Get Out!

I was browsing my Facebook homepage last night and I came across this video called “The Missional Church.”

The video is only two minutes long but it provides a point that Christians should humbly accept. A church that is focused on fulfilling the great commission is not satisfied with just inviting people to the church building. We are commanded to share the gospel as we live our lives, speak with people, and interact with others. The gospel isn’t something merely to be shared by the church in the church building but rather the gospel is to be shared by the church (Christians) everywhere (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16).

The local leadership of the church has been entrusted with the responsibility to equip Christians (2Timothy 2:2). We should be devoted to teaching, training, and preparing the Lord’s church to carry out the great commission the same way we have been taught, trained, and prepared. We shouldn’t accept the denominational mold of the clergy laity system but rather we should strive to equip every priest in God’s royal priesthood (1Peter 2:9).

Can you imagine a police officer that has not been trained, taught, and prepared patrolling the streets for crime? Can you imagine a doctor that has not been trained, taught, and prepared awaiting the next patient to arrive? Or, imagine a police officer or doctor that has been trained, taught, and prepared but does not step up when duty calls. Yet, how many Christians hit the world unprepared or are unwilling to step up when duty calls.

No doubt it can be uncomfortable but this is our calling as disciples of Christ (Luke 14:26-27).

I have a few challenges for those reading this article. Next time you are talking to someone and you feel the inclination to invite them to a church service, instead invite them to your house (or another private setting) for a Bible discussion. Leaders, next time you get a phone call from a member telling you about someone that they want you to study the Bible with, sit down with them, teach them how to share the gospel, and accompany them when they go to share it.

The church is not fulfilling the great commission if Christians are not being trained how to reach out and if Christians are not sharing the gospel as they interact with the lost world around us.

Discouraging Productivity

How do people discourage others from doing something productive? Speaking from a father’s perspective, three different ways pop into my mind.

First, sometimes we can discourage another by being productive for them. Instead of delegating responsibilities and encouraging the members of the household to help build up the whole, we take out the trash, mow the lawn, do the dishes, cook dinner, bring in the income, clean the rooms, do the laundry, buy groceries, ect. We can discourage productivity if we enable them to live without it.

Second, sometimes we can discourage another’s productivity through negativity. If you want your child to give up on doing something productive just make an effort to rip down every effort he makes. “You are lousy at that”, “you are too young,” “you are not smart enough,” “you are not strong enough,” “you are not able to do that”, “you can’t do that,” are all statements that hold an ambitious child back from productivity.

Third, we can discourage another’s productivity through stumbling blocks. As a Father I am guilty of it but that doesn’t make it ok. Children often come to us wanting to be productive to only hear “later,” “some other time,” “we can’t do that,” “we can’t, we don’t have enough money,” ect. A child dream of something great can be discouraged by parents who are unwilling to share their dream, minister to them, and help develop plan a way to get there.

I think we can all agree on the above statements at least to some extent. We can discourage the productivity of our children by being productive for them, being negative, or by putting up stumbling blocks. We can take these simple and easily recognized truths out of the home and apply them to God’s home. We can discourage the children of God from being productive in the Lord’s church by being productive for them, through negativity, and through stumbling blocks.

First, the body of Christ is supposed to function like a body with all of its members using their God given talents. The body would be unhealthy and inefficient if the hand was attempting to do the work of the mouth, eyes, ears, feet, heart, ect (1Corinthians 12:14). Not only is the hand over extending itself it is also enabling the rest of the body to be complacent. Don’t discourage productivity through enabling. Provide an atmosphere that encourages productivity and minister to the members to help them realize their talents.

Second, the children of Christ and leaders in the body should not discourage productivity to do the will of God through negativity. Telling a brother or sister that they can’t do something to glorify God and further His kingdom is not only sinful but just plain old mean. Who are we to say that a person can’t do something when it is in accordance with God’s will? Most often when we say that someone “can’t” it is merely because we don’t want. Let’s be honest here, we don’t want them to do it and we don’t want to help them do it. Perhaps the problem is that we are more interested in seeing our own will accomplished rather than God’s. Sadly, sometimes it is not the world that stands in the way Gods will being done but rather our brethren through negativity and lack of faith (1Samual 17:33).

Third, Christians can be discouraged from productivity through stumbling blocks. Instead of sharing a vision for the church stumbling blocks can be placed in the path of those that dream big. “We can’t reach the whole city with the gospel,” “we can’t afford that,” “we can’t do that now”, “we are not big enough, strong enough, wealthy enough, ect.” How many visions and dreams have come from studying God’s word to only be crushed in the elders meeting or men’s business meeting? The leadership of the church should have a “God can through us” attitude rather than a “we can’t” (God can’t) attitude (Matthew 19:26). We can discourage productivity through stumbling blocks (Numbers 13:30-31).

Whether it is our own home or the Lord’s home, we can discourage productivity. We can discourage productivity by being productive for them, being negative, or by putting up stumbling blocks. Let us be those that not only encourage godly behavior but aid and reward it when it is pursued.

BEWARE OF HYPOCRISY

One thing you notice while driving through the Colorado Rockies is all the Caution and Beware signs. From “WATCH FOR FALLING ROCKS,” to “DEER XING,” there are a lot of signs up to protect drivers from life threatening hazards. Seeing a caution sign while driving is pretty normal but did you know that there are caution signs found in the Bible?

Concerned about our spiritual health Jesus set up a beware signs to protect us from spiritual hazards that we might face in life.

Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 6:1

Jesus wants us to avoid the hazard of doing good to receive honor from men. Whether it is giving to those who are in need, praying to God, or fasting, we ought to make sure our motivation to do these things is godly (Matthew 6:2, 5, 16). What motivates us will determine what our reward will be.

Are we motivated to give to receive honor from men? Does our prayer life consist only of those settings in which we will be seen by men? Why do we give, pray, and fast? Are we those who give when nobody is looking? Are we those who give to please and be seen by God? Do we pray to God in private more than we do in public?

Jesus said that it is the hypocrite that does good to be seen by men. The word hypocrite can be traced back to a word, hupokrisis, that had to do with Classical Greek stage playing and an actor that was “acting the part.” Sadly there were some in the first century that were merely “acting the part.” Like an actor, they looked to receive the applause, honor, and audience of men. These individuals received their reward in full (honor from men) and were not to expect any reward in heaven (Matthew 6:1-18).

Christians are called to live differently than the hypocrites. We are called to do good, help men, pray to God, and fast out of the motivation of pleasing and receiving honor from God. Christians are those who do good “in secret” and in public (Matthew 6:3-4).

As you drive through the Colorado Rockies you can’t miss the Danger signs that frequently pop up on the sides of the road. When you open up your Bible to Matthew 6 you will find a Danger sign in the Bible. For our protection, Jesus warns us of the spiritual hazard of hypocrisy.

NO

I remember how hard it was to ask for something when I was growing up. Whether it was money to go to the movies, or even to get permission to go to the movies, I always felt uneasy about asking for what I wanted. I think the main reason I had such a great concern was that there was a chance that my parent or parents would say the most horrible word in the world, “No.” I am exaggerating a bit but who likes to be hear the word “No” when you are asking for something?

A few years back my sister was telling me about her job, how much work she did, and how many more responsibilities she had taken on since she started her job. She was a bit frustrated that while she accepted so many new responsibilities, she had never been financially compensated for these new works. I told her that she should speak to her boss about her new responsibilities and ask to be compensated for them. Her fear, that they would say the word “no.”

Recently I was in a situation that I wanted more from a important person in my life. I wanted more attention, praise, encouragment, and devotion. I wanted this person to play a greater part in my life. I wanted them to be the person that I wanted them to be in my life. My greatest fear, that I would hear the word “no.”

It is with this in mind that I write this article. We so often do not receive what we want from those around us merely because we do not ask. Many times we think that those important people in our lives should know what we want, how we want it, and when we want it without us telling them about it. Even worse, as a result we begin to get angry with that person, frustrated, and begin to tell others what that person is not doing for us. All the while, that person had no idea you wanted it in the first place. A little crazy? Well that describes my most recent of ungodly actions.

My encouragement to myself and those that are reading this article. If you want something that is good, pure, holy, and right just ask for it. If our motivation is right we might be surprised how often the answer is “YES.”

John 16:23-27; James 4:3

Work In Progress

Since June I have been over at Norco High School helping a group of freshman boys become a football team. The position I have been coaching is the Defensive Backs. We had all types of boys come out to play. There were smart and small boys, tall and fast, short and strong, and every other mix of talents you can think of. There were boys that are used to being taught, pushed, pulled, commanded, and disciplined. There were boys that were not used to being pushed, asked more of, disciplined, and corrected. I was given all of these boys, with different strengths and weaknesses, and asked to fit them into the mold of a defensive back.

What is interesting about being a defensive back is that there has never been a perfect back (nor a perfect football coach). Each player has their own talents but those same players have their own flaws as well. It seems that every time a flaw is exposed another seems to raise its ugly head. The perfect defensive back would cover their zones, not allowing one catch to be made. They would intercept any ball thrown in their zone. They would run stride for stride while in man coverage, not allowing any separation except for at the point when they turn to intercept the ball. They would make the right reads every play, see the whole field, recognize what receiver routs are being ran, know the threats on offense, tackle anyone that runs their way, and the list goes on. It is in knowing this that I don’t anticipate perfection to be reached but as a couch I lift it up and encourage the boys to pursue it.

My short experience on the football field has showed me that there are many simularities between the football team and the church of Christ in Norco. The body of those that have committed themselves to Christ, the team of Christians in Norco share some of the same characteristics that I see on the football field. We each join the Lord’s body with different talents, qualities, characteristics, and back grounds (1Corinthians 12). We each excel at different things and stumble through others. It seems like Christians find a flaw, take care of it, and have another rear its ugly head (James 1:23-25). There are members that hold those positions one might consider honorable while others hold positions that are a little more lowly (1Corinthians 12:22-23). While each Christian is unique, we each pursue the mold of godly perfection.

Unlike defensive backs, Christians do have a perfect person to follow. Jesus Christ, a man who perfectly loved others as He should, a man that resisted the temptation to do wrong, a man that fulfilled all of His responsibilities, and a man that was willing to sacrifice His own life for all (1Peter 2:21). Jesus has set the standard, mold, and blueprint for godliness and has revealed it to us so that we may pursue it. Jesus was and is perfect and His followers are a work in progress as they pursue His divine example.

Perfection is something to be reached for (Philippians 3:12). It is when we stop reaching for it that we fall short of our God given potential.

Test the Water Out

I usually stick my foot or hand in to test the water out before I get into a pool, spa, shower, bath, the ocean, or any other body of water. My wife teases me, but I am a real girly man when it comes to getting into cold water.  Often times the temperature of the water helps me make up my mind if I want to get in or not. I am much more likely to get into the water if its going to make me feel good and bring me some pleasure.

In the book of Daniel we see a similar test given to the obedience of God’s will. Daniel wanted to obey God so he petitioned the commander of the officials to permit him to abstain from eating and drinking what the king had provided. In fear of his life, the commander asked Daniel to eat what the king had provided or else Daniel might look worse than all the other youths. In response Daniel made a deal with the commander so that the waters could be tested. Daniel said…

“Please test your servants for ten days, and let us be given some vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then let our appearance be observed in your presence and the appearance of the youths who are eating the king’s choice food; and deal with your servants according to what you see.” So he listened to them in this matter and tested them for ten days. (Daniel 1:12-14)

When the ten day test ended the commanded saw that Daniel’s appearance seemed better than the others who were eating the kings meals (Daniel 1:15). So, having tested the waters the Commander realized it was a good thing for Daniel to obey God and assisted him in continuing in his godly diet.

We can learn many things from this small section of scripture but one truth really stands out to me. The fact that a non-believer witnessed the benefits of obeying God’s will by putting it to the test. There are many commandments that God has given that go against the flow of society. Society says fornicate, God says don’t. Society says get drunk, God says don’t. Society says put yourself above others, God says put others above yourself. The list of contrasts between God’s will and what society promotes is pretty lengthy. With so many contrasting points of view I would encourage Christians to urge the naysayers to test the water out. Put God’s commandments to the test. Stop getting drunk for a month and see if there are benefits. Stop fornicating for a year and see if your life is affected in a good way. Make an effort to put others before yourselves for a week and see if your life is easier. Test the water out.

Many in today’s society view God’s word as burdensome, hard, and depressing. Those that have already tested the water and jumped in shout, “come in, the water is great!”. How can we help those in the world to better understand that the ways of the Lord are better than the ways of the world? One way is by urging them to test the water out and obey God’s will for a time to see the benefits that come from it.

Is Mahatma Gandhi In Heaven?

I recently have been participating in a weekly youth study in which over 15 kids in the area get together to have fun, fellowship, and study God’s word. As part of these studies the kids have been given the opportunity to ask anonymous questions by writing them down and placing them into a box. I decided to record those questions on here and provide my answer. It is my hope that other kids that have these same questions might stumble across this blog to receive biblical answers to the questions they are asking.

Question: Did Mahatma Gandhi go to Heaven or Hell?

I have seen the picture of Mahatma Gandhi, I think I saw a film about him several years ago, but to be honest I don’t know much about him. When I am faced with questions such as this one I usually turn my attention away from the person in question and towards the standard that is able to answer such questions.

When we speak about heaven and hell, saved or lost, Christian or non-Christian we are speaking about terms found in the standard that is the Bible. I don’t believe I or any man created by God has the personal authority within themselves to judge who is going to heaven and who is going to hell. What we do have is God’s inspired word which is God’s authority that judges and tells us who is saved and who isn’t.

God tells us that we can know, nothing doubting if we are going to heaven or hell (1John 5:13). It is by comparing our faith and our lives to God’s divine blueprint that we can know where it is we stand (Romans 6:17-18).  The Bible has what some have called life or death statements. What I mean is that there are verses that clearly state that if you haven’t done something or are doing something then you are not saved. Here is an example of a life or death statement provided by Jesus…

‘Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.” John 8:24

Do you see the life or death statement in this verse? Jesus clearly states that it is essential to believe in Him to be saved, if you don’t believe in Him then you will die in your sins. In allowing the Bible to interpret itself we must ask the question, what is it about Jesus that we must believe in? From a biblical perspective we must believe that Jesus is God, that He came to earth, that He is the savior of mankind, and that He is the mediator between God and men (John 1:1-2, 14; 1Timothy 1:15; 2:5).

There are other life and death statements in the scriptures that can help us to understand our condition in relation to God. Those that are going to heaven believe that Jesus died, was buried, and was resurrected (1Corinthians 15:1-4). Those who are going to heaven have repented and are no longer subjects of sin (Luke 13:3; 1Cor. 6:9-11). Those that are going to heaven recognize and confess Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:9). The scriptures teach that one must obey the gospel by being baptized into Christ for the forgiveness of sins in order to go to heaven (Acts 2:37-38; Romans 6:17-8; 2Thessalonians 1:7-8). After being baptized into Christ, a person must live faithfully in subjection to the Lord and His will in order to go to heaven (1John 1:6-10).

We can look in the mirror of God’s word to know for sure, no doubting,  if we are going to heaven or hell (James 1:22-25).  Where are you going? Why not take some time and compare your faith and life with the divine standard of God’s word to determine if you are going to heaven or hell? There is no need to be surprised on judgment day because you can know for sure where you are going today.

So did Mahatma Gandhi go to Heaven or Hell? I believe the best way to answer this simple question is by holding this man’s faith and life up to the perfect standard of God’s word. I don’t really know what Mahatma Gandhi believed nor do I know how he lived his life but if his faith and life were in harmony with the standard of God’s word, than we can know for sure that he went to heaven. If his faith and life were not in harmony with the divine standard, than we can know for sure that he didn’t. Did Gandhi believe in Jesus, repent and make Him Lord, confess Him as Lord, be immersed in Christ for the forgiveness of His sins, and live a life in devotion to God’s will as given in the scriptures? If we know the answers to these questions then we can know if Mahatma Gandhi went to heaven or to hell.

Baptism Day

I recently have been participating in a weekly youth study in which over 15 kids in the area get together to have fun, fellowship, and study God’s word. As part of these studies the kids have been given the opportunity to ask anonymous questions by writing them down and placing them into a box. I decided to record those questions on here and provide my answer. It is my hope that other kids that have these same questions might stumble across this blog to receive biblical answers to the questions they are asking.

Question: If your church has a set date for all the baptisms, so everyone gets baptized at one time is that wrong? And if so why?

As I look around at the mega churches in the area I often see this practice taking place. Whether it is a baptism date set for the beach, a lake, or the river, these congregations usually participate in a mass baptism once a month or quarter.

Why is it that these congregations postpone baptism to a future date instead of doing it immediately? I believe it is the answer to this question that is the most concerning. Most churches that set a special date for baptisms have a distorted view of the gospel and baptism. They believe that waiting to be immersed in water is not that big of a deal because they believe that they are saved through praying “the sinner’s prayer.” They do not view baptism to be essential to becoming a Christian but rather as something done after one is already a Christian. They believe baptism is merely an act of obedience and that God does nothing to a person when they are baptized. Therefore, in accordance with their gospel, they set up a date when those who are already saved can obey God and be baptized.

When we open the New Testament we don’t find one occasion where a date is appointed for baptisms to take place. We also don’t find any situation under the Christian dispensation that a person is saved prior to being baptized.  Biblically speaking, baptism has always been a part of one’s conversion process from being lost to becoming a Christian (Mark 16:15-16).

The gospel is the message that all mankind has sinned, has been separated from God, and are enemies to God (Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1-3). It was because of sin that God sent His only son to earth to die for our sins, be buried, and raise up on the third day. It is through the gospel, the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ that we are able to be freed from sin and in a proper relationship with God (1Corinthians 15:1-4). In order to be saved we must believe in Jesus and what He has done (John 8:24; Romans 1:16). We must make the choice to no longer serve sin and to become slaves to righteousness (Luke 13:3). We must confess our faith (Romans 10:9-10). Through faith in the power of God, we must allow God to save us, forgive us, make us spiritually alive, make us new, and add us to His church through baptism (Colossians 2:10-13; Acts 2:37-38; Galatians 3:27; Acts 22:16).

The Bible teaches that it is at the point of immersion that a person exits the kingdom of darkness and enters the kingdom of light (Colossians 1:13-14; Acts 2:41). It is at the point of immersion that a person has their sins washed away and are clothed with Christ (Acts 22:16; Galatians 3:27). It is at the point of immersion that a person goes from being lost to being saved (Mark 16:15-16).

The beginning question was, is it ok to set a date for all the baptisms, so that everyone gets baptized at one time? From a biblical perspective, this question asks if it is ok to set a date for all conversions, so that everyone gets saved on the same date? I believe it would be foolish to postpone ones salvation to a future date. Consider the reactions we see in the Bible to the gospel message and how baptism was something done urgently.

Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. Why shouldn’t I be baptized?” And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. Acts 8:35-37

With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. Acts 2:40-41

Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized. Acts 16:32-33

As you can see from these three passages, baptism was not something that was put off until a future date but rather it was done immediately by those who had accepted the gospel. This is in accordance with Jesus’ words before His ascension.

He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. Mark 16:15-16

So is setting a date for everyone to be baptized wrong? I believe that setting a date for everyone to be baptized is misguided and an affect of not having faith. Baptism is an act of faith through which God saves us (1Peter 3:20-21). In accordance with what Ananies asked Paul, I ask those who are waiting to for a certain date to be baptized…

‘Now why do you delay? Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name.’ (Acts 22:16)

Watching You

Last night while I was driving home from Freshman Football practice I heard a song come on the radio. As I sat there and listened to the lyrics of the song Watching You by Rodney Atkins I was reminded how important my role is in the life of my son and daughter. There is no doubt that they are watching me.

We need to consider what type of example we are to our children. They do look up to us, they do emulate us, and they most likely will hold the same moral standard when they are big like us. Let us not be hypocrites who discipline their children for doing something bad only to do the very thing they just got in trouble for. Let us provide a great example of moral living, clean mouths, healthy relationships, quality time, and love.

Your children and other youngsters that are around you are watching you. Take the time to make sure that what they are seeing and hearing is a good influence on who they are today, tomorrow, and in years to come.

in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, Titus 2:7

God Cares About Your Feelings and Everyday Life

I recently have been participating in a weekly youth study in which over 15 kids in the area get together to have fun, fellowship, and study God’s word. As part of these studies the kids have been given the opportunity to ask anonymous questions by writing them down and placing them into a box. I decided to record those questions on here and provide my answer. It is my hope that other kids that have these same questions might stumble across this blog to receive biblical answers to the questions they are asking.

Question: Does God care about how I feel or my everyday life?

My son and daughter really love candy. When my daughter see’s candy she just starts repeating over and over, “DANDY!”. If they could have it their way they would probably eat candy when they first wake up and right before they go to bed. Guess what, even though I know my kids love candy and will get their feelings hurt if I say no, I still tell them no. Why do I not allow my kids to eat candy at all hours of the day? I don’t allow my kids to eat candy all the time because I care about how my kids feel and about their everyday life.

God cares about how we feel and about our everyday life. He has shown His love for us by giving us His word and His son. His word guides us, protects us, and teaches us (John 8:32; Ephesians 1:3). He knows how sin brings about regret, pain, destruction, and death. So He provided us with His divine voice so that we won’t live a life in which we feel horrible. He loves us so much that He sent His son. He knew that we would choose to sin so He sent His son to offer atonement for our errors. Instead of permitting us to receive what we are owed (eternal punishment) He sent His son so that we can have what we do not deserve (eternal rewards). God loves mankind and cares so much for us (John 3:16).

Unfortunately we often think like my two kiddos think. We are so focused on the “dandy” that we don’t like it when our Father in heaven tells us no. Just because God forbids us to participate in the pleasures of sin doesn’t mean He doesn’t care for us, it actually shows that He does care for us. How would you view a father that permitted his children to participate in activities that were bad for them, endangered them, and caused a lot of harm? God in heaven is similar to our earthly fathers and mothers in this regard. His word was given not to hold us back and to restrain us but rather to provide peace, protection, and blessings.

Yes, God cares about how we feel and about our everyday life. Sometimes that is shown through what He has given us freely and sometimes that is shown through His discipline (Hebrews 12:7-14). We have a God that is interested in us but unfortunately so many of us are like rebellious teens that don’t want Him to have anything to do with our feelings or life.