Blessed are the Poor in Spirit

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:3 NIV)

The exact meaning of this verse is always been kind of a mystery to me. But tonight as I sit by the fire I started to do some digging. I took a look at several different commentaries to see what other people thought this might mean. While this is not the word of God, other people often have helpful insights. We are told throughout Scripture to obtain wise counsel, so while it is good to look at commentaries, we should be careful who we rely on. I looked at several, and they all basically said the same thing. 

The poor rely on other people to take care of their needs. When I say that, I am not demeaning who they are, I am simply stating a fact. Likewise, we are totally dependent on Jesus for our salvation. There is nothing that we can do to obtain it without His help. Spiritually speaking, we should be seeking his help all of the time. It is only when we realize that we cannot make ourselves right with God our own, that we can become poor in spirit. When we realize that we need help, and we seek out, we will find it. Only then can the kingdom of heaven be ours. Jesus said, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the father except through me.' That doesn't leave a lot of wiggle room. 

It is very humbling to realize that you cannot make it on your own. Truthfully it is sort of depressing to know that it does not matter how hard you work, you will never make it. How badly do you want to be a part of the kingdom? Do you want it bad enough to rely completely on Jesus? It's really a silly question, because there is no other way. But it is an important question, because our answer determines our destiny. Can I lay my pride at the foot of the cross, and admit that I need what only Jesus can provide? If my answer is yes, then I will be counted among the poor in spirit. If I am counted among the poor in spirit, the kingdom of heaven will be mine.

Enjoy the Journey

Who am I Fighting?

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Ephesians 6:12-17 NIV)

It is so easy to lose track of who our struggle is against. Sometimes I think it's even harder because of the church. You see the church is full of people, and people fight. It is easy to get caught up in things that don't really matter, and allow them to ruin your day, month, or even year. When these kinds of things happen, we're missing the point. There is a much bigger battle going on all around us all the time and we need to stay focused. This is difficult, because we like to have our own way, and we are all too quick to make things about ourselves. And so it is easy to forget that our battle is not against people, but against the spiritual forces of evil, who would see us all miss out on heaven. We are busy but we can not engage the true enemy.

So we are told to put on the belt of truth. Truth comes from the word of God, and it should define our lives. If our lives are guided by the truth, it is much more difficult to steer us off the path. Much like my belt keeps my pants from falling off, truth holds me steady when times are uncertain. A breast plate is meant to deflect blows, and righteousness speaks for itself. If I am living righteously, the enemy can take his best shot. The gospel was never meant to be an end, but the beginning of a great mission. The Gospel has prepared me to introduce people to Jesus. I have to be ready, because this is a big deal and it is urgent.

The shield of faith is to deflect arrows from the evil one, and the truth is we face a constant barrage. People have been trying to disprove the gospel since the day Jesus rose from the dead. The truth of the matter is there are some things I just can't explain. With that being said, there are many things that I can explain. I choose to take what I know about God and see the world through that lens. Because faith is the evidence of things unseen. If I could explain everything about God, He wouldn't be that impressive. There are some things I just won't know until the end. But there are many things that I do know about God, and I know enough to trust Him.

A helmet is to protect your head, and it often saves your life. The salvation that I found in Jesus has saved my soul for eternity. Salvation is found nowhere else, for there is one name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved. The Word of God, or the Bible, is often referred to as a sword. This is because God's word is powerful. It was through His word that the universe was made, and He has the final say in everything. When Jesus was being tempted in the desert by Satan, He used the word of God to gain the victory. The same is true our lives, the Bible is a powerful weapon that cannot be defeated. It is has stood the test of time, and will continue to do so because it is the very word of God.

The word of the day is focus. We do have a battle fight, just not with one another.

Enjoy the Journey

Why Loving Abi is Easy

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. (Ephesians 5:25-28 NIV)

I find it appropriate That I read this passage the day after my anniversary. God hs a tendency to do things like that all the time! It's just a little reminder, 'Hey, did you see what I did there?' The best marriage advice I was very given was given to us by Arron Chambers (love that guy!), during out marriage counseling he said something I will never forget: "Make it easy for your spouse to love you." The thing that I love most about being married to Abi is that it is effortless to love her. It is effortless to be around her and to talk to her about anything. It is priceless to me and I know it is extremely rare. We were just talking about this last night on our way to Christmas Town! That is why it is so important to choose wisely. Our relationship has never felt like work. Why? Because it is based on love for Jesus and each other.

She loves Jesus more than anyone I know. She expects me to put Jesus before her and before Micah. Jesus modeled love by giving his life for the church. He modeled love by loving people who didn't even love him in return. In that way, this isn't really a fair comparison. I can honestly say that it is easy for me to love Abi. Again, I know this isn't true of all marriages, but that is why it is so important to make the right choice in who you marry. A man who marries well will have a blessed life. I am blessed beyond what words can describe. I love Abi with everything I am, and would gladly give my life for her. I guess for once, at least in this way, following Jesus isn't really that hard. But that is because we are both focused on the same thing: loving Jesus and each other well. The rest is just gravy. My prayer is that you choose well and that your marriage would be blessed like mine.

Enjoy the Journey

The Struggle of the New Me

With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. (Ephesians 4:17, 18, 22-24, 30 NLT)

How diferent do I look from everyone else? According to this the answer should be pretty drastically. I have to put to death my old way of life because Jesus came and died for me so that I could have a new one! This is a difficult process, a daily battle. You see, I don't always want to put on my new nature, sometimes I want to be spiteful and rude. Sometimes I want to be angry and hold a grudge. I don't always want to show the love that Jesus has shown to me. Why? Because people are jerks. While that may be true, if I claim to have Jesus then I don't get to make that choice. You see, part of being a follower of Jesus is actually following. That means He calls the shots. He says to put on the new nature daily, so that is what I'm supposed to do! It's really not that complicated, although it is difficult. 

When it comes down to it, why should I listen to Him anyway? Well, you could say that I owe Him one. And by that I mean the biggest one of all time. How do you repay someone who saved you from eternal damnation? The short answer is you don't. But a good place to start is by doing what He asks you to do. He has called me His own, which is beyond amazing! He has guaranteed that I will be saved on the last day! The least I can do is live for Him until that time comes!

Enjoy the Jourey

Missional

And this is God’s plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus. God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 3:6, 10 NLT)

The church is an amazing thing. Truthfully I spend way too much time complaining about it, but just stop and think about it for a second. Where else can you find that many different types of people under the same roof? Every nationality, gender, and social class need Jesus. Why? Because are all sinners who need a Savior. Ir is. Job as the church to show the world the wisdom of the plan of God. If we took that responsibility a little more seriously, it would be incredible! We do pretty good for a little while, and then we forget. I know it's natural, but we need to keep our mission at the forefront of our minds to keep us on track. 

The church is beautiful. God's plan is perfect. I need to be careful the way that I talk about it. Yes, people inside the church are not perfect, but that includes me! That doesn't change the fact that the church is God's plan to save the world! So instead of spending my time complaining about her shortcomings, I need to spend it celebrating the amazing things she is doing and striving to do my best to represent God in everything I do! 

I need to stay on mission: show the world God's wisdom.

Enjoy the Journey 

From Death to Life

Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. He did this by ending the system of law with its commandments and regulations. He made peace between Jews and Gentiles by creating in himself one new people from the two groups. (Ephesians 2:1, 4, 5, 8, 9, 15 NLT)

Being alive is something that I think most of us take for granted. I don't usually think about breathing...except now that I'm thinking about it! We are on autopilot so much of our lives. But here it says that we used to be dead because of our sins. Of course he is speaking spiritually, which means that we were separate from God. This is a big problem for us, because it means that we were on the he fast track to hell. It is only through Jesus that we can be raised to life. The thing about that is there is nothing I can do to help myself, I totally depend on Jesus. This takes me and my ego out of the equation. I don't have anything to brag about, all I did was sin and get forgiveness anyway! This is the good news of the gospel, and it is the good news of the Christmas season. Jesus came, even though we didn't deserve it, and did what only He could do...He made us right with God!

Enjoy the Journey

Got Scars?

It doesn’t matter whether we have been circumcised or not. What counts is whether we have been transformed into a new creation. From now on, don’t let anyone trouble me with these things. For I bear on my body the scars that show I belong to Jesus. (Galatians 6:15, 17 NLT)

This is a question that Paul is just tired of dealing with! People were trying to put things on the believers that weren't necessary and say that they are necessary. The ritual of circumcision was to show that you were a part of the Jewish nation and therefore set apart as one of God's people. With Jesus, all of that changed. It was no longer about becoming a Jew, it was about becoming like Christ. This is what Paul is addressing..for what he hopes will be the last time. It takes a long time for people who have been doing something one way forever to change. It used to be essential to be circumcised or you would be cut off from God! You can see how this would be a difficult thing to convince the Jews of after several thousand years. 

All that being said, what matters is whether or not you have been changed by Christ. Have you been transformed into a new creation? What is different about you now? Paul then goes on to talk about the scars he has that proves that he belongs to Jesus. You see, following Jesus is costly. When you are transformed, it causes friction with the world. You'll get some scars. It is easy to talk, but the proof is in how you life your life. The question I have to answer is this: Am I willing to get scarred up for Jesus? My answer is absolutely! Bring it.

Enjoy the Journey 

The Week of Dad Recap

And so the 'Week of Dad' comes to an end. This past week I have been on staycation and it has been great. It has given me time that I do not normally have to spend with my son Micah. I can't even begin to talk about how blessed I am to be his dad. There are so many moments in life that we just take for granted until we slow down long enough to actually realize what is happening. No, we didn't go anywhere fancy, but this week I got to play at the park, go to the beach, and see fireworks (his first fireworks show) with the best kid in the world!

I spent almost every moment that he was awake this week with him, and it was incredible. God is amazing, I don't know how many times I just stopped and starred in awe. Micah is a sweet little guy who wants to help with everything, and he actually is pretty helpful most of the time! I wouldn't trade this past week for anything, and I am more than a little bit sad that it is over. 

One thing that I have learned this week is just how precious the time that we have with our family really is. The best times of the week were when the 3 of us were together (and fully engaged with one another). We can take a marble out of Micah's jar this week and I can honestly say, we've made the most of our time. 

You don't have to go anywhere to make memories, you just have to be present. So dads, be present in your kid's life (and your wife's life as well), because God has blessed you tremendously. 3 things I know: I love Jesus, I love Abi, and I love Micah!

Enjoy the Journey

Living by the Spirit

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. (Galatians 5:22-24 NIV)

Crucifying the flesh is really hard to do. This is the way I want to life, but I fall short of it all the time. My desires have changed since I have come to Christ that is for sure, but it would be a pretty big stretch to say that I don't have 'desires of the flesh.' It is actually very frustrating and I find myself identifying with Paul when he talks about doing things he doesn't want to do all the time. 

Trying to live by the fruit of the Spirit is a difficult task, but it is one that is so important! I know that in order to actually get rid of bad habits you have to replace them with new good habits. It's time to get to work. 

Enjoy the Journey 

Why Can't I Do It Myself?

Yet we know that a person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law. And we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we might be made right with God because of our faith in Christ, not because we have obeyed the law. For no one will ever be made right with God by obeying the law.” My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die. (Galatians 2:16, 20, 21 NLT) 

This takes some pressure off. I am a goal person, and nothing makes me more miserable than failing to reach my goal. Too May times it feels like the goal is to be able to obey the law perfectly so that God will love me. This is impossible, and if it is my goal, I will always fail. God knew this from the beginning, and He gave us the law so that we could see how much needed Jesus. My life makes that pretty clear, I fall short every day. That is why it would be so frustrating if following the law perfectly was the goal of this life. 

That doesn't mean that we shouldn't try to keep the law. God made it therefore it is perfect and we should do our best to obey it. However, we have to remember that the law doesn't save us, Jesus does. Like Paul says at the end of the chapter, if the law could mark us right with God, then there would have been no reason for Jesus to come here and die. So clearly that was never the plan to start with. Thank goodness Jesus did come here and die so that I could be made right with God. 

Now when I am baptized (according to Romans 6), I am buried with Jesus and raised to walk in a newness of life. I have been cruicified with Him and I no longer live but it is Christ who lives in me. His grace means evening, because getting to God isn't something I can do on my own. I can try as hard as I want to, I can put all of my Type A personality to use, and I will never get there. That is why Jesus came. That is why it's called good news. His grace is amazing!

Enjoy the Journey

This Verse Terrifies Me

Let God’s curse fall on anyone, including us or even an angel from heaven, who preaches a different kind of Good News than the one we preached to you. (Galatians 1:8 NLT)

This verse is terrifying for me. I teach and disciple almost every day of week. That means I have to know my stuff and make sure that I am am teaching the truth, otherwise, according to this verse, I will be cursed! I've often said I should go be a weatherman, that way it wouldn't really matter if I was wrong 60% of the time! But here we aren't taking about weather, we are talking about the eternal destination of people's souls! Messing this up is a big deal. That is why it is so important for me to study the Word of God to make sure that what I am saying is the truth. That is also why the language in this verse is so strong. There isn't room for an 'oops' moment here, we have to get it right. 

It is a tremendous amount of pressure, a very heavy burden, so why carry it? The truth is, it would be much easier to do something else. Not that other things require less skill necessarily, but the consequences are less...eternal. The reason I do what I do is simple: God has called me to it. There is no other reason. There is no other explanation. When God has called me to do something, I don't see how I can do anything else! I don't say that to complain, I love what I do, I'm just stating a fact. I've often wondered what it would be like to have a different kind of job, but God keeps on showing me that I am exactly where he wants me to be.

My prayer is that He will continue to guide and direct me, that He will give me the words to say, and that I will have the courage to follow Him wherever He leads.

Enjoy the Journey

The Secret to My Awesome Marriage

Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies. Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. (Proverbs 31:10, 11, 30 NLT)

Your spouse will make or break you. Choosing a wife is the second most important decision that you will ever make (1st to follow Jesus)! Choose wisely my friends. 

I know that I will get in trouble if she reads this, but that's ok. I married a Proverbs 31 woman! I am beyond blessed to be married to Abi. She is more precious to me than anything but Jesus. I can trust her with anything, and she definitely enriches my life. She is beautiful physically, and works hard to maintain that beauty, but more importantly she is beautiful spiritually. She is an anchor in my life. I know that her counsel will always be rooted in the ways of God. 

She loves Jesus more than anyone I know, and that allows her to love Micah and I well. I could never ask for a better wife or a better mother for my son. I am so thankful for Abigail Blount. I love her with all of my heart.

Gentlemen, be picky, choose wisely, it's worth it!

Enjoy the Journey 

The Criticism that Counts

Whoever stubbornly refuses to accept criticism will suddenly be destroyed beyond recovery. (Proverbs 29:1 NLT)

Accepting criticism is one of the hardest things to do. I think it's because I always think I'm right. I know that might sound weird, but if I didn't think I was right it wouldn't do what I did! As a result, accepting criticism is hard to do because it means that I have to swallow my pride. In ministry this is especially hard because criticism (fair or unfair) is a constant reality. There is always someone with an opinion of what you've done wrong or what you should have done differently. It is so easy to get defnisve or just want to hand it all over to them and let them deal with it. But that is not what God has called me to do. 

Having a good filter for what criticism to listen to is so important. Not all criticism is valid and not all criticism should even be listened to, however I know that I am not (and never will be) a perfect person or leader. I need people in my life who are honest enough with me to tell me the truth when I need to do something better or differently. 

I think in many ways criticism keeps us humble. It helps us to remember (if we let it) that we are not perfect, but we are serving a perfect God. Since the God we are serving is perfect, who owe it to Him to continue to improve everything we do. My prayer is that I will learn to filter our the criticism that doesn't matter, and that I will learn to grow from the criticism that counts.

Enjoy the Journey

He is Greater

John the Baptist comes on the scene, and he is a fascinating character. H is out in the wilderness dressed like a wild man, but people are flocking out to hear what he has to say. He is drawing such a crowd that the Pharisees and Saducees even come out to see what's going on! He is baptizing people and warning them to flee from the coming wrath. He is also preaching about one who is to come after him who will save the world. It is pretty amazing that all of this popularity doesn't go to John's head. But I guess if you really realize that the Son of God is right around the corner it kind of keeps things in perspective.

As a pastor, I have the same job as John...to prepare the way for Jesus. The smae temptation is there as well...to gather followers for me and not for Him. There is real danger here because it feels good when people want to follow you. However if I am attracting followers for myself that means I am taking them away from Jesus. That puts me in direct competition with the Son of God! Not a good place to be. I have to guard against that temptation by continually focusing on the greatness of Jesus. I know I don't compare to Him, but if I take my eyes off of Him for awhile I can start to become full of myself. 

So I have to focus on what I know about Jesus. He is perfect, I am not. He came to save the world, something I couldn't do. He has made me right with God, something I was powerless to accomplish. He can save, I cannot. 

If I remember those things, it is easy to put Him before me. The truth of the matter is, He is greater. He must become greater, I must become less.

Enjoy the Journey

It's a Sign!

It amazes me how many times in chapter 2 alone there are references to the words of the prophets. We see it in verses 5, 15, 17, and 23! Jesus fulfilled 4 Messianic prophecies in 23 verses! That's a pretty big deal, and it reveals a pretty big God. The plan has been in place since Adam and Eve sinned in the garden. The 1st Messianic prophecy was all the way back in Genesis chapter 3! God has been weaving this plan of redemption from the very beginning, and now it is finally coming to pass...in spite of Herod's best efforts.

The Magi come from the east to find the new child king, and so they go to the current king to find out where the child is so they can worship Him. Herod seems shocked, and obviously wasn't well read in his Bible, so he asks about it. Once he is informed that the child will be born in Bethlehem (according to prophecy), he sends the Magi on their way with instructions to let him know what is going on so he too can worship the child (and by worship I mean kill). Herod was paranoid, as confirmed by history, he would kill anyone who he thought was even a potential threat to his throne. So when the Magi didn't come back, he did the logical (and by logical I mean crazy person) thing to do, he killed all the boys 2 years old and younger in Bethlehem (which also fulfilled a prophecy)! Thankfully Jesus and the family had already left town to go to Egypt (which was also a prophecy)!

Once Herod died Joseph brought his family back to Israel, but he was afraid of Herod's son killing them so he moved his family to Nazareth. This is why Jesus is known as a Nazarene, although He was born in Bethlehem (a fulfillment of prophecy!). It is pretty incredible the amount of detail that God is putting into His story. It is also pretty amazing to know that I am a part of the same story! That means that God is still writing the story, and He is still in control. It is a very comforting thought, because sometimes I feel like I'm just spinning out of control. The good news is I was never in control to start with. I'm learning to be ok with that!

Enjoy the Journey

There is Always a Plan

The first chapter of Matthew starts out with a genealogy of Jesus...super exciting! Ok maybe not, but check out verse 17: "Thus there were 14 generations in all from Abraham to David, 14 from David to the exile to Babylon, and 14 from the exile to the Christ." My mind is blown. There is a plan, and it isn't mine, and there is nothing anyone can do to stop it. 14 generations between all of the most significant events in human history! 14 generations between the time Abraham is chosen to be the father of the nation of Israel, from whom the Savior of the World would come, until David, the 'man after God's own heart' and Israel's most famous king. Then 14 more generations and Israel is banished from God's presence for turning their backs on Him, and finally 14 more generations until Jesus finally arrives. I don't know what the significance of 14 generations is, but as I am a little OCD myself, I think this is awesome! If nothing else it shows that God meant to do exactly what He did from the very beginning. He isn't just making this stuff up as He goes along! That is a pretty comforting thought.

Keeping that theme, look at the birth of Jesus. It happens in such a weird way. Who has a baby without having sex? Just Mary. Why is it important? Because it was prophesied that the Messiah would be born of a virgin! There is a plan, and if you are willing to look for it, you can see that Jesus meets all of the expectations of the Messiah. God wasn't playing around with these prophets in the Old Testament. Some people think the Old Testament isn't worth anything. But let me pose this question to you, if we didn't have all of the prophecies about Jesus, how would we know what to look for? How would we know He wasn't just good at magic tricks? In a more practical sense, I wouldn't be here if it weren't for my ancestors either, so the Old Testament and it's figures are fairly important in the life of Jesus. If I still need more proof, Jesus quotes the Old Testament all the time!

I love verses 22-23 of chapter 1, "All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel'-which means, 'God with us.'" I don't think I give that enough thought, God with us. God, who doesn't need me for anything, came down here? Really!? It sounds kind of crazy truthfully. The truth of the matter is that He could have just started over. He spoke everything into existence once, He could do it again. It would have probably been even easier than sending Jesus down here! I'm sure Jesus would have been for it! 'You mean I don't have to die a terrible death!? Awesome!' But that isn't what happened. Instead Immanuel, God with us, came to save the world. Heroes never take the easiest road, and Jesus is no exception.

Enjoy the Journey

Love and Truth

John's 3rd letter is to a man named Gaius. He encourages him to continue to be friendly and hospitable to other believers, especially those who are spreading the gospel. He is talking about missionaries, and encouraging him to continually give them his full support. He contrasts the things Gaius is doing with another man in the church named Diotrephes. He discourages people from helping the missionaries and even kicks them out if they do! John calls this evil. He also commends a man named Demetrius for having a good reputation and speaking the truth.

In this short letter John again emphasizes 2 things: love and truth. These things are supposed to work hand in hand in my life. Really all 3 of John's letters come down to this point. How am I loving other people and how am I speaking the truth to them? It seems so simple, but I have to have a plan in order to make it happen. Otherwise I can go years without even talking to anyone about Jesus that doesn't already know Him! This is not what I'm supposed to be doing. Making disciples implies that people weren't disciples before. It's time to kick it into high gear.

Enjoy the Journey

Love and Truth

John is writing to 'a lady chosen by God along with her children.' I'm not sure if he's talking about an actual lady or if he's writing to the church (often referred to as the bride of Christ), but either way, what he has to say is beneficial to us me. He reminds her and her children to live by 'the command we received from the beginning': love each other! But this time he goes on to clarify that he isn't talking about some abstract concept or feeling. He says in verse 6:

"Love is defined by our obedience to His commands." If I follow the teachings of Jesus, I will be living in love of my fellow man.

He also warns again that there are many people out there who are denying the reality of the gospel. Not only that but they are teaching other people to do the same. I have to be very careful around these people. In fact, John says not even to welcome them into my home as a brother or sister. Why? That doesn't sound very loving does it?

Notice that John doesn't say to never associate with them or try to get them on the right track. He simply says not to treat them as a brother or sister in Christ, because they aren't! If I pretend everything is ok when it isn't ok, that isn't love. The most loving thing I can do is talk with someone about the gospel because when they come to faith in Jesus, it will save them for eternity. Is it loving to know someone is going to hell, but treat them as if they are going to heaven? John goes so far as to say if I welcome this person and their teaching you are partnering with them in their wicked agenda.

The importance of being in the Word of God can't be overstated. How else will I know if what other people are teaching is truth? I don't think pleading ignorance is going to work either. I have the very words of God, I just have to read them. God's will and His word are not hidden, so I am without excuse.

Enjoy the Journey

Love God BY Loving Others

I don't think we should be paranoid, but I've been wrong before. John again opens the chapter by saying watch out who you listen to. Even just a few years after His death, there were many false teachers springing up. He tells them they can tell a false teacher (or spirit) by listening carefully to what they say. If they admit that Jesus was fully man and fully God, then you can trust what they are saying. This was a big deal then, many people were claiming Jesus was fully God, but were denying the fact that He was man because God wouldn't lower Himself to become a man. Today we have the opposite problem: people are willing to accept that Jesus was a man, a good teacher even, but He couldn't have been God. The problem is that Jesus Himself claimed to be both. So He can't be a good teacher if what He said wasn't true can He? Again, the key here is to know what Jesus said by reading the Scripture, and then you will be able to tell if the people who are teaching you are telling you the truth. Test everything, eternity is at stake. 

He then goes on another discourse about love. He reminds us that we have to love each other, or we can't love God. He says that I can't claim to love God (who I've never seen face to face) if I can't love my brother (who I have seen face to face). What does love look like? Check this out:

"This is the embodiment of true love: not that we have loved God first, but that He loved us and sent His unique Son on a special mission to become an atoning sacrifice for our sins."

That is love. Being willing to die for someone who doesn't even like you, much less love you back. This is the message of the gospel, not that we have a God who is trying to send everyone to hell, but that we have a God who loved us so much that He was willing to send His Son on a death mission to save us from it. If God loves me that much, it should change the way I look at the things He asks me to do. He doesn't ask me to do things so that I won't have fun, He asks me to do things because He has my best interests at heart. How do I know? The cross. How do I prove that I love Him? I do what He says. He says to love others. So I'm working everyday to make my priorities the same as His: the world. 

Enjoy the Journey 

God as My Dad

Having a son of my own has dramatically changed the way that I read and understand scripture. The fact that we are called children of God is absolutely mind blowing. I love my son in a way that I can't love other people's kids. It is just on a different level. It's not to say that I don't love and want the best for other people's kids, but my kid is different. He is special to me. I would give anything for Him. It is a love that you can't understand until you have kids (I always rolled my eyes when people said that, but I get it now). So for God to call me His child is unbelievable. Especially since He chose me to be His child. I'm not a natural born son of God, I'm adopted. That is even more unbelievable. Even with all of the junk and the baggage that I bring with me, He loves me like a son. 

I know that I'm not a good person by God's standards. I know that nobody is a good person by God's standards because we all have sin in our lives. Knowing that and knowing that God still calls me His child is almost too much to take. Frankly, there are kids I wouldn't want to adopt. If God were like me, this world would be in a lot of trouble! Thankfully, God is nothing like me, He is infinitely better! His love is deeper than I can even fathom. 

Of course God doesn't adopt everyone, this is written to believers. So how do you know if you are a child of God? The Bible covers this topic throughout its pages, but it is summarize like this: A child of God believes, has repented (or turned away from their sin), confessed Jesus as Lord, has been baptized, and is living for Jesus. Check out what John says here:

"Everyone who has been born into God's family avoids sin as a lifestyle because the genes of God's children come from God Himself. Therefore, a child of God can't live a life of persistent sin so it is not hard to figure out who are the children of God and who are the children of the diabolical one: those who lack right standing and those who don't show love for another do not belong to God."

This isn't a 'you slip up once and you're out' kind of thing. God knows that we will all sin, but there is a big difference between sinning and living a lifestyle of sin. Children of God do not lead lifestyles of sin because they have 'God's genes.' Children of God are new creations, they don't live like their dead because they aren't dead anymore! This isn't meant to be a legalistic, it isn't a 'you can't mess up too many times or God won't love you anymore' kind of thing. It is saying that children of God love Him and do their best to do the things that make Him proud. It is like the relationship between a parent and a child. It's almost as if God had that in mind when He planned the family (who would have thought He'd plan things out?)! 

This is a beautiful picture of God's love. A love that I don't deserve. Knowing this makes it even more beautiful. It helps me rest easy knowing I can call the God of the universe Dad.

Enjoy the Journey

Following Jesus is Hard

Following Jesus isn't something you just put on autopilot. It is hard work and it takes intentional steps every single day. John says you aren't following Jesus unless you are doing what He says. That seems almost dumbed down, but think about it. How many people do you know who claim to be followers of Christ that don't even try to keep some of the commands of Jesus because they are just too hard? According to John, these people aren't following Jesus. That doesn't mean that we won't ever sin, and John addresses that. He says that Jesus stands up for us when we sin. However, there is a big difference between someone who sins and someone who leads a lifestyle of sin. For example, there is a big difference between someone who lied and a liar. A liar is someone who constantly says things that aren't true. This person is not following Jesus. Probably a more socially accepted one would be sex before marriage. The Bible states over and over again that this is sin. If I am having sex before I am married, I am not following Jesus. Like I said, following Jesus is difficult, and sometimes it causes us to go against our culture. 

Later on, John says that we don't even know God if we don't love. Wow. I mean I love some people, mostly people who love me back...but is that really what he is talking about? How does God love people? Well, He sent Jesus to die for us 'while we were still sinners,' so I think that is a if clue. How can I claim to love God and walk closely with Him if I don't love people? According to John, I can't. 

Again John warns that people are already teaching false things about Jesus. He calls them antichrists. Actually this is where we get the term antichrist from. The term is never used in Revelation. That's just an interesting side note. Anyway, he comes back again to the thought that I need to be careful who I listen to about Jesus. I need to be in the Word myself so that I will be able to tell when people are saying things that aren't true. Following Jesus is hard, but it is the only way to eternal life.

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Do I Really Walk with God?

John opens his letter by reminding us who Jesus is. Jesus has been with God from the beginning, He is perfect in every way. Yet He came down and spent time here on earth, with John himself! So who better to listen to about Jesus than someone who actually hung out with Him! John was very close to Jesus, in fact he was known as the 'disciple Jesus loved.' So when John speaks about Jesus, we can trust it, because he knew Jesus very well. 

He goes on to talk about walking with God. He says that God is pure light, and if you are still stumbling around in the dark, then you can't say you are walking with God. In other words, if you are still deliberately sinning, the you aren't walking with God. God is not ok with that. In the same way, if you claim to have no sin, you aren't telling the truth and therefore aren't walking with God either. But if you confess your sin, the blood of Jesus will purifiy you and you will be allowed to walk with God. This is a big deal, because it puts us in our proper place. You see we aren't perfect and we need forgiveness, and we have to recognize that and ask for it before it will be given to us. We can't just give up and assume God's forgiveness though, we have to do our best to live for Him. 

If I love God, I will try really hard to live for Him. Even though I know I will fail, I still keep trying. This is where the beauty of grace comes in to play. But grace is not given to those who make no effort. Everything won't just 'work out' in the end. Being a Christian is hard, but it's worth it.

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Is God Slow?

People were making fun of believers because Jesus hadn't come back yet...sound familiar? It's fascinating that it is ok to make fun of Christians whenever you want, but if Christians even state what we believe then we are labeled as hateful and intolerant. It shouldn't be surprising, that has been going on ever since Jesus left the first time! People have a hard time dealing with the truth and so they just make light of it so they don't have to change their lives. You see, if you realize the truth, then you are obligated to change the way you live. 

Peter urges the believers not to become discouraged, but to remember that what they believe is the truth. I have to remember all the things that God has done, and I have to look at all the things He is still doing, otherwise it is easy to become discouraged. But I have to remember that I have been entrusted with the truth. Jesus is Lord, and He is coming again. Yes it has been a long time, but I am grateful for that otherwise I might not have had the chance to come to know Him. God is not slow, but patient. He doesn't want anyone to go to hell, but that is a reality that most face. That is why Jesus hasn't returned yet, Christians still have a job to do. It is time to take that job seriously.

Enjoy the Journey 

Who are You Following?

There have always been false prophets and teachers, and there always will be. Why? Because people love to be followed. We all want to be leaders, we want people to like us and listen to us. So people will say whatever they think will get people to follow them. Leaders though, will be judged most harshly. The truth is eternity is at stake here and what you say matters. It is very important that you choose your leaders well. How can you do that? How do you know if your leader is telling you the truth? Simple. Know the Word of God. Real disciples know the voice of the Father, and they won't follow another. Leaders are responsible for their words, but all of us are responsible for our own actions, and our choices to follow the leaders we follow. 'But my pastor said it was ok,' isn't going to cut it. We follow Jesus. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 11:1, "Follow my example as I follow the example of Christ." This is my prayer as a leader. Not that people would do what I do because I'm doing it, but that people would follow me as I chase after Jesus.

There is a strong warning at the end of 2 Peter 2 for those who are slipping back into their sinful ways. In verses 20-21 we read this: "Those who have been pulled out of the cesspool of worldly desires through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus, the Liberating King, yet have found themselves mired in it again, are worse off than they were before. They would have been better off never knowing the way or righteousness than to have known it and then abandoned the sacred commandment they had previously received and dived back into the muck!"

So what do you take from that? It is possible to walk away from Jesus, and the punishment will be more severe than had you never come to Him in the first place! The question is why would you walk away from eternal life? There is only One who has the power to save. The Christian life is difficult, yes, but it is worth it! There are only two types of people in this world: saved and lost. Come to Jesus, love Him, and follow His commandments. Be careful who you follow. Eternity is at stake.

Enjoy the Journey

The Tongue

James warns that not everyone should become teachers of the Word. Why? Because teachers will be held to a higher standard. Think about it: if I tell you that something is ok and it turns out it isn't and you go to hell, whose fault is it? Well, yours because you did it, but I share some blame because I said it was fine! This is terrifying. That is why I have to be really careful about the things that I say and do as someone who teaches others about Jesus. The tongue is a powerful thing. 

The tongue can be used to build people up or tear them down. There really isn't anything else as powerful. The old saying, 'sticks and stones can break my bones but words will never hurt me' is a lie. Words cut deep. Words also heal. How I choose to use them is so important. Taming the tongue is hard to do though. I do my best, and I like to think that most of the time I do ok. However I know that my tongue is not fully tamed because I still use it for evil sometimes. It is a hard reality, but one that I (and everyone else) have to deal with daily, even moment by moment. 

The mystery is that my mouth praises God and tears others down. I have to remember that the people that I'm tearing down God loved enough to create with His own hands and send Jesus to die for! That puts a whole new perspective on things. That being said, it is still easy to use my tongue to tear others down. I'm praying that God works on my heart and my mouth. May my lips be reserved for building others up and glorifying God.

Enjoy the Journey

When is Faith like a Corpse?

Do I judge people by how much money they have? I try not to. It's harder than it sounds though. The truth is, we'd all rather sit by someone who doesn't smell bad than someone that does. James takes a minute at the beginning of this chapter to remind me that we're all in the same boat spiritually. We're all in need of the grace and mercy of Jesus, and it isn't my place to keep anyone from coming to Him. Love other as you love yourself. That is the second greatest commandment! Sometimes it is easy to do, and other times it is really hard. I've noticed that some people just really aren't that lovable. But I don't get a choice. Welcome to having a Lord. Jesus says love people, all people, so that is what I have to do! 

It is interesting that he goes right from this into talking about what he talks about next. Because I can see myself thinking, ok I get it, I have to love everyone. But then James says that knowing this doesn't do you any good unless you do it! In fact he goes so far as to say your faith is dead unless you live it out! That one hit me between the eyes this morning. If I'm not living the way that the Bible asks me to live, then I might as well not believe it to start with! I believe in God! Fantastic, so do the demons...and they are terrified! I should be terrified too if I'm not doing what He says I should doing. 

This is where James punches a lot of theology that we love today in the face. He says some things here that many people don't like. But that doesn't mean it isn't true. There are many things that I don't like that are true anyway. Such as the speed limit on my way to work. It is 45mph, and whether I like it or not doesn't change anything. Sure I can go 80mph, and I will find out really quickly that the speed limit really is 45mph! Just because I don't like it doesn't mean it isn't true. The truth is, you can't just say you believe in Jesus and think that you're fine. Yes, our salvation is rooted in belief in Jesus and what He has done for us, but that is only the beginning. You see, I believe in the Tampa Bay Rays, but that believe doesn't change my life and therefore doesn't actually do me any good. The same is true with God, if my belief doesn't change me than it isn't worth anything. 

That is why I (and the church I'm a part of) teach that we need to: hear, believe, repent, confess, be baptized, and live for Jesus. That is how you become and Christian! There are no shortcuts. Check out how James ends the chapter:

"Removing action from faith is like removing breath from a body. All you have left is a corpse."

That is pretty intense, but that is the truth. Whether I like it or not doesn't actually matter.

Enjoy the Journey

Live It

James is the brother of Jesus, and he wrote a book of the Bible...no pressure right? What do you think it was like growing up with Jesus as your brother? "You think You're so perfect!?" "Yes." Anyway, James opens His book by telling the Jewish Christians to seek the wisdom of God, and not to rely on their own wisdom. According to James, God will grant me wisdom if I ask for it, and He won't even be mad about it. He also says that without the wisdom of God I will just be floating through life with no direction, and ultimately be in a bad spot. Something hit me this morning, check out verse 7:

"Those adrift on their own wisdom shouldn't assume The Lord will rescue them or bring them anything."

In other words, if you aren't following God, you shouldn't expect help from Him. You hear this all the time. People use their bad situations as proof that God doesn't exist because He didn't help them. But 

think about this: Why would God help me if I'm purposely living in a way that rejects Him? It doesn't even make sense! God's grace is free to all who believe, but I can't forget that repentance is a big part of it too!

My faith is often revealed in my worst days. How much do I rely on God when the bottom falls out? If I persevere and keep the faith I will be rewarded. It is also true that if I'm persevering God will be with me through the whole thing! That makes it a little easier too. The opposite is true as well. According to James, when I give in to my sin, it gives birth to death. That's what sin does, it kills. 

I hear this all the time today: be real. This is what James says:

"Prove that you are real. Put the word into action. If you think hearing is what matters most, you're delusional-you are going to find you have been deceived."

It sounds like commons sense, but so many people have a hard time with this, including myself. Knowing things about Jesus doesn't do you any good...if they don't change your life. You can go to church your whole life, in fact you can live there if you want to..and still go to hell. It isn't about how much knowledge you have, it comes down to whether or not you put it into practice. An ounce of application is worth 1,000lbs of theory. I'm not saying I don't have to study the word, I'm simply saying that it is a waste of my time if I don't live it out. Think about it, the Pharisees had the entire Old Testament memorized, and Jesus tore them to pieces because they didn't live out what they knew to be true. So I have to ask myself, what am I doing with the knowledge of Jesus that I have? If the answer is, 'not much,' then I have a serious problem. 

Enjoy the Journey

Filled with Love

As I come to the close of the book of Hebrews, the writer encourages them to be filled with love. I really like The Voice's translation of verse 1: "Let love continue among you. Let it be the air you take in, that uncurls within you, and that extends between you." This is the basis for life in Christ. I mean, it is the greatest commandment as well (Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.)! He reminds them to look after each other, keep the marriage bed pure, and to be careful money doesn't take over their lives. Good advice for me today!

Then he says, 'listen to your leaders, who have spoken God's word to you. Notice the fruit of their lives and mirror their faith.' I have to choose my leaders carefully. This is a big deal, especially if I'm supposed to mirror their faith. As a leader this is a big deal too! I have to make sure that my faith is solid if people are supposed to look like me (that is kind of a scary thought if I'm perfectly honest). The good news is that Jesus is always the same. He is constant, and He is good.

What does it really look like to be filled with love? How does my life need to change? One thing I know for sure, Jesus' priority is people. It is easy to get so caught up in getting all the tasks done that I am responsible for that I neglect the people I'm doing the tasks to help! I need more margin in my life so that I can be there for the people that God has called me to love. It's not easy, my lists are always looming. But there comes a time when I have to make a choice between what God has asked of me, and what my lists ask of me.

The time is now. Let's go.

Enjoy the Journey

It's Bigger than Me.

Everybody wants to be a part of something bigger than themselves. That's why team sports are so popular. That's why we want to be a part of a relationship that works. People search their whole lives looking for something that is big and that will last. I am a Christian, so I can stop looking. I am a part of something that began before time and that will go on into eternity. I am a part of something that countless others have been a part of before me, and countless others will be a part of after me. Christianity will never be about me, because it always has and always will be about Jesus.

My job is to stay focused on Him. If I'm honest, some days are easier than others. Jesus promised that I would have trouble in this world, and He wasn't playing around! The good news is that He endured the cross so I wouldn't have to face the trouble that I actually deserve. Going through hard times is never fun, in fact it is often quite painful. But it does produce me an endurance that will shape my life if I let it.

I am part of a kingdom that will last forever. It will never falter or fade. My King will rule for all time. There is no one who can take Him down. There is nothing that can knock Him off the throne. Many have tried to bring it down over the years. Newsflash, fighting against God is a bad idea. In words of the great philosopher Darth Vadar, 'It is pointless to resist.'

Step into something bigger. Welcome to the Kingdom.

Enjoy the Journey

A New and Perfect Covenant

So we've talked about Jesus as the perfect High Priest, but why did He need to come down here to start with? I mean there was already a system in place for the people of God. There were already priests, a temple, they had the law, that's all they needed right? Apparently not. The first covenant, or arrangement, was a foreshadowing of things that were to come. The purpose of the law was never to save people, it was to reveal to us how utterly sinful and lost we really are. Plus, we haven't even talked about the fact that the first covenant was really only open to Jewish people! If that didn't change I'd be in big trouble! So if the first covenant isn't going to work, then there has to be a second one. 

This all sounds good, but before we go any further, let's make sure that we can back this up with scripture. Check out verse 9:

"Remember, if the first covenant had been able to reconcile everyone to God, there would be no reason for a second covenant."

So the first covenant wasn't able to get the job done. I would argue that it was never meant to get the job done in the first place, but to simply point to the need for Jesus. Again, being able to see this is a benefit of living on this side of the cross! It is amazing to me how many people wish they lived when Jesus did so they could have seen it first hand. I'd just like to point out that practically no one believed Him! I feel extremely blessed to live in the time and place that I do, I get to look at the bigger picture the way most people in history could only dream of. This is what is awesome about having the completed Bible! God has done an incredible thing! What the old covenant failed to do, the new covenant brought forth by Jesus does perfectly. Jesus brought us back into a right relationship with God through His death, burial, and resurrection. 

This is the good news of the gospel. This is why we don't have to follow all the rules and regulations of the Old Testament law. Jesus brought a new covenant, one that replaced the old covenant. The new covenant is perfect, and it gives us the chance to truly have our sins forgiven. If that isn't reason to celebrate, I don't kow what is!

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Jesus Our Priest

Melchizedek is one of the most interesting characters in the Bible. We really don't know much about him. He only appears a couple of times. We do know this: he was a priest and he was a king. He blessed Abraham and Abraham gave him a 10th of everything he had (the first tithe). Many people have debated and wondered if this was Jesus coming down to interact with Abraham. The Bible doesn't tell us, so I think it's really a waste of time to even go there. What we do know for sure is that God loves to use foreshadowing as He weaves His story. Melchizedek is a priest and king, and so is Jesus. We don't know anything about his birth or death, and Jesus is eternal. 

We know that Melchizedek was greater than Abraham, because Abraham gave him a 10th of everything he owned. That's pretty incredible because it was through Abraham that the Jewish nation was founded and Jesus was born. Jesus is called 'a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.' What that means is that He is greater than all the other priests. He won't die, and He is greater than Abraham. I love foreshadowing, and being able to see it is one of the benefits of living on this side of the cross! God set up the priesthood of the Israelites to show us what He was going to do through Jesus! Check out what verse 18-19 say:

"Because the earlier commandment was weak and did not reconcile us to God effectively, it was set aside-after all, the law could not make anyone or anything perfect. God has now introduced a new and better hope, through which we may draw near to Him..."

One of the reasons Jesus came was to be that perfect priest. To make the ultimate sacrifice for sin that would indeed reconcile us to God once and for all. He is the only One qualified to make such a sacrifice. He is indeed greater than Abraham, Aaron, or any of the priests. The pages of scripture are rich with foreshadowing, with Jesus as the big payoff. What a perfect priest, Lord, and Savior we  have! What a creative and loving God we serve! 

His story is still unfolding, and I have a part to play. It's not a starring role, that position has already been filled. But I thank God that I get to play a supporting role in the eternally beautiful epic that is the story of God. 

Enjoy the Journey

 

A Hope that Lasts

Now we have to move past the basics. You see, it's not ok with God for me to be stagnant in my faith. I can't stay in one place. Either I'm growing and producing a crop or I'm dying and just taking up space. God doesn't have time for that! It is a scary thought if you really think about it. I'm supposed to be growing in my faith all the time. Like a child who grows into an adult. I have a front row seat to this with my son! Sometimes I wish he would stop growing or at least slow it down a bit, but he can't, that is what he was made to do. Kids grow up. That is what I'm supposed to do spiritually too! I can't stay a little kid forever. There is work to do! And according to Hebrews 6, if I'm not cool with that, I'm going to die spiritually! It actually says if I'm not producing, I'm in danger of being burned up! How's that for motivation! The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom right? 

But lest I be terrified and become petrified in the process, I have to remember there is a great hope for me. I am covered by the blood of Jesus! I am on His team! Check out verses 19-20:

"That hope is real and true, an anchor to steady our restless souls, a hope that leads us back behind the curtain to where God is (as the high priests did in the days when reconciliation flowed from sacrifices in the temple) and back into the place where Jesus, who went ahead on our behalf, has entered since He has become a High Priest forever in the order of Melchizedek."

This hope gives us a sense of calm, and it also gives us real motivation to work and produce fruit. It moves from fear to love, and that is amazing.

Enjoy the Journey

Jesus Our High Priest

Our writer then talks about Jesus as the Great High Priest. This is pretty amazing since Jesus is also the sacrifice! But a high priest has a very important job, check out verse 1:

"The job of every high priest is reconciliation: approaching God on behalf of others and offering Him gifts and sacrifices to repair the damage caused by our sins against God and each other."

So many times I don't think I take my own sin seriously enough. Sometimes I take for granted what Jesus has done and continues to do on my behalf. Sin causes damage to my relationship with God, and it is damage that I can't fix on my own. Without Jesus the Great High Priest, I would have no shot. I was reading 'Follow Me' by David Platt recently and he described the seriousness of our sin this way:

A taxi driver in the Middle East was talking to someone about the seriousness of sin. The guy he was talking to didn't think it was that big of a deal, he figured he'd probably go to hell for a little while, but then be let it because he wasn't that bad. The driver ask him, 'What do you think would happen if you slapped me in the face right now?' The man said, 'You'd kick me out of the taxi.' 'And if you slapped a random person on the street in the face?' 'I'd probably get beaten up.' 'And if you slapped a police officer?' 'I'd definitely get beaten up and probably put in jail.' 'And if you slapped the king of this country?' 'I would be killed.' You see, said the driver, the punishment for sin is directly proportional to the one you sin against. If you sin against an eternally holy God, your punishment will be and should be eternal.

I'm really glad that Jesus is my High Priest. I'm really glad He has my back. I'm a screw up, and I desperately need His help. 

There is another point that our writer makes at the end that I thought was very interesting. He says that he has much more to say but they can't handle it because they are like little kids, they won't get it. These are people who have been Christians for a while but are still spiritual infants. How do you grow up? Well, he tells them in verse 14:

"But solid food is for those who have come of age, for those who have learned through practice to distinguish good from evil."

I find it very interesting that it is through practice, not through sitting in a classroom or listening to a bunch of sermons or being in a Life Group or even reading your Bible every day. All of those things are good and fine but if they don't influence the way you live your life it doesn't matter! A ounce of application is worth 1,000lbs of theory. May I not just be a hearer of the word, but a doer.

Enjoy the Journey

What is Jesus Looking for?

Jesus came to make it possible for us to go to heaven, but that doesn't mean that everyone is going! This is a sobering reality. Knowledge without obedience gets you nowhere. Our writer compares it to the Israelites in the desert. They knew all about what God had done for them, they were there and saw it first hand! They knew God's law, they saw God move daily. But knowing about God doesn't get you anywhere. Believing in His existence isn't good enough. Obedience to His Word and His ways are the only things that matter.

In the very first verse we read this: "That's why, as long as the promise of entering God's rest remains open to us, we should be careful that none of us seem to fall short ourselves."

Jesus did come and make a way for us to go to heaven, but the reality is that not many people are going. In fact Jesus said there are many who think thy are going that aren't going! Belief without obedience isn't enough. Truthfully I dot consider belief without obedience belief. For example, I believe that I will die if I don't eat food, so I do. Real belief shapes your actions.

I know this life is hard and it is hard to live out the Words of Jesus. But that is another reason why He came here. He is able to sympathize with us because He did become human and He experienced everything we do! That is how I know his love is real. He didn't send someone else to fix the problem. He came Himself. You see, in matters of love, you go yourself.

That kind of love demands the same kind of love in return. Not a love that just thinks about doing things or that knows how to do things. That kind I love demands a radically changed way of living that proves its love by the things it does and says.

Enjoy the Journey

Jesus vs Moses

Moses was a pretty great man. He lead the people out of Egypt and all the way to the border of the promised land. God did mighty things in him and through him. He is a hero of the faith and there aren't too many people that stack up to him. But he doesn't even come close to Jesus. Moses accomplished some pretty good things. He got Israel to their home here on earth. But he didn't get to go in himself because of his own disobedience. Jesus on the other hand made it possible for us to get to heaven by obeying His Father completely. 

I know this might seem like a point our author has already made, but he is just covering all of his bases here. There is no one that compares to Jesus. Not the angels in heaven or the greatest men here on earth. Not even Moses. Understanding the greatness of Jesus is central to the Christian faith. If Jesus is on par with someone else then we have to listen to multiple voices right? But since there is nothing or no one that compares to him, it simplifies our lives. We have one voice that we need to follow above all others. There is only One in the place of ultimate authority. There is only one Lord.

When my life reflects this reality, it goes much better. It takes so much of the drama and confusion out of my life because I have a clear sense of direction and purpose. The question I have to ask myself is 'How can I live out this reality today?'

Enjoy the Journey

Why Did Jesus Come Here?

Since I believe that God, heaven, and hell are all real, I have to take what God says very seriously. If God is real, then what He says about eternal punishment must also be real. This is what makes the coming of Jesus so miraculous! If hell isn't a reality, then why on earth would Jesus come down here to start with? But since He did, I've got to pay attention. 

God sent His own Son in the flesh to pay the price I owed. Jesus stepped down and became lower than the angels in order to accomplish something no one else could ever hope to accomplish...conquering sin and death. He did this to bring glory to God and salvation to us. The church is often referred to as the Bride of Christ, but if He had not died, then there would be no Bride, because we would all go to hell! 

The writer makes the argument that Jesus had to come to earth in verses 14-15:

"Since we, the children, are all creatures of flesh and blood, Jesus took on flesh and blood, so that by dying He could destroy the one who held power over death-the devil-and destroy the fear of death that has always held people captive."

Before Jesus came, we had every reason to fear death. Especially those who weren't Jewish! I don't pretend to have all the answers to what happened to all those people, but I know that I am glad that I live on this side of the cross! Salvation is now free to all. Of course free can be a bit misleading. You can't do anything to earn it, it is a gift. In that sense it is free to all. However, a gift like that does command loyalty for the rest of your life don't you think? There are warnings throughout the Bible about falling away from the faith and the tragic consequences. The Christian life is a hard one, but it is worth it. Considering the alternative, I'd say it is a pretty easy choice. 

Choice. That is what it all comes down to isn't it? It started with God's choice to make us. Then our choice to disobey. Then His choice to send Jesus. Then Jesus' choice to die for all of us. Now our choice to follow Him. 

Jesus made His choice, and I am grateful! Now I have a choice to make, and it has eternal consequences either way.

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Jesus vs Angels

The writer of Hebrews spends the entire first chapter talking about how amazing Jesus really is. God has always spoken to His people, just in different ways. He used to use the Hebrew prophets, then evrything changed when He sent His Son into the world. Jesus is the One through whom all things were made, and they are sustained at His word! He took His place at God's right hand after He gave Himself on the cross so that we could be forgiven.

Then our writer spends a few minutes comparing Jesus to the angels. Our view of angels today is probably influenced more by painters than the Word of God. The word angel actually means 'messenger.' In the Bible, their job description is pretty brief: they execute God's judgement, guard people, and relay important messages to specific people when the time comes. I'm not really sure where we got the idea thy they are chubby little babies, because most of the time when people see them, they freak out and sometimes they even pass out in fear!

All of that being said, they don't even come close to comparing with Jesus! Angels are servants of God, Jesus is his Son! Angels worship Jesus just like you and I worship Jesus! If Jesus is worthy to be worshipped by these beings that we pass out at the mere sight of, how much more is He worthy of our worship!?

Angels are cool, but lets not give them a place they don't deserve. I think that is what our author is trying to convey here. Their job is to worship Jesus and to minister to us (those who will receive salvation).

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Why Should I Follow Jesus?

Paul wraps up his letter to Titus by giving him the reason people are supposed to be doing all of the things he has been telling them to do. He has instructed them on how they are supposed to treat other people, how they are supposed to follow authorities, and all kinds of other things too. But why should I do those things? Paul says that I am supposed to remember that I used to be worthless and hopelessly lost in my sin. There was nothing I could do about it either. Then God sent a game changer in Jesus to bring hope into the world. 

It wasn't something that He had to do. It was something that He chose to do. This is a humbling realization. At the end of the day, God doesn't need me. I am not doing God a favor by doing what He says to do. I am not doing Him a favor by becoming a Christian. This is why it is so silly to say that you invited Jesus into your heart (it sounds cute, but it isn't Biblical at all). If I don't have Jesus, I go to hell. If Je doesn't have me...He is still God! So you see, it is I who need Him, not the other way around. 

That his what is so amazing about the fact that He came. That is what motivates us to do the things that He says. What do you do when you find out someone saved you from eternal punishment? Whatever they want.

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Leading a Church and Leading Myself

Paul's letter to Titus is a very serious one. Titus has a big job ahead of him, he is supposed to help a failing church get back on track! False teaching have taken hold there, and it is general chaos in the church. He tells Titus to hold to the truth that he has been taught. Check out what he says in verses 2-3:

"We rest in this hope we've been given-the hope that we will live forever without God-the hope that He proclaimed ages and ages ago (even before time began). And our God is no liar; He is not even capable of uttering lies. So we can be sure that it is in His exact right time that He release His word into the world-it is now exploding with absolute clarity and life-saving-knowledge through the preaching that God or Savior has commanded into my care."

There is only one message that is life-saving. Where it is taught today, it is still exploding with absolute clarity. That is why it is so important that I choose my teachers wisely. I have to examine the scripts myself to see if what I'm being told matches the scriptures. Otherwise I am wasting my time at best, and at worst I start repeating things that aren't true to others! 

It is a big responsibility to lead a church. It takes a certain kind of person, and Paul outlines that in the first chapter of Titus. He encourages Titus to be picky, eternity is at stake here! I think too often we take these things lightly and let people lead just because they've been with us for a long time. But this is too important to leave to chance, it is way too important to take it lightly. 

Paul ends the chapter talking about people who are pure vs people who aren't pure (or unbelievers). I think it is improtant to note that he points out that there are people who think they are believers who aren't really believers. How do you tell? In the very last verse of the chapter he writes this:

"They claim, "I know God," but their actions are a slap to His face. They are wretched, disobedient, and useless to any worthwhile cause."

I think it is time for some introspection. How do my actions line up with what I say I believe. Actions reveal belief, every single time. I can say I believe something all day long, but if my actions contradict what I say...I'm lying to myself.

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I Know This Is True

Paul tells Timothy that if he wants to be a soldier of the Liberating King than he has to be ready to suffer. Soldiers fight, there is pain and suffering. He also compares life in Christ to being an athlete. There is training involved! There are blood, sweat, and tears. Is it worth it? Ask any athlete who wins or a conquering soldier and they will tell you it is worth it. It is worth it because they are working toward something, and they are willing to make sacrifices to make it happen. Life in Christ is the same. We are striving to follow Jesus, and there is a major price to pay. Jesus promises us that we will have trouble in this world, but He also says that we can take heart, because He has overcome the world! 

That sounds fantastic when you look at it on paper. It is a different story though when you are going through it isn't it? Just like everybody else I ask the question, 'Why is this happening to me' when trouble comes. I don't know that there is an easy answer. I know that we live in a world that is broken because of sin, and I know that rain falls on both the righteous and the wicked, but sometimes those answers just seem to ring hollow don't they? I do know this: when the night is darkest, you find out what you really believe. 

Check out what Paul says to Timothy: "Here’s a statement you can trust: If we died with Him, we will live with Him. If we remain with Him, we will reign alongside Him. If we deny Him, we will be denied by Him. If we are unfaithful, He remains faithful, For He is not able to deny Himself." 

I have died with Christ, I have paid and continue to pay the price for it. Life is hard, and coming to Christ doesn't change that. It does however bring hope. It does bring peace beyond understanding. It does bring joy, even in pain. It does give us access to a God whose love never fades or fails. 

That is what I know. And that is why I keep going.

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The Call of Leadership

As Paul wraps up his first letter to Timothy, he is urging him to stay faithful. He reminds him that there will be those in the church who are just interested in debating about words. This is useless and only leads to arguments. He tells Timothy to encourage these people to get down to business. It isn't enough to just know what the Word says, you've got to do it! Besides, hanging out with argumentative people just ends up making you mad!

He also warns Timothy about people who are obsessed with money. Money itself isn't the problem. It is the love of money that is the root of all kinds of evil. Money isn't good or bad, people are! So Paul tells Timothy to urge people to do good things with their money and store up treasure for themselves in heaven. You don't have to be poor to be godly, but you don't have to be rich either. It has nothing to do with how much money you have, it has everything to do with your relationship with Jesus.

This is a lot to ask of a young leader. There are major issues in the church. There are still major issues in the church today, and ironically they are the same issues! Leaders are called to hold people accountable in the same way that Timothy was called to hold people accountable. So remember, it is easy to criticize, but hard to lead. I need to pray for my leaders to be bold and do what God has called them to do.

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Of Life and Leadership

Sometimes in the church the problem isn't that people are being taught they can do whatever they want, it is that people are being restricted in areas the Bible doesn't restrict them! This is what was going on in the church Timothy was leading. They were fighting over what to eat and what to wear, and it was causing problems. The Jewish dietary law was no longer over them, but some people were wanting to cling to that and it was causing problems within the church. Paul encourages Timothy to hold fast to the teaching Paul had passed on to him. He basically said, 'concentrate on that, and you'll be fine.'

He told Timothy to make sure he was continually training himself spiritually. Physical training has its value, but it doesn't matter nearly as much as spiritual training. That's because 100 years from now, the only thing that will matter is your relationship with Jesus. So Paul tells him to focus on what counts, and God will handle the rest.

This is important because Timothy was getting resistance from some people because of his age. Timothy was a young guy and he was leading the church. There were some who didn't think he should be doing what he was doing until he was older. Again, not much has changed! Age doesn't determine your ability to lead. You can be a great leader at any age. You can also be a terrible leader at any age! Again, it comes back to your relationship with Jesus. Paul tells him to set an example for everyone (young and old) of how a Christian should live. He says to set an example in speech, in life, in faith, in love, and in purity. The only thing you can do is live for Jesus. When you're in leadership, the will always be people who don't want to follow you for one reason or another. Your concern should be to please God by the way you live and lead. If you will follow Jesus with everything you've got (that includes loving people!) you'll be just fine.

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Be Careful Who You Follow

Be careful who you follow. I find it interesting that Paul doesn't give a job description for leaders in the church, just a list of characteristics that they should have. I think that's because what needs to be done varies from church to church, what matters is the heart of a leader. You can train people to do tasks, but good hearts are hard to come by. Just because someone has been going to a church for long time doesn't mean that they should be a leader. It isn't like the senior captain of a team who is captain because he has been on the team for 4 years.

Let's be honest, this is much more important. Eternity is at stake here. Be careful who you follow.

Think long and hard before you decide you want to get into leadership too. Leaders are held to a higher standard. Take a look at the list in 1 Timothy 3 and pray about it. Don't take it lightly. If you can't or won't be those things than find something else to do! Maybe you're leading right now and need to step away for a while.

I pray that God gives me the strength to be a leader who makes Him proud. It's hard. Be careful who you follow.

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What Should I Focus On?

The 2 letters to Timothy written by Paul are letters to a friend and fellow worker in the Kingdom. Timothy was trained by Paul so they kind of have a father to son feel to them. Timothy is leading a church now without Paul so Paul wants to encourage him. He knows that Timothy will make mistakes, but he is very confident that Timothy will do a good job.

One of the first things that Paul says to him is that he needs to keep the people focused on things that matter. It is amazing how the only thing that really changes is the date. People don't really change that much. We still focus on things that don't matter, check out what Paul says:

"Tell them to turn away from fables and endless genealogies. These activities just cause more arguments and confusion which end up stalling God's work. Instead, they should concern themselves with welcoming in and bringing about the reign of God, which is all about faith. Our teaching about this journey is intended to bring us to a single destination-a place where self giving love reigns from a pure heart, a clean conscience, and a genuine faith."

Ok so maybe you haven't overheard (or been a part of) and argument at church about genealogies lately, but you get the point. We get worked up over the craziest things! Music, carpet, paint, you name it, we've got an opinion on it. It's stupid really. 100 years from now the only thing that will matter is your relationship with Jesus. I don't think He really cares what color the carpet is, so why should you? When you start focusing on the Kingdom, it's a lot easier to let the little things go. At the end of the day, there is only 1 Big Thing: making disciples who make disciples. How do you do that? Relationships. It's hard to have a relationship with someone when you're busy arguing with them about whether or not we should do some touch up paint.

I was listening to Francis Chan speak at the Exponential Conference earlier today and he said, "A lot of what we call church isn't really church. A lot of what we call Christianity isn't really Christianity." Wow. What is my focus? I think that is what Paul was saying to Timothy too, and I think that is what God is asking me.

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The Most Important Question

The people in Thessalonica weren't that different from us today. Their problem was that people were starting to come in and get them off track with teachings that weren't true. The big one was that the day of The Lord had already happened. Some of them were worried that they had missed it! They were too wrapped up in worrying about the end times. Sound familiar? How many books and sermons and discussions do we have about the end times today? I'm not saying we shouldn't discuss it at all, but I think we give it way to much of a place in our minds. Here is what we need to know about the end of time: It is going to happen, you won't be able to miss it, Jesus is coming back, He will defeat evil for all time, and the Christians will live with Him in heaven forever.

That's what we need to know. I think we waste way too much of our time trying to figure out what the signs will be, who the antichrist is going to be, and when Jesus is coming back. I mean seriously, Jesus Himself said that He doesn't know when that is going to happen! Do we reply think we are going to figure it out? Sounds pretty arrogant to me. Paul tells the Thessalonians something that I think we would do well to remember as well:

So, brothers and sisters, all you need to do now is stand firm and hold tight to the line of teachings we have passed on to you, whether in person or in a letter.

We need to follow the teachings of Jesus, and the other stuff will take care of itself. When you stop and think about it, it really isn't that complicated. We are asked to follow Jesus. That is what wake should devote our lives to, that is what we should be talking about. The question isn't: 'When is Jesus coming back?' The question is: 'How do I follow Him until He does come back?'

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What do I pray for?

Paul opens his 2nd letter to the Thessalonians talking about their suffering. Apparently things were going from bad to worse for the believers there. But in spite of that, most of them were staying true to the gospel. Paul is so proud of them. He writes to encourage them that this suffering won't last forever, and that God will handle it. Suffering has a tendency to shape us in ways that nothing else can. I have had my fair share of suffering, and it has made me who I am today. Unlike the people Paul is writing to, most of the suffering I've gone through has been from people within the church. But God is faithful, and He is accomplishing things in me and through me nonetheless. I love what Paul writes to them in verse 11:

All this is why we are constantly praying for you, so God will make you worthy of the great calling you have received from Him and will give you the power to accomplish every good intention and work of faith.

That is my prayer too! I pray that God will make me worthy of the calling He has given me. I know that I can't accomplish anything in my own, so I pray for His strength and power to make it possible. If there is one thing I've learned, it is that being faithful always brings suffering. But suffering leads to growth if you let it. God will never leave me or forsake me, so what do I have to fear? He is doing great things in me, through me, and around me everyday, I just have to be willing to open up my eyes and see them!

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Why Do I Do Ministry?

Paul is so proud of them. Why? Because they have truly taken the message of Jesus to heart. They aren't going to let anything or anyone get them off track. They are even willing to suffer for Jesus. There will always be people who are opposed to the message of Jesus. Many times, those people are in the church already. I know it sounds weird, but most attacks on Christians don't come from outside the church, but from the inside...from people who claim Jesus as Lord. But when you start preaching the truth and start saying the same things Jesus said they way that He said them, it causes controversy. Why? Because Jesus was a polarizing figure. He wants everything and won't take anything less.

So here people who are willing to suffer for the message of Jesus and Paul couldn't be more proud of them. He has some harsh words for those who are causing the trouble, he says that their sins are piling up and they will face God's wrath! In other words, don't cause divisions in the church, follow Jesus at all costs! It matters, it has eternal consequences. Enough about them. Paul praises the people and is sad that he hasn't been able to make it back to visit them. But he closes the chapter by encouraging them to keep focused on what is important. He says as much as he would love to come visit them, his glory, his reward will be to stand with them before Jesus and get to go to heaven together!

That is why I am in ministry. It isn't to make everyone happy (although if I'm honest I want people to like me!). It is to help those who want to find Jesus find Him. So many times that leads to trouble, because people don't like it when you call them to change. But such is the task God has given me. I pray for boldness to speak the truth no matter the cost. I pray for the strength to please God above everyone else. I pray for people to surround me who have the same goal, to stand before Jesus together one day and hear Him say, 'Well done.'

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