I was just up to my normal mischief. It was last Friday at a nearby Target store and I was shopping through the clearance aisles with my six year old niece Addi. Addi had five dollars to spend. I made a challenge with myself to see how many times I could convince her to go back to her mom to see if she could exchange what she was going to buy with some replacement item. Addi started with five things from the dollar bin. Then she had a Camp Rock game, Then a High School Musical Game, Then another High School Musical Game with one item from the dollar bin, Then she had a bouncy ball for herself and her brother. I don’t know what she ended with—- My sister and wife dragged me away because I was having way too much fun. That got me to thinking… Isn’t this what God was talking about when he talked about growing to manhood so that we are not carried away by every wind of doctrine? Ephesians 4:13-14. All I had to do to get Addi to switch from one item to the other is to market to a young child that what she had was not as good as what she could have. I believe that this is the very core of the Devil’s arsenal. How So?
1. The devil will convince us that the Lord’s church is not as good as many denominations. Christ said that He would build His Church on the solemn statement that He was the Christ the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:16-18) It is simplistic in nature, but bears constant repetition that Christ only intended to build a singular church. Any perversion of the desires of our Christ is a perversion of the will of God. Contrary to popular belief, denominationalism is found in the New Testament and it is expressly condemned as a fierce wolf: Acts 20:28-31 “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. (29) I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; (30) and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. (31) Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish everyone with tears.”
2. The devil will convince us that our spouse is not as good as we should have and we should find another. Working in homes and investigating child abuse revealed a world full of people who have chosen to “find greener grass” by seeking out a new spouse. Very few serious child abuse situations involved families with one husband and one wife as God expressed in his divine plan. The bottom line is that the green grass is usually spray-painted! The pain of divorce in this world has cut so deeply that it has almost become an accepted afterthought. Let us seek to make our marriages wholesome. Let us be Godly people doing Godly things and not reaching after something that appears good for awhile but fades in an instant!
3. The devil will convince us that a life of consecration and sobriety is not as good as a life of partying and alcohol. Proverbs 20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise. Books could not contain the examples of homes that are torn apart by a life of partying, drinking and drugs. Satan brings in alcohol and drugs gradually and he is relentless once he has a grip on you. Don’t be deceived, this life is no more rewarding while on this earth and it’s punishment is eternal. Seek to not put yourself in situations where the temptation is present and replace it with wholesome activities that glorify God.
4. The devil will convince us that following God is not as good as following him. The devil offers something that God can simply not offer. Instant Satisfaction. If you like it, take it! And take it as much as you would like and as often as you would like. This is the very trick that Satan used to produce the world’s first sin as he convinced Eve that she should not be restrained form any fruit in the garden. Let us seek to grow to the point that we are not tempted by the desire to be satisfied instantly but rather let us desire to give God the glory and have Him satisfy us with food and drink that makes us hunger and thirst no more.
Ephesians 4:13-15 “until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, (14) so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. (15) Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ”
I pray that, through study and prayer, we all mature into the children of God that He desires us to be.
January 27, 2009
January 21, 2009
Magnets
Magnets
Magnetism and sin share many common characteristics. Lets explore a few of them together:
1. The closer that you get to a magnet, the harder they become to resist. One can not live a life flirting with sin and expect to be able to resist forever. Solomon said: “The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it. (Pro 22:3)” God wants a people who do not seek after him with a cool or a warm heart. He wants a people with passion and intensity. Passion and intensity that drives us to stay away from the lines of magnetism.
2. A magnet can sometimes appear harmless but even simple magnets can render some of our most advanced technology completely useless. The same is true with sin. Simple sins have taken some of the greatest minds in the Brotherhood and have destroyed what they could be or what they once were. Are you allowing Satan’s influence to hinder what you could be? Paul said “By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
(Rom 6:2-4)”
3. A Magnet can draw many other magnets to follow after it. Sometimes the poor decisions of one person can lead to a whole family or group of people being lost in sin. Your influence is precious and it is important that you protect that influence! Solomon said that “a good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.” (Pro 22:1) Are you in a situation to be an influence to others? Of Course! We all are. Ensure that the lessons that others learn from you are lessons that pull them closer to God and not into the magnetic grip of the devil.
I pray that we all seek to avoid all appearances of evil and that we seek God with Passion!
January 13, 2009
God Didn’t Make You a Robot (For a Reason)
God Didn't Make You a Robot (For a Reason)
Daniel Courington
Those who know me best know that I have an infatuation for gadgets. I like neat and new technology. If I gave in to every technology temptation I have, I would have no money and a house full of technology. Luckily, I do use restraint (sometimes). One of my latest gadget buys was a Roomba. A vacuum that doesn't require a human? I'm in! I put my Roomba in the middle of the room, I press a button, and I go about my day. Well, I go about my day now, but that wasn't always the case. When I first got my Roomba, I would sit and just watch it. I could have vacuumed the floor three times by the time I quit watching it, but it amused me. How could this little thing be so smart? It knows exactly how to fulfill its task. It doesn't complain. It doesn't talk back. It doesn't procrastinate. It just does its job.
So I ask this: Why didn't God make me and you Roombas? Why didn't he put me in the middle of this earth, press a button, and have me do whatever it is that he would want me to do? Why did he give me choice? Why did he think enough of me to give me an opinion? Why is he willing to put up with all of my mistakes and still forgive me over and over?
It is unquestionable that, like Adam (Genesis 2:15), Paul (Romans 1:1), and Jesus (John 18:37), Christians have a certain purpose. In the Great Commission, Christ states that this purpose is twofold- And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
(Mat 28:18-20). Christ desires us to teach the lost and to observe His commandments. If God would have wanted a robotic people, don't you think He would have made it? If God wanted a people who were merely born into an inheritance without any faith or action, don't you believe he would have made the Old Law permanent? God designed the system and could have done whatever he pleased but what he decided is that he wanted to create a people who could make choices, just like he could and that could have thoughts, just like him.
God is Love (1 John 4:8) and as a result, he wanted people with the capability to Love (1 John 4:7). Love, in its very nature does not seek its own way (1 Corinthians 13:5). Love requires desire. Desire requires choice. In 2nd Corinthians 9:7, it is said that God loves a cheerful giver. But immediately preceding this, it tells what one must do to be a cheerful giver. It states that "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion". Paul, in his letter to Philemon said "Accordingly, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do what is required, yet for love's sake I prefer to appeal to you--I, Paul, an old man and now a prisoner also for Christ Jesus-- I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I became in my imprisonment. (Phm 1:8-10)"
This is the very nature of what God wants from us and the reason he did not make us a robot. He wants a people with desire. Not a desire like a robot. A desire to do his will because we love him, not because of compulsion. God has a purpose for us as Christians and I believe he frames it in the same way that Paul framed his message to Philemon: "I would have been glad to keep him with me, in order that he might serve me on your behalf during my imprisonment for the gospel, but I preferred to do nothing without your consent in order that your goodness might not be by compulsion but of your own accord. (Phm 1:13-14)"
We are never told what Philemon's response to Paul's request was. Whether or not we will give consent to God's will for our lives, like Philemon, is our choice and our choice alone.
May God be with us daily as we seek to make the right choices in following him!
Echoes
You get in return exactly what you put in. This is the law of an Echo. It is not something that is debatable. It is a law that holds true 100% of the time. One can not yell "Hello" from a mountaintop and expect the valley to return with "Goodbye". In the same manner, one can not expect to put nothing but negativity, severity, seriousness, bluntness and demands into their family and expect the fruits of the spirit in return. Charles R. Swindoll wrote in his book "Home, Where Life Makes Up It's Mind" that he read about a teacher who asked a group of students to jot down, in 30 seconds, the names of the people they really disliked. Some of the students could think of only one person during that half minute, Others listed as many as 14. The interesting thing derived from the research was that those who disliked the largest number of people were themselves the most widely disliked.
I pray that the families of the Lord's church will never become like the Pharisees. It was the Pharisees who frequently drew the attention of our Savior for their intimidating and cantankerous attitudes. It was these people, along with the Scribes, of which Christ said You blind guides, straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel! (Mat 23:24) The problem with the Pharisees was not what they preached but rather the attitudes and actions that were behind their teachings. (Matthew 23:3) One simply cannot spend all of their time in any relationship enforcing unattainable demands and expect that relationship to have a lasting and healthy result in the end. Jesus spoke very clearly and directly to the problems in many marriages and many homes when he said: And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount.
But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.
Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.
"Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven;
give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you." (Luke 6:34-38)
One might ask, "How does this lesson on dealing with our enemies apply to our homes?" Sadly to say, some people treat their spouses, parents, and children with the same contempt that the Lord warned against in this passage. How do we identify and overcome this complex? Consistency
Consistency is absolutely necessary in all relationships. Consistency is the only way to expect desired results in a relationship to come to fruition. This works on all levels. When the parent is consistently compassionate, caring, interested, and firm, towards their children, the children will most likely turn out to be at minimum a good citizen who respects God and respects his or her neighbor. When the home relationships are consistently rude, demanding, heartless and firm, the child will most likely to turn out to be rebellious, careless, and rude. This is not to say that there have not been children who were raised properly who haven't found themselves in the grips of the Devil and thankfully those who were not raised in a loving environment come to know the Gospel. It is the very nature of the Gospel that it can change lives. What I am saying is that children who are in consistent home environments, with compassion and discipline, don't usually slip off into the world and, if they do, it is rarely until after they have left the home.
Take notes of the relationships in your lives on all levels. Are they what you want them to be? Are they what God wants them to be? Are you consistent and loving with your children? Are you compassionate and caring towards your spouse? Are you the child that God would desire you to be? Let us all seek to love one another with a more consistent love, more like Christ loved us in that while we were yet sinners, He died for us. It is with that compassion and with that concern that we can save those lost in a dying world and that we can build strong homes which are ready to take on all of the temptations of Satan. Consistency in all our relationships is a noble goal and a difficult goal, but with the help of God, it is obtainable. And once we do obtain this noble goal, it will be great to hear the greatest echo that one could ever hear: "And I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God,
but the one who denies me before men will be denied before the angels of God. (Luke 12:8-9)"
What Am I Teaching My Kids About Priorities?
Dan Quayle was known for providing frequent laughs with such popular quotes as "I stand by all the misstatements that I've made", and "What a terrible thing to have lost one's mind. Or not to have a mind at all. How true that is." Maybe a lesser known quote is "For NASA, space is still a high priority." On the surface, this seems comical but to the Christian it might serve as a question we must ask ourselves. That question is: To a Christian, is Christ still a priority? NASA's very existence is dependant upon the study and exploration of space. Have we allowed Christianity to fall to such a low rung on our list of priorities that we have to ask if it is still a priority. We wear the name of Christian so Christ is our priority, isn't it? This question should be a rhetorical question, but I fear that it is not. I believe that Christ and the very Church that He died for has taken a backseat to other less-important things such as school, sports, human relationships and personal desires in many families.
Follow this equation: Student is held home on Wednesday night from church because of homework. Child immediately sees that studying to get into college is more important than studying God's word. Student leaves for college and has a big report due on Monday. The Student skips church on Sunday because he learned young that school was the priority. As he makes his way through school, his attendance becomes less and less faithful. All people talk about at this school is getting into Grad School and suddenly Grad School is the priority. Grad School is all about getting a high paying job so money becomes the priority. Money is the priority and as we know from the writer Paul that "The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil" (I Tim. 6:10) Now this child has fallen away from the church simply because other things became more important than the Church.
Don't believe this story could happen to you? It happens everyday in our churches. If you don't make Church the priority in your home, you can expect it will be even a lesser priority in your children's and grandchildren's homes. Consider Revelation's warning to the Church at Ephesus: Rev 2:4-5 But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. (5) Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.
Abandoning your love for God is a sure way to show your children that Church is not the priority in the home. The good news is the same news that Christ spoke to the Church at Ephesus in Revelation 2, Thanks be to God that we were given the ability to make changes in our life and re-adjust our priorities. Make God the priority in your home and you will forever be rewarded by your spouse, your children and most importantly, by your God. ~DC
SHEEP DON’T WALLOW
SHEEP DON'T WALLOW
Based on a Story by C. E. Henry (1960)
Scriptures Compiled by Daniel Courington
There is an old story about a lamb and its mother. It seems the lamb passed a pig pen each morning on the way to the pasture with its mother. Watching the pigs wallow in the mud seemed like fun, and on an especially hot day, the lamb asked the mother if he could jump the fence and wallow in the cool mud. She replied, "No." Then the lamb asked the usual question, "Why?" The mother just said, "Sheep don't wallow."
This did not satisfy the lamb. He felt she was not being fair, overreacting, and didn't have the right to tell him what he could or could not do! So, as soon as the mother was out of sight, the lamb ran to the pig pen and jumped the fence. He was soon feeling the cool mud on his feet, his legs, and soon his stomach. After a few moments, he decided he had better go back to his mother, but he couldn't. He was stuck! Mud and wool don't mix. His pleasure had become his prison. He cried out and was rescued by the farmer. When cleaned and returned to the fold, the mother said, "Remember, sheep don't wallow."
Sin is like that. It looks so nice, so inviting. We think we can escape from it any time we wish, but it is not always so. Sinful pleasures soon become prisons.
The moral of this story? Christians don't wallow!
Proverbs 1:10-16 My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. (11) If they say, "Come with us, let us lie in wait for blood; let us ambush the innocent without reason; (12) like Sheol let us swallow them alive, and whole, like those who go down to the pit; (13) we shall find all precious goods, we shall fill our houses with plunder; (14) throw in your lot among us; we will all have one purse"-- (15) my son, do not walk in the way with them; hold back your foot from their paths, (16) for their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed blood.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, (20) for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
1 Peter 2:24-25 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. (25) For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
Philippians 1:9-11 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, (10) so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, (11) filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
Contentment
"Contentment"
Compiled and revised by Daniel Courington from various sources
The story is told of a rich industrialist who was disturbed to find a fisherman sitting lazily beside his boat.
"Why aren't you out there fishing?" he asked.
"Because I've caught enough fish for today," said the fisherman.
"Why don't you catch more fish than you need?' the rich man asked.
"What would I do with them?"
"You could earn more money," came the impatient reply, "and buy a better boat so you could go deeper and catch more fish. You could purchase nylon nets, catch even more fish, and make more money. Soon you'd have a fleet of boats and be rich like me."
The fisherman asked, "Then what would I do?"
"You could sit down and enjoy life," said the industrialist
"What do you think I'm doing now?" the fisherman replied as he looked placidly out to sea.
Phillipians 4:11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.
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Benjamin Franklin said that "Content is what makes poor men rich; and discontent what makes rich men poor."
What amount of money could possibly be worth more than a note from our creator that he will never leave or forsake us?
Heb 13:5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."
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There was once a story told of a man who found gold while mining. Instead of gathering what he could before winter time came, he became frozen in the mine with the gold. What did he gain? Nothing. What did he lose? Most likely, his eternal soul. He was too greedy to be content with what he could gather in the given time. Would he have ever been content? Can we ever be content today? Rainy day? Have to go outside – at least you have a house. Traffic jam? At least you have a car. Family problems? At least you have a family.
Mar 8:35 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it.
Mar 8:36 For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?
Mar 8:37 For what can a man give in return for his soul?
Mar 8:38 For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels."
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As you spend this holiday with your friends and family, be thankful most for the blessings that are not of this world but are given from the Father and will last through eternity.
1Ti 6:6 Now there is great gain in Godliness with contentment
We’ve Got to Love God’s Love
We've Got to Love God's Love
Daniel Courington
"Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith. (1 John 5:1-4)".
I Love You, I Love You, I Love You, I Love You, I Love You, I Love You, I Love You, I Love You, I Love You. It's a funny thing, that Love word. We want to hear it over and over again but, at the same time, it is worth no more than the paper it is written on or the air it is spoken into if we do not back it up with some sort of action. I have dealt with multiple families where a spouse would daily tell his wife he loved her and would daily abuse, curse, and put down his wife and children. It reminds me of what James was saying when he said: From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. (James 3:10) The teachings of the religious world are not too much different than the men who do these terrible things. One could even say that it is much worse because it can cause people to fall into an eternal death. Denominationalism continues to preach and teach that all we have to do is believe and love God– no other action necessary. As a matter of fact, you can act in opposition to the love of God in every way possible but as long as you will say a little prayer to yourself, you too can be saved. The religious world has taken the idea of repentance and degraded it to a mere option for those who are "really committed".
Living a repented, or changed, life is the ONLY way that we can show God that we love Him. Telling God that you love Him and that you love His love, while living a life of sin, is no different than the abusive husband who treats his bride with malice and disrespect while repeatedly saying "I Love You". If we truly love God, it does not mean that we won't make mistakes. As a bride, the Church both individually and collectively will make mistakes, but we will not be overtly abusive towards his commands for us and we will always seek the well-being of our husband. We will submit to his commandments and His commandments are not burdensome (v.3). Just because they are not burdensome does not mean that they are easy. However, it does mean that every command that God gives is given for a reason. Every command is meant to either help guide us through a very difficult world or to display our obedience towards Him.
Not only have I seen "loving" abusive parents and spouses, I have seen kids that would go to the ends of the world to gain their love and approval. They want the approval of despicable, mean, and callous men because they understand that it is their father. Knowing this, how much more should we be willing to do each and every thing that our father commands us? Having the knowledge that God loved us so much that he sent Jesus Christ to die for us, we should be willing to do anything and everything to gain his approval. Fortunately, we know what we must do to gain God's approval: "For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments". Let's strive to keep all of the commandments which God has given to us in his inspired word. That is the very essence of loving God's love.
I’ve Lost Control
"I've Lost Control"
Daniel Courington
Take the Name of Jesus with you, Child of sorrow and of woe,
It will joy and comfort give you; Take it then, where'er you go.
Chorus:
Precious Name, O how sweet! Hope of earth and joy of heav'n.
Precious Name, O how sweet! Hope of earth and joy of heav'n.
Take the Name of Jesus ever, As a shield from every snare;
If temptations round you gather, Breathe that holy Name in prayer.
O the precious Name of Jesus! How it thrills our souls with joy,
When His loving arms receive us, And His songs our tongues employ!
At the Name of Jesus bowing, Falling prostrate at His feet,
King of kings in heaven we'll crown Him, When our journey is complete.
What a great thought to take the name of Jesus with you no matter where you are going or where you have come from. What intensifies the thought even further is that the author of this song, Mrs. Lydia Baxter, was a bedridden invalid for the majority of her adult life. She wrote this song at the age of 65 on her sickbed. She died at the age of 69. You see, one could say that Mrs. Baxter wasn't able to take the name of Jesus anywhere beyond her bedroom when she wrote this song. Despite this, she wrote a song that has stood the test of time and can be found in most any song book still today.
Sometimes Christians are put into circumstances where they feel they have little or no influence in their situation. Frequently this causes so many of our brothers and sisters to struggle with sadness, despair and, in some cases, depression. This will cause many to say "I've lost control". The fact was that Mrs. Baxter was in a rough situation of which she had little, or no, control. She could not help the fact that she could not leave her bed. She could not help the fact that she could not be the servant to others that I am sure she desired to be. Despite this, she mastered a skill that we all must learn in order that we may become the Christians that Christ wants us to be. She discovered that in any situation she was in, she could still be a positive influence to others. She understood what Paul knew, the only circumstance that one has complete control over is the attitude with which you face circumstances. The attitude we must have is to hand over complete control to God.
Consider some of Paul's writings on the subject: 1Ti 6:8 "But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content." 2 Co 12:10 "For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong." Php 4:11 "Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content."
I envy Paul's attitude. I pray that I could have the same attitude, but I fear that I would not be near as strong as Paul was in his circumstances. Despite the many abuses Paul went through, he came to the understanding that one can never lose control if he has given control to God in the first place. One will ask, how did he come to this understanding? Paul came to this understanding simply through two experiences he had. He had experienced the pains of this world and he had experienced the joys of Jesus Christ. He knew he had a purpose on this earth, and He knew that every circumstance he overcame would lead him to a better reward one day. I pray for us all to have the same attitude: Php 1:21-24 "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (22) If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. (23) I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. (24) But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account."
Man-Made Religion
I was having a discussion the other day with a gentleman in town. As our discussion turned from gas prices to religion, the gentleman told me that he was a member of a local denominational church and that he no longer got caught up in the complications that man puts into religion. He went on to tell me that he no longer worshipped on Sunday but rather another day of the week. He explained to me that God no longer cared about the rules and regulations that man had put into religion but it was only about a relationship with God. The gentleman and I briefly went back and forth about a few issues like instrumental music and worship on the first day of the week. He implied that these issues were "man-made" rules. It became very clear to me at this time that the gentleman was really missing something. Instead of not getting caught up with what man has put into religion, he had completely forsook what God views as religion and bought in whole-heartedly to everything man has put into religion. Here are a few things that man has added to religion:
1. Man added instrumental music to worship.
Scriptures advocate the use of the heart to make melodies (Ephesians 5:19). You won't find biblical support for rock, rap, or just a single piano. You won't find Paul or Peter playing a guitar or Luke on the drums. You won't find Matthew rapping to a beat or Luke rocking to a guitar solo. You won't find Martha or Mary as an organist. The reason you will not find these things was not because they did not have access to instruments. It was not because they were "old duds". It was because they were not commanded to do it in their worship to God. I personally imagine that had they introduced these things into worship while in the presence of the Lord, you would find a similar image to him turning over the tables in the Temple.
2. Man added "new ways" to be saved.
While man advocates and creates new ways to be saved, none of these "new ways" work. God only advocates Biblical Salvation. If you open up your Bible to find the "sinner's prayer", you'll be looking until the Lord's return. There is biblical evidence for a faith based on knowledge (Romans 10:17). There is biblical evidence that man must repent (Acts 2:38). There is biblical evidence that with the mouth confession is made unto salvation (Romans 10:9). There is Biblical evidence that man must be born again of water to be fully converted (John 3:5). There is Biblical evidence that faithfulness is required until death (Revelation 2:10). Man complicates the process by attempting to simplify it. Simplification is sometimes good, but when man starts simplifying, or in this case removing, parts of God's Word he falls into the condemnation mentioned of false teachers in Second Peter Chapter Two. Sometimes I have to go through and clean out my basement. When I go to clean, if I remove all of my tools, I will find myself with a less cluttered basement but left without many of the things I need when I go to repair something. Some people have taken the Gospel and removed things that, in their eyes, appear unnecessary. God says we will need these tools and if we get caught without them, He will return to find our spiritual lives in disrepair.
3. Man added disrespect for God's Law.
When speaking with the gentleman, I told him that I believed that Religion was not all about rules and regulations as well, but God did give us rules. I told him that God gave us those rules for a reason. A society with no law and no structure creates anarchy. A religion with no law and no structure creates denominations and religious anarchy. This Gentleman's passion was unquestionable but his lack of respect for what God's word commands was just as evident. Paul, when speaking of the Jews, writes of the difference between a passionate knowledge and a passionate ignorance of God's law: Romans 10:5-7 For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.
JOE THE PLUMBER
Joe "the plumber" Wurzelbacker just wanted to ask a question. Joe may not have even known he was being taped on the day that he asked Barack Obama how his tax plan would affect him if he one day owned a company that made over 250,000 dollars. He only wanted a simple answer to a simple question. Now, one cannot go a single day without "Joe the Plumber" being mentioned. Joe is being scrutinized and dissected. There are people going through Joe's old legal issues and tax information with a fine-toothed comb. Do you think Joe expected instant fame when he asked the question? Do you think he would have predicted the instant celebrity status? Do you think he thought that, for the remainder of the campaign, the two men vying to be the leader of the free world would talk about him daily? It wasn't the question that made "Joe the Plumber" famous. It was the answer.
I am reminded of the Rich Young Ruler. All the Rich Young Ruler wanted was a simple answer to a simple question: "And a ruler asked him, "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" Luke 18:18." Little did this young ruler know that some 2000 years later we would still be talking about this simple exchange between two individuals. Little did he know that the answer he was going to be given would change his life and call Christians forever to a greater understanding of dependence and priorities. (19) "And Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.
(20) You know the commandments: 'Do not commit adultery, Do not murder, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.'"
(21) And he said, "All these I have kept from my youth." (22) When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me."
(23) But when he heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich. (Luke 18:19-23)" The rich young ruler probably expected to hear something like, "You have done well, you are a good citizen who has followed all of the requirements of the Old Law, you now have eternal life!" Instead, Jesus gave him an answer that was foreign to his ears. He presented concepts that had never been approached before in this man's life. Concepts that called for extreme change.
The reason Joe the Plumber has became famous is because the answer he received was different than what people were used to hearing. Barack Obama gave an answer that was extremely different from the things that our ancestors and forefathers would have taught. This is definitely not written to advocate the changes of Barack Obama. Extreme change in Politics can be debated in another avenue and in another place but the extreme change that Christ is calling for in Christianity when he answers the young ruler's question is not up for debate.
Christ wants people who are radically and extremely committed to his service. He wants individuals who, after being called to leave all, will take up their cross and follow after Him. He wants individuals who are not conformed to this filthy world but rather transformed by the renewing of the mind. He wants Christians who have the same kind of fire in them that many supporters have for their politicians. He wants us to turn out in enthusiastic droves to support Gospel meetings and youth devotionals. He wants us to live our life like transformed, renewed individuals. He wants us to understand true commitment and dependence on him.
The ultimate question is this, knowing the call to commitment and dependence that Christ was making in speaking to the rich young ruler, how will you live your life? Remember, what's important is not the question. It's the answer.
Selling Seats
Selling Seats
Daniel Courington
More details are coming out daily about Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich's scheme to sell the Senate seat of President-Elect Barrack Obama. At the writing of this article, Governor Blagojevich has not resigned despite being asked to step down by Barrack Obama. I'm not writing this article to declare this man's guilt or innocence but rather to talk about the concept of selling and buying a seat. A seat, in the way in which we are referencing it, is defined as placing someone ceremoniously or formally in an office or position
It's interesting, yet very sad, how corrupt things happen when responsibility is placed in the hands of mortal man. Despite this, in general, man is aware that a seat should not be given based on the ability to pay the most money. Mortal man understands that seats should typically be given based on merit. Luckily for us, when it comes to our eternal destination seat, we will have a just God to make that decision based on the life that we have lived. We will not have to worry about the cost of the seat, for that has been paid. We will only have to worry if we are qualified for the position. Paul was confident, but not arrogant, about his eternal destination:
For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. (2Ti 4:6-8)
Paul gives three reasons why he knew that his destination seat was heaven:
1. He had fought the good fight. Paul had fought and won wars for God's cause. He had won no physical wars as he would have, had he not been converted, but rather he had defeated Satan many times over in the battle for the souls of man.
2. He had finished the race. A race is won when a person finishes in first place, having followed all of the rules. Paul understood man's need for endurance. It was Paul who wrote that endurance produces hope. (Rom. 5:4) He did not allow himself to "burn out" but kept the love of God in his heart, which in turn led him to have a full assurance in the hope he wrote to Timothy about.
3. He had kept the faith. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. While Paul did not have a convenient, bound, copy of the Bible. He always sought to do whatever the will of God was. The way we show ourselves approved to God is by studying his will and putting that into action in our lives. Paul kept faith in things unseen so that one day he could see that crown of righteousness.
I pray that the Lord will help us each day to consider the things that we do and seek the will of Him in our lives so that we, like Paul can know the seat we will sit on eternally.
Discouraged?
There's an old fable that says the Devil once held a sale and offered all the tools of his trade to anyone who would pay their price. They were spread out on the table and each one labeled. Hatred, malice, envy, despair, sickness, sensuality- all of the weapons that everyone knows so well- were for sale. But off to one side lay a harmless looking wood-shaped instrument marked "discouragement". It was old and worn looking but it was priced far above all the rest. When asked the reason why, the Devil replied, "Because I can use this one so much more easily than the others. No one knows that it belongs to me, so with it I can open doors that are tightly bolted against the others. Once I get inside I can use any tool that suits me best."
I regularly remind myself of the story of Elijah. Elijah was frustrated and discouraged because of the state of Israel. He believed himself to be the only righteous soul left in Israel until God takes him up to Mount Horeb and tells him he has 7,000 souls who hadn't bowed down to Baal. How did he tell him this? It wasn't in a great battle or in a great whirlwind but it was in silence with God.
1Ki 19:10-13 He said, "I have been very jealous for the LORD, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away." (11) And he said, "Go out and stand on the mount before the LORD." And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. (12) And after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. (13) And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"
Stir until well combined. Serve daily
When one knows God and knows his absolute presence in their life, discouragement turns to hope and hope turns to faith. Dedicate some quiet time for God this week!
Why should I come to church and why should I bring my children?
Why should I come to church and why should I bring my children?
Daniel Courington
In My life, I cannot begin to tell you how many articles I have read that ask one or both of the questions above. I have never actually heard anyone verbalize the question however. The truth is that most people understand that they and their children should be at church. Most people understand the consequences of their children not receiving the spiritual milk that is needed for them to grow (I Peter 2:22). Most everyone who fails to assemble with the saints regularly knows that doing so would be the right thing to do but they simply fail to do it.
There are many ironic things that one will notice while walking through life. You'll notice that the person on the oxygen tank who continues to smoke- continues to suffer the consequences of not doing the "upkeep" on their life. You'll notice that the house that is left untouched and unrepaired begins to fall apart. The car that never gets an oil change or new tires begins to malfunction or blows a tire. Despite knowing all these things, some people continue to smoke while on oxygen tanks. One would not have to go far to see old and dilapidated buildings in their own neighborhoods. It wouldn't take you long to drive down the road to see a car that is falling apart or broke down on the side of the road. Why? People simply have not made the upkeep of these things a priority in life; they know how to maintain their health, home, and automobile but have simply failed to do it.
When children are missing church regularly, one thing can immediately be said about their parents: Church is not the priority in the home. When Jesus said on the Sermon on the Mount to seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness… (Matthew 6:33), he meant what he said. He wants us to make his spiritual kingdom our number one priority. Jesus used the terms Kingdom and Church interchangeably in Matthew 16: 18-19 "And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven ..." The church is God's kingdom and we are commanded to seek it first in our lives. I believe one would find it a hard argument to make that they've sought first the kingdom if they have failed to even show up for the services of the Lord's people. If you find yourself slipping in attending the assembly of the Lord's people, examine your priorities and look back to what Solomon said in his search for earthly wisdom: Ecclesiastes 1:13-14 And I applied my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom all that is done under heaven. It is an unhappy business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind.
Instead of spending your time seeking happiness out of things here on earth, apply your heart to ensuring that you and your children are seeking after a spiritual kingdom with a heavenly outcome.
Dumb Criminal Decision-Making
Dumb Criminal Decision-Making
Daniel Courington
I have always liked dumb criminal stories. One such story that I saw at a very young age was that of a criminal who went to a convenient store to commit an armed robbery. The man asked for change for his $20 bill and the worker, obviously thinking nothing about it, opened the drawer. As soon as the drawer was open, he pulled a gun and asked her to empty the cash register. Somewhat startled, but relatively calm, the worker emptied the cash register to the man and he ran away with the money. His total take from the register was $17. The Problem? He left his $20 bill sitting on the counter.
Isn't this how Satan works? Satan wants us to make decisions that, even before the punishment comes, don't make sense. The robber in the story above was arrested almost immediately, convicted of armed robbery and spent a considerable amount of time in jail. At the end of the story, the man found himself with less money than he came with and spending time in prison. While I watched this on my television and thought about how ironic it was, I realized that this one decision would affect him not only now, but for the rest of his life. Here are a few principles about making decisions that will help us become better Christians:
When making decisions, realize the short term consequences of your actions. In the robber's mind, what was in the cash register appeared to be better than what was in his hand. The robber knew ahead of time that his chances of getting away with this wrongdoing were small to none. He committed the crime because to him, at that point in time, it was a risk he was willing to take. I doubt he considered the consequences a whole lot. There are millions of pregnant teenagers, people living with STD's, and prisoners in jail today because they did something without thinking about the consequences it would bring. Solomon wrote about the pleasures of sound wisdom and discretion. Pro 3:21-26 My son, do not lose sight of these-- keep sound wisdom and discretion, (22) and they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck. (23) Then you will walk on your way securely, and your foot will not stumble. (24) If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. (25) Do not be afraid of sudden terror or of the ruin of the wicked, when it comes, (26) for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught.
When making decisions, consider the long term effects of your decisions. Not only did the robber not consider the short term consequences, I highly doubt that he thought about the struggles he would face in finding a job some day or building a family. Sometimes Christians have the same problem. With salvation in our hands and heaven as our home, we see something in this temporary shelter that we like and we partake of it. Some people end up living their whole lives for themselves without making any plans for their eternal future. This world is simply temporary and as we make decisions in our homes, churches, and schools we need to make these decisions with the understanding that we are filling a temporary body that is on loan from God. As a reference to sexual sin, Paul says: 1Co 6:19-20 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, (20) for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
When making decisions, remember that your decisions affect all those around you. 1Th 2:10-13 (10) You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers. (11) For you know how, like a father with his children, (12) we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory. (13) And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers. Paul shows here that he knew his decisions and behavior would be emulated. He not only made decisions that would benefit him but decisions that would benefit all of those around him. Remember that when you go into your schools and offices wearing the name Christian, you are called to a higher responsibility in the decisions that you make. A scripture that you will hear me reference frequently, because it is my favorite scripture, fits well in this conversation: Rom 12:1-2 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. (2) Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Seek things that are above, and you and those around you will be rewarded beyond measure.
Like my mom always says: Always remember who you are and whose you are!
"Loaded"
Daniel Courington
Part II
Continued from bulletin on 9-17-08
Last week I talked about the ways that a gun mimicked the tongue. This is the completion of that article:
- A gun's actions are irreversible
-We've all had that sinking feeling. The feeling where we want to believe that we didn't really do what it was that we just did, and we realize that we can't just take it back. If that action involves a gun, its consequences cannot be reversed. Sometimes there may be able to be preservation of life or the damage can be minimized but to the person just shot or the thing just destroyed- there is no way that it can simply be "undone". This is not to say that God will not forgive one (I John 1:9) or that we don't have a responsibility to forgive others (Luke 17:3-4). This is to mimic what Peter said in 1st Peter 3:10 For "Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit… It appears to me that Peter knew that the consequences of not taming the tongue would be that one would not be able to love life and see good days. Do you consider the long term effects when you talk to your friends, parents, and loved ones? Do you think of the impression that you leave with people for a lifetime?
Having said these things, I urge you to put your "gun" in the "safe" in the "safety position". Lock it down with a key and be very careful how you use your weapon. Don't hesitate to open the "safe" and share with others the good news of Jesus Christ but be extremely cautious before you ever open that "safe" to use your "gun" against someone and remember that you will always catch more bees with honey than vinegar. Be kind to one another and love one another!
A Scripture to Think About
1Jn 3:1-3 See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. (2) Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. (3) And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.
Does the world know you?
Are you living a life of purity?
Are you putting your hope in Christ?
Aren't you ready to see God as he is?
Loaded
"Loaded"
Daniel Courington
I like an array of musical styles and musicians. Recently, I noticed a song that rang a truth that I thought was phrased in such a way that it was piercing. The song is called "Loaded" and it's performed by a little known blues/folk band called The Wood Brothers. This is no endorsement of the band, as I know little about their background and have not listened to all of their music but I thought some of these lyrics were too good not to share. The lyrics include:
Sometimes the tip of my tongue
Is the barrel of a gun
And it's loaded
There were no guns at the time of writing but I believe James was trying to convey a very similar message about the power of the tongue when he talked about the tongue in his book to the twelve tribes:
James 3:5-10: So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! (6) And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. (7) For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, (8) but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. (9) With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. (10) From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.
I can think of many ways that the tongue resembles a gun. Here are three:
- A gun's purpose can be for both good and for bad.
-Few would argue that our local police officers have need of a gun. In fact, if someone was to break into my home and I called the police, I would have a great problem if they came without their guns. On the other side of the coin, I would be greatly upset to see that a convicted felon in my neighborhood was given a gun permit. The Proverbs say this about the tongue: Proverbs 12:18 "There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." Are you speaking things that build up your friends and others or things that tear them down or discourage them?
- A gun's safety is easy to remove.
-It doesn't take a great man to pull a trigger! I am greatly saddened when I learn of a young child being hurt by a gun because the gun was not put away like it should have been. People are hurt when we don't properly secure our tongue. The song continues with this lyric:
"When my passion welled up
and I readied my aim
I didn't know my own name"
Sometime people will hurt others in ways that are terrible because they simply allow their emotions to get the best of them, and their tongue spews out venom (James 3:8). Do you have control over your emotions? Do you let little things become big problems?
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