliverance. Matthew records that "her daughter was made whole from that very hour". BOOM! Another miracle Somewhere in the distance a girl was freed! Mark tells us that when she returned home she found the devil had gone out. For some reason I don't think she was surprised or relieved. She was not surprised because she knew Jesus was able. She was not relieved because relief had been enjoined when Jesus spoke the words. Note here of what the crumbs of omnipotence are capable!<br />
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Even when it seems hopeless we should plead in hope. There is a miracle worker and he delights in persevering pleas. He admires the faith it represents. And who can tell if he might drop a few crumbs around us. But if they are the crumbs of omnipotence we will find them to be more than sufficient!<br />
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<br />James McEntirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18076786630641849452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25640206.post-24512440084615258482016-04-25T12:35:00.000-05:002016-04-25T18:34:10.794-05:00Judgment Is Not Coming<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yes, that's right judgment is not coming. How can it not be coming you ask? With wickedness waxing stronger and stronger. With every perversion paraded in pride. Babies parts are sold and we are shocked for a few days and then go back to living life. The only people who are really confused about the whole gender identity issue are those who dare to consider it perverted. Couples openly and habitually live in fornication but no one even notices that any more. How can I possible say judgment is not coming to the United States?<br />
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<b>JUDGMENT IS HERE!</b><br />
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All of the aforementioned issues do not call for judgment they are the judgment! When God wants to judge a nation all he has to do is let sin run its course. Every sin carries its own consequence. Every perversion harbors the seeds of destruction. Man left to himself self-destructs. It is the grace of God that saves us from ourselves.<br />
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In Romans 1:24 the bible speaks of God giving them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts. A couple of verses later, in verse 26, the bible says God gave them up to vile affections. I realize that some people are very determined to not be found judging others. However, there is such a thing as vile affection. It would seem to be the better part of discretion to know what constitutes vile affection. Being given up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts and being given up to vile affections is God's judgment on a people who have forsaken him.<br />
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<b>Psalm 81:11-12 </b>But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me. So I gave them up unto their own hearts' lust: <i>and</i> they walked in their own counsels.<br />
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The important connection is made in these two verses. A people who will not listen to God and want nothing to do with him will be given up unto their own heart's lust and allowed to walk in their own counsel. That may sound liberating but it actually facilitates the destruction of a people.<br />
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<b>Proverbs 14:12 </b>There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof <i>are</i> the ways of death.<br />
<b>Jeremiah 10:23 </b>O LORD, I know that the way of man <i>is</i> not in himself: <i>it is</i> not in man that walketh to direct his steps.<br />
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When a nation walks away from God there comes a point where God will let them walk away! They walk away only to be devoured by their own uncleanness, lusts, and vile affections.</div>
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Our collective conscience, our cultural morality, our sense of right and wrong has been seared! It is 1 Timothy 4:2 that speaks of the possibility of a people having their conscience seared with a hot iron. The idea here is to be cauterized; to render insensitive. To have our cultural conscience seared is to have it rendered insensitive. It ceases to have feeling, it ceases to defend the right and condemn the wrong. It does so with a verse of scripture on the collective tongue. "Judge not lest ye be judged". I would simply remind you that the devil can quote scripture and often does taking it out of context to justify error and sin.</div>
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With our cultural conscience seared we are now past feeling. Nothing seems wrong and everything seems right.</div>
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The bible addresses this state of having a seared conscience and thus being past feeling. </div>
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<b>Ephesians 4:17-20 </b>This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But ye have not so learned Christ;</div>
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Being past feeling is the judgment for having forsaken God. People walking in the vanity of their minds, having their understanding darkened, alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, and blindness of their heart. This is why people are so loathe to condemn that which, in some cases, was just a few years ago universally condemned! Being past feeling (because of a seared conscience) they have given themselves to lasciviousness (inclined to lust; wantonness) to work all uncleanness. And remember they have been given up by God to uncleanness. God allows their uncleanness to continue unabated. Those who know the Jesus of the bible readily identify the wickedness and are able to maintain their moral compass.</div>
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There is no new perversion. There is only a new flaunting and acceptance of ancient perversions. The shame is gone! We have become a shameless society and it is God's judgment on us! </div>
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<b>Zephaniah 3:5 </b>The just LORD <i>is</i> in the midst thereof; he will not do iniquity: every morning doth he bring his judgment to light, he faileth not; but the unjust knoweth no shame.</div>
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<b>Ephesians 5:12 </b>For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.</div>
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Shame disappears in a society that is past feeling because of a seared conscience! There are not many left around who can remember that pregnancy outside of marriage was an occasion for shame, when divorce was an occasion for shame, when profligate living was an occasion for shame. The prodigal son felt shame our society has no shame! In fact that which should cause shame is lauded, affirmed, and paraded!</div>
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Clearly things are not as bad as they could be or as bad as they will be but make no mistake about it the judgment of God has fallen on the United States of America. Judgment is not coming, it is here!</div>
James McEntirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18076786630641849452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25640206.post-51524348494071247992016-04-07T20:33:00.000-05:002016-04-07T20:33:45.005-05:00First Century Intimidation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Intimidation has always been a powerful weapon in the armory of the enemy of all righteousness. Intimidation can come in many different forms. It can be subtle or obvious. It can come in the form of mockery, disdain, physical harm and even death. Intimidation can come from many different sources. Co-workers, classmates, the culture, religious people, antagonist, family, and government.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Intimidation is nothing new. Its purpose is to silence the truth. To push people of faith into a small corner where they cower and whisper. As we face the transformation of America (which by the way did not start seven years ago it has been underway for at least 60 years) we have probably contemplated the possibility of cultural and governmental intimidation directed at people of faith. It should be noted that most will capitulate, most already have. The effect of their capitulation will ramp up the intimidation against those who are standing their ground.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">There are probably many places in scripture that could give us courage and wisdom for such a time as this. This past week I had occasion to spend some time in one such passage.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation, And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison. But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said, Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life. And when they heard <i>that</i>, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Acts 5:17-21a</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">There are some things worth considering in these few verses. First:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>The Indignation of the Enemy</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">In verses 17 and 18 the indignation of the enemy is front and center. There is a particular group of people brought to our attention. "The high priest and all that were with him". This is a familiar group of people. Along with the Pharisees, scribes and lawyers the high priest and his associates were, plainly put, religious zealots who knew not God and opposed the Savior, the Son of God. This is the very group of people who harassed Jesus throughout his earthly ministry, ultimately having him put to death on a Roman cross. Now, just a short time later, we find them opposing the disciples of the risen Lord. The Apostles were not likely surprised by the treatment they were to receive at their hands. After all Jesus had alerted them in the upper room the night of his betrayal when he said, "If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before <i>it hated</i> you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">John 15:18,19</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The bible tells us that these men "were filled with indignation". Their passion was up! They were, as we might put it, HOT! In an unfavorable sense this word is connected to jealousy. I think it is safe to say they were indignant because they were envious, jealous. This is what had been driving them from the beginning. Even Pilate knew this. Mark informs us in chapter 15 and verse 10 of his gospel when speaking of Pilate, "For he knew that the chief priest had delivered him (Jesus) for envy." These were power hungry religious partisans who considered Jesus and now the Apostles as a threat to their influence over the people.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Their indignation caused them to lay "their hands on the Apostles". In the previous chapter of Acts they had laid their hands on Peter and John after the healing of the man at the gate of the temple. They had threatened them not to teach or preach anymore in this name (Jesus). They continued to do so! The result is that they rounded up all the Apostles.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The put them in the common prison! If we ever get placed in the common prison may it be because we were uncommon men, living uncommon lives, devoted to an uncommon cause!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We then notice in verses 19,20:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>The Help of an Angel</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">"The angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors". The common prison had an uncommon visitor. The angel of the Lord no only opened the prison door but he also "brought them forth". They were set free. The indignation of the enemy had put them in the common prison and the infinite power of God brought them forth from the common prison. Obviously this does not, yea, it has not always happened. Many of God's most faithful people have been allowed by God to suffer immeasurably from the intimidation of those in power. We are not to take from this what God will do but what he can do! This simply reminds us that the Lord can, at his discretion, intervene in a very personal way in the defense of his people and his church! Our comfort when facing the intimidation is not in know what God will do but in knowing what he can do. And if he can deliver from the intimidation of the enemy and he does not then he will give grace to face the intimidation of the enemy. I would remind you that this account concludes at the end of the chapter with these very men being beaten for the message they preached. And they didn't leave asking why God did not deliver them the second time but rather rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Not only does the angel of the Lord deliver them but he also directs them. "Go, stand, and speak". There is nothing quite so powerful as a brilliant stroke of brevity. These three words tells them all they need to know about how to conduct themselves moving forward.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Go (into all the world and preach the gospel)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Stand (stand therefore having your loins girt about with truth)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Speak (boldly, as I ought to speak)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">In the face of this intimidation they were to just keep doing what they had been doing. In the very first part of the next verse (21a) we view:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>The Commitment of the Apostles</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Their response is remarkable. They had basically been instructed to go right back into the teeth of the enemy. There are so many reasonable excuses that could be made. Yet, they make none. The bible says, "When they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning". They may have got a few hours sleep, but they certainly didn't sleep in. They didn't give time for doubt to rush in. They didn't contemplate; they obeyed! Hesitation has no doubt been the birthplace of much unbelief and cowardice. Once we know what to do then we should set out to do it. They didn't sit around, convene a committee, and parse words. Go?? Go where?? Stand?? Literally or figuratively? Speak?? What are we to say? There was none of this. The angel said go, stand, speak. They went, stood, and spoke!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">In fact the bible says they "taught". The very thing for which they had been cast into the common prison they continued to do. Duty does not retreat in the face of difficulty.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Of course the chapter continues and they are ultimately brought before the enemy and the courage they manifest before these "learned" men is remarkable. They are threatened, beaten and released. And the last verse of the chapter reports <b>"</b>And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Twenty first century Baptists may have something to learn from first century Baptists.</span><br />
James McEntirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18076786630641849452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25640206.post-82148167517034160812016-03-03T13:10:00.000-06:002016-03-03T13:10:06.253-06:00Flying The Flag In The Face Of The Enemy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxpISZP1-Jo5G7CnNGGDs2sVDXfM7koUdLpA5Q_WJUmdWWswwAZmfvUlryQm8IMLQJyDJ0TGOArwfau_lVOaShiwbtAMYkUbHvxz6rdawOWe0jFAQ3jfYQ7FIcbjlCMFzR43GO/s1600/Flag-Bearer-HarpersWeekly-1826-3x2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxpISZP1-Jo5G7CnNGGDs2sVDXfM7koUdLpA5Q_WJUmdWWswwAZmfvUlryQm8IMLQJyDJ0TGOArwfau_lVOaShiwbtAMYkUbHvxz6rdawOWe0jFAQ3jfYQ7FIcbjlCMFzR43GO/s320/Flag-Bearer-HarpersWeekly-1826-3x2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Some years ago I read a declaration related to a flag that had been flown in Afghanistan and was being presented to a loved one by a soldier who served there. There was one phrase that caught my attention, "Let it be known that the accompanying flag was flown in the face of the enemy". I almost immediately considered the spiritual equivalence of this statement. It serves as a fitting illustration for our lives as Christians. The analogy of war, soldiering, enemies and such are a mainstay of biblical metaphors for the Christian life.<br />
<br />
<i>BATTLE</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<b>2 Corinthians 10:4 </b>(For the weapons of our warfare <i>are</i> not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)<br />
<b>Ephesians 6:13-14 </b>Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;<br />
<b>1 Timothy 1:18 </b>This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;<div>
<b>1 Timothy 6:12 </b>Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.</div>
<b>2 Timothy 4:7 </b>I have fought a good fight, I have finished <i>my</i> course, I have kept the faith:<div>
<b>1 Peter 2:11 </b>Dearly beloved, I beseech <i>you</i> as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>SOLDIER</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>2 Timothy 2:3-4 </b>Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of <i>this</i> life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.</div>
<br /><div>
<i>ENEMY</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<b>Ephesians 6:11,12 </b>Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high <i>places</i>.</div>
<div>
<b>1 Peter 5:8 </b>Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As Baptists we should be willing to fly our flag in the face of the enemy.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There is a verse in the Old Testament that merits our attention along these lines.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Psalm 60:4 </b>Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A banner is a flag or a standard.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="text-align: justify;">The banner is given to those that
fear him.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="text-align: justify;">Those that fear him will be
courageous in the heat of battle.</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">It is
the bravest men who carry the colors into battle.</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">It conjures up images of those great Civil
War battles when the regiments and militias marched into battle,</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> t</span><span style="text-align: justify;">heir colors at the head of the rank unfurled
as a rallying point for the soldiers and a target for the enemy.</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">When he who bore the colors was shot down, as
he often was, another would immediately take up those colors and push them
forward into the battle.</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">They were
determined to fly their flags in the face of the enemy.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
That it may be displayed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Flags are for displaying. Banners are for raising and making one’s
presence known. They are for the purpose
of reminding the enemy that ground has been taken and there are no intentions
of surrendering it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I have had the opportunity to
stand on the bulwarks of Ft. McHenry in Baltimore and look out across Chesapeake
Bay and imagine a British fleet assembled there for the purpose of bombarding
the Fort and vanquishing the decades old United States of America in the war of
1812. I thought about Francis Scott Key,
a Washington lawyer who was there on a nearby truce ship to negotiate the
release of Dr. William Beanes, a civilian prisoner of war. It was from that British vessel he watched
the bombardment of Ft. McHenry and penned the now famous words the title of which is The Star-Spangled Banner!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Because of the truth!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Because there is truth a banner
must be raised, the banners of truth.
Every regiment of truth that shows itself on the field of battle must
unfurl it colors and make its presence known.
Our spiritual flag is literally composed of a hundred streaming colors
whipping in the breeze and putting the enemy on notice that we intend to occupy and defend ground because of the truth.
We will see to it that our flag is flown in the face of the enemy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>FLY THE FLAG OF DOCTRINE IN THE FACE OF THEN ENEMY</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
It is not a consolidated flag. <span style="text-indent: 0in;">It is a flag composed of a thousand different
teachings of the bible. </span><span style="text-indent: 0in;">There are many who want us to lower our
flag of doctrine. </span><span style="text-indent: 0in;">It is too multi-colored and exclusive. </span><span style="text-indent: 0in;">They want us to hoist a white flag in its place. </span><span style="text-indent: 0in;">They want us to be united under a single
doctrine, or six or seven of their choosing. </span><span style="text-indent: 0in;">Well I choose not to lower any of the colors! </span><span style="text-indent: 0in;">They want a white flag in the place of our
brilliant blood stained banner. </span><span style="text-indent: 0in;">And we all know what the white flag means.</span><span style="text-indent: 0in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0in;">Surrender, truce! </span><span style="text-indent: 0in;">They want the white flag, I will keep my
multi-colored flag of doctrine and beneath it raise the black flag indicating
we will give no quarter and take no prisoners. </span><span style="text-indent: 0in;">They want the white flag, let’s give em’ the
black. T</span><span style="text-indent: 0in;">he flag of doctrine is not to be dipped in deference
to any other banner.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="text-indent: 0in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<b>Jude 3 </b>Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort <i>you</i> that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<b>2 Timothy 1:13 </b>Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<b>2 Timothy 4:7 </b>I have fought a good fight, I have finished <i>my</i> course, I have kept the faith:</div>
<b>1 Timothy 4:16 </b>Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.<div>
<b>1 Timothy 6:20-21 </b>O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane <i>and</i> vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace <i>be</i> with thee. Amen.<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div>
<b>2 Timothy 1:13 </b>Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.</div>
<div>
<b>2 Timothy 3:14 </b>But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned <i>them</i>;</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>FLY THE FLAG OF CONSECRATION IN THE FACE OF THE ENEMY</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
It is not a flag to be flown at half staff. <span style="text-indent: 0in;">Generally when a flag is flown at half-staff it
is a sign of mourning or distress. </span><span style="text-indent: 0in;">People want us to “chill out”.</span><span style="text-indent: 0in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0in;">How are we to “chill out” while hell
continues to burn hot! </span><span style="text-indent: 0in;">People want us to “not take things so
serious”.</span><span style="text-indent: 0in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0in;">How can we not take things
serious when we consider that Jesus was crucified to redeem us to himself? </span><span style="text-indent: 0in;">Crucifixion is serious business and we have been
called to live a crucified life. </span><span style="text-indent: 0in;">People want us to lower our flag to match their
own. </span><span style="text-indent: 0in;">But a flag at half-staff indicates distress and
mourning.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="text-indent: 0in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="text-indent: 0in;">The custom of flying the flag at half staff
originated as a way to make room for the invisible flag of death. </span><span style="text-indent: 0in;">Early military etiquette required that the flag
be hoisted to the top momentarily and then lowered just enough to make room for
this invisible flag at the top. </span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: 0in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0in;">A flag at half-staff has made room for death. </span><span style="text-indent: 0in;">Our spiritual flag of consecration being lowered
to half-staff to match those around us simply indicates the death of unreserved
and uncompromising service to Jesus Christ. </span><span style="text-indent: 0in;">And this in the face of those who held the
banner high all the way to the martyrs flame. </span><span style="text-indent: 0in;">Even when faced with the certain burning of
their flag they refused to lower it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="text-indent: 0in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="text-indent: 0in;">“Thou hast given a banner . . . that is may be
displayed because of the truth.” </span><span style="text-indent: 0in;">The flag of consecration is not to be lowered to
make room for the flag of death.</span> </div>
<div>
<span><br /></span></div>
<div>
<b>Matthew 6:33 </b>But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. </div>
<div>
<b>Hebrews 10:25 </b>Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some <i>is</i>; but exhorting <i>one another</i>: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.</div>
<div>
<b>Acts 20:22-24 </b>And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.</div>
<div>
Paul refused to make room at the top of his staff for the invisible flag of death!</div>
<div>
<b>1 Corinthians 15:58 </b>Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.</div>
<div>
The church at Corinth is being encouraged to fly the flag of consecration in the face of the enemy!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>FLY THE FLAG OF PERSONAL SEPARATION IN THE FACE OF THE ENEMY</b></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">It is not a common flag. </span><span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">It is a flag that stands out. </span><span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">It is a distinctive flag. </span><span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">It is a flag that signals our identity! </span><span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">We don’t want a flag that sends a confusing or
misleading message.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">The pirates in the old sailing days (as well as
others) were notorious for carrying numerous flags. </span><span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">When the pirates would spot a ship in the
distance they would hoist colors that would be consider friendly (sailing under
false colors).</span><span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">Once they got within
firing range they would lower the friendly colors and hoist the skull and
crossbones or other flag identifying the vessel as pirate.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">Why is it that Christians want to hoist colors
that indicate they are on friendly terms with the world? </span><span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">Why do we live under false colors? </span><span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">Why do we claim to be followers of Christ and
yet follow the fashions and customs of the world?</span><span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">Listen to the world’s music?</span><span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">Go where the world goes?</span><span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">Do what the world does?</span><span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">Talk like the world talks?</span><span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">Dress like the world dresses? </span><span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">It is time to unfurl the flag of personal
separation and fly it in the face of the enemy!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">The flag of personal separation should not be
replaced by the flag of neutrality. </span><span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">Personal separation is not the place to embrace
neutrality. </span><span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">It is one place where we can send a clear and
unmistakable message. </span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">And yet it is right here where often false
colors are raised and our identity is muddled!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<b>2 Corinthians 6:14-17:1 </b>Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in <i>them</i>; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean <i>thing</i>; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.</div>
<b>Titus 2:11-15 </b>For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.<div>
<b>1 Peter 2:9 </b>But ye <i>are</i> a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:<div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Ephesians 5:8-13 </b>For ye were sometimes darkness, but now <i>are ye</i> light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit <i>is</i> in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove <i>them</i>. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.<div>
The church at Ephesus is being encouraged to fly the flag of personal separation in the face of the enemy!</div>
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Have we dipped our colors or
are we flying our flag in the face of the enemy? <o:p></o:p></div>
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Have we exchanged the
multi-colored, bloodstained doctrinal flag for the consolidated flag of
doctrinal compromise?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Are we flying the flag of
consecration at half-staff having made room for the invisible flag of death at
the top of your staff?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Are we flying false colors this
morning? Swearing allegiance to Christ
but flying the colors of the world instead of proudly displaying the flag of
personal separation?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Remember, “Thou hast given a
banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of truth.”
Selah.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A displayed flag, especially in
the face of the enemy, is a flag that comes under attack. We raise these flags in hostile territory in
the presence of the enemy. We should not
be discouraged or ashamed if the flag is torn, tattered and shot full of
holes. This simply means that the flag
belongs to a regiment who has smelled the smoke of battle and merited the fire
of the enemy! It tells the story of
battles fought and victories won. It is
a testimony to courage and valor under fire.
It bears witness that we have encroached upon enemy territory and he has
viciously opposed us and in doing so he acknowledges the threat we pose to his
dominion and his frustration with the presence of our flag in his face.<o:p></o:p></div>
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May the enemy ever be outraged!<o:p></o:p></div>
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James McEntirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18076786630641849452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25640206.post-66726466632967535762016-02-26T10:14:00.000-06:002016-02-26T10:14:45.523-06:00Counting Heads<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaQfPrc9j3qd8UbC18XC9w3sCba7k82JZ0aCy3CrpBqV7psDjplQcJZqEubs9GjfPCUuT-FYda9oLNBpl6Xl8QG9Mhewxkrf6qhURbGyYSgA0cGV0460bI4j_3yLsR6_vZyNFA/s1600/abacus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaQfPrc9j3qd8UbC18XC9w3sCba7k82JZ0aCy3CrpBqV7psDjplQcJZqEubs9GjfPCUuT-FYda9oLNBpl6Xl8QG9Mhewxkrf6qhURbGyYSgA0cGV0460bI4j_3yLsR6_vZyNFA/s1600/abacus.jpg" /></a></div>
<b>Acts 4:4 </b>Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.<br />
<br />
Some years back I followed a discussion on the internet that was addressing the modern success of churches. As I remember it was Baptist people discussing the issue. The interaction began with a premise of not counting the people who attend our church but counting the people who don't attend.<br />
<br />
I admit I was skeptical of the underlying premise. In either scenario the success of the church would be determined by counting heads. I realize that pastoring a small church places me at a disadvantage to question such reasoning. Certainly my motivation is subject to being called into question. I can live with that, and I understand it. But God is my witness.<br />
<br />
I understand the tendency to fall back to counting heads. I do it! Numbers are an easy way to quantify what is happening. The problem is that numbers really tell us very little. It is one of the least important things to consider. It is a lazy way to make an assessment. We have had slightly larger numbers before and things were not well. We have had slightly smaller numbers before and things were not well.<br />
<br />
When the focus becomes numbers and how many attend or don't attend becomes the standard by which one judges the success of their church priorities can tend to become skewed. It is dangerous when we begin to ask ourselves what we can do to increase the numbers. And it is a much different question than, What can we do to get the gospel to the lost?<br />
<br />
The first question is not, in my estimation, a valid or wise question. To ask this question introduces the tendency to pragmatism. If it increases numbers it is good, if it does not or decreases numbers it is bad. Trading principle for pragmatism in spiritual pursuits can be adorned in such a way that no objections can be raised. "Don't you care for the lost?" "Don't you care about young people?" "Don't you want to reach the modern generation?"<br />
<br />
I remember one of the participants indicating we should focus on two things, What is God blessing, and what are we good at doing?<br />
<br />
What does this blessing look like? The word blessing can often be a synonym for success. How do we determine that? By counting heads? How do we determine what we are good at doing? Do the results determine what we are good at doing? How do we judge the results? By counting?<br />
<br />
There was some discussion of our "percentages rising". The implication seemed to be if our percentages are rising then God is blessing and we have found what we are good at doing. And, conversely if our percentages are not rising then God is not blessing and we are not good at what we are doing.<br />
<br />
At one point it was mentioned in relation to a new ministry that the kids loved it. Obviously that is not necessarily a bad thing. But it it not necessarily a good thing either. If the world loves what we are doing in church are we doing what God wants us to do in church? Goats don't have as discerning an appetite as sheep do!<br />
<br />
This really strikes at the heart of one of my core ministry principles. We are not to be making huge efforts to get the lost to church but rather making tremendous effort to get the church to the lost. The commission is not to bring them to church, it is to go reach them where they are. Don't get me wrong I'm not against lost people coming to church. But we hazard the risk of running aground if we cater the ministry to natural men who receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God because they are foolishness unto him. Remember, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><u>A Fragil Assessment</u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
Some of history's most inspired ministries were not successful based on a head count.<br />
<br />
Noah preached for at least 120 years only to win his family.<br />
<br />
Isaiah was told before he got started that he would not have much fruit. He prophesied anyway, because that is what he was called to do.<br />
<br />
Jeremiah did not have many converts. The nation did not repent. Jeremiah himself was abused, he was the weeping prophet. Was Jeremiah a success?<br />
<br />
The Holy Ghost in the inspired record rarely referenced number of congregants or visitors or any kind of head count at all related to churches in the New Testament. The almost universal silence on this issue seems to speak volumes. After you get past Acts nine there is hardly anything said about numbers in the early churches. We simply do not know the size of the congregations. We have reason to believe that Ephesus may have been a larger congregation because they had a plurality of elders, but even then we can't know for sure. The seven churches of Asia in Revelations have nothing said about their size. Many different issues are addressed but not the size of the congregations. In all my reading of Baptist history I have encountered very little emphasis on the size of the congregations. That is up until recently. Issac Backus' book on the history of the colonies with special reference to the sect called Baptist actually referenced the size of many of the congregations. Most of them were small. The largest was, I believe, about 125. I'm guessing in the early churches and the churches of history they had an idea of the size of congregations they attended but little is made of it. There is more attention given to doctrinal soundness, relationship issues, practical living, and being a witness.<br />
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<br />
<b><u>A FRANK ASSESSMENT</u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
Rather than concentrate on numbers maybe our focus should be on other areas.<br />
<br />
<br />
How spiritual is my church?<br />
<b>Acts 4:13 </b>Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.<br />
<br />
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How holy is my church?<br />
<b>1 Peter 1:13-16 </b>Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.<br />
<br /><br />
How faithfully do the members attend services?<br />
<b>Hebrews 10:25 </b>Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some <i>is</i>; but exhorting <i>one another</i>: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.<br />
If we want to use numbers as a measurement let us compare our Sunday morning attendance with our Wednesday evening attendance.<br />
<br />
<br />
How much brotherly love is being practiced?<br />
<b>1 Peter 1:22 </b>Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, <i>see that ye</i> love one another with a pure heart fervently:<br />
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How much ministry is being done?</div>
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<b>Matthew 28:19-20 </b>Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, <i>even</i> unto the end of the world. Amen.</div>
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If we want to use numbers a better gauge might be what percentage of our people are active in taking the gospel to the lost? Do our people only know how to invite people to church or do they know how to bring people to Jesus?</div>
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How much giving is being done?</div>
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<b>2 Corinthians 9:7 </b>Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, <i>so let him give</i>; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.</div>
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In my estimation these are a lot better questions and tell us more about a church than Sunday morning attendance figures. It is not about counting people but cultivating them for Christ's sake.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZo2_1UTOQlPgTZA383dbQaoosLI6P16G3mkhsdSCxmlw50alYR4hpSERR_tyBH4xTbu3ApOxTHFj05esIHNRsWc2zc9x-TQcJrntKtBnJfivllfOwed5wGzrYw80FJ3nCiTcy/s1600/counting+heads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZo2_1UTOQlPgTZA383dbQaoosLI6P16G3mkhsdSCxmlw50alYR4hpSERR_tyBH4xTbu3ApOxTHFj05esIHNRsWc2zc9x-TQcJrntKtBnJfivllfOwed5wGzrYw80FJ3nCiTcy/s200/counting+heads.jpg" width="200" /></a><b>1 Corinthians 15:58 </b>Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.</div>
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Counting heads, as a rule, is probably better left in the arena of cattle than congregants in a Baptist churches.</div>
James McEntirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18076786630641849452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25640206.post-67034196750052781742016-02-16T20:30:00.000-06:002016-02-16T20:30:45.506-06:00Hard Truths<b>Galatians 5:11 </b>And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.<br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify;">The gospel is good news.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify;">The good news grows out of some very hard
truths.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">C. H. Spurgeon said, "If you really long to save
men’s souls, you must tell them a great deal of disagreeable truth."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Salvation always has been and always will be on the
Lord’s terms.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">We don’t get to heaven by
believing what we want to, that is a sure fire way to get to hell.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">We must believe and accept what God says in
his word.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Admittedly there are some hard
truths to digest for the natural man.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Paul alludes to these hard truths by referencing the
offence of the cross! The cross has
become a mere symbol of Christianity.
Everyone wants a cross hanging around their neck, affixed to the walls
of their homes, afforded a prominent location in the sanctuary, and in general
displayed as some kind of religious trinket.
Many people express devotion to the cross without even understanding the
substance of the cross. About the most
people can tell you is that Jesus died on a cross. Maybe that he died for sinners on the
cross. But yet even as they speak the
words they fail to appreciate the gravity of them. The substance has become as clichéd as the
object! A good part of the religious
world even likes their crosses with Jesus still hanging on them!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Then of course, our evangelistic zeal languishes
because we are loath to present disagreeable truth. We love the lost but not to the degree that
we are willing to speak disagreeable words to them, even if those disagreeable
words are what they most need to hear.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Ignoring them does not change reality. If the doctor diagnoses you with cancer how
would you feel if he came to you in your dying breath and said I knew this
would happen, but it is so disagreeable to tell people they have cancer. It surely is!
But part of a doctor’s responsibility is to tell us disagreeable
truth. If a doctor were to conduct
himself in such a manner we would think him to be among the cruelest of
humans. When it comes to our health we
want to know the truth no matter how disagreeable. When it comes to our health doctors have an
obligation to tell us the truth no matter how disagreeable. However when it comes to spiritual health
people bristle at the messenger and consequently often times the messengers
temper the message.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">The cross, even though it is good news, requires us to
proclaim and embrace some hard truths!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">1 Cor. 1:18 – For the preaching of the cross is to
them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of
God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">I want to consider some of the hard truths
that pave the road of good news to the cross.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Man Is Completely Ruined</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Man in his natural state has nothing good in himself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Nearly everyone believes that everybody has a little good in them. They have a light within. They have a spark of goodness. They are not all that bad. We had a President once that made reference to our better angels. Makes for a good speech but lousy theology! I am convinced people love to believe this about others because it would by default make it true of them also. The problem is the Bible teaches no such thing! It is agreeable but it is wrong.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<b>Proverbs 14:12 </b>There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof <i>are</i> the ways of death.</div>
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<b>Proverbs 30:12 </b><i>There is</i> a generation <i>that are</i> pure in their own eyes, and <i>yet</i> is not washed from their filthiness.</div>
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Jesus said, "Broad is the way and wide is the gate that leadeth to destruction and many there be which go in thereat."</div>
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The disagreeable truth is that there is nothing good in the natural man.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Ecclesiastes 7:20 </b>For <i>there is</i> not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.</div>
<b>Psalm 14:2-3 </b>The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, <i>and</i> seek God. They are all gone aside, they are <i>all</i> together become filthy: <i>there is</i> none that doeth good, no, not one.<br /><div>
<b>Isaiah 53:6 </b>All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.</div>
<div>
<b>Romans 3:10 </b>As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:</div>
<b>Romans 3:23 </b>For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;<br /><div>
<b>Isaiah 64:6 </b>But we are all as an unclean <i>thing</i>, and all our righteousnesses <i>are</i> as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.</div>
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<b>Man Can Do Nothing About It</b></div>
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Man convinces himself he can do something to gain favor with God. I'll get baptized. I'll do better. I'll go to bible study. I'll quit cussing, drinking, and using tobacco. I'll get married. I'll give to charity. I'll confess my sins. I'll believe in Jesus.</div>
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The way this "believing in Jesus" is so often presented is that people end up trusting their believing rather than Jesus and that will not save. All the believing in the world will not save. Jesus saves! We believe lots of things. There is nothing remarkable about believing. It is trusting the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ that saves. Men are saved because of what they believe, or better yet, in whom they believe!</div>
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<br /></div>
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The disagreeable truth is that there is nothing a man can do to gain favor with God.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Ephesians 2:8-9 </b>For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: <i>it is</i> the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.</div>
<div>
<b>Titus 3:5 </b>Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;</div>
<div>
<b>Romans 3:20 </b>Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law <i>is</i> the knowledge of sin.</div>
<b>Galatians 2:16 </b>Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.<br /><div>
<b>Romans 9:16 </b>So then <i>it is</i> not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Man Must Repent</b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
To hear many today you would think the bible teaches that nothing has to change for a man to be right with God. It is the whole "come as you are" mentality. Why does this even have to be said? I think often times what is meant is stay as your are. Jesus said, "Repent and believe the gospel." Repenting is not come as you are but come repenting! I'm constantly seeing things like, "You are important to God for who you are." This reeks of arrogance! I don't think people consider how some of the pithy sayings diminish the infinite grace and mercy of God. He didn't save important people. He saved sinners, rebels, and transgressors. So much gospel preaching has become man centered instead of God centered! Because we want them to come as they are instead of commanding all men everywhere to repent we have had to accommodate people with contemporary worship and seeker friendly services. Often what we are trying to do is contrary to what God is trying to do.</div>
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<b>Psalm 1:5 </b>Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Then of course you have the whole self-esteem, self-love, self-image cult. A doctrine in which we are encouraged to love who we are, have a positive self-image, and maintain a high level of self-esteem. This is not a message that is compatible with repentance. When the bible calls people to repentance it is premised on the reality that we are not right. That we need to be changed. Repentance implies change. Self-love implies everything is OK. It is agreeable but wrong!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Romans 3:23 </b>For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;</div>
<br /><div>
All have come short! You might love yourself but you have come short. You might have a healthy self-esteem but you have come short.</div>
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<br /></div>
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People have been conditioned to revolt against anything or anyone that would demand change, even God. Modern ministry has mutated away from sinners needing to repent to we need to change the way we minister to them. The problem is that the bible teaches no such thing. It is agreeable but wrong!</div>
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<br /></div>
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The disagreeable truth is that men everywhere must repent!</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Acts 17:30 </b>And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:</div>
<div>
<b>Acts 3:19 </b>Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;</div>
<b>Acts 20:21 </b>Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.<br /><div>
<b>Matthew 4:17 </b>From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. </div>
<div>
<b>Luke 13:3 </b>I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. </div>
<div>
<b>Luke 24:47 </b>And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<b>Man Arrives At The Cross</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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Having negotiated the stepping stones of disagreeable truth we arrive at the foot of the cross.</div>
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<br /></div>
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We arrive there as humbled sinners. We do not come saying, "I'm not that bad." We arrive acknowledging we are completely ruined sinners.</div>
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We arrive there as helpless sinners. We do not come saying, "I can do something." We arrive acknowledging that we are needy sinners.</div>
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<br /></div>
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We arrive there as repenting sinners. We do not come saying, "I'm OK." We arrive acknowledging we need to be changed.</div>
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When our humbled hearts look up we see the glories of redemptive love!</div>
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We see a sin-bearer!</div>
<div>
<b>2 Corinthians 5:21 </b>For he hath made him <i>to be</i> sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. </div>
<div>
<b>1 Peter 2:24 </b>Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We see a sacrifice!</div>
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<b>Hebrews 9:26 </b>For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.</div>
<br /><div>
We see a substitute!</div>
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<b>Romans 5:8 </b>But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
We see a Savior!</div>
<div>
<b>Acts 16:30-31 </b>And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.</div>
<br /><div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Embracing the hard truths leads to the good news of the gospel! The cross ceases to be a piece of art, or jewelry, or a religious symbol and becomes, because of what took place there, "the power of God unto salvation."</div>
James McEntirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18076786630641849452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25640206.post-77101551026283954102016-02-11T21:14:00.000-06:002016-02-11T21:14:38.001-06:00Candidate For A Miracle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX_7maxMt7s-YhnWsuFRSL-esGaGDAhmg8kUzJxFk1Lx4udRS2sP5wEtxMe-wgygcX2wbtcRb_bKo_s1NeDhiTvGXoFdW6EJQMWvTEntOvuaN6t6uipqpG8hYTqHQedQCS7B8H/s1600/crippled-woman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX_7maxMt7s-YhnWsuFRSL-esGaGDAhmg8kUzJxFk1Lx4udRS2sP5wEtxMe-wgygcX2wbtcRb_bKo_s1NeDhiTvGXoFdW6EJQMWvTEntOvuaN6t6uipqpG8hYTqHQedQCS7B8H/s200/crippled-woman.jpg" width="166" /></a></div>
<b>Luke 13:10-13 </b>And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up <i>herself</i>. And when Jesus saw her, he called <i>her to him</i>, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity. And he laid <i>his</i> hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.<br />
<br />
I don’t know that you have ever thought about it but no one really wants to be a candidate for a miracle! If you need a miracle then that usually means something is very wrong. However, that being said I would be surprised if most of us did not need a miracle of some kind in our lives. It could be the restoration of a broken relationship, the healing of an infirmity, or the provision for a great need.<br />
<br />
We think about miracles in the context of deliverance but we don’t always get the miracle in that context. Sometimes our miracle is in the form of sustaining grace. We want deliverance but should learn to be satisfied with grace, recognizing that deliverance is always a possibility.<br />
<br />
This passage focuses our attention on deliverance and a woman who was a candidate for a miracle. This woman does not appear to have been seeking a miracle of deliverance. Although she was not seeking a miracle of deliverance she was a candidate for one and in the end she received one.<br />
<br />
<b><u>VS: 10 - THE PRIORITY OF JESUS</u></b><br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Jesus was in the Synagogue. Jesus regularly attended Synagogue. We might well take him as our pattern for church attendance! Jesus understood this was a place for ministering the word. Jesus understood this was a place that people would come to be ministered to from the word. I don’t think you would ever hear Jesus say, I don’t have to go to Synagogue to worship the Father.<br />
In fact it says that he was in “one” of the Synagogues. Most towns and village in Israel had a Synagogue. So wherever Jesus found himself on the Sabbath he could be found in the Synagogue.<br />
<br />
Jesus was teaching. It is important to remember this was Jesus’ main priority during his life. Teaching and preaching truth. He went to the Synagogue faithfully because it provided him a platform for teaching the word of God. The miracles of Jesus were not an end in themselves but rather were the means to an end.<br />
<br />
John 10:25 Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me.<br />
John 10:37-38 If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. 38 But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.<br />
John 5:36 But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.<br />
John 3:2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.<br />
John 14:11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.<br />
<br />
The miracles of Jesus was for the purpose of validating his claims. This is the very reason why everyone does not receive a miracle of deliverance. The Lord’s purpose is not to do miracles but to teach. The same holds true today. When miracles serve that end then they occur, when they don’t then they don’t occur.<br />
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<br />
<b><u>VS: 11 - THE PRESENCE OF A WOMAN<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></u></b><br />
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And, behold, there was a woman. A woman was there. The impression is that the woman was not drawling attention to herself. She was not clamoring for the Lord’s attention. She was just there.The impression I am left with is that she was there because, like Jesus, that is where she was on the Sabbath. As we will see she could certainly use a miracle but she doesn’t seem to have come seeking one. Could it be that she had learned what the Apostle Paul was to learn some years later; in whatever state she was to be content? Though she may not have been seeking a miracle she was certainly a candidate for one!<br />
<br />
Do you need a miracle today? It might do us well to just do what we are supposed to do, be where we are supposed to be, act like we are supposed to act, serve like we are supposed to serve, trust like we are supposed to trust and leave the miracle of deliverance to God. It is always a good thing and a miracle of sorts itself to, in the midst of our need, be where we need to be! <br />
<br />
We have unfortunately developed into a culture that focuses on what it believes it needs rather than being what we need to be. In fact we often excuse ourselves of being what we need to be because of some need going unattended to in our lives. Here is an unnamed woman whose memory should be pressed upon our conscience.<br />
<br />
The woman had a spirit of infirmity. This woman had the breath of feebleness! In verse 16 Jesus describes the woman as having been bound by Satan. In the most literal sense this would indicate devil possession being the occasion of the feebleness. The overall impression does not convince me of this conclusion. In a broader sense it could have reference to the fact that the devil had used this infirmity to hinder the woman. That Satan had actually been the perpetrator of this infirmity. Much like we see in the account of Job and all the havoc the devil created in his life with God’s permission. It was a trying condition.<br />
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The woman had been so troubled for 18 years. This was not a short lived affliction. Remember trouble can be bad not just because of their intensity but because of their longevity. Small problems that won’t go away can become a heavy burden. This was a big deal. How long have you been troubled? Three, seven, twelve, eighteen years? Remember the man at the pool of Bethesda? He had suffered with his infirmity for 38 years! If our troubles are long standing we should rejoice that at least we have been standing in grace! We must always remember that God allows suffering to continue for some greater good! To complain too loudly or too often is to express impatience with God.<br />
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The woman was bowed together. The woman was stooped altogether, she was completely overcome. This woman bore the physical characteristics of a hard life. Many a year of suffering had elapsed in this woman’s life. I couldn’t help but think how many people though not bowed down physically are certainly bowed down emotionally and spiritually. On the inside they feel the daily burden of their struggle. On the inside they feel the daily pain of their disappointment. On the inside they feel the daily challenge of their problem. On the inside they feel the daily lashing of their temptation. They are, on the inside, bowed together! Only occasionally do their troubles seep through to the outside. The rest of the time they bear it silently before God and possibly a select few confidants.<br />
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The woman could in no wise lift herself up. She was helpless.To be helpless is not to be hopeless. The devil wants to convince us that the two are undeniable linked. But remember he is a liar and the father of it!<br />
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Not only was her problem serious, not only was it long standing, but she could not overcome it in her own strength. This woman had it bad on all accounts. She had an intense problem. She had a long-standing problem. She had a problem which rendered her helpless. She needed a miracle worker! Thank God there was one available. She was, and had been, a candidate for a miracle of deliverance!<br />
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<b><u>VS: 12-13b - THE PERCEPTION OF JESUS</u></b><br />
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Jesus saw her. Let me just say this. Jesus sees you! It does not seem that this woman came to be seen, but nonetheless she was seen. Jesus knows your burden, trial, affliction, disappointment. Jesus knows how long you have suffered under you heavy weight. Jesus knows there is nothing you can do about it. We should take comfort in the fact that he knows! He watching! He cares!<br />
<br />
1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.<br />
Jesus called her.<br />
<br />
Jesus called her! She didn’t call Jesus, Jesus called her. Just because he did not call with deliverance to day does not mean he will not call with deliverance tomorrow. Deliverance is distributed according to his divine wisdom! Do we really want it any other way!<br />
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Jesus is calling you in your adversity and trial. He may be calling you to say, “My grace is sufficient”. Even in death he does not leave us. "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil for thou art with me" is the encouragement of scripture.<br />
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Jesus spoke to her. Jesus speaks to us today through his word. When we find ourselves in need of a miracle what we really need at a more fundamental level is a word from Jesus. That word can be found in the Holy Bible!<br />
<br />
Psalms 119:67 Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.<br />
Psalms 119:71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.<br />
Psalms 119:75 I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.<br />
Psalms 119:107 I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word.<br />
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Jesus touched her. He laid his hands on her. Imagine if you will if the woman had allowed her need to keep her from being where she needed to be she would not have been touched by Jesus. Her needs therefore were met in part because she was where she needed to be. She was doing what she needed to do.<br />
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Jesus delivered her. And immediately she was made straight.<br />
She woke up that morning a bent over cripple. She went to bed that night having spent the day standing erect! What a difference a day can make when the miracle worker gets involved. The miracle worker does not need hours, day, weeks, or months much less years. He speaks, he touches and it is done! He can do in an instant what you cannot do for yourself. He can provide for that need. He can heal that body. He can change that heart. Eighteen years of suffering does not necessarily require eighteen years of rehabilitation.<br />
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<b><u>VS: 13c - THE PRAISE OF THE WOMAN</u></b><br />
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The woman glorified God! Is not this the ultimate goal of Jesus' teaching and his miracles? To glorify God. Great deliverances bring forth great praise. It should matter not whether the deliverance comes in the trial or from the trial. The rest of her life was spent telling people about the time she went to the Synagogue and Jesus was there!<br />
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When we find ourselves bowed down let us remember there is a miracle worker who can deliver and will provide grace!James McEntirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18076786630641849452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25640206.post-69753272419015076452016-02-06T13:38:00.000-06:002016-02-06T13:41:20.197-06:00Politics: It Matters<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Proverbs 29:4 </b>The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.<br />
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%;">“Just because you
do not take an interest in politics doesn't mean politics won't take an
interest in you” – Pericles<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%;">Politics is not
the most important issue but it is an important issue. This is especially true in a nation where our
forefathers have acknowledged that government derives its powers from the
consent of the governed. We have choices
to make. We vote. We vote for representatives, we vote, at
times, for ballot initiatives, we have the freedom of speech to discuss and
debate policy and to search out forums to make our voice heard and exert our
influence. We have the right to
peaceably assemble for a redress of grievances.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%;">Information is
power! There are people who vote that have no idea how government works, principles of
economics, and no understanding of current issues. I fully realize that it is impossible for
most to stay abreast of every single policy decision. The difficulty should not turn us away from
making an effort to understand and educate ourselves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%;">A Presidential
election is less than a year away. The decisions are not waiting to be made this summer. The process of choosing a
President has begun. Presidential
elections by their very nature garner more attention. Some people probably think that is the only
vote we ever have?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%;">It
doesn’t matter who gets elected!</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%;"> Of course it does. It especially matter when it comes to the
President because he has the opportunity to use the “bully pulpit” to set tone
and drive agendas in everything from spending to national security to race
relations to military preparedness, to social issues like abortion and gay
marriage. Just since I have been voting
for President at least two men have been elected who have had a huge impact on
the American experience. Ronald Reagan
changed the course of this nation. Barack
Obama has changed the course of this nation.
If Mitt Romney had won would we have abandoned our support for Israel,
negotiated a deal with a nation that is sworn to the destruction of Israel and
the United States, had a President that supported gay marriage and thought
Jenner was courageous, and supported abortion, and traded one traitor for four
terrorist, etc. . . . It most assuredly
does matter!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%;">It’s
too early to pay attention!</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%;">
Football season is almost over.
What football fan sits out the first half or three-quarters of the
season saying it’s too early to pay attention?
Or who only watches the last quarter of a football game claiming through
the first three quarters it’s too early to pay attention? Football does not matter! Politics do!
Who wins the super bowl tomorrow will not change one thing about your
life. Who wins the White House and Congress this year will change many things about your life for the better or the
worse! It will affect your paycheck, it
will affect what you pay for energy, it will affect how your kids are educated,
it will affect your safety, it will affect your civil rights, it will affect
your health care, and it will affect the social issues of the day!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%;">I’m
just going to preach the gospel!</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%;"> Well, I’m not; I’m going to devote my whole
effort to politics???? (sarcasm) It is not an either or proposition. Gospel preaching, yea, kingdom work is our
priority. We kid ourselves if we think
the earthly kingdom we live in has no bearing on the spiritual kingdom we labor
in. The Lord Jesus said in Mark 12:17, “Render
to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.
And they marvelled at him.” I’m just
going to preach the gospel except when I’m hunting or fishing, or pursing some
recreation, or watching TV, or reading a book.
I’m not against any of these things per say. But don’t say to me, I’m just going to preach
the gospel as a way to disengage from the political realities of the day. Politics is more important than hunting,
fishing, pursuing some recreation, watching TV, or reading a book.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%; text-align: justify;">“Those who are too
smart to engage in politics are punished by being governed by those who are
dumber” – Plato</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%;">Politics is the
second most important thing we can be engaged in. Spiritual work is eternal work that fact
alone makes it the most important.
Politics is shaping government for future generations this fact alone
makes it worthy of our attention. To
disengage is to abandon the future of the country and the liberties of our
children and grandchildren to the ungodly!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 25.68px;"><b><i><u>The Sovereignty of God Does Not Relieve Man of Responsibility</u></i></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 25.68px;"><b><i><u><br /></u></i></b></span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%;">We
readily embrace this reality when it comes to evangelism. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">We reject the idea that God’s sovereignty
relieves us of the responsibility of preaching the gospel to sinners. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Likewise we should reject the idea that
God’s sovereignty relives us of the responsibility of being informed about the
political realities of our day.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">There can be little doubt that God is sovereign in respect to the rulers and nations of this world.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Psalm 75:7 - But God is the judge: he
putteth down one, and setteth up another.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Daniel 2:21 - And he changeth the times
and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto
the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:</span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Daniel 4:17 - This matter is by the decree
of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent
that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and
giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">There are biblical examples of men who took responsibility and acted politically.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">2 Kings 11:1-16 - Jehoiada and Jehosheba</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">1 Kings 19:15-17 - Elijah sent to anoint kings over Syria and Israel.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">The Judges of Israel - They did not just accept the status-quo of the oppressive kings under whom they found themselves in servitude.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Suffice it to say that the bible is full
of examples of people who took an active role in the political process of their
day. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Some speaking boldly to the issues of the
day. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Others taking active steps to alter the
politics of their day. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">The bottom line is we have a
responsibility to do the right thing, even in politics, and eschew the idea
that politics is not something with which we need to concern ourselves.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 25.68px;"><b><i><u>Politics Matters</u></i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 25.68px;"><b><i><u><br /></u></i></b></span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 25.68px;">The Bible tells us so!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Proverbs 16:10-15</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">It is an abomination to kings to commit
wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Proverbs 31:4 - It is not for kings, O
Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Proverbs 14:35 - The king's favour is
toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Proverbs 19:12 - The king's wrath is as
the roaring of a lion; but his favour is as dew upon the grass.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Proverbs 20:2,8,26 – One who judges based
on a personal sense of right and wrong.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Proverbs 25:5 - Take away the wicked from
before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Proverbs 29:4 - The king by judgment
establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Proverbs 29:14 - The king that faithfully
judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Proverbs 28:16 - The prince that wanteth
understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall
prolong his days.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Ecclesiastes
8:4 - Where the word of a king is, there is power: and who may say unto him,
What doest thou?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Experience
tells us so!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">FDR left an impression on this country
with his New Deal.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">LBJ left an impression on this country
with his war on poverty.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Nixon left an impression on this country
with Watergate and the withdrawal from Viet Nam.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Regan left an impression on this country
with his domestic economic policy and his aggressive foreign policy.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Obama is leaving an impression on this
country through healthcare advancing a liberal social agenda and an abandonment
of historical allies in favor of declared enemies.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 25.68px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 25.68px;"><b><i><u>Leaders Matter</u></i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 25.68px;"><b><i><u><br /></u></i></b></span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Exodus 18:21 - Moreover thou shalt provide
out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating
covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers
of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:</span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Acts 6:3 - Wherefore, brethren, look ye
out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom,
whom we may appoint over this business.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Nehemiah 7:2 - That I gave my brother
Hanani, and Hananiah the ruler of the palace, charge over Jerusalem: for he was
a faithful man, and feared God above many.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">While I am not a huge fan of Charles Finney from the 19th century I think he is right on here:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%;">“The church must take
right ground in regard to politics. Do not suppose, now, that I am going to
preach a political sermon, or that I wish to have you join and get up a
Christian party in politics. No, I do not believe in that. But the time has
come that Christians must vote for honest men, and take consistent ground in
politics, or the Lord will curse them. They must be honest men themselves, and
instead of voting for a man because he belongs to their party, Bank or
Anti-Bank, Jackson, or Anti-Jackson, they must find out whether he is honest
and upright, and fit to be trusted. They must let the world see that the church
will uphold no man in office, who is known to be a knave, or an adulterer, or a
Sabbath-breaker, or a gambler. Such is the spread of intelligence and the
facility of communication in our country, that every man can know for whom he
gives his vote. And if he will give his vote only for honest men, the country
will be obliged to have upright rulers. . . . Politics are a part of religion
in such a country as this, and Christians must do their duty to the country as
a part of their duty to God. It seems sometimes as if the foundations of the
nation were becoming rotten, and Christians seem to act as if they thought God
did not see what they do in politics. But I tell you, he does see it, and he
will bless or curse this nation, according to the course they take.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%;">God have mercy on the United States of America!</span></div>
James McEntirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18076786630641849452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25640206.post-84170965080044223842016-01-21T20:05:00.000-06:002016-01-22T10:13:49.571-06:00Of What Spirit Are We?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTJVQZrFpNwZfwzM5Y2F5sB3Qrylxtj7pDLlRudh1TN7ZtFGKnQRiTPhMtBi76XDtrTWUU5b-2uND3mz0D1uHFEjH4wI7vocBqMXWclxZrbo-in8mAznXHZSbcEAgvoCjOID15/s1600/ye+know+not+what+spirit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTJVQZrFpNwZfwzM5Y2F5sB3Qrylxtj7pDLlRudh1TN7ZtFGKnQRiTPhMtBi76XDtrTWUU5b-2uND3mz0D1uHFEjH4wI7vocBqMXWclxZrbo-in8mAznXHZSbcEAgvoCjOID15/s320/ye+know+not+what+spirit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>Luke 9:51-56 </b>And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem, And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him. And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem. And when his disciples James and John saw <i>this</i>, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save <i>them</i>. And they went to another village.<br />
<br />
Jesus told James and John, "Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of." I want to take Jesus' rebuke and turn it into a question. Of what spirit are we? I want us to think about this question from the passage in Luke 9.<br />
<br />
It is a relevant question. It is a question we may need to ask of ourselves with increasing frequency. As the cultural decay continues, as the intolerance to truth becomes more acute, and as Christian commitment continues to be redefined; as the task becomes more difficult and the environment more hostile emotions of all kinds sweep over our heart and soul.<br />
<br />
We can find ourselves vacillating between anger and fear, discouragement and hope, despair and faith. It is in these tumultuous times that we should be asking ourselves, Of what spirit am I? When the world is falling apart and chaos reigns I still must be Christlike! I must live out Christ before a hostile enemy! My spirit must be submitted to his Spirit.<br />
<br />
<b>Vs. 53 - The Spirit of the Samaritans: They did not receive him</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
This is the prevailing spirit of the day. It always has been. The only difference is the intensity with which people do not receive him. Passive or active rejection? Complacent or defiant rejection? Ours is a day when people are not receiving him actively and defiantly. But really does it matter that much? The result is the same. People are not receiving him!<br />
<br />
The bible actually gives us a heads-up about this very thing.<br />
<b>John 1:10 </b>He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.<br />
<b>Romans 3:10-11 </b>As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.<br />
<br />
Why does the spirit of the Samaritans prevail?<br />
<br />
<u>The natural bent is to not receive him</u><br />
<b>Psalm 51:5 </b>Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.<br />
<b>Psalm 58:3 </b>The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies.<br />
<div>
<b>Ephesians 2:3 </b>Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<u>The bondage of sin hinders men from receiving him</u></div>
<div>
<b>John 8:34 </b>Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. </div>
<div>
<b>Proverbs 5:22 </b>His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<u>The darkness in which men exist hinders them from receiving him</u></div>
<div>
<b>John 3:19 </b>And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.</div>
<div>
<b>Colossians 1:13 </b>Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated <i>us</i> into the kingdom of his dear Son:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<u>The blindness to which they are subject hinders them from receiving him</u></div>
<div>
<b>2 Corinthians 4:4 </b>In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.</div>
<b>2 Corinthians 4:4 </b>In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If we were to come across a person who, going about his business, found himself blind, and in a dungeon with no light and consequently helpless and hopeless would we call down fire upon him or, would be be moved with compassion on him and do what we could to help him.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Next we see:</div>
<div>
<b>Vs. 54 - The Spirit of James and John: They wanted to call down fire to consume them</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Theirs was a spirit of wrath. It is important to temper our initial reactions with biblical truth.</div>
<div>
<b>James 1:19-20 </b>Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.</div>
<div>
<b>Psalm 37:8 </b>Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.</div>
<br />
<div>
The spirit, quite frankly, is understandable. How could the Samaritans so blatantly reject him? James and John knew him to be the Messiah. They loved Jesus! However the spirit is misguided.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Ephesians 6:12 </b>For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high <i>places</i>. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Our preoccupation with a perceived enemy hinders us from addressing the real enemy. We therefore apply ourselves to political, legislative, and social remedies. These things are important in their place but they are limited in their scope. None of these things can change the heart of a man. We should be applying the lion's share of our effort and resources to prayer, gospel preaching, discipleship, missions and all things that advance the spiritual kingdom of which we are a part and in fact has the capacity to sway earthly kingdoms!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Then in:</div>
<div>
<b>Vs. 55,56 - The Spirit of Jesus: Not to destroy but to save</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
In verse 55 James and John were rebuked. Jesus turned to them and said, "Ye know not what manner of spirit you are of." If we are not careful we will find ourselves with a spirit that is not consistent with the Christian message. It will be a spirit that would rather call down fire than preach the everlasting gospel. We especially must be careful in an environment that is increasingly hostile. When the hostility heats up we are predisposed to fall prey, as previously mentioned, to misidentifying the enemy. The devil and the works of the devil we should desire to be destroyed and they will be one day. Lost sinners we should desire to see saved!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
They were rebuked for not being like him. "Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the son of man . . . . " In other words you do not have the same spirit I do! Yours is a spirit that wants to call down fire, mine is a spirit that wants to reach out to and save sinners! You need to bring your spirit into line with mine!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Verse 56 relates the spirit of Jesus.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Son of man is not come to destroy lives.</div>
<div>
<b>John 12:47 </b>And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. </div>
<div>
<b>John 3:17-18 </b>For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. </div>
<div>
<b>John 3:36 </b>He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Jesus did not come to destroy lives. They are already being destroyed. The one who does not believe is condemned already. The wrath of God already abides on him. He needs deliverance!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
While he did not come to destroy them he did come to save them.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Luke 19:10 </b>For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.</div>
<div>
<b>Matthew 18:11 </b>For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. </div>
<div>
<b>Matthew 20:28 </b>Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. </div>
<div>
<b>John 10:10 </b>The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have <i>it</i> more abundantly<span style="color: #ba0000;">.</span> </div>
<div>
<b>1 Timothy 1:15 </b>This <i>is</i> a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Let us ask ourselves of what spirit are we?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Finally in the last part of:</div>
<div>
<b>Vs. 56 - The Spirit of Perseverance: And they went to another village</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
They kept on doing what they were doing! We have a message to proclaim! We have a bible to follow! We have a kingdom to advance! We are to stay at it! Whether in favor or out of favor with the current generation we are to stay busy doing what our spiritual forefathers have been doing for two millennium.</div>
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<b>Galatians 6:9 </b>And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.</div>
<b>2 Thessalonians 3:13 </b>But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.<br />
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<b>1 Corinthians 15:58 </b>Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.</div>
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<b>Hebrews 12:3 </b>For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.</div>
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<b>2 Corinthians 4:1 </b>Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;</div>
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<b>2 Corinthians 4:16 </b>For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward <i>man</i> is renewed day by day.</div>
<b>Hebrews 10:36 </b>For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.<br />
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There is always another person! Remember Jesus came to seek and to save. The seeking came before the saving. Some generations, some cultures, some nations require more seeking before there will be any saving. What are we to do in a day, and in a culture, and with a generation when so few want to hear? We just keep preaching being mindful of what spirit we are. </div>
James McEntirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18076786630641849452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25640206.post-5342125356060370562016-01-16T16:25:00.001-06:002016-01-16T16:25:03.189-06:00A Trite Religion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Isaiah 66:1-3 </b>Thus saith the LORD, The heaven <i>is</i> my throne, and the earth <i>is</i> my footstool: where <i>is</i> the house that ye build unto me? and where <i>is</i> the place of my rest? For all those <i>things</i> hath mine hand made, and all those <i>things</i> have been, saith the LORD: but to this <i>man</i> will I look, <i>even</i> to <i>him that is</i> poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word. He that killeth an ox <i>is as if</i> he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, <i>as if</i> he cut off a dog's neck; he that offereth an oblation, <i>as if he offered</i> swine's blood; he that burneth incense, <i>as if</i> he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations.<br />
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<u>Trite</u> - Not interesting or effective because of being used too often: not fresh or original.<br />
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One of the synonyms for trite is "stale". The title of the blog post could have just as easily been A Stale Religion!<br />
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In every religion there is something to do. False religion is characterized by doing certain things to appease God and gain his favor and hopefully salvation which is defined in a host of different ways depending on the false religions one is considering.<br />
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True religion, bible Christianity, is characterized by doing certain things because one has been made right with God by grace apart from human merit and effort. However there are lots of things a bible Christian should do! The real difference, as I often point out, is that the bible teaches we don't do good works to gain the favor of God but we do good works because we have the favor of God through repentance and faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.<br />
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In the context of bible Christianity, true religion, what we do as Christians can become "trite" or "stale" if you like that word better. Whatever you call it we should scorn it as the plague. A trite religion is a dying or dead religion. Coming to church because that is just what we do. Praying for stuff or about things instead of praying to God. When we read our bibles it is dry and disconnected from reality. Church is just something we do if we don't have anything better to do. We sing without worshipping. We listen to sermons without hearing. We are churchy at church time and worldly the rest of the time. We pray with our hearts unhumbled and our eyes half open. It is quintessential "having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof".<br />
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When Jesus disappears from what we are "doing" then what we are "doing" loses all its meaning! Ours is a relational religion. If the relationship is lacking our religion becomes "trite" or "stale". Without Jesus at the center of what we are "doing" all the "doing" becomes mechanical. It ceases to have warmth and zest! It ceases to be emotional because it has ceased to be relational! We are no longer excited and anticipating going to church because it is something we do instead of because of who we know! Prayer is difficult because it is a list of things instead of a talk with the Father in Jesus name! Bible reading is drudgery because we are counting pages or chapters instead of looking for Jesus and relevance! Singing is underwhelming because we are singing a song instead of singing about Jesus!<br />
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Result: Religion is Trite!<br />
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The passage before us addresses this very issue. It essentially follows this logic. We need a fresh view and a bold renewal. If we do not have this our religion will become trite.<br />
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Verse one and the first part of verse two is where we are challenged to have a fresh view.<br />
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<b><i><u>The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool</u></i></b><br />
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God is big! Stop for a minute and take in the imagery that is deployed to arrest our attention and make us think, "WOW! God is immense! To often we have a little God! But a little God is not the God of the bible. The God of the bible is big. He should be filling our view! A trite religion is the result of having trifling thoughts of God! Religious acts cease to be trite when done with a conscience awareness of the magnitude of God.<br />
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<b><i><u>where is the house that ye build unto me?</u></i></b><br />
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Don't be lulled into thinking that God's prescribed method of worship is an indication that he can be contained. Because God purposed to especially reveal himself in a tabernacle, or temple, or congregation of baptized believers, or in prayer, or a hymn, or in the word of God we should never thing that God is completely contained within those things. Not one or all of them. God predates the Jewish temple. God is in the church and the church is in God. God is not just hearing prayer he is hearing everything. It is not the hymn that exalts God it is God that exalts the hymn. The word of God does not extend to the limits of God but it does extend beyond our own limits. Our religion is trite because we perceive our God as small, and disconnected, and distant, and inconsequential.<br />
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<b><i><u>and where is the place of my rest?</u></i></b><br />
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Where does God settle in? We perceive God as inattentive but he is truly engaged at a level we have a hard time grasping. He neither slumbers or sleeps. He is active. We think that he, like us, needs a rest. Omnipotence does not tire! Omnipotence need not disengage to seek a place and time of rest. Our religion is trite because we experience God as stagnant.<br />
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<b><i><u>For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been</u></i></b><br />
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Our God made the throne upon which he sits, and the earth upon which he rests his feet. Our God made the house in which he is worshipped. God is the origin of all things! He is in everything! We see him in little and possibly nothing and our religion becomes trite! There is nothing that cannot ultimately be traced back to the great I AM! Everything is about him although we live in a world that conducts itself as though nothing is about him! We lose the wonder of his presence and the awe of his person and religion becomes a stale exercise.<br />
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At the end of verse two we are invited to experience a bold renewal.<br />
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<b><i><u>But to this man will I look</u></i></b><br />
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God, of course, sees everything. When he says to this man will I "look" he is saying it is this man that I will regard, it is this man that I will respect. To be regarded by God is to keep our religion form becoming trite!<br />
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<b><i><u>even to him that is poor</u></i></b><br />
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Poor is not just a reference to economic standing but to disposition of mind. To be poor is to be depressed in mind and circumstances. It is the essence of humility. A truly humble man is more likely to have a fresh and interesting religion. A trite religion is the possession of a proud man. A stale religion is the curse of arrogance. While God is in everything and it all originates with him our tendency is to see ourselves in everything. We view everything through the lens of self-importance rather than the lens self-abasement. God is little because we are big!<br />
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<b><i><u>and of a contrite spirit</u></i></b><br />
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Contrite is a powerful word that is laden with emotion. It involves the idea of being smitten, dejected. It is a feeling, or showing sorrow and remorse for a sin or shortcoming. Our religion is trite because we are not contrite! The more important we see ourselves the more trite and stale our religion becomes. Think about it. We panic if we leave our cellphone somewhere. "What if someone needs to make contact with me?" I'm actually a supporter of social media however we must keep our heads about us. Few things have done more to give people a sense of self-importance like social media. With four people telling us how smart, or beautiful, or caring, or spiritual, or remarkable we are it is hard to be contrite. And, lets face it, it's easier to seek the approval of man than of God. Especially of those who hardly know us.<br />
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The Lord has regard to the man with a contrite spirit. When we are contrite, broken, coming to church is a privilege, praying is humbling work, singing is occasion for adoration and praise, bible reading is time for honesty and self-reflection comparing ourselves with a holy God and his son the Lord Jesus Christ rather than all the sinners around us.<br />
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<b><i><u>and trembleth at my word</u></i></b><br />
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We tremble because we are fearful, afraid. For a generation now we have been marching to the drumbeat of tolerance and acceptance. When God speaks he expects us to pay attention. We push aside his precepts, stiffen our necks at his statutes, cast aside his commandments and we complain that we don't get anything out of our religion. The reality is that God regards the man that regards him! A trembling man will not have a trite religion. A reverential awe for the fact that God has spoken goes a long way in keeping religion fresh! He who is more attentive to what the world says is a man who will end up with a trite religion. Going through the motions because that is what respectable people do.<br />
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Then in verse three we have the full-blown fruit of a trite religion.<br />
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<b><i><u>He that killeth an ox is as if he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, as if he cut off a dog's neck; he that offereth an oblation, as if he offered swine's blood; he that burneth incense, as if he blessed an idol</u></i></b><br />
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He is doing all the right things but it does not mean anything. He is at the place of worship but his heart is somewhere else. He is doing and God is not regarding. His religion has become trite and stale! He does not rightly esteem the prescribed worship because he does not rightly esteem God! His offerings are fresh but his heart is stale! He does the right thing, at the right time, in the right place and he is unmoved by it.<br />
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<b><i><u>Yea, they have chosen their own ways</u></i></b><br />
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This is not the attitude of a humble man. This is not the attitude of a contrite man. This is not the attitude of a man who trembles at the word of God.<br />
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<b><i><u>and their soul delighteth in their abominations</u></i></b><br />
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But God does not! They feel good about what they have done but they have not gotten anything out of what they have done. They feel better about themselves but they are not better within themselves. This is the result of a trite religion.<br />
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God give us a fresh view! God give us a bold renewal! God deliver us from a trite religion!James McEntirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18076786630641849452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25640206.post-78156457786237088522016-01-12T21:31:00.002-06:002016-01-12T21:31:34.474-06:00Saints & Sinners<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>1 John 3:4-10 </b>Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.<br />
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We tend to abandon uncomfortable truths. If a passage makes us cringe we rush along to fairer fields.<br />
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"Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin". How is that for a scriptural statement to make one cringe. The whole passage, like that in James 2, is uncomfortable because too many have embraced an unsound position related to grace.<br />
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<b>Titus 2:11-12 </b>For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;<br />
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<b>Jude 4 </b>For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.<br />
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Lasciviousness is a big fancy word that simply means wantonness. Wantonness is being without check or limitation.</div>
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A grace that does no change the life does not save the soul! In the scripture these two things go together. A saved soul results in a changed life because it is change at the most fundamental level of human existence. The very seat of our feelings, intellect, and will has been saved.</div>
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Reminds me of the old negro spiritual, "everybody talkin' 'bout heaven ain't goin' there".</div>
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It also reminds me of an account I read once about D. L. Moody. He once disembarked from a train in a northern city and as he made his way to the gate a drunk stumbled up and said, "Mr. Moody, I'm one of your converts." To which Mr. Moody retorted, "You look like it". Implying, of course, he did not look like one of the Lord's converts.</div>
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Baptist take a beating at times over the doctrine of the eternal security of the believer. It is a doctrine for which I am more than willing to take a beating. But some of it is unnecessary. Someone makes a profession of faith, agrees to some statements made my a soul winner, repeats a prayer and is pronounced saved. Their life doesn't change. They don't hate sin and love righteousness. The don't loath their own sin and love the Savior. And we still keep insisting that they have been redeemed, washed in the blood, had their sins forgiven. And a lot of the religious world takes such opportunities to poke fun at our eternal security of the believer. While they would likely explain such a phenomenon as a person losing their salvation I would contend they never had it.</div>
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<b>Matthew 10:22 </b>And ye shall be hated of all <i>men</i> for my name's sake: but <b><u>he that endureth to the end shall be saved. </u></b></div>
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<b>Matthew 24:13 </b>But<b><u> he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.</u></b> </div>
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<b>Mark 13:13 </b>And ye shall be hated of all <i>men</i> for my name's sake: but <b><u>he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.</u></b> </div>
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<b>Luke 8:15 </b>But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep <i>it</i>, and <b><u>bring forth fruit with patience.</u></b> </div>
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<b>Hebrews 3:6 </b>But Christ as a son over his own house; <b><u>whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end. </u></b></div>
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<b>Hebrews 3:14 </b>For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;</div>
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<b>Revelation 2:26 </b>And <b><u>he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end</u></b>, to him will I give power over the nations:</div>
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It is not that we hold fast to the end to be saved. We hold fast to the end because we are saved. This is a critical distinction. It is the fruit of salvation. We love to talk about the preservation of the saints but get cold feet when it comes to the perseverance of the saints. The saints that don't persevere it will be discovered in the end were not preserved either, because they were not saints but sinners.</div>
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This uncomfortable passage in 1 John strikes at the very foundation of this issue.</div>
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<b><i><u>Sin and the Savior</u></i></b></div>
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1 John 3:4 defines sin. Sin is the transgression of the law. Sin is not what we believe it to be. Sin is not determined by what we think. Sin is not defined by cultural norms. Sin is the transgressing of the law.</div>
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1 John 3:5 makes two points related to the defeating of sin.</div>
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"And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins" This as the context actually bears out is in reference not to the penalty of sin but to the power of sin. This passage we are dealing with was prefaced in verse 3 with the words, "And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure". You will notice the word is plural, "sins". He did not come only to forgive sin but also to take away sins. The Lord intends to change our relationship to sin.</div>
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"and in him is no sin" This is why he can! He can take our sin away because he has none of his own. He can forgive our sin thus addressing the penalty of sin. He can conquer our sin thus addressing the power of sin. He can banish our sin thus addressing the presence of sin. The Lord came to deal with, not just the penalty of sin, but also the power of sin in our lives. He who removes the penalty of sin also removes the power of sin!</div>
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1 John 3:6 makes a two points related to the deleting of sin.</div>
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"Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not" This is a startling declaration! It is important to note what he is not saying. And we can determine this from the context of the book.</div>
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<b>1 John 1:8 </b>If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.</div>
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<b>1 John 1:10 </b>If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.</div>
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<b>1 John 2:1 </b>My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:</div>
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So, before he gets to chapter three and verse six has already told us that we cannot say we have not sin without deceiving ourselves and if we say we have not sinned we make God a liar and don't sin, but if you do. It is with this background that he says "Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not". We are clearly not talking about sinless perfection. However:</div>
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One who is born again does not sin habitually, or is not an habitual sinner.</div>
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<b>1 Corinthians 6:9-11 </b>Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. <b><u>And such were some of you</u></b>: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. </div>
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One who is born again does not sin deliberately and of design.</div>
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<b>Romans 7:20 </b>Now if I do that I would not, <b><u>it is no more I that do it</u></b>, but sin that dwelleth in me. </div>
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One who is born again does not sin finally or fall away.</div>
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<b>Colossians 1:21-23 </b>And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in <i>your</i> mind by wicked works, <b><u>yet now hath he reconciled</u></b> In the body of his flesh through death, <b><u>to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and <i>be</i> not moved away from the hope of the gospel</u></b>, which ye have heard, <i>and</i> which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; </div>
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"Whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him" The point is one does not meet Jesus and stay the same, or get worse. The Holy Ghost does not come into the soul and leave things as they are! Men sin habitually because they have not seen him, nor known him. Men sin deliberately and by design because they have not seen him, nor known him. Men sin finally and fall away because they have not seen him, nor known him.</div>
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They don't lose their salvation. They never had salvation!</div>
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<b><i><u>The Son of God and Satan</u></i></b></div>
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The first part of verse seven, "Little children, let no man deceive you" indicates that already there was deception afoot on this point. People are deceived about this very thing. There are three point where we are potentially deceived.</div>
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1. They who have been made righteous live righteously. The second part of verse seven says, "He that doth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous". Perfect, sinless righteousness? No. They are righteous in the sense that they do not sin habitually, deliberately, or finally. It is not perfect living, but perfected living! Those who are born again reflect the image of the sinless one. They do so increasingly. It is not that there is no ebb and flow in our spiritual development but the direction is toward Christlikeness.</div>
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2. They who commit sin are of the devil. The first part of verse eight says, "He that committeth is is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning". Don't be deceived about this! One who is living in habitual sin is of the devil. Just because they said a prayer at some point and say they believe in Jesus does not mean they are saved. James two that other passage with some uncomfortable truths clearly states that "faith without works is dead". A faith that does not produce a different kind of life in relation to sin is not a saving faith. Just because we want to believe something does not mean it is right to believe it. There is a great disconnect when one is living on the devil's side claiming to be on the Lord's side! It is the devil's nature to sin and if it is your nature to sin deliberately, habitually, and/or finally you have the nature of the devil and have not been made a partaker of the divine nature.</div>
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3. The purpose of the son of God. The last part of verse eight says, "For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil". What was the purpose of the Son of God being manifested. You could probably make an argument for several purposes but one of them which is often over-looked was that he might destroy the works of the devil. What are the works of the devil? Sin! "the devil sinneth from the beginning". If sin is not being destroyed in someone it is because Christ is not living in them. The minute Christ moves in he begins to fight sin. And he fights it continually.</div>
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<b><i><u>The Children of God and the Children of the Devil</u></i></b></div>
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The children of God cannot sin. Again, in verse nine, we are confronted with a very shocking declaration, especially for our generation. The argument runs thus: "Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin". That is, one born of God does not commit sin habitually, does not commit sin deliberately, does not commit sin finally. Yes, the children of God can backslide but there are at least a couple of things to keep in mind about that.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Psalm 32:3-4 </b>When I kept silence, <b><u>my bones waxed old</u></b> through my roaring all the day long. For day and night <b><u>thy hand was heavy upon me</u></b>: my <b><u>moisture is turned into the drought of summer</u></b>. Selah.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The true child of God is never comfortable in sin! If you can get comfortable you need to get saved!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Hebrews 12:5-8 </b>And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When a child of God begins to live in disobedience he is corrected by his heavenly Father. God's children are promised the corrective hand of the Lord if they stray. If you do not receive this correction then the scripture says you are bastards and not sons.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Can a Christian backslide? Yes. But, they will never be comfortable and they will always be corrected!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The argument continues in verse 9, "for his seed remaineth in him". He has been made a partaker of the divine nature and he has the seed of the word of God in him. The word and Spirit of God is constantly present reproving and rebuking. Guilt is no longer simply the product of a violated conscience but it is now the product of the violation of God's word. Guilt is now produced by living at odds with the Spirit of God within you.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And then at the end of verse nine, "and he cannot sin, because he is born of God". Salvation changes your life! Where is the consistency in claiming you have been born of God and yet you continue to cuss, drink, do drugs, carousing, immorality and have no true genuine interest in the bible, or church, or the people of God? These things cannot be scripturally reconciled! There are a lot of people out there that think they are OK because they have prayed the prayer, they have asked Jesus into their heart but they are as lost as they ever were and even more so because now they are deceived as well and are made two-fold more the child of hell than before.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Lastly, in the first part of verse 10 we are reminded there is not great secret here. It is laid bare with two thoughts.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"In this the children of God are manifest and the children of the devil". People, say, "Well, we can't know who is saved and who isn't". The word "manifest" here has the meaning of shining, apparent, known. I'm just defining words. People say we can't know, the bible says they are made manifest!? I will leave you to wrestle with that one! You said a prayer when you were five, or eight, or twelve but your whole adult life has been spent out of church and in the world? You asked Jesus into your heart twenty years ago but you continue to curse, drink, never go to church, never read your bible, and only pray when you want something?? This is going to take some explaining and I would hate to have to be the one doing the explaining.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And then the bible says, "whosoever doth not righteousness is not of God" It is not only what you are doing (sin of commission) but also what you are not doing (sins of omission) that manifest that you are not a child of God but a child of the devil. John pens some other words that serve to bolster the contention he makes here.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>1 John 2:3 </b>And hereby we do <b><u>know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.</u></b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>1 John 3:14 </b>We <b><u>know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren</u></b>. He that loveth not <i>his</i> brother abideth in death.</div>
<br /><div>
<b>1 John 5:4 </b>For <b><u>whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world</u></b>: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, <i>even</i> our faith. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Even Jesus touched on this very touchy subject when he walked the earth, <b>Matthew 7:20-21 </b>Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It is not by what they say but by what they do that we know the children of God and the children of the devil.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">This
is a hard passage because it confronts us with some unpleasant realities. It is not about getting people to agree with
us about a few verses and having them pray a prayer. It is about bringing the law to the proud and
grace to the humble. A proud man is not
a good candidate for the gospel. He must
first be humbled by the law. His mouth
must be stopped. He must feel the weight
and burden of his sin. Asking people if
they want to go to hell is like asking them if they want to get caught in a
house fire. Of course they don’t! Asking people if they want to go to heaven is
like asking them if they want to go on an all-expense paid vacation. Of course they do! Asking them if they believe in Jesus is like
asking them if they believe in George Washington. Of course they do! Salvation is not a simple mental assent to a
set of facts. It is a presentation of
the word of God related to sin, judgment, and righteousness that affords the
Holy Ghost the opportunity to convict men in these three areas. We have a whole generation of people who have
said the prayer and gone on living like they always have and have basically
been immunized against the gospel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
James McEntirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18076786630641849452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25640206.post-76401029769039331682016-01-09T18:30:00.000-06:002016-01-09T19:00:17.491-06:00Getting Past The Past<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguuifWFU-6t1Pjv9JFFddk2JBdRuIoGw6SgOyyEaIZBr7hUWSNF0_PuO2cV2F97jxhD56oMYzLMKIKBNTtlINO2ZG_dK3ACYrHINfn-aufag0_-mKKymP9WNKzzw4OSJlr62Ww/s1600/burning-the-past-edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguuifWFU-6t1Pjv9JFFddk2JBdRuIoGw6SgOyyEaIZBr7hUWSNF0_PuO2cV2F97jxhD56oMYzLMKIKBNTtlINO2ZG_dK3ACYrHINfn-aufag0_-mKKymP9WNKzzw4OSJlr62Ww/s320/burning-the-past-edit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Philippians 3:13 </b>Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">One of the things that excites me about a new year is
that when you flip the calendar over to January it is blank. Here is another starting point. I have the opportunity to manage those blank
spaces and fill them with profitable actions that will bring glory to God.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">There are times though when we have trouble
anticipating a new year because we don’t seem to be able to get past the past.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Are you dreading a new year with the baggage of an old
year clinging to you? Has this year started like the old year ended? Those besetting
sins. Those footholds that have become
strongholds. The worry. The missed goals. Is the weight of 2015 keeping you from
reaching forth into 2016 with hope, anticipation, and resolution?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Or, even worse, have you become so accustomed to
carrying the baggage over from year to year that you have resigned yourself to
just trudging through another year mired in mediocrity?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I have a single word for you. </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">Confession!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>1 John 1:9 </b>If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us <i>our</i> sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">What a blessed verse when we approach it honestly and with transparency. When we embrace the full range of truth presented.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i><u><span style="font-size: x-small;">If we confess our sins</span></u></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">The first thing that arrests my attention is the fact that the word sin is plural. It is not confessing sin but sins. We should not seek to address specific sins in the context of general confessions. If our "confessions" are always general, "Lord, forgive my sins", then it is right to raise the question if we are even truly confessing.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>1 John 1:8 </b>says, If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. And <b>1 John 1:10</b> says,<b> </b>If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">If
we are not careful we will be living on either side of verse nine. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Of
course we don’t live there intellectually but we do practically! </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">We
would not claim to have no sin but our lack of confession belies the true
nature of things.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Sin is to be confessed! Confess means to assent or acknowledge. The essence of the word is to be in the same place as God in relation to our sin. By nature of the fact that we are exhorted to confess sins we can logically conclude there are several things we should not be doing with our sins; we should not i</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">gnore
them, </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">justify
them, m</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">inimize
them, s</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">urrender
to them, or h</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">ide
them.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Confession is not a foregone conclusion. The bible says "if" we confess our sins indicating w</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">e
won’t necessarily do it! </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">It
is more than just asking forgiveness. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">It
is the spiritual effort to get to the same place God is in respect to our sin. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">We
keep having to ask forgiveness for the same sin over and over again because we
have yet to confess it! </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">The
essence of confession creates abhorrence! </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">We
don’t have the power of God because we have unconfessed sin. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">The
Holy Ghost is grieving instead of empowering! </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">If
we will confess we can, we will, get past the past!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i><u><span style="font-size: x-small;">He is faithful and just to forgive our sins</span></u></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></u></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> Sins once again takes center stage. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">The
reality is that God is in the business of dealing with sin.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> He is faithful! To be faithful is to be true, trustworthy, and sure. <b> 2</b></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b> Timothy 2:13</b> declares, <b>If we believe not, yet he
abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.</b> Verse 5 of 1 John 1 reminds us that </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b>God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.</b> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small; text-indent: -0.25in;">He
is not going to cut a deal with sin! T</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small; text-indent: -0.25in;">he two pillars of God’s faithfulness is that he is first and foremost faithful to himself and to his word. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">God’s faithfulness to us can only be
appreciated in the context of God being faithful to himself and faithful to his
word. He will not deny himself or
forsake his word in order to be perceived as being faithful to us. God’s faithfulness to his people is in the
context of fidelity to himself and devotion to his word!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> He is just! To be just is to be equitable and right. It was Abraham when interceding on behalf of Sodom and Gommorah that asked the rhetorical question, "Shall not the judge of all the earth do right?" </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">God
is upright! He does not lean to one side
or the other! He stands as he
ought! God is the ultimate standard of right and
wrong! He is the great moral compass of
creation! God is just! He acts and responds in keeping with his holy
nature! God is right, he is always right
and he is absolutely, infinitely just!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> He is faithful and just to forgive! </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">My
what a blessing of grace that his faithfulness and justice is revealed in
forgiveness as well as chastisement. </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small; text-indent: -0.25in;">As
his children we can mitigate the rod of correction by confessing sin. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">When
we confess it calls forth his faithfulness and justice to execute forgiveness.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small; text-indent: -0.25in;"> There is a very real sense in which we
don’t have to seek forgiveness we need only to confess and he will be faithful
and just to forgive! </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">If
we will confess we can, we will, get past the past!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i> <u>And to cleanse us from all unrighteousness</u></i></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Unrighteousness</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> is injustice, iniquity, moral
wrongness of character, life, or act. It is worthy of note that </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small; text-indent: -0.25in;">God
wants to deal with “all” our unrighteousness. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small; text-indent: -0.25in;">The
question is, do we? </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small; text-indent: -0.25in;">Do
we want to be able to face a clear calendar with a clear conscience? </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Do
we want to be able to get past the past?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">It
is important to note God is faithful and just to do two things not just one. </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small; text-indent: -0.25in;">He
is faithful and just to forgive and cleanse. T</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small; text-indent: -0.25in;">hese
two things cannot be separated. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small; text-indent: -0.25in;">We
are unfortunately living in the throes of a practical theology that believes one can be
forgiven without being cleansed. This error of thinking permeates the grand doctrine of </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small; text-indent: -0.25in;">justification. It reveals itself in the common belief that y</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small; text-indent: -0.25in;">ou
can be saved and drink, cuss, live immorally, never go to church, and in general
just go about life like you normally would. It is an error that also makes its impact felt in the doctrine of sanctification. We have largely devolved into a C</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small; text-indent: -0.25in;">hristianity that wants to be forgiven but does not want to be cleansed. A</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small; text-indent: -0.25in;"> Christianity that want to walk with God in the darkness! The clear declaration of 1 John 1:9</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small; text-indent: -0.25in;"> is that he is faithful and just <b>TO CLEANSE US</b> from all unrighteousness. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">It
is a foreign concept to God that there would be forgiveness without cleansing!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-stretch: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> T</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">o
cleanse </span>is to m</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small; text-indent: -0.25in;">ake clean, purge, and purify. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small; text-indent: -0.25in;">God
is in the business of wiping the slate clean. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small; text-indent: -0.25in;">Wouldn’t
it be wonderful if here at the start of a new year when God blesses us with a clean calendar he also would
bless us with a clear conscience! </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small; text-indent: -0.25in;">If
we will confess he will cleanse!</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small; text-indent: -0.25in;">Confession
is the precursor to cleansing. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small; text-indent: -0.25in;">We
seek forgiveness over and over in relation to the same sin because we are never
cleansed from that sin. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small; text-indent: -0.25in;">We
are not cleansed from that sin because we never confess that sin. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small; text-indent: -0.25in;">If
we are not cleansed can we really hold out hope that we are forgiven. Didn't he promise to do both? </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small; text-indent: -0.25in;">It
might do us well to simply humble ourselves and admit that we often do not see
our sin like God does. T</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small; text-indent: -0.25in;">his
might prompt us to pray, “O Lord help me to see my sin like you do so that I
can truly confess it and know your forgiveness and cleansing.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small; text-indent: -0.25in;"> <b>Proverbs
28:13</b></span><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small; text-indent: -0.25in;">He that covereth his sins shall
not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"> Genuine, sincere confession is the key to getting past the past!</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level4 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
James McEntirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18076786630641849452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25640206.post-62830477052337307212014-11-21T10:42:00.000-06:002014-11-21T10:43:55.173-06:00Conscience Never Deceives?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"Too often reason deceives us... but conscience never deceives." - Jean-Jacques Rousseau<br />
<br />
Sounds good but not true.<br />
<br />
1 Corinthians 8:12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.<br />
<br />
Titus 1:15 Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.<br />
<br />
1 Timothy 4:2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;<br />
<br />
The conscience can be weak, defiled and even seared. It can deceive and often does. Conscience is the mechanism by which we determine what is right and wrong. It is not infallible and is subject to influences.<br />
<br />
Thus the danger of saying, "I don't see anything wrong with it". That may be good or bad depending on what has been allowed to shape and influence our conscience. Just because we don't see something wrong with it does not mean there is not something wrong with it.<br />
<br />
<b>Hebrews 5:12-14 </b>throws some light on the subject when we read,<b> </b> For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which <i>be</i> the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. <b>13</b> For every one that useth milk <i>is</i> unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. <b>14</b> But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, <i>even</i> those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.<br />
<br />
Notice the phrase, "discern good and evil". This is the essence of conscience. Verse 14 makes reference to the "senses". This is a word that has reference to an organ of perception; judgment. Judgment of what? Good and evil! Our perception of good and evil must be exercised. The word "exercise" is the idea of trained. Not just random exercise but training our conscience to judge good and evil.<br />
<br />
This passage is actually addressing those who do have their senses exercised to discern (judge) good and evil. "Even those who by reason of use". Use of what? Not the use of the conscience! It is in the using of something that the conscience (senses) are exercised to discern. That which is used is the word of God.<br />
<br />
The Holy Ghost was chastising the people for their weakness in the word of God. He is lodging the complaint against them that they continue to have need of the milk of the word instead of the meat of the word. Those who continue to use milk are unskilful or inexperienced. Their conscience is inexperienced because it has not be exercised or trained to the word of God. They are unskillful in discerning right from wrong. It is those who have spent enough time in the word to digest the meat of the word that have their senses trained, they are not unskillful and consequently are more likely to be prepared to rightly discern both good and evil.<br />
<br />
I say more likely because it is dependent upon the context in which we approaches our bible. If we interpret the bible through the lens of cultural bias rather than interpreting the culture through the lens of the bible then it is possible to know a lot of bible and still be unskilled in discerning both evil and good.<br />
<br />
So I would change Jean-Jacques Rousseau quote to read, Too often reason deceives us . . . but the word of God never deceives.James McEntirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18076786630641849452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25640206.post-78771089278281388292014-11-20T11:35:00.000-06:002014-11-20T11:35:19.189-06:00Error Free Living<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">MARK
12:18-27</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">This life is filled with choices. With every choice comes the potential for
tragedy or triumph! There are some big
choices that set the tone for our lives and there are a whole lot of small
choices whose cumulative effect can also set the tone for our lives. One does so in an instant and the other over
time. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Some decisions we have time to weigh and seek
counsel others have to be made immediately.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Some of our choices are the result of other choices that we have
made.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Bad decisions often times lead to
a set of bad choices.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Some of our
choices are the result of choices others make.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">What if I could give you two things that would
enable you to achieve error free living?
The effectiveness of these two principals will be completely based upon
our commitment and faithfulness in applying them. If we choose to ignore one or both then we
should have no expectation of achieving error free living. Does that sound too good to be true?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">OK, let’s take it down a notch. Accounting for our frailty what if I could
give you two principles that would enable you to be practically error free in
your decision making. You would get it
right most of the time and with respect to big decisions you had time to weigh you
would never blow it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">The principals are fail-proof! Any failure experienced would be in us
and not the principals. They work every
time, for every person, in all places, and in all circumstances. There is not time they will not work. There is no person for whom they will not
work. There is no where they will not
work. There are no circumstances in
which they will not work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">The two principals are in the passage we read.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">The Sadducees, like the Pharisees were opposed to
Jesus, but they were also opposed to each other. One of their points of contention with each
other was over the resurrection. The
Pharisees believed in the resurrection of the dead the Sadducees did not (this
is why they were so sad-u-see).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">In the passage before us the Sadducees attempted to
create an absurdity. Their purpose was
to expose the kind of problems that would exist should men be resurrected from
the dead, thus calling the whole premise into question. In other words, their argument runs, thusly:
The resurrection cannot be true because of the dilemmas it would create in the
after-life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Jesus said they erred! He cited two reasons for their error. 1.
They did not know the Scriptures.
2. They did not know the power of
God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">In verse 25 Jesus answers their absurdity. In the after-life there is no marriage
relationship that ends with the resurrection.
They assume men and women would still be married in the next life with
no support in scripture for such a position.
They did not know the scripture.
When it comes to knowing the Scripture it is as important to know what
it does not say as to know what it does say.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">In verses 26 and 27 Jesus answers their unbelief
about the resurrection. Have ye not
read? They surely had! So they knew!
They did not believe what they had read.
They did not know the power of God.
They knew what the Scripture said, but they did not believe what it
said, because they did not know the power of God. Jesus said, “Ye therefore greatly err.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">They had erred because they knew not the
Scripture. They had erred because they
believed not the Scripture (the power of God).
Had they known the Scripture and the power of God (believed the
Scripture) they would not have erred.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">If we don’t know what the Bible says we are likely
to err!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">If we don’t believe what the Bible says we are
likely to err!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">If we want to enjoy error free living then we must
do these two simple things.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Know the Scripture!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Believe the Scripture!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">May I suggest to you this morning that far too often
God’s people are uncommitted to the Book!
In a day when the lives of believers are often in as much disarray as
the world around them the explanation is simple: they err not knowing the
Scripture neither the power of God!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">How many of us could Jesus come to today and say,
“Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power
of God.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
James McEntirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18076786630641849452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25640206.post-43252331927362458402014-11-19T12:22:00.000-06:002014-11-19T12:31:32.459-06:00You Should!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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And they went out, and preached that men should repent. Mark 6:12<br />
<br />
Now there's a novel idea! Preaching involves "should" not "could". If a preacher is not willing to tell people what they should do he is not really preaching.<br />
<br />
Should and could both leave the option of doing the opposite on the table. However should brings with it a subtle hint that there are consequences for doing the opposite. Could frames action in a "take it or leave it" context. You could do it but you don't necessarily have to and its not really that big of a deal.<br />
<br />
Too much preaching today has been diluted to could and all the should has been take out of it.<br />
<br />
I know that increasingly we live in a culture where people don't like to be told what they should do, but the bible keeps telling us what we should do. And a faithful preacher will take the message of the bible, the whole counsel of God, and tell people what they should do.<br />
<br />
The bible does not give way to cultural pressures! The messengers may, the bible never does! Preachers do people a great disservice when they tell people they could do something the bible says they should do.<br />
<br />
Just because many and maybe most won't does not liberate preachers from using the word should. Churches and the world are full of people today who could do something but are never told they should and thus they don't.<br />
<br />
Preachers should preach and tell men what they should do!James McEntirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18076786630641849452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25640206.post-54252488838266986572014-11-11T20:51:00.000-06:002014-11-11T20:51:48.795-06:00The Dying Of The Lord Jesus<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>2 Corinthians 4:8-9 </b> <i>We are</i> troubled on every side, yet not distressed; <i>we are</i> perplexed, but not in despair; <b>9</b> Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;<br />
<br />
How many times have you drawn comfort from these two verses? I know I have many times over the years. I love the reminder they provide that however difficult our circumstances may be at times, it is not as bad as it could be.<br />
<br />
<b>We are troubled</b>: To think of all the different avenues of potential trouble is troubling in itself. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">Health
crisis, </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">Family
crisis, </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">Financial
crisis, </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">Spiritual
crisis, </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">Relationship
crisis. One or more of these things crowding us in and it is easy to feel as though we are troubled on every side.</span><br />
<br />
<b>Yet not distressed</b>: <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">We
are not trapped. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">However
close and varied our troubles may be at any given time hope gives space to
breath and think and believe! T</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">roubled
but not stressed.</span><br />
<br />
<b>We are perplexed</b>: How often as we been u<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">nable
to understand something clearly or to think clearly, simply filled with uncertainty. </span><span style="font-size: 9px; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">Just
at a loss as what to think and sometimes even do.</span><br />
<br />
<b>Yet not in despair</b>: It is important to remember three things when we are perplexed. 1.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">We
have not always been perplexed. 2. We will
not always be perplexed. 3. God is never
perplexed! </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">A
moment of uncertainty should not rob us of all that is certain both in this life
and the next.</span><br />
<br />
<b>We are persecuted</b>: It is t<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">hat
feeling we have when things are bad that temptation to run, to flee. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">Some
who never run with their feet often do with their heart.</span><br />
<br />
<b>But not forsaken</b>: That feeling of being<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"> left behind in some place, to have been deserted. But we have the never failing promise that h</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">e
will never leave us nor forsake us! </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">Just
because we feel all alone does not mean we are all alone. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">We
have a friend who sticks closer than a brother!</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>We are cast down</b>: <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">The idea here is to
throw down. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">Boy,
have you ever felt that way? </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">It
could be by a betrayal. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">It
could be through a series of difficult circumstances.</span><br />
<br />
<b>But not destroyed</b>: <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">Our
faithful lord will not leave us in the hand of our enemies. W</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">e are never left to suffer the extremity. Things can be bad, but they could also be worse.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">Yet the real power of these two verses is actually in the next verse!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span>
<b>2 Corinthians 4:10 </b> Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.<br />
<br />
Think about that first phrase in light of what has just been written, "Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus". All of these things are a shadow of the dying of the Lord Jesus that falls across our own lives. We experience in part what he experienced in full on our behalf.<br />
<br />
You remember the 22nd Psalm that prophetic exposition of our Lord's dying agony. We should remember it often in our day of trial.<br />
<br />
So we are troubled, feeling the problems of life closing in on us. Let us remember <b>Psalms 22:12 </b> Many bulls have compassed me: strong <i>bulls</i> of Bashan have beset me round. And, <b>Psalms 22:16 </b> For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.<br />
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So we are feeling perplexed and filled with uncertainty. Let us remember <b>Psalms 22:1 M</b>y God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? <i>why art thou so</i> far from helping me, <i>and from</i> the words of my roaring? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So we are feeling persecuted and tempted to make a run for it. Let us remember <b>Psalms 22:6-8 </b> But I <i>am</i> a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people. <b>7</b> All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, <i>saying</i>, <b>8</b> He trusted on the LORD <i>that</i> he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So we are feeling cast down. Let us remember <b>Psalms 22:15 </b> My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The point? <span style="font-family: Symbol; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">All
of these troubles we experience in life are simply a shadow of what our just
Lord suffered in his dying agony! </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">All
our temporary suffering should remind us of what Jesus suffered. We are simply bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify; text-indent: -24px;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">" "That the life of Jesus might be made manifest in our body". It is important to remember that the intense suffering of the Savior gave occasion for his greatest victory, resurrection!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify; text-indent: -24px;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify; text-indent: -24px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> Being
reminded of his suffering we should also be reminded of his faithfulness. O</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">f
how he said in the midst of such great agony, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do”. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Our
suffering is designed to cause us to hope in Jesus. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">The
darkness of our suffering provides a platform to manifest the glories of
Christ.</span></div>
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James McEntirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18076786630641849452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25640206.post-49386539822548523542014-10-30T11:28:00.001-05:002014-10-30T11:28:45.360-05:00You're Not My Judge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi49NZC4pkTnWYAFCJiHh0RtPT5QsSPAVyhWKnX1hII4jubNulTmq15dZx9SdfAmNzZ1MowTTfmGWcJGTRErqC4SjNcveTzbNgEb7ux7a9uLajbnpSOD40liIGNyk2U70nhV6tj/s1600/summary-judgment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi49NZC4pkTnWYAFCJiHh0RtPT5QsSPAVyhWKnX1hII4jubNulTmq15dZx9SdfAmNzZ1MowTTfmGWcJGTRErqC4SjNcveTzbNgEb7ux7a9uLajbnpSOD40liIGNyk2U70nhV6tj/s1600/summary-judgment.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not. Malachi 3:16-18</b><br />
<br />
I wonder how many people who know Matthew 7:1 (<b>Judge not, that ye be judged</b>) know these verses?<br />
<br />
People often quote Matthew 7:1 and follow up their memorized scripture with something along the lines of, "God is my judge, I will give account to him." Or, "You're not my judge!"<br />
<br />
I often wonder if people realize how true that is! Do they realize how sobering this should be? Yes we will all give account of ourselves before God.<br />
<br />
The unsaved, those who have not repented of sin and placed their complete confidence in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ will answer for all of their sin and have judgment passed upon them as vessels fitted to destruction.<br />
<br />
The saved will have their works judged and suffer loss of reward for unfaithfulness and disobedience.<br />
<br />
These are not trifling issues. We should be careful about pleading the judgment of God to escape the judgment of men. Often times this is nothing more than jumping from the frying pan into the fire.<br />
<br />
Make no mistake about it we will all be judged by God. The all-seeing, all-hearing, all-knowing God will discern between the righteous and the wicked and He will discern between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.<br />
<br />
This is not a truth that should promotes arrogance and self-confidence but rather self-abasement and soul-searching! There is coming a day when we will probably wish we were being judged by sinful man rather than an infinitely holy God.James McEntirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18076786630641849452noreply@blogger.com0