Which side of God are you on?

Are You on the Wrong Side of God?
Acts 5:33-39
When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.
Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;
And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men. For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought. After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed. And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God. And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

When I first read this passage, I was impressed with the arguments of Gamaliel's. He is reminding this group of recent happenings along similar lines. He is giving them sound advice about the emotional action they are considering. These "men of Israel" had heard and experienced many accounts of being on the wrong side of God. These were bible scholars and knew about the history of what happens when people get on the wrong side of God. My mind immediately went to the Book of Jonah. Jonah, as you probably know, was told by God to go to the city of Ninevah and preach repentance to the Ninevites. The people of Ninevah were enemies of Jonah and his people. The last thing Jona wanted to do was go preach a revival in Ninevah. He not only was fearful for his own life, but he also did not want them to repent -- instead he wanted God to just kill them all and put them out of his misery. So he ran away. He jumped on a boat going the opposite direction of Ninevah. You are familiar with the outcome: God sent a great storm, then a big fish that swallowed Jonah and vomited him on the shore. During this experience Jonah finally agreed to do God's will -- although without joy. He went to Ninevah and preached one of the best sermons of all time -- so good in fact that the people of Ninevah repented. Jonah's story ends on a hill outside of town, as he waits and watches for the Lord to destroy the Ninevites. Jonah was ultimately angry and disappointed because the Lord chose to spare Ninevah.

I see the Sanhedrin in this same place -- deciding to take a wait and see approach with the expectation that God will punish the followers of Jesus, believing that the Christian movement will turn to nothing, it will fail. Unfortunately, like Jonah, the Sanhedrin are so committed to their own agenda they are unwilling to allow God to lead in their lives. As a result they don't experience the joy of salvation. Instead they are left with the harshness of the lesson without the benefit God intended. Ritual and tradition had blinded them to the truth God was trying to show. I see the same thing happening in the religious world today. Satan has blinded many to God’s truth with false belief and incorrect teachings.

Jonah sat on the rocky ground and baked in the sun, angry at God for His forgiving nature. The Sanhedrin wanted to punish the apostles, in fact they wanted to put them to death -- but they were on the wrong side of God as well -- doing in great error what they thought was God's will. As we will see some were ultimately transformed, but many were not. Which will you be? Transformed by the experience or stubbornly stuck in your expectation or tradition?
Are you on the wrong side of God? What change of thought will it take to correct your thinking? Have you had an experience in which you resisted God's will? What do you think He was trying to tell you or get you to change?

Christian Living

Matthew 5:14-16 “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let you light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
There are many good works done every day. Charitable organizations, volunteers, and many there is not room to mention them all. When God looks down at all that is being done what is He looking for? He is looking to see if what is being done is being done to give Him glory. If it is not then God is not interested. But “good works” is not what God is interested in. God is very interested in and concerned about what glorifies God.
Jesus had just finished the sermon on the mount and as He did he gave a very simple illustration of what a Christian should be doing. Jesus is reminding everyone that He is not satisfied to simply command charitable acts, random acts of kindness, or the many other good works that all the world hails. His idea is very simple. Let your light shine in such a way that what ever you do will reflect on the Father in heaven and not on you.
When you have the opportunity to do a good deed, to help someone in need are people encouraged to give you the credit? Slap you on the back and tell you what a great job you did? Or do your actions point to Christ as the source and motivation for what you do? It is easy for our ego, pride and our people pleasing nature to take even our best Christian efforts and turn them into an occasion for self glory.
If you study how Jesus lived and taught you will quickly notice He never pointed to himself, he always pointed to the Father. He wanted to make sure the credit was placed where it rightly belonged; that being in a way that gave glory to God the Father. If the Son of God himself would deny himself to receive the acclaim of men for his good works, how much more should our lives be mirrors that reflect the glorious goodness and grace of our God?

Christian Civil Disobedience

Acts 5:29-32
Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be Prince and a saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.”
The Sanhedrin believed they were divinely appointed by God to administrate God's will on earth, so everything they did was God's will. You can imagine how angry they must have been when Peter and the apostles continued to disobey their orders and answered, "We must obey God rather than men!" This condition did not die with those who were called the Sanhedrin. It is still alive and kicking today. There are many sects and orders today that believe they are the sole owner of the access to God. Those who do not comply with their authority are heretics.

I think we must be careful that we are not self-serving when we apply this principle of civil disobedience. 1 Peter 2:13-14 tells us that we are to submit ourselves to every earthly authority placed over us, so how do we balance all that? Without getting into civil authority or compliance to law and order let us look at what we as Christians are to do. God told Israel over and over again to obey my commandments. Man has devised ways to get around what God has commanded us to do. And over and over again man has suffered the consequences of his actions. I do feel as Christians when our freedom to worship God as He directs is threatened then we are to follow God and not man. We are also to stand up and defend the God we serve. I guess then it would come down to which god do you serve, the god of this world or the God who created heaven and earth. Satan is on the offensive to get God removed from our lives our country and our minds. As Christens we are to take up arms and go to war against this evil.

There are two primary biblical requirements to keep in mind as we consider an act of "Christian Civil Disobedience." I pose these as questions, the first is: Does it have scriptural support and authority? 2 Timothy 3:16-17, “all scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproach, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. That the man of God may be perfect thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” The apostles weren't following a feeling, they were following a direct order of Jesus from Matthew 28:19 "Go make disciples of all nations."

The second: Will you carry it out with humility? Peter and the apostles were willing to take punishment for disobedience. Throughout the Scriptures we see other examples of those who say, "we can't do this because we have a higher authority;" however, they do so without anger, resentment, or violence. Yes it is a war we are to fight but then we are to do it with love for those who have wronged us, for those who have fallen under the spell of the devil and those who have been deceived by false teachers. Colossians 2:8 “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the traditions of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” Our example is Christ. As he hung on the cross after having been beaten and physically abused to the ninth degree he said, “forgive them for they know not what they do.”
1 Peter 5:8 “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about seeking whom he may devour..”
Remember the effectual fervent prayer of the righteous availeth much. Take a stand for Christ He stood for you, gave His life for you and expects nothing less.
Can you remember a situation recently when you had a choice to obey God or man? What was your decision? What was the outcome?

We Couldn't Be Wrong, Right?

Acts 5:25-28
Then came one and told them, saying, Behold the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people. Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned. And when they had brought them, they set them before the counsel: and the high priest asked hem, saying, Did not we straightly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and behold ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.
In these verses we see several truths. One is the fact that the church leaders, the Sanhedrin, were wrong and they knew it. Their pride and arrogance had blinded them to the truth Jesus brought. Two they showed their self righteousness thinking they were better than anyone else and only they could teach religious ideas. Three because they knew they were wrong they were afraid of what the people would say or do.
I am quite sure neither the Sanhedrin nor the chief priest, felt they were opposed to God in this confrontation with Peter and John. Rather, they were so focused on their own power and authority they could not see God's correcting hand in the experience. We see this indignation in verse 28, "We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name." In other words their egos blinded them to the truth God was trying to show them. Remember these were men who all their lives had studied the law and prophets, the religious of the religious.

So often we get locked into doing things our way (like the Sanhedrin), that when God corrects us through events, we ignore the miracle because it doesn't fit with our expectation. We couldn't be wrong -- right? When things seem to be going wrong -- people aren't following your direction, leadership or example -- it's probably a good time to reevaluate how and what you're doing. God might be correcting you and He may be using a lowly person or people to do so. I think the most difficult correction for me to accept is, when God uses someone less educated, less experienced, or a new Christian. That's when I have to be especially careful that my "Sanhedrin" indignation and arrogance doesn't kick in.
Is God trying to correct you right now? Is there a way you are doing something, maybe even an attitude that needs to change? Do you get hung up on tradition and ritual and miss the real truth god is trying to show you? Has there been someone in your life that like the Sanhedrin has made you angry because they've challenged you? Perhaps it's time to reevaluate -- you couldn't be wrong, right?

Evaluate your attitudes and actions in light of God's Word. For only then can you truly see the flaws that may be keeping your from having a truly great experience with God.

What To Do when Trouble Comes

Ephesians 6:10, “Finally my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.”
We all have had to face problems and troubles in our lives. Many times there was someone who has offered comfort with some warm words or an encouraging pat on the back. “You are going to be ok.” “Be strong.” “Things aren’t as bad as you think.” This counsel is well meant but most often is not very helpful. If you could make yourself “be strong” you would not need encouragement to begin with. The problem you are struggling with is real to you. Paul writing to the Ephesians is giving them more than just a pat on the back or a word of comfort. He is reminding them and us where all true and everlasting strength comes from. Power and strength comes from Jesus Christ. When we take our eyes off Him we are weak. Paul is saying don’t look at your problems look at Jesus. Maybe you don’t have the strength to tackle the problems or challenges that are staring you down, but God does. There is nothing to hard for God.
We should stop relying on our own strength, our own efforts, and our own wisdom; instead, we should look to the wisdom of God’s Word and the strength of God’s Spirit to direct our daily lives. When we place our trust in Him we are energized by His power. When we confess our weakness and our helplessness to him something great happens. God’s love and grace is sent to care for us. God is stronger then we so we need to cast our burdens on Him. Psalms 55:22, “Cast thy burdens upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.”
Put on the whole amour of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Only God can give you the power you need in order to successfully battle with sin, with sickness, with selfishness, and with Satan. He can and does give that power to those who turn to him and rely on him.
You have a tough decision to make ask God for guidance. Need to work through a difficult problem, put it in God’s hands and let Him deal with it. You can’t see the future but God can. You need help ask God for it. Take His hand and let Him guide you.
Or you can continue alone. It is your choice.

What Does Your Shadow Represent?

Acts 5:14-16
And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitude both men and women. Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them. There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.

This is an amazing story about how things can get twisted. Peter had been preaching and through the power of the Holy spirit many signs and wonders had been done. A crowd was gathering just because of word of mouth. From all over the region the word had spread that great things were being done in Jerusalem. Believers were the more added to the Lord. Some how the word got out that Peter was so powerful that if just his shadow passed over the sick they would be healed. How did his shadow get so powerful all of a sudden? Man’s imagination and satan’s lies once again trying to take the glory away from God.
Peter the Apostle is the object in our passage whose shadow has developed the ability to heal. I’m sure Peter was not happy about this imagined power the people had given to his shadow. Everything Peter did he did in Jesus’ name. The subtle warning for us in this is to make sure we focus on the source (Jesus) not just the image. Our tendency can be to give power or find meaning in the wrong thing, in this case Peter's shadow. The people had mistakenly transformed Peter's words ("In the name of Jesus") into faith in his shadow. As a Christian we must always be cautious to humbly point to Jesus, so our works in His Name do not become "our" works alone. Keep in mind a shadow is only formed when one stands in front of the light. Without light there can be no shadow. Shadows are not magical and are only an image of the one who is standing in front of the light.

As I read our passage today, I couldn't help think about what my shadow represents to others. It is non-existent if there is no light source? Do people see Jesus in my shadow? For He is the light of the world. In John 1:6-8 we see, “There was a man sent from God whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light that all men through him might believe. He was not the Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.”
If we stand in the Light of Jesus Christ we will cast a shadow. But it is not what is behind us that is important it is what people see in the light. Does the world see Jesus when they look at you? Does the light of Jesus show in your face and does it draw all men to Him? Will believers be added to the Lord because of what they see when they look at you?

Walking the Christian Road

Hebrews 12:1-2 “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Looking to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
As we rise each day to face what may lay ahead where do we find the strength? The road ahead is filled with many obstacles, some disheartening yet we must push onward. The Christian life is not one for the faint of heart. No one can travel this road alone. We can only find strength when we fix our gaze on the God-man, Jesus Christ. For it is only when we look to Jesus that we find the preserving grace to run and not faint.
We all have a duty to serve the King. That duty can quickly turn into drudgery when we take our eyes off Jesus. Something remarkable happens when we truly see Jesus. You cannot help but be change when you look at Jesus.
Jesus became man so he would know how to deal with all we go through. When we suffer from grief look to Jesus and be comforted by his sovereign goodness. Maybe we have given in to temptation then we can look to Jesus and know because of the cross he will forgive us and care for us.
To walk the Christian road we must have a clear unclouded vision of Jesus. We must have faith grounded in the Word of God. We must have the security knowing on the cross Jesus paid our sin debt and set us free. A Christ-exalting life cannot be built upon the things and joys of this world.
As it was when Peter stepped out of the boat to come to Jesus on the water and started to sink when he took his eyes off Jesus. We too will find a difficult path when we let our eyes drop down from the saviors face. When you get down and do not have the strength to walk look up and take the hand of Christ and he will help you stand.

Have You Thanked God today

Have You Thanked God Today?
Hebrews 13:15-16 “By Him (Jesus) therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.”
We praise God with song in service and speech and we can do none without thanking Him. Thanking God is a sacrifice of our gratitude for what He has done in and for us.
We are called to give praise to God and we must do that continually. Each time we sing His praises we are to give thanks. And, most importantly, it is only praise when it is by Jesus. Without Him where would we be?
We come to God with all sorts of request. I was thinking what percentage of the time we are talking to God is spent in thanksgiving? What is the first thing you say when you start to pray? Is it Please or Thank You? Is it our petition for want or need or is it gratitude we most often bring before God?
We most certainly must make our needs known, ask and ye shall receive, the Bible instructs. It also instructs us to praise God. We cannot properly praise His name unless we bring with us at prayer time conscious, grateful words of praise and thanksgiving for all He has done for us.
Praise, grateful praise, is not an exercise of duty. Grateful praise comes from a heart that is truly thankful for grace, provision and strength.
For what should we be the most grateful for, our home, our church, our family, our health? While all these are of vital interest without Jesus in the center we only have material gain. By whose authority and grace are we saved, and allowed to come into the presence of almighty God? It is by the name that is above every name, that name is Jesus. We are to call out in His name, sing praises in His name and give thanks for what he has done for us. It is by Jesus, and for Jesus, that our greatest thanks should be offered up to God.
When was the last time you prayed just a prayer of thanks and really meant it? Prayed a prayer of thanksgiving without attaching several petitions. Just said God I just want to tell you how much I love you and just wanted to say thanks.
Psalms 63:3, “Because thy loving kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.
Philippians 4:6, “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be known unto God.”
Have you thanked God today?

Salvation

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
When one receives the gift of salvation it is a free gift from God. There are no strings attached no fees to pay no work that has to be done, nothing to fill out. Our salvation is not even dependent on if and when we go to church, what religion we profess or what our social standing is. Salvation is of the Lord, and it is entirely based upon His sovereign grace. In other words we don’t have to do anything to get it other than believe in the Son of God. Salvation comes by faith that Jesus is who He said He is and can do what He said He could do. If our faith is based on anything else it can be easily defeated and derailed. If our salvation was based on how we feel at the moment we would never get saved and would forever be lost and dying. If our salvation is based on emotion then when the preacher stops talking we would be lost and the emotion would die. Then our salvation must be based on our spiritual zeal. No that too has its up and downs it can leave us at any moment. Faith itself is no guarantee we will keep our salvation if that faith is based on the wrong things. You can have all the faith in the world that the church you attend will be there next Sunday, but if you are putting your faith in only that you will get to set in that empty church when Jesus comes to claim His own. The work of Christ is sufficient for salvation. “For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
Grace is a great thing. If we could earn our salvation then we could just as easily loose it. If salvation was based on feelings we could loose our salvation. Let’s face it some days we just don’t feel saved. If we could loose something Jesus died for then every time we lost our salvation we would have to re-crucify Jesus. No one wants to do that. Salvation is by grace, our faith in Jesus Christ will never be dismantled or disappear. You may leave God but God will never leave you. God keeps His promises. Once you accept Jesus as savior that salvation is as secure as God can make it. Once you are in God’s hands you can never be removed. He won’t ever drop you. Before you can have that security you have to trust in Jesus ask Him to come into your heart and forgive you and save you. It is just that simple. Romans 10:10, “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”
We have a great and loving God who loves us cares for us and doesn’t want any to be lost. Salvation is a gift from God will you accept His gift?

The Cross of Christ

1 Corinthians 2:1-2 “And I brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ and Him crucified.”
We are coming upon the Easter season where many have a flawed view of what happened on Golgotha’s hill over 2000 years ago. In his letter to the Corinthian church Paul is stressing not education, wisdom of men or points of law. He is reminding the Corinthians that true Christianity owes nothing to human wisdom.
At first glance this is a very strange statement for Paul to make that he did not come with great words, motivational speeches or vast knowledge of theology. Surely he talked about more than just what happened at Calvary? Paul was a very educated man and a student of the law. He knew theology inside and out. How could this then be a description of his ministry? You mean to tell me Paul did not talk about morality, about points of law about theology in general, both past and present? I am sure he did but that is not what I feel Paul is talking about here. I think his meaning is very clear in the last part of verse 2, “Jesus Christ and him crucified.” Everything Paul talked about centered around Christ, the cross and what happened on the cross. Issues of morality are centered on the cross, theology has its roots on the cross and only with a true understanding of the cross can either be understood. And all history, including the entire Old Testament, is only properly understood in relation to the cross. Paul was telling us everything we teach and preach should be centered on the cross. Grace, joy, grief, sacrifice, purpose, hope, love are evidenced on the cross. To be able to properly understand any of these we must clearly know and fully understand what happened on the cross and why it happened.
The cross was not an accident; it was not a practice run; it was not just a good example. Jesus Christ carried our sins, in his own body, on the tree so that we, being freed from sin, would live a life that exalts his name. The cross is the pivot-point of history. It is the impetus and standard for morality. And it is the center stage of theology. Had Jesus not gone to the cross suffered and died for our sins we would not be having this discussion. Without the cross all we would have is a hollow theology, an educated but distorted view of God and still would be living with no hope. So it stands to reason then not only is it therefore right to focus all our attention on the cross of Christ, it is wrong not to. Easter is not for colored eggs, fluffy bunnies or new clothes. Christ died on the cross and after three days He rose from the dead with my salvation in His hand. So then Paul made it very clear everything we do or say should be centered on the cross. All inspiration does not come from human wisdom. “And my speech and preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” Vs 4-5
May the cross, today, be the focus of your vision and the fullness of your heart. May you know nothing among your friends, your co-workers, your family, save Jesus Christ and him crucified. To preach less would have no meaning.

Young or Old

Psalms 113:3 “From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the Lord’s name is to be praised.”
No matter who you are how young or how old you are God expects you and I to praise Him. Praise means to give honor and admiration to the Lord. It does not matter where you live, where you travel or what profession you choose for life there is only one thing that should remain constant---to praise the Lord in all you do, say and think. The Psalm shows us from horizon to horizon we are to give God glory and praise. It matters not what time of the day or night we are to honor and praise God. In rush hour traffic do we give honor to the Lord? We are supposed to. If we did it would make our commute a lot better. How about when we are doing our daily chores which may seem distasteful like changing dirty diapers, studying for a midterm exam, or setting up late at night with a sick child do we praise God? We should. We should never let a day pass that we do not sing His praises and do something that will bring honor and glory to Christ. When we are proud of something we always seem to be able to bring that into a conversation. Paul could have been proud of his education, his position in the Jewish community but he discounted all that. What did he talk about to all he came in contact with? Christ and Him crucified. What are you most proud of and share will all you meet?
Not only daily are we to praise him but in every stage of our lives. With the exuberance of youth in the morning of our lives God is due our obedience and worship. In middle age when we are most active and involved God is due our worship. As the sun is setting into our golden years then too are we to sing His praises and give Him honor for the life we have lived and the price paid for us. What better witness than at this time to show how God has carried you through the storms of life and provided strength when we were weak.
There is no place, no stage of our lives that we should not bring glory to our Maker and Savior. From the glory of heaven to the cross of Calvary Christ has come to pay for you and for me. To save us from an eternity in misery and pain; paid our sin debt and set us free. Should we then not be willing to give Him the glory and worship He deserves?

The Grace of God

The God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablished, strengthen, settled you. 1 Peter 5:10
What a great statement, “God is of all grace.” Peter is explaining in chapter 5 the Christian service in view of the second coming of Christ. Here we are shown the first and primary example of the grace of God when we are called unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus. As we all know salvation is by grace and not of works. It is not something we have to buy or earn or deserve. Salvation is freely given by a loving God and is proven by Him sending His son to die in our stead. In Romans 3:24 Paul tells us we are justified freely by this grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.
Let’s face it none of us deserve salvation. For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Yet God still loves us no matter how we act or what we do. Paul goes on to show us a picture of salvation in Romans 5:20, “Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.”
“But God commended his love toward us, it that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.” Romans 5:8-9.
God’s grace not only was sent for our salvation but also to carry us to heaven in the future, to train and mature and strengthen us in the everyday challenges sorrows and pains that will come our way.
God’s grace is a here-and-now grace that also matures, establishes, strengthens, and settles us through the suffering we experience in this world. God’s grace is sufficient for us and His strength is made perfect in our weakness.
We can’t earn, buy or pretend to have salvation. You are either saved or you are not by their fruits ye shall know them Jesus said. God freely gave salvation to all who ask and trust in the name that is above every name, Jesus. God is a loving God and He does not want any to perish. Yet many will! To know the grace of God you must first know His son. Have you met Jesus?

Faith to Follow

Luke 5:27-28 “and after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, setting at the receipt of customs: and he said unto him, “Follow me.” And he left all, rose up, and followed him.
It won’t take long if you study the bible to discover that God has many attributes. The most amazing is that he is unpredictable. He chooses those no one else would ever believe could be of use. Who could have ever thought the man who was to write the first book of the New Testament would be a tax collector. Why does that seem so strange? In Jesus’ day tax collectors or publicans as they were called were classed with the lowest of the low in society. These men were placed in the same class as harlots and heathen. The church going crowd had not use for publicans and sinners. Looked down their noises at them. Yet Jesus saw something in Matthew (Levi) that he felt would be of great service to God. Was Levi doing something that should have merited this great honor? No he was setting at the receipt of customs, doing his job. Had he been to some great crusade and heard fantastic preaching? Again no he was setting colleting taxes. If gauged by social standards this man was not fit for anything. He was probably not a church going man. What happened that would make a man drop everything and walk into a new way of life? He met Jesus! Jesus looked to his heart not at his social standing and saw a man He could use. When Jesus called look what Levi did, he left all and followed him. We see with that simple act of faith Matthew (Levi) rose up and followed Jesus. Let us look at exactly what Matthew did. First he gave up a lucrative position to follow a lowly carpenter, a radical in the view of some. He not only left behind his livelihood but he also left his former lifestyle to follow Jesus. He dropped everything that was attached to his sinful life and followed Jesus. Was he called crazy? You can bet he was called many things that day. One thing was sure God spoke to Levi and he heard and answered that call. As a result God used him in a mighty way.
Later we see Matthew honoring Jesus at a feast he paid for. We also see a man who had gone from one of Harod’s publican tax collectors to a publisher of the gospel of Jesus. What better picture of the transforming power of Christ than the picture of Matthew? When one is truly born again and trusts Jesus as saviour everything changes; life, thoughts, actions and most important heart. 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new.”
Two words changed this man’s life, “Follow me.” Has He changed your life? Would you follow Him if He called? Do you even know Him? You can you know. Seek and ye shall find knock and it shall be opened unto you.

Pray Without Ceasing

Pray without ceasing- 1 Thessalonians 5:17
What is the first thing you do when you get up in the morning? What is the last thing you do before you close your eyes at night? When you go through your day where do your priorities lay? What holds your attention and affects your thoughts all day long? Goes God enter into your thought process? Do you have communication with Him? If not, why not? Most only pray when they need or want something, are having problems, or are in trouble. When do you pray? God would like to hear from you all the time not just once in a while.
We go to every place in this world seeking guidance, strength, attention and love we need for relationships. We search the internet trying to find what we need for living. When we pray we enter into the presence of God and we communicate with Him through our heart. If there were a place where we could find all the strength, power and direction to live a productive and successful life should we not go there? God who is the creator of all things, the keeper of all wisdom, and the protector of all who seek His presence has provided just such a place. Through the blood sacrifice on the cross Jesus has opened the door to a place we can find peace strength and direction.
Maybe that is why Paul is instructing us with such a strong command—pray without ceasing. Does this mean we are to spend all our days and nights on our knees in prayer. No but we are to be in a constant state of prayer and communication with God. We are not to pray to appease some vague sense of guilt or obligation, but to enjoy the great pleasures, pursue the great holiness, and enter the great presence of the One who loved us so much He sent His son to die for us.
Verizon claims to rule the air. Even with that claim Verizon drops call occasionally. God on the other hand never drops a call never looses a signal and never asks us to update our phone. We do have to turn our phone on to get and make calls. His line is never busy and He does not have voice mail. He answers when you call, but you do have to call. Paul said pray without ceasing. Or don’t stop praying stay in total communication with God. Praying is a two way line of communication, you talking to God and God talking to you. Sometimes if God has not heard from you He will make a call. Do you hear the phone ring? You will if you are in a constant state of prayer and in communication with God. In other words keep your phone turned on. Here is something to think about God can’t answer your prayer if you don’t call Him. He can’t talk to you if you don’t answer. Have you talked to God today?

Where Is the Cornerstone?

Acts 4:11-13
This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

The reference Peter makes to "the stone you builders rejected which has become the capstone" refers to Psalm 118:22. Tradition has it that in Solomon's day during the construction of the temple, the engineers called the quarry for the cornerstone. They responded saying, "We sent it to you weeks ago." But the builders, not knowing what it was (it didn't fit), rolled it into the Valley of Gehenna -- the place where all the refuse or waste went. They went searching and indeed found it there, this vitally important component of construction -- upon which everything else is based.

Jesus walked and taught among all the people. He went to church went to the market and traveled around the country. All the while the religious leaders were seeking and waiting for the Messiah. They knew he was coming but were so blinded by their traditions and self importance they did not see Jesus as He was. In other words, they received something they didn't understand, so they rejected it -- sent it away with all the garbage. But Peter reminds us, "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men, by which we must be saved." This man Jesus, the foretold messiah -- like the cornerstone was thrown away -- yet had great value. They wanted a king and the king came riding on a donkey. They wanted a leader who would change the political climate and they hung the only who could do that on a cross.

Verse 13 tells us that when the Jewish leaders saw the courage of Peter and John, and they knew these men had not been educated yet they clearly understood scripture they were astonished -- they took note of the fact these men had been with Jesus. I think those words are worth repeating, "these men had been with Jesus". We too are changed from the inside out when we spend time with Jesus.
Be honest with yourself, how much time do you spend with Jesus each day? If you are struggling in any area of your life, the solution will start with one-on-one time spent with the Lord. Begin slowly at first, commit to a time and a place, then stay committed. This time you spend with Jesus will become the most valuable part of your day. It will become the "cornerstone" in the construction of your life -- from which everything else is measured, adjusted, and built upon.

Managing Fear

Acts 4:29-31
And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

Peter and John walked out of that court room where they had just had a confrontation with the Sanhedrin. Stood before men who not only wanted them to be quite but also wanted to kill them. Do you think they were just a little bit fearful? Their human nature made sure of that. Sometimes when we read the Bible we forget these were real men with real human emotion. You would think that they would be boasting that they had just stared down the most powerful religious rulers in the region. After all they had just seen a great miracle with the healing of the lame man. They had been with Jesus, walked with Him and seen all he could do. I am sure there was a fear emotion that was hovering around Peter and John.
That was not the first time Peter had been scared. Remember when Jesus told him to come to Him on the water and Peter climbed out of the boat. He was scare but he knew Jesus was there and would help him. They had seen God control the high priest and his hinch men. Yet I would bet Peter and John were just a little fearful as they walked out into the sun light looked at each other sighed, took a deep breath and thanked God for what had just happened. If you or I had just been in jail and taken before the high court would we be scared? I would. If we had just experienced a great miracle as did Peter and John would we come out changed? We should.
Peter and John had experienced many miracles in their lives (walking on water, feeding five thousand, seeing the lame walk, the blind see etc.) -- and were changed men because of it. Yet they were still human and concerned about the threats made by the chief priests and elders. Their spiritual side was praising God while their carnal side was shaking in their boots. We are like this as well. When we see God perform miracles in our life we are thankful. Yet there still is concern about some other perceived threat.
Before someone accepts Jesus as saviour you are lost and wandering scared and alone. You have heard there is a great judge who has power to condemn you to a prison or kill you. You are scared. Then Jesus comes along and stands before the court and pleads your case. By His sacrifice you are set free. In other words you have just witnessed a miracle and you are changed because of it. Does all the fear go away? The fear of dyeing does but the human nature and the fear is still there. However now you have someone who stands with you, someone who can protect you can make things change. Jesus said, “I will never leave you not forsake you.”

Have you ever felt or been threatened with bodily harm because of your faith or witness for Jesus? What would your first reaction be? In these perilous times you may get a chance to answer that question. Are you ready?

Right In The Sight Of God

Acts 4:14-19
And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.
15But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,
16Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.
17But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.
And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.
19But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.
20For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

Here was a man, crippled since birth who was over forty years old standing before the most powerful religious group in Jerusalem (the Sanhedrin) -- healed. They were hard pressed to deny what was standing right in front of them. Had they made an issue of this man and tried to say he was something he was not would have been something that would have severely damaged their credibility. Did it matter what they believed? You bet it did matter! Everyone in Jerusalem had seen or knew what had just happened. Egos were hurt and their authority was certainly being challenged. The Sanhedrin had a problem they needed to stop this thing from spreading, so what was their solution? Stop them (Peter and John) from giving credit to Jesus (verse 17, "speak no longer to anyone in this name"). Sounds simple, just tell them to stop.

I love Peter and John's reply, “But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.” How often do we, when confronted with opposition to the gospel, sidestep around an issue or even worse be silent? Does it matter what you believe? It matters to God! Today Christians will not stand up for what they believe. Look what happened when God was taken out of our schools. Did we protest in the streets, write congressmen, no we just stood by and shook our heads and let it happen. What about when the Ten commands were taken down off the court house wall, did we say anything? Can’t pray at the ball game or at a social gathering for fear someone might get offended? Once again like a whipped pup we just stool with our heads down and said nothing. Is it any wonder few really believe we are really a Christian Nation? Who will you obey, the world or God? Will you succumb to societal and peer pressure, or will you stand firm in your convictions and beliefs?

But what if the choice isn't black and white -- what if there are different points of view or perspectives? After all, the Bible doesn't speak specifically to every issue on which we may be confronted. I think you can find the answer in the phrase "in God's sight". This really cleans up the doubt (although I don't always like the answer). "Right in God's sight" is not always the most obvious, easiest, least confrontational, or convenient. But it is always right. The next time you feel a little confused on the right thing to do, place it in God's sight. Your decision will become much clearer.
Have you been ignoring or sidestepping around an issue? For example, have you been trying to convince yourself that un-Christian language is okay on the golf course, or inappropriate joke telling is fine as long as it's with your friends? Answer this question, what is right in God's sight? Would you do or say what you do or say if Jesus was standing by your side? Guess what He is!

You Shall Be My Witnesses

Acts 1:8-11
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
9And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.
10And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;
11Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

When Jesus said, "You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth," we automatically think foreign missions. We get the impression that Jesus wants us to give up all we have and go overseas. We tend to think this means we need to go out and speak to everyone about Jesus. Although I firmly believe we need to get out and preach the good news, I would like to look at an interesting choice of words: "You will be my witnesses" -- in other words, your life, as much as your words, is witness to the world about Jesus. What does the world see when they look at you and me? Do they see a carnal worldly person or do they see Jesus? Jesus is saying He wants us to not only tell others about Him but that we are to show the world we have been with Him. When Peter and John were brought up on charges and had to defend what they were preaching to the religious crowd look at what the critics saw. Acts 4:13 “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.” I feel this is what Jesus is talking about when He says we are to be His witnesses. While it is true we need to go into the highways and hedges and bring them in so that His house might be filled, it is how we are seen as we go that will be most important.
This is a heady concept: That what I do -- how I live -- matters as much, or more than my words. Could this be one of the reasons so many people are turned off to Christianity. They don't want to be like us. They don't see any benefit in being a Christian. They don't see any difference between Christians and everyone else. Those who accused Peter immediately saw he had been with Jesus. There was something different about him, about the way he talked and about the way he acted. He was different and he had something they didn’t have. If you are saved and know Jesus as saviour does it show? Would other people want what you have? Can anyone tell you have been with Jesus? Are you one way at church and another on the drive home? What kind of a witness are you?
What kind of a witness do you want to be? What is inconsistent in the witness of your life? Where is there inconsistency between your life and your message?
Jesus said,”You shall be my witnesses”. Are you ready to show the world you have been with Jesus or are you like those wide eyed disciples who were standing in awe and amazement as Jesus was taken up? Do you need to be reminded He is coming back just like those men of Galilee, “why stand here gazing up into heaven.” You have work to do; you have to be a witness for the King.

Seeing The Real Need

Acts 3:1-4a
Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.
And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;
Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms.
And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us.
And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.

This passage is a good example of how we miss something that is right in front of us. Most of the time we jump past the first four verses and look only at verse 6. I would like to look at the first part of verse 4. “And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John…” What did Peter see? He did not see the same old beggar who was at the gate every day begging for alms. He did not see a cripple who should be ignored. He did not see an opportunity to make a name for himself. Peter looked and saw the need. He saw this man needed help. Help to stand up and walk. Help to be able to go into worship without having to be carried. He saw a man who needed Jesus. It was only then that Peter knew how to help this man. He first had to see the need. Yes the man needed money. Yes this man needed help to get around, but that is not what Peter saw. Put yourself in Peter’s place and ask yourself what would you see if there was a cripple man setting at the door of your church on Sunday morning asking for a handout? What would you give him? Would you run inside and tell the preacher to do something about the bum cluttering up our church? When we see someone in need do we reach in our pocket for some loose change and run the other way, or do we look straight at him or her and see the real person hidden inside? Be honest with yourself, how do you feel around people who are not like you -- in wheelchairs, deformed, homeless, alcoholic/addict, or mentally retarded? Are you willing to really look at that person? Are you afraid of what you might see? What if it were you in that condition? How would you want to be seen?
It's sometimes hard for us to look at people in need. We don't want to embarrass them by paying too much attention. Our society has taught us to not look. We are only conditioned to see the need after the wreck. In Japan we all see the need to help those who have fallen victim to nature. But did wee see the need of those same people before the quake or flood? Did we see the need to share Jesus with them? Did we see a soul who would be lost without the love of Christ? Did we see God’s heart being broken as those who died would be lost to Him forever because no one saw their need? No probably not we only saw the destruction and sighed, “those poor people somebody should help them.”
So then can we only see after the wreck? Then it may be too late. What will it take for us to see the need of those in our town, in our neighborhood, in our church? What kind of wreck will make us see? We give to disaster relief and that is a good thing but what about grief relief, addiction relief, depression relief, homeless relief and most of all relief from being lost to God? What would you give to any of those? There are people in every city and town who need help. Not only do they need physical help they need spiritual help. Those hooked on drugs and spend nights in an alcoholic fog need help to loose the chains that bind them. There are those who are trapped in a broken body who only want to be seen as a person to love. How about those who have fought for your freedom and can no longer function in society due to the trauma they endured? Should we forget them?
In short are we like most who went into the temple that day ahead of Peter and John and only saw the same old beggar wanting money. Afraid to look into that man’s eyes because they could not stand the reflection. Jesus told the twelve after he had fed five thousand when ask about them forgetting to take bread, “Having eyes ye see not? And having ears, hear not …” Is He asking us the same question today?
Can we only see the need after the wreck?

Preparing to Be Heard

Acts 4:1-4
And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them,
Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.
And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide.
Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.

The leaders of the religious community in Jerusalem had a pretty significant problem on their hands. These two preachers, Peter and John continued to talk to the people, they couldn't keep them quiet. The problem was the people were beginning to listen. How can we stop this madness they thought? Let’s put them in jail until the next day. Then we can try to explain that they need to stop spreading this message that is going against all we believe.
Is there a similar problem today? Most certainly there is. How so you ask? Well we can’t post the ten commands in government buildings; we can’t pray in schools, our children can’t be taught about how this country was founded on Christian ideals and principles (at least not in school). At work new policies are put in place so we cannot mention religious ideas or put up religious sayings on our desk. After all we might offend a non believer. There is a movement to remove God from our daily lives. So in short we are just like Peter and John we are being put in jail—if only figuratively. Guess what today it is working our witness is being shut down. Or it is trying to be shut down. For if people begin to listen and are saved this world would really change. We sure would not want a world where there was peace and folks loved each other and cared for each other and God was the center of every life—would we?

Witnessing is like that. It seems as if we're making no progress. Our words are falling on deaf ears. We have nothing but opposition, disagreement, and argumentative people. Who is opposing the gospel the most? Those who are afraid it will put light on them and what they are doing. We are just to be witnesses as did Peter and John and tell the world about Jesus. We need to let God do the rest.
Whatever the circumstances, it can feel like you are making no progress at sharing the message. The encouragement for me is in Verse 4, "but many who heard the message believed". Despite the fact that Peter and John were now in jail -- many who had heard believed. In other words God’s Word will not return to Him void. Look what God did—“and the number of the men was about five thousand.” You think if you were going to be put in jail for preaching Jesus that you would get an audience like that? Would you even start preaching?

The people's hearts were prepared to hear by witnessing the healing of a man crippled since birth, someone they had all seen or known about. It wasn't as if these people had never heard about Jesus, His claims, or the claims of His followers. The difference was the circumstance -- before their eyes the cripple was healed -- the example or demonstration of Jesus power. In other words God had prepared the field the seed had been sown, the preachers or witnesses watered and God gave the increase.
What is the example or power that is evident in your life? Think carefully about that. If you are having a problem with getting people to listen to you about Jesus, then it could be He is not evident in your life? You are the witness, is your life convincing?
If you were to be tried in a court for being a Christian would there be enough evidence to convict you?

What Do You Cling To?

Acts 3:10-12
And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.
And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering.
And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?

Try to imagine: If the beggar's healing had made today's news headlines -- who would get the credit? How would the world explain his healing? Would God get the credit? It is doubtful God would even get an honorable mention. Many would give credit to the doctors who worked on him or to some new and wonder working drug. There would even be those who would claim it is due to membership is some special group who had been given special powers. Have you ever thought why we don’t see this same kind of miracle today? Ok I know God does work miracles today and He still heals many ailments. Lets look for a moment and see what would happen if you saw your pastor at the mall and there was a man in a wheel chair setting waiting for another to push him around. The pastor stops and talks to the man for a few moments then he speaks as Peter spoke. The crippled man leaps out of his chair and starts running around the mall. Who would get all the attention—the man, the pastor or God? The pastor knows who did the healing but who do the bystanders think did the healing? Right ---just as those in the temple with Peter and John did –everyone would gather around the pastor and stand in amazement at how he had done this great thing. Even the one who is now standing would shout praises for the pastor.

There is a warning given to us in the last sentence of this story: "Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?" Our own power or our own godliness. If we error here then we miss the point as did those at the temple that day. God is the same today as He was then so why don’t we see the same kind of miracles? I feel it is because today man would get the glory over God. Keep in mind Peter had been with Jesus had seen what the power of God was really all about. He knew he was but a simple fisherman but he also knew that having total faith in God would and could do great things. He had seen evidence of how that worked. Maybe our vision is blurred today. Maybe our faith is weak or maybe we are too logical to think God can do what He said He can do. Logic says man can change if he wants to change. Logic says all we need to do is to work hard think right and all will be well. Let me know how that is working for you.
Let us go one step farther. How would you explain how God can save a soul? How does he do that? When I was introduced to Jesus and I prayed the sinner’s prayer was it the one who showed me the way who changed me? Or did he show me some magical logical method that changed me? Not by a long shot. Could anyone on the nightly news explain how I was changed from a drunken lost soul to one God called into His service? I can’t but I know that it did happen. I know I was changed in an instant. It was a miracle that happened in my living room that night. Can you explain how your salvation was accomplished? You are saved aren’t you?
The crowd's focus was on Peter and John, not on Jesus. We need to watch this as well. When God does a miracle, do we take credit for our own power (ignore God), or do we give God the glory but take credit for our own godliness? This is tricky ground. How would you respond? How do you think God wants you to respond?

Cut To The Heart

Acts 2:29-37
Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.
Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;
He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.
Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Until I make thy foes thy footstool.
Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
Scripture is like that -- it "cuts to the heart" (verse 37). Many times we get caught up in the thought that we must have all the education, all the most impressive words or have a delivery that will shake the world. We think how we tell someone about Jesus is what matters. Often times I find myself thinking I'm the one who needs to speak fine and eloquent words to witness effectively, as if my words are the main factor in someone's decision to come to know Christ. Guess what -- my words and your words don't matter much. What matters is that we simply tell someone about Jesus.

If you look closely at what Peter is saying you will see, Peter has done a scholarly job of interpreting Scripture as well as prophesy relating to the Messiah. His words are convincing and convicting, so therefore it was Peter who led three thousand people to Christ that day, right? Wrong. Just the opposite is true. Peter was an uneducated common fisherman; he wasn't a scholar (like Paul); so where did he get the words? Answer: he was fully surrendered to the power of the Spirit. The Word was in him and the Spirit was upon him -- he was simply an instrument. In short he had been with Jesus.
2 Timothy 3:16 tells us that "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”

Do you think a person has to be a believer before Scripture can "cut them to the heart"? The Word of God speaks to everyone no matter who they are or what they profess to believe. Scripture cuts to the heart then begs to answer the next question: "Men and brethren, what shall we do?"
Look what Peter told them to do. “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.” Simple plane and to the point.

Guilty As Charged

Acts 2:22-28
Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:
Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:
Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:
Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.

Peter is talking to a crowd of Jews but he could just as well been talking to a group of Baptist, "Him being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, and YE have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain." I take this very personal -- he's talking to me -- as if he's singled me out and is pointing his finger at me with the accusation -- "YOU!" “YOU killed Jesus” I know some of you may be thinking, “Now wait a minute preacher I had nothing to do with that. Peter is talking to the Jews." Yes I understand what the setting is. But you and I have everything to do with that. You and I are guilty of doing just that. Every time we listen to seducing spirits to do wrong we are nailing Jesus back on the cross. Jesus died for all of us and all of our sins, even the ones that haven't been committed. How then does that change Peter's statement for you today?

Every time we ignore Jesus, we are "helping wicked men" put Him to death. Have you ever noticed how the more you become involved in the world and what the world considers right, the less Jesus influences you. You may not have called for His execution, but when you ignore Jesus you are "helping wicked men put him to death." So may I ask how many times does He have to be crucified before we understand we are guilty of killing God’s son? In other words, you are allowing the world and its seductive nature to place Jesus in the back seat of your life -- He becomes "dead" in your life. Your sin is once again "nailing Him to the cross." Remember, the term is not "nailed," as if it happened in the past and only one time. The term used is "nailing," which is in the present tense -- meaning it continues on to this day. Are you NAILING Jesus to a cross daily?

Romans 6:6-7 teaches us that our sinful nature died with Jesus, “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin.”
What Paul is telling us is we no longer have to sin -- our sinful nature no longer controls us (we died with Christ and therefore are free from sin). The message is: Although your sin is nailing Jesus to the cross, you don't have to sin anymore -- you have a choice
What sin do you still hold on to that you need to let go of? What choice will you make?

What Now Peter?

What Now Peter?
Acts 3:17-20
“And now brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers. But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled. Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins ma be blotted out, when times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. And he shall send Jesus Christ, which was preached unto you.”
Peter is replying to a situation after God had healed a lame man at Peter’s word. Remember Peter told the lame man silver and gold have I none but what I have I give unto you. In the name of Jesus Christ rise up and walk. The people ran to Peter and John and were amazed at what they had just seen. Peter saw a great opportunity to preach unto them Jesus. Peter knew the power of God and God spoke through him to these people. Look at the question Peter ask. Why marvel ye at this? You think we did this through our own power. No the power of God changed this man now this man can walk. He then goes on to show how these people had denied Jesus before Pilate. How they had wanted him to be put to death. How they wanted a murderer instead of the Prince of Peace. He cuts them down but then he builds them up. He shows that through ignorance and disbelief following the gods of the world they were as lame as this man. He then shows them that faith in God could change a cripple to a sound human being. He then preached unto them Jesus. These entire things were foretold by the prophets. What you see is nothing more but the power of God. You can have the same thing if you will but repent of your sin and call on His name. Verse 19 “Repent and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.”
Here is the sequence Peter gives us: repentance, a turn toward God, sin is forgiven and forgotten (wiped out) -- then a time of "refreshing" occurs. This same pattern was repeated every forty years or so throughout Israel's history. For example, the people turned away from God (idol worship, etc.); they then were oppressed and suffered at the hands of an enemy; they cried out and turned towards God and away from sin; God forgave them and raised up a leader; they were victorious over their oppressor; following the victory came the blessing (peace and prosperity) or the "refreshing" -- the living within God's will and intention for their lives. Unfortunately, about one generation later they were back to their evil ways.

How much like this are we? We are blessed, then we begin to ignore God and get caught up in the world -- things really start to go wrong, then we cry out to God -- repent -- and turn back to God. We are One Nation under God, founded on godly principles, now we turn our backs on all that. Guess what happens? Let’s see crime violence economic disaster all kinds of perversion and then we wonder why? Israel had the same problem. God has a solution If my people which are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways then will I hear from heaven and forgive their sin and heal their land.

Why Did Felix Tremble?

Why did Felix Tremble?
Acts 24:24-27
As the apostle Paul stood before those who accused him of all manner of incorrect actions he took this opportunity to tell his story about how he met Jesus. Picture this Paul was brought from prison to stand before the Roman governor and state his case. Also there were the Jews, the religious elite, who were jealous and afraid of Paul. Not only were they afraid of Paul they were afraid of Jesus. We see the most powerful political figure in the region with the authority to kill or spare a man’s life. Felix was not afraid of Paul nor was he afraid of the Jews. So what did Paul say that made this powerful man tremble?
Paul only knew one thing for sure—he had seen Jesus on the road to Damascus. He had heard His voice and he had felt a peace that passeth all understanding fill his heart. He also knew Jesus, God’s only son, had died at the hands of sinful men just like those who now were accusing him. In short Paul preached Jesus to this powerful Roman governor. He told Felix how Jesus died—the just for the unjust. How on the third day he rose from the dead and was alive today. He told Felix about hell and the consequences of sin. He also told Felix how he and all those who stood as his accusers would one day stand before a Holy Righteous God to be judged for their actions. I think this last part really got Felix’s attention. He understood judgment and he understood what it meant to be judged as he was a judge himself. As Paul preached the Jews got nervous and Felix started to tremble at this most powerful message this prisoner was sending.
Paul also was not afraid of Felix nor was he afraid of the Jews. He was sure of his salvation and sure of the message he was sent to share with his world. Unlike many today Paul never missed an opportunity to tell someone about Jesus. He told his whole world what Jesus did for him and what he could do for them. When Paul was preaching he knew he was risking his own life just mentioning the name Jesus. There were many who wanted Paul to be put to death to shut him up. Paul did not care about his life his only concern was to see others come to the saving knowledge of Jesus. Paul knew all about the traditions of the Jews. After all he was a Pharisee of Pharisees. He knew all about the law and he knew the religious crowd was jealous. Paul didn’t get hung up on tradition nor did he get hung up on being politically correct. He did know Jesus and him crucified.
So why did Felix tremble? Paul had no power to do anything to him. Paul was a prisoner in chains. Felix trembled because he was shown his sinful condition and the facts concerning his condition. He was also shown the results if he did not make some changes in his life. Paul told Felix he was going to die and spend eternity in a devils hell if he did not change. He told Felix to ignore the Jews and their traditions and laws and look to the King of Kings the savior of the world. He told him salvation waited for him in the name of Jesus and all he had to do was call on that name. Then Paul made a very strong statement. If Felix refused and rejected Jesus offer that he would one day stand before someone more powerful than August Caesar. Stand before and be judged by someone who had the power to destroy body and soul in hell. He also told Felix he would have to give account for all his words. Yes that alone made Felix tremble.
There is nothing more freighting than to walk into a place that is unfamiliar and with known hostility all around. Knowing danger lurks around every corner and not knowing where or when an attack might come is a very scary thing. Felix did not know his destiny; could not see the future. This alone scared this powerful man. He did not know what lay ahead. Just like us today we do not know what tomorrow will bring. Many today are afraid not to trust Jesus. Yet the world has such a strong hold on them that they can’t or won’t let go. They don’t want to die. They don’t want to go the hell. They don’t want to stand before the most powerful judge and state why they rejected the Son of God. Yet they all want to be politically correct. Does that make you tremble? It did Felix.
Paul is still sending a warning to us today. You are going to die with or without Jesus. With Him heaven will be your home. Without Him Hell is waiting and is filling up fast. Jesus is weeping and waiting for you. He died for you. Shed His blood on a cruel Roman cross for you. God loves you so much He sent His son to die for you. What are you going to do?

Look Up Not down

Each day we make choices that affect how we act, live, love and be. Those choices cause us to look up or down.
Look up the Psalmist said “I will lift mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my strength.” Psalms 121:1
One thing I have learned over the years is that the Lord always has our best interest at heart. We sometimes are reluctant to listen to what He has to say. It’s not socially acceptable to be seen in public with the Lord. There again that is a choice we make.
Those who are recovering form an addiction I find are all seeking an answer. None know where to find it. They are too busy looking down to see all that is around them. The same thing is true for those who are lost and do not know the Lord.
Have you ever felt as though you were down on hands and knees with no power to get up? Daily loads seem to get bigger and larger forcing your down even lower. I am reminded of a quote from the AA book, “Let go and let God.” Picture if you will yourself on hands and knees under a very heavy load. Standing right beside you is the Lord. He places His hand on your shoulder and gently says, “Let me take some of that load off you.” Then He says, “Give me your hand and I will help you up.” If you take His hand He will raise you to your feet. After you are standing once again you think you can handle things again and you say, “Thanks I can take it from here.” The Lord looks straight ahead and says, “I don’t think you are ready to walk just yet. Hold my hand and let’s just take one step. See how you feel about that.” “Oh, that works well now can I run.” “Not yet there are still loads that you are not ready and should not be carrying.” “But”, you insist,” I can handle things now.” Gently the Lord says, “Let us take one step at a time; it would be much easier if you would drop all those burdens you are carrying.” “What burdens?” “The grudges, the hatred, the unforgiving spirit, all the things that weigh you down and get in the way.” You may be trying to run while still on crutches.
If you are down look up and take the hand that is ready to lift you and support you. Jesus is the answer and has the solution. If you need to talk to someone about Jesus seek and ye shall find.

Hindrances to Prayer

Hindrances to Prayer
In I Peter 3:7 Peter writes the words, “that your prayers be not hindered.” “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.” So reads Psalm 66:18. Every child of God should pay close attention to these two statements. To do less has the potential of keeping us from God’s richest blessings. As Christians we need a prayer life and we need to have our prayers answered. If there is something amiss in our lives that are causing our prayers to go unanswered then maybe we need to look within ourselves and see what is causing the problem.
Jesus gave us an outline how we are to pray. He taught His disciples to ask for daily bread and expect to get it. He taught us to ask for daily forgiveness and deliverance from evil. He set the example we are to follow when we pray. Remember as He prayed in the garden He said, “I knew that thou hearest me always.” (John 11:42) Based on that verse we should believe the normal Christian life to be a life of regular, daily answer to prayer. But sadly far too many do not have a normal prayer life. The only time they pray is when they need something or get into trouble.
Peter taught that wrong relationship between husbands and wives could cause our prayers not to be answered. I Peter 3:1-7 admonish us to take a close look at our home life. Do you find hindrances there? If so seek the answer from God’s Word about how to make a home life that is pleasing to God.
Jesus taught in Matthew 5:23,24 that wrongs unrighted, debts unpaid, and offended brothers unreconciled, all have a direct bearing on our prayer lives. There is a way to correct this flaw in our lives. Seek God and ask Him to show you how to make all things right. Ask for forgiveness from God. You do believe God will forgive you? He will only if you are willing to forgive others. If you hold a grudge and are unwilling to forgive your brother or sister God may be unwilling to hear and answer your prayers.
A unforgiving spirit greaves the heart of God. Jesus said, “But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matt 6:15)
One of the greatest hindrances to prayer in the church is covetousness. God truly hates this sin in His people. Yet many in the church today are eaten up with this cancer. They seek power, position, money material gain and possessions to be seen of men. Any church member who is guilty of this great sin cannot expect to get his/her prayers answered and will hinder the growth of the church they attend. The spirit will be hindered and one that may need to get saved just might not get that chance. God’s record books will show how this sin is to be dealt with. How do you want God to judge you should your sin keep someone from meeting Jesus or causing the church Jesus died for to stagnate? If this sin is not removed from the Christian then God cannot hear their prayer.
If you have a problem you need God’s help with all you have to do is ask. But first you must make sure you are in the right place, in the right frame of mind and right with God. Have you forgiven all who have wronged you? To get forgiven you must forgive.
God will do His part but He expects you to do your part.

Rise Up and Build

The Bible has many examples of building, and how it is to be done. The books of Ezra and Nehemiah teach us about building the city of Jerusalem and God’s Temple. The New Testament teaches how to build the church. Building is as old as time. Man has always built something from simple shelter to massive cathedrals. Most of the building man has done down through the ages has been for the wrong reasons. Seldom does man build anything to honor the Lord.
God’s children ought to be builders, but should be sure they are erecting the right kinds of buildings. We definitely need to build strong Christian homes. Our homes today reflect our strength. Satan from the very beginning has sought to destroy the home. For he knows if he succeeds there he can defeat God’s people. Today we do not have a strong home life centered on God the Bible and the church. No nation is stronger than the homes of which it consists. No church is stronger than the homes, which represent that body.
As individual believers we need to build our character. Character is what a person is made of. His reputation is what others think of him. Yet a person is more that the opinions of others. This generation has tried to substitute money for character; it doesn’t work now and never will. If Christian character is not built into a child in the home and in the church he has very little chance of becoming somebody in this world.
Our churches should be built on strong doctrine not on traditional thinking of man-made ideas. Today we see churches with small congregations and some with multitudes in attendance. There are congregations made up of wealthy people and there are those made up of poor people. Neither of which should a church be build around. Some churches are built around a pastor because of his strong personality. God pity the man who wants to build around himself! The problem in most churches today is the lack of God inspired and spirit filled leaders and teachers. We need men and women in every area of the church who are sound in doctrine and grounded in faith and are washed in the blood. There is much confusion today in the church caused by those who are not sound in the faith.
We cannot build strong churches today and cling to the ways of the world. The church must be in the world, but the world must not be in the church. Many preachers today find it easy to compromise with the world, because it helps them to grow in number. Building a church means building a people who will walk in God’s way. Who have faith God will provide and care if a sinner is lost or saved.
We need to build evangelistic churches. Done God’s way and in God’s time. In the book of Acts we find God added to the church such as should be saved, and added three thousand in one day. Once a person is saved and baptized there needs to be discipleship, people being taught about and from God’s Word. The Great commission is to reach the world with the gospel. That world starts in your neighborhood. When was the last time you invited your neighbor to church?
We must build for the glory of God. To do less is to build for the glory of man.

Taking a week off.

As I will be away for a week I wanted to leave all with a few thoughts to ponder until I get back.

The light of God surrounds me, the love of God enfolds me; The power of God protects me; the presence of God watches over me. Wherever I am God is.

The man who waits is lost and the man who never tries is doomed.
A jealous mind is closed to true love and is most miserable.
Today may be the first day of the rest of your life or it may be the only day. Invest it wisely.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotton son that whosoeever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

Have a great week. Remember God loves you just like you are. This is the day the Lord has made rejoice in it.

Part two of In Unoin There is Strength

Let us look at what God hates. Proverbs 6:16-19 give us a very clear picture of what God does not like. “These six things doth the Lord hate: yea seven are an abomination to him: a proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood. An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, a false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among the brethren.”
Romans 12:1 “Present your bodies a living sacrifice Holy acceptable unto God.” God has already done this but let’s assume He was looking all over the earth for someone who would suitable to be a sacrifice for all mankind. If your name came up would you be a worthy vessel to God to use for this awesome task? That is a silly question I know but just food for thought. I wonder how many are like the ones Jesus was referring to in Luke 11:39 when he said, “Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of raving and wickedness.”
We need to look to Jesus and acknowledge our sins. In other words clean up our act. Our country is being filled with every vile thing the devil can think up. We don’t want to offend so we just stand by and let it happen. 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins.” We must come to genuine repentance or we are no better than the Pharisee. There was something else Jesus had to say to the religious crowd. Look at Luke 18:9-14. Basically He is saying if we can’t or don’t repent and confess our sins then our prayers may be in vain. The Pharisee and the publican, both sinners in God’s eyes, but one was self-righteous the other repentant and ashamed. Look at the book as see which one was justified. Which one are you? Remember this no man cometh to the Father but through Jesus. Your education won’t get you there, your career won’t, your church membership won’t, all your religious activity for the sake of glorifying self won’t either. What will? Jesus and the blood shed on the cross.
Isaiah 45:22 makes a solid statement, “Look unto me and be ye saved all the ends of the earth; for I am God and there is none else.” Then in Psalms 34:5 “they looked unto him and were lightened; and their faces were not ashamed.”
Not only do we need to stop and look we need to listen. If you have looked and stopped doing what you were doing with seeming no results then maybe you need to listen. It is not enough to stop sinning and look to Jesus you must listen to what He has to say. The plan is His, the salvation is ours but we must follow the plan or we miss the salvation. The blessings are ours as well but if we refuse to follow His plan we can miss out on the blessings as well. In the book of Numbers there is a really great verse should someone ask what you are listening for. Numbers 22:19, “…that I may know what the Lord will say unto me.”
There is a storm rising in our country. We cannot afford to ignore the warnings. Yet we seem to think noting will happen. Look what the prophet Isaiah had to say about the approaching storm. Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. For, behold the Lord cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain. Isaiah 26:20-21
“Hear ye and give ear; be not proud for the Lord hath spoken.” Jeremiah 13:15
If we will listen, God made us a promise. “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14
Hear and your soul shall live. Isaiah 55:3
They that hear shall live. John 5:25
Will you stop and change directions of your life and your country?
Will you look to Jesus the author and finisher of your faith?
Will you listen and repent or will you perish?

The Difference

Many may have seen this but I wanted to post this as a reminder.
The Difference by Alan Grant
I got up early one morning and rushed right into the day
I had so much to accomplish that I didn’t have time to pray.
Problems just tumbled about me and heavier came each task,
“Why doesn’t God help me?” I wondered
He answered, “You didn’t ask.”
I wanted to see joy and beauty, but the day toiled on gray and bleak,
I wondered why God didn’t show me.
He said, “But you didn’t seek.”
I tried to come into God’s presence; I used all my keys at the lock
God gently and lovingly chided,
“My child you didn’t knock.”
I woke up early this morning, and paused before entering the day.
I had so much to accomplish that I had to take time to pray.

Can You Hear God Talking

How do you know when He is talking to you? This is a great question and it was asked by a small boy in a Sunday school class. How do you know when God is talking to you? This comes from a story about a teacher who had been teaching a class of six year children about how to love God and how God loves them. Children usually go right to the heart of the matter. In his lesson the teacher said you have to listen to God just like you listen to your parents. Well this made no sense to one boy. He knew how to listen to his parents because he could hear when they talked to him. How could he listen to God when he didn’t hear God speak? So how would you explain to a child just how to go about listening to God? At six most children know they hear with their ears and if they don’t hear anything with their ears then to them it is not said. When God speaks He speaks to the heart and that is confusing to a six year old.
As young Christians the same thing applies. The preacher says you must obey the commands of God. Ok but I didn’t hear God speak! Yes you did as you began to feel that there was something missing and there was a need to fill a hole inside you. God sent the Holy Spirit to begin to talk to you. Began to give you that empty feeling and also began to tell you things you never heard before. Things like God loves you, Jesus died for and forgave you on the cross. That small voice from inside that said that is wrong you need to stop and make some changes. That was God speaking. You did hear it right? In short God made you hungry for spiritual food so that you could grow close to Him.
But what about those who have not heard of Jesus how would they know God was speaking to them. God speaks through those who have come to know Him from a salvation experience and have been given the task to tell those lost and without to come inside and be saved. Come in out of the storm and be warm. How shall they hear without a preacher?
That’s how you know God is speaking. Are You listening? You lost and wandering in the storm? Jesus said , “come unto me all ye that labor and I will give you rest.” How about those who are saved but still want to play in the storm and wind and rain? God is talking to you too. Hear the still small voice saying, you really shouldn’t be doing that or I could really use another Sunday school teacher, the choir needs another singer or when was the last time we had a chat?
God is talking are you listening?

Being Born Again

Today you hear a lot about people being born again. It is the politically correct thing to say and be. However, if those who claim to be born again were truly born again you would see some really amazing things taking place in our government and around our country. What doe it mean to be born again? The Bible teaches that in order to be saved, one must be regenerated, or born again. That regeneration consists in giving a holy disposition to the mind, and is effected in a manner above our comprehension, by the power of the Holy Spirit. This is done to secure our voluntary obedience to the gospel, and that its proper evidence is found in the holy fruits we bring forth to the glory of God. No matter what word you may use to describe the saving grace of Jesus Christ the meaning is still the same. By the operation of the Holy Spirit the soul is made new in Christ Jesus.
The need for the new birth is plainly set forth in the words Jesus spoke to Nicodemus, “Verily, verily I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. (John 3:3) No human act or ecclesiastical provision can possibly be a substitute for, or take the place of, this necessary act of divine power. Confession to a Priest, his claim of absolution from sin, confirmation, baptism, nor anything else can serve in this connection. None of these are regeneration. None are a new birth, cannot be a substitute for it, neither can they produce it. They cannot unite the soul to the living head, cannot make it a child of God, an inheritor of the kingdom of Christ, and heir of eternal life. How God does this we do not know, beyond revealed truth. In Titus 3:5 Paul writes; “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us by the washing of regeneration, and the renewing of the Holy Ghost.” Again this work is called a creation, and only God can create, not man, nor the church, nor ordinance. We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works. (Ephesians 2:10)
The church needs people who have the backbone to stand up and say to the world they are Christians and are willing to die proving it. There needs to be a cleansing of the pulpit today. Too many “preachers” don’t know how to rightly divide the Word of God. Most get up on Sunday and give a book report. Because to them it is just a job, and it is the way they have been taught. It should be a way of life, with a deep passion to spread the Word of God. Heaven help them if they offend anyone in the congregation. If a man is truly called of God he will speak, as God directs not as the deacon board feels is correct. Few today call sin for what it is, sin. Fewer still condemn the actions of the church for condoning sin. I’m sure the Apostle Paul would have been a very unpopular guy today. Peter too would not have won any popularity contest. Neither would have been called to pastor a church today. Why? They called it like they saw it. They didn’t dress in the uniform of the “successful”. They called sin, sin and accused those who hid behind the robes of religion of being hypocrites and hindering the advancement of Christ’s church. Sounds like we need men who will tell it like it is and expose the condition of the church today as Peter and Paul did.

What is a Hypocrite?

What is a Hypocrite?
What a nasty word hypocrite is. Yet it is used to describe how a Christian is today. We have all heard, “I could never join that church as it is full of hypocrites.” While it is true there are many in the church there are also many in the school, the club, the government and the lodge. There are even hypocrites in the home. Hypocrisy does not mean we don’t measure up to our beliefs. If it did we would all be guilty. Hypocrisy is pretending to be something we are not. The word comes from the Greek word meaning an actor. Someone as well said that, “ Hypocrisy is the compliment that vice pays to virtue.” To be a hypocrite one would recognize a good quality of another—Christian virtue—and pretend to have the same quality all the time knowing he does not possess that quality. In other words he is an actor playing a part.
Many today are play-acting. Most are so caught up in the need to impress another they forget that they have real personalities that God Himself gave them. Each has talents that when used in harmony with another beautiful music is heard. A good example of this would be an orchestra. Each musician has the talent to play an instrument. Each instrument has a specific sound. When a master conductor raises his wand all play in harmony and the result is breathtaking. But let each play as an individual only noise can be heard.
God is not the author of confusion. His plan is for total harmony in His church, in the lives of His children and in the world He created and in the government we have under His guidance. Man on the other hand has decided only he can conduct his talents and make his own music, when each elects to do this ciaos results.
Can REAL Christians be hypocrites? The answer is YES. But we can overcome this problem if we will surrender our will to the will of God and let Him direct the instrument He made and tuned for a specific sound. You can pretend to be something you are not and only noise is heard.
The Pharisees were accused by Jesus of being hypocrites in Luke 20:20. This was because they were pretending to be righteous by keeping the little traditions of hand washing and tithing of mint, meanwhile they cheated widows out of their houses and violently opposes the only completely righteous Person who ever lived.
The book of James speaks strongly against a religion of all talk and no reality. “Be ye doers of the word and not hears only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass. For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.”James 1:22-24 We then see in verse 26 the test for true religion. “if any man among you seem to e religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.”
Jesus said, “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees hypocrites! For you are like graves which are not seen by men who walk over them and are not aware of them.” Today are you a hypocrite? How does the world gage you?