Death & Life

I was a junior in college working for the college security office. It was Christmas break and I had worked an eighteen hour shift and was working on about five hours of sleep. As I was beginning my next shift I received word that the college president requested to see me in his office. I went to his office, spoke with him for a few moments, and completed the task. Later that day I flew home to celebrate Christmas and New Years with my family. Classes resumed the first week of January and so did my work schedule.

It was the first day of classes after break and also my first shift back to work. Midmorning I received a text from my sergeant letting me know our department chief wanted to speak with me after classes. The morning went by, I went to my dorm to put my books and supplies away and went to the security office. I informed our chief’s assistant about the text and she escorted me to his office where he told me to take a seat in one of his leather guest chairs. I will never forget that brief meeting.

Pause. I may have omitted a slight detail from the story in the first paragraph. Yes I worked eighteen hours, and yes, I was working off of five-ish hours of sleep. I also didn’t shave that morning I reported for work, which, I didn’t see as a problem considering it was Christmas break AND I had shaved two days prior. For full context, I attended a very conservative school for ministry. One of the rules was men were to always be clean shaven.

Back to the meeting. For the fifteen or so minutes I was in my chief’s office, he berated me, questioned my character, and said something that haunts me to this day. He looked me dead in the face and said “You will do nothing for the cause of Christ.” From that point on I made sure I was clean shaven at all times. I made sure my shoes were shined properly. I worked on making sure the perfect dimple was in my tie at all times. Also from that point on, I began to believe I would do nothing for the cause of Christ.

That incident happened almost 13 years ago. Want to know a secret? I can still picture his face and hear the tone of his voice. I can still see his fist pounding the desk. I can still hear his verdict on my future. Why? Because of a biblical principle in Proverbs 18:21: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue…”

Many of us were taught as children “sticks and stone may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” As much as I wish that were so, the words spoken on that January afternoon in 2009 echo in the recesses of my mind today in September 2021. A part of my spirit died that day. I was ready to quit college. I was ready to pack up and move back home. Why? Because words do hurt. They hurt a lot more than we think.

Because of that truth, we should take every opportunity we can to speak life into people and situations. In every interaction you have the opportunity to give life or death by way of your words. What will you choose? Death or life?

Some of you need to write that note of encouragement. Others need to make that phone call. What greater investment can you make in someone other than giving them life? Parents, edify your kids. There is a tremendous amount of negativity in our world. Shine some light and brighten their life. Spouses, build one another up. We all have quirks, failures, and issues. Sidestep them and bright life to your life partner. Friends, be there for one another. Speak life into each other.

I’m a fan of superhero movies–Marvel, not DC 🙂 Outside of the utter destruction that occurs in those movies, there is something comforting, something invigorating, something exciting when the hero comes out on top. You have more power than Captain America, Tony Stark and all his gadgets, or Doctor Strange and all his…whatever he does. Today, right now, you can provide life or death to someone’s spirit. I find it amazing that as He was approaching His last moments of physical life, our Savior extended forgiveness and mercy to those around Him.

Give life. Speak life. Make a difference in someone’s life. Do it today.

Sowing & Reaping

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Galatians 6:7-9

There are laws that govern every day life.  If we’re honest, we probably don’t even give much thought to many, if any of them. For instance, the law of gravity—what goes up, comes down.  Side note: I am so glad that we aren’t in outer space. I lose my keys too regularly on Earth, so in if we were on Mars, there’s a good chance my keys would be floating somewhere never to be found again.  Think of Newton’s laws of motion.  An object will stay in motion (or at rest) until compelled to rest (or set in motion). Newton also said “for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.”  For some of you, you feel like your life is governed by Murphy’s Law—anything that can go wrong will go wrong!

You get the idea—there are unseen laws that govern every day life.  I would like to bring a more important one to mind—the law of the harvest. If you’ll allow me, I’d like to give you three simple principles that are related to sowing and reaping.

You reap what you sow. Genius thought right?  Please continue reading!  Paul writes in our text “for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap..”  This spring as you green-thumbed friends plant seeds or flower bulbs, you expect that in coming weeks and months to see fruits, veggies, and beautiful flowers as a result of sowing seeds.

Years ago one of my uncles had fruit trees in his backyard.   When the proper time came for the harvest of apples from those trees, he didn’t pick oranges.  Why? Because he planted apple trees, so the expectation was to gather what he planted.

Our text continues by saying, “For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.”  With that truth in mind, we should see our words, deeds, and thoughts as seeds.  What kind of seeds are you sowing?  You will reap what you sow. One more thought on this principle. Make sure you cultivate the soil of your heart.  Seeds need proper soil to bring forth the right harvest.

You reap later than you sow. I remember being a 5th or 6th grade boy and loving cherry tomatoes.  My family can testify to the fact that when I was younger, if there was a veggie tray at a family event, the tomatoes were already claimed.  My aunt and uncle, who t one time lived right down the street, had several cherry tomato plants in their backyard. I can remember getting sandwich bags packed full of tomatoes almost on a weekly basis.

When our family moved, I no longer had the luxury of all-you-can-eat tomatoes almost on demand.  So I had the brilliant idea to have my own tomato plants.  I spent some of my allowance/savings on soil, big flower pots, and tomato plants.  I prepped them one Saturday afternoon and had them ready to go.  I woke up Sunday morning with the expectation of eating cherry tomatoes on the way to church. I was sadly displeased when I didn’t even see a bud on my plants.  Don’t judge me—I wasn’t always the bright genius I am today!

Think about that for a moment though—in my mind I knew I had to wait. I knew even then that I would reap tomatoes because I planted tomatoes.  I knew I had to wait, but in my immaturity, I didn’t realize just how long I may of had to wait.

So what harvest are you waiting on?  What seeds are you ready to see bloom and reveal their fruit?  If we’re honest with each other, sometimes the waiting is the hardest part of this process.  We understand we have to plant seeds and we know we’ll reap, but we struggle with waiting.  I know I do.

Before we head to our last principle, I want to admonish you regarding the waiting process.  For those planting corrupt, fleshly seeds, don’t be deceived by delayed judgment.  Just because God hasn’t allowed you to reap your harvest yet, doesn’t mean it won’t happen.  God doesn’t operate on our schedules and timelines.  For those planting seeds and experiencing barrenness and emptiness, don’t get discouraged.  Trust the Father.  He knows what He is doing.  Finally, for those desiring a quick fix, don’t get distracted by immediate pleasures.  Don’t sacrifice the eternal for the temporal.  Don’t accept the carnal over the spiritual.

You reap more than you sow. Remember my tomato story?  That summer I ate lots of tomatoes from those plants.  My uncle’s fruit trees didn’t give him one piece of fruit per tree—no!  He had many pieces of fruit from each tree. Yes, we reap what we sow.  It may take a little while, but we reap later than we sow.  But we always reap more than we sow.

With that in mind, take every chance you can to plant good seeds.  Parents, plant good seeds in your children.  Husbands and wives, sow seeds of trust and love with your spouse. Children, sow seeds of honor and obedience with your parents.

Imagine the consequence (or blessing) of every seed.  There are times I look back over my years in ministry and realize I was careless in how I planted relational seeds.  Or how I careless used the seeds of my mouth.  Though I got “lucky” with some of those carelessnesses, I did have to trudge through consequences.  Use prudence.  Be wise.  Plant good seeds on purpose.  

Finally, don’t quit.  The tail end of our text reads, “let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”  Keep doing good.  Keep plowing ahead.  Keep sowing seeds.  Faint not literally translates to “give up.”  Essentially, we shall reap, if we don’t give up.  That’s a promise of God.  He doesn’t lie. He doesn’t fail. He doesn’t misspeak.  He doesn’t make mistakes.

So, what kind of seeds are you planting? Your words, deeds, and thoughts are seeds.  Are you sowing for eternity or for today? Are you discouraged? Look to the Father.  Are you distracted? Look to Jesus.  Let’s commit to planting good seeds, because the law of the harvest tells us we will reap what we sow.  

What’s So Good About Romans 8:28?

Six years ago, at 11:52 PM, I received a call that honestly still haunts me.  At that time I was informed that my oldest brother Joey had passed away.  I can’t explain the feelings that rushed throughout my body and soul as I heard my dad speak those words.  I thought I was dreaming, but that thought quickly dissipated. The passing of Joey marked the most tragic loss I’ve ever experienced.  I had certainly experienced losses prior to and since Joey’s death, but nothing of this sort.

The next morning, as news was spreading, many friends and loved ones rushed to our family’s side virtually and physically.  There was an overflow of love through social media, texts, calls, and visits.  However, there was a common thread.  Several texts and other messages would include a word of sympathy followed by either the quotation or simple reference of Romans 8:28—“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

I still receive encouraging messages and comments regarding sympathy for Joey’s passing.  Some of these messages still include Romans 8:28 references and quotations.  During a period of tremendous spiritual and mental strain, I remember seeing a reference to this verse on social media. I remember lifting my heart and voice toward Heaven and saying, “God! All things work together for good, huh? What’s so good about Romans 8:28?”  Not long after that encounter, during a time of repentance and confession, God provided an answer.  If you will allow me, I would love to share with you what is so good about that passage of Scripture.

1. It’s a promise of God.  

Recently I was teaching in children’s ministry and asked two simple questions—how many of you have ever broken a promise?  Several hands were raised across the room.  I followed up with: how many of you have ever had a promise broken to you?  More hands were added to the ones already raised.  We discussed both of those questions in more time than allotted here, but answers ranged from promising to keep a secret for a friend to Dad breaking his promise to be or do something.  

You and I both know promises matter.  My promise (vows) to Kayla on August 23, 2014 weren’t cute phrases for the event.  I meant them.  Kayla expects me to keep them.  Kayla knows me better than anyone. I can’t hide anything from her.  When I am overwhelmed or stressed, or distracted because of something, she knows.  She will ask me, “you good?” Or “you okay?” My standard answer is “Yeah. I’m good babe.”  She will usually pry a little further and if the result is the same she will say, “pinky promise?” That’s the tell all.  I know promises matter to Kayla.  If I can’t pinky promise her, then she knows something is up.

We’ve all been let down.  The promise of someone who said they’d change.  The promise of a job promotion or pay raise.  The promise of ________.  When the promise isn’t fulfilled, we’re hurt—and understandably so.

God has never broken a promise.  Romans 8:32 reads, “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?”  God promised us redemption.  He promised us reconciliation.  He came through on that promise by providing His Son, Jesus.  When God makes a promise, as He has multiple time in His Word, we can be guaranteed He will fulfill it, because of Jesus.

2. It’s a promise of God to His people.

Our text reads “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God…”. To them that love God.  I John 4:10 tells us, “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”  We love Him, why? Because He first loved us.  His love extended to us through salvation enables us to be His people.

One of our Rosedale Kids not long ago referred to Kayla and I as “her people.”  We told her we are thankful to be “her people” and consider her “our people too.”  There is a bond there.  That child is not mine biologically, but God has given her to my spiritual care.  I will do anything for her I can, because she’s “my people.”  

Look through Scripture and see all God has done for His people—Abraham, Joseph, David, Daniel, Elisha, The Israelites, and the list goes on.  He has a pretty amazing track record.  He cares for His people so very well.  He provides for His people.  He loves His people.

Are you one of “His people?” The Bible is clear that there is only one way to be one of His people—through salvation in Jesus Christ. Have you trusted Jesus as your Savior?

3. It’s a promise of God to His people for His purpose.

I’m going to be honest.  This one stings a little.  I gladly receive God’s promises.  I’m thankful to be counted as one of His people.  However, I struggle with this last part—His purpose.  Check out our text one more time—“…to them who are the called according to his purpose.”  Called to His purpose.  

God why would you take my brother in his mid-30s, leaving his wife a widow, and his children fatherless?  His purpose.  The work God has done in Angela and the kids lives since Joey’s passing is nothing short of amazing.  But that was part of His purpose.  The people that have been reached since Joey’s passing is astonishing.  But that is part of His purpose.

The hard part for me is going through the pain to get to the purpose.  It’s like the thought of Joseph in Egypt.  Oftentimes we want the blessing and position Joseph had, but don’t want to go through the rejection, betrayal, and forgetfulness He experienced in order to fulfill God’s purpose.  

However, looking at God’s track record, I can rest assured that He really does have a purpose.  Isaiah 55:8-9 tells us, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”  We probably won’t understand it at the time, or maybe even in this life, but He does have a purpose.

Let me close by saying I don’t wish tragedy or heartbreak upon you or you family.  I certainly don’t want your family to experience what our family has gone through.  I do wish you would rest in the purpose and plan of a loving, faithful God.  I don’t know what you are facing, but you don’t have to do it alone.  Sorrow may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5).  And, if we’re honest, it may feel like the longest night ever, but joy does come.

Friend what’s so good about a verse of Scripture recorded in a letter written so many years ago?  It’s a promise of a God with an amazing track record.  It’s a promise of a God with an amazing track record to a group of flawed people loved by the same God.  It’s a promise of a God with an amazing track record to a group of clawed people loved by the same God, with an eternal purpose in mind.  Trust Him.  He loves you far more than you can imagine!

Assume the Towel

“Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him; Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.” John 13:1-5

Picture the scene. The disciples are gathered in the upper room with their faithful Teacher. After the meal, Jesus rises from the table and begins the task of washing the feet of His disciples. The dirty, stinky feet of His followers. The Creator serves the creation. The Savior serving the sinner. The Perfect serving the polluted.

If I am completely honest, no other story in the life of Jesus, outside of the Easter story, captivates my heart and mind like this narrative from John 13. Oftentimes in my Bible reading and study time I attempt to visualize the story or text I am in. I try and put myself somewhere in the story. In full transparency, whenever I come across this story, tears well in my eyes and a lump forms in my throat. The humility of our Lord in this moment truly latches on to my soul.

Foot washing was a common practice in biblical days. Without cars, trains, and planes, the most common mode of transportation was the Flintstone 500–feet. Walking through fields and dirt roads. Traveling the seashore and muddy trails. It was customary for party hosts to have a servant assigned to washing the guests feet, and possibly even anoint those feet with oil or ointment. Did you catch that? The host assigned a servant. In our text, the host became the servant. Although this story captivates my heart and mind regularly, we shouldn’t be surprised. He did say in Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

With this story as our backdrop, I want to provide four quick principles we can apply to our lives and like our Savior, assume the towel:

1. A need seen is an assignment given. My pastor, Scott Tewell, has said this for years. So often we talk about this needs to be done or who is going to do that. Maybe the need you seen is actually an assignment from the Lord. Maybe it’s a simple one–holding the door, helping carry items, or giving up your seat. Maybe it’s a little more complex–teaching a class, leading a ministry, discipling someone. Let’s be honest. You see things I can’t see and I see things you don’t see. Maybe that is God’s way of putting service opportunities in front of those can fulfill the need.
2. Servant leadership speaks volumes. Throughout my college education and personal development, I have sat through countless hours of leadership courses, seminars, conferences, and instruction. However, the greatest lessons I have learned regarding leadership have been most loudly taught during moments of service. I have watched my pastor use a shopvac to clean up a church flood. I have watched our Head of School stoop down to pick up trash in a parking lot. I have watched our Student Pastor shovel snow, dirt, and mulch. The greatest leaders I know are servants first. I don’t need to see your list of credentials that qualify you as a leader. I’d much rather see you serve.
3. Your love for people reveals your love for God. When pressed about what was the greatest commandment, Jesus answered “Love God,” and quickly gave the second greatest, “Love others.” Andy Stanley puts it this way: your love for God is authenticated by your love for others. We can’t honestly say we love God if we don’t also love people. Serving in the nursery is important because while you love and care for a baby you may not even know, God may be working on the hearts of his parents for salvation. Why keep setting up that classroom for church? Because your setup enables others to have an environment to learn the love God has for them. Leading that small group is important because you are facilitating growth among people and towards a loving Father.
4. Actions speak louder than words. Pastor Kurt Skelly once said, “I’m sorry I can’t hear what you’re saying. Your actions are too loud.” I can tell my wife I love her until I am blue in the face. However, if there is no proof of that love through actions, then she may begin doubting it. The Apostle James would write that “faith without works is dead.” I would add, “love without works is dead.” I once asked a children’s church how they knew God loves them. The overwhelming response was “Jesus and the cross!!” I went a step further and asked the same group how they knew I loved them. Their responses included, “you pray for us,” “you teach us,” “you’re always here every week,” and “you tell us about Jesus.” I want my actions to prove my love. I want my actions to prove my faith.

So where do we go from here? Assume the towel. Find an area of service and serve your heart out. Love people like tomorrow the world could end. Share the Gospel with that coworker. Open that door for that person. Give up your seat in church. Help that lady carry that item. Serve in the nursery. Teach a children’s church. Setup that classroom. Give that donation. Be a servant. Assume the towel.

Running a Rewarding Race

“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 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 is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2

“Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

In I Corinthians 9, Paul is using a real human event to convey a deeper spriitual concept. The Isthmian Games were pretty much the precursor to the modern Olympics. These games were held every two years outside of the city of Corinth. People from all over the Mediterranean region came to compete and/or spectate. There were foot races, broad jumping, discus throwing, wrestling, being, gymnastics, and equestrian contests. Winners received a lifetime exemption from taxes and military service. They would also be eligible for free college tuition. Statues of previous winners lined the road to the location of the games. Ultimately, the competitors strove to win the Isthmian crown–literally a wreath of wild celery.

A crown a wild celery. For us it sounds foolish, but for the winner of the Isthmian Games, it was everything. As followers of Christ, we also have a race to run. We also have crown to strive for. It looks a lot differently than that of the Isthmian crown. The way we strive in our Christian race may seem foolish to spectators, but we know, like the Isthmian competitors, winning and finishing is everything.

My prayer for you is that you desire to run a rewarding race. Don’t simply coast by. Run a rewarding race. With that thought in mind, I want to provide you with three principles to enable to you do so.

1. You have to run.

Hebrews 12:1 says “…and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,” I Corinthians 9:24 admonishes us to “…So run, that ye may obtain.”

It may be elementary, but you won’t get anywhere if you don’t start. You certainly won’t win if you don’t run. It’s also important to note that you should run YOUR race, not someone elses. Oftentimes we get so distracted looking at how he’s running or the fact that she’s not running. Focus on your race. Run your race.

2. You have to resist.

We see in our Hebrews text the admonishment to “…let us lay aside every weight, and the sin that doth so easily beset us…” Paul would write in Corinthians “And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things.” He would continue in 9:27 by saying, “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”

Competitors in the Isthmian Games had to provide proof of 10-12 months of training and discipline in order to compete. That 10-12 months was a time of resistance. Resisting the urge to be lazy. Resisting the temptation to pass on training. Resisting the thought of giving up. Resisting eating unhealthy foods and non-beneficial activities.

We too, need to learn to resist. We need to resist laziness. So many times we have opportunities to move forward for Christ and we choose to sit it out. We see something that needs to be done and wait for someone else to do it. We need to resist temptation. What is that weight and sin that easily besets you? Lay it aside. Resist it. We also need to resist distraction. We touched on this above, but resist comparison. Resist getting distracted from your race.

Let me take this one more step. Resisting also includes learning how to choose the better over the good and the best over the better. That can be difficult at times. Learn to be temperate in all things as Paul writes. Learn to control your willpower. Mark Batterson says learn to “make decisions against yourself.” Learn to put aside those things which will hinder your race.

3. You have to refocus.

Paul tells the Corinthians that we strive to obtain an incorruptible crown. The writer of Hebrews tells us we should be “looking unto Jesus…” He would continue and tell us to “consider Him…” We need to refocus on our Savior. I think that is why Paul writes in Philippians 3 that he learned to forget those things behind him in order to press forward toward the prize.

We need to get our eyes off of others and refocus on the One we serve. We need to get our eyes off the things of this world and refocus on the our Worthy King. We need to get our eyes off of self and refocus on the Savior. Focus on running your race. Focus on why you are running your race. Focus on Who you are running for.

Several years ago during a televised horse race, a jockey was in first place with a very stable lead. On the last lap/length of the race the jockey kept looking back at the competition. It appeared he was looking back at the other competitors more than he was looking forward to the finish line. That first place jockey finished his race in fourth place. Why? Because he wasn’t focused. Because he couldn’t resist looking around.

At the end of Paul’s life, he wrote to Timothy that he finished his course and that he had fought a good fight. At the end of my life, I wish the same. My life verse is Acts 20:24, “But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.” I want to finish my course. I want to finish my ministry,. I want to finish my calling with joy. I want to run a rewarding race. I hope you do too. Together, lets make sure we learn to run, resist, and refocus.

The Importance of Church

Church.  It has been a staple of my life since my life began.  In fact, I started going to church nine months before I was born!  I don’t know what exactly comes to mind when you think of the word “church”, but for me, I have plenty of good memories of my experiences.  Over the course of my life, I have had membership in four churches in two different states.  Three of the four churches served as places of employment.  Church is a part of who I am.

I realize that some of you reading this today are riding along with me in the same boat—church since we can remember.  There also may be some that you just started going to church recently or maybe you even stopped going.  Maybe you haven’t darkened the door of a church in your entire life and are sure lightning would strike if you did.  Wherever you stand on that spectrum, I want to briefly encourage you to look at church from a different angle.

I have attended a variety of churches in my lifetime.  Some were legalistic, some were lackadaisical.  Some were large and some were small.  I attended a conference at a church that felt like it was a stadium and then a matter of weeks later, I attended a revival in a church no bigger than my living room.  Some churches were loud and others were so quiet you could hear the clock ticking away every second of the service.  Some churches have branded themselves “Old-Fashioned” and others “New Age.”  Some were ultra-conservative and others were anything goes.  I’ve seen pastors in three-piece suits and I’ve seen pastors in Hollister jeans and sandals.  The point is this—there are thousands of churches that provide thousands of styles of church polity.  However, there is only one church I want to emulate.  I want to be part of the Biblical church.  I want to be part of the Christ-centered church.  If you will allow me, I want to share just a handful of thoughts regarding the importance of a Biblical, Christ-centered church:

1. The church is a spiritual hospital. Too many times our churches become a museum for saints instead of a hospital for the spiritually-afflicted.  Mark 2:15-17 shows the Founder of the church having a meal with some people.  “And as he reclined at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners were reclining with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.””  Romans tells us that we are all sinners and come short of the standard of perfection (Romans 3:10; 3:23).  We all have been affected by the sickness of sin, and Jesus came to rectify that.  He came to the sick in order to make them well.

Jesus is no longer in physical form upon this earth, so He has passed onto us the ministry of rescuing the sin-sick.  There has only one time that I have attended a doctor’s appointment and wasn’t “sick.”  I went to get a physical for a job interview only to find out that I had high blood pressure.  Something I had no idea I had was plaguing me and causing some problems and to think—I thought I was completely fine.  The Biblically-based, Christ-centered church has a way of revealing the issues we didn’t think we had.

2. The church is a spiritual foodbank. I Peter 2:2-3 says, “Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.” Peter is telling this group of believers that they should long for the Word of God like an infant longs for milk.  Think of this fact for just a moment, after an infant outgrows the bottle of milk or formula, do the parents stop feeding him?  Obviously not!  The parents then feed him newer foods in relation to his ability and growth.  The church is the same way!  The church provides you with spiritual food in order to help you grow.  Then when you are at another stage in your development, you are fed differently, eventually learning to feed yourself and others based upon your growth.
3. The church is a place of community. Some of the greatest friends I have I have met in church.  Some of the very first friendships I ever had started in the nursery of Grace Bible Baptist Church in Catonsville, MD.  Solomon tells us in Proverbs 27:17, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”  The value of godly friends cannot be downplayed.  Just like a warrior wouldn’t go into battle with a dull sword, we shouldn’t face spiritual battles with weak friends.  I tell the teens in my student ministry this regularly—your friends will pull you down long before you ever pull them up.  Make sure you have friends that are sharpening you.
4. The church provides communal accountability. I am a huge supporter of small groups.  Various churches call them different things—egroups, growth groups, Bible fellowships, Sunday school classes, Bible classes, life groups, etc.  Andy Stanley says, “Circles are better than rows.”  Part of the strategy of the church where I am privileged to pastor is for those attending our church to get connected to a small group.  Small groups provide the opportunity to dive deeper into a Bible study, but also help increase the strength of your walk.  Ephesians 5:15-16 states, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.”  This is the principle of walking circumspectly.  I have found it is much easier growing in the Lord when I have someone growing with me.  Studies show that people who are striving to lose weight will lose 50% more if they have an accountability partner/teammate.  Do you want to grow deeper in your relationship with Christ and others?  Join a small group.  If your church doesn’t have small groups, start one…you’ll be glad you did.
5. The church is a place of service. Since I was a grade school boy, I have been serving in some capacity.  Throughout my life I have served on inner city bus routes, inner city chapel missions, military sports leagues, and as a co-director for a homeless ministry.  All of these opportunities came about through my involvement in church.  The Christ-centered church is a serving church.  Jesus said in Mark 10:42-45, “And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”  Serve others.  Serve in the nursery, children’s ministries, cleaning services, or as an usher.  One of the most Christ-like things you can do is serve.

I am big on the church.  I have been going to church for over 30 years and I don’t see a change coming any time soon.  One of my pastors and mentors once said, “I am not big on church because I’m a pastor.  I am a pastor because I’m big on the church.”  I want to echo that sentiment.  I love church!  It has made me part of who I am today.  Hebrews 10:25 says “not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”  I encourage you to get into a church, get back to church, or keep going to church.  I know of churches all across the country that fit the bill of this article and I would be happy to recommend them to you.  If you are in the Baltimore, MD area, please feel free to visit my church.  You can view our information at rosedalebaptist.org.  I leave you with a quote from Eric Davis, “Sure, you can be a Christian and not go to church.  Kind of like a zebra separated from his herd getting eaten by cheetahs is still a zebra.”

Singing in the Storm

I love the ocean.  I enjoy going on a beach vacation.  I often tease about leaving the Baltimore area in order to start The Church at the Beach.  If God ever confirms that daydream into reality, I know I have a good number of people willing to help the launch.  For our one year wedding anniversary, my wife and I took an extended weekend in Ocean City, Maryland.  One of the days, we spent several hours at the beach, soaking in the sun.  An hour or so into our beach time, I put my reading aside and walked to the sandy cliff that had formed due to the low tide.  The tide was starting to change and rise.  It was a steamy day, so the ocean breeze was a refreshing feel.  I remember standing there watching the waves crashing in and being in awe of God’s creation.  For a few moments I even sang the chorus to “Shout to the Lord.”  God’s creation amazes me.

That ocean that was relatively calm that day isn’t always that way.  There are times when those two and three feet waves are traded for ten or more feet of surging water.  Several years ago, the Northeast Corridor of the United States was brutalized by Superstorm Sandy.  That storm used the ocean as a weapon of terror and destruction.  It caused much damage through many states.  Honestly I think that is one of the things about the ocean that amazes me the most.  The same water that can be enjoyable and fun can also be treacherous and forceful.

Isn’t that a parallel to our lives?  Just like the ocean can be calm one moment and chaotic the next, our lives experience that same spectrum of change.  There are moments of extreme low and then those of extreme high.  If you will permit me today, I want to use a narrative from the Gospel of Mark and give insight regarding the storms of life.

Mark 4:35-41 tells us, “On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?””

Jesus had just finished a day full of teaching and ministering.  At times I have a busy schedule, but imagine just for a moment how busy Jesus’ schedule was.  I am not an “in demand” pastor.  I don’t have a list of churches asking for me to come speak.  I don’t have a calendar chalked full of singing appointments.  I have never taught thousands of people at one time.  Do you realize that hundreds if not thousands of people followed Jesus?  Now not all of them were His faithful followers.  Some were following for healing and the multiplication of food.  Others followed to entrap and ensnare Him whenever possible. Without a doubt, Jesus’ DayTimer was jammed packed with appointments, not to mention the spur of the moment events.  After teaching and ministering, He left the crowd to go to another location and for some time to rest, because we see in the text above that He ended up falling asleep.

Somewhere along the journey, a storm arose and it wasn’t just a passing shower.  It was a powerful storm that caused the boat to fill with water and scared those on board with thoughts of peril.  As you can see in the text, they wake up Jesus and He calms the storm and then they marvel at His authority.  Here are a few observations from this narrative:

1. Storms don’t discriminate. The Creator of the universe was sailing on His creation and a great storm arose.  Why should we expect immunity?  Matthew 5:45 teaches, “For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.”  Cancer affects the good and the bad.  Job loss affects the Christian and the atheist.  Financial reversals affect the faithful and the rebellious.  The storm that you encounter didn’t single you out specifically.  Now realize that God may have allowed it to occur, but storms affect the righteous and the unrighteous alike.
2. Nothing surprises Jesus. I think that the humorous part of this story is Jesus sleeping in the middle of the storm.  Note that when they woke Jesus, He didn’t say, “OH!  What is going on?  When did this happen?  What to do, what to do!?”  This great storm that was filling the boat with water didn’t surprise Him.  We should find comfort in that principle.  The storms of life may surprise and startle us, but nothing startles Him.  Hebrews tells us that Jesus is the today as He was yesterday and the same as He will be tomorrow! He always remains constant.
3. You might get wet during the storm. I have met people who expect to go through and be untouched by the wind and unaffected by the rain.  In this storm from our text, the waves were breaking into the boat and filled the boat with water.  That made for some soggy sandals.  Don’t expect to be untouched by the aspects of the storm.
4. The calming of the storm doesn’t eliminate future storms. When Jesus rebuked the storm and it went calm, nowhere do we see Him condemn future storms.  What we do see is an invitation to trust Him when we encounter other storms.  I wonder if the calming of this storm is what gave Peter the courage to step out of the boat later on in the Gospels and walk on the water with Jesus.
5. Remember what Jesus said. When this story begin, Jesus tells the people, “Let’s go over to the other side.”  When we encounter a storm, remember what He said in Jeremiah 29.  This portion of Scripture was written to the Jewish people about to experience bondage.  We see in verse eleven these words, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”  Though the context of this passage of Scripture may not apply to us, I fully believe the application applies—He knows and He cares.  He has great plans for you!

I do not know what you are going through right now.  It has been said that you are either approaching a storm, in the middle of a storm, or about the come out of a storm.  I believe that there is some truth to that thought.  This next week, our family will remember one of the greatest storms that every came upon us.  I don’t wish it upon anyone, but one thing I can testify to is that through the waves, wind, and weariness, God has been an every present help in time of trouble!  Though I may fear the storm, I don’t fear drowning, because my Lifeguard walks on water.

Lessons from Aaron and Hur

Exodus 17:8-16, “Then Amalek came and fought with Israel at Rephidim. So Moses said to Joshua, “Choose for us men, and go out and fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.” So Joshua did as Moses told him, and fought with Amalek, while Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. Whenever Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, and whenever he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses’ hands grew weary, so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it, while Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side. So his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. And Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the sword. Then the LORD said to Moses, “Write this as a memorial in a book and recite it in the ears of Joshua that I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven.” And Moses built an altar and called the name of it, The LORD Is My Banner, saying, “A hand upon the throne of the LORD! The LORD will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.”

I think I was in high school when I first heard this story from Exodus.  I remember sitting in church and hearing the preacher say “Aaron and Hur” what seemed liked hundreds of times in his 30-minute sermon.  I kept asking myself…who is the “her” in the story?  Did she have a name?  Is that how she was referred to all the time?  Then somewhere throughout the sermon, I heard that Hur was not a her, but a him.  So then my high school mind I thought, “I bet he was made fun of!”  Don’t judge my immaturity!  I am sure I am not the only person who has thought this over time.

As we are halfway through the first week of this New Year, I want to share some thoughts that could help us in 2016:

1. Attacks and battles will come. In the text above, the children of Israel recently were freed from Egyptian bondage.  They were making their way towards the Promised Land when King Amalek and his people attack Israel.

 

Realize the fact that the children of Israel were smack dab in the middle of the will of God.  God Himself was leading them.  He had freed them from slavery, walked them through the Red Sea, provided manna and quail, made bitter water sweet, and provided water from the Rock.  Then it happened…they were attacked!  Following after God doesn’t mean you’re free from attack, but you are free from defeat.  Romans 8 tells us that if God is for us that no power can overtake us.

 

2. Work like it all depends on you. Pray like it all depends on God.  Moses told Joshua to rally the troops ad fight against Amalek shows us the importance of our involvement.  Notice that Moses didn’t leave on Joshua’s fighting.  He said that while they were fighting, he’d be on the top of the hill with “the staff of God.”  He didn’t say the staff of Moses, or the staff of Aaron, or even the staff of Israel.  He knew that his power source was God alone, the Great I AM.  God empowered that staff to perform signs and wonders in Egypt.  God used that staff to symbolically part the Red Sea.  God used that staff to provide water from the Rock.

 

During a time of great drought, the Scottish preacher Dr. Guthrie prayed for rain in the morning service. As he went to church in the afternoon, his daughter, Mary, said, “Here is the umbrella, Papa.”

“What do we need it for,” he asked.

“You prayed for rain this morning, and don’t you expect God will send it?”

They carried the umbrella, and when they came home they were glad to take shelter under it from the drenching storm.

 

So often we through our wants, needs, and desires before God and do nothing on our end.  Don’t get me wrong, there are some things that only God can do, but friend, put feet to your prayers, and get busy.  Don’t have a case of dead faith (James 5) because you have no works to support it.

 

3. Keep your eyes on God. Moses was certainly eligible for senior discounts and medical programs at this time in Exodus.  He had his hands lifted toward Heaven, no doubt holding that staff in his hands, and the children of Israel prevailed in battle.  When his arms would lower due to fatigue, the Amalekites gained the advantage.

 

This reminds me of the story of Peter walking on water (Matthew 14).  After seeing Christ walking on the water at night, Peter takes a leap of faith and walks out onto the rustling waves.  As the story goes, Peter takes his eyes off Jesus and begins to sink.  He’s then rescued by Jesus.  How many times in our lives are we like Peter?  We get distracted by the circumstances surrounding us.  We get fearful of the waves of life.  We start sinking.  Maybe we are like Moses and our strength is running out.  Maybe fatigue has set in.  No matter which side of the equation we fall on, keep your eyes on God.  Corrie ten Boom said, “If you look at the world, you’ll be distressed.  If you look within, you’ll be depressed.  But if you look at Christ, you’ll be at rest.”

 

4. Teamwork makes the dream work. Aaron and Hur, the attendants to Moses noticed that his strength was failing.  They noticed Moses was getting weak.  They noticed the pattern on the battlefield.  So instead of giving Moses suggestions on what to do, or lecturing him on proper arm strengthening workouts, they interceded.  They made him a place to sit and then held up his hands.  Scripture says that they held his arms up until the going down of the sun…for the remainder of the day.

 

In my job in corporate America, I hear often, “Oh that’s not my job.”  “That is not found in my job description.”  Unfortunately at times I hear that in the ministry world as well.  “I don’t get paid to do that.”  “I can’t do that.”  Did you know Aaron and Hur could’ve said that?  “Moses, it’s not my job to hold up your arms.”  “Moses, you’re on your own.”  If Aaron and Hur would have acted in that manner, they would have been defeated by the Amalekites.

 

Instead of having to be served, serve.  Instead of leaving a mess, clean one up.  Instead of causing problems, help solve one.  Scott Tewell, pastor of a church in Baltimore, MD once said, “A need seen, is an assignment given.”  What an awesome way to live.  Aaron didn’t assume to full duty of raising the arms of Moses.  He did it together with Hur and in turned saw their nation prevail in battle.  So my challenge to you is stop warming the bench or sitting in the stands—get in the game!

 

5. Be an Aaron or Hur. Who can you lift up in 2016?  I am sure that you have already had someone’s face or name cross your mind.  Your pastor?  Your spouse?  Your parents?  Your small group leader?  Your co-worker?  Your child?  I don’t know specifically what this application means to you personally.  One thing I do know, is that it does apply in some way, shape or form and that this can start today.  You can start lifting up the arms of those around you right now.  Encouragement and edification is one of the cheapest things monetarily, but the results are so long lasting and may even outlast you.

This year, make a decision to lift up someone else.  I think you’ll find that while you are spending your energy lifting up others, you will in turn find yourself being lifted!

New Year, Same Great God!

Oftentimes companies go through design changes in order to promote their product more effectively.  I remember as a Bible college student, I got hooked on Diet Pepsi.  At that time, the can design was light blue with bubbles with an italicized diet and a bold blue PEPSI.  Now the standard Diet Pepsi can is silver with the Pepsi logo and blue lettering.  Chip and snack companies have gone through similar changes.  This concept is not only popular in the food industry but also in the transportation, security, and business industries.  To some extent change is inevitable.  Whether it’s a design change or an ingredient change, change happens.  However, when a company changes its product design, almost always there is a special announcement printed in a prominent place.  It is usually similar to “New Look! Same Great Taste!”  When companies go through mergers or buyouts, they may announce, “New Name, Same Great Service!”  With that thought in mind as we sit on the doorstep of 2016, I announce to you:  2016—New Year, Same Great God!

I don’t know what your 2015 looked like.  I don’t necessarily know the ups and downs you faced this year.  You may have had a year filled with more questions than answers.  Maybe you experienced amazing prosperity and blessing.  Maybe you experienced traumatic loss and deep heartache.  There are those who felt like they were treading water all year.  Others seemed to swim with ease through the year.  I may not know your specific story of 2015, but one thing I do know is that whether you are on the highest mountaintop or the lowest valley, whether you are joyful or sorrowful, whether you are weary or full of energy, we are all standing on the same doorstep.  We are all standing before the same door that is yet to be opened.  We are on the doorstep of 2016, ready to embark on a new year and though we don’t know what is in store, we can rely on the fact that there is one constant…our great God!

2016 has victories to be won and battles fight.  2016 has people to love and people to reach.  2016 has ups and downs already built in.  Some of you will begin on a mountaintop and others will begin in a valley.  Some of you will experience great joy and others deep sorrow.  I do not know all that is in store in 2016.  I don’t know what is in store for my family, my ministry, my career, or my health.  Though 2016 is somewhat of a mystery, I want to tag on the label that says, “New Year, Same Great God!”  New challenges, new problems, new victories, new joys, new blessings, new troubles, but same God!  New highs and new lows, but same God.

I want to provide you with a handful of thoughts regarding this concept of New Year, Same Great God:

1. God hasn’t changed. Malachi 3:10 says, “For I the LORD do not change…”Hebrews 13:8 tells us, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”  Though trials may arise in 2016, God doesn’t change.  No matter the high or low, God remains the same.  There is something comforting about consistency.  Our God is immutable.  James 1:17 tells us that we serve a God, “with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”  He is the same day in and day out, week in and week out, month in and month out, year in and year out.  He stays the same!
2. God still loves. I John 4 gives us a glimpse into the identity of God.  God could use any number of words to describe Himself, but He chose a rather simple word to fulfill that task.  Out of all the words possible in the mind of God, He decided to describe Himself as love (I John 4:8).  John 3:16 still holds true that God loved us so much that He sent His perfect Son Jesus to be our payment for sin.  In 2016, God will still love.
3. God still answers prayer. Jeremiah 33:3 says “Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.”  Hebrews tells that we can come boldly to the throne of our God for help in time of need.  I don’t know about you, but I am a needy Christian.  I need Him!  You have constant 24/7, 365 access to the King of kings and Lord of Lords.  Take advantage of your position as a child of God and access the King!
4. God still cares. I Peter 5:7 tells that we should be “casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”  I am a blessed man.  I grew up in a family where I was loved greatly.  God gave me a wife that loves me to the moon and back.  I have great friends that have gone to bat for and with me.  I have co-laborers that I fight with in the trenches every week.  Though I am blessed by those familial and friend relationships, there is One that cares for me infinitely more than them all put together!  No one ever cared for me like Jesus, There’s no other friend so kind as He; No one else could take the sin and darkness from me, O how much He cared for me.  The same goes for you.  No one has ever cared for you like Jesus!
5. God is still good. 2015 was a hard year for our family, as it has been for many people I know.  Some people are still battling heartaches from years past.  No matter what you are carrying into 2016 or will face in the coming year, God is still good.  Ezra 8:22 states, “…The hand of our God is for good on all who seek him…” Romans 8:28 still reads true when it says, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

I wish I knew what is in store for 2016.  I wish I knew what ups and downs were ahead.  I wish I could be prepared for the heartaches.  I wish I could look ahead and warn my friends and loved ones about the events they’ll encounter.  But more than that, I wish you would know that God doesn’t change, He still loves you, He still answers prayer, He still cares for you, and He is still good.  Though I don’t know what’s ahead in 2016, I do know one constant—it’s a New Year, but we still have the same Great God!

 

 

To all my readers and followers, I pray you have a very blessed New Year.  I look forward to serving you in 2016 through the Graceful Words blog.  If this blog has been a blessing to you, would you consider sharing with others?  Look for the Graceful Words Facebook page coming in January!

_______, Did You Know?

One of my favorite Christmas songs is Mary, Did You Know?  The imagery the lyrics create is captivating.  The Promise of Hope wrapped up in a baby boy would one day walk on water.  He would one day give sight to a blind man.  This baby would deliver the very mother who delivered Him.  He would calm the storm with His hand.  This little baby was the only begotten Son of God.  He would cause the mute to speak, the deaf to hear, the lame to leap, and the dead to live again.  He would do so many miracles that at the end of the Gospel of John in 21:25, it says, “Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.”

Almost every line of the song is posed in the form of a question beginning with “Mary, did you know…?”  Mary did you know He would save our sons and daughters?  Mary did you know He is Lord of all creation?  Mary did you know He would one day rule the nations?  Mary did you know that this little baby is Heaven’s Perfect Lamb and has walked where angels trod?  Mary did you know that this sleeping bundle of joy is the Great I AM?  I believe the answer is yes.

Luke 1:26-33 tells us, “In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary.  And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!”  But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be.  And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.  And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.  He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.””  Gabriel told her directly that He will be great, and that He is the Son of God.  He will rule on the throne of David and there will be no end to His reign.

The answer to many of the questions asked in this famous Christmas song penned by renowned southern gospel singer and songwriter Mark Lowry, is a resounding yes.  However, I don’t think she completely understood the brevity of the whole situation.  Following the birth of Christ, Luke 2:19 tell us, “But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.”  Treasured and pondered what things?  The things that were said to the shepherds.  The message given to the shepherds was. “…“Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:10-14).  Gabriel told her before the birth and now the shepherds are telling her after the birth.  Mary knew who she had given birth to.

The end of Luke 2 tells us that as Jesus grew, Mary again treasured things in her heart.  I wonder if when He began His ministry as a 30-year-old man, if Mary was in attendance.  That answer is also yes.  When Jesus did His first miracle at the wedding in Cana, Mary was a key player in getting the people to Jesus.  She told the servants to do whatever He tells you to do.  She knew who her son was.  She knew He was humanly hers, but completely God.  We don’t know Mary’s reaction after Jesus turned the water into wine, but I wonder if in her heart she was saying, “That’s my boy.”  When she saw the lame walk and the mute speak, I wonder if she thought the same.  No matter what she thought, she did know who Jesus was.  She knew He was God and would do great things.

What about you?  Put your name in the blank… _____________, did you know?  Did you know that the baby boy celebrated at Christmas is the Son of God?  __________ did you know that He came to make you new?  John, did you know He wants to save your sons and daughters?  Sue, did you know that the same power that gave sight to a blind man can come upon you today?  Tom, did you know that the baby in the manger is the Perfect Lamb of Heaven, sent to be the payment for your sin?  Jill, did you know the Great I AM still is?

God loves you more than you can imagine!  He sent His Son for you.  Did you know that you can know for sure Heaven is your home when this life is through?  Did you know that going to Heaven is unachievable through good works?  Did you know that going to church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than sitting in your garage makes you a car?  Did you know that being baptized doesn’t save you any more than swimming makes you a fish?  Salvation is totally independent of self.  Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”  Salvation is completely and totally a gift of God.

In conclusion, did you know God’s gift of salvation is available to you regardless of anything you have done?  Did you know you can accept His gift today?  It’s rather simple:

1. Realize your condition. Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” We are all sinners.  We have all messed up.  We have all missed the mark of perfection.
2. Recognize the cost. Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death…”  Just like when we work our jobs, we expect a paycheck, when we sin, we rack up a bill.  The price for our sin is separation from God for eternity.  Biblically speaking, the cost of sin is Hell.  You and I deserve to go to Hell for our sins.
3. Realize the coverage. Romans 6:23 continues by saying, “but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  Romans 5:8 tells us, “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”  Jesus paid for the cost of our sin.  Before we committed our first sin, He died for us.  He took our wages of sin and suffered our punishment.
4. Receive Christ. You’re a sinner.  Because of your sin, you deserve a Godless eternity.  God sent His Son Jesus to pay for the sin debt we owed.  All we have to do is believe it and receive it.  Romans 10:9-10 says, “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.”  Romans 10:13 tells us, “For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”  All you have to do to be saved is believe what Jesus did for you and ask God to save you.  Scripture tells us that if you call upon His name, you will be saved.  It is calling upon His name in belief of what He did for you.

If you want to trust Jesus today for salvation, pray something like: “Dear God, I know I am a sinner.  I know I deserve punishment for my sins.  I ask you to save me because of the sacrifice of Jesus.  Forgive me of my sins and make me Your child.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”  If you prayed that and believed it, I’d love to rejoice with you and answer other questions you might have.  Please email me at worship.leadergp@gmail.com.