October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and much has been written and voiced about the effects of domestic violence on our families and in our culture. As a Christian, I believe that the real answer to lessening incidents of domestic violence is for people to know Christ and to love and care for one another according to God's word and the love with which He calls us to love one another. There may be legal and just consequences for those who are the perpetrators of domestic violence. There will always be an aftereffect in the lives of those involved in domestic violence, including victims, perpetrators, other family members, friends, etc. When appropriate, I support programs to assist offenders from continuing their pattern of abuse. I also welcome efforts to provide women and children with assistance in achieving safety and support when they find themselves victims of domestic violence.
In my profession I have come to know several people who have a commendable desire to prevent and/or stop domestic violence and who work to provide resources to those who are its victims. But I am greatly conflicted with those who are often the greatest champions in this fight against domestic violence. Bear with me as I attempt to explain this conflict. I will not be unwise in proclaiming that all, but I must say that in my own experience, most of the men and women that I have known over the years who are the most outspoken against domestic violence, are the same people who are strong supporters of abortion "rights". A small group of people often found among them are those who would never be an advocate for the unborn, but who will devote their time and resources to save a tree or a bird or a fish. To me this is one of the greatest of ironies. How can one decry a culture of violence and at the same time be a proponent of one of the most violent acts committed; that which occurs in the domicile of the unborn?
There can be no harmony in these two positions as they are at odds with one another. I know that many who attempt to hold these two positions simultaneously, often say that they support a woman's right to choose and not necessarily abortion itself. So I must ask a question. Why is it not be those who speak out against domestic violence the ones who are most passionate about women "choosing" life for the unborn? How can they be so heartfelt against domestic violence and a culture of violence, and yet, at best sit back quietly, and at worst, advocate ardently for the practice of abortion?
I am convinced that no amount of talking or twisting of words can persuade me to believe that the killing of more than 2,000 unborn children every day in our country does not contribute to our domestic violence problem and a culture of violence in general. Because its victims are the most vulnerable, and those making the decision to terminate their existence are those they depend on most, some would say that abortion is the most cruel of acts. The procedures employed to fulfill this "choice" only add to the horrific nature of the event. While seemingly safe in the domicile of the womb, these smallest members of our communities, whose lives are taken commonly, know a domestic violence like no other group.
It is quite alarming when you take the time to consider the reality of it all. Statistics indicate that even though thousands of women in America are pregnant today and that each has an individually unique person developing in their womb, more than two thousand will cease to exist tomorrow as their life is terminated. They will not have a chance to recover from this action taken against them. None of them will ever have the opportunity to tell others of their trauma in an effort to save others from it. May God open the hearts and minds of the men and women in our country. May He start with those who profess faith in Him.
For a moment I would ask that you forget the arguments for and against the legalization of abortion. The sobering truth is, that with some restrictions, abortion is legal in America. One may certainly argue the moral right to abortion but presently women do have the "right to choose" it. But as sure as they have the right to choose abortion, they have the right to choose life. May those who passionately oppose domestic violence be consistent in their concern for the violence perpetrated against women and children and passionately encourage the choice for life. Life that is free from the devastating effects of all forms of domestic violence, including that which occurs in the domicile of the womb.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
Sin Is Not a Four Letter Word
For the past several years I have heard stories of churches who are endeavoring to refrain from speaking of sin. Instead, it is said that they only wish to speak of love. Topics such as one's purpose, self-esteem, self-enhancement, self-realization and just simply being a better person fill the pages of their sermon notes. I must admit that I do not understand, and nor do I seek to, this philosophy of preaching and ministry that has found its way into some of our churches.
In his first letter to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul wrote, "I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified." Why was "Jesus Christ and Him crucified" the focus of Paul's message? Can any reputable answer to this question leave out the matter of "sin"? Did Paul not know the sobering truth that the "the wages of sin is death"? And was he not inspired to proclaim that "the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord".
In 1 Timothy 1:15 Paul wrote, "It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am the foremost of all." I write this article believing wholeheartedly that one cannot rightly preach about God's love without addressing the matter of sin. One might say that it is impossible to truly know God's love without knowing of sin. I'm not suggesting that sin is a good or positive thing, but it is on account of God's dealing with sin that we can know His love.
There is an unwavering truth spoken of in Romans 3:23 where we read, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God". But in Romans 5:6-8 we read the following glorious account of God's provision. "For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrated His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
We do not tell the truth about sin to trample upon the sinner. Or to be like the Pharisee who went up to the temple to pray and proudly thanked God that he was not like the "tax-gatherer" who was also there praying. We do not speak of sin to promote some false sort of self-righteousness. We include the matter of sin in our preaching and teaching so that by God's grace the sinner may be brought to gaze in awe at the sinless One. That by faith, he or she may come to believe in and adore the One who died for their sins.
In 1 John 3:16 the beloved apostle was inspired to write, "We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us". And in 1 John 4:10 we read, "In this is love, not that we love God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins." So how can men stand in the pulpits of our churches and preach about love while purposely neglecting to address the issue of sin? Apart from knowing sin, its consequences and God's provision in Christ, we can not even know the highest form of love, God's love.
For those who have been granted the privilege and responsibility to speak or to write in the name of Christianity; Do not neglect to speak of sin and thereby fail to tell the whole glorious truth of God's love that is in Christ. The Apostle Paul was inspired to give his "true child in the faith", Timothy, many exhortations that were intended to be beneficial to both Timothy and the body of Christ. I will close with one that is found in 2 Timothy 4:2 where Paul wrote, "preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction."
In his first letter to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul wrote, "I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified." Why was "Jesus Christ and Him crucified" the focus of Paul's message? Can any reputable answer to this question leave out the matter of "sin"? Did Paul not know the sobering truth that the "the wages of sin is death"? And was he not inspired to proclaim that "the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord".
In 1 Timothy 1:15 Paul wrote, "It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am the foremost of all." I write this article believing wholeheartedly that one cannot rightly preach about God's love without addressing the matter of sin. One might say that it is impossible to truly know God's love without knowing of sin. I'm not suggesting that sin is a good or positive thing, but it is on account of God's dealing with sin that we can know His love.
There is an unwavering truth spoken of in Romans 3:23 where we read, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God". But in Romans 5:6-8 we read the following glorious account of God's provision. "For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrated His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
We do not tell the truth about sin to trample upon the sinner. Or to be like the Pharisee who went up to the temple to pray and proudly thanked God that he was not like the "tax-gatherer" who was also there praying. We do not speak of sin to promote some false sort of self-righteousness. We include the matter of sin in our preaching and teaching so that by God's grace the sinner may be brought to gaze in awe at the sinless One. That by faith, he or she may come to believe in and adore the One who died for their sins.
In 1 John 3:16 the beloved apostle was inspired to write, "We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us". And in 1 John 4:10 we read, "In this is love, not that we love God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins." So how can men stand in the pulpits of our churches and preach about love while purposely neglecting to address the issue of sin? Apart from knowing sin, its consequences and God's provision in Christ, we can not even know the highest form of love, God's love.
For those who have been granted the privilege and responsibility to speak or to write in the name of Christianity; Do not neglect to speak of sin and thereby fail to tell the whole glorious truth of God's love that is in Christ. The Apostle Paul was inspired to give his "true child in the faith", Timothy, many exhortations that were intended to be beneficial to both Timothy and the body of Christ. I will close with one that is found in 2 Timothy 4:2 where Paul wrote, "preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction."
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Short Thoughts for Today
Today's passage of scripture will be Hebrews 8:7-13 which includes a lengthy recitation of old testament scripture. Here the Hebrew author wrote, "For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion sought for a second. For finding fault with them, He says, "Behold, days are coming, say the Lord, when I will effect a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah; Not like the covenant which I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; For they did not continue in My covenant, and I did not care for them, says the Lord. For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws into their minds, and I will write them upon their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be My people. And they shall not teach everyone his fellow citizen, and everyone his brother, saying, 'know the Lord,' for all shall know Me, from the least to the greatest of them. For I will be merciful to their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more." When He said, "A new covenant," He has made the first obsolete. But whatever is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to disappear."
The focus of my short thoughts today is not on all of the Old Testament scripture that is reference here but on a simple truth. Fault was found in the first covenant because of the faults of sinful men. And the new covenant is faultless because it is based on the One who was without sin, Jesus, the incarnate Son of God. He will never grow old, never become obsolete and He will never disappear. As the Lord allows me to continue this "blog through Hebrews", I pray that Christ remains the focus and the recipient of the glory and honor due Him.
The focus of my short thoughts today is not on all of the Old Testament scripture that is reference here but on a simple truth. Fault was found in the first covenant because of the faults of sinful men. And the new covenant is faultless because it is based on the One who was without sin, Jesus, the incarnate Son of God. He will never grow old, never become obsolete and He will never disappear. As the Lord allows me to continue this "blog through Hebrews", I pray that Christ remains the focus and the recipient of the glory and honor due Him.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Found Quotes
Several years ago I had the privilege of meeting and listening to Pastor Lee Toms teach from God's word. Pastor Toms served the Lord as Pastor of Arcade Baptist Church in Sacramento, California for 40 years. Founding the church in 1952, Pastor Toms shepherded this congregation as it grew to consist of over 1900 members in 1992 when he retired. Pastor Toms was 80 years of age when he went home to be with the Lord in 2007.
Before and since I had the opportunity to meet this servant of the Lord, I have never been in the presence of another believer whom Christ seemed so evident in. Anyway, today I found a piece of paper that I had written down some quotes from Pastor Thoms from when I had heard him speak once and thought I would share them. They are still relevant and I believe will remain so.
"This is not the time for a timid Church of Christ."
"Now is the time for Godly living, prayer and bold speak."
"God would have us give earnest heed and careful attention."
"Not fans, but followers are wanted by Christ."
"God does not desire a tip of the hat in patronage, but a bowed life."
And this great reminder;
"The world has never been cordial to God, the Church and Grace."
Thank you Pastor Toms.
Before and since I had the opportunity to meet this servant of the Lord, I have never been in the presence of another believer whom Christ seemed so evident in. Anyway, today I found a piece of paper that I had written down some quotes from Pastor Thoms from when I had heard him speak once and thought I would share them. They are still relevant and I believe will remain so.
"This is not the time for a timid Church of Christ."
"Now is the time for Godly living, prayer and bold speak."
"God would have us give earnest heed and careful attention."
"Not fans, but followers are wanted by Christ."
"God does not desire a tip of the hat in patronage, but a bowed life."
And this great reminder;
"The world has never been cordial to God, the Church and Grace."
Thank you Pastor Toms.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Short Thoughts for Today
It is often referred to as the "better than" book of the Bible. As I have been "blogging through" Hebrews, the writer has spoken of Jesus as being better than the angles and better than Moses. He has spoken of the better hope that is found in Him and how it is that He is a better high priest.
In Hebrews 8:6 we read, "But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, by as much as He is also the mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted on better promises." Through the ages, different men of God had undoubtedly been used by Him to serve in various ministries. But Christ has "obtained a more excellent ministry". In this forum, time does not allow me to address His role as mediator or the matter of covenants. But know that it is a "better covenant" that He mediates. And this covenant, well, it is enacted on "better promises".
Praise the Lord! There is no mistake about this truth that the Hebrew writer conveys. Everything about Christ is better!
In Hebrews 8:6 we read, "But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, by as much as He is also the mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted on better promises." Through the ages, different men of God had undoubtedly been used by Him to serve in various ministries. But Christ has "obtained a more excellent ministry". In this forum, time does not allow me to address His role as mediator or the matter of covenants. But know that it is a "better covenant" that He mediates. And this covenant, well, it is enacted on "better promises".
Praise the Lord! There is no mistake about this truth that the Hebrew writer conveys. Everything about Christ is better!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Short Thoughts for Today
"Now if He were on earth, He would not be a priest at all, since there are those who offer the gifts according to the Law; who serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things, just as Moses was warned by God when He was about to erect the tabernacle; for "SEE" He says, "THAT YOU MAKE all things ACCORDING TO THE PATTERN WHICH WAS SHOWN YOU ON THE MOUNTAIN." These are the words written in Hebrews 8:4-5 and will be the basis for today's short thoughts.
Earth was not the place for Him to serve as high priest. As seen previously, He is a minister in "the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man." This testifies to the truth of His resurrection and the position which is His; seated at the right hand of the Majesty on high. To serve as our high priest He must serve in a tabernacle not made with human hands and not on earth. Moses had been warned by God to construct the tabernacle exactly as he had been shown because of the heavenly things it represented.
The passage tells us that if He were on earth He would not be a priest at all. But praise God He is not on earth, He is risen and is "a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek". And He did not offer gifts according to the Law but has fulfilled the Law and offered Himself according to Grace!
Earth was not the place for Him to serve as high priest. As seen previously, He is a minister in "the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man." This testifies to the truth of His resurrection and the position which is His; seated at the right hand of the Majesty on high. To serve as our high priest He must serve in a tabernacle not made with human hands and not on earth. Moses had been warned by God to construct the tabernacle exactly as he had been shown because of the heavenly things it represented.
The passage tells us that if He were on earth He would not be a priest at all. But praise God He is not on earth, He is risen and is "a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek". And He did not offer gifts according to the Law but has fulfilled the Law and offered Himself according to Grace!
Monday, October 12, 2009
Short Thoughts for Today
As I continue to "blog through" the book of Hebrews, today's short thoughts will come from Hebrews 8:3 where the author writes, "For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices; hence it is necessary that this high priest also have something to offer."
As the writer continues to compare and contrast the "former priests" with Jesus, our high priest, we see, like the former, "it was necessary that this high priest also have something to offer". Where does one start to explain all that He has to offer!
A list would include but not be limited to the following. A perfect sacrifice. Sinlessness. Righteousness. Holiness. Justice. Innocence. Propitiation. Access to the Father. Love. Hope. Peace. Forgiveness. Eternal life. Abundant life. Sin bearer. Savior. Helper. Victory over death. A promised return. A home in heaven.
Oh yes, this high priest has something to offer!
As the writer continues to compare and contrast the "former priests" with Jesus, our high priest, we see, like the former, "it was necessary that this high priest also have something to offer". Where does one start to explain all that He has to offer!
A list would include but not be limited to the following. A perfect sacrifice. Sinlessness. Righteousness. Holiness. Justice. Innocence. Propitiation. Access to the Father. Love. Hope. Peace. Forgiveness. Eternal life. Abundant life. Sin bearer. Savior. Helper. Victory over death. A promised return. A home in heaven.
Oh yes, this high priest has something to offer!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Beyond What They Asked or Thought
With pen in hand he wrote words to describe it. With power from above God wrote it with his life. I am speaking of the great truth and promise we find in Ephesians 3:20-21 where God had inspired the Apostle Paul to write, "Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen."
He had stood by "in hearty agreement" with putting Stephen to death. With the smell of anger and death in the air, he had witnessed the stones striking Stephen, one after another until he lay on the ground lifeless. It is likely that he had heard Stephen call out, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!" and I am certain that he heard Stephen as "he cried out with a loud voice, Lord, do not hold this sin against them!"
This was only the beginning as Saul began to ravage and persecute the church, trying "to destroy it". The scripture tells us that he entered "house after house" and drug off men and women to put them in prison. The cries of their children were ineffective in deterring him from this course of zealous aggression. But Jesus had promised to build His church and that "the gates of Hades shall not overpower it."
It was no secret who Saul was and what it was that he was intent on accomplishing. I am convinced that Christians were imploring the Lord to stop him. To intervene and by whatever means necessary, keep him from continuing his attack on the Church. I suppose that members of the body of Christ were praying this in Jerusalem as well as in Damascus.
The believers in Damascus knew why he was coming to their city. They were aware that he had been granted authority from the Chief Priests to bind all who called upon the name of Jesus and return them to Jerusalem for punishment. Surely there were saints in Damascus asking the Lord, pleading with the Lord, to intercede on their behalf and on the behalf of all who called on His name.
But I don't suppose that any of them (no not one) would have ever thought of what God was going to do. Perhaps there was some dear saint who quietly prayed for Saul's salvation. But like us, I would suggest that most were just asking God to intervene and stop his assault upon the Church.
God answered their prayers, but He most assuredly did so, "exceeding abundantly beyond" all that they asked or thought. God did indeed stop Saul's assault on His Church and its people. He did so by revealing to him the truth of Jesus and as Paul would later write, putting him into service. Not only did He cause him to be born again, He made him an Apostle. He made him a preacher of the Gospel, a steward of the gospel of grace, a writer of at least 13 New Testament epistles; 14 if you include Hebrews. In Christ, he was a tremendous evangelist and mentor to others. He was used by God to be the teacher of many, if not most, of the fundamental truths of our faith. He was "caught up into Paradise, and heard inexpressible words, which a man is not permitted to speak." He contended for the truth as he fought the good fight, finished the course and kept the faith. He was poured out as a drink offering.
Believers wanted God to intervene and stop Saul from persecuting His Church. But in time they would learn a great lesson that we can all rejoice with confidence in. God "is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think". This is worth a resounding hallelujah from His children!
He had stood by "in hearty agreement" with putting Stephen to death. With the smell of anger and death in the air, he had witnessed the stones striking Stephen, one after another until he lay on the ground lifeless. It is likely that he had heard Stephen call out, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!" and I am certain that he heard Stephen as "he cried out with a loud voice, Lord, do not hold this sin against them!"
This was only the beginning as Saul began to ravage and persecute the church, trying "to destroy it". The scripture tells us that he entered "house after house" and drug off men and women to put them in prison. The cries of their children were ineffective in deterring him from this course of zealous aggression. But Jesus had promised to build His church and that "the gates of Hades shall not overpower it."
It was no secret who Saul was and what it was that he was intent on accomplishing. I am convinced that Christians were imploring the Lord to stop him. To intervene and by whatever means necessary, keep him from continuing his attack on the Church. I suppose that members of the body of Christ were praying this in Jerusalem as well as in Damascus.
The believers in Damascus knew why he was coming to their city. They were aware that he had been granted authority from the Chief Priests to bind all who called upon the name of Jesus and return them to Jerusalem for punishment. Surely there were saints in Damascus asking the Lord, pleading with the Lord, to intercede on their behalf and on the behalf of all who called on His name.
But I don't suppose that any of them (no not one) would have ever thought of what God was going to do. Perhaps there was some dear saint who quietly prayed for Saul's salvation. But like us, I would suggest that most were just asking God to intervene and stop his assault upon the Church.
God answered their prayers, but He most assuredly did so, "exceeding abundantly beyond" all that they asked or thought. God did indeed stop Saul's assault on His Church and its people. He did so by revealing to him the truth of Jesus and as Paul would later write, putting him into service. Not only did He cause him to be born again, He made him an Apostle. He made him a preacher of the Gospel, a steward of the gospel of grace, a writer of at least 13 New Testament epistles; 14 if you include Hebrews. In Christ, he was a tremendous evangelist and mentor to others. He was used by God to be the teacher of many, if not most, of the fundamental truths of our faith. He was "caught up into Paradise, and heard inexpressible words, which a man is not permitted to speak." He contended for the truth as he fought the good fight, finished the course and kept the faith. He was poured out as a drink offering.
Believers wanted God to intervene and stop Saul from persecuting His Church. But in time they would learn a great lesson that we can all rejoice with confidence in. God "is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think". This is worth a resounding hallelujah from His children!
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Short Thoughts for Today
Today's short thoughts come from Hebrews 8:2 where the author continues speaking of Jesus our high priest, "a minister in the sanctuary, and in the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man." Not only is our High Priest unique, so is this place where He ministers.
The sanctuary, the true tabernacle that he writes of had never been entered by any other high priest. Unlike the tabernacle on earth which had been pitched by men, this one had been pitched by the Lord Himself. It is in heaven. High priest after high priest had served in the tabernacle on earth but only One would enter to minister as high priest in the "true tabernacle".
While on earth Jesus never entered the earthly tabernacle to serve as high priest. But as He was crucified for our sins, the curtain that separated the holy place from the holy of holies was torn in two from top to bottom. What He did in the earthly tabernacle was to symbolize that entrance into the very presence of God was now open and that He was accessible to all who come in and through Christ.
The sanctuary, the true tabernacle that he writes of had never been entered by any other high priest. Unlike the tabernacle on earth which had been pitched by men, this one had been pitched by the Lord Himself. It is in heaven. High priest after high priest had served in the tabernacle on earth but only One would enter to minister as high priest in the "true tabernacle".
While on earth Jesus never entered the earthly tabernacle to serve as high priest. But as He was crucified for our sins, the curtain that separated the holy place from the holy of holies was torn in two from top to bottom. What He did in the earthly tabernacle was to symbolize that entrance into the very presence of God was now open and that He was accessible to all who come in and through Christ.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Rare and Infrequent - Thinking Out Loud
Please bear with me as I think out loud for a few moments. In America we have unfettered access to God's holy word. Although many are seldom used, perhaps dust covered or in an unknown location, multiple bibles can be found in our homes. The Bible is on our computers, our media players, our phones, etc. Christian bookstores are filled to the rafters with all kinds of books, both fiction and non-fiction. There are books about the Bible, its passages, its authors, its origin, its prophecies, etc. If you look hard, you can even find various translations of the Bible in a small section of the bookstore. Christian books and/or Bibles can be found in some secular bookstores, department stores and even your local grocery or convenience store.
Some churches will be full this coming Sunday while others will have only a handful in attendance. The numbers, large or small, will not necessarily be indicative of the truth being proclaimed or tell you if the congregation is walking in love. Some will be preaching the gospel of Christ while others will be perverting the Gospel. Some will be striving to teach the whole counsel of God's word while others will be mishandling the work of life.
I was recently reading in 1 Samuel and a portion of the first verse in Chapter three caught my attention and is the cause of this "thinking out loud". Most of us know the story. Hannah's prayer to the Lord has been answered and she has given birth to Samuel. As she had given her word to the Lord, Samuel had been dedicated to the Lord and was in the care of Eli the priest and being raised in the temple. In Chapter two we find Samuel being described as one "growing in stature and in favor both with the Lord and with men". And then in 1 Samuel 3:1 we read, "Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord before Eli. And word from the Lord was rare in those days, visions were infrequent."
"And word from the Lord was rare in those days, visions were infrequent." As I considered these words written so long ago, I could not help but wonder at their relevance for today. Oh, I know they are words that were not to the Church or its members directly. But I have often asserted the biblical truth that all scripture is profitable although it may not be directly applicable.
As indicated above, the word of the Lord is not rare in our day but I must ask if "word from the Lord" is? I fear that much of what is said to be from the Lord is not from Him at all. On any given Sunday many will stand in the pulpits of American churches preaching and teaching things that cannot stand the test of careful scriptural examination. It seems as if more time is spent reading what men have said about the inspired word of God than is spent reading the word itself. The Church needs humble men who have a desire to be vessels of His truth. To hold His word up as the highest authority in all matters. To be good stewards of the Gospel and of the doctrine of grace. To preach Christ and Him crucified. To be messengers of a "word from the Lord" as established in His written word and revealed by His Spirit.
In regards to that portion of 1 Samuel 3:1 where we read, "visions were infrequent", I would simply say the following. Our vision should be narrowly focused and it should be on Christ. Our vision ought to be His will as revealed in and through His infallible word. May we share this vision together.
We must not forget another part to this story of Samuel. In the 9th verse of 1 Samuel 3, we see Samuel responding to a "word from the Lord" as instructed by Eli. "Speak Lord, for Thy servant is listening." May each of us respond in kind as God speaks to us through His word and through His servants. May we boldly ask that He speak to us and that He instill in us a desire to listen with eager anticipation. And then may we dare ask the Helper to empower us to be "doers of the word, and not merely hearers".
As I conclude this "thinking out loud" I will share a final thought. Perhaps it is the dust on my bible that God is speaking to me about. Perhaps it is my vision. Perhaps it is my focus that needs adjusting so that my eyes may look on the glorious Christ and His will for my life. Oh, that we might humbly and boldly speak the word of truth, eagerly listen to the Lord as He speaks to us through His word and His people and have as our vision His will for our lives. By His grace, may a word from the Lord, spoken or heard, be a regular occurrence in our lives. And may a correct vision of Christ and His will for our lives be frequent in our walk of faith.
Some churches will be full this coming Sunday while others will have only a handful in attendance. The numbers, large or small, will not necessarily be indicative of the truth being proclaimed or tell you if the congregation is walking in love. Some will be preaching the gospel of Christ while others will be perverting the Gospel. Some will be striving to teach the whole counsel of God's word while others will be mishandling the work of life.
I was recently reading in 1 Samuel and a portion of the first verse in Chapter three caught my attention and is the cause of this "thinking out loud". Most of us know the story. Hannah's prayer to the Lord has been answered and she has given birth to Samuel. As she had given her word to the Lord, Samuel had been dedicated to the Lord and was in the care of Eli the priest and being raised in the temple. In Chapter two we find Samuel being described as one "growing in stature and in favor both with the Lord and with men". And then in 1 Samuel 3:1 we read, "Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord before Eli. And word from the Lord was rare in those days, visions were infrequent."
"And word from the Lord was rare in those days, visions were infrequent." As I considered these words written so long ago, I could not help but wonder at their relevance for today. Oh, I know they are words that were not to the Church or its members directly. But I have often asserted the biblical truth that all scripture is profitable although it may not be directly applicable.
As indicated above, the word of the Lord is not rare in our day but I must ask if "word from the Lord" is? I fear that much of what is said to be from the Lord is not from Him at all. On any given Sunday many will stand in the pulpits of American churches preaching and teaching things that cannot stand the test of careful scriptural examination. It seems as if more time is spent reading what men have said about the inspired word of God than is spent reading the word itself. The Church needs humble men who have a desire to be vessels of His truth. To hold His word up as the highest authority in all matters. To be good stewards of the Gospel and of the doctrine of grace. To preach Christ and Him crucified. To be messengers of a "word from the Lord" as established in His written word and revealed by His Spirit.
In regards to that portion of 1 Samuel 3:1 where we read, "visions were infrequent", I would simply say the following. Our vision should be narrowly focused and it should be on Christ. Our vision ought to be His will as revealed in and through His infallible word. May we share this vision together.
We must not forget another part to this story of Samuel. In the 9th verse of 1 Samuel 3, we see Samuel responding to a "word from the Lord" as instructed by Eli. "Speak Lord, for Thy servant is listening." May each of us respond in kind as God speaks to us through His word and through His servants. May we boldly ask that He speak to us and that He instill in us a desire to listen with eager anticipation. And then may we dare ask the Helper to empower us to be "doers of the word, and not merely hearers".
As I conclude this "thinking out loud" I will share a final thought. Perhaps it is the dust on my bible that God is speaking to me about. Perhaps it is my vision. Perhaps it is my focus that needs adjusting so that my eyes may look on the glorious Christ and His will for my life. Oh, that we might humbly and boldly speak the word of truth, eagerly listen to the Lord as He speaks to us through His word and His people and have as our vision His will for our lives. By His grace, may a word from the Lord, spoken or heard, be a regular occurrence in our lives. And may a correct vision of Christ and His will for our lives be frequent in our walk of faith.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Short Thoughts for Today
We began the 8th Chapter of the Book of Hebrews by considering the powerful statement found in the first verse where the writer was inspired to declare that the main point of what had been said was that "we have such a high priest". As he continues speaking of Christ in the second verse, he concludes the sentence began in verse one and states that Christ is "a minister in the sanctuary, and in the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man."
Although I did not take the time to comment on it, verse one of Chapter 8 had again spoken of Christ having "taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens". This was a reminder of the truth spoken of in the first Chapter where he wrote that "He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high" after He had made purification of sins.
This "sanctuary", this "true tabernacle", is where He is seated. It is where He ministers as a "priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek". It is in the very throne room of God where He sits in "His seat". This is not a tabernacle made by men but one "which the Lord pitched". A better sacrifice. A better hope. A better priesthood. A better intercessor. A better tabernacle. We are so blessed in Him!
Although I did not take the time to comment on it, verse one of Chapter 8 had again spoken of Christ having "taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens". This was a reminder of the truth spoken of in the first Chapter where he wrote that "He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high" after He had made purification of sins.
This "sanctuary", this "true tabernacle", is where He is seated. It is where He ministers as a "priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek". It is in the very throne room of God where He sits in "His seat". This is not a tabernacle made by men but one "which the Lord pitched". A better sacrifice. A better hope. A better priesthood. A better intercessor. A better tabernacle. We are so blessed in Him!
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