The Right Debate

"But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame." (1 Peter 3:15-16)

It seems that debating is a popular activity these days. Especially with the presidential election coming up. We just had one of three presidential debates, and debating on who is the better candidate, is the priority focus of news programs, and talk shows.

In our text Peter shares with his readers, the importance of giving a defense for the Lord, but doing it in a way that brings honor and glory, to the Lord.
As the Lord is holy (set-apart), we are to be holy, in our speech, and conduct.

We are to always be prepared to give a reason, for the hope that we have in Jesus Christ. What a wonderful privilege, to be able to share about the person, who has, and is, making such a huge difference in our lives.

But don't be surprised, if you encounter strong opposition to what you believe, and hold dear in your heart, about the Lord. There may come a strong debate about your Christian convictions, even slander. If this happens, Peter tells us to respond in gentleness and respect, having our good behavior be a testimony of how the Lord is living in us, and helping us to put forth good character.

It is both in what we say, and how we act, while we are saying it, that will either glorify the Lord, or put the Lord to shame. And yes, people are watching us, as they are watching the debates that are going on today.

In closing: It's not about winning the argument, but rather answering the question: Did people hear about the Lord Jesus Christ, and how He can make a big difference in people's lives? GP

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One Thing You Can Take To The Bank

Outline By Alan Carr www.sermonoutlines.org 2 Peter 3:1-9

Every time I visit my hometown in Wisconsin,
I see change. Buildings that were once there, are torn down.Where farms used to be, there are housing developments.Its the same with people.

When I visit with relatives, I haven't seen in awhile, I see that the aging process has been at work. They see it in me as well.
"We are changing all the time. We change our clothes, we change our minds, we change directions, we change jobs, we change cars, and we change moods in an instant."

(1) But the one thing that doesn't change, is the promises of God. Jesus made it crystal clear in Revelation 22:20, that He is returning to this world.
"He who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming quickly." Amen. Even so Come Lord Jesus!"

The Prophets prophesied of Jesus' coming to this earth, years before He came. He fulfilled all the prophecies, right down to the nail. He will do it again.
And that we cant take to the bank.

Why Can we be Assured Of This Promise? (Three Reasons)
1. THE ASSURANCE OF THE SCRIPTURES (2 Peter 3:1-2)
2. THE IGNORANCE OF THE SCOFFERS (2 Peter 3:3-7)
3. THE PATIENCE OF THE SAVIOR (2 Peter 3:8-9) (1)

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The Gift Of Drawing Near

"Let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water." (Hebrews 10:22) 

The most precious possession that one can have, is the gift of fellowship with God. It is a gift, because it is apart of His grace.

"Within the Old Testament tabernacle, was a thick veil, that served as a separator, a dividing barrier, between God and the people. Beyond this, the tabernacle was sanctified, and set apart as a holy place. This spared the people, from an outbreak from God, that would have destroyed them (Exodus 33:5) Also, the Tabernacle was a place of sacrifice, so that the sins of the Israelites could be atoned for. While the solution was not permanent, it did facilitate communion between God, and His people. (Bible.org)

When Jesus was crucified, that thick veil was rent, from top to bottom, telling, that now, all people, Jews & Gentiles, who are in Christ, can come boldly, to the throne of Grace. We can have access to God, now and forever.

And then the question comes: Why don't we want to take advantage of this precious opportunity? Why are we so focused on other things? worldly things, that we do not draw near to God?
Yes, in times of trial, we feel the need to, but why not all the time?

We are to come before God with a sincere heart, in full assurance of faith.
As a people who have been made clean from our evil consciences, and bodies that (at baptism) have been cleansed. Every part of us, is set right, to have fellowship with a holy, righteous, loving, and powerful God.

As the song says: "People Need The Lord!" We need to draw near to Him, and to keep ourselves near to Him. To abide with Him, all of our lives. It is a gift that has more benefits that we can imagine.

Thank you Lord Jesus, for making this happen for us! GP

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EXAMINING CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

As Christians we are called unto the fellowship of Jesus Christ.
We are to find our place in the body of Christ. As tools in the Master's tool box, we all have our purpose as instruments of ministry to the world, and to the church.

It should be as smooth as can be, to take our place, and do our part. But when there is division in the fellowship, when there is self-contentedness, and an inward focus, it makes it hard to find a space,
and accomplish Kingdom work, as a Kingdom worker.

Our English word "fellowship" is the translation of the Greek word "Koinonia"
This Greek word is derived from the root, "Koinos" which has a prefix in Ancient Greek. If you were to add this prefix to words meaning "living" "owning a purse" a dispute, and mother, you would get words meaning; living in a community together, owning a purse in common, a public dispute, and having a mother in common. So we see that the root of the word"fellowship" means "to hold something in common." It is more than just a word that describes our social gatherings. As Christians, we hold someone in common. That someone is Jesus Christ.

Theme: Let's look at 1 Corinthians 1:9-10, and examine our Christian fellowship more closely.
THE FOUNDATION OF OUR FELLOWSHIP.
(1 Corinthians 1:9) What is the origin of our Christian fellowship? It begins with God faithfully calling us into fellowship with His Son (Read 1 John 1:7)
The vertical relationship (with God) must be right before the horizontal relationships (with others) will be right.
THE FRAMEWORK OF OUR FELLOWSHIP
(1 Corinthians 1:10) The Apostle Paul addresses the problem of division in the church at Corinth. In so doing, he establishes here the proper framework for solid Christian fellowship.We can apply what he presents here. He pleads with them in the name of the Lord Jesus to:
1. Speak the same thing. (Agree in the Lord)
2. Let there be no divisions among you.
3. Be joined together in the same mind. (Phil.2:1-5)
4. Have the same judgment. (Thought & Purpose)
Conclusion: TEAM=Together, Each, Accomplishes, More. GP

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Boasting In Us, Or In Christ

"But may it never be that I should boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." (Galatians 6:14)

 How do you feel about your past?

There are some that just can't get past their past experiences, They are trapped by guilt, and resentment. And there are some who glory in their past.

Many have written books on their past struggles with alcoholism, and drug addiction, child abuse, and sexual abuse. I do admire the effort, and success of those who overcame these experiences. But I wonder, especially with our young people.
If after reading, and hearing these stories, if they don't think, "If I had a story of struggle with something to tell about, maybe people would listen to me, and value me? 

The Apostle Paul did mention his past, in his letter to the church at Philippi.
He said that at one time, he felt that he had grounds for having confidence in the flesh. But he said that he put it all behind him, and counted all of his past experiences, and accomplishments, as rubbish, that he might pursue his greatest goal, and that is to know Jesus Christ, as his Savior, and Lord of his life. (Philippians 3)

In our text, Paul says, I am never going to boast about anything (my past efforts, accomplishments). The only thing I am going to boast about, is in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. It was at the cross that Jesus put to death our sins. In accepting Him as Savior, we are putting to death, and burying (at baptism) our sinful and miserable past, to be experienced no more.

The credit should go to Jesus Christ. Our story of redemption, and deliverance should be centered in Jesus Christ, not in us. Yes, we have "a story to tell to the nations." It is not a story of self-help, but a story of divine help. If we are dead to the world, our story should be, of how we are alive in Christ, and how we are heaven bound! GP

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Rest In Our Distress

"For the enemy has persecuted my soul; He has crushed my life to the ground; He has made me dwell in dark places, like those who have long been dead. Therefore my spirit is overwhelmed within me; My heart is appalled within me."(Psalm 143:3-4)

 As I write this post, I know that there are many who feel like David, who was very overwhelmed in his spirit. Dealing with those who were oppressing him. It became more than he could handle by himself. And He pleas with the Lord to answer his prayer quickly, because his spirit is failing.

I don't know what you are dealing with today. There are so many challenges in this life, that we face on a daily basis. But I like the last line of words in (v.9) David says: "I take refuge in Thee." 
David knew that He had someone to hold on to, until the storm passed, and he could see the clouds of his trial, break up, and go away. The best person to hold on to, is the Lord.

Have you accepted the Lord as Savior of your sins? Have you determined that as you journey through this life, that you want the Good Shepherd to care for your every need? The Lord promises to be both to you. Having peace with God, we can enjoy the peace He gives, in those times when our spirit is overwhelmed within us. It's great to know that, as Christians, we have someone who will provide rest, in our distress (Matthew 11:28-30) GP

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Power In The Blood

"Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God." (Romans 5:9) 

"What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
Oh! precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow. 
No other fount I know,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus." (Author-Robert Lowry) 

Why is the blood of Jesus so important? I hope you will take time to look up these Scriptures, to see what the blood of Jesus accomplishes:
*"Provides Forgiveness of our sins: (Hebrews 9:22)
Gives you life: (John 6:53)
Brings you close to God: (Ephesians 2:15)
Cleanses your conscience: (Hebrews 9:14)
Gives you boldness to approach God: (Hebrews 10:19)/
Sanctifies you: (Hebrews 13:12)
Cleanses you: (1 John 1:7)
Heals you: (1 Peter 2:24)
Enables you to overcome the devil and his works: (Revelation 12:11)
(*walkingbyfaith.tv/journal/single-article/81)

"Your natural blood supplies life-giving oxygen and nutrients to every cell in your body. If the flow of blood were to get cut off from an area of your body, that part would begin to die. Spiritually speaking, any part of your life that is cut off from the blood of Jesus is dead or dying." (*walkingbyfaith.tv/journal/single-article/81)

Have you been cleansed by the blood of the Lamb? You can do it today, and receive the new life, that the Savior wants so much, for you to have! GP

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A Balcony Person

"Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others." 
(Philippians 2:3-4) 

I remember a movie line from the movie
"The Rookie" "Your grandfather once told me it was ok to think about what you want to do, until it was time to start doing what you were meant to do." 

It would be great in our society, if we could get our minds off ourselves, and focus on what we were meant to be, and to do. When our Lord Jesus, came to this earth, He came to do what He was meant to do, and that was, to be the Savior of the world. He was meant to bring light and hope to this dark world. And that's just what He did.

The apostle Paul tells us in our text, what we as Christians are meant to do.
We are to put aside our selfish ambition, and focus on the needs of others. Yes, there are things that we want to accomplish, goals we want to attain.
But too often we gain those pursuits at the expense of others. It is a competitive world out there, and getting more so, every year.

How many people know what it feels like to be a balcony person.
"A Balcony Person brings people to a higher place – where they can flourish, live freely, pursue their passions, & become better human beings. Balcony People encourage, help, give, serve, are considerate, enthusiastic & joyful, quick to forgive, good listeners, diligent, compassionate. They make people’s lives better. They also make PEOPLE better .They know how to encourage others to grow into the best version of themselves" (youaretheoneiwant.com) 

It should never be about us. We will be blessed by God, when we bless others, with our love, and concern, instead of our selfishness. GP

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"This Is The Way, Walk In It"

"And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left." (Isaiah 30:21)

 We have all heard it said in regards to making decisions, that there comes a time when:
"We must follow our heart." 
When it comes to doing the right thing, what is our heart telling us?

 But we are told in Scripture to "not lean on our own understanding"
(Proverbs 3:5) but to follow God's guidance.
Then the question comes: "What is God wanting me to do in this specific situation? 

I believe that when we put all our selfish motives away, that cloud our thinking, we will be better able to come to an understanding of what God's will is for us. The nation of Israel needed to repent, and turn away from idol worship. They needed to place self aside, and then be sensitive to hear the Word of the Lord behind them, saying "This is the way, walk in it" (v.21) 

It's not easy to know the will of God. But it will be made easier, when we humble ourselves, and submit to the teachings, and providence of God.
The more that we seek the wisdom of God, the more likely we will understand, what He has for us to know, and to do.

And open heart to God's Word, leads to a productive life. So today, let's commit to allowing the Word of God to speak to our challenging situations. What we cannot fix, God can, and will, if only we will trust in His wisdom, and guidance, instead of our own. GP

That Which We See

"And if your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than your whole body to be cast into hell." (Matthew 5:29)

These are very serious words. Words that strongly encourage us to exercise self-control, concerning what we see, what we think, and especially what we do.

For us men, Just the thought of lusting after a woman in our sights, is the seed for committing adultery.(Matthew 5:28) If you have thought it, you have done it, in your heart. We may say, that this is very strict teaching. But the reality is, if we don't take our thoughts captive to Jesus right away (2 Corinthians 10:5) they will captivate us, and motivate us to sinful activity.

The Venus Flytrap can digest an insect in about 10 days. The process begins when an unsuspecting bug smells nectar on the leaves that form the trap. When the insect investigates, it crawls into the jaws of the plant. The leaves clamp shut within half a second and digestive juices dissolve the bug.
(Our Daily Bread 4/12/2016) 

The Bible gives us warnings, such as this one by Jesus, that there are boundaries we must honor. We are to allow the Holy Spirit to control our responses, to what we see, and what we take into our hearts.

How many times have we allowed ourselves to go beyond the will of God, saying: "I can do it just this time" But it won't be the only time, will it?
It's time to take these warnings to heart! GP

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Never Alone

"God is our refuge and strength, and very present help in trouble." (Psalm 46:1)

 We have heard this advice before; "that we should never run away from our problems, but face them head on." We should never stick our heads in the sand, but stand confidently before our mountain of trouble.

I don't know about you, but I am aware of my personal limitations. And even though I agree that one should never run away from their problems, I am glad that I have an awesome God, who stands beside me, as I stand before my mountain of trouble.

To act like I am superman, and try to conquer my mountain of trouble, all by myself, is a huge delusion. Our text tells us, of what God wants to be for us.
He wants to be our refuge, and strength. He wants us to come to Him, with all our troubles, no matter if they are big, or small.

Our text tells us that God is a very present help. In other words, He will always be there with us. For reasons we may not understand, God will not always take us out of the trial, or lessen it. But the promise is; He will always be with us, and see us through our trouble. I am thankful for that precious gift. If there is ever a time when we feel alone, it is when trouble arrives.
Thank God, were not! GP

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The Diligent Hand

"A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. (Proverbs 10:4) 

As in many things, hard work pays fulfilling dividends. It is great satisfaction to look back at what you have been working on, and see the progress you have made.

Can we say that about our Christian lives? Because without a doubt, it takes hard work, to get to that level of spiritual maturity God wants us to achieve. As I have said before, the Christian life is a life of discipline, and hard work.

The gifts that the apostle Paul mentions at the end of 1 Corinthians 13, are faith, hope, and love.They are not just precious remaining gifts to execute, but they are marks of spiritual maturity. Just where are you in your maturity in these areas?

The working to have an intimate, strong relationship with the Lord, takes time in prayer, and study of the Word of God. In the time of life's challenges, we work to learn and apply God's truths, to our situations.

We roll up our sleeves, and work to accomplish God's will, in every area of our lives. The Christian life is not the place for the "slack hand", but it is the place for the "diligent." And rich in God's blessings, we will be! GP

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Be Still, And Know That I Am God

"Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." (Psalm 46:10)

 When I read this verse of Scripture, I think of us being like a little boy, who won't sit still in a barber's chair, to get a hair cut. How many times, have we been so busy with the affairs of our lives, that we ignore the workings of God.

God has a greater purpose and plan for us, but we are too busy working at our own plans to see it. And when problems arise, we won't stop, and go to God for answers, and for deliverance. No, we have to try and work things out ourselves. There are times when we are successful, but how many times have we not been successful, because we did not know what to do.

It is better to just be still, and watch God, bring things together, for our good. To have understanding, and to obtain wisdom, for life, is to stop talking, and stirring, and let God show us what is possible, and what His purpose is for us, in every event, that takes place in our lives.

We need to take time to be in God's Word, and in precious fellowship with Him, by prayer. and let God show us, that He is indeed God. That He is in control, and that He always will have our best interest at heart! GP

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Wisdom For Worry

"Which of you by worrying, can add one cubit to his stature?" (Matthew 6:27) 

Have you worried about possible events, that if they took place, they would affect your life in a major negative way? If this certain thing happens, we don't know what we would do, because we don't have the resources to make it right.

The more we worry about the possibility of negative things happening, the more we become afraid, and discouraged. The fact is, that negative things will happen to us, and the question is, how will we respond to them? Yes negative happenings do not right themselves over-night, and it may take some time, to get things back on track again.

From the passage of Scripture where our text comes from (Matthew 6:25-34) Jesus is encouraging His disciples (and us) not to worry about how we are going to be taken care of. If God takes care of the flowers of the field, and the birds of the air, He will definitely take care of us.

I have stressed the word "process" in other writings, in regard to God's working in the lives of people. I believe here it applies as well. God in His time, and through people around us, will provide the necessary resources, to take care of our needs.

We can panic, and fret about what could happen. It would be much better to let life happen, and trust God, that in His time, and in His way, He will work all things together for good. (Romans 8:28) GP 

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