Revelation 3:20 says, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock, If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” Generally, this verse is understood to be speaking to the nonbeliever. But if the whole passage is read, one sees that Jesus is speaking to the Church in Laodicea, a body of believers. This church was rebuked for being lukewarm. There was not a fervent love for God among these people. They were content with the worldly goods and positions they had acquired and did not realize their need of God. Jesus, speaking through John, calls them to be earnest and repent. It is then that he tells them that he desires them to open their hearts to him and have fellowship with him.
I, as can many of you, relate to this passage. There are so many things by which we measure and define ourselves in today’s culture. For women, the ideal is obvious: thin, in charge, independent and beautiful. Success is measured by wealth and status for men and women alike. The media is largely responsible for these messages we receive. Spirituality is an afterthought, if it is portrayed at all. Many times religious people are portrayed as bigoted, uncaring, if not mentally unstable. If we choose these standards to measure ourselves by, we will be lacking in the eyes of God. We need a different yard stick.
Many times Christians will measure themselves by other believers in their lives. This is all well and good, for Paul even said in Philippians 3:17, “Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. We are to teach and learn by example one of another; however, even this will cause one to fall short of the call of God on his or her life. Paul says also in Philippians 3: 12, “but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” Our goal should be Christ’s goal for us. Each of us has a purpose for which we were created, and the only way to discover that purpose is through intimate fellowship with Christ.
Paul calls us to, “Be imitators of God, therefore as dearly loved children, and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. (Ephesians 5:1)” Christ left us an example that is the supreme measure by which we should judge ourselves. We will either become lax when comparing ourselves to each other, or become embroiled in condemnation when we feel we don’t measure up to someone else’s call. Let God be your judge. Hear his voice and open your very being to him. He would not have called us to “be holy, because I am holy, (I Pet 1:15)” if it were not possible. One cannot not follow that which he does not know.
Wednesday, January 05, 2005
One Body
“Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering. (Heb. 13:3)”
One of my college professors described the United States as a limousine driving through a third world country. We are so protected and comfortable that we forget there is a world of suffering outside our borders. Countries are fraught with famine, disease, poverty, and war. Every once in a while, we may catch a glimpse of a commercial on television or a bit on the news that brings the uncomfortable truth into our living room. Some may even be prompted to give of their plenty to help ease the suffering of a few. And well we should. There is enough wealth in the US to help much more than we do. However, there is one thing that the media does not regularly draw attention to: the plight of persecuted Christians.
In some places, Christians meet in secret, holding onto scraps of scripture and encouraging one another knowing that any minute they may be invaded and captured. Bibles are smuggled over borders and into homes because proof of Christianity is certain death. Even families kill their own children when they hear of the conversions. The list goes on. There are several Christian organizations that give reports about worldwide persecution as well as support and aid to those in chains. All one has to do is type in “persecuted Christians” on any web browser and there they are.
The first part of I Corinthians chapter 12 speaks of spiritual gifts, but then it switches to a description of the body of Christ. “The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ…If one part suffers, every part suffers (12:12,26).” The society we live in is an individualistic one, but the kingdom of God is not. The bible instructs us to, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” and to “esteem others better than yourself.” (Meaning putting their needs ahead of your own.) Not all believers are called over seas, but we are all called to look after those who do with support and fervent prayer. When those believers fall into persecution and captivity, our prayer should be as if we were suffering right beside them.
The United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 18 says, “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.” Those that are giving not only their freedom, but their lives are doing so for an even greater mandate. To bring eternal freedom to those in chains of spiritual bondage. Let us join them in their task by fervent prayer and action.
One of my college professors described the United States as a limousine driving through a third world country. We are so protected and comfortable that we forget there is a world of suffering outside our borders. Countries are fraught with famine, disease, poverty, and war. Every once in a while, we may catch a glimpse of a commercial on television or a bit on the news that brings the uncomfortable truth into our living room. Some may even be prompted to give of their plenty to help ease the suffering of a few. And well we should. There is enough wealth in the US to help much more than we do. However, there is one thing that the media does not regularly draw attention to: the plight of persecuted Christians.
In some places, Christians meet in secret, holding onto scraps of scripture and encouraging one another knowing that any minute they may be invaded and captured. Bibles are smuggled over borders and into homes because proof of Christianity is certain death. Even families kill their own children when they hear of the conversions. The list goes on. There are several Christian organizations that give reports about worldwide persecution as well as support and aid to those in chains. All one has to do is type in “persecuted Christians” on any web browser and there they are.
The first part of I Corinthians chapter 12 speaks of spiritual gifts, but then it switches to a description of the body of Christ. “The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ…If one part suffers, every part suffers (12:12,26).” The society we live in is an individualistic one, but the kingdom of God is not. The bible instructs us to, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” and to “esteem others better than yourself.” (Meaning putting their needs ahead of your own.) Not all believers are called over seas, but we are all called to look after those who do with support and fervent prayer. When those believers fall into persecution and captivity, our prayer should be as if we were suffering right beside them.
The United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 18 says, “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.” Those that are giving not only their freedom, but their lives are doing so for an even greater mandate. To bring eternal freedom to those in chains of spiritual bondage. Let us join them in their task by fervent prayer and action.
Count it all Joy
I used to think that true joy came from the absence of trials and suffering. When my bills were paid off, when my family troubles were resolved, when my fellow workers were more pleasant, when my level of stress was more acceptable, then I would find true joy and tranquility. In the meantime, I would pray for strength to endure. I was wrong.
James 1:2 says, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” Count it all joy! True joy doesn’t come from the absence of trials, but from the knowledge that those very trials will grow you up into who God has designed for you to be. But wait, there’s more.
“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing has happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. (I Pet 4:12-13).” Delayed gratification is something that is not popular in today’s western culture, but that’s what this verse is speaking of. Be joyful that you are a partaker of Christ’s suffering, that in your suffering you have fellowship with him. Rejoice now because when He is revealed, you will be glad over and above the sorrow you felt in the midst of the trial. I’ve had it backwards all along, and I venture to think that I am not alone.
Christ himself gave us an example of this paradox of joy and sorrow. “ Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Heb 12:2).” Not a one of us will suffer as Christ has suffered. Yet he endured because of the joy that awaited Him. We cannot have this kind of joy without an assurance of faith, without the promise that we will behold the One who suffered so for us.
The apostles and Paul, after they were beaten for speaking the name of Jesus, “departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.(Acts 5:41).” In fact they not only rejoiced, they were emboldened even more to teach and preach Jesus as Christ. So count it all joy when you suffer. You are counted worthy to bear reproach for Christ’s sake. You are being fashioned and equipped to live out His call on your life. You are assured of an even greater joy when His glory is revealed in your life. Change your thinking, and joy will surely be a constant companion.
James 1:2 says, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” Count it all joy! True joy doesn’t come from the absence of trials, but from the knowledge that those very trials will grow you up into who God has designed for you to be. But wait, there’s more.
“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing has happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. (I Pet 4:12-13).” Delayed gratification is something that is not popular in today’s western culture, but that’s what this verse is speaking of. Be joyful that you are a partaker of Christ’s suffering, that in your suffering you have fellowship with him. Rejoice now because when He is revealed, you will be glad over and above the sorrow you felt in the midst of the trial. I’ve had it backwards all along, and I venture to think that I am not alone.
Christ himself gave us an example of this paradox of joy and sorrow. “ Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Heb 12:2).” Not a one of us will suffer as Christ has suffered. Yet he endured because of the joy that awaited Him. We cannot have this kind of joy without an assurance of faith, without the promise that we will behold the One who suffered so for us.
The apostles and Paul, after they were beaten for speaking the name of Jesus, “departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.(Acts 5:41).” In fact they not only rejoiced, they were emboldened even more to teach and preach Jesus as Christ. So count it all joy when you suffer. You are counted worthy to bear reproach for Christ’s sake. You are being fashioned and equipped to live out His call on your life. You are assured of an even greater joy when His glory is revealed in your life. Change your thinking, and joy will surely be a constant companion.
Complaint Committee
After picking new officers at our women's meeting last night, I was thinking about a committee to handle all the complaints in a church. So I have decided to initiate a complaint committee. These three members will hear all complaints about the church, little or small, and decide on a way to handle them. I think this will cut down on gossip, power plays, and hurt feelings. This way, every one will know who to talk to about what is bothering them concerning the church. It has been agreed that whatever is mentioned will stay between the members and not be passed around. Once you have spoken to them, the issue must not be discussed with any one else. They have agreed. You may reach them at the following e-mail address...
fathersonandholyghost@icanpray.net
If you aren't connected to the internet, approach your pastor and he will tell you how to get in touch with them.
fathersonandholyghost@icanpray.net
If you aren't connected to the internet, approach your pastor and he will tell you how to get in touch with them.
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