Saturday, June 6, 2009
Friday, June 5, 2009
Captain's meditation on 1 Thes. 2:2-5
1 Thessalonians 2:2-5 Paul writes... We had previously suffered and been insulted in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in spite of strong opposition. For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts. You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness.
What should be our motivation to share the gospel even in the midst of strong opposition. You are speaking as a person approved of God and entrusted with His gospel, and He will test your heart.
Someone has said, "we fear man so much because we fear God so little".
A few months back I was talking with a man and turned the conversation to spiritual things. The man simply and plainly stated what he believed about "many ways to heaven" and "all the gods are really the same thing" and "it doesn't matter what you believe as long as you believe". Since time was short I simply replied plainly in return that I believed what the bible stated, that "Jesus is the only way to heaven to escape hell". Immediately he said (offended), "well I don't think it's our job to shove our religion on anybody else". My response was, "I completely agree - I don't ever want to shove my religion on anybody, but you'd have to admit" I said, "if I believed I knew the only way to escape hell and find heaven, and that I was supposed to love others, and it didn't cost me anything to share it with others, and I didn't do it, you'd think I was the biggest hypocrite in the world". To which he nodded in agreement and admitted, "you're probably right".
Have you noticed that when the topic of spiritual things comes up the world will state plainly, boldly, and to the point, without apology what they believe. Why is it that so many Christians don't state plainly, to the point, and without apology the TRUTH of our Lord's Gospel?
Paul said, "with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in spite of strong opposition. For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts.
Of course we don't try to be offense, but it is your God given mandate to preach the gospel to all creation. Don't be afraid someone might be "offended", be more afraid they would spend eternity in hell when you could have told them the truth, and with righteous fear be more concerned that God will test our hearts, and we must not be trying to please men, but God.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
What should be our motivation to share the gospel even in the midst of strong opposition. You are speaking as a person approved of God and entrusted with His gospel, and He will test your heart.
Someone has said, "we fear man so much because we fear God so little".
A few months back I was talking with a man and turned the conversation to spiritual things. The man simply and plainly stated what he believed about "many ways to heaven" and "all the gods are really the same thing" and "it doesn't matter what you believe as long as you believe". Since time was short I simply replied plainly in return that I believed what the bible stated, that "Jesus is the only way to heaven to escape hell". Immediately he said (offended), "well I don't think it's our job to shove our religion on anybody else". My response was, "I completely agree - I don't ever want to shove my religion on anybody, but you'd have to admit" I said, "if I believed I knew the only way to escape hell and find heaven, and that I was supposed to love others, and it didn't cost me anything to share it with others, and I didn't do it, you'd think I was the biggest hypocrite in the world". To which he nodded in agreement and admitted, "you're probably right".
Have you noticed that when the topic of spiritual things comes up the world will state plainly, boldly, and to the point, without apology what they believe. Why is it that so many Christians don't state plainly, to the point, and without apology the TRUTH of our Lord's Gospel?
Paul said, "with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in spite of strong opposition. For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts.
Of course we don't try to be offense, but it is your God given mandate to preach the gospel to all creation. Don't be afraid someone might be "offended", be more afraid they would spend eternity in hell when you could have told them the truth, and with righteous fear be more concerned that God will test our hearts, and we must not be trying to please men, but God.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Captain's meditation on Ephesians 1:3-4
Ephesians 1:3-4 says... Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.
Jesus not only saves from sin and hell, but from sinning as well.
We are chosen not only to escape hell and be acceptable to God (by faith in Jesus alone because of the work He did on the cross), but we are to be holy and blameless NOW.
Later in chapter 4 of Ephesians Paul says again to live a life worthy of the calling we have received and then again in chapter 4 (in between more basic rules for holy living while here on earth) we read verse 22-24 ... You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
We have been saved from the power of sin, that we can now say NO to every temptation, and we can daily, moment by moment, choose to please and glorify God.
So again today...
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Jesus not only saves from sin and hell, but from sinning as well.
We are chosen not only to escape hell and be acceptable to God (by faith in Jesus alone because of the work He did on the cross), but we are to be holy and blameless NOW.
Later in chapter 4 of Ephesians Paul says again to live a life worthy of the calling we have received and then again in chapter 4 (in between more basic rules for holy living while here on earth) we read verse 22-24 ... You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
We have been saved from the power of sin, that we can now say NO to every temptation, and we can daily, moment by moment, choose to please and glorify God.
So again today...
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Captain's meditation on John 3:19-21 - holiness and transparency
John 3:19-21 says... This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God."
When we as follower of Jesus begin to live lives of holiness, walking in the light of God, our lives must be one of transparency.
I'm not sure who asked the question first (John Wesley or someone else?) but the question is still relevant now, "Have you nothing you desire to keep secret".
As a follower of Jesus, we must live holy and transparent lives, free of hypocrisy, no double standard, nothing but integrity with our actions matching the life and teaching of Jesus and His Holy Word to us.
Have you nothing you desire to keep secret today? If you do have something, confess it, repent of it, and be free of it.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
When we as follower of Jesus begin to live lives of holiness, walking in the light of God, our lives must be one of transparency.
I'm not sure who asked the question first (John Wesley or someone else?) but the question is still relevant now, "Have you nothing you desire to keep secret".
As a follower of Jesus, we must live holy and transparent lives, free of hypocrisy, no double standard, nothing but integrity with our actions matching the life and teaching of Jesus and His Holy Word to us.
Have you nothing you desire to keep secret today? If you do have something, confess it, repent of it, and be free of it.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Make straight the way for the Lord
John the Baptist did no miracles. Elijah performed miracle after miracle. Daniel interpreted dreams for kings and he and his friends impacted an entire nation. Jeremiah and Isaiah were two of Israel's greatest prophetic voices. Jesus built his church through the twelve disciples. But Jesus made a profound declaration about this man who performed no miracles - He is the greatest among all the prophets.
"I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he" (Matt 11:11-12).
John 7:19-23 tells us... Now this was John's testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. 20He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, "I am not the Christ." They asked him, "Then who are you? Are you Elijah?" He said, "I am not." "Are you the Prophet?" He answered, "No." Finally they said, "Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?" John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, "I am the voice of one calling in the desert, 'Make straight the way for the Lord.' "
Jesus said among those born of women there was none greater than John the Baptist, WHY? Because he was the one who pointed and directed others directly to Jesus Himself and told others to make straight the way for the Lord.
How can you be declared great by God today - simply make straight the way for the Lord. Make it your goal to point others to Jesus in all you do. Make sure you tell others that Jesus came and is coming again, and to be ready.
Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus today, if not confess (admit it) and repent of your sin (turn away from in and turn to Jesus), and put your faith in Jesus (simply trust in Him alone for your salvation from sin and hell). Once you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, then live like it. Study and obey His word, and accept His Spirit, and live a life of holiness unto the Lord. Finally spend your time telling others about Jesus so that they too can be saved from hell for heaven, and from sinful living to abundant holy living.
You want to be great for Jesus today...
Live holy, preach Jesus!
"I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he" (Matt 11:11-12).
John 7:19-23 tells us... Now this was John's testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. 20He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, "I am not the Christ." They asked him, "Then who are you? Are you Elijah?" He said, "I am not." "Are you the Prophet?" He answered, "No." Finally they said, "Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?" John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, "I am the voice of one calling in the desert, 'Make straight the way for the Lord.' "
Jesus said among those born of women there was none greater than John the Baptist, WHY? Because he was the one who pointed and directed others directly to Jesus Himself and told others to make straight the way for the Lord.
How can you be declared great by God today - simply make straight the way for the Lord. Make it your goal to point others to Jesus in all you do. Make sure you tell others that Jesus came and is coming again, and to be ready.
Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus today, if not confess (admit it) and repent of your sin (turn away from in and turn to Jesus), and put your faith in Jesus (simply trust in Him alone for your salvation from sin and hell). Once you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, then live like it. Study and obey His word, and accept His Spirit, and live a life of holiness unto the Lord. Finally spend your time telling others about Jesus so that they too can be saved from hell for heaven, and from sinful living to abundant holy living.
You want to be great for Jesus today...
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Monday, June 1, 2009
Sunday's Sermon - Balaam 2 - From sorcery to situational ethic to Spirit filled
To listen to Sunday's sermon now, just click the play arrow here for audio or download options.
For sermon notes see the full size sermon player at the bottom of this page - next to today's title is a PDF of my preaching notes.
For past sermons or podcasting see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page. Choose a message by title OR click the podcasting icon at the bottom of the sermon player.
You can also access my sermon player (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
For sermon notes see the full size sermon player at the bottom of this page - next to today's title is a PDF of my preaching notes.
For past sermons or podcasting see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page. Choose a message by title OR click the podcasting icon at the bottom of the sermon player.
You can also access my sermon player (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
A blessed Sunday to you - pondering Psalm 40
Take the time to look up Psalm 40 today and read it through a few times slowly - and consider how worship naturally includes verbal declaration.
We discussed this just last week at church that over and over when you read of God doing something in, around, or through you, the appropriate response always includes a verbal declaration.
Here are just a few verses (read the whole psalm for yourself) and consider how many times the psalmist mentions that he must verbally respond to God.
Psalm 40
1 I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. 2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. 3 He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God... 5 Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare. ... 9 I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly; I do not seal my lips, as you know, O LORD. 10 I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and salvation. I do not conceal your love and your truth from the great assembly.... 16 But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation always say, "The LORD be exalted!"
Look again at how his worship causes him to verbally talk with God and pour out his heart.
The right response for all God has done for us includes lives of holiness and lips that forever give Him praise, and tell others of Him.
On this Sunday take some time to verbally give Him praise, not just to Him, but to others.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
We discussed this just last week at church that over and over when you read of God doing something in, around, or through you, the appropriate response always includes a verbal declaration.
Here are just a few verses (read the whole psalm for yourself) and consider how many times the psalmist mentions that he must verbally respond to God.
Psalm 40
1 I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. 2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. 3 He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God... 5 Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare. ... 9 I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly; I do not seal my lips, as you know, O LORD. 10 I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and salvation. I do not conceal your love and your truth from the great assembly.... 16 But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation always say, "The LORD be exalted!"
Look again at how his worship causes him to verbally talk with God and pour out his heart.
The right response for all God has done for us includes lives of holiness and lips that forever give Him praise, and tell others of Him.
On this Sunday take some time to verbally give Him praise, not just to Him, but to others.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
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