Found: God's will

In talking with my young Timothys I found that they are both at some crossroads regarding carreers and possible relocation, and so it is natural that they are mindful and searching for what God wants them to do to make good decisions. One of them shared a short book by John MacArthur on knowing God’s will entitled “Found: God’s Will.”

MacArthur said that we know that God’s will is: 1) That you be Saved, 2) that you be filled Spirit filled, 3) that you be Sanctified for God’s service, 4) that you be Submissive to God’s authority, and 5) that you be Suffering for the cause of Christ.

Saved God desires all men to be saved, by placing their faith in Jesus Christ as their savior and Lord. If you are still rejecting Christ, you’re not in the will of God.

Spirit filled If you have accepted Christ you have the indwelling of the Spirit of Christ. But are you available? Are you yielded? Are you seeking to be filled with, and led by the Spirit?

Sanctified Sanctified means the same thing as holy, it means being set apart for service, like the athlete who is in training, or the soldier with a dedicated lifestyle to accomplish his purpose. It means seeking purity and avoiding sinful entanglements.

Submissive To be faithful, available and teachable, a FAT Christian, one must submit to spiritual, employer, and societal authority. To have humility and a servant attitude is to be really useful.

Suffering To have kingdom impact, one must boldly stand for Christ, with the risks and damage of going against the world, and calling sin, sin. “If you confront the world you will find the hostility that is meant for Jesus coming at you.”

This is my mini-book report on MacArthur’s book. The relationship between God’s direction and being in His will reminds me of the relationship between Character and Reputation. If you take care of your character, your reputation will take care of itself. If you work on the 5 S’s of being in God’s will, and you’re in the game rolling along, it will be easy for God to get you directed where He wants you

Psalm 90

Psalm 90 spoke to me this week.

It says:

LORD, Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

LORD, please have compassion on your servants.

LORD, please satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.

It reminds us:

LORD, before the mountains were born, or you brought forth the earth and the World, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

A thousand years in God’s sight are like a day that has just gone by

The length of our days is 70 years, or 80 if we have the strength, but they quickly pass , and we fly away.

Finally it asks:

LORD, may your favor rest upon us; and please establish the work of our hands

Sobering and good thoughts, I think.

(Try to make time and read the whole Psalm 90 today when you can)

ONE ANOTHER

The Bible talks about the ministry that believers have to “One Another.” This support for one another happens most effectively in small groups like the Fishersmen. The New Testament tells us that in fellowship with one another many good things happen to build us up and sustain us:

ENCOURAGEMENT

Encourage One Another 1 Thes 5:11 Heb 10:25

Spur One Another on toward love and good deeds Heb 10:24

FELLOWSHIP

Fellowship with One Another 1 Jn 1:7

Offer hospitality to One Another 1 Pet 4:9

Love One Another John 13:34

SUPPORT

Accept One Another Rom 15:7

Agree with One Another 1Cor 1:10

Serve One Another Gal 5:13

ACCOUNTABILITY

Instruct One Another Rom 5:14

Admonish One Another Col 3:16

Submit to One Another Eph 5:21

PRAYER

Brothers, pray for us. 1 Th 5:25

Pray for all men 1 Tim 2:1

Santa and the Baby Jesus?

Yes, I know that Jesus is the reason for the season. But I thought you’d find this letter from Santa Claus enlightening… (Credit to friend, Jack Bussell)

Do you believe in Santa Claus?

There are many rumors regarding whether I am real or exist. I want you to know there is a Santa Claus. I continue to remain in the hearts of children of all ages. Sadly some have denied my existence. Thankfully others believe and continue my traditions in good spirit. My presence is not of any normal life but rather from an existence that is ageless, for all to reflect and enjoy.

My journey began in the 4^th century giving gifts to poor children, those less fortunate. I became known as Sinterklass. Over the ages I have been called Saint Nicholas, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle or simply Santa. Various cultures share tales of my existence, of my habits and of my traits.

Once a child myself, I grew up to become Saint Nicholas of Myra, the inspiration for the Christian figure of Sinterklaas. I was once a 4th century Greek Christian bishop of Myra (now Demre) in Lycia, a province of the Byzantine Anatolia, now in Turkey.

As many years passed a number of myths and exaggerations have indeed surrounded my existence. The truth… my presence today continues in the spirit of giving and is an example set by God, who gave his son Jesus Christ so that we may all enjoy forgiveness of our sins and the prospects of eternal life.

May you experience the renewal of the Christmas Spirit, the excitement of anticipation, while sharing in many joyous surprises. My Christmas wish for you is to enjoy your time together and remember the importance of family and friendships. Never forget the joy of giving. In the spirit and generosity of Christmas make each and every day of your life and those that you meet joyful.

So you see, Santa and his traditions are alive, continuing throughout the ages by the Spirit of the Holy Day (holi-day) of Christmas. The gifts in Santa's bag are for your family, shared with a heartfelt reminder to reflect in the generosity of God. They are given in the spirit of Jesus Christ.

So…..Do you believe?

Shared in the Love of Christ

Merry Christmas,
Santa

IN THE FLESH

Ricky Bobby (Will Farrell in Talladega Nights) loves the little 8 lb 6 oz, infant baby Jesus and somewhat irreverently reminds us of most people's vision of our Lord at Christmas time. They are comfortable with a baby, born to humble circumstances, who grew up to teach peace and brotherly love. Man likes to fashion God in a comfortable package.

However, Scripture paints a different vision of the appearance of the incarnate Christ, Emmanuel (God with us) on earth in the flesh:

The baby Jesus was an eternal spiritual being and the creator of all things:

John 1:1-4 1 In the beginning was the Word (Jesus), and the Word was with God, and the Word (Jesus) was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through Him (Jesus) all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.

The baby Jesus left the throne room of heaven on a mission for men:

Philippians 2:5-11 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature[a] God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature[b] of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

The baby Jesus is a winner with an impressive resume with titles:

Isaiah 9:6-7 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.

The baby Jesus is the supreme Lord of Reconciliation:

Colossians 1:15-21 The Son (Jesus) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

The baby Jesus is Savior, Lord, the only begotten Son of the Living God:

Matthew 1:30 - 35 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” 34“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[b] the Son of God.

Let’s test our vision of who the baby Jesus is. Let’s challenge others this season and speak out about the coming of Emmanuel, God with us.

I am a Mormon… NOT!

Indianapolis was chosen by the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (The Mormons) as one of its 12 target cities to focus their message at this time. You can see their efforts in billboards and television commercials popping up in greater metro Indy. Their catch phrase, and hence this article is stated as “I am a Mormon.” Mormons are nice people, they’re good people, they don’t drink, even coffee , or smoke. They’re sincere, good business people, and good marketers. But, do we want their religion?

Mormons claim to be a part of Christianity, and yet claim to have a later, more correct revelation about God and His will beyond the old and new testaments. Let’s explore some of the contrasts between Orthodox Christianity and Mormonism: The following is a clip from All About Religion.org

Mormonism vs. Christianity - The Differences

Mormonism (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) was birthed in 1820 by a vision in which two celestial personages appeared to Joseph Smith claiming all existing churches were wrong, all their creeds were an abomination, and all their professors were corrupt. According to these personages, Smith had been chosen to restore—not reform— a church that had disappeared from the face of the earth. The Mormon doctrines that evolved from this vision compromise confuse or contradict the nature of God, the authority of Scripture and the way of salvation.

Mormonism vs. Christianity - View of God

First, while Christians believe that God is spirit, Joseph Smith taught, “God Himself was once as we are now, and is an exalted man, and sits enthroned in yonder heavens!” Mormonism also holds to a plurality of Gods and contends that “as man is God once was; as God is man may become.” Additionally, the Latter-day Saints compromise the nature of the God-man, Jesus Christ. In Christianity, Jesus is the self-existent creator of all things. In Mormonism, he is the spirit brother of Lucifer who was conceived in heaven by a celestial Mother and came in flesh as the result of the Father having sex with the Virgin Mary.

Mormonism vs. Christianity - Revelation

Furthermore, in sharp distinction to orthodox Christian theology, Mormons do not believe that the Bible is the infallible repository for redemptive revelation. In their view, the Book of Mormon is “the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion.” Two further revelations complete the Mormon quad, namely Doctrines and Covenants and The Pearl of Great Price. Doctrines and Covenants is a compilation of divine revelations that includes the doctrine of polygamy. Not until threatened by the federal government did Mormon president Wilford Woodruff receive a revelation relegating polygamy to the afterlife. The Pearl of Great Price is no less troubling. It was this extra-biblical revelation that was used by Mormonism to prevent African Americans from entering the priesthood and from being exalted to godhood.

Mormonism vs. Christianity - Heaven

Finally, while Christians believe that they will stand before God dressed in the spotless robes of Christ’s righteousness, Mormons contend that they will appear before heavenly Father dressed in fig-leaf aprons holding good works in their hands. According to the Latter-day Saints, virtually everyone qualifies for heaven. Murderers, unrepentant whoremongers and the world’s vilest people make it into the Telestial heaven; lukewarm Mormons, religious people, and those who accept the Mormon gospel in the spirit world typically enter the Terrestrial heaven; and temple Mormons make it to the Celestial heaven. Only those who are sealed in secret temple rituals, however, will make it to the third level of the Celestial kingdom, become God’s of their own planets.

These and many other doctrinal perversions exclude Mormonism from rightly being called Christian.

Isaiah 43:10 says, "'You are my witnesses,' declares the LORD , 'and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me.'"

Learn More!

Copyright Christian Research Institute and Hank Hanegraaff. Used by permission

WORD WATCH

I feel a little conviction right now about cleaning up my speech. I work with a bunch of guys who are very professional when talking to our clients and partners, but in our group will use the full English language. And, I have drifted down that path using some words that shouldn’t come out of my mouth. And I know words matter and can destroy or support our witness and walk. So here are some verses I’m trying to ponder.

Ephesians 4:29
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

This is the first verse that came to mind. Clearly some of my language has been less than wholesome, and not constructive. Exodus 20:7 “You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name. Here’s God on record about not damning this, or invoking the Trinity’s names on anything un-holy.

I should take it as seriously as He does.

Colossians 3:16

Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.

Don’t expect to quite hear me singing through life, but if we let The Message dwell in us, and have our mind focused on our purpose, worldly talk is less likely to leak out.

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Our words come from our thought life, and there is a way to positively focus our thinking. Filling our thoughts with good stuff, and as the next verse says, being willing to catch ourselves and take captive any bad thoughts leading to bad talk.

2 Corinthians 10:5

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Guarding our tongues (my tongue) is an ongoing battle. Let’s hold each other accountable for our walk and our talk. Here’s what brother James says:

James 3:2-10 2

We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check. 3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. 7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.