January 28, 2008 by Administrator.

I know there have been times in my life when I have not wanted to ask God’s opinion about something. Most of the time I didn’t ask because I knew how He felt, but I didn’t want to change. All the while, I knew what He would say. Foolishly, I thought that if I didn’t think/pray/ask about it, God wouldn’t notice or voice His disapproval. The things we try to guard from God could be our movies, books, music, friends, hobbies, or aspirations. Though many of these things might not fall into a sinful category, they could fall into a category of defiance. If you fear that God will tell you to change, then change needs to happen. It is essential to our growth that we cut off what we know is not honoring to Jesus. Don’t live as though God doesn’t notice your actions. Don’t live as though God doesn’t care about what you do. God wants to be intimately close with us. How can we be close to Christ if we harbor what He disapproves of? If we know He might disapprove, it’s time we swallow our lump of pride and submit to our Lord and Savior. Ask. Submit. Obey. Honor the Lord of hosts.

Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin. ~ James 4:17 NASB

Posted in Glory to God, Christian Living, Christian Applications | 4 Comments »

October 9, 2007 by Administrator.

The other day I was reading John 21, and the passage where Jesus questions Simon Peter really grabbed me. In verse 15 it says:

So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You ” He said to him, “Tend My lambs.”

John MacArthur says that “these” in verse 15 is most likely referring to the fish. My thoughts began reeling. It is very interesting that Peter in verse 3 had told the other disciples that he was going fishing and they decided to join him. Then Christ asks Him if he loved Him more than the fish (and altogether his trade of fishing). When Peter answers affirmatively, Jesus then commands him to serve Him in the ministry by saying, “tend my lambs”, “shepherd my sheep”, and “tend my sheep”. If Peter really did love Christ, then he had to be willing to give up his livelihood and follow Christ. Am I willing to give up the way I make a living and how I go about my life to follow Christ anywhere? If I love Him as I claim, then I need to be. Jesus very directly tells Peter to “follow Me” in verse 19 and 22. This was not the first time that Peter had been told to “follow” Christ. Perhaps Peter’s heart was not where it should have been.

The second point that really hit deep in my heart was the repeated phrase, “do you love Me?” I believe it is possible for people to be saved, but not in love with Jesus. Peter responded to Christ much like I would have to someone close to me. If your spouse or parent were to ask you, “do you love me”, how would you answer? I would most likely say, “What kind of a question is that? You know I love you. Why would you think otherwise?” If they were to ask again, I would become frustrated. Much like Peter, I believe I would have been grieved if they asked a third time. My thoughts would have been saying, “What have I done lately? Did I say something or did I do something?” I believe Peter wrote off Jesus’ first inquiry. By the third time, it probably grieved him because he knew that Jesus had some serious concern about his love and loyalty. I realize that I am like Peter as well. I have made mistakes. I have gotten into my little fishing boat, doing as I wished all the while claiming to love Jesus. But our call is outside of our what we have created for ourselves. Our call is wherever that “follow Me” leads.

The third area that really convicted me was when I asked myself, “When was the last time I sincerely and reverently told God… I… love… You?” I have very nonchalantly described what He has done for me on the cross many times. It’s easy to say, “I wouldn’t be here without Him” and not think anymore about it. No doubt we appreciate what He has done, but do we love Him dearly? I took some time to evaluate whether or not I was intimately in love with Jesus right now. As of this moment, do you truly love the Lord? Are you willing to leave that fishing boat forever? It was a joyous time for me to contritely tell Jesus… that I loved Him.

Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners will be converted to You.~ Psalm 51:12-13 NASB

Posted in Biblical Thoughts, Christian Living, Biblical Study, Christian Applications | 3 Comments »

September 11, 2007 by Administrator.

I still see Christians being plagued by the condmenation, “judge not”. Even though I posted on this several months ago, I feel the need to refresh this topic.

We are all quite familiar with the verse “Judge not, lest ye be judged” in Matthew 7. Sadly, this verse has become a modern secular tool against Christianity. Claiming Christians and non-Christians alike use this verse to quiet the voices of any who try to condemn sin. This verse has been completely distorted for the individual moral convictions of whoever uses it. People will deliberately overlook countless Scriptures where God makes declarations of His hate for certain sins. Instead, “Christians” and the unsaved use this verse to dismantle other Christians for condemning sins that they don’t feel should be judged. Of course, we are to show love. But Christ has not called us to be so loving to the world that we disregard anything they do. God loved the children of Israel, but He would not sit back and tolerate their sinful, rebellious acts. Am I expected by the Lord to be tolerant? Proverbs 8:13 says that the fear of the Lord is to hate evil. How do these conforming individuals explain verses like these? I understand that I should not judge others of their faults if I am too struggling hard with it myself. Yet, the fact of the matter is that we are not called, as followers of Christ, to make others feel comfortable in their sin. The Word of God is full of convicting messages. The Holy Spirit used those same convicting pages to draw me to Himself. If you don’t want people to feel convicted or guilty for their actions, then you are showing that you don’t want others to condemn you for your own actions. When people use this verse in defense of sin, they are really saying, “Tolerate, lest ye be not tolerated.” 

Posted in Church, Biblical Thoughts, Today's World, Christian Applications | 1 Comment »

August 25, 2007 by Administrator.

I was talking with my father yesterday. My transmission more or less gave out in my current vehicle and I really had no option but to find another automobile relatively fast. He was telling me that the majority of Christians believe in trusting God in the “big” things, but not so much the smaller things such as a car purchase.  People feel like they need to pray about which person to marry, whether they should be a missionary in Mexico, which church they should join, but seldom ask God which car to buy. I was in full agreement with my father; but little did I know I was about to be stretched to see if I really I trusted in Him for a vehicle purchase. I found what seemed to be everything I had been searching for at a steal. However, I would need a larger loan than I had planned, it was over 120 miles away, and I was very uneasy about the whole matter. Dealing with large sums of money is stressful, but I was very troubled. I had doubts and worries about this purchase. I feared that I got there and it wasn’t in good condition, I had wasted gas money to get there and back home. I also feared that I couldn’t get what I wanted then I would feel pressured to pay more because of the distance. After several hours of thinking, I decided not to go and look at it. Then… I had peace. There was peace in my conscience about not going. The realization hit home with me that I didn’t have to have a vehicle fast. I didn’t need to spend that much money. Though this search still continues, I received a lesson from God on trusting Him even in the “small” things. That vehicle could be the most perfect automobile, but it wasn’t right for me and my God.

Posted in Encouragement, Christian Applications | 2 Comments »

August 16, 2007 by Administrator.

Saying that man chose Christ is very grievous. Just from a logical standpoint, does it not make more sense to give Christ all the glory for our salvation and say that we did absolutely nothing? Christ should receive more honor and praise. Isn’t that what we want? Give Christ all the honor (which we should be striving to do daily) and say that we did nothing of our own. Instead, man passionately lusts to have some credit in his salvation so that he can use the pronoun “I”.  Our flesh wants to be able to say that, “I chose Christ. I found Jesus.” How awful. I am thrilled every time I am reminded that I did nothing of my own to receive His salvation. It’s so amazing when that realization hits time and time again. If every Christian wants to give Him all the credit and glory, why do so many hold back some credit for their salvation? Why does man so desperately want some credit for choosing Christ by his own will? It’s a glorious thought as one thinks about being totally helpless in the hands of an all-powerful God. My lifeless, cold, clammy soul was pulled out of the sinful grave by the warm, almighty hands of the living God. He opened my eyes to sin. He washed me in His blood. He clothed me in His righteousness. He gave me life eternal. Now, I’m alive! All praise is to be given to Jesus Christ who pulled every dead man out his trespasses and gave him new life. There has never been a dead man that chose life… and there never will be. But Christ, He convicted, He gave the faith to believe, He brought the sinner to repentance, and He saved him from his sins. Never should man receive an ounce of credit for something that he was totally incapable of orchestrating. Man is the incapable composer. So put down the baton and let the audience give the standing ovation to Christ the Lord.

Posted in Biblical Thoughts, Christian Applications | No Comments »

July 25, 2007 by Administrator.

Yesterday morning I was listening to Bryan Chappell speak to a group of us men about the necessity of grace in preaching. A gentleman asked how pastors ought to preach to a legalistic congregation. Dr. Chappell described legalism as “human idolatry”. Indeed he was right. Man seeks to create laws that he can attain, accomplish, and pride himself in. Though none of these laws can be found in Scripture, man wants to better himself by being able to live, worship, and obey a strict set of guidelines. God has called us to be holy. King James might command us to use the KJV Bible, but Christ hasn’t. Man demands a certain haircut, a specific version, proper habits, and a code of attire. Man wants to be able to have God’s favor based on his own works. This is impossible! By grace we have been saved through faith. And by whose grace? By the grace of God, not of works that we should boast. Is God going to commend people for keeping up man-made, unscriptural rules? Is God going to commend people for adding to the commandments that He has already given us (Revlelation 22:18-19)? It is human idolatry to make up man-made rules. Why? Man is feeding his pride that he is able to keep these rules. Man can glory in himself for accomplishing these things. Even a lost man can keep his hair short, carry a black KJV Bible, wear the right clothes, and attend church faithfully. But the commandments of God are beyond our ability to keep on our own. Don’t legalize the Bible. Take what He has given us and give Him all the credit for any good that we might do. Our best is like filthy rags. 

Posted in Today's World, Christian Applications | 6 Comments »

July 6, 2007 by Administrator.

Is it right for the unwed, Christian couple to kiss? I could ask the same thing about premarital sex, but we all know that God forbids it. What about kissing? What benefit is there for the unwed couple to kiss? There are certain acts within a relationship that make people feel loved, special, and appreciated. The act of kissing stirs emotions and could lead people into temptation. You can avoid these temptations by avoiding physical touch. Temptations feed on our turbulent emotions (James 1:14-15). Temptations always use our feelings to its own evil benefit and advantage. Unmarried couples can protect their hearts and bodies for the glory of God by avoiding time alone together and kissing. It would be far more honorable for kissing and sex to be withheld in a relationship until marriage. Since breakups happen all the time, why throw your heart and body away when it is the living temple of our Lord God? If you are unsure about this, please consider: Would the Lord desire for you to kiss before marriage?

Posted in Christian Living, Christian Applications | 2 Comments »

June 6, 2007 by Administrator.

If Jesus were your boss, would your work ethic change? Would your attitude change? Would you be early in getting to work? Would you be prompt in doing what He wanted? Would your thoughts, conversations, and acquaintances change? Hopefully nothing would change. Why? We already work for Christ. We may not see Him in our workplace, but our lives should be devoted to His service as followers of Christ. He is with us at work. He is our boss. He is the one who takes breaks and lunch with us. He is the one who hears all the latest gossip and backbiting from our friends and sometimes, from our very own mouths. He is the one who hears our thoughts. Jesus gave His all for us, should we not do the same? We need to give our all for our Boss.

“Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” ~Romans 12:1-2 NASB

Posted in Christian Living, Christian Applications | 1 Comment »

May 7, 2007 by Administrator.

I have always jokingly referred to myself as the Prince of Procrastination. Honestly, it is an issue in my life. Procrastination is interchangeable with laziness. I would sarcastically say that the best time to start a job is tomorrow. It seems appealing to make a clean, fresh start on a new day (sort of like New Year’s Day). This principle can be applied in all areas of life. It can be used in your regular duties and spiritual walk. The temptation will meet me saying, “You missed your quiet time today and it’s 10:45pm; go ahead and do it first thing in the morning.” If my tired eyes heed this counsel, then I might find myself oversleeping or running late the next morning. Within an instant I could miss two days of essential time with God. If you do struggle with procrastination like I do, consider these verses in Proverbs 6:4-11 (NASB):

“Give no sleep to your eyes, nor slumber to your eyelids; deliver yourself like a gazelle from the hunter’s hand and like a bird from the hand of the fowler. Go to the ant, O sluggard, observe her ways and be wise, which, having no chief, officer or ruler, prepares her food in the summer and gathers her provision in the harvest. How long will you lie down, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest. Your poverty will come in like a vagabond and your need like an armed man.”

Posted in Christian Living, Christian Applications | No Comments »

April 30, 2007 by Administrator.

Music has power. It evokes feelings and moods. God created music as something beautiful and completely unique. Nothing on earth is like it. It can enhance or change the mood and feelings of the listener. From personal experience and observations, I can make this blanket statement: Secular music is not honoring to God. Does that go for all of it? Yes. If you are horrified, please read on. If you claim to be a follower of Christ, can you say honestly say that God Himself has personally approved of your music selection? If Christ is living within you, do you think He wants to listen to songs about relationships, breakups, affairs, sex, drugs, alcohol, and hate? I have the heard the excuse countless times, “The song talks about Jesus and him turning his life around after a car wreck.” But what they leave out is that when you skip to the next song, it talks about meeting someone at a bar. Secular artists sometimes give their music a religious flare because of their own past or to draw a larger audience. I have also heard statements about “Christians in a band” being alright, although they’re not a Christian band. I don’t care if the secular artist is a pastor’s kid and refused to have premarital sex; they still don’t sing for the glory of the Lord. How can a secular “Christian” artist sing to the glory of God if they don’t want to sing amidst His own children, but rather to the children of Satan? I have listened to every kind of secular music. I have listened to moral, explicit, gothic, rap, pop, country, rock, and religiously seasoned secular music. Every bit of it was dishonoring to my Lord and Savior. If you don’t think God cares about what you listen to, please read Psalm 150 and read below Colossians 3:16-17, which says,

“Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.”

These verses are self-explanatory. I think any Christian would find a hard time arguing with these verses. To me, these verses are the end of all discussion about music for a Christian. Secular songs are not psalms, hymns, or spiritual songs to the Lord with thankfulness. These words cannot be claimed to be sung in the name of the Lord with thankfulness to God the Father. So when you go to expand your music selection again, let God download your tunes and buy your CDs.

Posted in Christian Living, Christian Applications | No Comments »

April 26, 2007 by Administrator.

We are all quite familiar with the verse “Judge not, lest ye be judged” in Matthew 7. Sadly, this verse has become a modern secular tool against Christianity. Claiming Christians and non-Christians alike use this verse to quiet the voices of any who try to condemn sin. This verse has been completely distorted for the individual moral convictions of whoever uses it. People will deliberately overlook countless Scriptures where God makes declarations of His hate for certain sins. Instead, “Christians” and the unsaved use this verse to dismantle other Christians for condemning sins that they don’t feel should be judged. Of course, we are to show love. But Christ has not called us to be so loving to the world that we disregard anything they do. God loved the children of Israel, but He would not sit back and tolerate their sinful, rebellious acts. Am I expected by the Lord to be tolerant? Proverbs 8:13 says that the fear of the Lord is to hate evil. How do these conforming individuals explain verses like these? I understand that I should not judge others of their faults if I am too struggling hard with it myself. Yet, the fact of the matter is that we are not called, as followers of Christ, to make others feel comfortable in their sin. The Word of God is full of convicting messages. The Holy Spirit used those same convicting pages to draw me to Himself. If you don’t want people to feel convicted or guilty for their actions, then you are showing that you don’t want others to condemn you for your own actions. When people use this verse in defense of sin, they are really saying, “Tolerate, lest ye be not tolerated.” 

Posted in Christian Living, Today's World, Doctrine, Christian Applications | 2 Comments »

December 18, 2006 by admin.

This past Friday night, my family and I went to go hear a choral society sing. I was thoroughly impressed with their ability. When they sang in harmony and in parts, it took my breath away. One thing stood out the most to me: It was the music conductor. I got to see a large group of accomplished singers waiting for every little motion of the conductor’s hands. They waited so eagerly to see what he would command next. The organist and pianist would only play at his order and with his tempo. The choral group would not make a move without their conductor. They were lost without him. With the smallest motion, they would come in to sing their part and adjust their volume. They needed him to perform. Should we not be that way as Christians? Should we not wait for every word from the Lord with immeasurable eagerness? We should gasp when we see His lips just begin to form words. As one body, we should work cohesively together at His command. We should be lost without Him. We should be terrified to make a peep without His order. As believers, we should be spellbound with His will and His will only.

Posted in Christian Applications | No Comments »