We Have An Answer!

I have been slow in writing this month. I have been trying to get a hold of the tragedy in Newtown, CT. Our prayers go out to the families who are going through this horrible experience. While we are searching for answers, there is one answer that we really need to pursue with all of our heart.
We need to turn our hearts toward the Lord Jesus Christ, and  receive the wisdom, and comfort that only He can give. The Apostle Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 that we need to go to the Lord, and receive comfort for our hurting hearts and souls. And then we are to be a channel of that comfort to others. I know as I write this post, that those in Newtown, CT. are doing this. We need to do it all over this nation, and yes, all over the world. Isaiah 9:6 describes the Lord Jesus as being a "Wonderful Counselor" I can testify to that! He has not only comforted me with His Word, but also guided me through some very dark storms. What the Lord offers, is the best there is. It's time that we took Him seriously, instead of demanding that He stay out of our lives. 
As Christians, let's be reminded, that as the old hymn declares; "We've A Story To Tell To The Nations." What Jesus can do through His Word, and through His people, is not only, bind up the wounds, but heal our broken hearts and lives. We can talk about gun control, and mental health issues. Those are good conversations. But most importantly, we need to talk about Jesus, to as many people as we can. The church was not commanded to just stay within the walls of our buildings.
We are commanded to "GO" and preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (Matthew 28:18-20)
There are so many who are hurting because of sin, and the evil that is so prevalent today.
Wouldn't it be great to have an answer for them?
Praise God, We do! GP

Following Election 2012, A Christian Priority

"Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God."(Romans 13:1)
With the election of 2012 over, how are we as Christians to prepare for the future? I believe that as the Apostle Paul states in (Romans 13:1) the first overall thing we must to do is, submit ourselves to the will of God. In so doing, God would have us submit ourselves to the governing authorities,
even when we don't agree with their policies, or precedures. And secondly, we are to recognize the fact that God appoints those who are placed in office. It is in His plan that they are there, even though we don't understand that plan, and cannot see why God placed them there.
I believe that as we are in this submissive position, we have opportunities, as Joseph, Daniel, and Esther to impact our culture, and excercise spiritual ministries in our government. *"As Christians we have been called out of this world (John 15:18 and 17:14), but we still have responsibilities to the state." We have the responsibility to influence wherever possible the principles of God's Word. God wants us to build good relationships in our communities, so we can share the best principles, the best insight, that only comes from Him. When the wheel is broken, and the world's tools are not working, lets be there to offer the best tools, with love and sincerity in our hearts. The success of this is left to God, but the faithfulness, the consistency of this, is in our hands. Most of all we need to pray that God will use us, to help our nation, turn back to God, and operate by the Biblical principles He has laid out from His Word. Let's work together to build a bright future for Amarica! GP
*Wiersbe's Expository Outlines On The New Testement.

GOD'S TEAM!

"At one point during a game, the coach, said to one of his young players, "Do you understand what cooperation is? What a team is? The little boy nodded in the affirmative. "Do you understand that what matters is that we play together as a team?" The little boy nodded yes. "So" the coach continued, "When a strike is called, or you're out at first, you don't argue or curse or attack the umpire. "Do you understand all that?" Again the boy nodded. "Good" sad the coach. "Now go over there and explain it to your parents."
In His letter to the Christians at Corinth, the Apostle Paul explained that the church is a team. In 1 Corinthians 12:14-27 Paul shared four characteristics of the members of God's team.
Each member of God's team is:
1. Vital (1 Corinthians 12:14-19)
2. Needed (1 Corinthians 12:21-22)
3. Honorable (1 Corinthians 12:23-24)
4. Have Mutual Care For Each Other
(1 Corinthians 12:25-27)
(Outline Copied)
For safety reasons, mountain climbers rope themselves together when climbing a mountain. That way, if one climber should slip, he would not fall to his death. He would be held by the other climbers, until he regained his footing. What a picture of how it should be in the church. We are a team working for the cause of Christ. The rope that holds us together is the Holy Spirit. Jesus has the main role, and we as His brothers and sisters, all play supporting roles. Helping each other to be, the best that we can be, in our life and ministry, for the Lord Jesus Christ.

Where I Am Needed

"And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" But when Jesus heard that, He said to them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick." (Matthew 9:11-12) As a pastor, I am among those who are sick spiritually. Not that I am anyone special, but I was given a special ministry.
At times this ministry is overwhelming. I know probably more than anybody in the congregation the hurts, the needs, because it is my work to know, and to offer encouragement from God's Word. There are times, I want to retreat from it, and do, because the expectations become very heavy. But when I realize how important my work is, it challenges me anew. The apostle Paul wrote in Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned and fall short of the the glory of God." We are all sinners, needing the great physician to mend our brokeness. Oh how important it is for us as spiritual leaders, to help our great physician, get the medicine of God's Word to people who really need it. I am nothing of myself, except a spiritual vessel, that carries what is needed to those who thirst for insignt from God, for their lives. There are those times that I look around, to find a place of refuge for me, a place where I can hide, and not be so burdened with the cares, and needs of others. But then I look up at my ordination certificate, and see the words "MINISTER OF CHRIST" and it reminds me that I am the Lord's special tool of encouragement. That where I am, I am needed.
As spiritual leaders, the resources are there to help us when the task gets heavy. We need to take advantage of what is given to us freely, so we can be always ready, to make a difference for Jesus in people's lives.
Dear Lord Jesus, help us to see,
That we are your instruments of grace, and mercy.
May the burdens of others, never be too much,
That we fail to reach out, with the Shepherd's touch __GP
(GP)

The Wonderful Work Of Christ

"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God." (Romans 5:1-2)
To often I find myself, along with other Christians, trying to work to get to a place where we are truly pleasing to God, and performing works that we think will be amazing in His sight, and in the sight of others.
Being Justified by faith, means that we trust in the work of Christ to set us free from sin, and to place us in His eternal grace. To put it bluntly: It's not about us, but it is about Jesus!
If it were not for the work of Jesus, we would not be able to wear a robe of righteousness, that He placed on us, when He took our place at Calvary. The Apostle Paul told us that “we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”
(Ephesians 2:10)
The main focus is on His workmanship, not ours.
Our good works is a result of His workmanship in and through us.
I believe that in trying to aggressively be the person God wants us to be, in His Son, we forget to allow the Son, to help us accomplish it. If it were not for His passion and power for us, how would we be the people that God wants us to be? It's time to humble ourselves, and allow the Lord to be Lord in our lives. To take the focus off the inward, and place it where it needs to be; Outward, towards the wonderful person of Jesus Christ. To stand in grace, is to stand in His love, and to receive all that He has to offer. Standing outside the box is dangerous, because as our Lord said: "Apart from Me, you can do nothing." (John 15:5)

"Back Off Devil, I Belong To Jesus!"

I like the expression of the little boy in this photo. We may laugh at a little boy showing such confidence, but when it comes to our dealings with the Devil, it is no laughing matter. I hope that as we look at the expression on this little boy's face, and the words of warning given to Satan, that we will truly exhibit our commitment to belong to Jesus, and develop confidence to stand up to the Devil's tactics. The question comes: How can we remain steadfast in our Christian commitment? A little league coach says that it is the fundamentals that win games. One home run will not win most games. Also one player cannot win most games. But all the members of the team following the basic fundamentals can, and do win. So for us as Christians to win the battle of compromise, we must adhere to these basis fundamental thoughts.
1. WE MUST REMEMBER WHO WE ARE! (AS BEING SPECIAL) (1 Peter 2:9)
2. WE MUST REMEMBER OUR RESPONSIBILITIES! (AS BEING SERVANTS)
(Luke 17:10)
3. WE MUST REMEMBER OUR DESTINATION! (AS BEING SAVED) (Philippians 3:20)
There is no place in the Bible that says, that the Christian life is a piece of cake. As long as we have a constant enemy, there will be constant challenges. But as we face those challenges, we know that we have the Lord Jesus Christ, right by our side, helping us to overcome. As Paul said "If God is for us, who can be against us?"
(Romans 8:31) So let’s say with this little boy "Back Off Devil, I Belong To Jesus!"
(Outline by Andy Warren Lake Dallas Church Of Christ)

I Need My Space

"Therefore when Jesus perceived that they were about to come and take Him by force, to make Him king, he departed again to a mountain by Himself alone.“(John 6:15) After feeding the five thousand, Jesus departs to a mountain by Himself. In essence He was saying,"I need My space" Do you ever feel that way?
Do you ever feel like you are being crowded? People can zap the life out of us, if we'll let them. How many times have you wanted to pursue something for the Lord, and someone or some ones, will come and want to dictate, how you will do it, and demand that it be done, a certain way, or their way; and destroy all the creativity you have to offer. There are many times that people don't want to give other people room to breathe, let alone pursue their dreams. Jesus knew what His purpose was. He knew why He was here in this world, and the world was not going to distract Him, or to ruin the fulfillment of that purpose. He knew that He was headed to a cross, to die for the sins of man-kind. The rest that He did for man-kind, while He was here, was icing on the cake. The words "No, I need my space on this" is hard to say, because we worry about what people will think about our independence. If there is one think that is so important in relationships, and certainly in work relationships, is that everyone deserves their space. Everyone needs the space to pursue their dreams, and find their place in this world. Even with a work project, or activity, if it is a small space; it is still a space, for one to realize their talent, and potential. Too often we rob people of this. And too often, it comes back to hurt us, because not only does it hurt the person, it hinders the group from accomplishing the goals they wanted to achieve. Jesus knew the value of finding His space.
We need to find ours, and allow others who are around us, to find theirs.
(GP)

O How I Love Jesus!

The Church of Ephesus, seemed to be a very successful church. They were a busy, active, involved church. But something was missing. According to our Lord Jesus, they had "left their first love" (Revelation 2:4) Can it happen that you can get so busy serving the Lord, that you stop loving Him? Just like in any relationship, if you don't put effort into it, the love can grow cold. The Lord calls them to do three things, in order to restore this broken relationship. 1. They are to remember how new and vibrant the relationship was in the beginning.(v.5a) 2. They are to repent of this neglect, and change their minds, which will change their actions.(v.5b) 3. They are to repeat the basic fundemental things, that made their relationship with the Lord, what it was in the beginning. Prayer, feeding on God's Word, worship, obedience, are all vital foundational activities, that keep our realtionship with the Lord strong. (v.5c) They were to repent, and change their attitude and actions, or they would have to face the consequences. The Lord warned that He would come quickly, and remove their lampstand from it's place.(v.5d) In essence He was saying to the church which was to be a bright light in the world at that time, that they would no longer exist. The Lord would remove them.
Here's the question to sum up what the Lord requires, of us as His church. How can we be a bright light in our community, if our light for Jesus is very dim, and almost out? We should always live up to the title of the old hymn "O How I love Jesus" Let it never be, "O How I loved Jesus" GP

How Much Do We Weigh?

If we were to place ourselves on a spiritual scale, what would we weigh? How strong of a commitment to the Lord and His Word, would the scale reveal to us? As much as I am hesitant to step on a physical scale to view my physical weight, I would be more hesitant to view the results of my spiritual maturity.
Belshazzar the last king of Babylon in Daniel 5 was told how much he weighed, in light of his relationship with God. Belshazzar was a grandson to King Nebuchadnezzar. The event is of a great feast that he gave at the palace, during the siege of Babylon in 538 B.C. He really shook his fist at God, when he had the vessels of the temple, (which King Nebuchadnezzar had brought from Jerusalem) brought in, and used during the feast. Everyone one was in a festive mood, until Belshazzar, and all his guests, saw a hand writing something on a wall. It says that King Belshazzar became so afraid, that he became pale, and his knees began to knock, so much so, that his legs gave way. The words said this: MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PARSIN. " Daniel was the only one who could interpret what those words meant. It was a statement from God to Belshazzar:
"God has numbered your days of your reign and brought it to an end. You have been weighed on the scales, and found wanting. Your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians.(Daniel 5:25-28) In essence, God was saying: Belshazzar, Judgment is coming, and you have been found lacking! You thought you had it all, but in reality, you have nothing!
In God's scales, how much do we weigh? I pray that our love and devotion to God is strong and full. As we step on God's scales, I hope that He sees the fullness of His Son Jesus in our lives. Establish a relationship with Him today, and never, ever, find yourself in God's sight, empty and lacking. GP

How Salvation Works! (Outline By Alan Carr)

How Salvation Works!
I used another sermon outline from Alan Carr on Sunday for the message entitled "How Salvation Works" Of all the questions ever asked, this one is the most important: What must I do to be saved?" The Jerusalem crowd after hearing Peter's dynamic sermon on Jesus Christ asked this question (Acts 2:37c) And the Philippian jailer also asked this question (Acts 16:30) If you ask this question today, these are the answers concerning how salvation works.
The First Step Is Conviction (Acts 2:37)
After they heard what Peter said about Jesus Christ, it says that they were "pricked in their heart" They came to realize who Jesus was, and what they had done in putting Him on the corss. Realizing that He had come, as God planned, to be the Savior of the world. I hope that you will realize (if you haven't) that you need a Savior as well.
The Second Step Is Conversion (Acts 2:37b-41a)
Peter tells the crowd what they must do to be saved: Two things are involved here: Repent or feel sorry for your sins, and the life you have lived apart from God, and then be baptized for the cleansing of sin, and to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
The Third Step Is Continuation (Acts 2:41b-42)
It says that the early Christians (following their conversion) devoted themselves steadfastly to these things: The Apostles Doctrine (Bible Study) Fellowship (Being a strong support group) The breaking of bread (cf. Communion and partaking of the Lord's Supper) and Prayer (Communicating with God)
The process of being saved is not an easy process, because it involves, personal surrender, and personal faith.
Have you allowed Jesus to save you today?
It may be hard, but it is the most important decision you will ever make in your life. This decision involves your eternal security.
Please don't wait to do it, and let it be to late! GP
Alan Carr www.sermonnotebook.org

Will All Things Work Out For Our Good?

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28) Some Christians may have the idea that being a Christian protects us from anything bad happening to us. Trials may find other people, but they won’t find us. How delusional is that thought? It is a known fact that, not only do Christians know trouble and suffering, but we have an enemy that will make sure we that we have a difficult time of it.
This statement by the Apostle Paul to the Christians at Rome, has been a comfort to many throughout the years. But we need to be careful not to lose sight of what our responsibility is in receiving this precious promise. In any relationship there are two elements that must be present in order for that relationship to be strong and thrive.
THE FIRST ELEMENT IS LOVE.
“And we know (Not think) that all things work together for good to those who love God.” To love God is to place Him first in our lives. To love
no one, or anything, more than Him. To abide in His presence and will all of the moments in our lives.
THE SECOND ELEMENT IS PURPOSE.
“And we know that all things work together for good, to those who love God, and are called according to His purpose.” What is the main purpose of our lives?
It is to love God, and glorify Him. By our lives, we are to lift Him up to the world, so they can see how wonderful and valuable He is.
The promise is that when we do these two things, that God will work things out, no matter how severe the trouble is, for our good. In other words, God will bless us in, and through, every trial that comes our way.
Let’s do our part, and watch God do His! GP

How To Make Right Decisions

Are you like the man who had to fill out a job application? One question said, "Do you have trouble making decisions" The man replied, "Well, yes and no." Sunday I preached a sermon entitled: "How To Make Right Decisions." We looked at Daniel, and focused on the fact that in order to make right decisions, you have to have the right heart. Daniel definately had the right heart. From Daniel 1:8, 9-16, 10:12, we find three characteristics of his heart.
First of all it was A PURPOSEFUL HEART (Daniel 1:8)
This decision to not eat the King's food, and eat vegetables and water, for a ten day period, was a decision that marked the way, he would live the rest of his life, in Babylonian culture. No matter what the cost, Daniel, and his three friends Shadrack, Meshach, and Abed-Nego would not defile themselves with the world, but commit themselves to honoring the Lord with their lives.
Secondly it was A PROVING HEART (Daniel 1:9-16)
Daniel and his friends put to test the Word of the Lord, and the ten day period of eating the right foods, proved to be productive. God's Word is workable, if only we will commit to putting it to work in our lives.
And then thirdly, it was A PRESERVING HEART. (Daniel 10:12)
The angel that came to Daniel with a revelation for the future was right about him. He did set his heart to understand, and he was a very humble man. Because Daniel preserved all that God had taught him, in his life, he became a great example of faith, and right living. How do you make right decisions? It begins by having a right heart! (GP)

Against The Flow

Two college students from Moorhead, Minnesota, painted a mural on the wall outside their dormitory room. According to USA Today, it showed a school of fish all swimming in the same direction except for a single fish heading the opposite way. The one fish was intended to be the age-old symbol of Christ. Printed on the picture were these words, "Go against the flow" University officials, arguing that the mural might offend non-Christians, ordered the students to paint over it. (Our Daily Bread,1/22/2005)
Last Sunday I shared a message entitled: "Against The Flow" Peter in his first letter to the Christians of Asia Minor, encourages them to remain faithful to their Christian lifestyle, even though they were facing severe persecution in the Roman world.
(Please read 1 Peter 4:1-6) Peter reminds his readers to remember what Jesus died for. He died for their sins. He suffered and died to conquer sin. And as Christians we must strive, to put to death the sinful nature. That desire to do those things, that we know are against the will of God, for our lives. Peter speaks to them about wasting their lives, by running with the world, and sinning. Don't bring back to life that old man of sin, that Jesus gave His life to put to death. Yes the world thinks it strange that we don't join them in sin, and worldliness, and they criticize our values and priorities. Well God will judge them someday. They will have to give an account for their lives. But just as the Christians who have passed on may be judged severely by the world, because they received the Gospel, and turned their lives over to Jesus Christ, they now have that precious promised reality of eternal life. They are now enjoying all the eternal blessings that God promised. Is it worth it to go against the flow? Indeed it is! (GP)

The Temptation Experience

"No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man: But God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it."
(1 Corinthians 10:13)
There is no doubt that the Apostle Paul understood the experiences of temptation. In essence he says that the temptation experience we are going through is the same many experience. In other words, "It's nothing new". People everyday experience the same types of temptation. To be tempted to pursue, and indulge, in worldly activities, is something that every Christian goes through.
But the good news is, that God understands this experience, and He is faithful to help us get through each temptation experience that comes our way.
You and I are not ging to be tempted beyond what we can handle. In fact, God will make a way for us to escape the strong urge, or desire, to sin against Him.
In what ways does God provide this escape?
It could be through a Scripture that comes to mind, that gives us a warning. Or a similar negative experience that someone else had, that reaped severe consequenses. Or something that someone said, that made us think twice before going through with what we were considering.
It is a great encouragement to know, that in dealing with the temptation experience, we are not alone. God knows what we go through, and He is faithful to see us through. God will help us to stay on the right track. The question is: When God provides the way of escape, will we take it? GP