I think some times we "believe" in our children, more than we "believe" Jesus is Lord. Think about it. We believe in our kids so much that we will make so many sacrifices to support their desires and help them to suceed in life. Take sports for instance. If my son loved basketball, and wanted to excel at the sport, I would believe in him and would devote myself to teaching him the game. I would drive him to practices, I would drive him to games, I would get out in the driveway and do drills, and study the sport and other players, all in order to make him a better basketball player. I would believe in him, and his passion and would devote myself to helping him reach his goal. I would buy new shoes when needed, I would buy him a top of the line ball, I would film his games so he can study them later. Because I love him and am proud of him, I would do everything I could with all my passion to see that he gets what he needs in order to play at a high level and "be somebody". I wouldn't just say, "I believe in you son" and then never take him to practice or games. Or tell him that his old Chuck Taylor skateboard shoes should do fine for basketball also. Or spend any time with him preparing and studying in order to improve. Saying I believe in my son, and his dreams, would mean absolutely nothing if I did not genuinely support him and have a devotion for helping him. People would ask me, what's your son want to do when he get's older? And I would say he is going to play professional basketball. And they would say, "oh wow, you must work with him daily and devote a lot of time to getting him to practice and games". And I would just be like, "well I believe in him. I know he can do it. I have faith and confidence in him. He's my son! He can do anything he puts his mind to!" Do I really believe in him, if I show no devotion to helping him accomplish what he is passionate about doing?
I'm not sure this analogy is making sense at this point, but what I am saying is that MANY say they believe that Jesus is Lord. They say they are a Christian. Christian literally means "follower of Christ". So how can we say we are Christian and we believe in Jesus, yet have NO devotion for truly following Christ? I'm not talking about living a perfect life. I'm talking about looking like a "follower of Christ" more than just another person in the world. Does driving to Church on Sunday morning and engaging in a sincere worship time and listening to a sermon about how the Bible can be relevant in my life today, define what devotion means? Are we truly devoted to following Christ? Are we truly trying to walk as Jesus walked. Are we studying to show ourselves approved to God? Believing in Jesus and that he died to save us from our sin and the wrath of God, is important. But even the demons believe and tremble. Do we tremble? If we truly believe, there will be a devotion. A devotion to knowing the Word of God. A devotion to being separated from sin. A devotion to being Holy as He is Holy. A devotion to proclaiming the Gospel unashamedly. A devotion to leading our families in a biblical way. Just a devotion, period. How can we claim to be "followers of Christ", yet show no devotion to actually following by doing the things that Christ did? Check out this definition of devotion: Passionate, often selfless affection and dedication, as to a person or principle. So the same kind of passion we show when at our kids softball or baseball game. The same passion we show for our favorite football team, or American Idol contestant, or Nascar driver. The same excitement that some show for muscular wrestlers, or immodestly dressed cheerleaders. The same passion that some have for nice cars, and nice houses, and expensive jewelry. Do we have that type of passion and devotion for being a follower of Christ? I'd say no. Think about how worthless the term Christian as we use it today is. When 75% of Americans claim to be Christian. I am guilty of lack of devotion. I am examining myself as I write this. I hope you will examine yourself too. I know this type of devotion for Jesus sounds radical. But Jesus is worthy of it!
Dormant No More
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
1689 Baptist Confession of Faith....
I was reading through the Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689. Since I was raised Baptist and know that many of my friends here are Baptist, I thought I would share some of these things with you. I realize that this was written by men. But my point is look at how "man" has changed Christianity in just 320 years. It's like we got rid of "costly grace" and replaced it with "cheap grace". Please take a moment to read...
Chapter 22: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day
The sabbath is then kept holy unto the Lord, when men, after a due preparing of their hearts, and ordering their common affairs aforehand, do not only observe an holy rest all day, from their own works, words and thoughts, about their worldly employment and recreations, but are also taken up the whole time in the public and private exercises of his worship, and in the duties of necessity and mercy. ( Isaiah 58:13; Nehemiah 13:15-22; Matthew 12:1-13 )
Now, let's say that the new Sabbath is now on Sunday (my Sabbath honoring friends, just work with me here). Look what all is said about how we should keep that day Holy. "observe an holy rest all day, from their own works, words and thoughts, about their worldly employment and recreations". That means NO Works, Words, or Thoughts about ANYTHING Worldly! I'm not talking about legalism. I'm talking about a HOLY and RIGHTEOUS God, the 4th Commandment, and setting a day aside for holy rest. Even if you water this down quite a bit, and say well, we have to cook, or we have to take care of our kids, some of us have to work, and so on, we still miss the boat! I would say just one word alone can sum up how we are failing to obey God in our Christian lives... SPORTS! Whether you are watching it, playing it, or thinking about it. How did we get to where we are today from this right here? Now our church pastors have Superbowl parties at Church. They have UFC fighting parties. We have basketball games, softball games, karate, water skiing, paddleboarding, wakeboarding, surfing, facebook, TVs, DVRs, Desperate Housewives, movie theatres, and on and on....We do all sorts of "worldly" things. The pastors do many of these things to bring people to them instead of going out and getting them. Man, this blows me away. Please someone talk me down here if I am out of line and missing some modern theology that justifies how we do things today. And I'm not judging anyone but myself. I stand condemned right here and right now.
Check this one out...
Chapter 22: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day
The light of nature shews that there is a God, who hath lordship and sovereignty over all; is just, good and doth good unto all; and is therefore to be feared, loved, praised, called upon, trusted in, and served, with all the heart and all the soul, and with all the might. But the acceptable way of worshipping the true God, is instituted by himself, and so limited by his own revealed will, that he may not be worshipped according to the imagination and devices of men, nor the suggestions of Satan, under any visible representations, or any other way not prescribed in the Holy Scriptures. ( Jeremiah 10:7; Mark 12:33; Deuteronomy 12:32; Exodus 20:4-6 )
Think about all the "devices of men" that came from "suggestions of satan" that we have in our churches. The rock and roll music, the Hollywood style movie clips, the Abercrombie & Fitch t-shirt wearing pastors, etc.. All justified in some way shape or form. Again, I'm not trying to make this about legalism. Again, it goes back to a HOLY God and how we worship his Lordship and Sovereignty.
Chapter 26: Of the Church
All persons throughout the world, professing the faith of the gospel, and obedience unto God by Christ according unto it, not destroying their own profession by any errors everting the foundation, or unholiness of conversation, are and may be called visible saints; and of such ought all particular congregations to be constituted. ( 1 Corinthians 1:2; Acts 11:26; Romans 1:7; Ephesians 1:20-22 )
The members of these churches are saints by calling, visibly manifesting and evidencing (in and by their profession and walking) their obedience unto that call of Christ; and do willingly consent to walk together, according to the appointment of Christ; giving up themselves to the Lord, and one to another, by the will of God, in professed subjection to the ordinances of the Gospel. ( Romans. 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:2; Acts 2:41, 42; Acts 5:13, 14; 2 Corinthians 9:13 )
Wow, do you know many people here in the US that profess the faith of the Gospel AND show obedience unto God by Christ, not destroying their own profession by living a life of unholiness? Do you know any members of churches here in the US that are saints because of they visibly manifest and show evidence by their profession and walking of obedience unto the call of Christ? I know we all know some. But how many? 75% of America claims to be Christian. And I'm not just talking about the non-church going people who would claim to be christian as a political stance. I'm talking about the people that fill up the churches. Man, just think about it. I haven't looked at a modern Baptist Confession, but I am quite sure it looks much different. If it does in fact read the same today as it did then, then our church is filled with hipocracy and lost people who think they are saved.
Why will most people read this and shrugg it off as "Travis is on another one of his little judmental rants", instead of questioning what is happening in their own heart, their own church, their own family. Maybe I am deceived myself for trying to make Christianity deeper than what it is...But I'm just not convinced of that. I think the deception is in the Church.
Give me some feedback here everyone. Not something shallow, but something that will sharpen me. Or PM me if you want.. Would love to know what others think about this...
Chapter 22: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day
The sabbath is then kept holy unto the Lord, when men, after a due preparing of their hearts, and ordering their common affairs aforehand, do not only observe an holy rest all day, from their own works, words and thoughts, about their worldly employment and recreations, but are also taken up the whole time in the public and private exercises of his worship, and in the duties of necessity and mercy. ( Isaiah 58:13; Nehemiah 13:15-22; Matthew 12:1-13 )
Now, let's say that the new Sabbath is now on Sunday (my Sabbath honoring friends, just work with me here). Look what all is said about how we should keep that day Holy. "observe an holy rest all day, from their own works, words and thoughts, about their worldly employment and recreations". That means NO Works, Words, or Thoughts about ANYTHING Worldly! I'm not talking about legalism. I'm talking about a HOLY and RIGHTEOUS God, the 4th Commandment, and setting a day aside for holy rest. Even if you water this down quite a bit, and say well, we have to cook, or we have to take care of our kids, some of us have to work, and so on, we still miss the boat! I would say just one word alone can sum up how we are failing to obey God in our Christian lives... SPORTS! Whether you are watching it, playing it, or thinking about it. How did we get to where we are today from this right here? Now our church pastors have Superbowl parties at Church. They have UFC fighting parties. We have basketball games, softball games, karate, water skiing, paddleboarding, wakeboarding, surfing, facebook, TVs, DVRs, Desperate Housewives, movie theatres, and on and on....We do all sorts of "worldly" things. The pastors do many of these things to bring people to them instead of going out and getting them. Man, this blows me away. Please someone talk me down here if I am out of line and missing some modern theology that justifies how we do things today. And I'm not judging anyone but myself. I stand condemned right here and right now.
Check this one out...
Chapter 22: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day
The light of nature shews that there is a God, who hath lordship and sovereignty over all; is just, good and doth good unto all; and is therefore to be feared, loved, praised, called upon, trusted in, and served, with all the heart and all the soul, and with all the might. But the acceptable way of worshipping the true God, is instituted by himself, and so limited by his own revealed will, that he may not be worshipped according to the imagination and devices of men, nor the suggestions of Satan, under any visible representations, or any other way not prescribed in the Holy Scriptures. ( Jeremiah 10:7; Mark 12:33; Deuteronomy 12:32; Exodus 20:4-6 )
Think about all the "devices of men" that came from "suggestions of satan" that we have in our churches. The rock and roll music, the Hollywood style movie clips, the Abercrombie & Fitch t-shirt wearing pastors, etc.. All justified in some way shape or form. Again, I'm not trying to make this about legalism. Again, it goes back to a HOLY God and how we worship his Lordship and Sovereignty.
Chapter 26: Of the Church
All persons throughout the world, professing the faith of the gospel, and obedience unto God by Christ according unto it, not destroying their own profession by any errors everting the foundation, or unholiness of conversation, are and may be called visible saints; and of such ought all particular congregations to be constituted. ( 1 Corinthians 1:2; Acts 11:26; Romans 1:7; Ephesians 1:20-22 )
The members of these churches are saints by calling, visibly manifesting and evidencing (in and by their profession and walking) their obedience unto that call of Christ; and do willingly consent to walk together, according to the appointment of Christ; giving up themselves to the Lord, and one to another, by the will of God, in professed subjection to the ordinances of the Gospel. ( Romans. 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:2; Acts 2:41, 42; Acts 5:13, 14; 2 Corinthians 9:13 )
Wow, do you know many people here in the US that profess the faith of the Gospel AND show obedience unto God by Christ, not destroying their own profession by living a life of unholiness? Do you know any members of churches here in the US that are saints because of they visibly manifest and show evidence by their profession and walking of obedience unto the call of Christ? I know we all know some. But how many? 75% of America claims to be Christian. And I'm not just talking about the non-church going people who would claim to be christian as a political stance. I'm talking about the people that fill up the churches. Man, just think about it. I haven't looked at a modern Baptist Confession, but I am quite sure it looks much different. If it does in fact read the same today as it did then, then our church is filled with hipocracy and lost people who think they are saved.
Why will most people read this and shrugg it off as "Travis is on another one of his little judmental rants", instead of questioning what is happening in their own heart, their own church, their own family. Maybe I am deceived myself for trying to make Christianity deeper than what it is...But I'm just not convinced of that. I think the deception is in the Church.
Give me some feedback here everyone. Not something shallow, but something that will sharpen me. Or PM me if you want.. Would love to know what others think about this...
Friday, April 8, 2011
Blessed?
It stirs my curiosity when Christians talk about how they are blessed. What do they mean? How are they blessed? What is their definition of being blessed?
It is usually referring to material things, their health, promotions, pay raises, etc. Many times that same person bears no fruit in their life. God is clearly not first in their life and to make that observation is NOT being judgmental. The Bible is clear and tells us what a follower of Jesus looks like. So are you blessed and if so, in what way? Does it line up with the Bible's definition of blessed? When you look at Matthew 5, those who are poor in spirit, meek, merciful and persecuted are blessed. Luke 14:13 says that those who invite the poor and the lame to their banquets are blessed. Even more, children are blessed (Mark 10:16), those who hear and obey the Word of God are blessed (Luke 11:28), those who do not fall away are blessed (Luke 7:23) and those who are invited to the Wedding Supper of the Lamb are blessed in (Revelation 19:9).
In short, those who trust in Christ and grow to be like Him are blessed. Now... are you truly living the blessed life? Are you poor in spirit, meek, merciful? Are you being persecuted? Do you invite the lame and poor to eat with you? Do you hear and obey the Word of God? Have you fallen away from Christ? Then will you be invited to the Wedding Supper of the Lamb? Take a personal inventory of your blessings and compare them to what Scripture says. I sure bombed on some of these and was challenged. You can be offended by this or you can carefully consider it.
I certainly agree that we are blessed beyond measure when it comes to God's grace shown to us on the Cross. Children are tremendous blessings as well. But one thing I have learned while reading the Holy Scriptures is that God intends for us to receive blessings beyond the blessing of Christ on the Cross or the blessing of children. And it's not blessings the way we think of. Jesus tells us to be the Salt and Light to the world (Matt 5:13-14) and if we are doing that, we WILL be persecuted. Being persecuted is a blessing. But we would never see it that way. Jesus said blessed are those who hunger and thirst for Righteousness. Blessed are the merciful. Blessed are the pure in heart. Blessed are the peacemakers. So it is obvious that God desires more for us than just being blessed because Jesus died for us on the Cross when we certainly do not deserve it. Changes in our actions and character are required for us. If there is no change in our actions and character, then I would say we would have to question our Salvation. That is what I did last year. I looked over my life and realized I was not bearing fruit. We are justified by what Jesus did on the Cross but we are not sanctified. Don't get me wrong. I am not making light in any way what Jesus did for me on the Cross. And I believe that God's Grace is sufficient for me. But I believe that Jesus is clearly telling us following Him costs us something here on this earth. So many times I have brought up Scriptures to other people that talk about being different than the world, about being persecuted, about denying ourselves, about desiring to be righteous and sanctified (which means continually being separated from sin), I always hear the same words spoken. Either, "Well I have a personal relationship with Jesus and He will convict me if I am doing something wrong" or they will always go back to God's Grace and talk about how we can never be anywhere near like God and trying to do so is trying to earn our Salvation. But if we read the Word of God and study it, we WILL be convicted of many things. One of God's Will for us is to be sanctified (separated from sin). We can find more about this in I Thessalonians 4:3-8. I think that there are many "Christians" around us that are just like I was. They believed they were saved, so they were safe from Hell because they made a decision at some point to repent of their sins and say a prayer asking Jesus to save them. But there must be constant repentance and there must be a change in a person's life. These are both Biblical. I am reminded of Matthew 7:21-23. “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’
One may read into that and say then, that it is our works of doing the will of the father that saves us. But that is not it. I believe it is saying that if God has truly saved us, then we will desire to know and do the Will of the Father. If one does not have that desire, then like Paul says, they should examine themselves. Some say that I am being judgmental by saying stuff like this because it looks as though I am telling people to question their salvation or saying they are not saved. But I was in that situation myself and if I did not bring these Scriptures up to get people to think about it, then I would not be loving others as I do myself which is the second greatest command of Jesus.
Anyone reading, feel free to share your thoughts. I am a young immature Christian seeking to follow Jesus and doing my best to let the Holy Spirit guide me in interpreting the Scriptures.
It is usually referring to material things, their health, promotions, pay raises, etc. Many times that same person bears no fruit in their life. God is clearly not first in their life and to make that observation is NOT being judgmental. The Bible is clear and tells us what a follower of Jesus looks like. So are you blessed and if so, in what way? Does it line up with the Bible's definition of blessed? When you look at Matthew 5, those who are poor in spirit, meek, merciful and persecuted are blessed. Luke 14:13 says that those who invite the poor and the lame to their banquets are blessed. Even more, children are blessed (Mark 10:16), those who hear and obey the Word of God are blessed (Luke 11:28), those who do not fall away are blessed (Luke 7:23) and those who are invited to the Wedding Supper of the Lamb are blessed in (Revelation 19:9).
In short, those who trust in Christ and grow to be like Him are blessed. Now... are you truly living the blessed life? Are you poor in spirit, meek, merciful? Are you being persecuted? Do you invite the lame and poor to eat with you? Do you hear and obey the Word of God? Have you fallen away from Christ? Then will you be invited to the Wedding Supper of the Lamb? Take a personal inventory of your blessings and compare them to what Scripture says. I sure bombed on some of these and was challenged. You can be offended by this or you can carefully consider it.
I certainly agree that we are blessed beyond measure when it comes to God's grace shown to us on the Cross. Children are tremendous blessings as well. But one thing I have learned while reading the Holy Scriptures is that God intends for us to receive blessings beyond the blessing of Christ on the Cross or the blessing of children. And it's not blessings the way we think of. Jesus tells us to be the Salt and Light to the world (Matt 5:13-14) and if we are doing that, we WILL be persecuted. Being persecuted is a blessing. But we would never see it that way. Jesus said blessed are those who hunger and thirst for Righteousness. Blessed are the merciful. Blessed are the pure in heart. Blessed are the peacemakers. So it is obvious that God desires more for us than just being blessed because Jesus died for us on the Cross when we certainly do not deserve it. Changes in our actions and character are required for us. If there is no change in our actions and character, then I would say we would have to question our Salvation. That is what I did last year. I looked over my life and realized I was not bearing fruit. We are justified by what Jesus did on the Cross but we are not sanctified. Don't get me wrong. I am not making light in any way what Jesus did for me on the Cross. And I believe that God's Grace is sufficient for me. But I believe that Jesus is clearly telling us following Him costs us something here on this earth. So many times I have brought up Scriptures to other people that talk about being different than the world, about being persecuted, about denying ourselves, about desiring to be righteous and sanctified (which means continually being separated from sin), I always hear the same words spoken. Either, "Well I have a personal relationship with Jesus and He will convict me if I am doing something wrong" or they will always go back to God's Grace and talk about how we can never be anywhere near like God and trying to do so is trying to earn our Salvation. But if we read the Word of God and study it, we WILL be convicted of many things. One of God's Will for us is to be sanctified (separated from sin). We can find more about this in I Thessalonians 4:3-8. I think that there are many "Christians" around us that are just like I was. They believed they were saved, so they were safe from Hell because they made a decision at some point to repent of their sins and say a prayer asking Jesus to save them. But there must be constant repentance and there must be a change in a person's life. These are both Biblical. I am reminded of Matthew 7:21-23. “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’
One may read into that and say then, that it is our works of doing the will of the father that saves us. But that is not it. I believe it is saying that if God has truly saved us, then we will desire to know and do the Will of the Father. If one does not have that desire, then like Paul says, they should examine themselves. Some say that I am being judgmental by saying stuff like this because it looks as though I am telling people to question their salvation or saying they are not saved. But I was in that situation myself and if I did not bring these Scriptures up to get people to think about it, then I would not be loving others as I do myself which is the second greatest command of Jesus.
Anyone reading, feel free to share your thoughts. I am a young immature Christian seeking to follow Jesus and doing my best to let the Holy Spirit guide me in interpreting the Scriptures.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Lukewarm "Christian"?
I recently listened to a sermon by Francis Chan that was really interesting but also a little scary to think about. He preached about how so many in the Church today are lukewarm. It's easy to see that without being "judgemental". You can see it by their lack of fruits. They come to Church on Sunday, participate in corporate worship, pray, and often drop their tithe off in the plate. But then Monday - Saturday they are doing their own thing. Whatever pleases them. Gossip, fornication, drunkenness, and an overall void of anything Christ-like. Yet they have been justified in their sin by the false doctrines they are being taught. In an interview, Francis was asked, "do you really think God is going to spit lukewarm Christians from His mouth"? His reply was that he does not think there is such a person as a lukewarm Christian. If they are lukewarm, than how can they be truly saved? Different opinions exist on this question, but if we take away all the man made doctrines, and look at the Word of God in context, he may in fact be right. What do you think? I think if you are lukewarm, you better examine yourself. Don't worry about whether you have been saved or not. Repent and believe in Christ. If you are truly saved by God, you will be a different person. We will know it by your fruits.
Friday, August 13, 2010
What’s wrong with Christians today?
What’s wrong with Christians today?
In a recent study, it was found that only 2% of Christians share their faith with others. But of those 2%, how many Christians are doing it effectively? Or should I say Biblically. Since only 2% of Christians are sharing their faith, that tells us a couple things. Either Christians are being disobedient to the last command Jesus gave to the disciples while on earth, or the majority of the people who call themselves Christians are false converts. Or perhaps it’s a combination of both. The following blog was written by someone who is a Christian and his way of “evangelizing” is very similar to methods I have used, and similar to the methods that most people that I know use, if they do use any at all. Please read and see if his old methods are similar to yours. The peaceful, non-confrontational one on one, quiet witnessing approach. Here is the blog, but make sure you come back to read the rest of my thoughts.
http://endrtimes.blogspot.com/2009/09/under-cover-christian.html
I know many Christians who become offended by any method that involves use of the words Hell, Fire, Condemned, Judged, Repent, Blood, and others. “These words are too harsh for non-Christians and will only turn them away”, they say. We have to “lure” them in with love and compassion, and grace and giving, that just overflows their soul. “This is how Jesus did it”, they say. Is this always how Jesus did it? Let’s take a look at the story of the rich young ruler found in Mark 10:17-27, and then a little commentary from frontlinemin.org.
17 As He was setting out on a journey, a man ran up to Him and knelt before Him, and asked Him, "Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?"
18 And Jesus said to him, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone.
19 "You know the commandments, 'Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.' "
20 And he said to Him, "Teacher, I have kept all these things from my youth up."
21 Looking at him, Jesus felt a love for him and said to him, "One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me."
22 But at these words he was saddened, and he went away grieving, for he was one who owned much property.
23 And Jesus, looking around, said to His disciples, "How hard it will be for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God!"
24 The disciples were amazed at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, "Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God!
25 "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."
26 They were even more astonished and said to Him, "Then who can be saved?"
27 Looking at them, Jesus said, "With people it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God."
Commentary from frontlinemin.org: Jesus would have failed personal evangelism class in most Bible colleges and seminaries. Our text describes a young man who looked like the hottest evangelistic prospect the Lord had encountered. He was ripe. He was eager. There was no way he would get away without receiving eternal life.
But he did. Instead of getting him to make a decision, in a sense Jesus chased him off. He failed to draw the net. He failed to sign the young man up. Should we allow our ideas of evangelism to indict Jesus? Or might we need to allow His example to critique contemporary evangelism? Christ's confrontation of this young man gives us much-needed insight into reaching the lost.
The rich young ruler was, humanly speaking, an ideal prospect for conversion. He was young, had prominence (a ruler), was wealthy (v. 22), was moral, was enthusiastic for spiritual things ("came running"), was bold (out on the road, v. 17), he was respectful (knelt before Him, v. 17). On top of all this he was begging to know how to be saved!
Wouldn't any evangelist just love to open his Bible and show him the plan of salvation? The rich young ruler would make a fine trophy to the soul-winner. He was just ripe for today's decisional methods of evangelism.
But Jesus had the nerve to rebuke him, discuss the ten commandments with him, demand immense sacrifice, and then let him get away. What was He thinking?!
Jesus had two motives for the way he handled the rich young ruler: (1) love for the lost, v.21; (2) even greater love for God, v.18.
Preaching the Character of God, v. 18.
Jesus demonstrated His love for God by correcting the young ruler's incidental greeting of calling Him "good." The young ruler didn't know he was talking to God incarnate. He just thought He was a great teacher. Jesus took the opportunity to say in effect, "The goodness of any creature (which is what you take me to be) is not worthy to be named or taken notice of. It is God alone who is originally and essentially good."
Jesus wanted to exalt the unique and infinite goodness and holiness of God in the eyes of the young ruler. Jesus redirected the young man's attention to God and His glory rather than man and his need. Jesus showed His love for the young ruler by redirecting him to God.
Likewise, our witnessing today ought to be primarily concerned with glorifying God. Having a love for lost sinners is essential to the Christian walk. But even more important is our love for God and our desire to honor Him first in all we do.
_________________________________________________________________________
Okay, back to me now…. Can you imagine someone running to you and asking with that type of enthusiasm, “What shall I do to inherit the Kingdom”? Man we would love that. We would tell them to say the sinners’ prayer with us, and confess they are a sinner and receive the free gift of Jesus, and then we would pronounce them as a brother in Christ. What if a police officer came to you and said, “hey you need to confess that you ran that stop light to a judge and then he will let you take a course to get out of this $5000 ticket, and then it won’t affect your insurance.” You would say, well, I didn’t run a stop light. I didn’t do anything wrong, so why do I need to confess it to a judge. But if you were pulled over, and a police officer said, you may not realize it, but you just ran that stop light back there. It was in a school zone, and you could have killed young children with your carelessness. What you did was very dangerous. I’m going to have to fine you with a $5000 ticket because of your failure to obey the law”. It would make more sense for him to offer to have you appear before a judge and admit your mistake and be granted a free, one time pass to take a class and have the fine withdrawn, and prevent that from being on your insurance. You would appreciate the gift, because you realized you were in the wrong and that you broke the law. It is the same with evangelizing. You have to preach the law to the proud, and give grace to the humble. That is what Jesus did. I’m not saying you have to stand on a street corner and preach hell fire to people. I’m just saying that they need to know that they have sinned against God and there is a penalty for that. Until they realize that, they cannot be saved. There are numerous bible verses which condemn the sinner just as there are numerous verses that offer grace to the sinner. I think we need to use the two together. But don’t tell me that the best way to witness is to just live your own life in a “Christian” way and let others see that. It sounds good on paper, but it’s not working. The reason is that the perception of Christianity in America today is that we are not much different than the world. So what if you go to Church on Sunday, Wednesday, and Saturday. If you are not proclaiming the gospel boldly the rest of the week, you are not being effective. I once heard a man say, I always try to just say something using God’s name. Like God Bless you. Or this is a beautiful day the Lord made. That is great and all, but how many times has that lead someone to Christ? I think those are great ways to turn from the conversation into an opportunity to share the Gospel. But if you just say God Bless you and that’s it, you think that makes you different from the world? Many people say God Bless you. Even the lost. Christians, we have to be different. Not just different than the lost. We have to be different from all the professing “Christians” who are just going through the motions and not living a life for Jesus. If you go to work and all you talk about is American Idol, and Dancing with the Starts, and Football, then do you think the lost will believe you are any different than them? I’m not saying those things are bad. I just believe many Christians spend time doing things and talking about things, that can easily cause them to break the 2nd Commandment. Thou shall have no other gods before me. If you spend more time watching TV, or surfing the web, or doing your hobbies, than you do talking to God or reading His Word, do you not think you may have some idols before Him? Think about it. How much time do you spend praying and growing closer to God, being sanctified? How much time do you spend in acts of service to help the poor, the elderly, the lost, the unborn? How much time do you spend learning how to share our faith in a Biblical and effective way? Charles Spurgeon said, “Have you no wish for others to be saved? Then you are not saved yourself, be sure of that!” Sure everyone “wishes” others would be saved, but what are you doing to plant seeds in the hearts of the lost? Jesus said, “Go”. He didn’t say wait comfortably inside the walls of your church building for others to come to you. He said go get them and bring them to the house of the Lord.
Another concern I have had lately is that Christians will witness other Christians doing the work that we should all be doing, yet they don’t stop to encourage them. Most of the time, if there is someone with a Bible in their hand, preaching the word of God, with a soft loving voice, we still don’t approach them and encourage them. We turn our eyes the other way and walk on by. We get embarrassed by what they are doing, because we have been taught that those people are crazy. I am so guilty of this myself. I realize sometimes you see someone doing something that you don’t agree with. But if you see a guy or girl holding a sign proclaiming biblical truths, or hear someone preaching in the streets, or on the sidewalk, don’t ignore them like they are homeless people. Encourage them, and be encouraged by them.
Mark 8:38 If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels.
Luke 9:26 If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.
I know what I have said here is my own point of view and it sounds as though I am condemning Christians. I am actually speaking to myself in this as well. I have not been living like I believe. When are we going to let our theology become our biography? (Flip Benham). You are living out your biography right now. In 10 years or 20 years, what will your biography look like? Will it have lots of stories of American Idol and Football and the Bachelorette, and family get togethers, and parties, etc. Or will it be about how you were sold out for Jesus and tried to share Him with everyone you met, in hopes of just bringing Him Glory! It’s not for our own glorification, but for God’s Glory. I know we are not saved by “works” but if you are truly saved, your life should be filled with them. Mine has not been, and that is why I am making changes in my life and also why I am writing this.
I welcome comments. I am very immature when it comes to Bible knowledge. If any of my thoughts are not in line with the Word, I welcome that feedback. I am learning as I go.
In a recent study, it was found that only 2% of Christians share their faith with others. But of those 2%, how many Christians are doing it effectively? Or should I say Biblically. Since only 2% of Christians are sharing their faith, that tells us a couple things. Either Christians are being disobedient to the last command Jesus gave to the disciples while on earth, or the majority of the people who call themselves Christians are false converts. Or perhaps it’s a combination of both. The following blog was written by someone who is a Christian and his way of “evangelizing” is very similar to methods I have used, and similar to the methods that most people that I know use, if they do use any at all. Please read and see if his old methods are similar to yours. The peaceful, non-confrontational one on one, quiet witnessing approach. Here is the blog, but make sure you come back to read the rest of my thoughts.
http://endrtimes.blogspot.com/2009/09/under-cover-christian.html
I know many Christians who become offended by any method that involves use of the words Hell, Fire, Condemned, Judged, Repent, Blood, and others. “These words are too harsh for non-Christians and will only turn them away”, they say. We have to “lure” them in with love and compassion, and grace and giving, that just overflows their soul. “This is how Jesus did it”, they say. Is this always how Jesus did it? Let’s take a look at the story of the rich young ruler found in Mark 10:17-27, and then a little commentary from frontlinemin.org.
17 As He was setting out on a journey, a man ran up to Him and knelt before Him, and asked Him, "Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?"
18 And Jesus said to him, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone.
19 "You know the commandments, 'Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.' "
20 And he said to Him, "Teacher, I have kept all these things from my youth up."
21 Looking at him, Jesus felt a love for him and said to him, "One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me."
22 But at these words he was saddened, and he went away grieving, for he was one who owned much property.
23 And Jesus, looking around, said to His disciples, "How hard it will be for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God!"
24 The disciples were amazed at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, "Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God!
25 "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."
26 They were even more astonished and said to Him, "Then who can be saved?"
27 Looking at them, Jesus said, "With people it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God."
Commentary from frontlinemin.org: Jesus would have failed personal evangelism class in most Bible colleges and seminaries. Our text describes a young man who looked like the hottest evangelistic prospect the Lord had encountered. He was ripe. He was eager. There was no way he would get away without receiving eternal life.
But he did. Instead of getting him to make a decision, in a sense Jesus chased him off. He failed to draw the net. He failed to sign the young man up. Should we allow our ideas of evangelism to indict Jesus? Or might we need to allow His example to critique contemporary evangelism? Christ's confrontation of this young man gives us much-needed insight into reaching the lost.
The rich young ruler was, humanly speaking, an ideal prospect for conversion. He was young, had prominence (a ruler), was wealthy (v. 22), was moral, was enthusiastic for spiritual things ("came running"), was bold (out on the road, v. 17), he was respectful (knelt before Him, v. 17). On top of all this he was begging to know how to be saved!
Wouldn't any evangelist just love to open his Bible and show him the plan of salvation? The rich young ruler would make a fine trophy to the soul-winner. He was just ripe for today's decisional methods of evangelism.
But Jesus had the nerve to rebuke him, discuss the ten commandments with him, demand immense sacrifice, and then let him get away. What was He thinking?!
Jesus had two motives for the way he handled the rich young ruler: (1) love for the lost, v.21; (2) even greater love for God, v.18.
Preaching the Character of God, v. 18.
Jesus demonstrated His love for God by correcting the young ruler's incidental greeting of calling Him "good." The young ruler didn't know he was talking to God incarnate. He just thought He was a great teacher. Jesus took the opportunity to say in effect, "The goodness of any creature (which is what you take me to be) is not worthy to be named or taken notice of. It is God alone who is originally and essentially good."
Jesus wanted to exalt the unique and infinite goodness and holiness of God in the eyes of the young ruler. Jesus redirected the young man's attention to God and His glory rather than man and his need. Jesus showed His love for the young ruler by redirecting him to God.
Likewise, our witnessing today ought to be primarily concerned with glorifying God. Having a love for lost sinners is essential to the Christian walk. But even more important is our love for God and our desire to honor Him first in all we do.
_________________________________________________________________________
Okay, back to me now…. Can you imagine someone running to you and asking with that type of enthusiasm, “What shall I do to inherit the Kingdom”? Man we would love that. We would tell them to say the sinners’ prayer with us, and confess they are a sinner and receive the free gift of Jesus, and then we would pronounce them as a brother in Christ. What if a police officer came to you and said, “hey you need to confess that you ran that stop light to a judge and then he will let you take a course to get out of this $5000 ticket, and then it won’t affect your insurance.” You would say, well, I didn’t run a stop light. I didn’t do anything wrong, so why do I need to confess it to a judge. But if you were pulled over, and a police officer said, you may not realize it, but you just ran that stop light back there. It was in a school zone, and you could have killed young children with your carelessness. What you did was very dangerous. I’m going to have to fine you with a $5000 ticket because of your failure to obey the law”. It would make more sense for him to offer to have you appear before a judge and admit your mistake and be granted a free, one time pass to take a class and have the fine withdrawn, and prevent that from being on your insurance. You would appreciate the gift, because you realized you were in the wrong and that you broke the law. It is the same with evangelizing. You have to preach the law to the proud, and give grace to the humble. That is what Jesus did. I’m not saying you have to stand on a street corner and preach hell fire to people. I’m just saying that they need to know that they have sinned against God and there is a penalty for that. Until they realize that, they cannot be saved. There are numerous bible verses which condemn the sinner just as there are numerous verses that offer grace to the sinner. I think we need to use the two together. But don’t tell me that the best way to witness is to just live your own life in a “Christian” way and let others see that. It sounds good on paper, but it’s not working. The reason is that the perception of Christianity in America today is that we are not much different than the world. So what if you go to Church on Sunday, Wednesday, and Saturday. If you are not proclaiming the gospel boldly the rest of the week, you are not being effective. I once heard a man say, I always try to just say something using God’s name. Like God Bless you. Or this is a beautiful day the Lord made. That is great and all, but how many times has that lead someone to Christ? I think those are great ways to turn from the conversation into an opportunity to share the Gospel. But if you just say God Bless you and that’s it, you think that makes you different from the world? Many people say God Bless you. Even the lost. Christians, we have to be different. Not just different than the lost. We have to be different from all the professing “Christians” who are just going through the motions and not living a life for Jesus. If you go to work and all you talk about is American Idol, and Dancing with the Starts, and Football, then do you think the lost will believe you are any different than them? I’m not saying those things are bad. I just believe many Christians spend time doing things and talking about things, that can easily cause them to break the 2nd Commandment. Thou shall have no other gods before me. If you spend more time watching TV, or surfing the web, or doing your hobbies, than you do talking to God or reading His Word, do you not think you may have some idols before Him? Think about it. How much time do you spend praying and growing closer to God, being sanctified? How much time do you spend in acts of service to help the poor, the elderly, the lost, the unborn? How much time do you spend learning how to share our faith in a Biblical and effective way? Charles Spurgeon said, “Have you no wish for others to be saved? Then you are not saved yourself, be sure of that!” Sure everyone “wishes” others would be saved, but what are you doing to plant seeds in the hearts of the lost? Jesus said, “Go”. He didn’t say wait comfortably inside the walls of your church building for others to come to you. He said go get them and bring them to the house of the Lord.
Another concern I have had lately is that Christians will witness other Christians doing the work that we should all be doing, yet they don’t stop to encourage them. Most of the time, if there is someone with a Bible in their hand, preaching the word of God, with a soft loving voice, we still don’t approach them and encourage them. We turn our eyes the other way and walk on by. We get embarrassed by what they are doing, because we have been taught that those people are crazy. I am so guilty of this myself. I realize sometimes you see someone doing something that you don’t agree with. But if you see a guy or girl holding a sign proclaiming biblical truths, or hear someone preaching in the streets, or on the sidewalk, don’t ignore them like they are homeless people. Encourage them, and be encouraged by them.
Mark 8:38 If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels.
Luke 9:26 If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.
I know what I have said here is my own point of view and it sounds as though I am condemning Christians. I am actually speaking to myself in this as well. I have not been living like I believe. When are we going to let our theology become our biography? (Flip Benham). You are living out your biography right now. In 10 years or 20 years, what will your biography look like? Will it have lots of stories of American Idol and Football and the Bachelorette, and family get togethers, and parties, etc. Or will it be about how you were sold out for Jesus and tried to share Him with everyone you met, in hopes of just bringing Him Glory! It’s not for our own glorification, but for God’s Glory. I know we are not saved by “works” but if you are truly saved, your life should be filled with them. Mine has not been, and that is why I am making changes in my life and also why I am writing this.
I welcome comments. I am very immature when it comes to Bible knowledge. If any of my thoughts are not in line with the Word, I welcome that feedback. I am learning as I go.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)