Church signs, don't you just love them? These signs can produce some of the most simple or most inane messages ever! Signs tell us a lot about a church. If they are well maintained and easy to read, they tell us the people care about their message. If they are unkempt and neglected, it may speak to the fact the church has forgotten why they are here.
Take the sign just above, what does it say about the church? Well, either the person who put the sign up wanted to make a statement about their pastor, or they didn't really read what they put up. I would like to think it is the later. Signs tell people more about us than we might be willing to admit.
Jesus wrote 7 letters to 7 churches in Asia Minor. These letters are preserved for us in the Apostle John's writing, "The Book of the Revelation." A case is laid out to each church concerning commendations and condemnations. Each letter presents Jesus in a unique way to the church and then goes on to instruct the church on changes that need to be made. Only the church in Smyrna received no condemnation for the Lord. Words like busy, poor, persecuted, compromising, lax, dead, loyal, mission-focused, lukewarm, and even Christ-less are descriptive of these churches.
In our Sunday night services I have been taking time for us to look at these churches. Each church has a primary focus, a practical focus and personal focus. Both the church and the individuals who make up the church can learn lessons on how we should live for the Lord in this wicked world. To four of the seven churches the word "repent" is spoken. The call to repentance points to the need of the churches to change their ways. Going away from the Lord and cooperating with the world is the wrong path. The message to repent needed to be heard and heeded.
What is the reputation of our churches before the Lord and the world? What do people say about us and our Saviour? Then, what is the reputation we have about ourselves? When people look at us, do they see the Lord?
The worst accusation that was laid at the feet of these churches comes in Revelation 3:20 when Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me." Often this door is spoken of as the door of our heart. But, if we keep the context clear, the door is actually the door of the church! Jesus is on the outside of His church seeking to get in. He has been banished from His own church. Warner Sallman painted one of the most recognizable pictures in evangelical Christianity. The picture depicts Jesus standing at a door knocking. Although he wanted it to represent the door of our heart, I believe the door is the door of the church. If you were to look closely at the painting you would notice no door knob is drawn on the outside of the door. To get in, Jesus must be invited in by those inside.
Today consider if our churches have put Jesus outside. Or, consider whether we as His children have relegated Him to the outside of our lives. If so, be sure to hear the knocking and open the door.
What will 2015 bring to us? Does anyone really know? Can anyone predict the future with 100% accuracy? Certainly no human being on planet earth today is able to tell the future with pinpoint precision. It is simply impossible to know what the next holds, or even the next month, day or minute. We simply plan and progress through the year trusting the Lord.
What we can know with 100% accuracy is what happened in 2014. We can look back over the year that behind to see what happened and what we did in light of it. New Years Eve is a good time to reflect upon the past year. Today or tomorrow take time to reflect and then make plans for the year ahead. See what you did well and decide to strengthen that area. See what you didn't do well and decide to improve that area. You and I have an opportunity each year to make changes in our directions that would better honor the Lord. Yet, remember, you can make changes anytime throughout the year. It's just that at the beginning of the year it is as natural time to do it.
James, the brother of Jesus, says in his Epistle, "Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit." Yet you do not know what your life will like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away." (4:13-14) While it is good, proper and godly to make plans and to seek to accomplish those plans, we need to be sensitive to the Lord's will. Maybe the Lord would want to change our plans or cancel our plans. Because He alone is the Wise One, we need to be ever aware of His will first.
As you enter 2015 let me encourage you to do what James says a little earlier in chapter four. In chapter four verse 8 he says, "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." Being close to the Lord we can be assured that we can hear His voice and feel His hand upon our shoulders. If His desire to change our course of actions, being close makes it simple. Be sure, therefore, that you spending time in God's Word and presence. Pray, pray, pray throughout 2015 for His directions and blessings.
Will 2015 be a "Happy New Year"? Only if we walk in obedience to His will will we experience His joy in our hearts. Make 2015 a joyful year by drawing close to Him.
Well, Christmas is here again. Are you ready? If you're not ready by now you've probably waited too long.
As you enter into the day I want to encourage you and your family to,take some time to reflect upon the birth and life of Jesus Christ. Maybe you could gather your family together to read the account of the birth of Christ in the either the Gospel of Matthew or Luke. These familiar passages would be a great place to start the day.
Many would say that the Gospel of John doesn't have a birth record. Yet, the Apostle John says, "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us." So much truth is couched in those few words. "Became flesh" is the entire story of the the account of Mary's visit by the angel to the visit of the angels to the shepherds.
Then, the words "dwelt among us" covers everything from His birth to His Ascension back to heaven. Please take time to consider all that Christmas contains.
Do you believe in miracles? One of the popular Christmas movies is "Miracle on 34th Street." Like most Christmas movies, the plot line is centered on someone who doesn't believe in the "miracle" of Christmas. By the end of the movie our main character believes in Santa Claus and her life is fulfilled. She repeated the phrase, "I believe, I believe." But, is this the type of miracle that Christmas is actually all about?
When we think of the real story of Christmas we see many many miracles in the story. Some of these miracles is the perfect fulfillment of certain prophecies, some written over 6000 years before they came to pass. The prophets declared such things as the birth place, guest, tribe, and even family of the coming Messiah. The particulars from a very general promise of the coming of a Saviour to specific details as to His birth. Yet, though these events are miraculous in their fulfillment people would rather choose to believe in man-made miracles and deny God-made miracles.
Maybe the greatest of all the miracles of Christmas is the virgin birth of Christ. To a young, Jewish girl living in the northern Israeli town of Nazareth a visit from an angle happened. She was told that she, of all the Jewish girls, would be the mother of Messiah. Yet, she knew a problem existed that seemed impossible to overcome; she was a virgin! However, the angel told her that with God all things are possible. So, Mary became pregnant without the involvement of a man. And, ever since, man has denied this miracle as happening. To believe in Santa Claus is ok. But, to believe in a God powerful enough to allow a woman to give birth to a baby without benefit of a man is too big of a stretch for most people.
Sunday we will look at this miracle among others. During our choir presentation of the collection of songs entitled, "Come, Let us Adore Him," I will point out some of these miracles. As we come to adore and honor Jesus Christ, I want us to be reminded that God is the God of miracles. These miracles of real.
Do you believe in miracles? What kind are they, fake or real? Let's remember that Christmas is about God coming to our world and fulfilling prophecies of old. Let's give Him praise.
What do we do with precious things? Normally, we treat them carefully and protect them cautiously.
What would you do with a 45 carat diamond? Nearly 400 years ago a very special diamond was found in India. Once it was found it became a most sought after gem stone. Passing through many hands over the years it eventually became the property of the Smithsonian Institute in 1958. This diamond, known as the Hope Diamond, is on display for all to see. As the picture above shows, it can only be seen and not touched. Many admirers come by to wonder what it would be like to touch it, handle it or even own it! It is heavily guarded and kept away from human touch. That, my friends, is what we do with something we consider precious.
Yet, how different it is with the most precious Person this world has ever seen. Unlike the Hope diamond, which is not able to be touched or handled with human hands, the Apostle John tells us in 1 John 1:1-4 that Jesus was seen, touched, handled and manifested to us. John says that Jesus dwelt among us and was seen. His life was not "under glass" or so guarded that we can not touch Him.
During the Christmas holidays we are able to investigate our hearts to see what it is we treasure most. What motivates us to even celebrate during this season? Are we more focused upon the gifts rather than The Gift? Isn't it interesting that Jesus talked about the "pearl of great price." But, He wasn't talking about the Hope Diamond! Jesus is referring to the value of the gospel message being presented to us. The value of the message of salvation was also described as a hidden treasure by Jesus. How valuable do we treasure the message of Christ.
Sunday we will look at the subject of what we treasure, especially through the eyes of the Apostle Peter. If you can take time this week to read the books of 1 and 2 Peter, please do so. As you read, note the various places Peter talks about what is precious. For a man who lost sight of what is most valuable, only to regain his perspective, we can learn what we should hold dear.
During this season, investigate Jesus. Put Him to the test. I have no worries that He not will prove to be just who He says He is.
Europe is FULL of castles! Almost everywhere you turn you see one. Some are rather large, while others are somewhat small. Some were the primary residence of the royal family, while others were like vacation homes! Yet, in each case one thing held true for each one, they were a fortress to protect the king and queen.
This picture is of the castle in Segovia Spain. Its structued like a ship. If you look at it from the side you can actually see this. Room after room was desined for some purpose. But, each room was walled off in order to be sure no one could hurt the king and queen. A very LARGE moat surrounds the front entrance to this castle. Then, on the other sides a steep cliff protects any entrance. It was a place where the royal family could feel quite secure.
Some of the rooms contain merorabilia such as suits of armor. In one room even the horse is covered in armor! In another room memorabila are kept of weapons of war. One thing that strikes you as you see them is that most of them were for hand to hand combat. These soldiers would have been up close and personal with the enemy. And, for these soldiers, they were fighting to protect their king, for in him they felt safe.
The Psalmist was thinking of such a fortress when he wrote in Psalm 46:1, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." In Psalm 18:2 the psalmist said, "The LORD is my rock and my fortress, my delilever, My God, my Rock, in Whom I take refuge." He understood the importance of safety in the King.
The castle in Segovia is said to have been the inspiration for the Princess' Castle in Disneyland. When we go to Disneyland we see this beautiful castle and think "happy thoughts." But, a castle, though it did invite people for joyous occaisions, was primarily designed as a place of protection. So, the next time you are under attack from your enemy, run to your place of refuge and safety in the arms of the LORD.
Planes, planes, planes. How thankful we can be for planes. Being a "world traveler" is much easier these days than it was 100 years ago, or even 50 years ago. Boarding a plane and flying at over 500 mph eill get you to places very quickly! Boats could take people to the same places, but much more slowly. You can change continents and cultures in less than 24 hours.
Today Beth, Nicole and I are flying to Spain. We've completed our first leg from San Francisco to Atlanta and will soon board our plane from Atlanta to Madrid. Although they are normally full flights and the food is nothing to write home about and they can be cramped spaces they do get you where you want to go.
Once onboard our ticket takes us to our final destination. We know, once onboard, where we are going, or do we? I once boarded a flight, took my seat, only to have a flight attendant come to find me to tell me I was on the WRONG plane! I was in a country where I didn't understand the language. I thought I was doing good. I was permitted on the plane. But, I was actually not headed where I thought I was. What a surprise it would have had if I had gotten out in the wrong place!
Some people think they are headed to heaven. They think they have a ticket that will grant them access to the home of the saints. But, how surprised they will be when they realize they didn't make it. Some will find that the enemy of our souls will decieve many into believing that they are on the corect "plane." Where are YOU going? Maybe you'd better check your ticket!
Today is Veterans Day. A day set aside to remember all those who served our country in the military. President Dwight Eisenhower signed a bill in 1954 declaring November 11 as a day of rememberance. This day is set aside to remember all who served, not just those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Many men and women surround us that we don't even know gave of themselves to serve. Recently I was talking to an active duty soldier who has served for over 30 years. He said that he was most inpressed with the current military because they are all vounteers. High praise coming from this military leader.
I beleive it is right and proper to recognize these brave men and women. Today, if we see a veteran we should express our appreciattion for all they have given.
But, I want to direct your attention to another group of people who have served their country. This group of brave men and women are mostly overlooked and underappreciated. Outside their families some of these people are totlally unknown. They left familiar surrounding to enter the realm of the enemy. Thay have gone face to face with opposition and faced down their fears. This group belongs to an elite body of soldiers known as the "army of God."
Over the years brave folks have gone on to serve the Lord Jesus Chirst in the "far flung" regions of the world to bring the Gospel to people who had never heard. In many of these coutries the enemy forces wewre strong and headstrong. At every turn they faced head on the oppositions to the preaching of Gd's Word. Satan, and all his hosts, stood against all the progress of the Gospel. But, the gospel went on.
Today, as you reflect upon all those who served our country, please, also, remember those who have served and are serving the King of Kings. Consider their example of facing opposition and yet sticking with it. Some have died in that service at the hands of the evil ones. They gave of their ultimate service. May we thank them, to, for their undying service.
BFF, can you remember this abbreviation. Remember, it stands for "best friends forever." Maybe you wrote it in your high school yearbook? Remember when you walked the halls of your school thinking that these fiends would be friends to the death? But, if I were to ask you what their names were, how many could you name? When was the last time you got together? And, your class reunions don't count! If you're like most people your high school fiends are just a blur from your past.
Moving on to college you made a whole new set of friends. And, in your college yearbook you probably inscribed BFF yet again. However, I could ask you the same questions I just asked about high school. How many names could you rattle off? When was the last time you saw them or hung out with them? You normally have more conact with college friends than your high school friends, but not much.
Moving on in life you got a job and made even more friends. You didn't have any book to inscribe BFF, but you thought of them that way. You thought you might be friends for a long time. But, then, you changed jobs, made new friends and the cycle went on again.
Friendships, how are they formed and how can we make them last? On Sunday we will look at the subject of frienships through the relationship of Jonathan and David. This godly friendship has been turned into something that it never was. It was a lasting friendship that was formed from two unlikely men.
If you are in town we would love to have you worship with us and study this aspect of David's life. What can we learn about friendship? Come to see.
You can't do that! Are you kidding me, YOU think you can do THAT? There's NO WAY you can ever be successful. You are such a loser. Why even try, you know you'll fail. Have you ever heard such things? I'm sure all of us have heard these type comments some time in our lives. People who are nay-sayers and negative influences in our lives seem to be all around. People tell us to not even try because we will fail. And, the problem is, we often take their adive.
The Bible has much to say about situations that many would describe as impossible. The reality is, in fact, some of the situations described ARE impossible from our perpective. Think of a young Jewish girl who was visited by an angel to tell her that she would become the mother of the Messiah. She knew it was impossible since she had never had a sexual relationship with any man. But, the angel said, "Don't worry, God is bigger than that and you will be miraculously made a mom." And she was. Another totally impossible situation from a human perpective were the walls of the city of Jericho. They were tall and well guarded. The rag-tag group of Jewish nomads were no match for this well protected city. But, as we know, the walls fell flat at God's command.
Today, I want to remind you that whatever God brings into our lives, or allows in our lives, is to be faced knowing that He is able to do the impossible. In fact, God is the God of the impossible. No problem is too big. No obstacle is too large. Nothing that stands in our way is unmovable. Yes, we can be victors in all things.
In a testimony meeting many have stood to quote Philippians 4:13. They do so with clarity and ease. The words roll off their tongues with great assurance. Yet, that week, while facing unbelievable odds, they seem to forget the very verse they quoted. They forget that the Bible is not just a theoretical book full of wonderful sounding platitudes. Rather, it is a book full of everyday truths to be llived out in our lives.
Anytime I think of the three Hebrew children in Daniel 3 I remind myself of one of the reasons they could withstand the threat of the furnance. Being led up the side of the hill, bound and ready for the flames, they encouraged each otehr by Isaiah 43:2. Not only did they theoretically trust God, they put their faith into action and actually claimed that verse in a literal way. They faced the impossible situation of a life or death moment in full confidence in God and His Word. They took King David to heart when he said that we are to hide God's Word in our hearts.
Young David faced the giant Goliath and fought this champion against all other's advice. His brother said he was crazy to go, his king told him he was crazy to go, and Goliath, his enemy, said he was crazy to go. But go David did. And, it was the giant who fell and lost his life, not little David. Against all odds and against all advice David faced down the enemy and won.
Is there something you've been called by God to do but have shrunk back because others said you couldn't do it? Why not take God at His Word and attempt the impossible. YES, you can do it in God's strength.
