"Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?" 1 Cor 3:16
Beloved, please take a moment and re-read the scripture above. Then take a moment to close your eyes visualize yourself as God's temple. Take one more moment and consider what it means to you personally.
God has revealed a number of dwelling places among men throughout biblical history. We all know Him to reside in heaven. To be sure, He is still there, however we also know our God to be omnipresent; He is everywhere at the same time which allows Him to be within each and every one of us. In the past He has manifested himself in a pillar of fire and a cloud. His presence appeared on Mt. Sinai and He spoke to the people. He had Moses and the children of Israel construct a tabernacle wherein His presence occupied the mercy seat of the Ark resting within the "most holy place." Finally, His presence filled a similar place within the temple constructed by Solomon.
Now the bible tells us that we are that temple. God has moved from a common gathering place to an individual and intimate residence within each of us who have accepted Him through Christ. Imagine you personally being the dwelling place of God. Can you not quite get your mind around it? Then take it back one step and imagine God living in your house. What would your house look like? How clean would it be? What would you allow to go on in the house? Who would you welcome inside? What types of entertainment would you enjoy? What type of language would you use? What types of beverages would you drink and how much? What types of conversation would you have with others in the house or on the phone? Would you introduce your family and friends to Him? How much time would you spend with Him? Is there any place you would not invite Him to go?
To be sure, these are sobering questions but they are those that need to be considered by each of us. God does not live in the houses we live in, He lives in the houses that we are. Think on these things.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Apologetics-8/30/2011
"For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved, it is the power of God." 1 Cor 1:18
Beloved, we all know people who do not share our faith. More and more it seems, people are turning to science, philosophy and psychology to explain human existence and thought processes. God is little more than a concept at best and a crutch for a weak mind at worst. Interestingly enough, even in biblical times, those who did not follow the one true God at least acknowledged and believed in something higher than themselves. Today, many believe just in themselves.
For this cause we have something called apologetics. This is not an apology but a systematic defense of the faith through the use of reason. In scripture we come into contact with this idea specifically in 1 Pet 3:15 which says, "Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be always ready to give an answer to every man that asks you for a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear." The word "answer" in this passage is the Greek word "apologia," in English, apologetics.
Using apologetics, we are to defend the faith. It surely is under attack more and more each day. Through apologetics we also share the faith. For as many as there are attacking, there are vastly more who are seeking. And finally, we use the biblical knowledge that is apologetics to strengthen the church. It is only a strong church that can withstand attack, effectively evangelize and therefore grow, expanding the borders of God's kingdom.
You may never have heard the word apologetics in this context, but know it is an integral part of the Christianity we hold so dear.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Beloved, we all know people who do not share our faith. More and more it seems, people are turning to science, philosophy and psychology to explain human existence and thought processes. God is little more than a concept at best and a crutch for a weak mind at worst. Interestingly enough, even in biblical times, those who did not follow the one true God at least acknowledged and believed in something higher than themselves. Today, many believe just in themselves.
For this cause we have something called apologetics. This is not an apology but a systematic defense of the faith through the use of reason. In scripture we come into contact with this idea specifically in 1 Pet 3:15 which says, "Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be always ready to give an answer to every man that asks you for a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear." The word "answer" in this passage is the Greek word "apologia," in English, apologetics.
Using apologetics, we are to defend the faith. It surely is under attack more and more each day. Through apologetics we also share the faith. For as many as there are attacking, there are vastly more who are seeking. And finally, we use the biblical knowledge that is apologetics to strengthen the church. It is only a strong church that can withstand attack, effectively evangelize and therefore grow, expanding the borders of God's kingdom.
You may never have heard the word apologetics in this context, but know it is an integral part of the Christianity we hold so dear.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Monday, August 29, 2011
Running This Race-8/29/2011
"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended, but this one thing I do: forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Phi 3:13,14
Let's take a closer look at this:
"...forgetting those things which are behind..."
Paul outlines his pedigree in vs 3-6. In it, he explains why he is a Jew of Jews, and had every right to brag on his lineage, upbringing, education, associations and accomplishments. The key is in vs 7 & 8, where he says he willingly turned his back on all of that and counts it all as dung compared to the quest for Christ! Too often we put more stock than we should on things that pump us up, even as we fail to give Christ credit for who we are and what we have. This interferes with apprehending him. Think about it this way: looking back often results in going back. Remember Lot's wife?
"...and reaching forth unto those things which are before..."
Now I'd like to introduce you to the race analogy that Paul is employing. The Olympics in Greece were a big thing during this time and everyone could identify with athletic competition, particularly running. In fact, athletes were the rock stars of their day. The thought is that everything, the gaze, the legs, the arms, all reaching forward toward the goal, with great intent and never looking back. The Greek word here indicates stretching and straining. How often do we slip into remembrances and old habits that distract us from moving forward in our Christian lives? How much effort do we really put in to "winning" Christ?
"...I press toward the mark for the prize..."
The Greek here refers to the speed and effort. It conveys that he is doing everything to win. We know that the race goes to them that endure rather than the swift, nevertheless, you must cross the line in order to win. Paul wants to win, but what he wants to win is the prize of the high calling of God. What is that we are hoping to win? Popularity, wealth, fame, or heaven?
"...of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."
The high calling is nothing short of the upward calling. It conveys not only that we need to lift our lives, lift our spirit and lift our way of living, but that we attain that which is above. God has been calling us home since Adam and Eve got thrown out of the garden. We can only make it home through Jesus (John 14:6). Godliness and our final reward should be the goal of all Christians and it should be seen in the lives that we live.
Beloved, consider your own favorite scriptures, why they are your favorite and what they truly mean to your life. Study those scriptures and attempt to extract every bit of meaning from them. I assure you that the longer you live and the more you go through, the more God's word will have to say to you.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Let's take a closer look at this:
"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended..."
A perusal of the previous verses will show that Paul's main goal is to win Christ, to know Christ intimately, to be found in him and to know and attain the power of his resurrection (vs 8-11). These are lofty goals indeed, but to Paul, goals are indeed what they are, for according to his word, he has not yet attained or apprehended them. He goes on to say in vs 12 that he is diligently pursuing this apprehension, the attaining of all aspects of a relationship with and true understanding of Christ. These are worthy goals for all Christians. I submit to you that we are all in the same state Paul was, having not fully grasped all that is Christ Jesus."...forgetting those things which are behind..."
Paul outlines his pedigree in vs 3-6. In it, he explains why he is a Jew of Jews, and had every right to brag on his lineage, upbringing, education, associations and accomplishments. The key is in vs 7 & 8, where he says he willingly turned his back on all of that and counts it all as dung compared to the quest for Christ! Too often we put more stock than we should on things that pump us up, even as we fail to give Christ credit for who we are and what we have. This interferes with apprehending him. Think about it this way: looking back often results in going back. Remember Lot's wife?
"...and reaching forth unto those things which are before..."
Now I'd like to introduce you to the race analogy that Paul is employing. The Olympics in Greece were a big thing during this time and everyone could identify with athletic competition, particularly running. In fact, athletes were the rock stars of their day. The thought is that everything, the gaze, the legs, the arms, all reaching forward toward the goal, with great intent and never looking back. The Greek word here indicates stretching and straining. How often do we slip into remembrances and old habits that distract us from moving forward in our Christian lives? How much effort do we really put in to "winning" Christ?
"...I press toward the mark for the prize..."
The Greek here refers to the speed and effort. It conveys that he is doing everything to win. We know that the race goes to them that endure rather than the swift, nevertheless, you must cross the line in order to win. Paul wants to win, but what he wants to win is the prize of the high calling of God. What is that we are hoping to win? Popularity, wealth, fame, or heaven?
"...of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."
The high calling is nothing short of the upward calling. It conveys not only that we need to lift our lives, lift our spirit and lift our way of living, but that we attain that which is above. God has been calling us home since Adam and Eve got thrown out of the garden. We can only make it home through Jesus (John 14:6). Godliness and our final reward should be the goal of all Christians and it should be seen in the lives that we live.
Beloved, consider your own favorite scriptures, why they are your favorite and what they truly mean to your life. Study those scriptures and attempt to extract every bit of meaning from them. I assure you that the longer you live and the more you go through, the more God's word will have to say to you.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Friday, August 26, 2011
Perspective- 8/25/2011 (rp)
"This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." Ps 118:24
Perspective is an interesting thing. It goes a long way in determining how we interact with environments, individuals and situations. The great thing about perspective is that many times we can choose the one we will employ. An example is the classic question of looking at a glass half empty or half full.
This leads me to the following question: have you ever had a bad day? Without a doubt we all endure challenging circumstances from time to time. The unforeseen happens all of the time whether we are prepared for it or not. It is not unusual for this things to seemingly move in a direction that is not in our favor. This in turn has an effect on our mentality and our outlook. If you are anything like me, once things start to go down hill, you probably bring a lot of other things that have nothing to do with it into the situation since you are headed that direction. I even have a name for it. I call it the "vortex."
My personal issues aside, I realized some time ago that I have a choice in how I view and react to things. I can look at them as inconveniences, problems I do not want to deal with and shout to the rooftops, "Why me Lord?" or I can look at them as opportunities to apply my faith, help others, be an example and (gasp) thank the Lord.
Beloved, as easy as it is to decide that we are having a bad day, we can decide that it is a good day. It is one more day that the Lord has given us to live, to laugh, to love and to glorify him. If we decide not to do that because of our circumstances or situations, it is no fault of his. He gave us another beautiful glorious day and let us decide how we use it. If you were told that today would be the last one you had, how would that affect your outlook? How would it affect what you do with the time? What would your perspective be then?
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Perspective is an interesting thing. It goes a long way in determining how we interact with environments, individuals and situations. The great thing about perspective is that many times we can choose the one we will employ. An example is the classic question of looking at a glass half empty or half full.
This leads me to the following question: have you ever had a bad day? Without a doubt we all endure challenging circumstances from time to time. The unforeseen happens all of the time whether we are prepared for it or not. It is not unusual for this things to seemingly move in a direction that is not in our favor. This in turn has an effect on our mentality and our outlook. If you are anything like me, once things start to go down hill, you probably bring a lot of other things that have nothing to do with it into the situation since you are headed that direction. I even have a name for it. I call it the "vortex."
My personal issues aside, I realized some time ago that I have a choice in how I view and react to things. I can look at them as inconveniences, problems I do not want to deal with and shout to the rooftops, "Why me Lord?" or I can look at them as opportunities to apply my faith, help others, be an example and (gasp) thank the Lord.
Beloved, as easy as it is to decide that we are having a bad day, we can decide that it is a good day. It is one more day that the Lord has given us to live, to laugh, to love and to glorify him. If we decide not to do that because of our circumstances or situations, it is no fault of his. He gave us another beautiful glorious day and let us decide how we use it. If you were told that today would be the last one you had, how would that affect your outlook? How would it affect what you do with the time? What would your perspective be then?
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Thursday, August 25, 2011
They Which Die in the Lord-8/25/2011
"...Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them." Rev 14:13
Beloved, Betty Hawkins, a member of the congregation I am privileged to serve, has gone to be with the Lord. In that we were particularly close, it took me back to one of the first times I was faced with the passing of a member and brother in my current capacity. In tribute to her and perhaps to provide a bit of comfort to all who read that have lost someone, I offer the words, thoughts and emotions experienced on that occassion. They are nearly identical in circumstance.
***
I've just returned from a trip to Orlando. During a portion of the time I was there, I found myself doing what nearly anyone who visits would do while in the area: standing in line at an amusement park.
What made this time different than any other was the phone call I received from Debbie, our church's secretary. She wanted to know if I had received the email regarding the death of Jack Booker.
I hadn't.
Everything surrounding me: time, place, sounds, smells, and the anticipation of getting on one of the world's best roller coasters, all broke apart and fell to the ground like so much shattered glass.
My friend and brother in Christ, Jack Booker, had gone to be with the Lord.
Debbie gave me all of the details she could, but it seemed that blood filled my ears, preventing me from hearing with any clarity, the words she was clearly speaking to me. My mind raced with emotions, memories and thoughts about what I should do. I had flashbacks.
"Hello preacher! How are you today?"
"I'm going to get you a copy of 'Last of the Dogmen.' It's the best movie ever made."
"Hey brother! I heard it was a good message today, but I don't know because I was asleep," he would joke.
"Lee, you are a blessing to this congregation and we are glad to have you." These were the last words Jack ever spoke to me.
After Debbie gave me a number to contact Genia who was at the hospital with Charlene, I began to ask myself what I was doing in Orlando. I needed to be home, to be with the people I've come to love, during this very important time. All I could manage was a phone call to let them know that my heart and my prayers were with them all. It felt inadequate. Very inadequate.
During the time I've served at O'Fallon, there have been three passings. Though I've been touched by them all, I knew Jack best and feel that we had a personal relationship. That makes this particularly difficult.
How do I feel?
What should I feel?
What do I say?
What should I say?
How do I care for the congregation?
I'm a "new hand" at this sort of thing, but I suspect you never become an "old hand" at it.
We've lost a dear loved one.
But medicine for me is medicine for others. And that which I know is this:
"...Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them." Rev 14:13
It is not mine to determine the worth of Jack's life, the quality of his walk, the quantity of his work or the sincerity of his heart. That is the Lord's domain. But I will say, that I found him to be a quality man, a tireless worker for the Lord, a constant encourager, and an example of Christian faith.
Though the sadness in our hearts is inevitable, we of like faith cannot help but to celebrate his life and his home going. As Christians, it is ultimately to what we all look forward and that, with great anticipation and hope. Jack has gone where we all want to go...into the hands of a just God.
So to my brother and friend,
"Farewell. I thank God for the brief time we had together, to walk along the path of this Christian journey, to run on the track of this Christian race, for the conversations both spoken and unspoken. I pray that we will again see one another. Rest well from your labors. Your work has truly followed you. You are already missed.
Beloved, Betty Hawkins, a member of the congregation I am privileged to serve, has gone to be with the Lord. In that we were particularly close, it took me back to one of the first times I was faced with the passing of a member and brother in my current capacity. In tribute to her and perhaps to provide a bit of comfort to all who read that have lost someone, I offer the words, thoughts and emotions experienced on that occassion. They are nearly identical in circumstance.
***
I've just returned from a trip to Orlando. During a portion of the time I was there, I found myself doing what nearly anyone who visits would do while in the area: standing in line at an amusement park.
What made this time different than any other was the phone call I received from Debbie, our church's secretary. She wanted to know if I had received the email regarding the death of Jack Booker.
I hadn't.
Everything surrounding me: time, place, sounds, smells, and the anticipation of getting on one of the world's best roller coasters, all broke apart and fell to the ground like so much shattered glass.
My friend and brother in Christ, Jack Booker, had gone to be with the Lord.
Debbie gave me all of the details she could, but it seemed that blood filled my ears, preventing me from hearing with any clarity, the words she was clearly speaking to me. My mind raced with emotions, memories and thoughts about what I should do. I had flashbacks.
"Hello preacher! How are you today?"
"I'm going to get you a copy of 'Last of the Dogmen.' It's the best movie ever made."
"Hey brother! I heard it was a good message today, but I don't know because I was asleep," he would joke.
"Lee, you are a blessing to this congregation and we are glad to have you." These were the last words Jack ever spoke to me.
After Debbie gave me a number to contact Genia who was at the hospital with Charlene, I began to ask myself what I was doing in Orlando. I needed to be home, to be with the people I've come to love, during this very important time. All I could manage was a phone call to let them know that my heart and my prayers were with them all. It felt inadequate. Very inadequate.
During the time I've served at O'Fallon, there have been three passings. Though I've been touched by them all, I knew Jack best and feel that we had a personal relationship. That makes this particularly difficult.
How do I feel?
What should I feel?
What do I say?
What should I say?
How do I care for the congregation?
I'm a "new hand" at this sort of thing, but I suspect you never become an "old hand" at it.
We've lost a dear loved one.
But medicine for me is medicine for others. And that which I know is this:
"...Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them." Rev 14:13
It is not mine to determine the worth of Jack's life, the quality of his walk, the quantity of his work or the sincerity of his heart. That is the Lord's domain. But I will say, that I found him to be a quality man, a tireless worker for the Lord, a constant encourager, and an example of Christian faith.
Though the sadness in our hearts is inevitable, we of like faith cannot help but to celebrate his life and his home going. As Christians, it is ultimately to what we all look forward and that, with great anticipation and hope. Jack has gone where we all want to go...into the hands of a just God.
So to my brother and friend,
"Farewell. I thank God for the brief time we had together, to walk along the path of this Christian journey, to run on the track of this Christian race, for the conversations both spoken and unspoken. I pray that we will again see one another. Rest well from your labors. Your work has truly followed you. You are already missed.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
What Christianity is all About-8/24/2011
"but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;" 1 Pet 3:15
There are many things that set Christians apart from non-Christians. Foundational to them all is the acknowledgement of Jesus' existence, sonship and ultimate sacrifice for all humankind. The direct result of these beliefs is a voluntary agreement to demonstrate love to him through obedience to his commands, chief of which are to love God with all of our hearts, souls and minds and to love one another as ourselves, Matt 22:37. Failure to do so is to blur the line between ourselves and those who neither know or accept him.
Beloved, we are called upon to be distinct as a body of believers. It is only through this that we have the credibility to share our faith with others. People are never curious about sameness, but in fact are attracted to differences. The peace, well being, faith and willingness to sacrifice for something greater than ourselves generate inquiries. When our loved ones and acquaintances ask about why we do what we do and believe what we believe, it is an opportunity to obey yet another of the Lord's commands. It is an opportunity to share our faith. It is important for us to know that when we do this, we "turn a sinner from the error of his way (and) will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins" James 5:20.
Simply believing is only part of the formula. We must also be the beliefs that we claim and be equipped to take advantage of every opportunity we are given to expand the number of those who call Jesus Lord. As we were once introduced to Christ, it becomes among our chief responsibilities to introduce others. This builds our relationships with each other and our savior. This is what Christianity is all about.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
There are many things that set Christians apart from non-Christians. Foundational to them all is the acknowledgement of Jesus' existence, sonship and ultimate sacrifice for all humankind. The direct result of these beliefs is a voluntary agreement to demonstrate love to him through obedience to his commands, chief of which are to love God with all of our hearts, souls and minds and to love one another as ourselves, Matt 22:37. Failure to do so is to blur the line between ourselves and those who neither know or accept him.
Beloved, we are called upon to be distinct as a body of believers. It is only through this that we have the credibility to share our faith with others. People are never curious about sameness, but in fact are attracted to differences. The peace, well being, faith and willingness to sacrifice for something greater than ourselves generate inquiries. When our loved ones and acquaintances ask about why we do what we do and believe what we believe, it is an opportunity to obey yet another of the Lord's commands. It is an opportunity to share our faith. It is important for us to know that when we do this, we "turn a sinner from the error of his way (and) will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins" James 5:20.
Simply believing is only part of the formula. We must also be the beliefs that we claim and be equipped to take advantage of every opportunity we are given to expand the number of those who call Jesus Lord. As we were once introduced to Christ, it becomes among our chief responsibilities to introduce others. This builds our relationships with each other and our savior. This is what Christianity is all about.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Stay in the House- 9/23/2011
"For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment handed on to them." 2 Peter 2:21
I remember very distinctly my mother getting my sister and me ready for church in our Sunday best and instructing us to sit still on the couch until she and my father were ready to go. The idea was that we were not to get restless, go outside, start playing and through some course of events, get our "church clothes" dirty. I also remember what happened when I disobeyed. It only happened once.
Beloved, as Christians, we have been saved from all of the things that pollute us and contribute to our destruction. It took nothing less than the sacrifice of the Son of God to accomplish this miraculously loving deed. Once we have been washed clean in his blood, we must guard against going outside (of his loving protective commands) and getting dirty (willfully sinning). The apostle goes on to compare this to a dog returning to his vomit and a washed pig returning to the mud. This not only discusses the utter futility of such actions but also of our proclivity to do so. This is why we must steadfastly guard against slipping back into our old condemned selves.
We have been equipped with an innate sense of right and wrong. We instantly know when we have crossed the line. Today, the encouragement is to stay in the house until it is time to go.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
I remember very distinctly my mother getting my sister and me ready for church in our Sunday best and instructing us to sit still on the couch until she and my father were ready to go. The idea was that we were not to get restless, go outside, start playing and through some course of events, get our "church clothes" dirty. I also remember what happened when I disobeyed. It only happened once.
Beloved, as Christians, we have been saved from all of the things that pollute us and contribute to our destruction. It took nothing less than the sacrifice of the Son of God to accomplish this miraculously loving deed. Once we have been washed clean in his blood, we must guard against going outside (of his loving protective commands) and getting dirty (willfully sinning). The apostle goes on to compare this to a dog returning to his vomit and a washed pig returning to the mud. This not only discusses the utter futility of such actions but also of our proclivity to do so. This is why we must steadfastly guard against slipping back into our old condemned selves.
We have been equipped with an innate sense of right and wrong. We instantly know when we have crossed the line. Today, the encouragement is to stay in the house until it is time to go.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
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