A Voice Of Reason

 

"So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:18-20) 

Where is the voice of the church today? Greg Baker writes: "According to the Bible, government is an institution established by God with the primary purpose to punish evil and praise those who do good (see Romans 13 and 1 Peter 2). Yet how can government determine good and evil without God? Without the voice of the Church rightly proclaiming the truths of Scripture? To do its job successfully, the government needs the Church to fulfill the proper role of spiritual guide and counselor." 

 ( Greg Baker Commentary - Greg Baker is The FAMiLY LEADER Foundation’s vice president of church engagement.) 

It seems to me, that our society has told (we the church) to crawl in a corner, and be quiet concerning the issues we face in our nation today. As Christians, we may not have all the answers to all the problems we deal with in this country; but we know the One who is the answer to all that we deal with in our lives, and the lives of others. That is our Lord Jesus Christ. 

 In our text the apostles were told by the authorities, to not speak concerning the things of our Lord. But Peter and John said, "they could not be silent about what they had seen and heard." If there was ever a time to speak out concerning Jesus, IT IS NOW! People need to hear the Word of God, they need to hear about the hope they can find in Jesus Christ. Our nation needs a Savior, and a Shepherd. Who are they going to hear it from, if they don't hear it from us? And it's not just by our lips, but by our lives, that will speak boldly concerning the Lord Jesus Christ!

Look at the mess we have made of things, on our own. We are so selfish, and divided today. The path we are on, is not the path of God's will, but a path of darkness and destruction. There needs to be a voice of reason. And the church needs to be that voice or reason today! Making the most of every opportunity, we as the Lord's church, can share the truth of God's Word, and live a life of faith, hope, and love (1 Cor.13) so the world will hear, and know without a doubt concerning God's will for their lives! GP 

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The Best Answer We Can Have

 

"And Simon Peter answered and said, "You are the Christ, the Son Of the living God." (Matthew 16:16) 

After Jesus enters the region of Caesarea Philippi (which is north of the region of Galilee) He gives His disciples more than a pop quiz. It is a direct question concerning His identity; "Who do men say that I, the Son of Man am?" The disciples try to answer by saying: "Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah, or one of the the prophets." Then Jesus responds with an additional question; one that is a challenge to their thinking. "He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" 

I can just see Peter saying to himself: "I think I know this one!" And boy does he ever. And Peter speaks up and says: "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God!" Right away Jesus commends Peter for coming up with the right answer. 

The question of this post-article today is: How is Peter's answer the best answer for us today? This statement of the true identity of Jesus Christ should be shown in all that we say and do. 

As people watch our walk, what do they see? Do they see that we truly believe that Jesus is the "Christ" (which in the Greek means "anointed one")? As the Old Testament predicted, that God would send a chosen one - the Messiah - to save the world from sin. Jesus came to fulfill God's plan for the ages, and save man-kind from the penalty of Sin. 

Do we live everyday in great gratitude and praise for our redemption, and future eternal hope. Nothing matters more than our relationship with our Savior, Jesus Christ. Everyday we say no to the world, and yes, to Him. Jesus willingly came, to fulfill His role as Savior. Have we personally accepted Him as our Savior? Do we live, and act like we are saved? 

 In Peter's answer he goes on to identify Jesus as "the Son Of The Living God." Jesus is more than a good man, or a good teacher, but He is the divine "Son Of The Living God." In our daily lives do we recognize Jesus as the second person of the God-head. Do we worship Him, live for Him, witness for Him, every opportunity that comes our way. 

 Peter had his faults, as we all do. He learned as he went along, just who Jesus was to Him. He learned that the answer he gave at this time, was the right answer, and the best answer to the questionable world. And it will be the same for us. This answer is the best answer we have for our lives, and the lives of others! GP 

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Stand Up, Stand Up, For Jesus!

 

"Finally Saul son of Kish was chosen. But when they looked for him, he was not to be found. So they inquired further of the Lord, "Has the man come here yet?"And the Lord said, "Yes, he has hidden himself among the baggage." (1 Samuel 10:21-22) 

In 1991 Aaron Tippen recorded a song entitled "You've Got To Stand For Something" The main line of the song, goes: "You've got to stand for something, or you'll fall for anything." I ask us as Christians, what are we standing up for? Where is our voice, when our society is getting so far from the Word of God. 

One thing that is urgent, and that is the need to speak out against the hatred, that is so prevalent in this Country. In homes, schools, government, organizations etc. there is so much hate that is expressed. 

And yes, even in the church! 

When Saul was chosen to be king of Israel, he didn't come out and make himself ready to accept the position. No he hid among the baggage. He was not confident, but very insecure. Is that the way we as the Lord's church is today? I would boldly say, Yes! 

Our freedoms, our values, are being stripped away, and we are not voicing our concerns about it. We cannot just crawl in a corner of the world's baggage and hide. Wherever we are as Christians, in our corners of the world, we need to speak loudly concerning the will of God. 

God is counting on us to do so. 

As the Christian community, let us stand up for Jesus, stand up for the Bible, and stand up for the principles, this Nation was founded on. 

Let's stand, and Stand firm! GP 

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Giving The Living Water

"Jesus answered and said to her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you 'Give Me a drink,' you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water." (John 4:10) 

One of the questions Christians ask is: "How can I be an effective witness for Jesus?" "How can I be a success at soul-winning?"

 The first thing that Jesus did, when speaking with the Samaritan woman, was to establish some common ground. What was that common ground? It was WATER! (v.7) They both had come for water at Jacob's Well. Could it be a cup of coffee? or groceries at a grocery store? Some type of common social inter-action, in your social circle? As we make contact with people, in our various social worlds, there has to be some common ground we can establish in order to connect with people.

The second thing that Jesus did, was to offer the gift of Himself. (v.10) He is the one who is the gift of God to the world. And in His possession is "living water." All that we need is found in Jesus Christ. He brings to our lives, salvation from sin, satisfaction and contentment, Joy and peace. This "living water" is a symbol of all that we find in Christ.

The opportunity to offer Jesus, may not come as quickly as it did with the Samaritan woman. But in the process of time, we need to seize the opportunity to offer Jesus to those we know, who need Him so much.
It may take some time to get to know a person, before an opportunity comes to share about Him. When it does, we need to be ready.

If we are open to the Holy Spirit's leading, we will be effective in giving this "living water" to those who mightily need to receive it from our Lord Jesus Christ! GP

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The Right Reflection

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:16) 

One of the men in the church I presently serve, wears a bright florescent green stocking cap, when he is out walking.
When the light beams from cars hit his cap, it shows up very bright.                     Motorists definitely see him, from good distance away.

I believe the light that Matthew speaks of in our text, is the light of Jesus Christ. We are to show the light of Christ in the good works that we do. The good work, of ministering to the needs of those around us. Taking advantage of the opportunities to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

As the apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 10:31 "Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."
The selfishness that has appeared like a dark shadow, in our hearts, has dimmed our light for Christ. The world is not seeing Him totally, but seeing us. It is never to be about us, in our Christian walk. But it is about how we can make a difference for Jesus Christ.

In this dark world, we are to hold out the light of Christ, for people who are lost in sin, and uncertainty. To help people find, as Michael W Smith says in his song: "Place In This World." 
Their place in this world is to be with Jesus Christ, now and forever.

With our light, shining from us, they will come to find Him, and embrace Him forever. GP

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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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How To Impact Our Culture?

"So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking of bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart." (Acts 2:46) 

These precious families of the early church demonstrated a lifestyle that was godly and sincere. Up against the traditions of the Jewish religion, and the immoral environment of the Roman empire, they displayed a lifestyle that was a strong witness to the society of their day.

How we as the church today, are to follow their example. I am so fasinated with the early Christians, with their steadfastness and sincerity. Daily they were seen in the temple, worshipping God, and enjoying a wonderful fellowship with one another, as they observed the Lord's Supper, and ate their meals together. While the inner circle of the Roman empire was slowly deteriorating, the Church (In spite of persecution) was growing, and thriving.

How can we impact our culture today? By being committed to our worship of the Lord, and being committed to ministering to those in need around us.
We can make a difference for Jesus Christ, if only we will determine to do so! GP

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Talking About Jesus

"For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard." (Acts 4:20)

 When Peter and John were told by the authorities to not speak, or teach in the name of Jesus, they gave them their response in our text.

 If we were to give the same answer today, what would we say concerning the things that we have seen and heard, concerning Jesus Christ? We were not with the apostles when they were with Jesus. We did not witness the miracles He performed as they did.
We were not there when He gave His teachings.

 But could we say, that we have read the Gospels, which are for our information, and testimony today? Could we say that we have seen the way that Jesus has worked in our lives, and the lives of others? We are not going to keep quiet about Jesus, because He lives today, and shows Himself to us, each and every day.

 I have shared these words a lot in the time that I have been in the ministry. "You cannot lead someone to a place that you have never been." No we were not there with the apostles, when they were with Jesus. But we can spend time with the Lord everyday. Being in His Word, and fellowshipping with Him in prayer, and watching Him work in our lives, as we minister on His behalf.

The apostles were very excited to talk about Jesus. Shouldn't we be excited as well? GP

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