RCA Leadership Handbook 1 Hermeneutics

Hermeneutics

Hermeneutics is a set of principles that is used to determine the meaning of the biblical text under investigation. Understanding hermeneutics is paramount in developing a consistency in the interpretation of Scripture. The text is the passage you are studying.

Key Verses-        2tim3:16 all scripture God breathed.

1pet1:20 no scripture came by private interpretation

1tim4:16 watch your life and doctrine closely.

Key Questions Answered

1.    If all Christians have the same Bible why is there so many differences?

2.       How do I know what each passage of the Bible means?

3.       Is the Bible a difficult book to understand?

Our Hermeneutic

Riverside Christian Assembly is committed to a historical, grammatical, and contextual hermeneutic. This means each text is seen through the history of who wrote it, why they wrote, who received it, what was happening in that part of the world at that time, and what their original purpose in writing it was. Secondly, the Bible was not originally written in English. The Old Testament was written in Hebrew and the New Testament in Greek. Translators have done an excellent job in communicating the message. However, when anything goes from one langue to another, something of the original meaning gets lost. We study Greek and Hebrew to aid in finding the full meaning. Lastly, the context of the text is of the utmost importance. What is happening in the book as a whole? What is the author’s overarching purpose? What happened in the book leading up to your text? What happens immediately after?

A few Rules

1.       The Bible can never mean what it never meant.

2.       A text without a context is a pretext for proof texting.

3.       The Bible best explains itself. Let one text interpret another.

Danger in Bad Hermeneutics

The most common error people make is in not understanding the context. For example a NFL Quarterback throws 8 touchdown passes in one game. In the postgame interview he thanks God saying; “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” This is Philippians 4:13. However in Philippians 4:12 it says; “I know how to live poor and I know how to live rich.” The author, Paul, in the context of the book is thanking the Philippian church for their generous gifts to him. In the immediate context he is simply addressing his ability to live with or without wealth. So when the pop warner QB prays; “God I can throw 8 TD’s in an NFL game because “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” He is not quoting God’s promise only his wishes. That is not what it meant. Therefor it is not what it can mean.

Other Hermeneutics

1.       Scholastic method- This is where the student looks back at what other people said about the text. If you hear a lot of quotes by Popes, Cardinals, Saints or commentators this is likely the approach they are taking. Martin Luther led the protestant reformation that declared “Sola Scripura” meaning “only the scripture.” This was opposed to the Catholics believing the Pope’s words were equal with the scripture and in opposition to many unbiblical church practices such as the selling of indulgences.

2.       “Grab and swing”- this is the lazy man’s method. They just open the Bible, point, read and interpret it according to their life. Often people say; “I just opened the Bible and it said exactly what I needed.” This may be true, but my experience is they often miss the context, history and grammar.

3.       Guided- This is where a leader re-interprets the scripture. Cults are guilty of this. Adherents are not encouraged to read translations of the Bible that their church leaders did not alter. They are characterized by monthly magazines or newsletters that replace or supplement simply reading the Bible.  Questions are discouraged and “new revelations” abound.

4.       Systematic- This is where verses in their individual context is often ignored but the Bible themes and topics are categorized together throughout the Bible. Someone who just reads verse after verse on a specific topic is often doing a systematic study. This can be good if the verses are used in context. It is dangerous when they aren’t.

Conclusion

We are the secondary recipients of God’s word. I am a 21^st century English speaking American. I have little in common with the original recipients. Whether we are thinking of the Israelites being led by Moses in the wilderness (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy), or Nehemiah rebuilding Jerusalem during their captivity (Ezra, Nehemiah), or the church at Ephesus being led by young Timothy (Act, 1and 2 Timothy) I cannot naturally fully understand. I need to put myself in their shoes to get what was meant primarily for them. The Bible is meant for all mankind. However the meaning and the understanding the original audience had cannot be separated. Hermeneutics should be the guide, the system in getting us there.

Driving it home

Take a few minutes and see if you can give a reasonable answer to the questions we started with;

1.    If all Christians have the same Bible why are there so many differences?

2.       How do I know what each passage of the Bible means?

3.       Is the Bible a difficult book to understand?

If you can’t answer these questions, what further information is needed?

Living Long

Honor your father and mother and it will go well with you. Ex20:12

 

     The secrete to a long life is honor. This commandment is the first one to carry a promise attached. It is not only right to honor our parents, there is a specific blessing for doing so.
     To honor is to esteem, to fix a high price upon. It means it matters. If you held out both arms straight and I put a brick in your left hand and a feather in your right. Your left arm would soon understand honor. It is what you are mindful of. It is where you spend your time and effort.
     Think for a moment on how you can fulfill this great promise. How can you honor your parents today? Maybe it is a phone call or a chore, perhaps a letter or gift. People love getting cards not because of the art or the folded paper but because it shows honor. It shows you took time and effort for their happiness.
     Honor should be associated with obedience and excellence. If we honor others, we listen to them. IF we honor others we live so our commonalities are uplifted. When a basketball player gets into an on court altercation some will say; "he dishonored his school." All those that same logo, all those that have a lot of commonality shake their heads that he represents them. However, a winning team that shows class is said to; "honor their school." All those with that same logo, all those that have a lot of commonality clap their hands.
     Live an honorable life. Make your parents proud. God sees and God will reward.

Spreading Power

When they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit. For as yet He was fallen upon none of them, only they were baptized in the name of Jesus. Act8:15-16

It is not enough to be born again or water baptized. There is more. Evidence of God’s favor upon the Samaritans was the baptism of the Holy Spirit. That is not to say that they were not already saved. It is to say there is more than salvation. God revealed He was moving and confirming new people groups by demonstrating His Spirit upon them.

How much of God do you want? Do you want the minimum? Or do you want everything He wants to give you?

The Power of the Spirit was transferable. Those that had the power of the Holy Spirit laid hands on them and they received. A disease spreads by contact, occasionally at proximity. Do you have this power? If not, let me know, I will pray, others with it can lay a hand on you. If you do, who have you given it to?

What God gave the Sons of Men

The Heavens are the Lords but the Earth He has given to the sons of men. Ps115:16

Imagine you had a rich father. A really, really rich father. When you turn 18, he buys you a house. Your name is on the deed. “This home is yours. It is fully furnished. You can do with it what you want. But anytime you want my help, just ask. You know I would love to help. If you get hungry, ask and I will send food. If you make a mess, ask and I will send a maid. If something breaks, ask and I will send a repair man.” But in your rebellion he make a disaster of the house. Parties are every night. People are drinking and doing drugs. In a matter of days the place is a dump. Who’s fault is that?

God has lovingly furnished Earth perfectly for us. Any time we need His help, we can just ask. That is what prayer is.

Heaven is Gods house. There His will is perfectly done. Earth is our house. It is where mans will is done. Heaven has no rapes or child molesters, no murders or beggers. Earth has all manner of ailments. Why? That is the big question isn’t it? Why does a good God allow such a wicked Earth? The answer is simple, because He has given earth to the sons of men.

Get Everything

Having nothing yet possessing everything. 2cor6:11

                The rich man that has Christ has no more than the poor man that has Christ. For both have Christ. And Christ is everything…

                In Jesus is the fullness of God. All exist in Christ. All was made for Him, by Him and through Him.

                A man with a great imagination has nothing. He cannot hold it. He cannot keep it. It is not measurable or tangible. It cannot be quantified. That is wealth in this life. The spirit cannot hold it or keep it or measure it. If the spirit is all that is eternal in a person all else is unimportant.

                The thief has no concept of true value. They taint their eternal soul for a temporal material that they can’t keep. 

                If you want everything, get Christ. Joy, peace, forgiveness, love and all manner of goodness is in Him. In the age to come, we are joint heirs with Jesus. He shares everything with us for all eternity. Get everything. Get Christ.  

Heaven and Earth

Faithfulness springs from the ground. Righteousness falls from the sky. Ps85:11

 

      We have a choice to be faithful. That springs from the earth. It is up to us to be consistent. Think for a moment of all that comes from the ground. The plants can be counted on to clean the air. Their seeds reproduce after their kind. The insects eat the same food, travel the same paths. Mammals live in their predictable places, mate in foreseeable times and then return from to the dust. The ground teaches us that the earthly may be faithful.

     Man can only do his best. At best a man can be faithful. He can honor his word. He can be true to who he is and was made to be. He can acknowledge and be loyal to his Maker. At worst a man can be unfaithful. Unfaithful not only in lies but in cheating on his God. Unfaithful in forsaking the God that made him and giving Him no acknowledgement for it.

     What does not spring from the Earth is Righteousness. There is nothing any earthling can do to be right with God. Right standing does not come from the earth, rather it comes from the sky. God bestows it. God gives it. It comes from Him. It is His opening the door of Heaven that allows us to come in, not us pushing the door open.

      There is a junction where Earth meets Heaven. It is where our faithfulness meets His righteousness. Have you come to this point? Are you faithful to God? Have you received His righteousness?   

 





Empty Envy

Do not envy the wicked or want to be with them. Pro24:1

Our culture is very backwards. We admire actors and singers. In ancient days those were often slave roles. We have contest to “go back stage” and get to meet big time artist. The goal for many is to be like our pop stars or just be with them. This would be fine if they were not so vulgar.

What are the topics of our weekly top ten? Fornication, lewdness, and riotous living. They brag of how many women the sleep with, how much the get drunk and how much pride they have. It is poison. And we like rats pursue it.

There end is destruction. If you see someone walk off a cliff, why follow them? Fame is a lie. It is no more fulfilling that winning a video game. Why do so many celebrities overdose? Why do so many go to rehab? They are empty. They are just humans. It is noble to pursue a goal. There is value in the journey. But how sad when it is reached only to find it is vain? It leaves one at the top of an empty, ugly mountain.

I do not want the celebrity life. I do not want the nothingness of the drunk and party lifestyle. I do not envy  them. I have more. I have God, a beautiful, wonderful wife, excellent kids, and a job a love. That is the precious life for me. I do not envy the wicked, I follow those with long track records of godly living.

My Foes will Fall

When the wicked, even my enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Ps27:2

As a kid playing baseball my dad taught me to run out everything. After the ball leaves the bat, take off. Don’t watch the ball, watch your first base coach. It was a good lesson for life. I looked silly when I hit an obvious foul ball. But I remember one little league game, there were 2 outs, 2 runners on and we were down by two. It was the bottom of the last inning and I was up. I knew I could win it for us if I hit a homerun. I had never come very close to knocking one over the fence. The pitch came. I swung with all my might, pulled my head. I barely nipped the top of the ball, it was a little slow dripper right to the pitcher. But I took off in full stride. It should have been an easy out. Then magic happened. The pitcher slipped. The third baseball ran for the ball, he grabbed it and threw with all his strength. The ball flew 5 feet over the first basemen’s head. I rounded first. As I approached second I was being waiver to third. At full speed I approach third base. “Get down, get down, slide, slide;” the third base coach commanded. Foot first I slid. The third basemen ran off the bag trying to stop another terrible throw. I popped up to hear the coach screaming; “go home, go home.” As quick as I could I sprinted to home. Homerun! Not really there were 3 errors on the play. But we won.

I expect, rather I know my enemies will not succeed. It is not about me or about them, it is about God. I am on His side. Those who oppose me, oppose Him as I align myself with His purpose and commands. “Good and bad” are not Bible categories. “Righteous and unrighteous” are. It is being on Gods team that matters. It is not your power. I hit a dribbler, an easy out, but with my enemies mistakes it was a game winning homer.

Those against you will not prosper. They come for evil. They come with bad intent. But the bad will come upon them. Goodness and mercy follow me and they confound my opponents.

God wants you to get Good Sleep

If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Pro3:24

Here is a promise for every night of your life, for every 20 minute power nap and 5 minute dozer. God assures us that we will have good rest.

Sadly there are many, many restless Christians. Stop believing your old habits have any power over you. Some say; “well I never slept well.” Well good friend, a lot has changed. The fear of death and Hell, the guilt and shame of your sin should have kept you up. You were under the conviction of the Holy Spirit and a slave to sin. But now, you trust God. What is on your mind? What is so pressing to take precious sleep?

God rested. He did this as a pattern for us to follow. Be godly, sleep well. If you are one that does not sleep well, take a few minutes and memorize this verse. Read the chapter over and over. Write down any fears or stresses you have. Tell God He can deal with them tonight or the two of you will deal with them in the morning. Rest is serious business. Invite God to be involved. Good sleep demonstrates your trust in God. He wants you to have a good night’s sleep.

Our Boasting

We boast that we conducted ourselves in simplicity and godly sincerity. 1Cor1:12

                Christians are to boast in the funniest things. Things like the cross. The most violent, dreaded death, we exalt. Things like being weak. For in our weakness God is strong. Things like living simple and being content.

                It is contrary to the world in what we don’t boast in. it is not the flash and bang that we are so accustom to in our day. It is not being skilled or talented, for those are but gifts from God. It is not in what we have done or could do, we boast in our God all the day long. He gets the glory.

                God is actively against the proud but lifts up the humble. People still don’t get it. To be great in your own power is just that, your own. And you are weak and insignificant on your own. Like an ant on this earth is far greater than a human in the vastness of this universe. Your glory is a kids momentary sparkler in light of the Sun.

                The best a man can do I live by a code. To be principled is never small. If God sees, if God is watching, He is looking for those that live for the eternal. Live simple. Live sincere.  

How to speak to Angry people

A gentle answer turns away wrath but a harsh word stirs up anger. Pro15:1

I know a lot of people that have drama. When some of the young people from the church come to my house in Moreno Valley they hesitate; “there is a lot of bad neighborhoods over there.” I respond; “not for me.” I don’t have trouble. People don’t “bang” or “maddog” me. If they start I greet them with a smile and a ‘how are you?” that defuses hostility very quickly.

The Ephirimites loved to fight. Twice they were offended because they were left out of the battle. When Gideon took his 300 and slaughtered 135,000 Midiniates the Ephrimites were furious. “Why did you not tell us?” If they could not fight alongside of him, they wanted to fight with him. Gideon used a gentle answer and pacified them. “You helped in the follow up. You killed their most important kings. You are glorious. You are honored.” With that they left satisfied.

However, years later when Jepthah had to defeat the massive army of the Ammonites the Ephrimites were left out again. When they complained Jepthah was in no mood to put up with them. He had just lost his daughter. With harsh words a civil war kicked off that ended in the death of tens of thousands. This happened all because one leader would not give a soft answer.

What do you want? How will you get it? Giving rough answers is rarely the best way. It is like yelling at a ref in a basketball game. They have never overturned their own call. Offending peoples pride only turns them to reinforcing their own prejudices. We must be wise and meek in turning them. Find common ground. See the good they do. None of that involves compromise or lack of integrity. It simply means better form. I encourage you today, be right but also speak right.

Get Mad

The Holy Spirit came upon Saul and he became angry. 1sam11:6

A very nice pastor once told me it is never ok for a Christian man to be angry. I was quick to disagree. I am no Ned Flanders. “Show me one place the Bible says it is alright to show anger.” That was easy for there are many of them. “Be angry….and sin not.” Not to mention the above passage. I then asked him; “who gets angry the most in the scripture?” He hesitated to answer. I smiled. Is it not God Himself?

Anger is but a fuel. It is neutral. Motivation is not wrong in and of itself. Even more than why are you angry is what will you do with your anger? Is gasoline wrong, how about hydroelectricity? Neither of course. Feelings are neutral, it is by our words and actions that we are judged.

Saul needed to act. He needed to rally the army. He needed to wage a difficult war. For such a task, God gave Him divine anger. This feeling of anger was a direct result of the Holy Spirit coming upon Him.

Good men are not good if they are not angered at grave evil. What makes you mad? Do not feel guilty for your feelings. Some are angry at a dead beat dad or an alcoholic mother, that is worthy of angst. As you inspect why you feel angry, be more concerned with how it affects you and what you do with it. Saul set his people free. He served others. What will you do? Who will be helped by your anger?

Is your Money Cursed?

You are cursed with a curse; for you have robbed Me. Mal3:9

If you stole from me and I knew, would you then ask me to do you a favor? If you stole from me and my money was in your bank account and then you asked to borrow more money, what do you think I would say? If my children are irresponsible with small things like a goldfish, would I be responsible to then trust them with bigger things like a dog?

God has ordained principals. There are laws like gravity, like entropy, like you reap the seed you sow. These laws dictate physical realities but also spiritual truths. If you want God to bless your finances you cannot just pray. You must act according to His laws. It is like gravity. If you want a ball to fall down, don’t pray, throw it up and the law of gravity will pull it down. If you want God to bless you bank account, give some of it to Him. The Law of Moses required a tenth or a tithe. But even before the law Abraham tithed to God. The principal has always been at work in the universe.

Some years ago a youth from a poor single mother household asked if I would pray for their finances. I was about to pray but then something was impressed on my heart. “You honor God. You tithe. Whether it is ten cents on a dollar or two dollars on your birthday card twenty. You be the man of the house and act in accordance to God’s principals.” He did and God did. “I don’t know how but I always have money now,” he soon after stated. Shortly latter he would be blessed with two jobs and a college scholarship.

Will Jesus Stand for you?

…And he saw Gods glory and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. Act7:55

Stephen’s last glimpse on Earth was his most glorious. He saw Jesus stand. Think of that. Almighty God watching the death of one of His servants and standing. The Heavenly, ascended, glorified body of Jesus rose. Energy, if there is energy in the spiritual realm, was used to welcome His son home.

Will God stand for you? Is there anything that you do that is worthy of such attention from our Lord? Perhaps “worthy” is not a fair word. Is there anything that you do that so “pleases” Him?

Dying is not great. It is our conclusion. All of life is worth that one glimpse. Stephen finished well. I wonder what all of Heaven did in that moment. Did the angels think He was going to make his triumphant return? I can picture the mighty angelic warriors passing our swords and spears. I can see them grabbing the trumpet, ready to herald in the new era. “This is it!” they must have shouted. “No, Jesus is just standing to welcome His beloved Stephen.” Would have come the surprising response.

Jesus is watching. He cares. Live to please Him. Die to see Him.

Holy Spirit Conviction

“And when the Holy Spirit comes He will convict the world of sin, judgment and righteousness.” Jn16:8

                You know a few things deep in your soul. Every person is under the working of the Spirit. You know when you do wrong. But the greatest wrong is in not believing. Do you know the only sin that condemns a man to Hell? Unbelief. Christ died for every sin if you will ask for forgiveness. It is only refused you if you have not the faith to ask.

                Naturally people have a fear of death. A lifetime of bondage is thinking about what comes after? The Holy Spirit convicts of the judgment to come. Why is what you do wrong if it doesn’t hurt anybody else? Why would you feel guilty? Because it is an offense to your Creator. You are His masterful artwork and your rebellion demonstrates unworthiness and you know it. We all know it.

                Have you ever heard that voice deep inside yourself that said; “you can do better”? This too is the work of the Spirit. He is telling you, you can be right with God. He is telling you that you can live a better life. You can be justified. Life can be balanced. It can be lived properly as God intended. The conviction is to get you on the right path. God is calling you from the inside out.

Believe

But these are written, that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life through His name. Jn20:31

                The purpose of John’s gospel is to bring us to believing in Jesus. He is not concerned with inspiring us or making us better versions of ourselves. All he wants is to convince us that Jesus is who He said. It God that must enter us that we can be born again.

                Believing is the work that God wants us to do. Repentance follows faith. Good deeds follow expectations. When you see the goal in your mind, then you begin to go after it. It is simple. It is the same in all of life. You believe in the words in your mind before they leave your mouth. You believe the car will start before you turn it on. You believe a link will take you to a website before you click it. Action follows faith.

                More important than sincerity is the object of our belief. It is far better to have a little faith in thick ice than a lot of faith in thin ice. You may move slowly on one but you will die on the other. I have heard people negatively compare the faith of some Christians to what I consider cults. “Look how dedicated they are. They fast more. Sacrifice their lives. Give their time to go door to door or give a larger amount of money.” But a dedication to something does not make that something, something great. It is what it is. John is not moving us to more dedication. He wants us to know the content of our belief. From there we cannot but give our all. Do you believe? Do you know you have eternal life?

More is Less

He rose from the table laid aside his garments and took a towel and girded Himself. Jn13:4

                This illustrates the incarnation. God became a man. Jesus laid aside all that it was to be God. God is all knowing, yet Jesus said; “no one knows when the Son of man will return.” God does not thirst or hunger, yet Jesus not only thirsted on the cross and hungered after He fasted, He needed sleep. God is everywhere, Jesus was confined to a body. God cannot die, yet Jesus died on the cross. Jesus laid aside His deity.

                Jesus became less by putting on. He put on the raiment of a slave. This addition was a subtraction. You loose air in the cup when you fill it with water. Jesus is teaching the disciples how the Kingdom of God works. You are called to serve. You must put off your rights. We should lay aside our power to help ourselves until we have helped others.

                Jesus leads from the front. He demonstrates servanthood so we should follow. No one has ever or will ever give up as much as Jesus did for someone else. This is the new commandment, “to love as He loved.” Stop claiming your privileges and help others. Take off your position and get your hands dirty.

                At church, this could be coming a few minutes early and helping to clean or set up. At home it is doing the chores unasked. At work it may be giving someone a ride or doing extra to make someone’s day easier. Look for chances to be a servant. You will be happier and life will be better.

We Don't Lose Heart

We do not lose heart. 2cor4:1

                I have been a pastor for just over 8 years. In that time I have had lots people help me with the church we started, Riverside Christian Assembly. Many have come, many have gone. I would like to say that most that left did so for great reasons; school, military service, help another ministry, or job promotion, but that is not the truth. Most leave because they lose heart.

                They have no “root in themselves.” It is easy to start but hard to finish. I have celebrated the leaving of a few members of the congregation; I wish I could celebrate all those that move from us. But some leave without honor but most leave without a noise. They slip out. They just stop showing up.

                I am not a pastor because I am a good preacher. I am a pastor because I will not quit. There has yet to be a day when I thought of quitting the ministry. In fact, the opposite. On bad Mondays, I get studying and calling for next week. Sadness motivates me to do better. I have a source that strengthens my heart, the word of God and the Spirit of God. Daily I read and daily I pray in tongues. These have sustained, better yet, these have elevated me.

                Many leave churches because “they don’t get fed.” How weak! Who feeds me? Or am I a baby? I say; “they just lack heart.” It is your heart. How much do you have? Are you quick to quit? Are you running out? Then get a refill.   

Time Apart to Change

For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that you should receive him forever. Phil1:15

                People need to change. Sometimes there needs to be a separation to allow that change.

It is difficult to let them go. Even my six year daughter going to school was hard. There is a part of my pride that says; “I can teach her everything she needs. She will be safer and better educated with me.” But there are aspects of her education I can’t give her.

I have seen young men go to jail and change for the better. I have seen drug addicted kids locked out and eventually change. Sometimes you have to be away from home or what is familiar to be broken. Paul, speaking of church disciple said it like this; “hand such a one over to Satan that their flesh may be consumed but their soul would be saved.” Fire is a cleansing agent because it separates. Different substances have different burning points. Bacteria and pollutants die quickly.

Don’t intervene in Gods discipline. He isolates people. He strips them of all that is blessing. He allows prodigals to stoop in the filth and go eye to eye with swine. As you pray for others to come to Jesus, don’t be surprised if they are humbled before they come.

Giving your Worst

“You offer the blind for your sacrifice and you say; “is it not evil?” Mal1:8

                In the early days of our church, the offering was very low. I remember a poor young man who would put a one dollar bill in and take two quarters back out. “I want to get a Snickers bar on the way home,” he explained. That is a tough one to a new church. The chocolate bar is beating out the Word.

                While it is humorous that someone brakes a dollar for a candy in the church offering. The same attitude is very prevalent. People often search through their wallet and feel guilty if they don’t put something in. so they often give what will hurt them the least.

                If you were going to meet a King, you would bring him a gift. Would you take your pocket lent and a few bottoms? Maybe a cool rock you found along the way? Then hastily grab an old news paper to wrap it in? Of course not. Then why do we give God our least?

                Not just in money, but in all things. Think of your time. Do you give the TV more time than you give God? Think of your conversations, do you spend more words on sports and the weather or on Jesus? Think of the space in your heart. Do you day dream of God or earthly things? Where your treasure is, there your heart will follow.

Judgement

“Where is the God of Judgment?” Mal2:17

                The God of judgment is mercifully waiting. He is in Heaven. His eyes upon all things. If He were to exercise His wrath, which He will, it would be the end. Literally, that is how the world ends.

                Some mock. They question God. “Where is He?” “Why does He let bad things happen to good people?” “If God is so good why did He let my Grandma die?” Silly questions from silly minds. He is giving you a chance. Why do you let bad things happen to good people? Better yet, why do bad people do bad things. What has that to do with God? And your Grandma died because that is the nature of this cursed life. All die. That is grace, that is a gift. This life is too harsh to live forever. There needs to be an exit. But mocking will not get you out of your appointment. The moment you die you will know the answer to; “Where is the God of Judgment?” Because He will be right in front of you!

                You will answer for everything or Christ will take your sins. Those that call evil things good will have to convince God that they are good. Good luck. To say there is no God is only wishful thinking to those who fear accountability. To say there is no God is like saying there is no death. You will see.

I'm Going Fishing

Peter said to them; “I am going fishing.” Jn21:3

                The great danger in life is that we live in our comfort zone. Peter was called by Jesus several times. Several times he went back to fishing. Jesus knew where to find him. It was predictable. We would naturally assume Peter was a good fisherman but on two occasions we see him fishing all night with not a one catch. In the presence of Jesus his old passion is unsuccessful; his old business was useless without Jesus.

                Too often it is what we are good at that holds us back from what God has for us. A soccer league plays on Sundays; we miss church because the team needs us. Extra hours at work take us from God’s house. A camping trip or a boat outing take us from corporate worship. Fellowship with the brethren is replaced but another work day.

                Peter had backslid. Not to what was so grossly evil but to what was grossly familiar. What are the everyday pleasures that keep you from God? “I got to take me time,” “I got to make a living,” “I don’t like to be out of my comfort zone,” all these are natural excuses. But at the end of the day, Jesus beckons us for more.  Jesus calls us away from our relaxation. He takes what we are good at and rearranges it for the Kingdom. Peter would become a fisher of souls, a fisher of men.

                “Woe to those that are at ease in Zion.” I am challenged to tell more people about Jesus. To come across strangers and discuss what God has done in my life, then invite them to church, maybe hand them a track before I go. I want to not do what I want to do. I want to get out of my comfort and be more useful to the Kingdom of God. Are you with me?

God's love IN THAT

For God so loved the world IN THAT He sent His only begotten Son... Jn3:16

God demonstrated His love by giving His Son Jesus. Love does. Love gives. “God so loved the world IN THAT He gave His only begotten.” Many forget the “in that.” “In this is love manifested that Jesus died for us,” God’s love is that He already proved it. It is past and still active but the reason we say “God is love” is because what He did through Jesus.

A man at my church brings donuts every Sunday. All are welcome to consume. One Sunday I went to pick up a troubled youth. As I approached the door I heard him arguing with his mother; “You can’t go to church today. Your on punishment.” “How can you say that? You don’t love me. You don’t even feed me. There is a man at church. He loves me. He gets me a donut every week.” How was he loved? IN THAT someone had gave him a gift. The same gift was available for all. It was simple of matter of receiving it.

Recognizing what exactingly that means “God loved” “in that He gave” specifies His love. It is for those who receive it. What an offense to those that don’t believe it, they will perish. All are loved the same IN THAT they have the same blood bought them. “In that” no love could be greater. But to say; “God loves all the same whether they believe or not” most be qualified.

Gods love is proven. It is sufficient for all, yet all efficient for all who believe.

God is Love

God is love.1jn4:8

So simple, so profound, the essence of God revealed in a verb. To love is to give. It means to sacrifice. To commit. Love never fails, love never fades, it never quits.

Maybe that is why we are here. I mean, perhaps that is why humanity exist. Love demands another. Love cannot exist in isolation. This is one argument for the Trinity. That God being love required another to love. The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit co-existing for eternity, love could be shared between them. Maybe God wanted more. For no reason other than he desired more than Himself to receive love by. So He created us.

Often I am asked about the “problem of evil,” if God is good then why is their evil. Is He not powerful enough? Then He is not God. Is He powerful enough but not good? Here is my answer; “It is because God is love. Love requires a choice. It is not love if it is forced or automatic. The love of God gave freedom to man that we might truly love Him in return.” It is not a lack of Gods power or goodness that allows evil, it is mankind that choses it.

The saddest thing in all of life is love unreturned. The saddest thing in all the eons is God’s love unreturned. So because God is love do you love Him? If so how is that expressed?

The Aroma of Death

To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. 2cor2:16

                In ancient Rome there would be a parade for victorious generals. It would be a grand celebration. Thousands would line the streets. The sound of cheers and instruments would be ringing. In the front would be the general followed by his officers, then his solders and last the conquered slaves. Incense would be carried along the procession. To the victors it was the smell of glory but to the defeated it was the smell of death.

                The Christian carries the incense of God. We have a fragrance that is a blessing or a curse. When we come in contact with a fellow brother or sister we are refreshed. But when we come across a God hater, they feel condemned. This is the agony of defeat. It is the evidence of their guilt. Even in response to some of these blogs I have been accused of being “condemning” or “hating” when none of those words could be found in my text. If there is no God and Christians are just fools, then leave us be and don’t let it steal your joy. But the hostility demonstrates the aroma of death they smell.

                What smell do you sense? Do you feel condemned or excited? Is this life your glory or defeat?

The sin of Despising

“Where in have we despised your name?” Mal1:6

                To despise God is one of the greatest sins in the scripture. God is to be feared. He is to be reverenced. To be awed. To despise is the opposite, it means “to take lightly.” If you want to please God you must honor Him. That means “weight” that God has substance in your life.

                There are many that claim to be a Christian but despise God. They do not come to church and join the “Bride” and “Body of Christ” as instructed. They do not “continue in His word” with daily reading. They do not tell others or seek to save other souls. They are content in “their faith.” Giving to God what you want to give Him and not what He asks you to give Him is the essence of despising.

                Don’t take the easy way in life. Don’t take the short cuts or the cheap outs. Put God first and most important. He deserves more than our scraps. Many make church their last Sunday option. How can we not treasure the Bible?

Comfort to Comfort

God comforts us in all our tribulation that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble. 1Cor1:4

                Trouble is guaranteed in life. “In the world you will have tribulation.” In fact, hard times are a sure promise to every Christian. “All who desire to live godly will suffer” and “it has been appointed for you not only to believe but to suffer.” Few of these verses make Hallmark cards, but they are true.

                The good news is not that we suffer but that we have a comforter. If we were of the world, the world would love us, but because we are not of this world it hates us. If we are God, then God loves us. The hurt we feel gives God an opportunity to heal us. By our pain, God is revealed. There is nothing more important than knowing God as He is.

                We are comforted to be a comfort. You’re feeling better is not an end in itself, it leads to something better. “It is better to give than receive.” You becoming whole is necessary to aiding others in their journey to wholeness. Pass it on. Give what you have been given.

                In life, you can be part of a circle of blessing or a circle of destruction. He can encourage others and they will be glad to encourage you. You can cheer for them and know in turn they will be your fan. Or you can discourage others knowing they are awaiting the opportunity to get back at you. You can boo them and listen to the crowd when you make a mistake. Show God is good, by giving what He has given you to others.

Free to Resist

“You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, you do always resist the Holy Spirit as your fathers did.” Act7:51

                The freedom of choice is the freedom to resist.

When I was a boy in elementary school a girl had a crush on me. Her name was Hanna. She would pursue me. She would try to get in the same group or table, she would turn red and I would turn red. Her friends would hand me notes and tell me to talk to her. Every day there was some attempt. But I was embarrassed and not interested. I would avoid her. I would not even read her notes. I stayed out of her groups. I resisted her. This hurt her feelings. She tried to befriend me and I did not want to, naturally she was hurt. She had hoped, she had tried, and it came to nothing but rejection. This is how many treat the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit has all the attributes of personhood. He has a will, “He distributes the gifts as He wills.” He is called by the personal pronoun “He.” He has emotions like “the joy of the Spirit” or “grieve not the Spirit.” He communicates all through the Bible, especially the book of Acts. This person of the Godhead is trying to get into a relationship with you. Are you resisting Him?

What Kind of a Pastor do You Want?

“It is not desirable that we should leave the world and serve tables.” Act2:6

What kind of pastor do you want? Do you want one skilled in the word and prayer or a jack of all trades? Do you want him to excel at scrubbing toilets and vacuuming or be well prepared to preach? Would you rather have him visit every Sue and Johnny with a hang nail or be ready to win souls on Sunday? The choice is yours. How do you treat your minister?

I have pastored a church from 10 to about 160 over the last 8 years. In pioneer work there are a lot of small jobs that take large amounts of time. I need help to be a more effective preacher. Preaching is why I became a pastor. It is my passion; it is what I am good at. We are so blessed we just got our own building, debt free I might add! Now I am a facilities manager, landscaper and custodian. But I don’t have to be. I have several great members who have stepped up and committed to serving. It is such a relief. There have been times where I tried to clean or fix things by myself and I stop and say; “why am I doing this? I am not good at it. I am frustrated. I was never trained for it. I am blessed enough. I don’t want to steal someone else’s blessings for serving the Lord.” Then I make a call and it gets done by someone else.

Delegating is hard. It is hard to trust that the jobs will get done to my satisfaction. But I remember two things; one I have failed hundreds of times and so it is ok for them to fail too. Two; it gives tremendous ownership to others when they have a job in the church.

Before Stephen did mighty miracles or spoke with such wisdom he first served. Before he moved with great power the disciples made a place for him to serve. There is a place for you. Have you found it? Then get serving the tables.