Saturday, August 31, 2013

The Last Days

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The last words of my father …

Our Key Scripture for this morning comes from Genesis, the Book of Beginnings. The verse we are going to read records the Jewish Patriarch Jacob gathering his sons together so that they might hear his parting words. By this time Jacob is 147 years old and has been living in Egypt with his whole family for 17 years. Jacob has witnessed his share of trouble in life and now he looked forward to death with a calm assurance that God would continue to work in his family. There is something powerful about last words.

The last words of one generation are the first words for another.

Genesis 49:1  And Jacob called his sons and said, "Gather together, that I may tell you what shall befall you in the last days:

Note here what was on the mind of this Patriarch who had lived his life and was ready to pass the mantle of family leadership on to the next generation - Jacob wanted his sons to know what was going to happen “in the last days."

The last days is a subject which has been on the minds of men in every generation. All religions have their take on how it will all end and what takes place afterwards. Thankfully, God has not left us without knowledge concerning the truth about the last days. In fact, both Old and New Testament writers took up the pen under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to give us a glimpse of what will take place in the last days, each one adding another facet to the unfolding drama.

Jacob felt responsible to leave his sons and the next generation with knowledge of what would happen to them in the future. The Apostle Paul felt that same responsibility when addressing his spiritual son Timothy. Paul knew he was about to depart this world for the next and wanted Timothy to know something. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit Paul wrote:

2 Timothy 3
1  But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:
2  For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3  unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good,
4  traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
5  having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!

Peter also wrote:

2 Peter 3
3  Knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts,
4  and saying, "Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation."
8 ¶  But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
9 ¶  The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
10  But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.
11 ¶  Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness,

James, the half brother of Jesus and Pastor of the Jerusalem Church said:

James 5:3  Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days.

These are true pictures of the times faced by many generations past and by the times we live in today. God wants us to know that the last days will be perilous times but He also wants us to understand that He has not left us without witness, power, hope or help. The Holy Spirit has also given report through the prophet Joel and repeated by Peter on the day of Pentecost and recorded by Luke in:

Acts 2
17  ’And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams.
18  And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And they shall prophesy.
19  I will show wonders in heaven above And signs in the earth beneath: Blood and fire and vapor of smoke.
20  The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the LORD.
21  And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the LORD Shall be saved.’

The Prophet Isaiah and the Prophet Micah were contemporaries during the mid 8th century BC. The both prophesied to Judah and Jerusalem and they both had the exact words to say about the last days. This parallel prophecy says:

Micah 4
1 ¶  Now it shall come to pass in the latter days That the mountain of the LORD’S house Shall be established on the top of the mountains, And shall be exalted above the hills; And peoples shall flow to it.
2  Many nations shall come and say, "Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, To the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, And we shall walk in His paths." For out of Zion the law shall go forth, And the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
3  He shall judge between many peoples, And rebuke strong nations afar off; They shall beat their swords into plowshares, And their spears into pruning hooks; Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, Neither shall they learn war any more.
4  But everyone shall sit under his vine and under his fig tree, And no one shall make them afraid; For the mouth of the LORD of hosts has spoken.
5  For all people walk each in the name of his god, But we will walk in the name of the LORD our God Forever and ever.

The writer of Hebrews tells us that God:

Hebrews 1:2  has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds;

Peter, James, Paul, the writer of Hebrews, Luke, Isaiah, Micah, Joel, Zechariah, Daniel, Jacob and Jesus Himself all took account of the last days and gave instruction so that we would not be ignorant as to the things going on around us and what we should do in our generation.

Jesus said there would be wars and rumors of wars, earthquakes, pestilence and trouble on every side. And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of heaven will be shaken.

He firmly instructed us:

"Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near." (Luke 21:28)

Whatever calamity may come to the earth in any generation, including ours, is the truth of the last days scripture which says:

And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the LORD Shall be saved. (Acts 2:21)


Without regard as to the trouble any generation has faced, is facing or will face in the future rest assured that all who call upon the name of the Lord Jesus will be delivered and kept safe throughout eternity in the arms of Almighty God. In your day of trouble, perhaps even the last days, you can confidently call upon that Name … Why not call on Him to save you now!

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Life Shape Prayer & Discipleship Module 3 – New Creation Responsibilities Block 9 – Evangelism

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Evangelism is the simple yet powerful act of being a witness for Jesus.

When we read the word “Evangelist” in an English language Bible, we immediately connect with the intended meaning. The heart of the word “Ev-angel-ist” is “angel.” This provides us with a continual reminder of the spiritual importance and heavenly perspective of evangelism.

Each time we see the word “Evangelist” mentioned in the Scriptures it has been translated from the original Greek word – euaggelistes – which means = An announcer of good news. What is the “Good News” but the powerful and life changing message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

To put it plainly … An Evangelist is someone who shares the Good News of Jesus Christ with others on the earth. Although there are people with special gifting and who are called to preach revivals and hold city wide evangelistic crusades, yet every Born Again Believer in Jesus as Messiah has been commissioned by the Holy Spirit to do the work of an evangelist. In other words: “We are all responsible to be a witness for Christ.

God has given Born Again Believers both the responsibility and the great privilege of evangelism. When a Roman Centurion named Cornelius prayed God sent an angel from heaven with instructions. The heavenly angel directed Cornelius to send for a man named Peter who would tell him everything he should know. Subsequently it was Peter’s responsibility and privilege to share the Good News of Jesus with Cornelius which resulted in the salvation of his whole family and those in his household (Acts 10).

When Saul of Tarsus was on the road to Damascus as recorded in Acts 9, he saw a great blinding light and heard a voice from heaven. The heavenly voice directed Saul to go into the city and wait for a man to come and tell him what to do. Saul sat for three days waiting until a Born Again Believer named Ananias came and shared the Good News. Saul of Tarsus was saved and grew to be known as Paul the Apostle.

Acts 8 tells the story of a member of the Church in Jerusalem who went to the city of Samaria and began proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus. In turn the whole city accepted Philip’s witness and multitudes were saved. Later Philip found himself sharing the Gospel with one single Ethiopian Eunuch. Because Philip shared, the man was saved and followed the Lord in water baptism. Later in life Philip is called an Evangelist … one who simply shares the Good News with others.

On the day of Pentecost 3000 people were saved because God commissioned ordinary men and women in the Church to evangelize their city. The Holy Spirit empowered the Believers in Jerusalem to be a witness. As they boldly shared the Good News, people were convicted of their sin and their need for a Savior.

This is still the plan of God today. People everywhere are lost and dying and on their way to hell. Individuals, families, whole communities and even nations sit in darkness and in need of the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ. We not only have the light … Born Again Believers are that light!

Matthew 5 
14  You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.
15  Men do not light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.

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

Not only are Believer’s the light of the world but we are also likened to salt.

Matthew 5:13   You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.

People need the Lord. Unless a person believes that Jesus is the Son of God, Messiah, Savior and Lord, they will die in their sins and the devil will claim their soul for eternity in hell. God does not want even one to perish.

Believers are both salt to season and preserve the earth and light to show others the way. We are God’s only hope for our generation.

God has made the way to salvation and paid for all sin through the blood of His Only Son. Although every person was born in sin, separated from God and destined to die, every single individual can be saved if they will simply believe in Jesus and call upon His name.

Romans 10  NLT
13  For “Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.”
14  But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?
15  And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!”

Who bring “good news” … the same basic Greek word translated as Evangelist. It means to do the work of an evangelist … or simply – evangelism!

We are all angels of evangelism.

Important Points
1.   People who die without Christ will face an eternity in hell.
2.   God does not want even one soul to perish.
3.   God has given the responsibility of evangelism to mankind.
4.   We are all responsible to share the good news with others.
5.   You are someone’s angel.

Supporting Scriptures:
        Proverbs 11:30 – He who wins souls is wise
        2 Timothy 4:5 – Do the work of an evangelist

Sunday, August 25, 2013

25 Year Anniversary Golden Triangle Church On The Rock Family

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Brenda’s Heart …
·       Recognize those who made today possible through Christ
·       In Heaven & On Earth – Here and Elsewhere

25 Years ago the congregation of Golden Triangle Church On The Rock joined together in the pursuit of one common goal. We earnestly petitioned God and placed the future of this Church in His hands. Our prayer and commitment to God was simple:

“God, if You will give us the opportunity, we will make this Church important to You.”

We had this one goal … to make God smile every day. We began to imagine what we could do to make God happy. For the first day and for the past 25 years we have steadily taken every opportunity given. Some things we tried worked and some didn’t quite turn out the way we hoped. However, in all we do, we hold this conclusion:

Only God can measure success.

Our key scriptures for today are found in:
2 Corinthians 10  NLT
17  As the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the LORD.”
18  When people commend themselves, it doesn’t count for much. The important thing is for the Lord to commend them.

I pray the Lord commend all who prayed so hard, worked so diligently, served so graciously and supported so faithfully this past week, this past month, this past year and each year for the past quarter century. Each one of you has been a vital link in the unbroken chain of ministry from Jesus’ ascension until His return. I thank you and God thanks you. You have done well!

Before we conclude today allow me to share some:

4 things I know after 25 years …

1.  Why we do what we do makes all the difference to God.
o   God did not create the heavens and the earth and mankind so that He could live, but rather so that we could.
o   Jesus did not come to earth and die on the cross so that He could be saved, but rather so that we could be saved.
o   The Holy Spirit does not partner with us because He needs wisdom, guidance and comfort, but rather because we do.
o   Why we do what we do makes all the difference …
2.  Sometimes God sends us down a road to get to the end of the road and sometimes God sends us down a road to get to the fork in that road … we cannot know which it is until we go down that road.
o   Like our father Abraham taught us, we must always be ready for a fresh word from God.
o   God does not always seek our permission before He upsets our plans.
o   Just because it affects us does not mean it is always about us.
o   The journey is your friend …
3.  It is not our dreams which make life precious but rather our memories.
o   Just because it is over does not mean it wasn’t good.
o   That being said …
4.  Our greatest days are yet ahead!

It has been the great pleasure of my life to serve as your Pastor for these 25 years. Brenda and I love and appreciate you. Together our Church family has accomplished truly amazing things. There is every reason to believe we have made God smile and have His continued blessings on our Church every day. My family and I expect the next 25 years to be equally dynamic. Thank you for your friendship …


I pray you Go in Peace and Not in PiecesGod has a plan for your life!

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Life Shape Prayer & Discipleship Module 3 – New Creation Responsibilities Block 8 – Service

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The body has many different parts, not just one part. Our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where He wants it. The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.” In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it. (1 Corinthians 12:14-27 NLT <> Encapsulated)

Early in the morning on December 7, 1941, 353 Japanese war planes were launched from 6 aircraft carriers and subsequently bombed the US Naval Base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. This surprise attack:
·       Sank 4 US Battleships and damaged 4 others
·       Sank 3 Cruisers; 3 Destroyers; 1 Minelayer; & 1 Anti-Aircraft Vessel
·       Destroyed 188 US Aircraft
·       Killed 2402 Americans
·       Wounded 1282
·       Shocked the whole world

The attack was intended as a preventive measure aimed at keeping the US from interfering with the planned actions of the Empire of Japan against US and European territories in the Pacific. However … it backfired!

After launching the warplanes from his carrier Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, Commander-in-Chief of the Imperial Japanese Navy is reported to have said: “I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with terrible resolve.”

Whether or not the quote is accurate the truth stands sure. Following this unprovoked attack on the US at Pearl Harbor Americans from all walks of life woke up, discarded their petty differences, united in one common goal and pressed themselves into the service of their country. Each person found their place of service and did their part for the cause. Volunteers poured into the Army, Navy, Air Corp and Marines.

Men and women left school, jobs, homes and sweethearts behind for the chance to be a part of something greater than themselves, something they felt worth their pledge. Others joined civilian work forces, participated in bond drives, accepted rationing, manned aircraft and ammunition factories, went without personal comforts and gave all they had to do their part. Virtually everyone found something they could do for the cause. United together we fought the long battle and we won the great victory.

History looks back on this time and those who served and has rightly labeled them: “The Greatest Generation”. Many of the things we in America and the world enjoy today are direct results of those Men and women who laid down their petty differences, united together in a common cause and made themselves personally responsible to find their place of service.

This great generation not only stopped the tyrannical aggressors of that day but they also brought peace to the families, liberated nations, rebuilt communities and restored relationships in a world that been torn apart by the selfish acts of a few men. You see, the “Greatest Generation” didn’t just win the war for themselves … rather … they continued to serve until everyone was saved from the evils of the day and delivered to a brighter future for generations to come.

I am reminded of another people who laid down their petty differences and made themselves personally responsible to serve a greater cause.

It was around 445BC when Nehemiah found Jerusalem overrun and without walls. He felt personally responsible to deliver the Jews to a better protected and more secure future. His encouragement to them was simply: “Find your place of service” and “hold yourself personally responsible to build your portion of the wall.” Despite all of the resistance they encountered – only 52 days later we read:

Nehemiah 4:6  So we built the wall, and the entire wall was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a mind to work.

The secret to getting the wall built was Nehemiah’s strategy. He simply had each person work on the portion of the wall which belonged to them and amazingly, when each person did their part, the whole wall was built!

God’s strategy and His call on our lives has never presented us with anything more difficult than simply doing our part. Some people are made for one purpose and some for another. However, We are created to serve and connect. When we work together, we win! When we separate, isolate, or refuse to serve the common cause – we lose and create even greater potential losses for everyone else.

It would be unimaginable to expect a team to win if the 1st baseman simply refuses to do his part; or if the operator won’t show up; or if the airplane mechanic doesn’t check his work; or if the teacher feels no personal responsibility to know the material; or if the heart decides to stop beating.  

This same truth covers every area of life and eternal life as well. Each person is designed with purpose and gifted according to God’s will. In fact, every creation has a purpose whether we realize it or not. The leaves on trees are designed to convert carbon dioxide to oxygen; the herbivorous animals control vegetation; the carnivorous animals keep overpopulation and disease in check; the root systems help to manage soil erosion; river beds and lakes provide fresh water reserves; the sun lights and warms our earth; the moon effects the tides; birds re-seed the forests; bees pollinate the crops; clouds collect and distribute moisture; wind drives weather; on and on and on … every creation has a purpose and a specific responsibility for which it is designed. And, when everything works together as God intended, from the mountains to the valleys, it’s a win for us all!

Key Scripture: 1 Peter 4:10  As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

Important Points
1.   You are designed to fit a special place of service to God and others.
2.   If we don’t stay connected and work together, things may not work.
3.   We must hold ourselves personally responsible to do our part.
4.   Wake up and find your place of service in the Church today!

Saturday, August 17, 2013

The Book of Colossians Conclusions

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The book of Colossians was written to Church going Christians during a very difficult time in history. The national leaders of their day were corrupt and their country was politically divided and plagued with financial trouble. In other words, they were in the middle of a big mess. In fact the Greek word for Colosse is easily understood to mean - “A big mess”.

This morning we will draw some practical conclusions from Paul’s 2000 year old letter to these Christians. We will be able to use these conclusions in our everyday lives since we also face political divisions and financial troubles not dissimilar to those big messes faced by Christians in that day.

Chapter 1 - Without regard as to what else is happening around us, The Gospel of Jesus Christ is changing lives all around the world.

Colossians 1:6  This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just as it changed your lives from the day you first heard and understood the truth about God’s wonderful grace.

Chapter 2 - Don't be deceived by well crafted arguments, empty philosophies or high sounding nonsense. - stick to the simple Word of God. When we stray from the simple Gospel we stray from the Truth.

4  I am telling you this so no one will deceive you with well-crafted arguments.
8  Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ.

Chapter 3 - The New Life we have in Christ works best when we follow the instruction manual.
1 Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand.

5 ¶  So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.
6  Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming.
7  You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world.
8 ¶  But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language.
9  Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds.
10  Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like Him.
11  In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and He lives in all of us.
12 ¶  Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
13  Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

Colossians
14 ... clothe yourselves in love …
15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts …
16 … Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.
17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus 18 Wives, submit to your husbands …
19 Husbands, love your wives and never treat them harshly.
20 Children, always obey your parents …
21 Fathers, do not aggravate your children, or they will become discouraged.
22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters … (employees/employers)
23 Work willing … as though you were working for the Lord …
Chapter 4:1 Masters, be just and fair to your slaves …
(employers/employees)

Chapter 4 - Pray and take advantage of every opportunity.

Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.

Colossians 4
12  Epaphras, a member of your own fellowship and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings. He always prays earnestly for you, asking God to make you strong and perfect, fully confident that you are following the whole will of God.
13  I can assure you that he prays hard for you and also for the believers in Laodicea and Hierapolis.

Colossians 4: 5 Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity.

Colossians 4:16  shows us that the Word of God applies to every person in every Church and each congregation. It was written for you to read …

What should we Church going Christians do when we find ourselves in the middle of big messes:

Keep the right perspective and realize that no matter what is going on around us:

·        The Gospel of Jesus Christ is changing lives all around the world.
·        We should not allow ourselves to be deceived by well crafted arguments, empty philosophies or high sounding nonsense.
·        Accept the fact that the New Life we have in Christ works best when we follow the instruction manual.

·        We must pray hard and take advantage of every opportunity to impact a non-believer. 

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Life Shape Prayer & Discipleship Module 3 – New Creation Responsibilities Block 7 – Tithes & Offerings

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Key Scripture: Psalms 24:1  The earth is the LORD’S, and all its fullness, The world and those who dwell therein.

Throughout history, in the United States and in country after country in virtually every culture for generations past all the way back to Adam and Eve, there has been a system I know as “Share Cropping.” You may know it by some other name in your country but the concept is the same.

An owner provides the land, the seeds, and the fertilizer and makes water available while the worker provides the labor to plant, cultivate and make a crop. When harvest time comes the worker reaps the harvest for the land owner and receives his fair share of the increase as agreed. In this system both the owner and the worker are partners and both benefit from a job well done. The greater the harvest the greater the blessing for them both.

Variations of this system have been in place since the world began. I can remember my mother shelling peas, canning vegetables and making jellies and preserves “on halves.” Up until the last few years Brenda and I owned a federal wheat farm. Since wheat in the US was in abundance we petitioned the government to allow us to grow hay for a production crop. Each year when it came time to harvest our crop we partnered with people who baled the hay for a percentage share of the harvest.

What I’ve called “share cropping” or “working of halves,” the Bible teaches as “Stewardship.” We see this principle in the very first pages of the Bible.

The LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there He put the man whom He had formed … the LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it. (Genesis 2:8&15)

Matthew, Mark, and Luke all record Jesus teaching this truth in a parable about a land owner who planted a vineyard, put a hedge of protection around it, provided the tools and leased it out to share croppers and went into another country. When it came the time for the landowner to receive his portion of the fruits of the harvest, the share croppers imagined they owed him nothing. Jesus spoke of the greed and ungodliness of such an attitude. He didn’t have very good things to say about these men.

Attitude is everything! The first time we see God unhappy with something, after the sin of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, it was about Cain’s attitude in giving back to God a portion of what he had worked for.

Adam and Eve must have lived a life of bringing their first fruits offerings to the Lord because we find their two sons following that same example.

Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. And in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the LORD. Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the LORD respected Abel and his offering, but He did not respect Cain and his offering. (Genesis 4:2-5)

Notice while Cain brought an offering of the fruit he produced, Abel brought the firstborn of his flock. The reason why the LORD did not respect Cain and his offering was because Cain did not respect it. Cain’s attitude reveals neither a man who is giving his first nor his best and Cain is certainly not happy about having to give anything. Perhaps he imagines it to be a waste of time and fruit. Abel on the other hand brings his firstfruits with a willing and an obedient heart. God loves a cheerful giver! (2 Cor 9:7)

Many Christians wrongly imagine that Tithes and Offerings began as a part of the Law of Moses and are therefore no longer valid New Testament practices. Nothing could be farther from the truth and the desire of God.
·        Cain and Abel brought tithes and offerings to the LORD.
·        Abraham gave his tithes to the Priest Melchizedek (Genesis 14)
·        Jacob entered into a covenant of tithing on all of his future increase to the LORD at Bethel, the House of God. (Genesis 28:22)

The Old Testament’s historical record of mankind contains the Law of Moses. However, the Old Testament is so much bigger and more encompassing than just the Law. Jacob, for example, lived and died more than 400 years before the Law was written. Jacob’s covenant commitment to be a tither was so strong that it endured and guaranteed the grace of God on his descendants even during the period of the Law. And, lest we imagine the New Testament to be shy about the subject of giving, note that Jesus said more about money than He did about heaven and hell combined. Even Jesus paid His taxes and gave His offerings. He knew firsthand what the Psalmist David and the Prophet Malachi said was true:

Honor the LORD with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase; So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine. (Proverbs 3:9&10)

Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this, Says the LORD of hosts, If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes so that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field.  (Malachi 3:10&11)

The word “Tithe” means “One Tenth.  God has established this as His Share. The Believer is admonished from both the Old Testament and the New Testament, under the Abrahamic Covenant, the Mosaic Law and the Grace of Christ, to bring the first tenth of all of our increase to the Lord, for it is His holy share. Then we are also encouraged to give offerings above and beyond our tithes so that together they can provide ministry and meet needs through the Church of the Living God. Our examples were those first century Christians who were fully engaged in these matters.

Important Points:
1.   Tithing is a responsibility while Offerings are an opportunity.
2.   We tithe because we are share croppers and the first tenth of the increase belongs to God.
3.   We give offerings to:
a.   Sow a seed  (Proverbs 11:25; Luke 6:38; 2 Corinthians 9:6)
b.   Meet a need (1 John 3:17; 1 Corinthians 16:1)
c.   Follow the lead (Matthew 19:21; 2 Corinthians 9:8 good works)

4.   2 Corinthians 8:7 Since you excel in so many ways—in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us—I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving.

Sunday, August 11, 2013

The New Life

Gtcotr/ss081113

Continuing our journey through the book of Colossians we have arrived at Chapter 3. I’ll be reading from the New Living Translation this morning and making commentary as we walk through the scriptures together.

In Chapter 1 we learned that Believers in every generation have faced similar troubles, tests, trials and tribulations. Political corruption and evil empires come and go but despite the problems in the world, the Kingdom of God stands secure. The overriding message in Chapter 1 was:

·       Without regard to what is going on around us, the Gospel of Jesus is changing lives all over the world.

Chapter 2 encouraged us to not be deceived by well crafted arguments, empty philosophies or high sounding nonsense which comes from human thinking inspired by the spiritual forces of this world and not Christ. We learned the Paul wanted every Christian to:

·       Do not be deceived by well crafted arguments, empty philosophies or high sounding nonsense.  

As we survey the 3rd Chapter today, the Apostle Paul will tell us how to how to live The New Life we have with Christ.

Colossians 3
1 ¶  Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand.
2  Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.
3  For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.
4  And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all His glory.
5 ¶  So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.
6  Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming.
7  You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world.
8 ¶  But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language.
9  Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds.
10  Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like Him.
11  In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and He lives in all of us.
12 ¶  Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
13  Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
14  Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.
15  And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
16  Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.
17  And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.
18 ¶  Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting for those who belong to the Lord.
19  Husbands, love your wives and never treat them harshly.
20  Children, always obey your parents, for this pleases the Lord.
21  Fathers, do not aggravate your children, or they will become discouraged.
22  Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything you do. Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. Serve them sincerely because of your reverent fear of the Lord.
23  Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.
24  Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.
25  But if you do what is wrong, you will be paid back for the wrong you have done. For God has no favorites.

Colossians 4
1 ¶  Masters, be just and fair to your slaves. Remember that you also have a Master—in heaven.

Chapter 1Without regard to what is going on around us, the Gospel of Jesus is changing lives all over the world.

Chapter 2Do not be deceived by well crafted arguments, empty philosophies or high sounding nonsense.

Chapter 3Set your sights on higher things …

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Life Shape Prayer & Discipleship Module 3 – New Creation Responsibilities Block 6 – Community

Gtcotr/ws080713

Key Scripture: Acts 2:44  Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common.

The book of Acts is a well researched and meticulously documented account of the Holy Spirit working in and through the lives of those who were the very first to believe and receive Jesus as Messiah, Savior, Lord and King. Some imagine the book of Acts to refer to the “Acts of the Apostles” however it may more accurately be understood as the “Acts of the Holy Spirit."

This historical document was written by Luke, the same person who was a traveling companion to the Apostle Paul and also penned the Book of Luke. Contrary to what many people may at first imagine, Luke was not one of the Apostles of Jesus. In fact, Luke was not even a Jew but was rather a Gentile, and the only Gentile to have his writings included in the New Testament.

Luke was evidently a very well educated medical doctor with a propensity towards research and documentation. Being so inspired by his Christian faith, he accepted it as his calling and duty to research and to record the recent historical facts of Jesus’ life, from His birth in Bethlehem to His death at Calvary. This constituted Luke’s first book, the Book of Luke.

However, Luke’s inspiration and the call on his life did not end with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Luke felt compelled to also give an accurate and ongoing account of the continuing works of the Holy Spirit in and through the lives of the followers of Jesus. This record, much of it witnessed by Luke firsthand, provides eyewitness accounts of birth, growth and work of the first New Testament Church under the divinely inspired leadership of the Apostles who were personally discipled by Jesus and continually led by the Holy Spirit of Almighty God.

The writings of the “Beloved Physician” Luke not only give us an accurate, firsthand, eyewitness historical account of the first Church, but as well they provide each successive generation of Believers with an example to follow. Today we have the same duties, goals and responsibilities which were first laid on that first Church in Jerusalem near 2000 years ago. So, let’s continue to read Luke’s inspired record and embrace these accounts as God’s instructions for our lives.

Our key scripture reveals the mindset of a Believer and member of the Church of Jesus Christ in the earth. It is a true heart of unity. To help explain the heart, mind and attitude of these first Christians, we will use the word “Community” and break it down in its English spelling as though it were phonetically derived from two English words: Common Unity.

Acts 2 verse 44 describes this common unity among the Believers by saying that “all who believed were together and had all things in common." This portrays a shared togetherness which stood out and stood above individual protections, possessions and pursuits.

This particular scripture and the picture it paints has been difficult for many people to understand and embrace, especially people who have achieved some measure of success or wealth. It seems easier for people who are poor and needy to believe in a common bank of resources from which to draw daily needs than for someone who has so much to give and/or lose.

However, the truth of this scripture and its corresponding admonition is not a mandate for some hybrid form of socialism but rather it describes and encourages a common unity among Believers. As we continue to read the verses which follow we continue to find more common ground on which every Believer in Christ should stand.

You see, Church is God’s will and Church is God’s family designed for every Believer – and – Church is Community … a place where we are together and have things in common. Such common things as a:

·        Common Care for one another
o   Caring is sharing – either we are family or we are not!

Acts 2:45  And sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.

·        Common Commitments to God and each other

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

Acts 2:47  Praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

·        Common Culture
o   A Kingdom Culture which stands above class, citizenship, ethnicity, economy, history and/or ego.
o   Embrace a new identity …
o   Be nice and kind and like Christ to “all the people” – not just those like us. This opens the door for God to add His children to our Church family. (They may not all be just like us …)  
o   Without regard as to our former culture, customs, traditions, or general habits of life, we need embrace a Kingdom culture and begin to identify with and develop the new nature and the new responsibilities we have received as a New Creation in Christ.

Important Points
1.   God wants every Believer to have a Church home.
a.   Acts 2:44 Now all who believed were together …
b.   “Were together” literally means “were in the same place”
2.   Church is a Community of Believers joined together by God.
3.   It is every Believer’s responsibility to develop and demonstrate a:
a.   Common Care for one another
b.   Common Commitment to one another
c.   Common Culture with one another


God wants to use us to build His family as a community of Believers in every city, town and village, unified in heart, mind, passion and purpose.