"The idolatry that exists in man's heart always wants to lead him away from his Savior and back to self-reliance no matter how pitiful that self-reliance is or how many times it has betrayed him. Religion is the tool the self-righteous man uses to exalt himself. Again, this isn't new; the apostle Paul lays out in Philippians 3:4-9 his religious pedigree and practice as an example of what a man can accomplish with discipline and hard work. In that passage Paul states that all his religious effort, exhaustive checklist of all his accomplishments included, amounts to nothing compared to the surpassing greatness of Christ. He goes a step further and even calls it 'rubbish' or 'dung'. Think about that: all your church attendance, all your religious activities, your Sunday school attendance medals, your journals, having a 'quiet time', reading the scriptures-it's all in vain if you don't have Christ. When you read Paul's texts together, you get a feel for his attack on the Christian, moralistic, therapeutic deism of his day. We are saved, sanctified, and sustained by what Jesus did for us on the cross and through the power of his resurrection."
Matt Chandler, The Explicit Gospel
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Monday, July 9, 2012
Relying on the Word!
"All scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."
II Timothy 3:16-17
Most Christians have some level of familiarity with the above verses. And while it is beneficial that these verses be understood in the broadest context, it is equally beneficial that we understand the immediate application of Paul's description of God's word. Ask yourself: why did Paul include these sentences at this point in his letter to Timothy? Why did he say what he said and why did he say it when he said it? Begin reading in verse 10 and read through to 4:8. Here we find some reasons. Paul has set an example for others...because of God's word. Paul has endured great afflictions for Christ...because of God's word. Paul is honest in his assessment of present and future hardships...because of God's word. Paul declares that we may know about the gospel...because of God's word. Paul warns of the coming judgment...because of God's word. Paul encourages the preaching of sound doctrine...because of God's word. Paul is certain that all sacrifice will be richly and eternally repayed...because of God's word. See the pattern? Paul is making certain that we understand that scripture is not the invention of men. It is not limited in its usefulness or power. It has not been pulled out of "thin air". It is not the product of religious minds. It is from God himself; scripture is God-breathed! Therefore, we may build our lives on its content, knowing that God himself will always, without fail, honor His word. Paul desired for Timothy to carry this conviction into his ministry. Let us carry this same conviction into ours.
II Timothy 3:16-17
Most Christians have some level of familiarity with the above verses. And while it is beneficial that these verses be understood in the broadest context, it is equally beneficial that we understand the immediate application of Paul's description of God's word. Ask yourself: why did Paul include these sentences at this point in his letter to Timothy? Why did he say what he said and why did he say it when he said it? Begin reading in verse 10 and read through to 4:8. Here we find some reasons. Paul has set an example for others...because of God's word. Paul has endured great afflictions for Christ...because of God's word. Paul is honest in his assessment of present and future hardships...because of God's word. Paul declares that we may know about the gospel...because of God's word. Paul warns of the coming judgment...because of God's word. Paul encourages the preaching of sound doctrine...because of God's word. Paul is certain that all sacrifice will be richly and eternally repayed...because of God's word. See the pattern? Paul is making certain that we understand that scripture is not the invention of men. It is not limited in its usefulness or power. It has not been pulled out of "thin air". It is not the product of religious minds. It is from God himself; scripture is God-breathed! Therefore, we may build our lives on its content, knowing that God himself will always, without fail, honor His word. Paul desired for Timothy to carry this conviction into his ministry. Let us carry this same conviction into ours.
Friday, July 6, 2012
Don't Be Naive!
Last Sunday, while preaching from Acts 16:16-33, I warned our congregation against the casual dismissing of the demonic in both the biblical storyline and our present world. Many will simply deny the fact that scripture clearly attributes various personal afflictions and oppressions directly to demonic influence. Others, wanting to uphold the truth of the Bible, will affirm the stories as accurate and trustworthy. But, they explain that somehow, in the advance of the past two thousand years, demons have simply vanished. Both views are wrong. We still live in a fallen world where the demonic is ever-present. That's the bad news. The good news is this: We have authority over the enemy in the name of Jesus! Don't be naive. Demons are real and present...right here...right now. But don't be afraid. Remember the words of Jesus: "Be courageous! I have conquered the world."
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Goodbye Andy!
I just received word that actor Andy Griffith passed away this morning at the age of 86. Although his career was marked by various successes, he will be best remembered as Sheriff Andy Taylor of Mayberry. The Andy Griffith Show will forever be remembered as an icon of American television. And deservedly so! I still laugh out loud when watching the exploits of Andy, Barney, and the Mayberrry citizenship. Several biblical principles come to mind when considering The Andy Griffith Show. They include:
*Simplicity. It's the simple things that can make us the happiest. Simplicity makes contentment shine.
*Family and Community. The people around us are gifts from God. Granted, some require diligent patience and care, but, at some point, we are all on that list. That's why the rule of love is so important.
*Laughter. The Bible tells us that laughter is a great medicine. That's why The Andy Griffith Show is such a great prescription. How can we watch Otis or listen to Floyd and not laugh?
*Resolution. At the end of each episode, life was seen as back to normal in Mayberry. Problems solved. Relationships mended. Criminals jailed. Barney humbled (sometimes). While life is not a sitcom with convenient and quick resolutions, we trust that in the end everything will be O.K. Why? Because God said so! And like Andy and Barney on the front porch at the close of the day, we can share the same peace and tranquility knowing that all is well because of Jesus. Thanks, Andy, for the fond memories. We will miss you.
p.s.- For laughs courtesy of Mayberry, check out some of my Mayberry Monday entries from the first year of this blog.
*Simplicity. It's the simple things that can make us the happiest. Simplicity makes contentment shine.
*Family and Community. The people around us are gifts from God. Granted, some require diligent patience and care, but, at some point, we are all on that list. That's why the rule of love is so important.
*Laughter. The Bible tells us that laughter is a great medicine. That's why The Andy Griffith Show is such a great prescription. How can we watch Otis or listen to Floyd and not laugh?
*Resolution. At the end of each episode, life was seen as back to normal in Mayberry. Problems solved. Relationships mended. Criminals jailed. Barney humbled (sometimes). While life is not a sitcom with convenient and quick resolutions, we trust that in the end everything will be O.K. Why? Because God said so! And like Andy and Barney on the front porch at the close of the day, we can share the same peace and tranquility knowing that all is well because of Jesus. Thanks, Andy, for the fond memories. We will miss you.
p.s.- For laughs courtesy of Mayberry, check out some of my Mayberry Monday entries from the first year of this blog.
Monday, July 2, 2012
Attitude Adjustment
Today is Monday; need an "attitude adjustment"? If so, this post is for you. If your attitude is fine today, then read this and store it away for future reference. At some point you'll likely need it! It's taken from James MacDonald's book Lord, Change My Attitude. MacDonald writes:
"Looking a little closer at Numbers 11:1, it's hard to miss the fact that we choose our attitudes. That's a short sentence and you might be speed reading, so let me say it again: We choose our attitudes! Oh, yes, we do! They don't choose us; we choose them. You should see the looks I get when I teach this truth publicly. People get all uptight and angry looking, like they're going to storm the platform, and I understand why. Nobody wants to be told 'Your attitude problem is in the mirror'-but it is. Until we embrace as fact the idea that we choose our attitudes, we will never be able to choose differently, and life will always be like a wilderness. Notice what Numbers 11:1 says: the people! They couldn't point the finger anywhere but at themselves...Back to God's word: 'The people became like those who complain.' Why did they become like that? Because they had to? Because someone forced them, because of the way they were brought up? No; they chose. They had good reasons not to complain; they had more than enough reasons to be thankful. Instead, they chose the attitude of complaining. God's final judgment on their attitudes clearly held them accountable for their choosing."
"Looking a little closer at Numbers 11:1, it's hard to miss the fact that we choose our attitudes. That's a short sentence and you might be speed reading, so let me say it again: We choose our attitudes! Oh, yes, we do! They don't choose us; we choose them. You should see the looks I get when I teach this truth publicly. People get all uptight and angry looking, like they're going to storm the platform, and I understand why. Nobody wants to be told 'Your attitude problem is in the mirror'-but it is. Until we embrace as fact the idea that we choose our attitudes, we will never be able to choose differently, and life will always be like a wilderness. Notice what Numbers 11:1 says: the people! They couldn't point the finger anywhere but at themselves...Back to God's word: 'The people became like those who complain.' Why did they become like that? Because they had to? Because someone forced them, because of the way they were brought up? No; they chose. They had good reasons not to complain; they had more than enough reasons to be thankful. Instead, they chose the attitude of complaining. God's final judgment on their attitudes clearly held them accountable for their choosing."
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