Taking Up Our Cross!

"And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me." (Matthew 10:38) 

In the time that Jesus spoke these words, his hearers knew full well what a cross was. *"When the Roman General, Varus, had broken the revolt of Judas of Galilee, he crucified two thousand Jews, and placed their crosses by the wayside, along the roads to Galilee.
In the Ancient days the criminal did actually carry the cross-beam of his cross to the place of crucifixion, and the men to whom Jesus spoke had seen people staggering under the weight of their crosses, and dying in agony upon them."

The cross meant extreme suffering and death for those who were victims of war, or criminals who were punished for their crimes.
As Christians today, we cannot fathom what severe humility, and agony this experience held. But we take from Jesus words here, that to be His followers, we must be willing to go through whatever suffering comes our way, for His sake, or we are not worthy of Him.

I have asked myself this question many times: "Am I willing to suffer, and die for Jesus, if called upon? How far will my love go for Him?
It is a very serious and solemn question. To be a martyr for Jesus. Could I do it? It means more than crucifying the old lifestyle, or putting to death the old sinful person. Taking up our cross, means being willing to lay down our life for Him, if need be. Do we love Jesus that much?

"Peter said to Him, "Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You! and said all the disciples." (Matthew 26:35) and yet Peter denied Him three times.

To come to the cross for salvation, is essential, and to take it up, as we journey through this life, is required as well. There is no getting around it. But in loving Jesus totally, why would we not want to? GP

 * William Barclay.

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Cross Examination

 

Cross Examination 

"I Have been crucified with Christ, it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me, and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son Of God who loved me and gave Himself up for me." (Galatians 2:20) 

 "A cross-examination is the act of the opposing party questioning the witness during a trial. Generally, a witness is initially questioned by the party who called them to the stand on direct examination." (http://law.cornell.edu>wex) 

  As we approach Easter, the first thing we should do is take a good look at the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. What does the cross say to us? To those who are living outside of a saving relationship with Jesus Christ, and those who have given their lives to be "In Christ?" 

  Truly the cross of Christ, calls us to have our hearts examined. What does the cross of Christ ask of us? I believe the apostle Paul has the answers to this, in his statement in our text: Galatians 2:20. 

Question One: Have we died with Jesus Christ? Have we crucified our old sinful life, and nature? Have we put to death the old man of sin, to put on the new man or woman in Christ? Have we crucified and buried the old life (through baptism in Christ) to be raised to walk in newness of life? (Romans 6:4) 

Question Two: Have we begun to live by faith, instead of trusting ourselves, and living for ourselves? The cross examines our hearts to see if we are willing to walk in the direction and guidance of our Lord Jesus Christ, instead of walking according to the wisdom, and deception of the world? 

Question Three: Do we understand that the cross displays the sacrificial death of Christ for the world, that truly, sincerely, it shows the love of our Savior? And that that love is for each one of us, who are apart of this dark sinful world. (John 3:16) 

Question Four: In light of what was done on the Cross of Calvary, what will you do today? Will you lay down your life before the Cross, and let Jesus be the Savior you need today? 

Question Five: And as Christians, will we continually share the "Good News" that in coming to the cross, we can have a renewed relationship with our awesome, eternal loving God, by totally submitting our lives to Him? 

  The Cross of Jesus, calls us to the stand, and examines our hearts, to show us, just where we are in our relationship with Jesus Christ. 

To make us realize that we are sinners, and we need a Savior. The cross is a reminder that a Savior came, and He bled and died on that cruel and agonizing cross, taking our place, being punished for our sinfulness and rebellion against God. A reminder that the only way that we can be saved, and have the eternal hope only God gives, is to lay down our lives at the cross, and totally put to death the old life, to walk in the new life, God promises ,through His Son Jesus Christ. 

  As witnesses are asked before giving their testimony: "Do you swear to tell the truth, nothing but the truth, so help you God?" When you come to the cross of Christ, will you be totally honest with yourself, and see yourself in light of what God wants you to be, and to do? What is your answer to Him today? GP 

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When We Hurt Someone!

 

When We Hurt Someone!

" Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." (Ephesians 4:31-32)

    Many times in our lives, we are going to be hurt by someone, or we will hurt someone. This hurt will come about not just by our behavior, but by our words. There are times when words can be worse than a slap in the face. I don't know about you, but it seems that we are really getting ugly towards one another. In our text, the apostle Paul instructs the Christian's at Ephesus, to deal with the problem of causing hurt in our relationships in two ways.

1. There are some negative behavior we need to get rid of.
I don't feel we need to define this behavior, such as "bitterness, rage, anger, brawling, slander, along with every form of malice." We see this negative behavior all the time in various areas of our society. We may have been, or are involved in in this type of behavior right now. Paul says that we as Christians need to get rid of it. There is to be no place for this type of behavior in the Christian life. It is not to be seen in the church at all. The devil wants it's to always be a fight. And fight we will. This list of negative behavior leads one down a path of division and destruction. It is a tearing down of character, trust, and unity.

2. There are attitudes and actions that need to be maintained.
We are to be "kind, and compassionate to one another." We are to forgive one another, just as In Christ, God forgave you." These are building blocks to solid relationships. Forgiven people ought to forgive people. The greatest gift God gave us is Love. (1 Cor.13:13). Shouldn't we be giving love as well? We will be hurt by people. (Forgive) We will hurt people. (Be kind, compassionate) How can we make our world a better place? This is where it's at! GP

1. Do you think it is possible to get through this life without being hurt? Or by not hurting others?

2. Why does the apostle Paul emphasize that we must totally get rid of the negative attitudes and actions in our relationships?
3. How does maintaining the positive attitudes, and actions the apostle Paul mentions, work to develop solid relationships?

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Would You Consider Financially Supporting The Christian Journeyman?

 

The Christian Journeyman

Pastor Gary Patterson

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Stepping Into Hell

 

"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 for your whole body to be cast into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. (Matthew 5:29-30) 

In 1997 Chinese firefighters succeeded in putting out a 400 year old fire. The fire in the Baiyanghe coalfield started in 1560. The fire consumed over 127 million tons of coal before it was extinguished. Four hundred years is a long time, but it is nothing in view of eternity. The fires of Hell will never end or be put out. (Ministry 127) 

In our text Jesus made it clear to His listeners, the seriousness of ending up in hell. In Matthew chapter 5, He said that the activity of sin is more than just the act of sin, but the thought of sin. In regards to murder, if the desire to kill is in the heart, it is sin. In regards to adultery, if you look at a woman, and lust after her, you have committed adultery in your heart. 

And it is better to pluck out your eye, or cast off your right hand, then for your whole body to be cast into hell. I believe that these words were spoken to frighten us, and cause us to really think seriously about our thoughts, and behavior. If we do not discipline ourselves, and exercise a strong self-control, we are positioning ourselves to step into hell. And we don't want that! 

I truly believe that a strong relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ will help us to maintain a strong discipline concerning our thoughts and actions. Through the application of His teachings, and constant prayer, we will stay in a protective position to experience the blessings of God, instead of the threatening torment of an eternal hell. 

So Jesus gives us a challenge of what is more profitable: to remove those members of our body that cause us to sin terribly, or to position ourselves to step into Hell. In essence it is a choice between obeying our Lord Jesus, or placing ourselves in a very dangerous spiritual, eternal position. GP 

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Jesus' Path of Ministry

Jesus' Path of Ministry

"Now when Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, He departed to Galilee. And leaving Nazareth, He came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali 
(Matthew 4:12) 

I remember my father saying: "There's a right way, and a wrong way, and there's my way." Since my father was in authority, we did things his way.

What is the right path of ministry? In close to fifty years of pastoral ministry, I have seen, and participated in many programs of ministry. We can wonder if we are heading in the right direction, as we involve ourselves in several ministerial activities in the church.

But I don't feel that we can go wrong when we follow the path of ministry that Jesus set before us in the gospels. It was foretold in prophecy (Isaiah 9:1-2) that Jesus would begin His ministry in a place where there was great need. The regions of Zebulun, and Naphtali were afflicted and oppressed for years. Jesus began His ministry in a place that needed heaven's light of hope. That's what Jesus brought to this area, and to the world.

So what should this say to us as Christians today? The lesson is clear. We should focus our personal ministries on "meeting needs" If we focus on meeting needs, we will also have the opportunity to meet the greatest need that people have; and that is a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. In love we can bring the hope of Jesus to people who are sitting in the distress and darkness of their sin, and daily struggles.

And the message that Jesus brought with Him on His path of ministry was this: "Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matthew 4:17) If lost souls will trun from their sin, and dis-belief, and turn to the Savior, they can experience the love, and eternal blessings, that God has for them. GP
 
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Why Is It Hard To Be Like Jesus?

 

Why Is It Hard To Be Like Jesus?

"For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers." (Romans 8:29)

I remember this chorus to the old hymn "Be Like Jesus", 
"Be like Jesus this my song, in the home, and in the throng, 
Be like Jesus, all day long, I would be like Jesus." 

I will boldly say, this is easier, said, than done. Why is that, you may ask? Could it be that we desire to be our own person, saying and doing the things we want to. Living our lives, the way we want to, allowing our lifestyle, and character to be swayed and molded by the world?

In our text the apostle Paul told the Christians at Rome, that from the beginning, God predestined us to be conformed to the image of His Son.

In other words, God foreknew and predestined people to be conformed to the image of Jesus. This means that God chose and loved them, and determined that they would be like Jesus in the future. 

Jesus came into the world to show us the character of our heavenly Father. "Show us the Father” is a phrase from the Bible, in John 14:8. In this passage, Philip asks Jesus to show them the Father, and Jesus responds that seeing him is the same as seeing the Father. 

And Paul said "Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. Now I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I delivered them to you."    
(1 Corinthians 11:1-2). 

In essence, it is God's will that we strive to be like Jesus. So how can we do this?  We can emulate these qualities of Jesus in our lives.

Love and Compassion (Mark 6:34)

Humility (Philippians 2:6-8)

Forgiveness (Matthew 6:14-15)

Faith and Prayer (Matthew 8:23-27)

Integrity (Luke 16:10)

Selflessness (John 15:13)

Teaching and Sharing (Matthew 4:23)

These are just a few qualities of Jesus that we are to emulate. But I like what the Apostle Paul said concerning what is needed for us to do first and foremost, if we are to be like Jesus. This may be very difficult to do, but at the same time, very necessary. "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2:20) 

If we put to death to our "self" and allow Christ to live in us, we will no doubt in time, be like Jesus, in everything we say, and do! GP

Where Is God In Our Lives?

 

Where Is God In Our Lives?

Where is God in our lives? Is there a God? Does He exist? And if He does, is He doing anything to direct us in our life's journey?

The passage of Scripture that really addresses the uniqueness and sovereignty of God is Isaiah 46:9-10.

"Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’"

Let's look at five reflections from these two verses:

Divine Sovereignty 

The prophet Isaiah expresses God's ultimate authority over all things. He has plans and purposes to fulfill. He has a plan and a purpose for each one of our lives. We need to more than acknowledge it, we need to trust in it with all of our hearts.

Eternal Perspective

The phrase "declaring the end from the beginning" suggests that God has a timeless perspective, knowing the entire timeline of history and the future. This can provide comfort and assurance. 

Faithfulness and Consistency 

By remembering the "former things of old," believers are encouraged to recall God's past faithfulness and works. Look back on your life, as one looks in a rear-view mirror, and you will see the hand of God in your life. You will see how faithful and consistent God has been.

Unique Divinity

The repetition of "I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me" underscores the monotheistic belief in the one true God. The people of God, in the Old Testament, were not to worship idols, and the many god's of the pagan nations around them. How many idols do we worship? How many things do we place before God? 

Purpose and Plan

The declaration "My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose" reinforces the idea that God's plans are purposeful and intentional. He knows what is best for us. There is no God like Him. None that is in existence. And what He has in store for us, is specific and purposeful. The question is, will we faithfully and prayerfully seek His will for our lives.

Where is God in our lives? I would confidently say, that He is present with us, wherever we go, and in whatever we do.

He is waiting for us to plug into His presence, His purpose, and His power. 

He waiting to bless us. Are we positioned to be blessed? GP

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The Privilege Of His Presence

"You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart." 
(Jeremiah 29:13) 

Do we ever think about how awesome it is to communicate with a superior being such as God? That if we seek Him with all of our heart, He will be found, and enter into our hearts and minds.

His presence can be felt, if we come before Him with a humble and sincere attitude. It is great to know that this eternal, all omnipotent, all omniscient, loving being is watching over us 24/7, and longs to fellowship with us. He is always with us, and at the same time He is ahead of us, directing our paths on this uncertain journey we are on.

 When we go home to Wisconsin for Christmas. I look forward to being in the presence of loved ones, I have not seen in awhile. I am looking forward to the good time we will have together. As I think about this, I ask myself this question: Do I look forward to the time I will spend with my heavenly Father? Do I long for the good time I will have being with Him.

We need to always remember that God is a person. He has a personality. Yes, He is Creator, He is our Redeemer, and He is our Shepherd. But what I like to think is that He is family. He is our heavenly Father, who wants to spend time with His children.

I remember my father, when he was here, on the average, would call me every two weeks. When he passed away, how I missed his calls. God is not far away. He is just a breath away. And it is a privilege to be in His presence, and to know that we belong to Him. GP

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Walking In The Footsteps Of Jesus

I remember as a child, I would try to follow in my father's footsteps in the snow, as we would journey to the barn to do chores.
It was not an easy task for a little guy, but I tried to do the best I could. It's not easy to walk in the footsteps of Jesus, and in this passage of Scripture (Luke 9:51-56) the disciples learned three big steps in their journey with Him. They are steps that we need to learn as well.

 The Step Of Steadfast Perseverance 

(Luke 9:51) 
Jesus knew that His time of suffering for the world, was not
far off. And even though this was not the journey to Jerusalem, that would result in His crucifixion, He determined (in the process of time) to accomplish this mission, the Father sent Him to do. My question is; why do we as Christians, fail to demonstrate that same determination, and perseverance, in accomplishing the will of the Lord, in our lives?
The Apostle Paul warned Timothy to not get attached to "the affairs of this life." (2 Timothy 2:4) We too often are like a cat playing with a ball of yarn. It is both a fascination, and a trap. We become so fascinated with the affairs of this life, that we become trapped by them, and distracted from fulfilling the will of God for our lives. We are fascinated with the thrill, but then deeply trapped in an entanglement of sorrows.

The Step of Strong Patience (Luke 9:52-55) 
As Jesus and His disciples continued on this journey to Jerusalem, they tried to find lodging in a Samaritan village. But there had been so much conflict, between the Jews and Samaritans over the years, that it was no surprise, they were refused lodging. The Samaritans hated the Jews so much, that they showed hostility towards them, in their journey to Jerusalem, to attend special events. When James and John saw what was happening, they asked the Lord, if they could do like Elijah, and call down fire, to consume them. Have you ever become so angry, so impatient with someone, that you wanted God, to do something to them. To punish them in some way? That's not the love, and patience of Christ. What do you do, when you want to put out a fire? Do you put more fuel on the fire? No, you throw something on the fire, that is cooling, yet consuming, like water, or dirt. The right thing to apply to those conflicts in our relationships, is love. Love is the cooling, yet consuming agent, that will put out the fires of hostility, and hatred, and bring about restoration in time. It takes time to put out a big fire. Patience is the key. In the process of time, the application of love, will surely help, to bring about forgiveness and restoration.

 The Step Of Securing A Purpose (Luke 9:56)
After Jesus rebukes James and John for their negative response to this situation, He says to them, "You do not know what manner of spirit you are of." Is it a self-centered spirit? A spirit of pride, and arrogance? Then following this, He states His purpose for coming into the world.
It was not to exercise judgment, by fire and sword, or by plagues of destruction, but to bring salvation to man-kind. "The Son of man did not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them."(v.56) As Christians, that is to be our purpose as well. We know that in the physical body, every organ, every muscle, every nerve, is designed to help the body, to be productive, and to fulfill life's purposes. Each one of us as Christians, have an important role to play, in accomplishing this purpose of reaching out to man-kind, and bringing people to salvation, in Jesus Christ. Do you see yourself this way. This is how the Lord, sees you.
The greatest work in the world, is the work of reconciliation. Reconciling people to Jesus Christ. How involved are you? The disciples learned three steps in their Journey with Jesus. I pray that we will learn what is involved in our commitment to Him, and faithfully stay on course. GP 

Foot prints of Jesus, that make the pathway glow, We will follow the steps of Jesus, where er they go." 

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Love's Security

Love's Security

"There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us." (1 John 4:18-19) 

When you think about a sincere love that a couple demonstrates, as they walk through life together. When you think about a binding love that a family demonstrates, as they support each other, through the many events of life. In love, there is security.

In love, there is no fear. As Christians, we need not fear the judgment of God, because we have accepted God's love gift to us (His beloved Son) as Savior, and king.

To know that we have placed ourselves in the deep, sincere, faithful love of God, should give us confidence every day, No matter what comes our way in the future, or how severe the trials may be, there should be no torment in our hearts. This we know, without a doubt, that God will take care of us. I ask you, do you feel that confidence in your heart today?

And to go a step further, are you working hard to be God's instrument of love in someones life today? I have always believed that the greatest way God operates in meeting people's needs, is working through His people. Through the faithful love of others, we truly experience the depth of God's love. The love of God, has arms that embrace us, words that comfort us, and feet to walk by our side, every step of the way.

When the love of God is demonstrated in such a personal, and sincere manner, how can the person receiving this love, live in fear? I hope that all of us will be the embodiment of God's love, to others today.

Let God show you today, how secure you can be, in His love! (GP)

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Our Focus On Love

Our Focus On Love

(1 John 4:7-21)
Love is not something we just focus on during the month of February. It is to be the main focus of our lives, as we live moment by moment. We are not thankful just on Thanksgiving Day, but again, moment by moment. 

John writes in our text, that Love begins with God, and is to manifest itself in us, and through us. It is evidence that we are born of God. If you want to see God, look at His children, because they have His love. "If you say, that you love God, and hate your brother, you lie, and the truth is not in you." (v.20) 

Loving God, and loving others, go hand and hand. They are the two main commandments, which are the fulfillment of the law. (v.21) Satan, tries his best to keep us from loving others. Especially in our relationship with those who hurt us, and want nothing more to do with us. The main focus he wants us to have, in these situations is on ourselves. But just as love beat Satan at the cross, when Jesus died to pay the penalty for our sins; love will find victory for us. When we forgive those who have hurt us, it releases us from the bondage of bitterness and despair.

It is God's intent that we always contribute to the well being of our enemies. God wants us to always have their best interest at heart, even when there is conflict. If love does not bring about reconciliation, at least it frees us from a terrible destructive bondage in our hearts. Showing love, demonstrates to the world, that we are born of God, and that we have fellowship with Him. We won't have to worry on the day of judgment, because our relationship with God is sincere and sure. 

Loving others will show what the power of love can do. The Apostle Paul said "And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. "(1 Corinthians 13:13) The most powerful virtue, and threat to selfishness, and spiritual destruction, is LOVE GP

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Our Church Family

 "I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go to the house of the Lord." (Psalm 122:1) 

We come to church to worship the Lord, that is paramount. But it is a great feeling, and should always be a great feeling. to get together with your church family.

To say as Bill Gaither writes: "I'm so glad I'm a part of the Family of God, I've been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His blood! Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod, For I'm part of the family, The Family of God."

 I owe a great debt to my home church. They helped me as a child to know the Lord, they ordained me to the work of pastoral ministry. They visited me, at some of the churches I served. They prayed for me, when my family and I went through some challenging times. At different times, they gave gifts of money to support us.

Your church family is a vital support group for you, when you are in need. both spiritually, and physically. I have heard people say, that when they miss a church service, or Bible School on Sunday morning, that their week, just doesn't seem right. There is something missing.

The more that go and join with fellow Christians, to worship, to study, to pray, and serve the Lord, the tighter that bond of love becomes. You realize that your relationship with your church family is something that you can, and should not, live without! GP

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God Remains Faithful

"While the earth remains, Seedtime and harvest, And the cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night, shall not cease." (Genesis 8:22) 

While we endure the remaining cold days of winter, this verse of Scripture reminds us that we are walking in the faithful care of God.

The first thing that Noah and his family did when they set their feet on the cleansed earth, was to worship the God who faithfully cared for them (Psalm 116:12-19, Romans 12:1-2)

 Even though man-kind continues to show an evil heart, God stays faithful to His promise to never destroy every living thing, as He did.
So while the earth remains, it will continue to produce the seed necessary for man-kind's survival. The seasons will continue through their cycle, and day and night will not cease.

 In all of this I see God saying to Noah, and to us today: "No matter what man-kind thinks or does, I am going to remain faithful to My word. I will continue to provide the necessary things, in order for man-kind to not only survive, but to thrive. 

I guess I use this phrase a lot: But God "has not left any stone un-turned"in regards to our care. He continues to take care of us physically and spiritually. The greatest need of man-kind is to have a Savior, to release us from our sin debt. God did that when He sent His only Son to be the sacrifice for our sins.

As winter walks into Spring, let us be encouraged, that the God who cared for us in the times of winter (trials) is the same God who will lead us to the green pastures of Spring and Summer (refreshment)
Yes, our awesome God remains faithful! GP

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Date added:March 11, 2017
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sky, clouds, dead sea, rock formation
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Our Precious Citizenship

 

Our Precious Citizenship Of Heaven 

Today as I watch the news, I am bombarded by the news of the mass deportation of illegal immigrants who are not citizens of (this) United States of America. Why is this a big deal today? Because we have a huge amount of people, and some of them are of the criminal nature, who are not citizens of America. Being an American citizen means having legal recognition as a member of the United States. This status grants certain rights and responsibilities. We enjoy freedom of speech, the right to vote, and protection under the law. The responsibilities we have are obeying laws, paying taxes, participating in civic duties like serving on a jury. But we cannot say enough about the many opportunities that American citizens can take advantage of, to live productive, and fulfilling lives. 

But when I think about the most precious citizenship we have, I think about the citizenship, we as Christians have. The apostle Paul wrote to the Christians at Philippi:         

"For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ." (Philippians 3:20) 

Because of our acceptance of the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior, and Lord of our lives, we have the promise of eternal life. We have the promise of having "every spiritual blessing in heavenly places in Christ." (Ephesians 1:3) The responsibility of this citizenship involves embodying Christ-like virtues, spreading the gospel, and striving to live righteously. How blessed we are to be apart of the kingdom of God, and to dwell with Him, and with the fellow saints for ever and ever. Are you a citizen today? You can be! Give your life to Jesus Christ today. Repent of your sins, and be baptized for the cleansing of those sins. (Acts 2:38) 

Become apart of the family of God, and enjoy the greatest blessings, that only God has to offer! 

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