Keeping The Main Thing, The Main Thing

"For just preaching the Gospel isn't any special credit to me---I couldn't keep from preaching it if I wanted to. I would be utterly miserable. Woe unto me if I don't." (1 Corinthians 9:16) 
To the Apostle Paul, it was a privilege to preach the Gospel. Whether he was paid to do it, or not, it was his main responsibility It is the same with us as Christians. We are to share the Gospel message to those who are spiritually dying. Because Jesus has all authority in heaven and earth, He commissions us to "go and make disciples in all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. To teach them to obey all the commands I have given you..." (Matthew 28:19-20) The main call upon our lives as Christians, is to share the Gospel. Which in essence is the message that the sin debt for man-kind has been paid, by Jesus' death on the cross.
We have the hope of eternal life, because Jesus arose from the dead, and made a way for us to follow that same path. As we journey though this life, so many things become important. But those things can never be as important, as this call upon our lives. So many people are needing this message.
If they don't hear it from us, who will they hear it from? To have people leave this life without hearing the Gospel, is like a doctor, knowing what medicine will help, but never making the patient aware that it exists. How important was the Gospel message to you? Did it change your life? It must be the main thing, or lives will perish forever.
It is a call to share, because we care,
That those who are lost, will come to Jesus.
It is a privilege to bear, a priority to wear,
To share the Gospel to all who are lost among us. ---GP
Photo by Stuart Miles. Published on 23 August 2012 Stock photo - Image ID: 10098825
www.freedigitalphotos.net

Stop The Violence

I was saddened to hear about another shooting near Roanoke Virginia. Two journalists, cameraman Adam Ward, and reporter Alison Parker, were gunned down by a fellow employee of the local TV station there. I am not going to comment on this terrible event, only to say that our thoughts and prayers go out to their families. The debate goes on over what should be the main focus on how to fix this problem of horrific violence in our nation. Is it the focus on gun control, or on mental illness? I have a question: How about we focus on Jesus Christ, who has the answer to this problem? What did He say about violence? In Matthew 26:52-54 Jesus said this: "Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?” After Peter struck the servant and cut off his ear, Jesus admonishes him for this act of violence. Violence, according to Jesus, does not have a positive end. It leads to destruction, and death. If the Lord wanted to, He could have called twelve legions of angels to rescue Him. But this was not His plan. His plan was to fulfill the Word of God. He knew that God's plan for Him was to die for the world, and to suffer death on the cross, for a world that had been disobedient towards God. He would show unconditional love instead of revenge. If we show the same attitude that Jesus showed, than our minds and hearts will be right, and these horrific acts of violence will not be a reality. GP
Photo by Stuart Miles. Published on 09 March 2015 Stock photo - Image ID: 100314437

My Kind Of Church

"Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit." (Ephesians 2:20-22) What church should we go to? What body of believers should we identify with? With so many various faith groups practicing today, these questions are very challenging. And today with churches compromising their stand against the moral issues of our day, what are we to do? I believe the Apostle Paul has an answer for us. The church of Jesus Christ is built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets. What they taught and stood for, is the same for us. The church we want to identify with, is the church where Jesus Christ is the cornerstone. Where we as living stones line up to His teachings, and His life example. A church where the Bible is taught, and practiced to the letter. Everyone will know what we are all about, and what we are to do, in dealing with the ideas, attitudes, and actions of the world. A place where we can be built together, to be a dwelling place for God, to abide by His Spirit. That is my kind of Church! Is It yours? GP
ID: 249955 © Gautier Willaume | Dreamstime Stock Photos

Understanding Our Purpose

"And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors, and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ." (Ephesians 4:11-12) The list could be longer, of those in the body of Christ, who have spiritual gifts, that are to be used to accomplish a two-fold purpose. First-"To equip the saints for the work of ministry." That is the ministry of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Sharing the "good news" that Jesus is Savior, and Lord, and when one comes to Him for salvation, they will have it. It also involves ministering to the special needs, that people have in this world. Second-"To edify the body of Christ" To build up the church, so that it can boldly and effectively be involved in ministry to the world. It bothers me that churches today do not have a sold grip on what the Lord's purpose is for them. They get so distracted and preoccupied with other things, that they lose site of what Jesus told us to do in His great commission (Matthew 28:18-20) And a lot of churches are closing, because of inner turmoil, and lack of interest. My challenge to us as Christians, is to really look at what we are about, and what we are to do, to further the kingdom of God here on earth. Right where we are, in our corner of this upside down world. GP
 Photo by Stuart Miles. Published on 09 May 2014 Stock photo - Image ID: 100259349
www.freedigitalphotos.net

Starting Early

"Then they brought young children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them." (Mark 10:13)
We always practiced in the (Churches of Christ/Christian churches - Restoration Movement) that when a child comes to understand what it means to accept Jesus Christ as Savior, and Lord of their lives, they are baptized into Christ by immersion. There are those who ask: "At what age will this happen?" It varies with the time of understanding, and maturity. Some will surrender their lives to Jesus Christ, earlier than others. We do not practice (as some faith groups do) the practice of infant baptism, because an infant does not comprehend what it means to "repent of sin", and to know the significance of what happens at baptism, when there is "remission of sins." (Acts 2:38) Young people need to understand, that of all the decisions one will make in their lives; the decision to step into the process of salvation, laid out in God's Word, is the most important decision one will ever make. They need to understand, that it is not about religion, as it is, having a relationship with Jesus Christ, now and forever. Jesus told the disciples, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God." (v.14) What a blessing to begin early, to walk with the Savior, and to experience the blessings of that walk, all of their lives.Yes, let's encourage them to come to Jesus! GP
 Royalty Free Stock Photos: Jesus With Children ID 19836208 © Regina555 | Dreamstime.com

Under Construction

"If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him." 
(1 John 2:29) 
As Christians, our goal is to be like Christ. Sad to say, that myself, and countless other Christians, miss the mark so much.
The attitudes of the world, come creeping into the church, and show their ugly heads. If we have the thinking that we come together as totally righteous people, we are walking in a delusion. Even though we have Jesus as our Savior, and are walking in new life, we are still like buildings under construction. The Apostle Paul spoke to the Christians at Philippi concerning his confidence in the work of Christ" "Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6) The Lord Jesus begins, at Baptism, to give us a new heart, and a new life. I have spoke of this a great deal in the past, that our becoming a whole person in Christ, is a process. From the time of our believing, trusting, repenting, confessing, stepping into the waters of baptism, to the daily applying the Word of God to our daily lives, is a long process, but a solid one. This process of becoming like Him, will be evidence that we are born of God, and becoming like Him in our character everyday. We are unfinished projects, but what a wonderful Job Jesus will do, if we will cooperate with Him. GP Photo by digitalart. Published on 29 May 2011 Stock photo - Image ID: 10043434
www.freedigitalphotos.com

Is It Possible?

"And he said, "Who are you Lord?" And the Lord said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It's hard for you to kick against the goads" (Acts 9:5) 
The conversion of the Apostle Paul is an amazing testimony to the reality of the existence of the Son of God, and to the power to change a life that was so ingrained, in the traditions and practice of the Jewish culture. The question arises: Can someone who is caught, and committed deeply to the way of the world, ever submit their lives to Jesus Christ? Is conversion possible for someone who is blatantly fastened to the world? Well, look at the Apostle Paul. A man in his thirties, who had a high rank in the Jewish government. Who was zealous in his pursuit of putting an end to the Christian movement. He stood by while Stephen was stoned (Acts 7:58) How could a man like this ever change? When Jesus confronted Saul of Tarsus (then) He described him as being like a stubborn a unyielding ox kicking against a goad, which was a sharp piece of iron stuck into the end of a heavy stick, which was to prod the animal on. Yes Saul of Tarsus was that stubborn. But Jesus turned this man around, and helped him to be the greatest evangelist the world has ever known. Yes, it is possible for change, even with the most stubborn. We as Christians, are to never give up with our message of Jesus Christ, and how through Him, people can find peace, and every spiritual blessing God has to offer. (Ephesians 1:3) GP Stock Photo: Cuban Oxen with Cuban Blackbird ID 42024812 © Joan Egert | Dreamstime.com

Keep Learning

"The counsel of the Lord stands forever, The plans of His heart to all generations." (Psalm 33:11) Where I am, school started today. The beginning of a new school year, where teaching and learning will take place for nine months. And even though I have been out of school for many years, I ask myself, what will I learn in this coming year? We all are students of life, and there are many lessons we will learn, not only in this coming year, but in the years to come.             My teacher has been, and will always be the Lord Jesus Christ. He told us to come to Him, and learn from Him (Matthew 11:29) As the Psalmist said: "The counsel of the Lord stands forever" His truth is always before us, to meditate on, and apply to our lives. Many do not see the value in coming to church, to study God's Word together.       To glean as much as we can from the pages of the Bible. Our society shows that we are so lacking of truth in our lives. We live the lies of the enemy, day after day. The thrills of this life, is for a season and then gone, and we are left with an emptiness and disappointment that won't go away. The Lord has a plan for each one of us. Are we desiring to find out what that is? Are we desiring to be and to do, all that the Lord expects us us. And in so doing, reaping a wealth of spiritual blessings, that surpass anything the world has to offer. School begins today! To sit at the feet of Jesus, and learn. Are we ready? GP Stock Photo: Keep Learning Sign ID 44687031 © Kianlin | Dreamstime.com

While We Wait

"Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass." (Psalm 37:7) So much of our time is spent waiting. A farmer waits for the time of harvest. We find ourselves in waiting rooms at medical clinics and hospitals.   We wait for our food to be prepared at restaurants. And we wait for trials to come to a close, after a lot of worry and sorrow. David gives us some good advice concerning our times of waiting, and especially in those times of trials and grief. He says: "Rest in the Lord.." Take advantage of that waiting time, to fellowship with the Lord, by yourself, and pursue that peace that only He can provide. If it is being in the Word of God for consolation and insight, or being in prayer, to unload our burdens upon the Lord, or both. Let's take advantage of our waiting time, to rest, and find peace in the Lord. And then David tells us to not get in a hurry, but "...wait patiently for Him.." to deliver us, and sustain us in His way, and in His time. Let's not be like those who bring wicked schemes to pass. They can't wait to get what they want, or to hurt whoever gets in their way. It's better to wait for what God has to offer, than to hurriedly pursue the things of the world, and end up distressed and disappointed. Waiting is not a bad thing, in fact it can be a productive experience, if only we will learn take advantage of its benefits. GP ID: 247718 © Charles Shapiro | Dreamstime Stock Photos www.dreamtime.com

Everyone Is Important

"Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as any had need." (Acts 2:44-45) Everyone was important, every one's needs were met in the early church. Although this was a young church, they displayed a very strong maturity in their dealings with one another. This is something that the church today should take notice of. A lot of local churches that have been around a long time, have still not learned to take advantages of the opportunities to minister to the needs of their members, or of those in their community. So much of the time we come to church to show off what we have, instead of sharing what we have. Whether it is a financial need, or a physical need, or a need to lend a listening ear. Everyone is important, and needs the time and attention of the other members of the body of Christ. "And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it." (1 Corinthians 12:26) I always have remembered these words: "They won't care how much you know, until they know how much you care!" Everyone wants to be cared about, so lets humble ourselves, and start caring. It will make a big difference in the unity of the family of God! GP
Stock Illustration: Sharing Economy People Team Pulling Word Working Together ID 56920054 © Iqoncept | Dreamstime.com

The Answer For Us, And America

Someone placed a copy of a painting on Facebook (R) by Jon McNaughton entitled "Separation Between Church And State" These are his comments about his painting on Facebook (R)
 *"In my description of the painting it says when Christ speaks from the pulpit: "He reminds them of the covenant which was made with the Founders of our Nation that He would protect and bless us if we would remember Him; and then Jesus opens the Holy Bible to Psalms 33: 12, and reads the verse: “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD.” *(jonmcnaughton Facebook  Page) The interpretation of "Separation of Church and State" is NOT what the Founders had in mind. Today's government is anti-God, anti-Christian, and the Founders would shudder at the atrocities performed today under the guise of secularism. Our country is on a fast track to imploding." (You can see his painting at jonmcnaughton.com) As Christians we must take seriously where our nation is at, and strive to impact America for Jesus Christ. In our various personal ministries, we can help people to see the importance of being the God-fearing people we are supposed to be. And in government, as well as in every area of influence, we can make an impact for Jesus Christ. God is counting on us to take a stand, and let our voice be heard among the people. There are more important things to talk about than the weather, and sports, there is Jesus Christ! He is the answer for us, and for America! GP Stock Images: Separation of church and state ID 16296864 © Mark Hayes | Dreamstime.com

How To Fix America

"If my people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and heal their land."       (2 Chronicles 7:14) I heard it mentioned several times during the GOP Presidential debate last night (8/6/2015) that this country (America) is broke and needs to be fixed, and I am the person to do that! No matter what the candidates plan to do, to fix America, there is no better answer to the problems that America has, than that which God told Solomon in our text.           It begins with humility. Instead of thinking we are gods, we need to turn to the true God, for direction and restoration for this nation. Indeed we need to pray to God together, and ask for His direction and help. He has the answers, so why don't we ask Him for them? And last, but not least, we need to repent of our wicked ways. Yes, murder, lying, sexual sins, stealing, involvement in immoral activities. It's high time we repent of these things, and desire to do things God's Way. And the promise is that God will fix America. "He will hear from heaven, and heal our land."  I would like to hear a candidate (for the presidency) advocate these three actions, in His plan to help fix America. Would it be accepted? I pray that it would! GP ID 2759535 © Charlie Hutton | Dreamstime.com

Braving Bullying

"A bully is someone who uses “physical, emotional, or verbal intimidation to control others.” Here are some of the defining characteristics of a bully: Lacks empathy for others. Needs to control others. Gets angry quickly.Constantly reminds others of their weaknesses. Picks on those who don’t comply to his expectations. Makes others afraid through threats. Uses physical aggression to intimidate and control. Defies any who would share or correct his power. Do you know any bullies? (Sermonnotebook.org) I know with school starting all across this nation, our young people will be dealing with bullying. Not just face to face, but on the internet as well. Remember that David dealt with a bully in 1 Samuel 17. Goliath the Philistine giant was bullying the whole army of Israel. David saw that all of the members of Saul's army was intimidated, so he took it upon himself to take that giant down. How did David deal with this bully? Read these verses of Scripture: First With Courage (1 Samuel 17:37) Second With Conviction (1 Samuel 17:40) Third with Confidence (1 Samuel 17:41-47) By walking in the wisdom and power of the Lord, we will be able to stand up to any bully that comes our way. As Paul told Timothy. "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love, and of a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7) ID 6543158 © Isabel Poulin | Dreamstime.com

Liberalism & Christian Liberty

"a political or social philosophy advocating the freedom of the individual, parliamentary systems of government, nonviolent modification of political, social, or economic institutions to assure unrestricted development in all spheres of human endeavor, and governmental guarantees of individual rights and civil liberties." (Dictionary.com) This is a mouthful, but this is the dictionary's definition of liberalism. I catch the word "freedom" in this definition. Is liberalism a plea to be free to do whatever we want? To relinquish as many, or all restrictions upon our lives? As Christians, we have freedom, but that freedom is found within the boundaries of the Kingdom of God. Our freedom is found in our life in Christ. "Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." (2 Corinthians 3:17) The freedom of a righteous life, a pure life, is a life that is not in bondage by the disappointment, despair, and destruction of sin. Can people be happy while living in sin? Does constant immorality make us happy? Maybe for awhile, until it begins it's destructive path, that not only affects us, but others, who have been affected by our sins. God's Word, His laws are to protect us, and to keep us, from being enslaved by sin, and it's destructive consequences. I say to liberalism: I am not my own. I belong to Jesus Christ, and the joy, peace, and satisfaction I find in Him, are products of the freedom, I find in Him, and Him alone! GP Photo by Stuart Miles. Published on 17 September 2014 www.freedigitalphotos.com

Of One Mind

" So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,..." (Philippians 2:1-5) What does it take in the church to be of the same mind? To answer this question, is to ask another question, and that is: How can we all have the "mind of Christ"?           I believe it begins by humbling ourselves, and committing to the study and application of the teachings, and life of Jesus. The more we study it, and the more we study it together, the more we will come to be like the one we are studying about. When we learn and live out the characteristics of Jesus, the more we will be in one accord. The rivalry and conceit that the enemy wants us to major in, will not exist in our partnership in Christ. We will be like Jesus, and will be looking out for the interests of others, instead of our own. When we all resemble Jesus (even in our diversity,)it will help us to maintain harmony, and develop a solid unity. GP Photo by Ambro. Published on 25 June 2011 www.freedigitalphotos.net