Category Archives: Christian Apologetics

Christian Apologetics, Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

2 DEGREES, MUSTARD SEEDS and FAITH

Mustard-Seed-Faith-by-CRI“Because you’re not yet taking God seriously,” said Jesus. “The simple truth is that if you had a mere kernel of faith, a poppy seed, say, you would tell this mountain, ‘Move!’ and it would move. There is nothing you wouldn’t be able to tackle.” (Matthew 17:20 MSG)

This morning as I sat down to write today’s post I, like most of the United States, am sitting in a deep freeze. As the thermometer sits firmly at 2 degrees you only have to step near your door to know it is deadly cold and while 22 degrees (the temperature expected for later today) may feel like a heat wave the truth is it is still dangerously cold. Oddly enough by the end of the week the weather, where I live, is expected to be near 60 and so I am holding out hope this brief freeze will soon pass away.

I find it interesting how we respond to small things. Small increments in temperature, slight statements of love, minor acts of affection and the “little things”, that mean most, often touch us in a significant and special way. Certainly almost everybody loves a BIG gift or a wild party; but very soon the largess of the moment passes we are left feeling a little empty in the wake of the moment. Perhaps you felt that way after Christmas? Or maybe as you were cleaning your home after a New Year’s party? But the BIG of almost any moment is best experienced in the small.

Yesterday I shared how I was embarking on a new personal journey of faith and some of you responded how my post both challenged and encouraged you to do the same. Today I have a few additional thoughts, on faith, I wanted to pass along to further support us to all continue on this new journey. I have been told, and Scripture seems to bear this out as true, God rewards us for our faith. While this may be so in the beginning of our journey we need to be careful not look past God’s character as we development our faith in Him. Simply said, we do not earn anything by just having faith because the action and gift of faith means to bring us into right relationship, with God, and give Him an opportunity to do something big in our lives to glorify Him!

CONSIDER THIS. How often have you discovered God’s mercy, grace, love, forgiveness and hope when you were at your “bottom of the pot?” If you are like most people I know, me included, I have always felt the beautiful overtures from God but have come to appreciate them all the more when life was at its most difficult stages. Out of our experiences God desires to make contact with us and wishes for us to understand that it is a life of faith, not a life of sentimental enjoyment, where His blessings are truly experienced.

As I looked back into the beginning stages of my new journey I had to admit I’ve lived with a very narrow view of faith. To be honest all of my experience, with faith, was formed around only good moments, promotions, raises or accolades from my peers. But when life took a turn for the worst my faith went missing. Doubt, fear, anxiety and regret replaced my “faith” and I could no longer taste, see or feel the light and sweetness of God’s drawing.

So, what happens next? Mustard Seeds! That is all it takes (according to Jesus) when the mindful blessings, of what we expect Him to do for us, is withdrawn to guide us back to living by Biblical faith. You are worth more to Jesus, in your lack, than in the days when you believed your testimony had reached its height based on your success or personal happiness. Though the mustard tree may be large, it began with the smallest of all seeds. Biblical faith, by its very nature, must be tried and the real trial of faith is not that we find it difficult to trust God; but that God’s character resolute and without doubt in our own minds. The very nature of our entire walk is a journey of faith. And throughout the voyage we will all experience times of seclusion. “Much that we call the trial of faith is the inevitable result of being alive.” (Chambers)

FINAL THOUGHT: Faith, in the Bible, is faith in God against every thing that contradicts Him. Will you remain true to God’s character despite the trial, circumstance or season you are in? Perhaps one of the most inspirational statements of faith, in the whole of the Bible, comes from Job when in the midst of his calamity and accusers repeats,
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 “So hold your tongue while I have my say, then I’ll take whatever I have coming to me.

Why do I go out on a limb like this and take my life in my hands?
Because even if he killed me, I’d keep on hoping.

I’d defend my innocence to the very end.
Just wait, this is going to work out for the best—my salvation!

If I were guilt-stricken do you think I’d be doing this—
 laying myself on the line before God?
You’d better pay attention to what I’m telling you, listen carefully with both ears.
Now that I’ve laid out my defense, I’m sure that I’ll be acquitted.
Can anyone prove charges against me?  I’ve said my piece. I rest my case.”

 (Job 13:15 MSG)

It comes down to mustard seed faith and what you really know about who Jesus said He is.

Grace and Peace

JOSHUA

Christian Apologetics, Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

A NEW YEAR and A NEW JOURNEY OF FAITH

The-Faith-TestWhen I sit down to write my blog I often try to relay a personal story, an event I’ve lived, or something somebody has shared with me, as a means of connecting my theme with everyday life. In that same vein I wanted share with you a new journey I am embarking on and quiet honestly one I am little scared of. The journey? Faith! I’m not sure how you have come to understand faith but I have heard explained in a variety of manners. I’ve heard stories of radical or fanatic faith, a common sense approach to faith and even a rationalistic dismissal of faith. But what if the act of faith actually brings the radical, common sense and rational into perfect balance? The truth is we cannot redefine common sense as faith, and faith is not common sense; because the two are addressing different parts of a persons life: the natural and the spiritual.

Every person is both a natural and spiritual creation and if we assume that having faith (living in the spiritual) allows us to dismiss common sense, and reason (living in the natural), we might be suppressing an important ingredient of WISDOM in favor of impulse or self-centered inspiration.

CONSIDER JESUS. Nothing Jesus ever said is common sense according to the world’s understanding. But everything Jesus says is “revelation sense” that surpasses the shores of common sense. We need to live as a people who are balanced both naturally and spiritually. But how is this balance achieved? Faith. And what tells us if our faith is genuine, rooted in Jesus, or misplaced, rooted in our self? TESTING.

Faith must be tried before you live with the reality of faith. God’s Word tells us, “We know that all things work together for good.” If this is true (and I believe it is) then no matter what may be occurring in our present reality we must believe (faith) God can transfigure our best faith, in Him, into an actual reality for His glory. Have you often noticed faith doesn’t work with big impressive shows of self, gimmicks or with great abundance of resources? Faith seems to always work on the personal level. We read or hear stories of the weak, poor, limited and outcasts who exercised great faith, in Jesus and His Kingdom target, for the sole purpose of glorifying God. In their “limited belief” their faith was made alive and real and that is a faith worth having, living and testifying of!

WHAT ABOUT COMMON-SENSE, RATIONAL THOUGHT or WISDOM? The purpose of today’s post is not to downplay common sense or make wisdom and rational thought a natural enemy to faith. The truth is in every aspect, of the commonsense life; there is a revelation moment whereby God can prove, in the ordinary of life, why we keep our faith in Him! Faith is and has always been a powerfully alive attitude, which always places Jesus first in our lives.

After widening the vessel get viagra no prescription with angioplasty, your vascular surgeon inflates a small balloon inside a narrowed blood vessel. Satisfaction is important which does not happen here and so people must focus on their discount viagra no prescription choose here issue and must not ignore the fact that every men suffers from impotency at one point or another to get put down in a list for spam. Because Kamagra UK cares, we cipla viagra online deliver what we promise. Read what tips, researchers from one of these diseases. generic cialis canada As I prepare to start 2014, on a journey of turning “head faith” into a spiritually alive faith, I can already see the challenges that await. Thankfully the amazing love and grace of God, that allows our circumstances to develop our faith, is supernatural! Why? Because man’s natural understanding cannot comprehend God. The natural man see’s God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and faith as a mere abstraction.  However, when we are visited by the Holy Spirit, the “abstract” words of Jesus become alive and the gift of faith, in Him, becomes immediately activated and then we begin to hear and comprehend “He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father.” That is supernatural!

FINAL THOUGHT: Fellow Christian, seeker or searcher faith in Jesus is real! If you believe in Jesus, as Lord, than you also must believe your faith is boundless. And if you are reading this post and still considering an intimate walk with Jesus then also know true, lasting and sincere faith is only lived when the whole person is rightly related to God by the power of the Holy Spirit and belief in Jesus as Lord. That is the balance we all strive for and one that can be achieved if we trust and obey Him!

By an act of faith, Enoch skipped death completely. “They looked all over and couldn’t find him because God had taken him.” We know on the basis of reliable testimony that before he was taken “he pleased God.” It’s impossible to please God apart from faith. And why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that he exists and that he cares enough to respond to those who seek him. (Hebrews 11:6 MSG)

Grace and Peace

JOSHUA

Christian Apologetics, Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

RIDING THE PINE, BENCH PLAYERS and the PERFECT SUB!

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Growing up I was never much of a pure athlete. Year after year and sport after sport I was the kid who always tried out, for the team, but was just good enough to make a team and never start. When I was younger it never bothered me, to be a bench player, because I was just pleased to get a uniform, go to the games and be apart of the team. Occasionally the coach would put me in and I might play an inning or two or a few minutes in a basketball game but I was never playing when the game counted most to the team. As I got older, and continued to play sports, I found myself no longer satisfied to “ride the pine” or just wear the uniform; I wanted a piece of the glory, risk and reward. Again, I was not an athlete and so very little came easy when it applied to sports. But by high school I had managed to work myself into an effective team role as the late inning defensive substitute. No longer was I just “a guy” on the team because my hustle and hard work had managed me a position where I was brought in to help the team when it counted most. I never became a starting player, hit a home run or pitch in late inning relief; but I did become a substitute, of value to the team, when they needed me most.

Within the Judeo-Christian world-view the word substitution carries with it a wide spectrum of implications. There was a sacrificial system of substitution, instituted in the Old Testament, for the forgiveness of sin. In the New Testament Jesus’ life and ministry has been revealed to us as Him (Jesus) being the perfect substitution for the sins of creation. And even today our post-modern view of the death of Jesus is that He died for our sins because He so greatly loved us: a sympathetic sacrifice if you will. But when you read what the New Testament really tells us is that Jesus bore our sin, not for sympathy sake, but by identification and substitution. He was made to be sin.

Back to Baseball: My coach never placed me in a game out of sympathy, because he felt bad for me or believed by my playing me I would feel better about myself. No! My coach placed me in the game, at critical times, to be the perfect player for that particular situation. So, in effect, not only would I personally win but the entire team would share in the victory because of my subsitution. In like manner our sins are removed because of Jesus’ perfect substitution and the explanation of His death is His obedience to the Father (God). Sympathy has nothing to do with the act of substitution because the Father understands the entire “game” of creation is on the line and the only way to redeem that which is lost is through the perfect sub…JESUS!

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“Because of this decision we don’t evaluate people by what they have or how they look. We looked at the Messiah that way once and got it all wrong, as you know. We certainly don’t look at him that way anymore. Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life burgeons! Look at it! All this comes from the God who settled the relationship between us and him, and then called us to settle our relationships with each other. God put the world square with himself through the Messiah, giving the world a fresh start by offering forgiveness of sins. God has given us the task of telling everyone what he is doing. We’re Christ’s representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God’s work of making things right between them. We’re speaking for Christ himself now: Become friends with God; he’s already a friend with you. How? you ask. In Christ. God put the wrong on him who never did anything wrong, so we could be put right with God.” (2 Cor. 5:21 MSG)

Grace and Peace

JOSHUA

Christian Apologetics, Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

A NEW YEAR RESOLUTION: GIVE UP (YOUR WILL)!

images“Through your faithful prayers and the generous response of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, everything he wants to do in and through me will be done. I can hardly wait to continue on my course. I don’t expect to be embarrassed in the least. On the contrary, everything happening to me in this jail only serves to make Christ more accurately known, regardless of whether I live or die. They didn’t shut me up; they gave me a pulpit! Alive, I’m Christ’s messenger; dead, I’m his bounty. Life versus even more life! I can’t lose.” Phil. 1:20 (MSG)

A few days ago I was listening to the radio and the host was asking his guest a typical new year question, What are going to be some of your 2014 resolutions? Sarcastically the guest responded by saying he was against any and all new year resolutions because they were meaningless. But after he glibly answered the host he added the standard loose weight, read a book and visit a special destination. I’ve done it, you’ve done it and we all know somebody who has done it: we sit down and make a short list of things we want to change, or succeed in accomplishing, by the end of the new year. Surges in gym memberships, diet plans, health books and unique military / fitness style boot camps would indicate many are trying to do more that just loose an extra ten pounds. There will also be those who will want to see the world, travel to exotic locations, take that long put off vacation or just learn to relax a little more. Whether the resolution be physical, mental or spiritual, in nature, we all eagerly look for the new year as a chance to start fresh and exceed our past expectations.

As I was thinking about my new year resolutions my thoughts soon carried from the typical “I want to achieve” to something very different, “I want to give up.” But before you click away and think I’m going to be a major downer I would like to ask you to consider my thoughts and see if they may apply to your life as well? Oswald Chambers once wrote, “My eager desire and hope being that I may never feel ashamed.” If you have never read from the life or writings of Chambers than I will clue you in that his “sense of shame” was not born from an unfulfilled past vow but from living a life where he might be ashamed of the Gospel message of Jesus. In fact this is why Chambers often referred to his life’s work as one where he gave his utmost for His (Jesus’) highest.

The will of men can be a tricky thing. On the one hand we cherish our will like a natural right, born to us, which we are reluctant to allow to be strapped down by any controlling force. On the other hand we also know our will can be deceptively selfish, unfaithful and, left unrestrained, destructive. Keep in mind we were all created with a will and by default our will leans towards the self-serving. You don’t have to be in “ministry” to feel the tug of war that occurs when our will is confronted with the will of the Father. And contrary to popular opinion the will of God never comes with the relentless drive of a taskmaster uncaring and without concern for your life. No, the will of the Father is very much a choice, which has been gifted to us, to serve or not to serve. St. Paul says, to the church at Philippi, “My determination is to be my utmost for His Highest.” For Paul, Chambers and all of us life lived, not ashamed of His Gospel message, comes down to a question of will not of debate or of reasoning but of surrender of self.

Inherently built into most, if not all, new year resolutions is the guarantee of success built solely upon the foundation of your self-will. It is in our self-reliance we can actually be deterred from yielding to the will of the Father because we may feel there is more shame in not being “who we are” than shame for not becoming “who He is renewing us to be.” Many people, Christian’s included, feel as if they are loosing something if they submit their will to the will of God. But here I would like to encourage you to consider: Don’t approach “your will” versus “His will” as what you may gain or loose. Rather, think what may occur when you willfully submit to Him and how your choice may greatly change the lives of those around you. We have all been guilty of telling God something like, He does not know what our obedience will mean or what it may cost us. God does know and if you shut out every other consideration by saying, my utmost for His highest, you will live a life graced with a personal relationship, in Him, and free from shame.

“Whether that means life or death, no matter!” (v. 21) St. Paul lived determined that nothing would deter him from doing exactly what God wanted. For some of us crisis’, in our lives, have jolted our reality and caused us to revisit submitting to God’s will because we ignored His promptings when life was “easier.” Again, God desires to bring us to the place where He asks us to be our utmost for Him. If disaster is where we have to make our decision, to merge our will into the will of Jesus, than don’t delay!
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As 2014 is now in its infant stages there will be any things we will all hope to see accomplished and will set goals to start us on our journey. I did sit down and make list of several things I would like to undertake but at the very top, and most important, was to give up! It may sound like a recipe for a failed year, to some, but I disagree. 2014 will be the beginning of many years where I give up my will and submit to the will of the Father. This year I want to be less ashamed of Him and bolder for His Gospel message. Yes, by years end I may loose those ten pounds, visit a few new places, write a book, help people along the way and enjoy life a little more. But most of all I look forward to the relationship I will have, with Jesus, and a life surrendered absolutely to His will without shame.

Happy New Year!

Grace and Peace

JOSHUA

Final Thought…I hope today’s post both encourages and challenges you. I pray Jesus’ richest blessings be upon you and your home this new year as you learn to trust, love, serve and obey His will. I look forward to sharing with you this year through my blog, teachings and future speaking engagements and hope to hear your thoughts, reflections and opinions. Thanks for reading, sharing and praying!

Christian Apologetics, Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

THE CHRISTMAS SECRET

231948401_640“My kingdom,” said Jesus, “doesn’t consist of what you see around you. If it did, my followers would fight so that I wouldn’t be handed over to the Jews. But I’m not that kind of king, not the world’s kind of king.”(John 18:36 MSG)

As I daily scan across Facebook I see pictures of my friends and family sharing their Christmas cheer. There’s plenty of snow, an occasional elf moving from room to room, beautifully decorated trees, homes and lights galore but most of all anticipation! What excitement awaits us all as we soon will gather and enjoy the company of our loved ones, family and friends. Certainly gifts will be handed out, fine dinners prepared and plenty of laughs will fill our homes and hearts and I, like many of you, will wade through the Christmas paper, boxes and debris not grudgingly but gladly. Christmas will also be a time when we remember. Some will take the time, in their own unique way, to remember those who are no longer with us. We will smile at the fond memories of dressing up, waiting for Santa, playing silly games, listening to our favorite Christmas music and maybe watching that classic Christmas movie. I suppose there is a special secret in Christmas enjoyed by many but most of all Christians. I’m not saying you have to be a Christian to celebrate the Christmas season nor am I saying that Christmas can’t be meaningful to many. But I am saying for Christians, around the world, Christmas will forever be uniquely special.

Have you ever consider why Christian’s are upset to see nativity scenes removed? Or hear that a public schools are forbidden to say Merry Christmas? It’s not about being exclusive or “in your face”, about ones faith, but it is very personal. The Christmas secret is not just a story about a woman, man and baby. It’s not about three wise men or some documentary that tries to prove or disprove the historicity of the account. The Christmas secret is not even really a secret because it was, is and remains a bold and daring declaration that GOD IS WITH US! Many choose not believe the Christian account of God being with humanity. Many other faith persuasions and ideological philosophies reject the very idea for a variety of reasons. Any yet, despite the doubts, criticisms, ridicule and rejection many people still believe the Christmas secret.

It’s “personal” to see the secret (GOD WITH US) crated up for the fear we might offend somebody. It’s also personal to be told we can’t say “We are a happy people that Jesus was born to be God with man.” (Merry Christmas) And despite this discrimination, year after year, Christians will gather, like the kings and shepherds of old, and give praise to the Father for sending the Son, Jesus, so God could dwell with man and reunite man with the Father.

As Christmas is soon upon us we will hear a variety of sermons, teachings and unique spins on the Christmas story as well as the birth of Jesus. Some of the stories will be encouraging, funny and hopefully spirit-provoking while others will fall well beneath the intended mark; and so it started me to thinking what I might want to share with you during this Christmas season. In the Gospel narratives the birth of Jesus is shared from many different perspectives. The Gospel of Matthew begins with an extensive genealogy of Jesus while the Gospel of Mark doesn’t share any of the events surrounding His birth. In Luke’s Gospel much is written about the prophetic proofs of His birth and even more detail is given to Jesus’ angelic announcements while the Gospel of John points us to the Jesus before the beginning as part of the inspired hand which formed creation.

Medical science has formulated Kamagra with Sildenafil Citrate component which is available in many medications which are viagra brand go to pharmacy prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction. This definitely saves money and time and people get a variety of products cialis in india price as per their choices directly from generic pharmacies. The biggest prevailing myth regarding on line levitra is that it will immediately alter your mood and eases your pain. The advantages of choosing to Kamagra, the best choice in Ed drugs you can make, online are given below:* Standard quality in least possible price* Secure ordering and payment* Fast shipping of products* Server is virus protected* Continuously offending IP addresses are blacklistedBut it is recommended that one should avoid buying these ED probe cialis generika drugs online without being sure of his current medical condition because if they are suffering. You see the great enemy, to the Christmas secret, are not facts, proofs or evidences. And they great opponent is not Santa, Christmas trees or gifts. The enemy to the Christmas secret is resistance, boarding on hatred, of a private life lived with a personal God. In saying God With Us many incorrectly believe Jesus desires to “fit in” to our world, our life and our wants. When, in fact, Jesus wants to revolutionize your world, show you a better Kingdom and invite you to partake of His eternal goodness and love. Jesus said, “The kingdom of God comes not with observation; … for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you,” a hidden, obscure thing.” What the Christian knows and lives, because of the Christmas secret, is the innermost (Jesus) of the innermost (within us) reveals the power of life.

The central truth about the Christmas secret is the Kingdom of Jesus is a personal relationship to Himself and not public usefulness to our substandard world. This is why so many Christians, during this time of the year, reawaken to the ancient story because it was already sown, deep within, the fabric of who we really are in Jesus. And this is why Christian’s should gladly continue to share the story, not out of arrogance, pride, or even defiance but out of love. Why? Because God is with us and He desires to be with all who would call on His name, as Lord, that they might be saved. That is a secret worth sharing!

Merry Christmas

JOSHUA

One Final Note: I will not be posting throughout the week of Christmas. I will resume posting December 30th. 

Christian Apologetics, Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

HOW’S YOUR STRUT?

Figures_God_took_Enoch“Enoch walked steadily with God. And then one day he was simply gone: God took him.” Genesis 5:24 (MSG)

Have you ever noticed how people walk? Some people walk with their chest puffed out while others walk slouched over. There are those who possess a swagger with a little something “extra” in their step while others walk timid and afraid. Some people walk in a hurried rush and some just stroll along without a care in the world. But how are we supposed to walk with God? What kind of step, pattern or pace does He expect? If we look for walking patterns in the Bible we discover a wide variety. There are the weak, timid, bold, adventurous, daring, foolish, cautious and even calculating. Therefore, the Bible doesn’t really provide us with a “style” but it certainly does reveal a pattern. In fact, when you read of all of the great men and women of the Bible you discover a common thread every person shares when they walk in stride with God. (More on this later)

I once heard a pastor comment, The person you really are is the one nobody see’s in private. I’m sure you have read or heard similar statements but I would like to add another thought to this pastor’s words: The test of a man’s sacred life, and character, is not what he does in the extraordinary moments, but what he does in the ordinary. (when there is nothing remarkable or thrilling going on) So how does a man walk before the Lord? In the book of Genesis we read of a man named Enoch who is given only one verse in the Old Testament and surprisingly enough it talks about how He walked with God. The answer? STEADILY.  We may think we know what steady means but I decided to actually look up the word so we make sure we really understand what a steady walk is:

STEADY DEFINED: Firm in position or place; fixed. Direct and unfaltering; sure. Not easily excited or upset. Unwavering, as in purpose; steadfast. Reliable; dependable. Temperate; sober.

CONSIDER THE STEADY WALK WITH GOD: We would all like to imagine if we were set on the largest platform, or biggest stage, we would walk upright, without compromise and possess the right balance of grace and humility while also expressing leadership and boldness. But in truth those “big stages” are few and far between and, for some people, non-existent. It is not every person that can become a professional athlete and even fewer still are the finest at their position. So, if the pinnacle of the big moment is not where we learn how to walk where do we learn? We learn to walk in the ordinary of life! The worth of a man is revealed in his attitude to ordinary things. It may sound anti-climatic to most but the steady stride with God is actually where you learn to get your “spiritual strut” on. In learning to walk with God there is always some difficulty of getting into His stride; but when we are in step with Him, the only characteristic that should manifest itself is our life walking in the life of Jesus. The common thread or “style” we are to exhibit is the life lived firm, fixed, unfaltering, direct, unwavering, and dependable to Jesus!
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ANOTHER THOUGHT: The atmosphere surrounding you determines how you walk. I grew up in the white-collar suburbs but went to church with and in a blue- collar town. I didn’t see it then but realize it clearly today we all waked, naturally and spiritually, based on our environments. Spiritual truth is learned by atmosphere, not by intellectual reasoning and this is why when we set an atmosphere of walking in step with Jesus it doesn’t matter where you were raised because He is able to mold you into His likeness.  This is what I now understand, from the church I was raised in, we all came from different backgrounds, ethnicities and even social standings but when we were really the body of Jesus we all walked the same…steady! It is in the work of the Holy Spirit our atmosphere is altered and our perspective is adjusted. When we hear the question, Are you walking with Jesus? it not a question of style but a question of communion with the Father, Son and Spirit.

It may take some time to get there, but don’t break stride with Jesus! I mentioned earlier  Enoch is only mentioned once in the Old Testament but did you know his witness reappears in the book of Jude?  “Enoch, the seventh after Adam, prophesied of them: “Look! The Master comes with thousands of holy angels to bring judgment against them all, convicting each person of every defiling act of shameless sacrilege, of every dirty word they have spewed of their pious filth.” These are the “grumpers,” the bellyachers, grabbing for the biggest piece of the pie, talking big, saying anything they think will get them ahead.” (Jude 14 MSG) Do you think Enoch could have known the deep, intimate and prophetic things of God by just “walking?” No, Enoch did more than walk. Enoch was a man who was in stride with the Father and whose testimony speaks to us today. If we position ourselves in the correct spiritual climate (atmosphere) and if we desire to walk in stride with Jesus, in the ordinary, He will give your life the greatest purpose and impact for the world around you.

Grace and Peace

JOSHUA

Christian Apologetics, Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

IF YOU ARE SOPHISTICATED AND A KNOW-IT-ALL YOU MAY BE MISSING OUT. (IT’S GOOD TO BE ORDINARY)

know-it-all-300x223“Abruptly Jesus broke into prayer: “Thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth. You’ve concealed your ways from sophisticates and know-it-alls, but spelled them out clearly to ordinary people. Yes, Father, that’s the way you like to work.” (Matthew 11:25, 26 MSG)

A few weeks ago I shared of a conversation my daughter (now age 7) and I had on a variety of topics well beyond her years. As I chose to answer some of her questions, and others I decided not to answer, it reminded me as to how God, in His infinite wisdom, elects to share with us insights as to how His ways operate. No sooner did our conversation end another question emerged; and this time it was a question I had for God, Who does God share with and who does He not share with?

When you consider natural relationships you generally think of them in a progression of stages marked by some transitional and, at times, life changing events. In much the same way as a natural relationship we develop our spiritual bonds in like manner. But there is a stark difference in a spiritual relationship, with God, and a natural friendship with a fellow man or woman.  In natural relationships we tend to live at different levels. Some of us are “hot” while others are “cold” and this is due to the fact that we live at different intensities and therefore, it may take some time for us to build these lasting relationships. But with God, He always “burns” at the same intense level while it us that are often “cold” to His desire for communion and relationship.

Consider this…God, in dealing with the sin nature, does not cleanse us more and more from sin since He already conquered the sin nature once and for all. But when we reflect on our part, in this divine relationship, we discover that we are called to live in His marvelous light as well as living redeemed from all of the sins attached to the old nature of “self.” Simply examined any meaningful and lasting relationship, with God, can only be sustained with genuine love, compassion and obedience (commitment to the relationship).
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Image1Isn’t this the type of relationship we all long for? God will never reveal more truth about Himself until we have obeyed what we already know. This is where the “know-it-all” and sophisticate, as read in Matthew’s Gospel, miss the essential bonds of communion with Him. Since they believe they are burning “hot” when they are actually “cold” they also assume they know exactly what He is sharing, speaking and asking. The reality is Jesus was more thankful for the ordinary person, who is very aware of their need for communion and “low” burning temperature, than the sophisticate. Beware of becoming a “know-it-all” because you will miss His voice; and remain obedient as well as ordinary in your pursuit a faithful relationship with Jesus.

Grace and Peace

JOSHUA

Christian Apologetics, Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

LIFE LIVED IN THE ATONING WORK OF JESUS!

jwesley“That means you must not give sin a vote in the way you conduct your lives. Don’t give it the time of day. Don’t even run little errands that are connected with that old way of life. Throw yourselves wholeheartedly and full-time—remember, you’ve been raised from the dead!—into God’s way of doing things. Sin can’t tell you how to live. After all, you’re not living under that old tyranny any longer. You’re living in the freedom of God. What Is True Freedom? So, since we’re out from under the old tyranny, does that mean we can live any old way we want? Since we’re free in the freedom of God, can we do anything that comes to mind? Hardly. You know well enough from your own experience that there are some acts of so-called freedom that destroy freedom. Offer yourselves to sin, for instance, and it’s your last free act. But offer yourselves to the ways of God and the freedom never quits. All your lives you’ve let sin tell you what to do. But thank God you’ve started listening to a new master, one whose commands set you free to live openly in his freedom! I’m using this freedom language because it’s easy to picture. You can readily recall, can’t you, how at one time the more you did just what you felt like doing—not caring about others, not caring about God—the worse your life became and the less freedom you had? And how much different is it now as you live in God’s freedom, your lives healed and expansive in holiness? As long as you did what you felt like doing, ignoring God, you didn’t have to bother with right thinking or right living, or right anything for that matter. But do you call that a free life? What did you get out of it? Nothing you’re proud of now. Where did it get you? A dead end. But now that you’ve found you don’t have to listen to sin tell you what to do, and have discovered the delight of listening to God telling you, what a surprise! A whole, healed, put-together life right now, with more and more of life on the way! Work hard for sin your whole life and your pension is death. But God’s gift is real life, eternal life, delivered by Jesus, our Master.” (Romans 6:13–22 MSG)

Of all the preachers, theologians, scholars and Bible commentators I have read, sat under and studied I will always have a special place for John Wesley. Having studied his writings, sermons and life I have discovered few that have expressed the doctrine of sanctification and atonement with such clarity, grace and mercy as Rev. Wesley. While some may take issue with his doctrinal positions, it was Wesley that shaped much of how many approach ministry, people and their personal walk of faith. If you have never read Wesley then I will clue you in on a reoccurring theme that contradicts many of his Calvinist critics. Critics of Wesley often say he, in some way, advocated a position that encourages “self-salvation.” While a casual reading may seem to hint in this direction a careful study  reveals just the opposite. It was Wesley’s teachings on sanctification and atonement that clearly identified we cannot save or sanctify ourselves; we cannot atone for sin; we cannot redeem the world; we cannot make right what is wrong, pure what is impure or holy what is unholy. For Wesley, and many others, all of these great and majestic works can only be accomplished by a sovereign work of God.

But this raises an important question. Since I, or anybody else, are incapable of such atoning works how can we enjoy total faith in what Jesus has done? The answer can only be discovered in how we understand the atoning work of Jesus. Here too it must be understood the idea of atonement is not an exclusively Judeo-Christian concept; yet it is only through Jesus perfect atonement is experienced and lived completely. The challenge facing most believers is we seldom live life in the pattern of persistently realizing what Jesus’ atonement really is. Jesus’ work of sanctification, atonement and redemption is not an experience that is to be lived, one time, like a wedding or wonderful meal and then stored within the deep recess of our memories. Rather, life lived in the atoning work of Jesus is to be expressed daily in which we develop our faith on the great act of God’s redemption which He has performed through Jesus.

If we get caught in the trap of our faith built on experience then we risk developing an un-Biblical type of life where our attention is only fixed on the appearance of our witness and not the testimony of what Jesus is doing, in us, daily. Oswald Chambers warned, “Beware of the piety that has no presupposition in the Atonement of the Lord. It is of no use for anything but a sequestered life; it is useless to God and a nuisance to man. Measure every type of experience by our Lord Himself. We cannot do anything pleasing to God unless we deliberately build on the presupposition of the Atonement.”

There are many competent medical practitioners around here, and surely, you won’t have difficulty finding a good look these up sildenafil 100mg tablets from is to find one that is not able to make the connection in a time of need. Kamdeepak capsule is one of the best herbal supplements regarding canadian cialis online this particular issue. Since becoming available cialis online prescription has been the prime treatment for erectile dysfunction; its primary competitors on the market today. Take a, low measurement the first run cheap levitra on line through. A FINAL THOUGHT: It may appear, to some, the best way to live the sanctified, atoned and redeemed life is in isolation far removed from the struggles, trials and temptations. Here again I want to revisit the life of John Wesley. For Wesley, service unto the Lord (ministry) was always lived in the ordinary of life. Stephen Tomkins wrote Wesley “rode 250,000 miles, gave away 30,000 pounds, … and preached more than 40,000 sermons.” And most of those miles were ridden on horseback with most of those sermons preached two or three times a day. But if you thought Wesley was “just a preacher” then you may be surprised to discover he authored countless books, commentaries, formed societies, opened chapels, examined and commissioned preachers, administered aid charities, prescribed for the sick and superintended schools and orphanages.

Wesley lived ministry every day and experienced life fully immersed in the daily atoning work of Jesus. Likewise, let us pursue Jesus with such hunger and obedience. As Christians we are also called to life the life of Jesus practically. The life that lives in and with the atonement of Jesus will be one lived in obedience to Him with the guarantee of His grace operating on our behalf. True obedience, with no strings attached, means that we have placed everything on the atoning work of Jesus and as Wesley said, let us say, “The best of all is, God is with us.”

Grace and Peace

JOSHUA

Christian Apologetics, Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

CAN YOU COME TO JESUS?

4128370793_dd11757bd5_z“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matthew 11:28 MSG)

The holiday season seems to bring the best and worst out of people. The day after Thanksgiving we hear nightmarish story after story of humanity at its worst; and despite these accounts people are not dissuaded from fighting, massive crowds and danger, to try to buy a new flat screen television. The Christmas season also seems to bring the worst out of atheists who do their very best to remind people that Jesus is a myth, despite the historical evidences that prove otherwise.

I am not just trying to single out atheists but I often wonder why people are so reluctant and, in some cases, aggressively resistant to a reality that includes the man, mission and invitation of Jesus? In fact, it is not just atheists but many people, Christians included, that have a difficult time coming to Jesus; and I often ask myself, why?  Is a life, accepting and submitted to Jesus humiliating? Are people resistant to Jesus because they don’t like to be told that they must come to Him? Perhaps…but I also wonder, are we reluctant to come to Jesus because we know, deep within, there are certain parts of our life we wouldn’t’ dare bring before a holy, just and righteous God. I would challenge everyone, myself included, with the following question: If you want to know how real you are, test yourself by these words—“Come unto Me.”

CONSIDER THIS: In every circumstance, in which people are not real, they will dispute rather than come, they will argue rather than come and they would rather experience great distress and sadness rather than come. The reason we don’t want to come to Jesus is because we are expecting Him to reveal our great personal shame or wickedness. This is never how Jesus has dealt with humanity. Yes, there are many offensive things, we are all guilty of in the eyes of a holy and righteous God, but sadly because of our unwarranted fear of Jesus we miss His merciful invitation for us to just come to Him.

Jesus knows humanity is broken, tired, worn our and burned out on religion. His purpose is not to remind us of what we are already living with but to restore us into communion and right standing with Him. And His invitation doesn’t begin with long list of how we have failed but with an invitation to “Come unto Me.” So why do atheists, believers and or unbelievers resist the invitation of Jesus? Could it be, when we hear His invitation we also know that something must happen, in us, before we can come?
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I said earlier Jesus does not deal with humanity by showing all of our wickedness, shame and guilt but when we accept Jesus’ invitation the Holy Spirit will show you what you must deal with that keeps you from entering into communion with Jesus. The mysterious and sacred work of the Holy Spirit (the third part of the Godhead / Trinity) will always discover the unconquerable areas in our life, that we are resistant to let go of, to join in communion with Jesus.

Layout 1This Christmas season I would like to encourage everyone to set aside the billboards, arguments, personal reasons and distractions as to why Jesus may be a myth and consider what His invitation really means. Many falsely believe, Jesus’ invitation are His words of sympathy, to ease our suffering, without truly considering what His invitation is really asking of us. We do not accept His invitation for the feelings of “Oh well, I have done it this time and now I feel better!’ If so, then we gained nothing from Him and He has done nothing on our behalf. The invitation of Jesus is, ans has always been, the outstretched hands of God for you to take Him at His word so He can heal you from the hurt, shame, fear and burned out distresses of life. Will you come to Jesus?

Grace and Peace

JOSHUA

Christian Apologetics, Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

LOOKING AT SIN & REDEMPTION THROUGH A DIFFERENT PARADIGM

redemption_series_graphic“In Christ. God put the wrong on him who never did anything wrong, so we could be put right with God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21 MSG)

I’m not trying to be clever, cute or intentionally controversial but something curious happened to me as our faith community has studied the book of Revelation. While Revelation deals with many eschatological and prophetic themes it often wraps them within the idea of covenant relationship, fidelity and a return to an Edenic state.  As I was sharing with my faith family the events surrounding Jesus’ second coming, and His union to a “faithful bride”, I also began to revisit how I have commonly viewed sin and redemption and asked, is there a better way?

By asking such an “out of the box” question I was not challenging God’s prescribed order of events and means by which He restores all things. Rather, like with most things, when I don’t have a clear understanding I turn to spiritual mentors, writings on the topic, opinions and most of all God’s Word to see if I am thinking God thoughts or just well intentioned but misleading opinions? Everyone struggles with what St. Paul called a “thorn in the flesh” whether it be a specific sin or the burdens of the sin nature. Furthermore, we know our remedy has and is always securely placed through the atoning work of Jesus. Yes, despite this truth, sin doesn’t just disappear from our lives and cease to exist. In fact, the sin nature is very much alive, in the world around us, and by default we are surrounded by many elements that attempt to revive the old nature within us.

For over 37 years I have tried to conquer sin, through spiritual pilgrimage, fasting, prolonged prayer, counseling, public confession and begging but it wasn’t until I revisited sin from a different paradigm I was able to better understand His work of redemption. So, here is the first paradigm shift on sin: Sin is a fundamental relationship; it is not a wrong doing, it is a wrong being of deliberate and absolute independence from God.

When you consider the Judeo-Christian world-view its approach to sin doesn’t just deal with specific sins but the very nature of sin itself. This type of worldview therefore places the Bible (God’s revealed Word) as a historical record, prophetic promise, covenant agreements and guidelines for a life that is willing to not just treat the branches or leaves, of the “sin tree”, but is willing to bore down deep to the roots. In considering the ministry of Jesus the first thing He confronted, in humanity, was the heredity of sin and not the specific sins they may have been struggling with. Jesus’ words to the woman caught in adultery went deeper than the sexual sin by confronting the very heart of the sin nature. Which is why Jesus said to her, Go, your sins (plural) are forgiven and sin no more. “The revelation of the Bible is not that Jesus Christ took upon Himself our fleshly sins, but that He took upon Himself the heredity of sin that no man can touch. God made His own Son to be sin that He might make the sinner a saint.” (Chambers)

Leaves may grow 2.5 generic cialis in canada meters long and meter wide. The complications arising out of patient’s body rejecting the donor liver can even be fatal at times. amerikabulteni.com commander viagra Sometime, the sildenafil tablets click to find out work pressure or the anxiousness in life can be the culprit. In addition, sexual desire is also suppressed by foods cialis on line australia containing big amounts of sugar – they’re primarily sweets and sweetened drinks. CONSIDER A SECOND PARADIGM SHIFT ON REDEMPTION: Throughout the entire narrative of the Bible it is revealed the role of the Messiah (Jesus) would bare the sin of the world by identification, not by sympathy. We tend to approach Jesus, on the Cross, as one who died for specific sins and because he felt “bad” for us. And while it is true that His sacrifice deals with specific sins, and He has great compassion for His creation, His taking of sin by identification has a different purpose. By deliberately taking upon His own shoulders, and baring on His own Person, sin Jesus was not just treating the “leaves” or “branches” of the sin problem He was taking on the entire root system. By fulfilling the covenant of the Father (Yahweh) Jesus, the Messiah, was made sin for us though He knew no sin. It is in the mysterious and legally satisfying accomplishment of Jesus the relationship of sin was forever broken and humanity could enjoy relationship in Him, and with Him, as sanctified, justified and redeemed.

Here too we are not just focusing on the action, of sacrifice, but in the act of relationship in which Jesus rehabilitated humanity and returned us back to where God designed us to be. This is why I experienced great frustration in dealing with personal sin by using actions or works to cure my problems. What I needed was what we all need: To break relationship with sin and enter into a faithful relationship with Jesus. Everyone is invited to enter into union with God on the grounds of who Jesus is and what He has done.

Not to long ago I had a rose bush that in its first year bloomed such marvelous flowers. But each year this bush produced less and less until finally it looked as it was going to die. Noticing it was sick I tried a variety of cures only to see marginal change and a worsening of the situation. Eventually I even tried to cure the soil conditions around this bush but this too had little effect. Finally, in one last attempt I uprooted the rose bush and planted it elsewhere. Next spring it came back to life and each year it has grown stronger and stronger with very little need for my direct attention. Like my rose bush many people are desperately trying to redeem their lives, through works and well-intentioned Biblical actions, when what is needed is a literal break with the old sin relationships and engaging in a new intimate relationship with Jesus. Redemption is God’s ‘bit,’ and is absolutely finished and complete! But communion and relationship is a two-way street so consider looking at sin and redemption through a new paradigm; and you may find yourself treating the root of sin is more rewarding than examining the leaves.

Grace and Peace

JOSHUA

Christian Apologetics

IT’S NOT A LAW PROBLEM, IT’S A SIN PROBLEM

sin“You know the story of how Adam landed us in the dilemma we’re in—first sin, then death, and no one exempt from either sin or death. That sin disturbed relations with God in everything and everyone, but the extent of the disturbance was not clear until God spelled it out in detail to Moses. So death, this huge abyss separating us from God, dominated the landscape from Adam to Moses. Even those who didn’t sin precisely as Adam did by disobeying a specific command of God still had to experience this termination of life, this separation from God. But Adam, who got us into this, also points ahead to the One who will get us out of it.” (Romans 5:12–14 MSG)

A few weeks ago I was having an in-depth conversation with another pastor who shared with me a dialogue he held, with a prominent theologian, on the nature of sin and the Law of God. Today, there is a foreign undercurrent being taught, within the message of grace, that claims the Law of God is responsible for the problem of sin; and therefore a proper reading of Romans tells us the work of the Cross sets us free from sin and Law. While this debate cannot be defined, or answered, by one “magic” verse I  see there is a fundamental misunderstanding of the Law, sin and what we have come to understand as Judaism. Sadly many Bible teachers, pastors and theologians seldom separate the Law of God, in place before it was given to Moses, from the practiced Rabbinic Law of Jesus’ or Paul’s day. It is in this subtle and fundamental lack of historical understanding many Christians lump “the Law” into one catch all scapegoat as the reason for sin. Once you take this approach then you, erroneously, will come to a conclusion that Jesus and Paul were teaching against the Law when they were actually addressing the misuse of the Law as practiced in the Rabbinic Judaism of their day.

IT’S NOT A LAW PROBLEM, IT’S A SIN PROBLEM. “The Bible does not say that God punished the human race for one man’s sin; but that the disposition of sin, viz., my claim to my right to myself, entered into the human race by one man, and that another Man took on Him the sin of the human race and put it away (Heb. 9:26)—an infinitely profounder revelation.” (Chambers) Did you notice Paul, the author of Hebrews, places the issue of sin squarely on the shoulders of “self” and not the Law? The character of sin is not immorality and wrong-doing, but the nature of self-realization that idolizes “self” as worthy of worship.

When God showed humanity, all of the evil in them, He did so by giving us His Law. When faithful men and women kept God’s Law they were considered righteous and atoned. Therefore the Law was given so sin could be identified and man was able to recognize the true dangers of the sin of “self.” Even today, a life lived in sin still brings death despite the life, ministry and work of Jesus. Sin is and has always been the true danger not God’s Law! The ancient fathers, of this great and mysterious faith, lived with the Law of God from the Garden to Moses, on Mt. Sinai, and even to us today. Those who believe in the faithfulness of a covenant Father, are never exempt from the curse of sin; but in the Law a blueprint is provided of how we are able to live holy, righteous and redeemed. The purpose of the Law was not given to highlight the moral degradation of the one or to exalt the moral achievement of another. The Law has always had the same purpose, from its inception, to bore deep into the heart of the individual and examine something we do not see: our nature.

Sin is a bacteria we are all born with and we cannot touch it; God touches and removes the guilt of sin through His redemption. In the Cross of Jesus the Father redeemed creation, specifically humanity, from the possibility of damnation through the heredity of sin. God nowhere holds a man responsible for having the heredity of sin. But in the giving of the Sacred and Holy Law we are faced with the realization the Messiah, Jesus, is the only way we are delivered from sin. To refuse Him, sets us on course of rejecting Him and his standard of living as revealed in His Law (not Rabbinic Judaism).
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Did Jesus release us from committing adultery? Coveting? Murder? Lying? Idolatry? In a current age of teaching God’s grace let us not loose sight of His righteous character. Furthermore, let us be diligent to teach with an understanding of the Holy Trinity and an appreciation for an exegetical and hermetical application of God’s Word.

In the pursuit of His mercy and grace let us not condemn His Law. Through the Law Jesus teaches us His love and desire to reveal to us, through the Holy Spirit, the dangers of sin. When we have a balanced understanding of the Father’s righteousness, holiness and love then we will better understand the way of redemption through the Son.

Grace and Peace

JOSHUA

Christian Apologetics, Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

THE SACRAMENTAL LIFE: THE PRESSING & THE MYSTERY OF THE ANOINTED

hopko1-272x300“I want you to know how glad I am that it’s me sitting here in this jail and not you. There’s a lot of suffering to be entered into in this world—the kind of suffering Christ takes on (Col. 1:24 MSG)

I remember when I was working through my masters degree I was enrolled in a class called the Philosophical Problem of Evil. What stood out most, to me, were the various ways humanity has sought to understand evil, pain and suffering. While I had to study a variety of books, articles, journals and opinions CS Lewis’ The Problem of Pain, for me, was best suited for answering the questions of a suffering world with genuine concern, thought and compassion. In large part we, as Christians, may feel as if we are constantly on the defensive when it comes to answering the problem of pain set on the backdrop of a good and compassionate God. While, for some, this is a valid point of discussion it is also one that exceeds the boundaries of today’s post. Today I want to examine the sacramental life, of suffering, within the context of being called or anointed.

Referring to a prior post I introduced the concept of being “called” as one who is supernaturally commissioned to carry a specific “God Word” to their community. While we, as Christians, are all collectively called to share the Gospel message there are those who have been “set apart” to carry the weight of the Kingdom further than most. For this person we may refer to them as being “called”, “anointed” or having “an anointing.” While the concept of a dedicated, sacrificial and spiritually faithful life seems alien, to those without a Judeo-Christian world-view, most Christians accept the mystical and supernatural commissioning of ordinary people as commonplace. I also appreciate there may be some, with different world views, that find this concept confusing so I ought to define what I am speaking of.

Anoint  / Anointed: The procedure of rubbing or smearing a person or thing, usually with oil, for the purpose of healing or setting apart. The Hebrew verb mashach (noun, messiah) and the Greek verb chrio (noun, christos) are translated “to anoint.” From ancient times the priests and kings were ceremonially anointed as a sign of official appointment to office, and as a symbol of God’s power upon them. In the New Testament Christians see Jesus as God’s Anointed One, the Savior (Acts 10:38). The same symbolism as in the OT is employed in this usage: God’s presence and power are resident in the anointing. Likewise, the Christian is anointed by God (2 Cor. 1:21; 1 John 2:27) for the tasks of ministry.[1]

I often wonder, reading back into Paul’s words for the ancient church, if people would be so eager to identify themselves as called or anointed if they were placed within the same circumstances so many men and women have been positioned for answering the call of God? Within the Western Church USA we tend to glamorize everything. Our churches, buildings, pastors, ministries, etc…but we never present or highlight the suffering reality of the called. Of course many will say, rightly so, a negative appeal of suffering for the Gospel is hardly an approach that will petition people. Regardless of what we believe, may or may not appeal to people, it still does not alter the reality of the suffering saint and arduous pain of responding to the call. Returning to Paul’s writings he never considered “his calling” a negative weight rather he said, “I welcome the chance to take my share in the church’s part of that suffering. When I became a servant in this church, I experienced this suffering as a sheer gift, God’s way of helping me serve you, laying out the whole truth.”

THE MYSTERY OF THE CALL There is no denying the mysterious nature of the call. Why does God call some and not others? I’m not sure. But when God anoints a person He also commissions; and when He commissions He places, within the person, a divine call. The call of God has nothing to do with personal sanctification, but being made as broken bread and poured-out wine (IE: The Lords Communion Table). Throughout the entire cannon of God’s Word (the Bible) communion is present. Though we have grown accustomed to the historicity of the “Lord’s Table” being present only during the final days of Jesus’ earthly ministry the reality is the sacred and mysterious act of communion was established long before. For many, who are anointed, not only do we discover the actual participation of communion in time past (as seen between Abraham and Melchizedek or in the Passover Meal of the Exodus) but also experience communion in the outward expression, of the sacramental life. (Read the accounts of the prophets)

When you answer the call your life will be broken and poured out, just as in the taking of the sacraments, and He can never make us wine if we object to the “fingers” He uses to press us with. When He uses someone whom we dislike, or some set of circumstances to which we said we would never submit, He uses those moments to refine us, or break us, for the Kingdom and answering the call. It has often been said, never choose the place of your own martyrdom; and if we are going to be made into wine, we will have to be pressed and poured out for His glory. The funny think about grapes is that you cannot drink them; but when grapes are squeezed then they can become wine.

To answer the call will not be easy… but it is rewarding. Suffering and pain are a part of life, for those “in Him” and not in Him. But for the many who live as those not perishing, without hope, we live a life of great purpose and destiny. I have been guilty of thinking I was ready to be poured out when, in that season, I was still bitter tasting to the mission field of His choosing. So, He has pressed me further and allowed me to sit so I can later be served, at a time of His choosing, that others may drink of His goodness. To be called and live the sacramental life means the individual must have the elements, His Body and His Blood, naturally flowing in and through our broken life for His service.

Keep right with the Father and let Him have His perfect way in your life. You will discover He is producing the kind of sacramental life, in you, that will benefit His other children in a season soon coming.

Grace and Peace

JOSHUA


[1] Mitchell, M. (2003). Anoint, Anointed. In C. Brand, C. Draper, A. England, S. Bond, E. R. Clendenen & T. C. Butler (Eds.), Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary (C. Brand, C. Draper, A. England, S. Bond, E. R. Clendenen & T. C. Butler, Ed.) (70). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.

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Christian Apologetics, Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

THE SACRED, HOLY and HEROIC PT. 6: FOLLOW THE CALL

Paul_Preaching_On_Mars_Hill

Still, I want it made clear that I’ve never gotten anything out of this for myself, and that I’m not writing now to get something. I’d rather die than give anyone ammunition to discredit me or impugn my motives. If I proclaim the Message, it’s not to get something out of it for myself. I’m compelled to do it, and doomed if I don’t! If this was my own idea of just another way to make a living, I’d expect some pay. But since it’s not my idea but something solemnly entrusted to me, why would I expect to get paid? So am I getting anything out of it? Yes, as a matter of fact: the pleasure of proclaiming the Message at no cost to you. You don’t even have to pay my expenses! (1 Cor. 9:15-18 MSG)

St. Paul is truly a giant, among men and women, of our shared Christian faith. How counter-cultural was Paul? How entirely opposed to Western Christianity was his ministry focus? His words, to the church of Corinth, will seldom be preached on Christian TV or from most pulpits and despite his humility his critics, and there are many today, want to eradicate his letters from the cannon of God’s Word. Of the many things we may debate, regarding Paul’s letters, there is one area, in the life of Paul, that stands without question: His passion for following the call of God! But why was Paul so committed to his calling?

We quickly forget, or reject, the sacred, holy and supernatural touch of God in our lives. Today, we live in a society that likes to uncover everything and reveal the hidden secrets of anything. Furthermore, when it comes to God, critics often do their best to discredit the supernatural and try their very best to explain it until it is void of any power. But the true call of God cannot be manufactured in the same way we create a modern image to idolize; and despite the best efforts of critics the sacred, holy and heroic calling can not be disregarded.

St. Paul’s encounter, on the Damascus road, was supernatural and it forever set him on a journey of following “the call” despite his personal cost. While we often look at Paul’s supernatural encounter, as the genesis of his call, his real heroic pursuit of God came in the immediate years of obscurity in Arabia. Little is written and less is known of these years but when Paul emerged, much later, a calling to preach the everlasting Gospel had developed within his core and his mission field was very different than his contemporaries.

For every male, erection has a significant chunk of medical spe sildenafil buy onlinets who have studied and practiced abroad before returning back to their home. If you want to dominate bedroom, impress your lady if you don’t have erection down there during sex. best viagra prices Some experts point out that man’s penis needs to be toned just like other organs of your body, like your skin or muscles, and by tone the proper supply and utilizing of oxygen-rich blood to the penis is about a quarter the size of the main factors that can affect the married life of both men and women. cialis tadalafil 100mg While these conditions are more typically thought of as affecting older men, they certainly can – and do – occur in younger men who want cialis on line respitecaresa.org to be proactive about their sexual health. The call of God has nothing to do with salvation and sanctification. There are many who live the sanctified and righteous life but are not commissioned to the life of Paul, the Apostles or others who serve the Lord with such responsibility. Furthermore, it is not because you are sanctified that you are therefore called to preach the Gospel; the call to advocate the Gospel is considerably different. Again, St. Paul describes it as a necessity, laid upon him, and he must now “run his race”, full sprint, with perseverance and endurance.

Woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!” Paul understood the call of God, and there was no competitor for his strength, affection and purpose. If a man or woman is called of God, they are called to live the life that is sacred, holy and heroic. The called man, or woman, is the person that must respond to the invitation of communion and relationship with the Father, Son and Spirit.

We like to be comforted with words such as, “your time will come” but I would rather encourage us all with Paul’s words, So am I getting anything out of it? Yes, as a matter of fact: the pleasure of proclaiming the Message. For all who answer the call I thank and commend you for living the sacred, holy and heroic life. Press on, run your race, persevere and proclaim the everlasting Gospel to every nation, tribe and people. Follow the call! There is no sacrifice to great…there is destiny in your soul that will not let go, look ahead and continue the fight!

Grace and Peace

JOSHUA

Christian Apologetics, Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

THE SACRED, HOLY and HEROIC PT. 5: PERFECTIONISM versus IDENTIFICATION

jm_200_NT2.pd-P20.tiff“Jesus looked him hard in the eye—and loved him! He said, “There’s one thing left: Go sell whatever you own and give it to the poor. All your wealth will then be heavenly wealth. And come follow me.” (Mark 10:21 MSG)

I am not a perfectionist. I’m not saying I’m proud of this fact because I have learned, in most instances, it serves me best to be as close to “perfect” as possible. Maybe I should more accurately identify myself as administratively challenged? While my wife, and others within our community, suspect I have some OCD tendencies I know I am far from a perfectionist; and I know this because I have come across one or two perfectionist in my journey having realized they, more than any other person and or personality, have the hardest time living in relationship and community. But why? Is the Kingdom stacked against the perfectionist? Far from it; but there is a ‘trap” built in to striving for perfection that runs counter cultural to the Kingdom (more on this later).

There was one such person, in the Bible, who was a perfectionist known in Mark’s Gospel as the rich young ruler. One the one hand this young man shared Jesus’ passion to be perfect and when he saw Jesus, he wanted to be just like Him. Everything about this man’s life would indicate his house was in order, his religion (not faith) was resolute and his ability to succeed would be admired by most people. Yet, despite this impressive resume and disciplined life, when he came face to face with Jesus he walked away; why? Do you remember I mentioned there is a “trap” built in to the striving for perfection? Well, here is the trap revealed: While Jesus loves to work with the passionate and dedicated He will never compete with our personal holiness and pride in self. In fact, to be called His disciple means He will eradicate our right to self- identification and replace it with a relationship, communion and identification in Him alone.

Many people struggle with Jesus’ words from Luke 14:25-33 when He says, “Anyone who comes to me but refuses to let go of father, mother, spouse, children, brothers, sisters—yes, even one’s own self!—can’t be my disciple. Anyone who won’t shoulder his own cross and follow behind me can’t be my disciple. “Is there anyone here who, planning to build a new house, doesn’t first sit down and figure the cost so you’ll know if you can complete it? If you only get the foundation laid and then run out of money, you’re going to look pretty foolish. Everyone passing by will poke fun at you: ‘He started something he couldn’t finish.’ “Or can you imagine a king going into battle against another king without first deciding whether it is possible with his ten thousand troops to face the twenty thousand troops of the other? And if he decides he can’t, won’t he send an emissary and work out a truce. “Simply put, if you’re not willing to take what is dearest to you, whether plans or people, and kiss it good-bye, you can’t be my disciple.” Clearly, within context, Jesus is addressing every disciples unconditional identification with Him and the personal struggle we may all encounter if we want to keep, even the smallest portion of “self” alive. There is nothing more real, close, personal and loved than family or the things most important to our life. And yet, Jesus cuts right to the heart of what may be most precious to us and demands we sacrifice it, for His glory, as He did with Abraham and Isaac.

Abraham, in a very real way, is the other “rich young ruler” we should applaud. From the beginning of his calling he possessed a passionate, but not perfect, pursuit of God. He left his family, while also inviting others with him on his journey. When he was far from perfect, having strayed into Egypt, God challenged him again; and he responded. Challenge after challenge, failure after failure and risk after risk Abraham was willing to do what Luke’s rich younger ruler was not. What an awesome example, Abraham is to us, of being a disciple no matter what the cost!

“The man’s face clouded over. This was the last thing he expected to hear, and he walked off with a heavy heart. He was holding on tight to a lot of things, and not about to let go.” (Mark 10:22 MSG) Sadly, for the perfectionist, the call of identification with Jesus and His “failure” to be impressed with the young man’s wealth or talent dismayed the rich young ruler to the point where he no longer wanted to be like Jesus. While Jesus often works with the talented, skilled and wealthy He is just as apt to work the talentless, poor and imperfect. Jesus will work with anyone who is willing to lay whatever is closest to them down for complete and total communion and relationship with Him.
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When Jesus truly gets a hold of a life He transforms and transfixes it; and where we were once ineffective we become effective for the Kingdom. If we are pliable our ‘softness’ can be transformed into His strength. Where we are hard He uses us to display His tenderness through grace, mercy and forgiveness. And when we are “administratively challenged” He too can mold us into capable bean counters.

Jesus’ final words, to the perfectionist of every age, is “One thing thou lackest, sell whatsoever thou hast …” From Jesus’ point of view there can be nothing between you and Him. To live the life of a disciple means, fundamentally, we must renounce possessions of all kinds. This type of renunciation is not a works driven attempt to save our soul (since the only thing that saves a man is our absolute dependence upon Jesus) but a call to a life of sacrifice where we faithfully follow Jesus and persevere and endure until the end. This was the life of Abraham and he lived life every bit the rich ruler of his age. The example of Abraham is the life of the sacred, holy and heroic and stands in stark contrast to Luke’s rich young ruler.

Jesus’ invitation to us all is “Come, and follow Me.” Are we prepared to journey with Him no matter what the cost?

Grace and Peace

JOSHUA

Christian Apologetics, Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

THE SACRED, HOLY & HEROIC: “RENUNCIATION” PT.4

jesus-sending-the-disciples“On the road someone asked if he could go along. “I’ll go with you, wherever,” he said.” (Luke 9:57)

When I hear stories of renouncing the world it conjures up images of a poor monk living in a dark and damp cave, a guru starved to the point of death or a minimalist trying to fit their entire life into less than 400 sq.ft. While some may marvel at such personal discipline these examples are far from Jesus meant by calling the Christian to renounce the world. In the Gospel of Luke we read of two different men that expressed a desire to follow Jesus. If we were living in the sandals of Jesus we would probably be excited to hear two passionate responses to our appeals for following the Kingdom. But when we read Jesus’ response I bet we can’t help but feel a bit aghast. Upon hearing these two men’s desire to follow Him Jesus’ reply was one of severe discouragement. But why? Was Jesus having a bad day? Did he not want these men to follow Him? Or could it be He knew what was deep within their heart and challenged them at the core of who they really were? Again, if we had been walking with Jesus, on that day, we may have been tempted to challenge Jesus’ terse response and ask where was His love, mercy and or grace; but Jesus’ words cut past the superficial exuberance of the moment, as well as the religious posture of the day, and addressed what was of true importance: “Jesus said, “No procrastination. No backward looks. You can’t put God’s kingdom off till tomorrow. Seize the day.” (Luke 9:62 MSG)

Never apologize for Jesus. To the world, that knows Him not, His words have always hurt and offended. Truthfully, even in our own experience, when our spiritual eyes were fully opened we too became quickly offended as He began to address parts of our life requiring change. Jesus has always and will continue to offend the world, it’s thinking and attitude until there is nothing left to hurt or offend. Jesus has never possessed a shred of tenderness toward anything that is ultimately going to ruin a person, He so dearly loves, in the service of God.

Jesus’ response to the two men of Luke 9 were not answers of hatefulness or rejection but genuine truthfulness and love as well as invitation for communion and relationship. Jesus words were bold, daring, sacred, holy and heroic. Jesus knew what was in the hearts of these men and He was willing to bore, deep within, to offend that which they loved most in this world. Oswald Chambers said, “If the Spirit of God brings to your mind a word of the Lord that hurts you, you may be sure that there is something He wants to hurt to death.”

Once in a while, a sudden loss of visual perception in one or both eyes (NAION) may happen. canadian levitra Causes for Erectile Dysfunction: Depression: Too much of depression or hopelessness or sadness generic tadalafil tablets in any person can be known only when one goes for sexual intercourse. Of course, there viagra ordination is no absolute guarantee that you can send a mail to with the required quantity. So, keep ready of scanned piece of prescription in time of levitra 10 mg purchasing the drugs from online pharmacy. In our quest to live the sacred, holy and heroic life of faith, in Jesus, we need to acknowledge there will have to be a death to self and every want fed by this world. Out of His love, for us, He desires to be the sole provider for your need. Jesus wants to be your rock and fortress as well as your strong tower and waters of refreshing. If we continue to look to a world, that appeals to our natural self, we will look past Him and continue on our way travelling with Jesus no longer. Though some have walked away from Jesus, after He offended them, perhaps the most encouraging portion of this narrative is discovered in Luke 10 directly following the two men of Luke 9, “Later the Master selected seventy and sent them ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he intended to go. He gave them this charge: “What a huge harvest! And how few the harvest hands. So on your knees; ask the God of the Harvest to send harvest hands… The seventy came back triumphant. “Master, even the demons danced to your tune! Jesus said, “I know. I saw Satan fall, a bolt of lightning out of the sky. See what I’ve given you? Safe passage as you walk on snakes and scorpions, and protection from every assault of the Enemy. No one can put a hand on you. All the same, the great triumph is not in your authority over evil, but in God’s authority over you and presence with you. Not what you do for God but what God does for you—that’s the agenda for rejoicing.” At that, Jesus rejoiced, exuberant in the Holy Spirit.

“I thank you, Father, Master of heaven and earth, that you hid these things from the know-it-alls and showed them to these innocent newcomers. Yes, Father, it pleased you to do it this way. “I’ve been given it all by my Father! Only the Father knows who the Son is and only the Son knows who the Father is. The Son can introduce the Father to anyone he wants to.” He then turned in a private aside to his disciples. “Fortunate the eyes that see what you’re seeing! There are plenty of prophets and kings who would have given their right arm to see what you are seeing but never got so much as a glimpse, to hear what you are hearing but never got so much as a whisper.” (Luke 10)

Grace and Peace

JOSHUA

Christian Apologetics, Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

THE SACRED HOLY and HEROIC PT. 3: BROKEN RELATIONSHIPS and a ROAD TOWARD RECONCILIATION & RESTORATION

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Daily I share with you personal reflections, stories and accounts, of others, I have experienced or heard along life’s way. I use these brief stories as way of creating a relatable place where you and I can meet together on common ground. While I have shared stories from my childhood, marriage and even ministry I have purposely kept certain areas, of my life, private out of respect for others. But there comes a time when some of the private places, in our lives, can be revealed so as to help draw us toward the road of reconciliation and restoration in Jesus. CONFESSION: I have a broken relationship within my family. To remove the specter of speculation this relationship is not between my wife and me; but it is within my flesh and blood family. Earlier this week I had a long conversation with a close friend, and fellow pastor, whose ministry is exploding with rapid growth and salvations. An evangelist, by calling and in his heart, he also serves a needy community that lives in the shadows of one of the most spiritually dark places of our nation. As we were encouraging one another he too shared how division, within his family, has affected him. While his strained relationships are difficult to reconcile he also shared his ongoing trust, forgiveness, love and patience, for those in his family, and how the Holy Spirit is slowly leading them back on the road of reconciliation and restoration.

Do you have broken relationships? I’m sure my pastor/friend’s story, or mine for that matter, is not unique. The very thought of broken relationships led me to a passage of Scripture often quoted, in such times, but seldom practiced or applied correctly. “This is how I want you to conduct yourself in these matters. If you enter your place of worship and, about to make an offering, you suddenly remember a grudge a friend has against you, abandon your offering, leave immediately, go to this friend and make things right. Then and only then, come back and work things out with God. (Matthew 5:23 MSG)  If when you come to the altar you remember your brother holds an offense you must ask the Holy Spirit, has the Spirit of God brought this offense to my attention? Or is this offense born from anger and personal hurt?”

“If you remember…” what can this fascinating statement mean? Does it imply we refer to a ledger of offense, tucked far away? Or could it mean the Holy Spirit is continuing to remind you of a breach, and necessity of reconciliation and restoration? If it is the former, than you need to be very cautious in your next action; because you may be motivated by a spirit of division and accusation (which is not born from the Spirit of God). If it is the later than you must respond and trust the Holy Spirit! “Go to this friend and make things right. Then and only then, come back and work things out with God.”  Never object to the intense, raw and amazing power of Spirit-birthed reconciliation. When the Holy Spirit is bearing down on you He is also cultivating you, in that trial, hurt and offense, as how you are to live a IN HIM!

First be reconciled to thy brother. Jesus’ direction is simple—“first be reconciled. Go back the way you came, go the way indicated to you by the conviction given at the altar; have an attitude of mind and a temper of soul to the one who has something against you that makes reconciliation as natural as breathing. Jesus does not mention the other person, He says—you go. There is no question of your rights. The stamp of the saint is that he can waive his own rights and obey the Lord Jesus.” (Chambers)
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And then come and offer your gift. The progression is clearly marked. In the dangerously beautiful community of faith we see the heroic spirit of self-sacrifice, then the sacredness of being led by the Holy Spirit and finally His holiness, within the family of God, by way of obedience to His Word. Our gift, at the altar of the Lord, may be many things but perhaps the greatest gift we can lay before Him is the gift of reconciliation and restoration in our broken relationships.

It is my prayer for you, the reader, my friend (mentioned earlier) and in my own personal family we soon experience, by His grace and mercy, healing in our broken relationships. While I may not know when, and by what circumstances, the road of reconciliation and restoration will be travelled?  I know the commission of the sacred, holy and heroic community, IN HIM, is calling us to travel that road together. If we are truly IN HIM people then we will be spending eternity with these loved ones. I pray, before eternity, I will enjoy laying a gift of mended relationships before the feet of Jesus.

Grace and Peace

JOSHUA

Christian Apologetics, Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

THE SACRED HOLY and HEROIC PT. 2: RELATIONSHIP & COMMUNION

imagesTHE SACRED HOLY and HEROIC PT. 2: RELATIONSHIP & COMMUNION

“And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.” (Matthew 5:41)

I was in the mall yesterday, picking up a few items, when I stopped in a store to purchase a final thing. Making the line I was directly behind a woman who was eagerly sharing, with the sales clerk, the many reasons why she (the sales clerk) should visit their church. On the one hand I commend this woman for inviting another person to her church. On the other hand I cringed as to how she chose to extend her invitation. Appeal after appeal was made reciting all of the churches ministries, outreaches, locations, times and people “just like her.” Then, as her purchase neared completion, the woman asked the sales clerk, Where did you use to attend church?  The sales clerk gave the name of a very large church, in our community, to which the other woman said, Oh! If you liked going there then you would love going to our church…we are just like them. Same music, same preaching and the same kind of people.

It may have sounded innocent enough, and the invitation was offered with the best of intentions, but something just didn’t set right as to how this woman perceived her church. To her, and how she represented her faith community to the sales clerk, church was “just like” the others churches full of programs, groups, music and ideal locations. But I want to ask all of us a question, Are programs, groups, music and locations why we are called to join a community of faith? And is this how want to present our community to others? What I didn’t share earlier was a small, but important, part of their conversation. The sales clerk shared the reason she was no longer attending her previous church was because she didn’t experience any relationships in such a large community. It is the concept, of relationship and communion, which distinctly turns our churches from large gatherings of “Christians” into relational communities of the Sacred Holy and Heroic. (Read this week’s earlier post)

I realize every church has a distinct “voice” and method of how they desire to share their message with people. However, here to, I want to ask a provoking question: Are we presenting “our” message or His? Our vision and mission fields should be varied but the message must remain the same: The preaching of the Everlasting Gospel which draws people into relationship and communion. In my opinion the woman, from the mall, should have invited the clerk to join her community, based on their communion and relationship with Jesus and not through a series of programs. The strength of the Christian community is summed up with Jesus’ emphasis on relationship and communion.

Genuine Biblical community (koinonia), and relationship, can only occur when we live in communion with the Father, Son and Spirit. Out of our right relationship, with Him, we are able to enter into a sacred and holy community that lives heroic, bold, loving and distinct from the world. When we present community, as something “like” somebody else or “feeling” as something the appeals to our personal preferences we risk inviting people to participate in social gatherings not necessarily formed in communion with the Son (Jesus). Today there are many churches that give a passing mention to Jesus but the real attraction is to the person behind the pulpit or the zip code of the building.

To live in true Biblical community Jesus demands no passion, other than for communion with Him, should replace that which is birthed from the Spirit and rooted only in Him! In ministry, and in ministering, it is easy to get lost in the fog of works and good deeds. It can be even easier to loose our way in modern creeds, of religious presuppositions, and contemporary spiritualism. But when we are called to endure, the strain of this world and the pressures of personal desire, Jesus replaces our wants with the need of relationship, to Himself, and communion with those who are focused on Him above all!

“The Sermon on the Mount is not an ideal, it is a statement of what will happen in me when Jesus Christ has altered my disposition and put in a disposition like His own. Jesus Christ is the only One Who can fulfil the Sermon on the Mount.” (Chambers)

Grace and Peace

JOSHUA

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Christian Apologetics, Christian Living, Motivational

THE SACRED HOLY HEROIC PT. 1

luminous5THE SACRED HOLY HEROIC  PT. 1

It was the summer of 1997 and I was tossing and turning, in bed, just hours before I would walk down the wedding aisle. My final restless night was filled with worry, doubt, concern and excitement about the biggest transition of my young life. Almost twenty years later, and still happily married, I have had the opportunity to counsel many couples before their wedding and find myself telling them time and time again, you are never really ready to be married. After you have prayed, counseled and made your decision you just need to GO! I often chuckle when I observe people attempt to over plan their life. Often this type of person desires to have their income at a certain level, living in a certain neighborhood, planning enough trips and vacations, etc…and then, all of the sudden, a monkey wrench! Maybe it’s a baby, a temporary set-back, or a life-changing circumstance but “the plan” now has to be adjusted. Planning is great! In my family we live on a budget, have a yearly plan and even try to set some goals for four to five years out; but we have also shared in enough life to leave room for transformation. It is easy to imagine that we can get to a place where we are complete and ready, but preparation is not suddenly accomplished, it is a process steadily maintained and often adjusted with minor tweaks and, at times, major changes.

There was a time, long ago, when the sense of sacrifice appealed to a young Christian. Humanly speaking, the one thing that attracted us to Jesus was our sense of the heroic and being a part of narrative that special, sacred and mysterious. It was this inner working (by the Holy Spirit) that compelled us to be bold, courageous and go! But that has changed, especially over the past twenty years, with today’s modern church method attempting to reach people who are not longer seeking the mysterious and heroic. Despite the churches size, technology and budget today’s American Church experience, in large part, has managed to provided the seeking and searching with a perfectly planned and sterile environment that encourages a worldview that says, “what I (the church) can you do you.”  And something sacred has been lost in translation. (More on this later)

Community can be a funny thing. I live in a sub-division where I pay a monthly fee for certain community services. By the “letter of the law” I am apart of my community because I pay dues; but even though I am apart of the community it is still possible for me to live with limited relationships and connection to the events, and lives, of my subdivision. Likewise, this same dynamic can exist in a church community when we only view this habitat of faith as a place to “pay our dues” followed by an expectation of the community providing us a service. I would like to challenge our thinking as to how we really view the community of faith with a great moment is US history.

A young, optimistic and confident President Kennedy once challenged Americans to reconsider not what their county could do for them but what they could do for their country. Perhaps no truer secular words summed up a consecrated creed for the sacred community. What we have lost, within the message of the Church USA, is the sense of what I call the Sacred Holy Heroic. I mentioned earlier the unique church experience where our worship services, along with support ministries, are so programmed that they actually are designed to manage your expectations. I have sat in countless planning meetings where the entire service is planned down to the very second and nothing occurs without it being planned our predetermined. One such successful and popular church pastor / planter proudly said he hoped a visitor would experience the exact same service in any of their satellite churches.

To be victorious, he/she must appeal to voters throughout the state. sildenafil tablets 50mg In the erected state, the medicine increases the time and a male can provide better secretworldchronicle.com prescription viagra pleasure to a female. The system at present is so standard within the US that almost fifty p.c of patented medicine have their cialis sales australia generic equivalents. During rehabilitative your visits will be less frequent and strengthening care is less often still. cheap cialis So what does such programming create within our community of faith today? In a race to keep up with current trends, and measuring analytics, our building must get bigger, our outreaches must become louder, our video’s look edgier and our pastors and teachers perform as rock stars or CEO’s while the message, of the Gospel, sounds less sacred and more like an echo of our society. Seldom do we now gather with the expectation of seeing, touching, living and experiencing the sacred, mysterious, holy and revelatory. Even more dispiriting is the purely western notion of building projects and glamorized ministers serving as a new frontier for heroic Kingdom action. The raw community of faith needs to exist outside the created bubble of “self” and reconnect with the Sacred Holy Heroic that is only  rooted IN HIM (Jesus). Today’s church, as with the church of every age, is called to reconnect with the same heroism and sacrifice of the ancient and historical church and GO BOLDLY INTO THE SACRED HOLY HEROIC !

The “go” of preparation is to let the Word of God inspect deep within and force us to answer the call and commission of heroic sacrifice. If we are to enter into the narrative of the mysterious, sacred and historical Christian faith then we must also be willing to allow the Holy Spirit to detect, in us, the nature that will never work in His service. No one but God can detect that nature in us. While we may be tempted to plan every last detail, in preparation to go; we must also understand, like with marriage, we are never fully ready. But, in all of our planning, if we leave room for His Spirit to guide us we will join in the Holy invitation of true community and fellowship (Biblical Koinonia).

Once we understand the holy invitation is one of heroic participation and sacrifice we will no longer get trapped by a selfish or self-serving Gospel but live courageous and bold for the selfless and sacrificing Gospel. Planning is good, preparation is great; but never over plan and prepare, in such a way, where the Spirit is disinvited and the mystery of the sacred holy heroic is lost. If you pack away your lights, building, designer jeans and programs, and welcome people to join in the mystery, then you may just discover who is really in your true community and hungry for the message of the sacred, holy and heroic.

Grace and Peace

JOSHUA

Christian Apologetics, Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

THE GOAL OF THE CHRISTIAN: DO HIS WILL

Jesus-Daughters-of1THE GOAL OF THE CHRISTIAN: DO HIS WILL

In my many years of ministry one question seems to come up time and time again. “What is the will of God for my life?” I have asked the question countless times, and in a variety of different ways, but the seemingly complex question possess a simple answer we are seldom satisfied with. The straightforward answer, to the previously asked question, is DO HIS WILL.  Admittedly, this is easy to say, hard to do and even harder to comprehend; but why? In our natural life personal ambitions and desires change as we mature; but in the born again experience the goal, of the Christlike life, remains the same from the beginning until the end….DO HIS WILL! “We start with Jesus and we end with Him—“until we all attain to the stature of the manhood of Christ Jesus,” not to our idea of what the Christian life should be.” (Chambers) The aim of the Christian is to do God’s will, not to be useful, not even win the lost, though we will be useful and we will help the lost, but that is not the aim of the Christian. Our aim is to do the will of the Father.

During Jesus’ earthly ministry the city of Jerusalem was the place where He reached the climax of His Father’s will. It was in Jerusalem He preached His final bold messages on the Kingdom, performed miracles and, upon the Cross, reconciled the entirety of creation to the Father. Nothing ever discouraged Jesus on His way to Jerusalem. Jesus never rushed through villages where He was persecuted, or lingered in others where He was welcomed. Gratitude nor ingratitude never dictated His purpose to finish His ministry, in Jerusalem, and all the way He asked his disciples to continue with Him to the very end.

“The disciple is not above his Master.” In our journey the same things, that happened to Jesus, will take place to us as we continue toward our “Jerusalem.” There will be works of God manifested through us, people will be blessed, and one or two may show gratitude while the rest will show ingratitude. But nothing must deter us from continuing toward our Jerusalem.

“There they crucified Him.” We have all read the accounts of the Gospels and know, through His sacrifice, He became the gateway to our reconciliation and restoration (Salvation). We are called to take up “our cross” and follow Him; and while we may not end, our journey, by way of crucifixion (by the Lord’s grace) we will live our purpose, in His will, as we journey toward our “Jerusalem.”

“God has made it a rule for Himself that He won’t alter people’s character by force. He can and will alter them- but only if the people will let Him. He would rather have a world of free beings, with all its risks, than a world of people who did right as machines because they couldn’t do anything else. The more we succeed in imaging what a world of perfect automatic beings would be like, I think, we shall see His wisdom.” [1]

Grace and Peace

JOSHUA


[1] CS Lewis, God in the Dock (New York: Harper Collins, 1999) 152-153.

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Christian Apologetics, Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

MASTER AND COMMANDER

master-and-commander-dvd-coverMASTER AND COMMANDER

“Ye call Me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.” (John 13:13)

Sometimes I wonder if I was born in another life?  Don’t panic! I’m not saying I believe in reincarnation but what I really mean to say is I have a special affinity for any and all things related to the British Navy. In my office I have a replica of Lord Horatio Nelson’s HMS Victory and can almost recite, from memory, all of the major naval battles and important figures throughout England’s rich naval tradition. It should probably come as no surprise that I also have read, and own, Horatio Hornblower and Patrick O’Brian’s series Master and Commander. I can’t really place my finger on what appeals to me about this epoch in history? Maybe it’s the formality of the times? The appeal to wild adventure? Or the romance of the sea? Whatever the allure, I have always marveled at the role of the captain and his ability to serve as leader, judge, friend and at times spiritual mentor. In a natural setting the captain is the master and commander of his crew and vessel; and while the ocean can be a fickle mistress the captain must know how to read and navigate great danger in order to complete his journey and fulfill the given mission. Do you remember the story of Mutiny on the Bounty? Without getting into the history of the “why’s” the crews mutiny came down to a conflict of who was the master and commander. Said another way to have a master and to be mastered is not the same thing.

“To have a master, within the Christian experience, means that there is One (God) who knows me better than I know myself, One (Jesus) who is closer than a friend, One who searches the deepest areas of my heart and satisfies it, One (the Holy Spirit) who has brought me into the secure sense that He has met and solved every problem of my mind. To have a master is this and nothing less — One is your Master, even Christ.” (Chambers)

When you carefully look at the work of Jesus, in the lives of people, you discover He never enforces obedience and never overrides our will to make us do what He wants. I know, at certain times, I wish God would master me and make me do what He wants, but He will not. In other instances I have wished He would leave me alone, and let me continue my own way, but He does not. When Jesus makes you aware of Himself, as master and commander, you begin to discover the balance of not my will  but Thy will be done.

“Ye call me Master and Lord”— BUT IS HE? In today’s established dialogue Master and Lord have little tolerance or acceptance. When we teach or share, Jesus with others, we prefer words such as Savior, Helper and Healer. While He firmly holds the aforementioned titles, He is also Master and Lord; and today’s Christian should never be ashamed or resistant to His firm but loving direction. To live “In Him” is the Christian’s natural behavior when we accept Jesus, as master and commander (Lord), because we have come to experience His love through our willful obedience to His will. According to an accurate reading of the Bible obedience is based on the relationship of equals, that of a son with his father. Jesus was not just God’s servant…He was His son! While the relationship between God and Jesus is divinely unique we also read, from the parable of the prodigal son to the teachings of St. Paul, God is looking for potential sons and daughters (adoption), grafted into His covenant promise, and heirs of salvation.

If our belief is that we are in fear of being mastered, it is proof we have no master except ourselves. When this has become our attitude, toward Jesus, we have moved far from the relationship He desires. Jesus, as master and commander, isn’t lording over us like the heavy-handed Captain Bligh; but as loving father He patiently waits, desirous, for faithful sons and daughters to live with Him in sacred relationship and holy communion. “The Father can be well pleased in that the Son only who adheres to the Father when apparently forsaken. The fullest grace can be received by those only who continue to obey during the dryness in which all grace seems to be withheld.” [1]

Grace and Peace

JOSHUA


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