"Deadlines, commitments, what to leave in, what to leave out." There is a song in there somewhere. We all face deadlines of sorts. We all have commitments. What we say we'll do, limits what we can do. For every opportunity we take, there are others we miss.
The danger isn't in missing an opportunity. The danger is missing the wrong opportunity. It requires focus and vision to know what opportunities are worth passing by. There are many people who chase after a dream only to find that it didn't bring them the happiness they hoped it would, and in the end it caused them to miss the best things in their lives. Cat Stevens sang "The Cat's in the Cradle." John Anderson sang, "I Wish I Could have been There."
Who knows how many other people were busy chasing a deadline, only to find out that they missed out on so many other things. A great work ethic is a wonderful thing, and rare these days. Having a dream to chase is great, too. But if we aren't careful we may spend most of our lives in the pursuit of what we don't have, at the cost of what we do.
Monday, July 23, 2012
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Sunday Recap 7-22-12
Morning: The sermon, "Which Way Will You Go?" focused on Matthew 7:13-14. In this passage, Jesus commands us to enter the narrow gate. The context in Matthew and in other Scriptures, lead me to conclude Jesus is speaking of himself. As he said in John, "'Truly, Truly, I say to you, I he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs in another way, that man is a thief and a robber' . . . So Jesus said to them again, "Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep" (John 10:1,7). From here, Jesus presents us with two ways.
The Broad Way
We can call this way, "Whatever Way," because on this way whatever goes. gate is wide because it captures the full spectrum of human morality from legalism to lawlessness. The way is broad because it is so frequently traveled. Solomon warned, "There is a way that seems right to man, but its end is the way of death" (Prov. 14:12). This path is the path we are born on. We are sinners, turned away from God. It is the way that ends in judgment.
The Narrow Way
The narrow way is hard. It is hard because it requires to you take up your cross, follow Jesus, and die daily. It's hard because it may require you to give up your home, your family, your wealth, your health, or your very life. It's hard because so few find it. It's hard because it winds through temptations, testings, persecutions, and tribulations. It's hard because it isn't about following rules. It's hard because we are prone to wander.
So how do we obey Jesus?
The Broad Way
We can call this way, "Whatever Way," because on this way whatever goes. gate is wide because it captures the full spectrum of human morality from legalism to lawlessness. The way is broad because it is so frequently traveled. Solomon warned, "There is a way that seems right to man, but its end is the way of death" (Prov. 14:12). This path is the path we are born on. We are sinners, turned away from God. It is the way that ends in judgment.
The Narrow Way
The narrow way is hard. It is hard because it requires to you take up your cross, follow Jesus, and die daily. It's hard because it may require you to give up your home, your family, your wealth, your health, or your very life. It's hard because so few find it. It's hard because it winds through temptations, testings, persecutions, and tribulations. It's hard because it isn't about following rules. It's hard because we are prone to wander.
So how do we obey Jesus?
We need to understand the project correctly. Most of us
understand conversion as an act of renovation. There is some truth to that, but
the renovation of our soul is less like This Old House, and more like Extreme
Makeover: Home Edition. Tom, Norm, and the gang keep a lot of the old, and
blend it with the new. Ty and his crew bulldozed it down, and built something
new.
1. It starts with repentance. Repentance is a change of
mind. It means we change course.
2. Next we believe. We come to trust Jesus as our only source
of righteousness. As the old hymn says, "In my hand no price I bring, simply to Thy cross I cling."
3. Through faith, we devote ourselves to becoming a student
of Christ.
Evening: The lesson, "Sanctified by the Word," focused on using Scripture to grow in our sanctification. Jesus' statements in John 17:17, help us to understand that the Spirit primarily uses Scripture to accomplish sanctification in our life.
How do we grow?
1. Know yourself. What are your weaknesses?
2. Trust God. He has given you everything you need to grow in godliness.
3. Recognize you're at war. 1 Peter 5:8, 2 Cor. 2:11.
How do we apply this?
1. Pick one of your weaknesses. For example, we'll look at anger.
2. Change your mindset--You have to move from "I can't do this," to "Through Christ, I can do anything."
3. Renew your mind through the study of Scripture. Look up what God says about your problem. Read, pray, meditate, and memorize. Here are some Scriptures concerning anger: Eph. 4:26-17; Proverbs 14:16-17, 29; 22:24-25; 29:22.
4. Put into practice what you learn.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Names of God: El Elyon
El Elyon, the God Most High, is one of my favorite Old Testament names for God. When we speak of God as Most High, we speak of his nature as the Ultimate. He is above all things. In Daniel 4, Nebuchadnezzer states,
1. His kingdom is eternal. There is no start and stop. He will not be replaced upon his death, because he cannot die.
2. He does as the pleases. When Nebuchadnezzer says "all the inhabitants of earth are accounted as nothing," he doesn't mean that God does care about people. He means that God's will trumps all other wills.
3. He can't be stopped. No one can stay the hand of God. What we wills will come to pass.
4. He can't be questioned. God does not answer to humanity. We lack his wisdom and knowledge. We are the created and he is the Creator.
God is over all things. He is the Most High, and none can compare to him. Place your trust in El Elyon, and know you are secure in his mighty hands.
I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever, for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation; all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, "What have you done?" (Dan. 4:34-35, ESV).In these words, Nebuchadnezzer gives us a fourfold description of the God Most High.
1. His kingdom is eternal. There is no start and stop. He will not be replaced upon his death, because he cannot die.
2. He does as the pleases. When Nebuchadnezzer says "all the inhabitants of earth are accounted as nothing," he doesn't mean that God does care about people. He means that God's will trumps all other wills.
3. He can't be stopped. No one can stay the hand of God. What we wills will come to pass.
4. He can't be questioned. God does not answer to humanity. We lack his wisdom and knowledge. We are the created and he is the Creator.
God is over all things. He is the Most High, and none can compare to him. Place your trust in El Elyon, and know you are secure in his mighty hands.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Spiritual Songs: "The Names of God"
Here is a beautiful song the covers the Old Testament names for God. I hope it helps you to meditate on the greatness of our God.
Monday, July 16, 2012
How Should We Approach Alcohol?
This was part of my sermon recap from 7-15-12, but I thought it was worth repeating. Alcohol has long been a part of human history. Anti-alcohol attitudes have persisted in the rural, southern areas. However, our culture is slowly changing. It is important we think biblically concern the the use of alcohol. For that reason, I am posting this again.
A few weeks ago, I made a statement concerning drinking during a sermon. I said, "I'm not saying drinking is evil." The statement lacked clarity, and created some confusion as to what I believe concerning alcohol. First, I will explain why I said I don't think drinking is evil, in and of itself. Then I'll explain how I think we should approach alcohol.
The reason I don't think drinking is evil, in and of itself, is based on two premises draw from Scripture.
1. Jesus never sinned. Hebrews 4:15 and 1 Peter 2:22 both state this fact.
2. Jesus, most likely, drank alcohol. Jesus' first miracle was turning water into wine. The context suggests that it was wine and not grape juice (See John 2). Also in Matthew 11:18-19, Jesus implies that he drank wine or alcohol. He states, "For John did not come eating or drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon!' The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds" (Matt. 11:18-19). John didn't drink because he was forbidden by the Lord (see Luke 1:15). Jesus says he "came eating and drinking" in contrast to John which seems to imply Jesus drank alcohol. The accusation by the crowd was Jesus was a "drunkard." We can know for certain Jesus wasn't a drunkard, but if he never drank alcohol, why would they accuse him of such?
Drawing these two premises together, we can say since Jesus, who never sinned, likely consumed alcohol, we can conclude drinking alcohol, in and of itself, is not a sin. If our conclusion is true, then how do we approach alcohol?
1. Romans 14 has a lot to say about "disputable matters" or matters of conscience. Romans 14:21, places the consumption of alcohol in this category. In this passage, Paul gives us two guiding principles: serving God with a clear conscience and serving our neighbors in love.
2. Alcohol may be used as medicine. See 1 Timothy 5:23; and Prov. 31:6-7. Even our Church Covenant is worded so as not to exclude the use of alcohol as medicine. It states we are, "to abstain from the sale of, and use of, intoxicating drinks as a beverage."
3. Alcohol should be approached with caution, with the full awareness it can quickly master those who use it. See Proverbs 20:1; 23:29-35.
4. Therefore, leaders should not consume alcohol. See Proverbs 31:4-5; 1 Tim. 3:3-8, Titus 1:7.
5. Those controlled by alcohol (drunkards) are condemned. Ephesians 5:18, helps us to understand drunkenness. By contrasting drunkenness with being filled by the Spirit, Paul paints a picture of total transformation. Being drunk with wine changes one's speech, their movement, and their attitudes. Being filled with the Spirit also changes one's speech, movement, and attitudes. Paul tells us that drunkards are among those who won't inherit the kingdom of heaven (1 Cor. 6:9-10). We are not even to associate with a professing believer who is a drunkard (1 Cor. 5:11).
6. Because the common understanding, within our culture, is that good Christians don't drink alcohol, it is best to abstain from drinking alcohol. Abstinence in these circumstances maintains the spirit of 1 Corinthians 8 and Romans 14.
7. On a personal note, I don't drink for several reasons. I learned a long time ago that I have an addictive personality, and I don't want to run the risk of being ruled by alcohol. I grew up in a home where drinking was frowned upon, and my conscience bares witness to that learning. I don't want set an example that leads others down a path that may destroy them. And I have covenanted with the Monticello to abstain from the sale of and use of intoxicating drinks as a beverage.
A few weeks ago, I made a statement concerning drinking during a sermon. I said, "I'm not saying drinking is evil." The statement lacked clarity, and created some confusion as to what I believe concerning alcohol. First, I will explain why I said I don't think drinking is evil, in and of itself. Then I'll explain how I think we should approach alcohol.
The reason I don't think drinking is evil, in and of itself, is based on two premises draw from Scripture.
1. Jesus never sinned. Hebrews 4:15 and 1 Peter 2:22 both state this fact.
2. Jesus, most likely, drank alcohol. Jesus' first miracle was turning water into wine. The context suggests that it was wine and not grape juice (See John 2). Also in Matthew 11:18-19, Jesus implies that he drank wine or alcohol. He states, "For John did not come eating or drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon!' The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds" (Matt. 11:18-19). John didn't drink because he was forbidden by the Lord (see Luke 1:15). Jesus says he "came eating and drinking" in contrast to John which seems to imply Jesus drank alcohol. The accusation by the crowd was Jesus was a "drunkard." We can know for certain Jesus wasn't a drunkard, but if he never drank alcohol, why would they accuse him of such?
Drawing these two premises together, we can say since Jesus, who never sinned, likely consumed alcohol, we can conclude drinking alcohol, in and of itself, is not a sin. If our conclusion is true, then how do we approach alcohol?
1. Romans 14 has a lot to say about "disputable matters" or matters of conscience. Romans 14:21, places the consumption of alcohol in this category. In this passage, Paul gives us two guiding principles: serving God with a clear conscience and serving our neighbors in love.
2. Alcohol may be used as medicine. See 1 Timothy 5:23; and Prov. 31:6-7. Even our Church Covenant is worded so as not to exclude the use of alcohol as medicine. It states we are, "to abstain from the sale of, and use of, intoxicating drinks as a beverage."
3. Alcohol should be approached with caution, with the full awareness it can quickly master those who use it. See Proverbs 20:1; 23:29-35.
4. Therefore, leaders should not consume alcohol. See Proverbs 31:4-5; 1 Tim. 3:3-8, Titus 1:7.
5. Those controlled by alcohol (drunkards) are condemned. Ephesians 5:18, helps us to understand drunkenness. By contrasting drunkenness with being filled by the Spirit, Paul paints a picture of total transformation. Being drunk with wine changes one's speech, their movement, and their attitudes. Being filled with the Spirit also changes one's speech, movement, and attitudes. Paul tells us that drunkards are among those who won't inherit the kingdom of heaven (1 Cor. 6:9-10). We are not even to associate with a professing believer who is a drunkard (1 Cor. 5:11).
6. Because the common understanding, within our culture, is that good Christians don't drink alcohol, it is best to abstain from drinking alcohol. Abstinence in these circumstances maintains the spirit of 1 Corinthians 8 and Romans 14.
7. On a personal note, I don't drink for several reasons. I learned a long time ago that I have an addictive personality, and I don't want to run the risk of being ruled by alcohol. I grew up in a home where drinking was frowned upon, and my conscience bares witness to that learning. I don't want set an example that leads others down a path that may destroy them. And I have covenanted with the Monticello to abstain from the sale of and use of intoxicating drinks as a beverage.
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Sermon Recap 7-15-12
Morning: The sermon, "Worldliness," focused on 1 John 5:15-17. In this passage, John warns us not to love the world or the things of the world. Warren Wiersbe defines worldliness as: "Anything in a Christian's life that cause him to him to lose his enjoyment of the Father's love or his desire to do his Father's will." John states is more forcefully. He gives us two truths to focus on.
1. You can't love both the world and the Father.
John uses the term "world" here to speak of the evil organized earthy system that rails against the will of God. In other words, John is speaking about the kingdom of darkness. Look at how he defines the "things of the world":
2. You must choose: death or life?
John says the world is passing away. The "god of this age" has been defeated. The accuser of the brothers has no power. The kingdom of this world is being brought under the feet of Christ. Those who love this world will pass with it into the lake of fire.
But those who do the Father's will live forever. Loving the Father (and Jesus his Son) is demonstrated by our obedience to his commands.
What do we do with this?
Examine your life.
Repent of worldliness.
Draw near to the Father through Jesus his Son.
Practice self-discipline. Make no provision for the flesh.
Evening: The lesson, "99 Bottles" was a topical look at what the Bible says about Alcohol. A few weeks ago, I made a statement concerning drinking during a sermon. I said, "I'm not saying drinking is evil." The statement lacked clarity, and created some confusion as to what I believe concerning alcohol. First, I will explain why I said I don't think drinking is evil, in and of itself. Then I'll explain how I think we should approach alcohol.
The reason I don't think drinking is evil, in and of itself, is based on two premises draw from Scripture.
1. Jesus never sinned. Hebrews 4:15 and 1 Peter 2:22 both state this fact.
2. Jesus, most likely, drank alcohol. Jesus' first miracle was turning water into wine. The context suggests that it was wine and not grape juice (See John 2). Also in Matthew 11:18-19, Jesus implies that he drank wine or alcohol. He states, "For John did not come eating or drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon!' The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds" (Matt. 11:18-19). John didn't drink because he was forbidden by the Lord (see Luke 1:15). Jesus says he "came eating and drinking" in contrast to John which seems to imply Jesus drank alcohol. The accusation by the crowd was Jesus was a "drunkard." We can know for certain Jesus wasn't a drunkard, but if he never drank alcohol, why would they accuse him of such?
Drawing these two premises together, we can say since Jesus, who never sinned, likely consumed alcohol, we can conclude drinking alcohol, in and of itself, is not a sin. If our conclusion is true, then how do we approach alcohol?
1. Romans 14 has a lot to say about "disputable matters" or matters of conscience. Romans 14:21, places the consumption of alcohol in this category. In this passage, Paul gives us two guiding principles: serving God with a clear conscience and serving our neighbors in love.
2. Alcohol may be used as medicine. See 1 Timothy 5:23; and Prov. 31:6-7. Even our Church Covenant is worded so as not to exclude the use of alcohol as medicine. It states we are, "to abstain from the sale of, and use of, intoxicating drinks as a beverage."
3. Alcohol should be approached with caution, with the full awareness it can quickly master those who use it. See Proverbs 20:1; 23:29-35.
4. Therefore, leaders should not consume alcohol. See Proverbs 31:4-5; 1 Tim. 3:3-8, Titus 1:7.
5. Those controlled by alcohol (drunkards) are condemned. Ephesians 5:18, helps us to understand drunkenness. By contrasting drunkenness with being filled by the Spirit, Paul paints a picture of total transformation. Being drunk with wine changes one's speech, their movement, and their attitudes. Being filled with the Spirit also changes one's speech, movement, and attitudes. Paul tells us that drunkards are among those who won't inherit the kingdom of heaven (1 Cor. 6:9-10). We are not even to associate with a professing believer who is a drunkard (1 Cor. 5:11).
6. Because the common understanding, within our culture, is that good Christians don't drink alcohol, it is best to abstain from drinking alcohol. Abstinence in these circumstances maintains the spirit of 1 Corinthians 8 and Romans 14.
7. On a personal note, I don't drink for several reasons. I learned a long time ago that I have an addictive personality, and I don't want to run the risk of being ruled by alcohol. I grew up in a home where drinking was frowned upon, and my conscience bares witness to that learning. I don't want set an example that leads others down a path that may destroy them. And I have covenanted with the Monticello to abstain from the sale of and use of intoxicating drinks as a beverage.
1. You can't love both the world and the Father.
John uses the term "world" here to speak of the evil organized earthy system that rails against the will of God. In other words, John is speaking about the kingdom of darkness. Look at how he defines the "things of the world":
- Lusts of the Flesh (Cravings of sinful man)
- Hunger, Sleep, Sex Drive, Pleasure, Relaxation, Work, Family, Safety can all be turned from natural human desires to sinful excesses.
- Lusts of the Eyes
- Envy, Discontentment
- Pride of Life (Boasting in what he has and does)
- Materialism, Arrogance, Intellectualism
2. You must choose: death or life?
John says the world is passing away. The "god of this age" has been defeated. The accuser of the brothers has no power. The kingdom of this world is being brought under the feet of Christ. Those who love this world will pass with it into the lake of fire.
But those who do the Father's will live forever. Loving the Father (and Jesus his Son) is demonstrated by our obedience to his commands.
What do we do with this?
Examine your life.
Repent of worldliness.
Draw near to the Father through Jesus his Son.
Practice self-discipline. Make no provision for the flesh.
Evening: The lesson, "99 Bottles" was a topical look at what the Bible says about Alcohol. A few weeks ago, I made a statement concerning drinking during a sermon. I said, "I'm not saying drinking is evil." The statement lacked clarity, and created some confusion as to what I believe concerning alcohol. First, I will explain why I said I don't think drinking is evil, in and of itself. Then I'll explain how I think we should approach alcohol.
The reason I don't think drinking is evil, in and of itself, is based on two premises draw from Scripture.
1. Jesus never sinned. Hebrews 4:15 and 1 Peter 2:22 both state this fact.
2. Jesus, most likely, drank alcohol. Jesus' first miracle was turning water into wine. The context suggests that it was wine and not grape juice (See John 2). Also in Matthew 11:18-19, Jesus implies that he drank wine or alcohol. He states, "For John did not come eating or drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon!' The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds" (Matt. 11:18-19). John didn't drink because he was forbidden by the Lord (see Luke 1:15). Jesus says he "came eating and drinking" in contrast to John which seems to imply Jesus drank alcohol. The accusation by the crowd was Jesus was a "drunkard." We can know for certain Jesus wasn't a drunkard, but if he never drank alcohol, why would they accuse him of such?
Drawing these two premises together, we can say since Jesus, who never sinned, likely consumed alcohol, we can conclude drinking alcohol, in and of itself, is not a sin. If our conclusion is true, then how do we approach alcohol?
1. Romans 14 has a lot to say about "disputable matters" or matters of conscience. Romans 14:21, places the consumption of alcohol in this category. In this passage, Paul gives us two guiding principles: serving God with a clear conscience and serving our neighbors in love.
2. Alcohol may be used as medicine. See 1 Timothy 5:23; and Prov. 31:6-7. Even our Church Covenant is worded so as not to exclude the use of alcohol as medicine. It states we are, "to abstain from the sale of, and use of, intoxicating drinks as a beverage."
3. Alcohol should be approached with caution, with the full awareness it can quickly master those who use it. See Proverbs 20:1; 23:29-35.
4. Therefore, leaders should not consume alcohol. See Proverbs 31:4-5; 1 Tim. 3:3-8, Titus 1:7.
5. Those controlled by alcohol (drunkards) are condemned. Ephesians 5:18, helps us to understand drunkenness. By contrasting drunkenness with being filled by the Spirit, Paul paints a picture of total transformation. Being drunk with wine changes one's speech, their movement, and their attitudes. Being filled with the Spirit also changes one's speech, movement, and attitudes. Paul tells us that drunkards are among those who won't inherit the kingdom of heaven (1 Cor. 6:9-10). We are not even to associate with a professing believer who is a drunkard (1 Cor. 5:11).
6. Because the common understanding, within our culture, is that good Christians don't drink alcohol, it is best to abstain from drinking alcohol. Abstinence in these circumstances maintains the spirit of 1 Corinthians 8 and Romans 14.
7. On a personal note, I don't drink for several reasons. I learned a long time ago that I have an addictive personality, and I don't want to run the risk of being ruled by alcohol. I grew up in a home where drinking was frowned upon, and my conscience bares witness to that learning. I don't want set an example that leads others down a path that may destroy them. And I have covenanted with the Monticello to abstain from the sale of and use of intoxicating drinks as a beverage.
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