"And the one who had also received one talent came up and said, 'Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow and gathering where you scattered no seed. And I was afraid, and went away and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is yours.'" Matthew 25:24-25
In the parable of the talents, Jesus imparts the story of a man who entrusts his servants with varying sums of money, ostensibly to grow, while he goes away on a journey. When the man returns, two of his servants doubled that which they had been entrusted. The kind master complimented and rewarded them both with promotions and greater resources to manage. One of them, however, buried the funds in the ground so as not to risk losing them. Upon returning to his master exactly that which was entrusted to him, he was not happy.
The larger context of this story is that we Christians must be prepared for the Lord's return. More specifically, here, that we are not to neglect the use of the skills, abilities and gifts he has provided in the pursuit of producing desired outcomes. In other words, Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, has made an investment in us and he expects a return on that investment.
Beloved, we are too often like the scared servant who essentially does nothing with what he has been given. Make no mistake, all children of God are the recipient of spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4-11). These gifts are to be used for the common good, which is to say that they are not so much for ourselves as they are for others. When we fail to use our ability to teach, comfort, provide financial resources, do manual labor, provide expertise in our field of work or study or any other skill with which are blessed, we are in effect, burying the "talent." In no uncertain terms, this is failure.
As much as when a farmer plants his or her crops with the expectation of a yield, Jesus expects for us to produce fruit. Failure to do so can result in the withdrawing of that which sustains us and our removal in favor of another that will produce (Luke 13:6-9). Be it far from us that we should ever waste the talent that has been given us. We have been saved by the blood, invested by our Savior and commanded by our Master. Let us use what has been given in his service for the benefit of others. After all, every Christian is the result of the work done by a faithful servant.
Building God's family,
Lee
Showing posts with label works. Show all posts
Showing posts with label works. Show all posts
Thursday, February 1, 2018
Monday, July 22, 2013
Such a Time as This 7/22/2013
"Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, 'Do not imagine that you in the king’s palace can escape any more than all the Jews. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?'” Esther 4:13-14
There are times when we wonder why we are in a particular situation or place. To be sure, we work hard to attain certain positions or circumstances but it is not unusal to occasionally look around and wonder if there is something more regarding the reason for being there. This can be especially true if we happen to have our spiritual glasses on that day.
Esther was a young Jewish orphaned woman who, through a chain of evidently God led events, became queen to the king of a vast empire. Unfortunately, one of the king's trusted noblemen developed an intense dislike for a Jewish man named Mordacai in particular and the Jewish people in general. This dislike was so intense that he plotted to kill each and every one of them. Upon hearing this, Mordecai urged his adopted daughter (Esther was actually his uncle's daughter) to get involved and make an appeal to the king. Due to a law that promised death to anyone who sought the king that was not summoned or to which he did not extend his golden scepter as permission to approach, Esther was reluctant to say the leat.
Beloved, there may be times when we find ourselved in uncomfortable situations were we may even be in some type of jeopardy. We should always be on the lookout for how we can make a positive difference. We must examine whether there is a way we can use the position or stature we have been granted by God to do the work of God. Though there may be benefits to us that result from the positions we hold or the situations we have attained, which was surely the case for Esther, it is more than possible that it is a platform for the Almighty and that we have been placed there for His glory.
Esther did indeed respond and as a result, all the Jews were spared and the enemy was destroyed. We can find ourselves enjoying our situations for many years, but let us always be ready to act on God's behalf when the opportunity presents itself. Understand that we are all placed "for such a time as this."
Committed,
Lee
There are times when we wonder why we are in a particular situation or place. To be sure, we work hard to attain certain positions or circumstances but it is not unusal to occasionally look around and wonder if there is something more regarding the reason for being there. This can be especially true if we happen to have our spiritual glasses on that day.
Esther was a young Jewish orphaned woman who, through a chain of evidently God led events, became queen to the king of a vast empire. Unfortunately, one of the king's trusted noblemen developed an intense dislike for a Jewish man named Mordacai in particular and the Jewish people in general. This dislike was so intense that he plotted to kill each and every one of them. Upon hearing this, Mordecai urged his adopted daughter (Esther was actually his uncle's daughter) to get involved and make an appeal to the king. Due to a law that promised death to anyone who sought the king that was not summoned or to which he did not extend his golden scepter as permission to approach, Esther was reluctant to say the leat.
Beloved, there may be times when we find ourselved in uncomfortable situations were we may even be in some type of jeopardy. We should always be on the lookout for how we can make a positive difference. We must examine whether there is a way we can use the position or stature we have been granted by God to do the work of God. Though there may be benefits to us that result from the positions we hold or the situations we have attained, which was surely the case for Esther, it is more than possible that it is a platform for the Almighty and that we have been placed there for His glory.
Esther did indeed respond and as a result, all the Jews were spared and the enemy was destroyed. We can find ourselves enjoying our situations for many years, but let us always be ready to act on God's behalf when the opportunity presents itself. Understand that we are all placed "for such a time as this."
Committed,
Lee
Thursday, May 30, 2013
The Unglamorous Work of God 5/30/2013
"Then his servants came near and spoke to him and said, 'My father, had the prophet told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more then, when he says to you, ‘Wash, and be clean’?' So he went down and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God; and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child and he was clean." 2 Kings 5:13-14
There was once a man named Naaman who was a great soldier that had distinguished himself in battle. Unfortunately, he had leprosy. Through the course of time and events he found himself being instructed by the prophet Elisha through a messenger to wash in the Jordan river 7 times in order that he might be cured of his condition. Naaman was initially very angry. He expected that Elisha would come out to him and do something miraculous. Further, he thought there were much better and cleaner rivers than the Jordan in which to be cleansed. The bible tells us he left Elisha's door in a rage.
This passage came to mind at last evening's bible study while talking to one of our faithful and hard working members. He and his wife had just returned from leading a small group to tornado ravaged Oklahoma in order to lend a helping hand to those in need. He related that a lot of the work they did involved clearing brush, picking up trash, dismantling and stacking wood from blown down fences and various other "unglamorous" (my word, not his) activities. This brother has many talents and thought he might be doing more things like fixing roofs, installing windows or perhaps even doing some electrical work.
Through the course of our conversation, he came to realize that his and the other's willingness to pack up, drive hundreds of miles without so much as a plan for a place to lay their heads just to help perfect strangers in a time of need was the very definition of loving God with our whole selves and loving others as we love ourselves (Matt 22:37-39). Further, the help that was rendered was critically needed by those who received it. They helped older people who could not have done what they did by themselves. They even did work on a home for a person who was not there. He was not there because he was in another state receiving a bone marrow transplant due to his cancerous condition. Their time, effort, energy and sacrifice was appreciated by all they assisted and, I believe, God is pleased.
Beloved, let us not diminish in our own minds the value of service and obedience to God. Not everyone is going to be in a position to pull someone out of a burning building, lift a heavy object from off of a trapped individual, administer CPR to someone whose life is endangered or come to the aid of a car accident victim. Doing good is not about the "wow factor." It is about love and the vast majority of good done for others is quiet, small and ordinary. God works this way so much in our lives, we not only take it for granted but we fail to see His actions for the everyday miracles they are. Ask a severe asthmatic about the value of simply being able to breathe.
Naaman expected something big and flashy from God, but He delivered in the smallest, most quiet way. Having him wash in the dirty Jordan, rather than the famous clear, cold and pure rivers of Damascus, Naaman was made whole, just as the people of Oklahoma will be, one small act of love and kindness at a time.
Blessings to all who do the work of God.
Committed,
Lee
There was once a man named Naaman who was a great soldier that had distinguished himself in battle. Unfortunately, he had leprosy. Through the course of time and events he found himself being instructed by the prophet Elisha through a messenger to wash in the Jordan river 7 times in order that he might be cured of his condition. Naaman was initially very angry. He expected that Elisha would come out to him and do something miraculous. Further, he thought there were much better and cleaner rivers than the Jordan in which to be cleansed. The bible tells us he left Elisha's door in a rage.
This passage came to mind at last evening's bible study while talking to one of our faithful and hard working members. He and his wife had just returned from leading a small group to tornado ravaged Oklahoma in order to lend a helping hand to those in need. He related that a lot of the work they did involved clearing brush, picking up trash, dismantling and stacking wood from blown down fences and various other "unglamorous" (my word, not his) activities. This brother has many talents and thought he might be doing more things like fixing roofs, installing windows or perhaps even doing some electrical work.
Through the course of our conversation, he came to realize that his and the other's willingness to pack up, drive hundreds of miles without so much as a plan for a place to lay their heads just to help perfect strangers in a time of need was the very definition of loving God with our whole selves and loving others as we love ourselves (Matt 22:37-39). Further, the help that was rendered was critically needed by those who received it. They helped older people who could not have done what they did by themselves. They even did work on a home for a person who was not there. He was not there because he was in another state receiving a bone marrow transplant due to his cancerous condition. Their time, effort, energy and sacrifice was appreciated by all they assisted and, I believe, God is pleased.
Beloved, let us not diminish in our own minds the value of service and obedience to God. Not everyone is going to be in a position to pull someone out of a burning building, lift a heavy object from off of a trapped individual, administer CPR to someone whose life is endangered or come to the aid of a car accident victim. Doing good is not about the "wow factor." It is about love and the vast majority of good done for others is quiet, small and ordinary. God works this way so much in our lives, we not only take it for granted but we fail to see His actions for the everyday miracles they are. Ask a severe asthmatic about the value of simply being able to breathe.
Naaman expected something big and flashy from God, but He delivered in the smallest, most quiet way. Having him wash in the dirty Jordan, rather than the famous clear, cold and pure rivers of Damascus, Naaman was made whole, just as the people of Oklahoma will be, one small act of love and kindness at a time.
Blessings to all who do the work of God.
Committed,
Lee
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Believing In God vs. Believing God 5/23/2013
"Then Barak said to her, 'If you will go with me, then I will go; but if you will not go with me, I will not go.'” Judg 3:8
The context of this admittedly obscure passage of scripture is that a man by the name of Barak was told by God to take ten thousand men to a pre appointed place where He would deliver the enemy of Israel into his hand. This information was delivered by Deborah, a prophetess and judge of Israel. God was setting him up for success.
Beloved, it is easy to say that we believe in God. In fact, if you ask most people in this country whether they believe in the one true God, the answer would be a resounding yes. Unfortunately, that is where it usually stops. Believing in God is easy because it is conceptual. It requires no effort whatsoever to believe in an idea, a perceived fact or even an individual. Believing God, however, is an entirely different matter. Believing God means not only accepting as true His existence but conducting your life in accordance with this fact. It means accepting that if He can create the universe then He can most certainly take on flesh, walk on water, still storms, feed five thousand with a few fish and pieces of bread, call the dead to life, forgive our sins and save our very souls. It means having confidence that He can and will do what He says and it means conducting our lives in a manner reflective of that.
It is recorded in scripture, "You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless?" James 2:19. Essentially, believing in God is something even the devil can claim but do we believe Him enough to do what he says?
It is clear that Barak believed in God. He was of the house of Israel and he gave credence to the words of the one who God placed in a leadership position over them. It is just as clear that Barak did not believe God would deliver the enemy into his hand, opting instead to allow Deborah to have the preeminence in the situation. She, on the other hand, believed God would do what he said: "She said, 'I will surely go with you; nevertheless, the honor shall not be yours on the journey that you are about to take, for the Lord will sell Sisera into the hands of a woman.' Then Deborah arose and went with Barak to Kedesh" Judg 3:9. The enemy was in fact delivered into the hands of a woman. Believe God.
Committed,
Lee
The context of this admittedly obscure passage of scripture is that a man by the name of Barak was told by God to take ten thousand men to a pre appointed place where He would deliver the enemy of Israel into his hand. This information was delivered by Deborah, a prophetess and judge of Israel. God was setting him up for success.
Beloved, it is easy to say that we believe in God. In fact, if you ask most people in this country whether they believe in the one true God, the answer would be a resounding yes. Unfortunately, that is where it usually stops. Believing in God is easy because it is conceptual. It requires no effort whatsoever to believe in an idea, a perceived fact or even an individual. Believing God, however, is an entirely different matter. Believing God means not only accepting as true His existence but conducting your life in accordance with this fact. It means accepting that if He can create the universe then He can most certainly take on flesh, walk on water, still storms, feed five thousand with a few fish and pieces of bread, call the dead to life, forgive our sins and save our very souls. It means having confidence that He can and will do what He says and it means conducting our lives in a manner reflective of that.
It is recorded in scripture, "You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless?" James 2:19. Essentially, believing in God is something even the devil can claim but do we believe Him enough to do what he says?
It is clear that Barak believed in God. He was of the house of Israel and he gave credence to the words of the one who God placed in a leadership position over them. It is just as clear that Barak did not believe God would deliver the enemy into his hand, opting instead to allow Deborah to have the preeminence in the situation. She, on the other hand, believed God would do what he said: "She said, 'I will surely go with you; nevertheless, the honor shall not be yours on the journey that you are about to take, for the Lord will sell Sisera into the hands of a woman.' Then Deborah arose and went with Barak to Kedesh" Judg 3:9. The enemy was in fact delivered into the hands of a woman. Believe God.
Committed,
Lee
Friday, April 12, 2013
Do You Recognize Me? 4/12/2013
"Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus." Acts 4:13
Through the power of the Lord, Peter and John had just famously healed a man who was lame from birth. This and their subsequent sermon earned them negative attention from the religious rulers. As a result, they were jailed overnight and the following day were required by those who had made themselves enemies of Christ to give an account of themselves and the things they had said and done. Their reply to the question, "By what power or by what name, have you done this" was "Be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, who you crucified, who God raised from the dead, even by him does this man stand here before you whole" Acts 4:10.
Beloved, those who serve the Lord know his power. We know it not only by faith but because we have seen it work in our own lives. There are many who think that they do not need God or worse that He does not exist. Whether by ignorance or rebellion, this is a denial of the sovereignty and the power of the Almighty. We, like Peter and John, must be willing to both do the will of God and be willing to boldly give Him the glory for the results despite the challenges that exist to do so.
As with the apostles, when we act as children of God and disciples of Jesus, those around us will not be able to deny the truth and they we will know that we have been with the Savior.
Committed,
Lee
Friday, January 11, 2013
The Claiming vs. The Calling 1/11/13
"A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among robbers, and they stripped him and beat him, and went away leaving him half dead. "And by chance a priest was going down on that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. "Likewise a Levite also, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side." Luke 10:30-32
It would be a great speculative exercise to wonder where the priest and the Levite where going as they passed someone in such distress. One should have no trouble determining what a priest is. For those who do not know, however, a Levite was one whose tribe members were responsible for attending to things associated with the temple, the worship that took place there and the needs of the priests. Where could they both be going?
Before that is further pursued, the fact that they "passed by on the other side," away from someone who had been injured is of particular note. Certainly tradition holds that this took place on a road that was frequented by robbers. Perhaps they were both concerned about their own safety and decided to give the situation a wide berth.
Suppose they were just in a hurry. Suppose they were in a hurry because they were late. Suppose they were in a hurry because they were late for a temple worship or class. Suppose they were in a hurry because they were late for a temple worship or class where they were scheduled to discuss how to treat one's fellow man. Just suppose.
Beloved, Christianity is not a claim, it is a calling. It is not for show but for shouldering. It is not just for hearing but for helping. It is not just for believing but being. I wonder how often we pass up the opportunity to do good on the way to "church"...where we are told to do good.
Faith without works is dead.
Committed,
Lee
It would be a great speculative exercise to wonder where the priest and the Levite where going as they passed someone in such distress. One should have no trouble determining what a priest is. For those who do not know, however, a Levite was one whose tribe members were responsible for attending to things associated with the temple, the worship that took place there and the needs of the priests. Where could they both be going?
Before that is further pursued, the fact that they "passed by on the other side," away from someone who had been injured is of particular note. Certainly tradition holds that this took place on a road that was frequented by robbers. Perhaps they were both concerned about their own safety and decided to give the situation a wide berth.
Suppose they were just in a hurry. Suppose they were in a hurry because they were late. Suppose they were in a hurry because they were late for a temple worship or class. Suppose they were in a hurry because they were late for a temple worship or class where they were scheduled to discuss how to treat one's fellow man. Just suppose.
Beloved, Christianity is not a claim, it is a calling. It is not for show but for shouldering. It is not just for hearing but for helping. It is not just for believing but being. I wonder how often we pass up the opportunity to do good on the way to "church"...where we are told to do good.
Faith without works is dead.
Committed,
Lee
Monday, September 24, 2012
Belief is Not Enough 9/24/2010
"You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone." James 2:24
Talking the talk is an easy thing to do in life. Anyone can say anything they like. Anyone can make any claim they like. In order to be taken seriously, however, action must accompany the words.
Beloved, the same is true regarding our walk with the Lord. Anyone can claim to be a Christian. They may even go so far as to show up at worship. But is this enough? Is simply saying you believe enough to give the statement validity? James said, "You believe there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that and shudder" Jas 2:19. What he implies is that belief is not righteousness in and of itself. Certainly no one would consider a demon who believes God exists to be righteous.
Belief is demonstrated by action. Faith is seen in deeds. We believe that airplanes can transport us safely around the world so we board them. We believe that our employers will pay us for our labor so we show up and work. We believe our beds will hold us so we get in them, rest and relax. If we believe that God exists and the Christ died for our sins, our deeds should demonstrate it. Broadly this can be accomplished through obedience to His will and word. Jesus said, "He that believes and is baptized shall be saved. He that does not believe will be condemned" Mark 16:16. Because we believe, we obey the command to be baptized. Conversely, there is no need to obey this command if there is no belief.
Let us not judge one another's belief, but let us be fully convinced of our own by doing the things required of us out of love for Him who made us.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Talking the talk is an easy thing to do in life. Anyone can say anything they like. Anyone can make any claim they like. In order to be taken seriously, however, action must accompany the words.
Beloved, the same is true regarding our walk with the Lord. Anyone can claim to be a Christian. They may even go so far as to show up at worship. But is this enough? Is simply saying you believe enough to give the statement validity? James said, "You believe there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that and shudder" Jas 2:19. What he implies is that belief is not righteousness in and of itself. Certainly no one would consider a demon who believes God exists to be righteous.
Belief is demonstrated by action. Faith is seen in deeds. We believe that airplanes can transport us safely around the world so we board them. We believe that our employers will pay us for our labor so we show up and work. We believe our beds will hold us so we get in them, rest and relax. If we believe that God exists and the Christ died for our sins, our deeds should demonstrate it. Broadly this can be accomplished through obedience to His will and word. Jesus said, "He that believes and is baptized shall be saved. He that does not believe will be condemned" Mark 16:16. Because we believe, we obey the command to be baptized. Conversely, there is no need to obey this command if there is no belief.
Let us not judge one another's belief, but let us be fully convinced of our own by doing the things required of us out of love for Him who made us.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Monday, August 13, 2012
Doing Your Part 8/13/2012
"But God has so composed the body, giving more abundant honor to that member which lacked, so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it." 1 Cor 12:24b-26
One of the great metaphors associated with the church is that it is the body of Christ and that Jesus is the head, Eph 1:22-23. This certainly gives us a picture of the unity and design involved with being a Christian. The metaphor is extended when the Scriptures reveal that "the body is one and has many members and all the members of that one body being many are one body; so also is Christ" 1 Cor 12:12. This tells us that we are one body but that the body is made up of individual parts. From here we are told that every part is important and has a specific function on which the rest of the body depends.
Beloved, the questions we must answer are "do we know our place in the body and are we fulfilling our role?" The Holy Spirit has uniquely equipped us with gifts to use in support of the whole which functions to glorify God. If you have carpentry skills, are you using them to assist those in need in order to create an opportunity to share Christ with them? If you are gifted with financial knowledge are you helping your brothers and sisters get out of debt and supporting missions with your God given resources? If you have the gift of teaching, are you using it to do what Jesus did (seek and save the lost)?
God knew what He was doing by providing us with certain talents, skills and abilities and He knows what He is doing by placing where we are. We must then take inventory, check our surroundings and ensure we are functioning as intended. Imagine the impact of one of your own body parts not working to full capacity or working at all for that matter. Endeavor not to be the blind eye or the deaf ear in the body of Christ.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
One of the great metaphors associated with the church is that it is the body of Christ and that Jesus is the head, Eph 1:22-23. This certainly gives us a picture of the unity and design involved with being a Christian. The metaphor is extended when the Scriptures reveal that "the body is one and has many members and all the members of that one body being many are one body; so also is Christ" 1 Cor 12:12. This tells us that we are one body but that the body is made up of individual parts. From here we are told that every part is important and has a specific function on which the rest of the body depends.
Beloved, the questions we must answer are "do we know our place in the body and are we fulfilling our role?" The Holy Spirit has uniquely equipped us with gifts to use in support of the whole which functions to glorify God. If you have carpentry skills, are you using them to assist those in need in order to create an opportunity to share Christ with them? If you are gifted with financial knowledge are you helping your brothers and sisters get out of debt and supporting missions with your God given resources? If you have the gift of teaching, are you using it to do what Jesus did (seek and save the lost)?
God knew what He was doing by providing us with certain talents, skills and abilities and He knows what He is doing by placing where we are. We must then take inventory, check our surroundings and ensure we are functioning as intended. Imagine the impact of one of your own body parts not working to full capacity or working at all for that matter. Endeavor not to be the blind eye or the deaf ear in the body of Christ.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Multiplying vs. Storing-7/2/12
"And I was afraid, and went away and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is yours." Matt 25:25
Most of us are familiar with the famous parable of the talents. In it, Jesus relates a story of a master who left his servants with varying sums of money with the implication that when he returned, he expected to see an increase. As the story goes, two of them doubled their respective shares, returned it all to their master and were praised and rewarded. The other decided to store his out of fear of losing it and returned it to his master upon his return.
Beloved, the Lord has blessed each and every one of us wondrously. He has given multiple gifts and talents to every person alive, and even more so to the Christian through the Holy Spirit. These gifts were not given that they may stored but that they may be used for the glory of God and the building up of His kingdom. The servant who hid his blessing stated that he knew his master was a man who expected a return where he had not invested, yet he failed to produce a return for his master from his own activities. Jesus does not physically come and share the gospel with each person on earth. Instead he has equipped us to do it. When he returns, he expects us to say, "you have entrusted me with 5 bags of gold; see I have gained 5 more!"
It is not enough to take care of our own houses, we must contribute to the care of His (the world of lost souls). It is not enough to be saved ourselves, but we must contribute to the salvation of others. It is not enough to sit on our blessings, we must share them with others who do not have that we might win them to Him from whom all blessings flow.
Are you multiplying or storing?
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Most of us are familiar with the famous parable of the talents. In it, Jesus relates a story of a master who left his servants with varying sums of money with the implication that when he returned, he expected to see an increase. As the story goes, two of them doubled their respective shares, returned it all to their master and were praised and rewarded. The other decided to store his out of fear of losing it and returned it to his master upon his return.
Beloved, the Lord has blessed each and every one of us wondrously. He has given multiple gifts and talents to every person alive, and even more so to the Christian through the Holy Spirit. These gifts were not given that they may stored but that they may be used for the glory of God and the building up of His kingdom. The servant who hid his blessing stated that he knew his master was a man who expected a return where he had not invested, yet he failed to produce a return for his master from his own activities. Jesus does not physically come and share the gospel with each person on earth. Instead he has equipped us to do it. When he returns, he expects us to say, "you have entrusted me with 5 bags of gold; see I have gained 5 more!"
It is not enough to take care of our own houses, we must contribute to the care of His (the world of lost souls). It is not enough to be saved ourselves, but we must contribute to the salvation of others. It is not enough to sit on our blessings, we must share them with others who do not have that we might win them to Him from whom all blessings flow.
Are you multiplying or storing?
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Friday, March 23, 2012
Famous for Faith-3/23/2012
"you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. 8 For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith toward God has gone forth," 1 Thess 1:7-8~
What would it be like for us as individuals or a congregation to be known for our faith? What would it be like to have others send emissaries to inquire as to our great love for the Lord, the work it generates and the the results it achieves? The church at Thessalonica was a congregation of whom this was true. They were known throughout the land and were imitated.
Beloved, we have the same ability today. It could easily be argued that it is even more needful for us to exemplify these qualities than it was for them. This requires no special skill or talent, but simply love. When we love the Lord and live for him, amazing things happen. People will line up to be amazed. Let us endeavor to let our light shine before others that they may see our good deeds and glorify our Father in heaven, Matt 5:16.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
What would it be like for us as individuals or a congregation to be known for our faith? What would it be like to have others send emissaries to inquire as to our great love for the Lord, the work it generates and the the results it achieves? The church at Thessalonica was a congregation of whom this was true. They were known throughout the land and were imitated.
Beloved, we have the same ability today. It could easily be argued that it is even more needful for us to exemplify these qualities than it was for them. This requires no special skill or talent, but simply love. When we love the Lord and live for him, amazing things happen. People will line up to be amazed. Let us endeavor to let our light shine before others that they may see our good deeds and glorify our Father in heaven, Matt 5:16.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
What Would You Do With More Time?-1/28/2012
"Before Isaiah had gone out of the middle court, the word of the LORD came to him, saying, 'Return and say to Hezekiah the leader of My people, ‘Thus says the LORD, the God of your father David, 'I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; behold, I will heal you. On the third day you shall go up to the house of the LORD. I will add fifteen years to your life, and I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city for My own sake and for My servant David’s sake.’”” 2 Kings 20:4-6
God sent Isaiah to inform King Hezekiah to set his house in order because his life was being required of him. In response, he turned his face to the wall, wept bitterly and asked the Lord to remember his faithfulness to Him. In short, he begged for more time.
Beloved, if we found ourselves in a similar situation and God found favor with our request, what would we do with the additional time? As it is, much can be known about a person by how they spend their resources and their time. It is time for us to examine ourselves. Is Christianity just lip service? Is it something that we just do on Sunday mornings and perhaps Wednesday nights? Is it just a label we wear or a heavenly expectation that we have?
If we were in Hezekiah's position and we were granted more time, would we do things differently than we are doing them now? Or shall we be like the man who rested in the comfort of his possessions, planning to tear down barns to build greater ones to store more stuff? "But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared?’" Luke 12:20.
If we would do things differently, why are we not doing things differently now? None of us knows when our souls will be required of us. Should we not all live every day like it is our last? Should we not all be busying ourselves in the harvest of the Lord where the workers are but few? Jesus said, "I must work the works of Him that sent me while it is day: the night comes when no man can work" John 9:4.
The only time that we can take for granted is the moment we are in. The very next one is un-promised and unsure. If you had more time, what would you do?
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
God sent Isaiah to inform King Hezekiah to set his house in order because his life was being required of him. In response, he turned his face to the wall, wept bitterly and asked the Lord to remember his faithfulness to Him. In short, he begged for more time.
Beloved, if we found ourselves in a similar situation and God found favor with our request, what would we do with the additional time? As it is, much can be known about a person by how they spend their resources and their time. It is time for us to examine ourselves. Is Christianity just lip service? Is it something that we just do on Sunday mornings and perhaps Wednesday nights? Is it just a label we wear or a heavenly expectation that we have?
If we were in Hezekiah's position and we were granted more time, would we do things differently than we are doing them now? Or shall we be like the man who rested in the comfort of his possessions, planning to tear down barns to build greater ones to store more stuff? "But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared?’" Luke 12:20.
If we would do things differently, why are we not doing things differently now? None of us knows when our souls will be required of us. Should we not all live every day like it is our last? Should we not all be busying ourselves in the harvest of the Lord where the workers are but few? Jesus said, "I must work the works of Him that sent me while it is day: the night comes when no man can work" John 9:4.
The only time that we can take for granted is the moment we are in. The very next one is un-promised and unsure. If you had more time, what would you do?
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Blessed Rest and Fellowship-12/6/2011
"The apostles gathered together with Jesus; and they reported to Him all that they had done and taught. And He said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while." (For there were many people coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.) They went away in the boat to a secluded place by themselves." Mark 6:30-32
The work of the Lord can be challenging, demanding and exhausting. Jesus had recently sent the apostles out in twos with nothing except their staffs to preach that men should repent. In so doing they "cast out devils and anointed with oil many that were sick and healed them" Matt 6:13. They were now being welcomed back from their mission with an invitation of sweet seclusion and rest.
Beloved, fellowship is a precious gift. We who are of the family of God have a common belief, a common goal, a common task and a common testimony. Ours is to obediently perform that which we have been equipped and directed to accomplish. Depending upon the gift that you have been given, that may mean something different. Some may be called upon to teach while others to encourage, others still to finance and some to labor. Each in his own way is to serve the Lord with gladness of heart because it is that Lord who has labored and been obedient to the Father to save us.
From time to time it is good and necessary for us to withdraw from labor, gather ourselves together and rest. During this time we share wisdom, heal each other's wounds, feed one another, experience blessed solitude with the Lord and worship. This strengthens us to return to the task at the appointed time. Even Jesus occasionally withdrew to spend time alone with God and to rest before returning to the mission field. This friends, prefigures the ultimate rest when all work is done. We will be called to heavenly eternity where we will enjoy the presence of God, see Jesus face to face and experience fellowship with one another without end. Let us work toward that day, not to earn it but because of love, because of obedience and because it has already been prepared for us.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
The work of the Lord can be challenging, demanding and exhausting. Jesus had recently sent the apostles out in twos with nothing except their staffs to preach that men should repent. In so doing they "cast out devils and anointed with oil many that were sick and healed them" Matt 6:13. They were now being welcomed back from their mission with an invitation of sweet seclusion and rest.
Beloved, fellowship is a precious gift. We who are of the family of God have a common belief, a common goal, a common task and a common testimony. Ours is to obediently perform that which we have been equipped and directed to accomplish. Depending upon the gift that you have been given, that may mean something different. Some may be called upon to teach while others to encourage, others still to finance and some to labor. Each in his own way is to serve the Lord with gladness of heart because it is that Lord who has labored and been obedient to the Father to save us.
From time to time it is good and necessary for us to withdraw from labor, gather ourselves together and rest. During this time we share wisdom, heal each other's wounds, feed one another, experience blessed solitude with the Lord and worship. This strengthens us to return to the task at the appointed time. Even Jesus occasionally withdrew to spend time alone with God and to rest before returning to the mission field. This friends, prefigures the ultimate rest when all work is done. We will be called to heavenly eternity where we will enjoy the presence of God, see Jesus face to face and experience fellowship with one another without end. Let us work toward that day, not to earn it but because of love, because of obedience and because it has already been prepared for us.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Friday, November 25, 2011
Go!-11/25/2011
"Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?" Then I said, "Here am I. Send me!" Isa 6:8
Far too often we are settled in our Christianity and in our faith. Once we have "made it in," we tend to have a seat and wait for whatever is coming. Though we are grateful, we sometimes feel entitled and that we have done all we need to do. Surely our benevolent God will provide for all of our needs and send us through a minimum of inconvenience and discomfort, right?
I wonder if we are acquainted with God at all. Throughout the divinely inspired scriptures, He is shown to be a God of action. He is never one to sit idly by and just let things happen. There is always a purpose for what He does and what He allows. Further, a casual survey of the scriptures reveal that He almost always requires something of us. Noah had to build the ark. Abraham had to leave his country. Moses had to lift his hands to part the sea. David had to pick up the 5 smooth stones. God is fully capable but requires us to do our part.
Beloved God is not looking for us to do things grudgingly nor out of necessity either. He loves it when we give of ourselves cheerfully. I believes that He enjoys enthusiasm and zeal as well. When we are commanded of God, we should run to the task like no other. Never should we shrink back and do the minimum if anything at all. God has given us so much that there is no task from which we should run as Jonah did, but in all things do as Isaiah did and volunteer to be sent!
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Far too often we are settled in our Christianity and in our faith. Once we have "made it in," we tend to have a seat and wait for whatever is coming. Though we are grateful, we sometimes feel entitled and that we have done all we need to do. Surely our benevolent God will provide for all of our needs and send us through a minimum of inconvenience and discomfort, right?
I wonder if we are acquainted with God at all. Throughout the divinely inspired scriptures, He is shown to be a God of action. He is never one to sit idly by and just let things happen. There is always a purpose for what He does and what He allows. Further, a casual survey of the scriptures reveal that He almost always requires something of us. Noah had to build the ark. Abraham had to leave his country. Moses had to lift his hands to part the sea. David had to pick up the 5 smooth stones. God is fully capable but requires us to do our part.
Beloved God is not looking for us to do things grudgingly nor out of necessity either. He loves it when we give of ourselves cheerfully. I believes that He enjoys enthusiasm and zeal as well. When we are commanded of God, we should run to the task like no other. Never should we shrink back and do the minimum if anything at all. God has given us so much that there is no task from which we should run as Jonah did, but in all things do as Isaiah did and volunteer to be sent!
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Friday, October 7, 2011
Works do not Save-10/7/2011
"For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast." Eph 2:8-9
For those who know me personally, you are aware that I am currently pursuing a Masters of Arts in Religion with an emphasis in Biblical Studies. With all of my other responsibilities, you might correctly imagine that it is very demanding. So if you see a tad bit of inconsistency in timing and delivery or an an unusual amount of reposts, prayerfully you will understand why. I give praise to God, however, that I am learning something new every day. Some of that learning is shared with you through this and other forums.
Having said all of that beloved, I thought I'd share with you a not untypical assignment from a course on apologetics. My classmates and I were asked to discuss the relationship between works and salvation from an apologists (evangelistic) point of view.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
___________________________________________________________________________________
If works do not provide salvation, then what role do they play in the Christian life?
INTRODUCTION
Most individuals are taught from an early age that in order to obtain a desired thing, status or way of life, it must be earned through work. After the fall in the Garden of Eden, God established the necessity to work, even to eat, when He said to Adam, “By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground.”[1] The desire of the eye, the needs of the body, and the demands of the ego are not to be confused with the way to salvation. Despite the fact that some teach that salvation is to be earned through works, no works can be done that can accomplish what Jesus has already done, however works can and should be done because of salvation and these will be rewarded on earth and in heaven.
OVERVIEW
The Jehovah’s Witnesses boast a membership of over six and a half million.[2] Each of these individuals have been taught that, “Door-to-door witnessing, conducting Bible ‘studies’ and remaining obedient to the ‘faithful and discreet servants’ (leadership of the Watchtower) are all necessary for salvation.”[3] The Jehovah’s Witnesses are just one example of a salvation by works theology. An examination of the scriptures reveals this type of doctrine to be false.
BODY
It is only through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus the Christ that salvation can be obtained. Romans 5:8-9 reveals that it was Christ’s death that provides us with justification and salvation from the wrath of God. Further, Paul writes, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.”[4] Isaiah presses the point of the uselessness of righteous acts by stating, all our righteous acts are like filthy rags.”[5] Scripture frequently points out that salvation cannot be earned by human effort but only through that which Jesus accomplished on our behalf.
Though works themselves do not save, works can and should be pursued because of salvation. Paul wrote to the saved Christians at Philippi with instructions to “work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purposes.” The Greek word for “work out” (katergazomai) means to fashion or render one fit for a thing. In essence, Paul, in his letter to the congregation is telling them that while he is gone, they are to continue doing the things that God has placed in them as His children that He may be pleased and that they may be an example. This would help them live up to the salvation which they had already received.
Although works do not save, there is a beneficial earthly and heavenly reward that can be obtained through them. Timothy was told to, “Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasures for themselves as a firm foundation for that coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.”[6] By doing good works, Christians not only obtain the good feeling of helping others, they also add to their promised reward. The point is further made in Eph 6:7-8 when Paul writes, “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.”
CONCLUSION
There is certainly a value to doing good works; however, salvation is not the result of them. An everlasting existence with the Father is only available through the atoning work of Jesus, but works should be pursued because of salvation, as well as the earthly and heavenly benefit. The human psychology of earning what a person gets is admirable. This is also a biblical teaching in that it is written, “if any would not work, neither should he eat.”[7] This doctrine does not, however, extend to salvation. To teach that it does devalues the life, teaching, death, burial and resurrection of the son of God.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Hindson, Ed, and Ergun Caner, eds. The Popular Encyclopedia of Apologetics. Eugene: Harvest House Publishers, 2008.
Horton, David, ed. The Portable Seminary. Grand Rapids: Bethany House, 2006.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[1] Gen 3:19 (NIV).
[2]David Horton, ed., The Portable Seminary (Grand Rapids: Bethany House, 2006), 419.
[3]Ed Hindson and Ergun Caner, eds., The Popular Encyclopedia of Apologetics (Eugene: Harvest House Publishers, 2008), 292.
[4]Titus 3:5.
[5]Isa 64:6.
[6]1 Tim 6:18-19.
[7]2 Thes 3:10.
For those who know me personally, you are aware that I am currently pursuing a Masters of Arts in Religion with an emphasis in Biblical Studies. With all of my other responsibilities, you might correctly imagine that it is very demanding. So if you see a tad bit of inconsistency in timing and delivery or an an unusual amount of reposts, prayerfully you will understand why. I give praise to God, however, that I am learning something new every day. Some of that learning is shared with you through this and other forums.
Having said all of that beloved, I thought I'd share with you a not untypical assignment from a course on apologetics. My classmates and I were asked to discuss the relationship between works and salvation from an apologists (evangelistic) point of view.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
___________________________________________________________________________________
If works do not provide salvation, then what role do they play in the Christian life?
INTRODUCTION
Most individuals are taught from an early age that in order to obtain a desired thing, status or way of life, it must be earned through work. After the fall in the Garden of Eden, God established the necessity to work, even to eat, when He said to Adam, “By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground.”[1] The desire of the eye, the needs of the body, and the demands of the ego are not to be confused with the way to salvation. Despite the fact that some teach that salvation is to be earned through works, no works can be done that can accomplish what Jesus has already done, however works can and should be done because of salvation and these will be rewarded on earth and in heaven.
OVERVIEW
The Jehovah’s Witnesses boast a membership of over six and a half million.[2] Each of these individuals have been taught that, “Door-to-door witnessing, conducting Bible ‘studies’ and remaining obedient to the ‘faithful and discreet servants’ (leadership of the Watchtower) are all necessary for salvation.”[3] The Jehovah’s Witnesses are just one example of a salvation by works theology. An examination of the scriptures reveals this type of doctrine to be false.
BODY
It is only through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus the Christ that salvation can be obtained. Romans 5:8-9 reveals that it was Christ’s death that provides us with justification and salvation from the wrath of God. Further, Paul writes, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.”[4] Isaiah presses the point of the uselessness of righteous acts by stating, all our righteous acts are like filthy rags.”[5] Scripture frequently points out that salvation cannot be earned by human effort but only through that which Jesus accomplished on our behalf.
Though works themselves do not save, works can and should be pursued because of salvation. Paul wrote to the saved Christians at Philippi with instructions to “work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purposes.” The Greek word for “work out” (katergazomai) means to fashion or render one fit for a thing. In essence, Paul, in his letter to the congregation is telling them that while he is gone, they are to continue doing the things that God has placed in them as His children that He may be pleased and that they may be an example. This would help them live up to the salvation which they had already received.
Although works do not save, there is a beneficial earthly and heavenly reward that can be obtained through them. Timothy was told to, “Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasures for themselves as a firm foundation for that coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.”[6] By doing good works, Christians not only obtain the good feeling of helping others, they also add to their promised reward. The point is further made in Eph 6:7-8 when Paul writes, “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.”
CONCLUSION
There is certainly a value to doing good works; however, salvation is not the result of them. An everlasting existence with the Father is only available through the atoning work of Jesus, but works should be pursued because of salvation, as well as the earthly and heavenly benefit. The human psychology of earning what a person gets is admirable. This is also a biblical teaching in that it is written, “if any would not work, neither should he eat.”[7] This doctrine does not, however, extend to salvation. To teach that it does devalues the life, teaching, death, burial and resurrection of the son of God.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Hindson, Ed, and Ergun Caner, eds. The Popular Encyclopedia of Apologetics. Eugene: Harvest House Publishers, 2008.
Horton, David, ed. The Portable Seminary. Grand Rapids: Bethany House, 2006.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[1] Gen 3:19 (NIV).
[2]David Horton, ed., The Portable Seminary (Grand Rapids: Bethany House, 2006), 419.
[3]Ed Hindson and Ergun Caner, eds., The Popular Encyclopedia of Apologetics (Eugene: Harvest House Publishers, 2008), 292.
[4]Titus 3:5.
[5]Isa 64:6.
[6]1 Tim 6:18-19.
[7]2 Thes 3:10.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)