I performed a funeral service this week. I thought about eternity, and thought of the options about eternity. The following is an excerpt.
Our lives are filled with many important and meaningful things. We experience the love of close friends and family, we find meaning in productive work, we enjoy hobbies and recreation. All these things are meaningful but pale in comparison to the main issue of life, our preparation for eternity.
On Nightline a few years ago there was an interview with a lady dying of terminal cancer. She made the comment, “No one makes it out of here alive.” What a powerful thought--one that we do not like to face.
How do we handle this? How do we face our mortality without going crazy?
King David of Israel grapples with his mortality in the following passage from Psalm 90.
Ps 90:16, 10, 12-17
1 Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations.
2 Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
3 You turn men back to dust, saying, "Return to dust, O sons of men."
4 For a thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night.
5 You sweep men away in the sleep of death; they are like the new grass of the morning
6 though in the morning it springs up new, by evening it is dry and withered.
10 The length of our days is seventy years or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away.
11 Who knows the power of your anger? For your wrath is as great as the fear that is due you.
12 Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
17 May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us yes, establish the work of our hands. (NIV)
I see only four main options related to after we die.
One is that we stop existing. There is nothing more. It is over. Our purpose or lack of purpose is finished. Now, with all the evidence of after death experiences, few, even in the scientific world, believe this.
Another option is that all of us will go to heaven. Let me say, if there is a God that option would be totally unfair. Adolph Hitler and Mother Therisa would have the same future. I don’t think so!
Another popular idea lately is reincarnation. We will be reincarnated in some other form based on the lives we have lived. There is no hope in this.
If we live a messed up life, we start all over at the bottom of the food chain. There’s a lot of hope in that! If we live a good life we have to face living through this broken world again, and again, and again until we get it right. Where is the hope in that.
The Bible presents another perspective to consider. We have one life to live here on the earth. How we live that life has an impact on our eternal state. At the end of that life we place our fate in the hands of a God who is loving, and merciful, but just.
We forever escape from sin and the broken sinful world which came as a result of the fall. The pain is over forever.
And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment, so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, shall appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him. (NAS) Heb 9:27-28
C. S. Lewis said, “Christianity is a statement which, if false, is of no importance, and, if true, of infinite importance the one thing it cannot be is moderately important.”
Christ has done everything. He has loved you from before you were born. He has died on the cross, and has literally taken the punishment you and I deserve and paid the penalty himself. He has given us a way to receive his forgiveness and his gift of eternal life.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life.
We can do nothing else but rest in his forgiveness and mercy. We can turn our futures and our lives over to Him, to direct us in a new life through Jesus.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
God's Power
Do you feel weak? Do you feel like it is hard to do God's will in your life?
Someone once said that the Christian life isn't hard, it's impossible. In our own strength we cannot obey God.
So how can we live the Christian life? If we have received Christ, God lives inside of us. He has the ability to live out the Christian life completely. We ask him to give us the power to live for Him.
John 15:4,5 "Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."
This has been called "the abiding life". As I abide in Christ he gives me the power to do what is right. I simply have to ask him.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Overcoming Temptation
I was talking to a friend today who is struggling with temptation. Here are some of the things that I suggested.
The best advice I was given as a college student was to follow 2 Tim 2:22 "Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart." NASU
When in temptation of the flesh the best thing is to escape. Run. This escape is in two ways. Get your mind on something else. Often I used memorized scripture verses to get me thinking in a new direction. My favorite was Ps 119:9-11 "How can a young man keep his way pure?By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart;do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heartthat I might not sin against you." NIV
The second way to escape is to literally walk away. Pull yourself out of an embrace that is tempting you, kiss your love good night and leave, or you both go out together to some place public. In fact you should avoid getting to that place anyway by escaping earlier :-)
The second part of 2Tim.2:22 talks about filling your life with good things. If find if I am running after righteousness in an aggressive way, I will not as easily get caught in temptation.
Remember temptation is not sin. Yielding to temptation is sin.
The best advice I was given as a college student was to follow 2 Tim 2:22 "Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart." NASU
When in temptation of the flesh the best thing is to escape. Run. This escape is in two ways. Get your mind on something else. Often I used memorized scripture verses to get me thinking in a new direction. My favorite was Ps 119:9-11 "How can a young man keep his way pure?By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart;do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heartthat I might not sin against you." NIV
The second way to escape is to literally walk away. Pull yourself out of an embrace that is tempting you, kiss your love good night and leave, or you both go out together to some place public. In fact you should avoid getting to that place anyway by escaping earlier :-)
The second part of 2Tim.2:22 talks about filling your life with good things. If find if I am running after righteousness in an aggressive way, I will not as easily get caught in temptation.
Remember temptation is not sin. Yielding to temptation is sin.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Friendship (a Sermon)
How to Be a Good Friend
In literature one of the most powerful pictures of friendship is Samwise Gamgee in the Lord of the Rings. He helps his friend Frodo Baggins through some difficult adventures on their way to destroying the ring representing the power of evil. Here is a scene where Frodo is at the end of his strength.
Scene 233.42-236.13 The Last Battle
There are times when friendships are essential for life.
Our lives get so busy sometimes we forget to remember the really essential things in life. One of those essentials is friends. Consider this quote:
"If a man does not make new acquaintance as he advances through life, he will soon find himself left alone. A man, Sir, should keep his friendships in constant repair."- Samuel Johnson (1709 - 1784) British lexiographer.
Let’s look at the value of friendship.
Introduction: Value of Friendship
God has designed life to be a place where we need friends, rather than gutting life out on our own.
"Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. "Eccl 4:9,10
Jesus sent his disciples out two-by-two for mutual strength.
Study: At a University a study was done to see how people stand up for something they believe. A class of 250 people. All but one person was in on the study. The professor said things that were obviously not true. The one student tried to say something, but all other students went with the professor. The person gave up quickly.
A second experiment was done. This time 2 students were not in on it. They stood up to the professor and the rest of the class and did not back down the way the lone person had done.
I am bolder when I have company. So, what is necessary in a friendship?
I. Elements necessary for Friendship
A. Friends need a Common Mindset
A friend usually shares your view of the world.
When I was sharing about this talk with a friend. She said that in her bad times she had this saying. “A good friend will stop you from drinking. A great friend will be sitting in the cell next you you saying, “Wasn’t that a blast?”
The apostle John had a higher view of friendship-- to help each other walk in truth. He said:
3 John 2-4 2 Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. 3 It gave me great joy to have some brothers come and tell about your faithfulness to the truth and how you continue to walk in the truth. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
NIV
"Associate yourself with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for 'tis better to be alone than in bad company."- George Washington (1732 - 1799) US Statesman.
B. Friends draw out the best in each other
Jesus was amazing. He could see the potential in people. He was always encouraging people to grow to their best. The first time he met Peter, he saw the potential of this bragging, headstrong fisherman. Andrew introduced Peter to Jesus.
John 1:42
42 He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him, and said, "You are Simon the son of John; you shall be called Cephas" (which is translated Peter a rock). NASB
When Jesus saw the faith of some friends who brought a paralyzed man to Jesus, Jesus was moved by the man and his friends.
Luke 5:20
20 When Jesus saw their faith, he said, "Friend, your sins are forgiven." NIV
Friendship inspires change!
"Treat people as if they were what they ought to be and you help them to become what they are capable of being." -Goethe
C. Friends keep Confidences
Trust is a really big thing in friendships. There can be no friendship without trust. One thing that promotes trust is the ability to keep secrets. I am not talking about unhealthy secrets, like abuse, but ordinary secrets between friends.
High school students are famous for pulling a secret out of you and then blabbing it all over school. It is devastating when trust is broken in this way.
Solomon the wisest man in the world had some great advice for healthy friendships. Several of these Proverbs dealt with keeping secrets.
Prov 11:12-13
12 A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor,
but a man of understanding holds his tongue.
13 A gossip betrays a confidence,
but a trustworthy man keeps a secret. NIV
Prov 12:23
23 A prudent man keeps his knowledge to himself,
but the heart of fools blurts out folly. NIV
So, what are the….
II. Choices One Makes to Be a Good Friend
A. Friendship requires Effort
One of the most famous friendships in history is the friendship between David and Jonathan in the Bible. Jonathan saw the kind of man David was when he killed the giant Goliath. His friendship was tested when Jonathan’s dad decided he wanted David killed out of jealousy.
1 Sam 19:1-3 19 Saul told his son Jonathan and all the attendants to kill David. But Jonathan was very fond of David 2 and warned him, "My father Saul is looking for a chance to kill you. Be on your guard tomorrow morning; go into hiding and stay there. 3 I will go out and stand with my father in the field where you are. I'll speak to him about you and will tell you what I find out." NIV
George Washington, another military man understood the power of a tested friend. The word “friend” for him had high value.
"True friendship is a plant of slow growth, and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity before it is entitled to the appellation."- George Washington, (as above)
Another choice we make to be a friend is
B. Be Alert to the Needs of my Friend
We can get so busy in our lives that we can loose track of our friend’s needs.
3 John 5-7
5 Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, even though they are strangers to you. 6 They have told the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. NIV
Walter Winchell said:
"A friend is one who walks in when others walk out" -Walter Winchell
Kathy from our previous church was always there when things were the toughest. It was a gifting.
Another choice I make to be a good friend is to be:
C. Willing to Speak Truth to my Friend
One of the hardest, but most important things I can do as a friend is challenge my friend when I see them going in a wrong direction.
Prov 27:6
6 Wounds from a friend can be trusted,
but an enemy multiplies kisses.
NIV
Treasure someone who is willing to lovingly correct you.
Prov 27:9
9 Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart,
and the pleasantness of one's friend springs from his earnest counsel.
NIV
"The best mirror is an old friend." - George Herbert
A true friend will appreciate your input. As a friend I must not only give good advice but be willing to receive good advice.
Prov 9:8-9
8 Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you;
rebuke a wise man and he will love you.
9 Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still;
teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning.
NIV
Another choice I make to be a good friend is to:
D. Seek Friends of Character
Prov 1:10,11,18
10 My son, if sinners entice you,
do not give in to them.
11 If they say, "Come along with us;
let's lie in wait for someone's blood,
let's waylay some harmless soul;……
18 These men lie in wait for their own blood;
they waylay only themselves!
NIV
Prov 18:24 24 A man of many companions may come to ruin,
but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
NIV
"Tell me what company thou keepst, and I'll tell thee what thou art."- Miguel de Cervantes (1547 - 1616) Spanish novelist.
As I thought of friendship I thought about friendship with God.
III. God as a Friend
Just as in human relationships
A. We have to take time to be God’s friend: Moses
Moses made the effort to connect regularly with God.
Ex 33:10-11
10 Whenever the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance to the tent, they all stood and worshiped, each at the entrance to his tent. 11 The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent.
NIV
What an awesome thing to be considered by the God of creation to be his friend.
To truly be God’s friend we have to love what he loves. Our hearts have to really respond to his passions.
As God’s friend:
B. I am Part of God’s Personal Conversation
God the Holy Spirit prays for us.
Rom 8:26-28 26 And in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; 27 and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
NASB
Christ’s advocates for us to the Father.
1 John 2:1-2
2 My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense — Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.
NIV
Jesus regularly brings us up in conversation with the Father.
Heb 7:25
25 Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.
NIV
Jesus showed friends:
C. Faithfulness right to the End
Jesus was amazing how long he held in there with Judas. Judas will be judged by God for betraying Jesus. But Jesus never gave up on him right to the end, until Judas drew his last breath. This gives me hope that Jesus will patiently hang in there with me.
Matt 26:47-51
47 While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: "The one I kiss is the man; arrest him." 49 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, "Greetings, Rabbi!" and kissed him.
50 Jesus replied, "Friend, do what you came for."
Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him.
NIV
"Your friend is the person who knows all about you, and still likes you." - Elbert Hubard
Jesus gave the ultimate in friendship
C. He has Given His All
Jesus made the effort to become our friend. He came to a hostile world in order that we would have the opportunity to have us as a friend.
John 1:14
14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
NIV
John 3:16-18 16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
NIV
My logical response to this kind of love is to desire God’s friendship. If you are searching for God, be sure to chat with any of us here about how to get to know God as a friend.
I encourage you to also make the effort to be a good friend. It will pay you rich dividends.
In literature one of the most powerful pictures of friendship is Samwise Gamgee in the Lord of the Rings. He helps his friend Frodo Baggins through some difficult adventures on their way to destroying the ring representing the power of evil. Here is a scene where Frodo is at the end of his strength.
Scene 233.42-236.13 The Last Battle
There are times when friendships are essential for life.
Our lives get so busy sometimes we forget to remember the really essential things in life. One of those essentials is friends. Consider this quote:
"If a man does not make new acquaintance as he advances through life, he will soon find himself left alone. A man, Sir, should keep his friendships in constant repair."- Samuel Johnson (1709 - 1784) British lexiographer.
Let’s look at the value of friendship.
Introduction: Value of Friendship
God has designed life to be a place where we need friends, rather than gutting life out on our own.
"Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. "Eccl 4:9,10
Jesus sent his disciples out two-by-two for mutual strength.
Study: At a University a study was done to see how people stand up for something they believe. A class of 250 people. All but one person was in on the study. The professor said things that were obviously not true. The one student tried to say something, but all other students went with the professor. The person gave up quickly.
A second experiment was done. This time 2 students were not in on it. They stood up to the professor and the rest of the class and did not back down the way the lone person had done.
I am bolder when I have company. So, what is necessary in a friendship?
I. Elements necessary for Friendship
A. Friends need a Common Mindset
A friend usually shares your view of the world.
When I was sharing about this talk with a friend. She said that in her bad times she had this saying. “A good friend will stop you from drinking. A great friend will be sitting in the cell next you you saying, “Wasn’t that a blast?”
The apostle John had a higher view of friendship-- to help each other walk in truth. He said:
3 John 2-4 2 Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. 3 It gave me great joy to have some brothers come and tell about your faithfulness to the truth and how you continue to walk in the truth. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
NIV
"Associate yourself with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for 'tis better to be alone than in bad company."- George Washington (1732 - 1799) US Statesman.
B. Friends draw out the best in each other
Jesus was amazing. He could see the potential in people. He was always encouraging people to grow to their best. The first time he met Peter, he saw the potential of this bragging, headstrong fisherman. Andrew introduced Peter to Jesus.
John 1:42
42 He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him, and said, "You are Simon the son of John; you shall be called Cephas" (which is translated Peter a rock). NASB
When Jesus saw the faith of some friends who brought a paralyzed man to Jesus, Jesus was moved by the man and his friends.
Luke 5:20
20 When Jesus saw their faith, he said, "Friend, your sins are forgiven." NIV
Friendship inspires change!
"Treat people as if they were what they ought to be and you help them to become what they are capable of being." -Goethe
C. Friends keep Confidences
Trust is a really big thing in friendships. There can be no friendship without trust. One thing that promotes trust is the ability to keep secrets. I am not talking about unhealthy secrets, like abuse, but ordinary secrets between friends.
High school students are famous for pulling a secret out of you and then blabbing it all over school. It is devastating when trust is broken in this way.
Solomon the wisest man in the world had some great advice for healthy friendships. Several of these Proverbs dealt with keeping secrets.
Prov 11:12-13
12 A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor,
but a man of understanding holds his tongue.
13 A gossip betrays a confidence,
but a trustworthy man keeps a secret. NIV
Prov 12:23
23 A prudent man keeps his knowledge to himself,
but the heart of fools blurts out folly. NIV
So, what are the….
II. Choices One Makes to Be a Good Friend
A. Friendship requires Effort
One of the most famous friendships in history is the friendship between David and Jonathan in the Bible. Jonathan saw the kind of man David was when he killed the giant Goliath. His friendship was tested when Jonathan’s dad decided he wanted David killed out of jealousy.
1 Sam 19:1-3 19 Saul told his son Jonathan and all the attendants to kill David. But Jonathan was very fond of David 2 and warned him, "My father Saul is looking for a chance to kill you. Be on your guard tomorrow morning; go into hiding and stay there. 3 I will go out and stand with my father in the field where you are. I'll speak to him about you and will tell you what I find out." NIV
George Washington, another military man understood the power of a tested friend. The word “friend” for him had high value.
"True friendship is a plant of slow growth, and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity before it is entitled to the appellation."- George Washington, (as above)
Another choice we make to be a friend is
B. Be Alert to the Needs of my Friend
We can get so busy in our lives that we can loose track of our friend’s needs.
3 John 5-7
5 Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, even though they are strangers to you. 6 They have told the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. NIV
Walter Winchell said:
"A friend is one who walks in when others walk out" -Walter Winchell
Kathy from our previous church was always there when things were the toughest. It was a gifting.
Another choice I make to be a good friend is to be:
C. Willing to Speak Truth to my Friend
One of the hardest, but most important things I can do as a friend is challenge my friend when I see them going in a wrong direction.
Prov 27:6
6 Wounds from a friend can be trusted,
but an enemy multiplies kisses.
NIV
Treasure someone who is willing to lovingly correct you.
Prov 27:9
9 Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart,
and the pleasantness of one's friend springs from his earnest counsel.
NIV
"The best mirror is an old friend." - George Herbert
A true friend will appreciate your input. As a friend I must not only give good advice but be willing to receive good advice.
Prov 9:8-9
8 Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you;
rebuke a wise man and he will love you.
9 Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still;
teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning.
NIV
Another choice I make to be a good friend is to:
D. Seek Friends of Character
Prov 1:10,11,18
10 My son, if sinners entice you,
do not give in to them.
11 If they say, "Come along with us;
let's lie in wait for someone's blood,
let's waylay some harmless soul;……
18 These men lie in wait for their own blood;
they waylay only themselves!
NIV
Prov 18:24 24 A man of many companions may come to ruin,
but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
NIV
"Tell me what company thou keepst, and I'll tell thee what thou art."- Miguel de Cervantes (1547 - 1616) Spanish novelist.
As I thought of friendship I thought about friendship with God.
III. God as a Friend
Just as in human relationships
A. We have to take time to be God’s friend: Moses
Moses made the effort to connect regularly with God.
Ex 33:10-11
10 Whenever the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance to the tent, they all stood and worshiped, each at the entrance to his tent. 11 The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent.
NIV
What an awesome thing to be considered by the God of creation to be his friend.
To truly be God’s friend we have to love what he loves. Our hearts have to really respond to his passions.
As God’s friend:
B. I am Part of God’s Personal Conversation
God the Holy Spirit prays for us.
Rom 8:26-28 26 And in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; 27 and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
NASB
Christ’s advocates for us to the Father.
1 John 2:1-2
2 My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense — Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.
NIV
Jesus regularly brings us up in conversation with the Father.
Heb 7:25
25 Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.
NIV
Jesus showed friends:
C. Faithfulness right to the End
Jesus was amazing how long he held in there with Judas. Judas will be judged by God for betraying Jesus. But Jesus never gave up on him right to the end, until Judas drew his last breath. This gives me hope that Jesus will patiently hang in there with me.
Matt 26:47-51
47 While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: "The one I kiss is the man; arrest him." 49 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, "Greetings, Rabbi!" and kissed him.
50 Jesus replied, "Friend, do what you came for."
Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him.
NIV
"Your friend is the person who knows all about you, and still likes you." - Elbert Hubard
Jesus gave the ultimate in friendship
C. He has Given His All
Jesus made the effort to become our friend. He came to a hostile world in order that we would have the opportunity to have us as a friend.
John 1:14
14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
NIV
John 3:16-18 16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
NIV
My logical response to this kind of love is to desire God’s friendship. If you are searching for God, be sure to chat with any of us here about how to get to know God as a friend.
I encourage you to also make the effort to be a good friend. It will pay you rich dividends.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Love of God Controls Me
Foundational to my Christian life is my motivation. The Christian Life would be miserable if the motivation for me to do right was out of guilt, fear, or duty. Obedience would be hollow, tiresome, and boring.
But I am so overwhelmed by God's love for me. It is his amazing love for me that causes me to respond in obedience. That response produces joy. Below is a verse that shows Paul's motivation in sharing the good news of Jesus--God's love.
2 Cor 5:14-1514 For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; 15 and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf. NASU
I am so overwhelmed by the love and forgiveness that God has given to me, that I must act in love for God and for people.
John said it very simply: 1 John 5:2-42 This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. 3 This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, 4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.NIV
Do you love God? There is a very simple test. Do you obey him?
But I am so overwhelmed by God's love for me. It is his amazing love for me that causes me to respond in obedience. That response produces joy. Below is a verse that shows Paul's motivation in sharing the good news of Jesus--God's love.
2 Cor 5:14-1514 For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; 15 and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf. NASU
I am so overwhelmed by the love and forgiveness that God has given to me, that I must act in love for God and for people.
John said it very simply: 1 John 5:2-42 This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. 3 This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, 4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.NIV
Do you love God? There is a very simple test. Do you obey him?
Saturday, January 31, 2009
When Things are Going Badly
Sometimes life is just hard. David had some great strategies to follow when he was in difficult circumstances
Ps 37:1-7
Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong;
2 for like the grass they will soon wither,like green plants they will soon die away.
3 Trust in the Lord and do good;dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
4 Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.
5 Commit your way to the Lord;trust in him and he will do this:
6 He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.
7 Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him;do not fret when men succeed in their ways,when they carry out their wicked schemes. NIV
Here are his ideas. Don't get wrapped up in worrying. Keep at faithfully doing good.
Take time to get to know God and learn to trust him.
What I love is the promise that he will bring forth your righteousness as the dawn. Through problems God is doing something. He is building your character. As you let him lead your life he will establish your character.
After developing your character he will give you an impact in others lives.
David finishes with encouraging us to be patient. God's ways are usually not quickly accomplished. He works thoroughtly though not quickly. Ultimately the righteous are blessed.
Ps 37:1-7
Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong;
2 for like the grass they will soon wither,like green plants they will soon die away.
3 Trust in the Lord and do good;dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
4 Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.
5 Commit your way to the Lord;trust in him and he will do this:
6 He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.
7 Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him;do not fret when men succeed in their ways,when they carry out their wicked schemes. NIV
Here are his ideas. Don't get wrapped up in worrying. Keep at faithfully doing good.
Take time to get to know God and learn to trust him.
What I love is the promise that he will bring forth your righteousness as the dawn. Through problems God is doing something. He is building your character. As you let him lead your life he will establish your character.
After developing your character he will give you an impact in others lives.
David finishes with encouraging us to be patient. God's ways are usually not quickly accomplished. He works thoroughtly though not quickly. Ultimately the righteous are blessed.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Motivated by Love
Bill Bright, the leader of Campus Crusade for Christ, used to tell this story.
A husband had a grading sheet for his wife. At the end of each day, depending on how good a wife she was, he would give her a grade. She hated this pressure.
Thankfully that husband died. She married a new husband. The new husband was amazing. He just loved her, not requiring anything in response. She was warmed by his consistant kindness, compassion, and loving care.
About 5 years later she was rumaging through the attic and came across one of the old grading lists of the first husband. Her first response was anger, just remembering the pain of that relationship. But then she laughed. As she looked at the list she was now doing all the things on the list for her new husband without being asked.
Our relationship with God is like being married to the second husband. God loves us. The great love he has given us causes us to just obey God naturally in response to his love. That obedience to God is not a burden.
In my walk with God I do not think about all the things I cannot do and all the things I have to do as a Christian. I am so greatful to be loved that obeying God is the most natural thing in the world.
A husband had a grading sheet for his wife. At the end of each day, depending on how good a wife she was, he would give her a grade. She hated this pressure.
Thankfully that husband died. She married a new husband. The new husband was amazing. He just loved her, not requiring anything in response. She was warmed by his consistant kindness, compassion, and loving care.
About 5 years later she was rumaging through the attic and came across one of the old grading lists of the first husband. Her first response was anger, just remembering the pain of that relationship. But then she laughed. As she looked at the list she was now doing all the things on the list for her new husband without being asked.
Our relationship with God is like being married to the second husband. God loves us. The great love he has given us causes us to just obey God naturally in response to his love. That obedience to God is not a burden.
In my walk with God I do not think about all the things I cannot do and all the things I have to do as a Christian. I am so greatful to be loved that obeying God is the most natural thing in the world.
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