"And while they were going away to make the purchase, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut." Matt 27:10
Foundational to our Christian belief is that we serve a risen Lord who has promised to come back for us one day, John 14:2-3. What has not been promised is that we would know when. According to Mark 13:32, this information is given neither to man, angels or even the Son, but remains with the Father.
There are numerous scriptures that discuss the return of Christ. Many of them feature phrases like, "in the twinkling of an eye," "as a thief in the night," and "suddenly." Since no one knows neither the date nor the time, the very best thing we can do is to be ready for his return at all times. As outlined in the parable of the 10 virgins, 5 were properly prepared and 5 were not. They who find themselves scrambling to get ready and get right when the Lord arrives will find that it will be too late. Those who are leading faithful lives, Rev 2:10, will find themselves recipients of the promises of the Lord.
We all understand the challenges to leading righteous lives in these perilous times however; we must cast our eyes back to all that has been suffered on our behalf and forward to all that has been prepared. Our present sufferings are not worthy to be compared with the glory which will be revealed in us.
Jesus said, "Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh." Matt 24:44. Are you ready?
In Revival,
Lee
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Stand and Deliver-DD 3/31/10
"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
This passage involves Mordecai's admonishment of Esther to do the right thing in the face of a mortal threat to the people of God. Having been made aware of this threat, Esther initially offers excuses that involve peril to her own life at approaching the king about the issue despite being his wife. As a result, Mordecai informs her that she, being a Jew herself, would share the fate of the people. More importantly, he reminds her that she, as a result of the most unlikely chain of events, may have been made queen to save a people at this moment.
We all need to understand who we are in God. We are His children and He has promised to save us. Though we may not understand why we are where we are or why we must endure certain circumstances in our lives, we, like Esther, need to be reminded that we are where God put us according to His purposes. Let us always seek God's purpose in everything we do. To be sure, He has put us where we are to provide deliverance for a people.
In Revival,
Lee
This passage involves Mordecai's admonishment of Esther to do the right thing in the face of a mortal threat to the people of God. Having been made aware of this threat, Esther initially offers excuses that involve peril to her own life at approaching the king about the issue despite being his wife. As a result, Mordecai informs her that she, being a Jew herself, would share the fate of the people. More importantly, he reminds her that she, as a result of the most unlikely chain of events, may have been made queen to save a people at this moment.
We all need to understand who we are in God. We are His children and He has promised to save us. Though we may not understand why we are where we are or why we must endure certain circumstances in our lives, we, like Esther, need to be reminded that we are where God put us according to His purposes. Let us always seek God's purpose in everything we do. To be sure, He has put us where we are to provide deliverance for a people.
In Revival,
Lee
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Closer Than You Think-DD 3/30/10
In John's gospel account, he writes, "And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us (and we beheld his glory as of the only begotten of the Father) full of grace." This verse establishes two critical truths about our Savior; Jesus is Divine and Jesus is simultaneously human.
Jesus' divinity is clearly established in a number of scriptures, however; nowhere is it more clearly stated than in John 1:1. Although this fact is foundational to our Christian belief, how is it that we lowly, dirt made creatures can ever hope to be in communion with the Creator of the universe and all it contains? Paul writes in Col 2:9 that "...in him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily." I don't know about you but that is an awful intimidating thought. I suggest that it would be for anyone. Nevertheless, if Jesus was Deity only, there would have been no perfect and atoning sacrifice for us and therefore no hope of salvation. This brings me to the second truth and the point of this message.
Jesus was also fully man. John indicates this by saying not only was he flesh, but he lived with them and they were able to see, observe, hear and touch him (as was also indicated in 1 John 1:1-4). This was critically important to establish because there was operating at the time, a sect of individuals known as the Gnostics that questioned the existence of Christ or at the very minimum his humanity as it relates to him being flesh and blood. They maintained that nothing made of matter could be divine, but only inherently evil, therefore Christ was not a man. Clearly, if this were the case, he could never have been the atoning sacrifice and again we'd fine ourselves with no hope of salvation.
Christ indeed suffered. More importantly, he didn't suffer for the sake of suffering, nor did he suffer for himself. He suffered for us, 1 Pet 3:18. Now this is very important. Jesus being man suffered both as a man and for mankind. "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Heb 4:14-16.
This has all been said to remind us that Jesus, now at the right hand of the Father in His Deity knows all and loves completely, but that as the Son of Man, knows intimately all that we endure and is our very present help in a time of need. Jesus our Savior; he is closer than you think.
In Revival,
Lee
Jesus' divinity is clearly established in a number of scriptures, however; nowhere is it more clearly stated than in John 1:1. Although this fact is foundational to our Christian belief, how is it that we lowly, dirt made creatures can ever hope to be in communion with the Creator of the universe and all it contains? Paul writes in Col 2:9 that "...in him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily." I don't know about you but that is an awful intimidating thought. I suggest that it would be for anyone. Nevertheless, if Jesus was Deity only, there would have been no perfect and atoning sacrifice for us and therefore no hope of salvation. This brings me to the second truth and the point of this message.
Jesus was also fully man. John indicates this by saying not only was he flesh, but he lived with them and they were able to see, observe, hear and touch him (as was also indicated in 1 John 1:1-4). This was critically important to establish because there was operating at the time, a sect of individuals known as the Gnostics that questioned the existence of Christ or at the very minimum his humanity as it relates to him being flesh and blood. They maintained that nothing made of matter could be divine, but only inherently evil, therefore Christ was not a man. Clearly, if this were the case, he could never have been the atoning sacrifice and again we'd fine ourselves with no hope of salvation.
Christ indeed suffered. More importantly, he didn't suffer for the sake of suffering, nor did he suffer for himself. He suffered for us, 1 Pet 3:18. Now this is very important. Jesus being man suffered both as a man and for mankind. "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Heb 4:14-16.
This has all been said to remind us that Jesus, now at the right hand of the Father in His Deity knows all and loves completely, but that as the Son of Man, knows intimately all that we endure and is our very present help in a time of need. Jesus our Savior; he is closer than you think.
In Revival,
Lee
Sunday, March 28, 2010
The Hope in Death
A few weeks ago my first cousin died.
I know that as you read that sentence you will silently utter condolences and wonder if we were close. Thank you and we were not. We were not close for two main reasons. The first is that I am the product of a military family. My dad being in the Air Force for all of my formative years, we were never in more than one place for more than four years and never lived in Baytown, TX where my cousin lived and died. The second reason is that he, Damon Bates Broussard, was mentally challenged. So that you will know exactly what I'm talking about, though the phrase has fallen out of political correctness, he was diagnosed as mentally retarded soon after he was born.
What this came to mean to his family and all that new and loved him is that he would never be able to converse as most people do. It came to mean that he would never be able to care for himself. It meant that he was completely dependant on others for survival and daily care. Sure his motor skills were fine but somewhere along the way a short circuiting of what we might consider normal mental faculties eluded him and set the course of life for his family from that day to this.
My beloved Aunt Eva and Uncle Roy loved Damon with all of their hearts. Everything they did throughout the entirety of his life revolved around caring for him and providing for his needs. Times got tough, money got short and their own health issues intruded but Damon never went without his bodily needs nor his need for love. Aunt Eva in particular provided for his daily cleaning, feeding, clothes washing and mental stimulation. They developed a type of sign language that helped them understand one another. The casual observer might have felt sorry for everyone involved, but appearances from the outside can often be deceiving.
A woman of faith herself, raised in a family of faith, she relied totally on her relationship with God to count a life of raising Damon all joy. She blossomed into someone who knew intimately what servant hood and humility are all about. Unlike many of us, she has always known her mission in life. Countless individuals have been encouraged by her strength, her resolve and her love.
I cannot tell you what Damon went through, what he thought or how he felt. You and I cannot imagine what it would be like to be in such an incapacitated mental state, though I'm sure for him, it was all he knew. I know I've seen him happy and I've seen him sad. I've seen him experience joy and I've seen him experience anger. Most of all, I've seen him give and receive love.
This brings me to the point of this writing. What must life be like for Damon now? Since the Father has called him home, has he been released from that which afflicted him? I can't help but think of the Gadarene who was relieved of those that possessed him after coming into contact with Jesus in Mark 5. I imagine Damon being "clothed and in his right mind." I imagine the day that his mother, father and the rest of his family meets him in the life to come. I imagine him saying to Eva, "Hi mom. I love you," as Jesus stands at a distance and smiles. And I imagine this scene being repeated for so many of us that have lost loved ones that are now absent from the body but present with the Lord.
There is indeed for some, yet available for all, hope in death.
Revival
I know that as you read that sentence you will silently utter condolences and wonder if we were close. Thank you and we were not. We were not close for two main reasons. The first is that I am the product of a military family. My dad being in the Air Force for all of my formative years, we were never in more than one place for more than four years and never lived in Baytown, TX where my cousin lived and died. The second reason is that he, Damon Bates Broussard, was mentally challenged. So that you will know exactly what I'm talking about, though the phrase has fallen out of political correctness, he was diagnosed as mentally retarded soon after he was born.
What this came to mean to his family and all that new and loved him is that he would never be able to converse as most people do. It came to mean that he would never be able to care for himself. It meant that he was completely dependant on others for survival and daily care. Sure his motor skills were fine but somewhere along the way a short circuiting of what we might consider normal mental faculties eluded him and set the course of life for his family from that day to this.
My beloved Aunt Eva and Uncle Roy loved Damon with all of their hearts. Everything they did throughout the entirety of his life revolved around caring for him and providing for his needs. Times got tough, money got short and their own health issues intruded but Damon never went without his bodily needs nor his need for love. Aunt Eva in particular provided for his daily cleaning, feeding, clothes washing and mental stimulation. They developed a type of sign language that helped them understand one another. The casual observer might have felt sorry for everyone involved, but appearances from the outside can often be deceiving.
A woman of faith herself, raised in a family of faith, she relied totally on her relationship with God to count a life of raising Damon all joy. She blossomed into someone who knew intimately what servant hood and humility are all about. Unlike many of us, she has always known her mission in life. Countless individuals have been encouraged by her strength, her resolve and her love.
I cannot tell you what Damon went through, what he thought or how he felt. You and I cannot imagine what it would be like to be in such an incapacitated mental state, though I'm sure for him, it was all he knew. I know I've seen him happy and I've seen him sad. I've seen him experience joy and I've seen him experience anger. Most of all, I've seen him give and receive love.
This brings me to the point of this writing. What must life be like for Damon now? Since the Father has called him home, has he been released from that which afflicted him? I can't help but think of the Gadarene who was relieved of those that possessed him after coming into contact with Jesus in Mark 5. I imagine Damon being "clothed and in his right mind." I imagine the day that his mother, father and the rest of his family meets him in the life to come. I imagine him saying to Eva, "Hi mom. I love you," as Jesus stands at a distance and smiles. And I imagine this scene being repeated for so many of us that have lost loved ones that are now absent from the body but present with the Lord.
There is indeed for some, yet available for all, hope in death.
Revival
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Revival 2010
By now I suspect the concept of "Revival" is well rehearsed in your minds and hopefully your hearts. There has been an effort to launch and maintain a full out spiritual assault designed to bring us closer to God.
These days there are so many things working against us as sons and daughters of the Almighty. We are constantly inundated with sounds and images from a media arrayed against Christian living. Whether it is music, particularly satellite radio, television, particularly cable, books, magazines or the Internet, we are surrounded with messages that are contrary to our way of life and the corresponding will of God. Revival, among other things, means finding our way back to God, our first love Rev 2:4.
Setting the theme as Revival this year is all about getting back to God. Thus far we have talked about
These days there are so many things working against us as sons and daughters of the Almighty. We are constantly inundated with sounds and images from a media arrayed against Christian living. Whether it is music, particularly satellite radio, television, particularly cable, books, magazines or the Internet, we are surrounded with messages that are contrary to our way of life and the corresponding will of God. Revival, among other things, means finding our way back to God, our first love Rev 2:4.
Setting the theme as Revival this year is all about getting back to God. Thus far we have talked about
- "Renewing of Our Minds" (Rom 12:2)
- "Wake Up Church" (Rev 3:2)
- "Dry Bones" (Eze 47:11-14)
- "Revival In the Midst" (Ezra 9:8,9)
All of these messages have been designed to teach us broad concepts about what revival means. They have gone from the personal to the congregational in scope and have even dealt with the pressures put on believers by society as well as ourselves.
Revival however, is a very personal thing. It is about the new life that God gives to them that renew their commitment to Him. It is about the transformation that takes place when one gives up the things in life that are outside His will and His commands. But how do you achieve revival? To be sure, there are specific things to do and specific areas where revival can be experienced.
In the coming weeks, we'll discuss:
- Revival of Prayer
- Revival of Study
- Revival of Love
- Revival of Fellowship
- Revival of Evangelism
I hope, trust and pray that our studies thus far have been edifying to your souls. And though revival starts with the individual, when we experience it collectively, we will be what God has called us to be: the called out, the eklesia, the church!
Revival!
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Looking Forward
Family,
I hope, trust and pray that your holiday season was one to remember. This year we joined the Advent Conspiracy and became a part of a movement designed to return the focus of the season to its source, Jesus Christ. During our exposition of the associated concepts of worshipping fully, spending less, giving more and loving all, we raised nearly $10,000 for the work of the Lord. Our God never ceases to amaze me, nor do his people when they are actively and obediently engaged in his service. Though, contextually the people were engaged in something decidedly rebellious, Gen 11:6 records, “The Lord said, Behold, they are one people, and they all have the same language. And this is what they began to do, and now nothing which they purpose to do will be impossible for them.” Surely we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.
Post advent season, let us also remember that those who were in the presence of the Lord during his original advent did not experience the post Christmas doldrums, but instead were obedient, Matt 2:9-12, evangelistic, Lk 2:8-18 and were put in touch with salvation. Access http://simplechristianity.com/sermons.htm for details.
Now as we cast our minds and hearts toward 2010, it is my hope that we would be willing and able to exemplify the things we have learned over the last few weeks. In order to help us do this our theme will be “Revival!” Over the course of the year we will explore a variety of topics designed to help us renew and refresh our relationship with and commitment to the Lord. Romans 12:2 will be our guide: “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
I thank God for each of you, the things we have witnessed this past year and the things we have accomplished in his service. As we enter the 50th year of O’Fallon’s existence (more about that soon), I know that we will be able to do even greater things in His name.
God’s greatest spiritual blessings to us all.
Revival!
I hope, trust and pray that your holiday season was one to remember. This year we joined the Advent Conspiracy and became a part of a movement designed to return the focus of the season to its source, Jesus Christ. During our exposition of the associated concepts of worshipping fully, spending less, giving more and loving all, we raised nearly $10,000 for the work of the Lord. Our God never ceases to amaze me, nor do his people when they are actively and obediently engaged in his service. Though, contextually the people were engaged in something decidedly rebellious, Gen 11:6 records, “The Lord said, Behold, they are one people, and they all have the same language. And this is what they began to do, and now nothing which they purpose to do will be impossible for them.” Surely we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.
Post advent season, let us also remember that those who were in the presence of the Lord during his original advent did not experience the post Christmas doldrums, but instead were obedient, Matt 2:9-12, evangelistic, Lk 2:8-18 and were put in touch with salvation. Access http://simplechristianity.com/sermons.htm for details.
Now as we cast our minds and hearts toward 2010, it is my hope that we would be willing and able to exemplify the things we have learned over the last few weeks. In order to help us do this our theme will be “Revival!” Over the course of the year we will explore a variety of topics designed to help us renew and refresh our relationship with and commitment to the Lord. Romans 12:2 will be our guide: “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
I thank God for each of you, the things we have witnessed this past year and the things we have accomplished in his service. As we enter the 50th year of O’Fallon’s existence (more about that soon), I know that we will be able to do even greater things in His name.
God’s greatest spiritual blessings to us all.
Revival!
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Thanksgiving: A Daily Occurence
To be sure, we have entered the holiday season. Thanksgiving day is the bountiful, cornucopia filled hearald to what is for many, the most joyous time of the year.
In 1621, the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared an autumn harvest feast which is acknowledged today as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the colonies. This harvest meal has become a symbol of cooperation and interaction between English colonists and Native Americans. Although this feast is considered by many to the very first Thanksgiving celebration, it was actually in keeping with a long tradition of celebrating the harvest and giving thanks for a successful bounty of crops. Native American groups throughout the Americas, including the Pueblo, Cherokee, Creek and many others organized harvest festivals, ceremonial dances, and other celebrations of thanks for centuries before the arrival of Europeans in North America [historychannel.com].
In view of this history, much of our focus on stopping and taking time to give thanks is centered around this holiday. I submit to you however, that to the Christian, this should be a constant in our daily lives. The word instructs that we,"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Phil 4:6 Being ever mindful of the provision of God and taking time to thank him through prayer is both the duty and the privilege of everyone who calls upon the name of his Son and our Savior. Further, Eph 5:20 states that we should do this "always for all things."
The encouragement to us all, this day and all days my beloved, far beyond and more frequent than this quaint tradition, is to simply thank God every day in every way for the vastness of his blessings.
Strengthening our Faith
In 1621, the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared an autumn harvest feast which is acknowledged today as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the colonies. This harvest meal has become a symbol of cooperation and interaction between English colonists and Native Americans. Although this feast is considered by many to the very first Thanksgiving celebration, it was actually in keeping with a long tradition of celebrating the harvest and giving thanks for a successful bounty of crops. Native American groups throughout the Americas, including the Pueblo, Cherokee, Creek and many others organized harvest festivals, ceremonial dances, and other celebrations of thanks for centuries before the arrival of Europeans in North America [historychannel.com].
In view of this history, much of our focus on stopping and taking time to give thanks is centered around this holiday. I submit to you however, that to the Christian, this should be a constant in our daily lives. The word instructs that we,"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Phil 4:6 Being ever mindful of the provision of God and taking time to thank him through prayer is both the duty and the privilege of everyone who calls upon the name of his Son and our Savior. Further, Eph 5:20 states that we should do this "always for all things."
The encouragement to us all, this day and all days my beloved, far beyond and more frequent than this quaint tradition, is to simply thank God every day in every way for the vastness of his blessings.
Strengthening our Faith
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