A HARD KNOCKS LIFE FOR US

Have you ever wished life was easy? Only through opposition is life possible. That you push against the restraints that seek to hold you back is proof that you are alive. Yielding to the difficulties that oppose you is a sign of weakness and death.

Think about a seed lying on the ground. The forces of nature work against the seed. If life is not within the seed then it will rot and become part of the soil. But if life is within the seed then it will push back against that which would otherwise destroy it and begin to grow. The mighty oak tree stands strong because it was strengthened by the winds that sought to topple it. The very nature of life is to overcome adversity being strengthened by that which resists it.

• 8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.
  2 Corinthians 4:8-10 (NIV)

We grow in grace the same way a tree grows in space. We overcome that which stands against us. How does the believer grow in holiness, righteousness and self-control? The life of the Holy Spirit within us empowers us to resist temptation and sin.

Once we were dead in our sins and transgressions. No life was found in our soul, thus death was at work in us. We could not help but to be overcome by sin. We were alone in the world without hope. Our destruction was imminent because we had no life within us by which to overcome.

Yet now we are alive in Christ! That which once had the power to destroy us has no power over us. What once left us defeated now makes us stronger because the life of Christ is in us. When the soul is dead, our life only decays. But when the soul is alive that which once destroyed it, now develops and strengthens it. Growth and maturity comes only by overcoming that which wars against you.

The force of life is greater than that of death. Difficulty and hardship may abound around us. We may be opposed on every side, but nothing can crush us. “The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).

So let’s stop asking God to make our lives easy. Death is at work in those who are comfortable. Instead let’s understand that the greater the problem we face the greater the life that is within us. Nothing can overcome us. What do you think?

PAPERS PLEASE

When Susie and I traveled to Russia in 1994 we were told how important it was that we not lose our passports and copy of our birth certificates. I remember imagining the secret police asking for our ‘papers’ when we made the 10 to 12 hour train ride from Minsk to Moscow (too many movies I’m sure). Here in the states we give little or no thought to having proof of our identity. In the new era of terrorism it will be interesting to see how much of our freedom we will be willing to surrender for a greater sense of public safety (been to the airport lately?).

Perhaps our greater fear is identity theft. If someone gets your social security number and birth date they can become you. All someone needs is your checking account or credit card number and they can make purchases using your name. I’ve even shred some of the junk mail from credit card companies to help prevent my identity from being stolen (an ounce of prevention).

False teachers had made their way into the church at Corinth. They brought letters of recommendation with them. It didn’t matter that the letters were forged. Just claiming to be connected to one of the apostles was enough to be heard. Paul had a different letter of recommendation.

• 2 You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. 3 You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.
  2 Corinthians 3:2-3 (NIV)

Christ’s letter of recommendation was the testimony of changed lives. Paul says that the proof of being an apostle was the Corinthian believers. They were a letter written upon his heart by Jesus for anyone to read.

I can’t help but think about my ‘credentials.’ Like many pastors I have a certificate of ordination (in my case bearing the seal of the Assemblies of God). Yet that is just a piece of paper framed and hung in my office. My real ‘credentials’ or letter of recommendation are the people God has given me to pastor. Is there evidence of transformed lives sitting in church each Sunday or are people just in a spiritual rut?

I had breakfast this morning with one such ‘personalized letter.’ I’m thankful for those who have grown in their relationship with Christ through my ministry. Yet I can’t help wonder if there are some who would be a smudge on my credentials. What can I do to be more effective as their pastor to help bring change in their lives? Granted people must take personal responsibility for their spiritual growth and obedience to Christ. I won’t stand by their side at the judgment seat, but I will be judged by the Lord for what I did or did not do to initiate Christ likeness in their hearts and lives.

How about you? No, you may not be a pastor, but are you being an influence for spiritual maturity in the lives of others? As a parent are you teaching your children how to live a godly life? Are you an influence for righteousness at work or school? Each of us should have an authentic letter of recommendation signed by Jesus for everyone to read. What do you think?

SATAN’S SCHEMES

Football players take their sport seriously. Teams play only one game each week, but they spend all week preparing for that game. They study films of the opposing team trying to gain an advantage by discovering players’ tendencies. They develop a game plan and then practice all week simulating what the other team’s offence and defense might do in a game. A full week of work just for a chance to win the game, maybe we could learn something from their commitment to beating their opponent.

Sometimes we forget that we are engaged in a spiritual conflict. It is more than just a once a week struggle; our clash with our adversary continues daily with no time outs. (Now that’s a good reason to come to Jesus for rest, but that’s another pondering—see for example Isaiah 40:31; Matthew 11:28. Okay, back to Satan’s Schemes.) Paul was familiar with the enemy’s tactics, and encourages us to be careful not to give Satan any advantage against us.

Satan has a plan to destroy people. Our enemy wants to prevent the sinner from coming to Christ for salvation. He wants to keep the backslider from renewing their fellowship with God and other believers. Satan wants the church to be ineffective by driving a wedge between us. Paul reminds us that if we are going to defeat Satan then we must be quick to forgive one another.

• 10 If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven — if there was anything to forgive — I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, 11 in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.
  2 Corinthians 2:10-11 (NIV)

God’s love is demonstrated through our lives as we let go of bitterness. Instead of holding a grudge we are willing to forgive one another and restore our love for each other. Forgiveness is the key to outwitting Satan and beating him at his own game. Believers remain connected. Backsliders are restored. Sinners are drawn to Christ. Satan’s schemes are defeated when our love is proven with forgiveness.

Let’s not ignore the devil’s sly attempts to defeat us. Let’s practice loving with forgiveness. We will win more than a game. We’ll have victory over Satan. What do you think?

PROMISES

I called Jacob and Courtney to get ready to go yesterday. When they asked where we were going I said, “We’re going crazy.” I could have said that we were going to run an errand at Staples, but saying we were going crazy meant we were in for an adventure full of unexpected surprises. We hopped like kangaroos into the store and walked like ducks going out. On the way home we made an unexpected stop at Dairy Queen. The ordinary was fun and full of laughter even for Susie and me.

What changed our errand into an adventure? It was the words I spoke. I made no promises but I had committed myself to having fun with the kids; they knew it and I knew it. My words needed to be as good as gold (or ice cream) for the kids.

• For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why we utter the Amen through him, to the glory of God.
  2 Corinthians 1:20 (RSV)

A promise is the antithesis of a threat. While both are spoken, one brings blessing while the other a curse. How often do we think of our words as having such power? God’s word is a double-edged sword. For those who reject its decree the judgment of sin awaits them, but for those who embrace God’s word the blessing of His promises overflow in their lives.

These are not the promises of a man. They are the promises of God! The scriptures abound with the pledge of God’s blessing for His children. All of His promises are sound and stable. Each promise is established beyond all doubt in the mind of God and is therefore absolute and unchangeable. Through Jesus every promise of God is given a resounding “YES!” Jesus Christ has all the power and authority to accomplish all God’s promises. Not one will be left undone.

With such promises we too can shout, “Amen!” fully confident that God will do what He has said. His promises only increase His glory and greatness as all of His promises are fulfilled in the lives of His children. We can rest in the assurance of His faithful and powerful word. We give no place to fear or worry for if God said it then it will be done in our lives.

Are you in need of God’s promises today? Is your life a roller coaster of emotion? Don’t judge God by your circumstances but see your situation through the promises of God. He is faithful to all His promises. Amen! What do you think?

MARCHING ORDERS

I have never served in the military. Those whom I know that are all share one thing in common: discipline. Their bodies are disciplined to be not just physically fit, but strong and ready to endure any challenge. Their minds are disciplined to follow orders without question or hesitation. Their spirits (or emotions) are disciplined to know that they belong to a fraternity of soldiers who depend upon each other. Together the body, mind and spirit will persevere and not give up until the mission is complete.

• 13 Keep your eyes open, hold tight to your convictions, give it all you've got, be resolute, 14 and love without stopping.
  1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (MsgB)

These are our marching orders. No excuses allowed. Paul admonishes us to be disciplined like a soldier and obey orders.

1. Be Alert. The enemy seeks to destroy us, so don’t be careless in how you live. Be on guard against temptation so you don’t fall into the trap of sin.
   
2. Be Faithful. Guard your heart against the enemies of doubt and fear by continually exercising your faith. Only as we remain full of faith will we please God. Hold fast to an unwavering confidence in God.
   
3. Be “the man” of God. Literally Paul says be manly; in other words don’t be a sissy but be full of courage. Our strength is not found in ourselves but comes from God. Therefore let us be full of His Spirit and power to overcome our adversary. (Ladies this goes for you too.)
   
4. Be Strong. Never give up! “Be strong in the Lord and His mighty power. Put on the full armor of god so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes” (Ephesians 6:10-11 NIV).
   
5. Be Full of Love. Do not think only of yourself. Instead let love overflow in everything you do. Keep your eyes attuned to fellow believers lest they stray off the narrow path of salvation and lovingly restore them. Love God and your fellowman with every word and deed.

I must confess that I sometimes fail to obey orders. Can you imagine the difference it would make in our families, our churches and our community if we just followed our marching orders? Let’s be disciplined! What do you think?

GENERAL COUNCIL REFLECTION

I don’t remember who said it but I have written in the front of my Bible as a constant reminder of God’s heart for the lost. “God loves some sinners so much that He won’t send them to some of our churches.” Is ours a church that God will trust with the spiritual care of sinners? Now the fact of the matter is that we are all sinners saved by grace. But why is our church not growing daily like the New Testament church?

Charles Crabtree, Assistant Superintendent of the Assemblies of God said tonight, “Satan has not grown in power. Jesus still has all power and authority to build His church.” Let’s face it Jesus died to save sinners and that includes the sinners of the post-modern generation today. His love can reach into the hearts of people around us and transform their lives. His power to save knows no limits.

Crabtree shared that from 1995 to 2005 the Assemblies of God reported nearly 5.3 million salvations, but we only added about 250,000 people to our churches. That means we kept only about 1 in 100 people who were saved! As he put it we are aborting spiritual babies at the altars of our churches because there is no on there to lovingly take them by the hand and disciple them to grow in their new faith. God forgive us.

• [1] Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. [2] By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.
  1 Corinthians 15:1-2 (NIV)

Two things stand out to me in what the Apostle Paul said. First I can’t overlook the fact that Paul told the Corinthian church that it was possible for them to believe in vain. As individuals we do have a responsibility to hold onto the word that was preached to us by which we have been saved.

But there is something else. Paul reminded this church about the gospel he had preached to them. Paul didn’t want them to forget so he reminded them. Paul would go on to write this church another letter and even make a personal visit traveling hundreds of miles without our modern conveniences. Today many of us have a hard time walking across the street to talk to a neighbor about Christ (including me). Isn’t it time we stop expecting sinners to come to us and we went to them? What do you think?

STATIC AND DROPPED CALLS

Are you old enough to remember static on the radio or TV? Before electronic tuning, cable and satellite broadcasts we used to have to tune into a station’s frequency. The noise between stations together with the ‘snow’ on TV could best be described as chaos.

I wonder how some folks might describe some of our churches today. Are there times that we are guilty of just being like the static between stations? Is the message lost amidst the noise?

The Corinthian church had a static problem. Those who considered themselves prophets would all want to deliver their message from God simultaneously. Meanwhile there were those who wanted to deliver a message in tongues that would speak out regardless of whether anyone would interpret their Spirit inspired speech. It was a fight to be heard over the crowd when the church gathered together.

Paul didn’t reach over and turn ‘the radio’ off; instead he gave the church instructions how to fine tune the frequency so the message could be heard. Don’t let everyone prophesy at once but take turns and others judge what is said. Don’t just speak in tongues but pray to interpret or if no interpreter is present just remain silent. The ultimate goal was to edify or build up those who were part of the church through the gifts of the Spirit.

• [39] Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. [40] But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.
  1 Corinthians 14:39-40 (NIV)

I’m unashamed to be a Pentecostal believer. I am thankful that we still serve a God who will supernaturally speak to His church through the gifts of the Spirit. Some churches (even in the Assemblies of God) have gone to the other extreme and turned the gifts off. In our modern world of communication its as though the satellite signal is blocked or a cell phone drops its call. All that is heard is the sound of silence.

I want to stay tuned into God. I’m not afraid of the static as God has shown us how to adjust our spiritual antenna to hear the voice of His Spirit. I’m more concerned that we don’t just block His signal and turn the Spirit off. God is not silent. He wants to speak through you and me. Be eager to prophesy. Get tuned into God. What do you think?

GET YOUR SISSORS AND JUST CUT IT OUT!

We are blessed with a lot of different English versions of the Bible which help us better understand it. Regardless of the version the Bible is a really big book that many people find hard to read. Reader’s Digest to the rescue (yes that’s right the magazine). They once published the “Reader’s Digest Bible.” Like their other condensed books it cut out the repetitious reading, long genealogies and other so called ‘non-essentials’ to make the Bible more reader friendly.

I’ve come up with a great idea for a new Bible version. I’m sure that in our modern culture of relativism a publisher could make a lot of money if they were to produce this Bible. I call it the “PPV” short for “Personal Preference Bible.” This version will come with a set of special ‘highlighters’ specifically designed to remove or rewrite those passages that you have a hard time accepting. With the “PPV” you could have a Bible that you believe and live by everyday 100%. Now wouldn’t that be great! (I best get my tongue out of my cheek before I bite it off.)

While we may laugh at such a far fetched idea, the fact of the matter is that many of us already have made our Bibles a “PPV” by ignoring those passages that challenge us. I once illustrated this by tearing a page out of the Bible. After all if we aren’t going to properly apply it to our lives then why leave it in there?

So what does this have to do with the spiritual gifts we talked about yesterday? Everything! Just like Paul said that all parts of the body were essential, so too we must keep the Bible in its context. I’m always amazed by those who want to dismiss the spiritual gifts found in 1 Corinthians 12 and 14 but still want to keep Paul’s love chapter tucked right in the middle.

Paul’s discussion about love is an important part of the proper use of spiritual gifts. No matter what gift I may have or how important it may seem, if I don’t have love my gift is meaningless. Some go so far as to say that the gifts are not for today because we have received the perfection Paul describes in verse 10 through the Bible. I guess that’s one way to dismiss chapters 12 and 14. Yet Paul continues saying that he has grown up and stopped thinking like a child. He said that the time is coming when our incomplete knowledge will pass away. I thought perfection had come with the Bible? Am I missing something?

• But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love
  (1 Corinthians 13:13 MsgB).

Dare I even ask—“What do you think?” Careful, no “PPV’s” allowed.

GIFTS EVERYONE WANTS

With five kids we have had a lot of birthday parties over the years. One of the most ‘eye opening’ times at these annual events was present time. Inevitably it seemed that one gift would always stand out among the others as that year’s most wanted. When this gift was opened all the kids would all ‘oohh’ and ‘aahh’ over it. They would say things like, “I want one of those,” or “Can I see it?” And of course the giver of the gift would proudly announce “I got that.”

Paul had to talk with the Corinthians about spiritual gifts. He didn’t want them to be ignorant about them, or dare I say it, act like children. It seems everyone wanted what they thought were the most important gifts and they overlooked other gifts as trivial.

Now that my children are getting older I can safely admit that some of the birthday gifts they received were unnecessary. The life of these gifts was short lived and it wouldn’t take long for me to find it abandoned and neglected. Thus it would go the way of all things and end up somewhere in a landfill.

Paul wanted the Corinthians to understand that when it came to spiritual gifts there was no such thing as an unnecessary gift. Every gift plays an important part in the body of Christ because without these seemingly unimportant gifts where would the body be? As Paul asked, “If the whole body were an eye where would the sense of hearing be?” No single part of the body can say to others, “I don’t need you.” Every part of the body serves a purpose and is “indispensable.” (See 1 Corinthians 12:17-22) After emphasizing the importance of every gift, I find it interesting that Paul ends this chapter the way he does.

• But eagerly desire the greater gifts.
  And now I will show you the most excellent way.
  1 Corinthians 12:31 (NIV)

Paul actually encourages the Corinthians to covet spiritual gifts! When it comes to your kids or mine coveting each other’s birthday presents such desire is not a good thing, but when it comes to spiritual gifts we are encouraged to yearn for more! Aahh but don’t overlook “the most excellent way.” What is that way? We’ll have to keep reading the next chapter, but for now lets just say that we’re not supposed to fight over spiritual gifts like children fight over toys. If we do the gifts become useless because we aren’t to desire the gift for ourselves but as a blessing for the entire body. What do you think?

“This is Unacceptable!”

Through the years Susie has been both mom and teacher for our kids. Homeschooling presents its own unique challenges. One of those is getting the kids not just to complete a lesson, but to do it with excellence. Like a lot of kids, ours have from time to time wanted to just do enough to get by. This however was unacceptable for teacher-mom. I can’t count the number of times she has told the kids something like, “It takes less time to do it right the first time than to have to do it again.”

What Susie was really teaching the kids was how to judge the quality of their work. It isn’t good enough to judge what we do as compared to what others do. We need to learn to evaluate our work based on whether we have done our personal best. This is a life lesson that affects every area of life and especially our relationship with God.

Paul had to teach the Corinthians the importance of judging themselves. It was important for these believers to learn to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit as they examined their own lives to see if there was any sin that would separate them from God. One time that we can all slow down to judge ourselves is as we partake of communion together.

• [31] If we get this straight now, we won't have to be straightened out later on. [32] Better to be confronted by the Master now than to face a fiery confrontation later.
  1 Corinthians 11:31-32 (MsgB)

As we join together with other believers to remember Jesus’ death whereby we are forgiven of our sins we can take the time to renew our relationship with God and with one another. Broken relationships within the church were a sign that their personal relationships with God needed attention too. How can we claim to have fellowship with God when we are angry at the person sitting across from us?

Making proper judgment of ourselves can be difficult. Thankfully we don’t have to do it alone. The Holy Spirit will help us to see where we have fallen short. Don’t make the mistake of ignoring those little promptings or thoughts that come to you during your times of introspection. Respond with repentance and obedience. If we are going to have a right relationship with God, then we not only must be cleansed from sin, but we also must be in right relationship with each other. Susie is right. It does take less time to do it right the first time. What do you think?

PIGS IN THE MUD

Now I don’t want to appear to be self righteous but I really am an all around good guy. I mean I’ve got a pretty good list of credentials that ought to qualify me as good. I tell the truth (really I do). I don’t smoke and I’m not an alcoholic or drug addict. I’m a good husband and father (my wife and kids even say the same thing). I’m not a shoplifter or thief. I’m not a murderer. I work hard. As a matter of fact I do have credentials as an ordained pastor! I suppose if I wanted to I could go on and on with the reason why I’m not a bad person.

If you are honest you probably think you’re a good person too. You too could come up with a long list. You don’t cheat on your taxes. You drive the speed limit. You never lose your temper. You read the Bible, pray and go to church on Sunday. You gave some money to the guy with the “Will work for food” sign. On and on I could go. You and I really are saints.

How often do we see ourselves through ‘rose colored glasses?’ All of our imperfections are glossed over and anything good we have ever done is magnified. The scales of justice would certainly be in our favor. Isn’t it time we took an honest look in the mirror?

• [6] Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did . . . [13] No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
  1 Corinthians 10:6, 13 (NIV)

I hate to burst our bubble but we are not good people. No one is (not even Billy Graham, the Pope, Mother Teresa or anyone else you might want to put on the ‘good people’ list). The people of Israel thought they had arrived too. God had come to their rescue and brought them out of the bondage of Egypt. They were his chosen people. Nevertheless they sinned.

God has come to our rescue too. Jesus has pulled us out of sin. But we need to be careful that we don’t fall back into it. The trouble with a pig is that you can give it a bath but it goes right back into the mud. Believe it or not we will do the very same thing without God’s help. Fortunately for us the Lord is always there to show us how to escape the lure of sin. I want to always be on the look out for God’s ‘EXIT’ sign. Only God can keep me out of sin. What do you think?

REACHING ‘GOOD PEOPLE’

I happened to be listening to Glenn Beck in the truck this morning. I only listen occasionally and can hardly be considered a fan. When I first heard Beck my ears perked up when he made referred to Jesus, reading the Bible and praying. I wondered, “Is this guy a Christian?” I soon learned that Beck is a Mormon. I’ve known some who have completely turned him off when they learned that, but I still listen from time to time when I’m driving somewhere during his show.

I wonder, how do you reach a religious guy like Glenn Beck with the truth about who Jesus is? I mean here’s a guy that was an alcoholic and had a drug addiction on top of that, who has found religion and cleaned up his life. He’ not the same guy he used to be (and he’s not ashamed to talk about it). Most people, liberal and conservative, would probably say that now he’s a ‘good person’ (a little crazy maybe too).

I will probably never have the opportunity to meet Mr. Beck but there are people just like him who are still just as lost. They too are ‘good people’ and may attribute the change in their lives to a religious experience. Yet if a person has not acknowledged Jesus Christ as savior and Lord then they are still lost and on their way to hell regardless of how good they might be. What can we do to help people like that?

• [19] Even though I am free of the demands and expectations of everyone, I have voluntarily become a servant to any and all in order to reach a wide range of people: [20] religious, nonreligious, [21] meticulous moralists, loose-living immoralists, [22] the defeated, the demoralized—whoever. I didn't take on their way of life. I kept my bearings in Christ—but I entered their world and tried to experience things from their point of view. I've become just about every sort of servant there is in my attempts to lead those I meet into a God-saved life.
  1 Corinthians 9:19-22 (MsgB)

According to Paul the most effective way to bring people to Jesus is to enter their world as a servant. In other words Paul would encourage us to build relational bridges into people’s lives, live an authentic Christian life, and be there when they have a need.

Can I be honest with you? I need to do better at this as most of my relationships are confined to family and the church while my neighbors are strangers. How about you are you limited to only having friends within a ‘holy huddle’ of church folks? What can we do to be more like Paul and become “all things to all men” in order to save some? What do you think?

KNOW IT ALLS

‘Know-it-all’ has an answer for every question and an opinion on everything. And the word of ‘Know-it-all’ is final. He or she is always right and you can’t say anything to change it. If ‘Know-it-all’ says, “The moon is made of green cheese” just smile and nod your head. Sometimes it’s better to just not say anything. Besides ‘Know-it-all’ will either try to convince you that you are wrong or will give you yet another monolog of their superior knowledge.

Sometimes ‘Know-it-all’ gets saved and finds him or herself sitting in church beside you. What then are we to do when ‘Know-it-all’ speaks up? Or dare I even say it; what are you and I to do if we happen to be 'Mr. or Ms. Know-it-all’? Let’s see if we can’t learn something new.

• [1] Now let's talk about food that has been sacrificed to idols. You think that everyone should agree with your perfect knowledge. While knowledge may make us feel important, it is love that really builds up the church. [2] Anyone who claims to know all the answers doesn't really know very much.
  1 Corinthians 8:1-2 (NLT)

Paul had to deal with some know it alls in the church at Corinth. The issue focused meat sacrificed to idols. ‘Know-it-all’ knew that an idol was nothing in comparison to God and that the meat was just mean, so let’s just eat up and enjoy. “Besides,” says ‘Know-it-all,’ “We have freedom as Christians that keeps us from being bound by pagan worship.”

I find it interesting that Paul didn’t just tell the Corinthians that ‘Know-it-all’ really was right. If you read what Paul says he actually agrees with ‘Know-it-all.’ However, while we have freedom as Christians, Paul points out that we also have a responsibility to each other. What is most important is that we have a love for one another and live our lives in such a way that will strengthen and build others up in their faith in Christ.

Paul didn’t say that knowledge wasn’t important, and that’s not what I’m saying either. We need to study God’s word and know not only what we believe but also why we believe it. However, what makes our church strong is not superior knowledge but an unfailing love that puts others first. It is love that helps ‘Know-it-all’ to know when to speak and when to just be quiet and serve others. What do you think?

Dear Abby

You remember “Dear Abby” Ann Landers don’t you? These syndicated advice columns were written by twin sisters Pauline and Esther Friedman. Every day they gave common sense advice to those who had shared their stories and questions with them. “Dear Abby” continues to be written by Pauline’s daughter Jeanne Phillips and is read by more people than any other newspaper column in the world.

You’ve got questions you would like answers to don’t you. Everyday we face problems that need fixing in one way or another. It might be at home, work, school or anywhere in between. I once tried writing an ask the pastor column in the local paper called “Word on the Street.” Like the Friedman sisters it was set up in a questions/answer format. While all the questions were real to life with biblical answers, they were just my invention because no one ever wrote to ask about their issues. “Dear Abby” your job is safe.

The apostle Paul got some questions from the church in Corinth that he gave godly counsel to in response. Some of the questions we might think would be better talked about by the likes of “Dear Abby” than a preacher like Paul. I can imagine their question being something like this:

Dear Paul, I miss going to visit the temple prostitutes to honor the goddess Venus. I know she isn’t really a god but we sure had fun up on the hill. What’s a guy or a girl to do?

Alright their question may not have been quite like that, but take a look at Paul’s answer. He tells it to us straight.

• [2] . . . It's good for a man to have a wife, and for a woman to have a husband. Sexual drives are strong, but marriage is strong enough to contain them and provide for a balanced and fulfilling sexual life in a world of sexual disorder. [3] The marriage bed must be a place of mutuality—the husband seeking to satisfy his wife, the wife seeking to satisfy her husband. [4] Marriage is not a place to "stand up for your rights." Marriage is a decision to serve the other, whether in bed or out.
  1 Corinthians 7:2-4 (MsgB)

So do you think your ‘problems’ are too personal for the Bible to offer any answers? Is there anything more personal than sex? Don’t just look to “Dear Abby” or common sense for advice. Look to God’s word for answers and direction in all areas of life. Who knows, you might even want to ask the pastor! What do you think?

FASHION SHOWS AND POPULARITY CONTEST

The General Council of the Assemblies of God will be electing a new General Superintendent in two weeks. The process is simple enough. All ordained ministers in the AG are eligible to be considered as there is not a nominating committee. Therefore all the delegates at Council cast a nominating ballot. After that ballot only those nominated may be considered for election. If someone receives two-thirds of the votes on the nominating ballot they are declared elected. If no one is elected the first elective ballot follows from those nominated. Once the votes have been counted we will consider only the top 15 candidates on the second ballot and then only the top 3 until someone receives the necessary two-thirds.

Our prayer is that the election does not just end up being a popularity contest among those with name recognition. It’s one thing to know someone’s name and another to know the person. Nevertheless Paul warns us about how we judge one another as servants of Christ.

• So don't get ahead of the Master and jump to conclusions with your judgments before all the evidence is in. When he comes, he will bring out in the open and place in evidence all kinds of things we never even dreamed of—inner motives and purposes and prayers. Only then will any one of us get to hear the "Well done!" of God.
  1 Corinthians 4:5 (MsgB)

The Corinthian church was debating who the super-apostles were. Paul, Apollos and Cephas were the top three vote getters. Paul put a stop to the popularity contest. He reminded the Corinthians and us as well that God has set a day of judgment. The Lord knows the hearts of His servants and will make our motives known. Those filled with pride and self-achievement will be exposed. Those who humbly serve the Master will be rewarded.

Let’s not make the mistake of thinking one minister is better than another, or for that matter one Christian over another. We are all just servants.

Yes there is a place to judge one another in regard to sin (see 1 Corinthians 5:12-13), but judgment is not about choosing favorites. We are all equal before God. What do you think?

BABY BABIES

We recently brought a new baby into our family . . . a baby Dachshund that is. Oscar is as cute as ever and of course wants to bite everything. This includes Lucy our twelve year old Dachshund. Lucy has been her good natured self and plays along with Oscar from time to time, but with a stern bark Lucy will also let the puppy know when to quit nipping at her heals.

I happened to think, what if Lucy were still like Oscar? What if she were a ball of none stop energy, chewing everything, getting under foot, leaving puppy surprises everywhere (only bigger), cried all night and woke me up early each morning? Lucy would have been in the dog house years ago! You accept puppy behavior from a puppy.

Like Lucy’s bark at Oscar, Paul had to direct some stern words to the Corinthian church.

• Brothers and sisters, I couldn't talk to you as spiritual people but as people still influenced by your corrupt nature. You were infants in your faith in Christ.
  1 Corinthians 3:1 (GW)

The believers in Corinth were still acting like babies. They were immature in their faith and not fully developed spiritually. Paul said they were still influenced by their “corrupt nature.” The word Paul used was “sarkikos” an adjective form of the Greek word for flesh. Literally Paul was telling the Corinthians that they were still motivated by carnal or fleshly desires. In other words they were still self-centered.

Paul pointed out one of their “baby messes.” He said they were jealous and quarrelling with each other (see verse 3). This was not the kind of behavior you expect from those who have grown up. Enough was enough. It was time for them to begin to act like the people that they were. As believers they were “God’s temple” and the Holy Spirit lived in them (see verse 16). It was time to stop living for their own desires and start letting God’s desires be what motivated them.

Do you know anyone who still only thinks of themselves? How much influence do our desires have in our day to day lives? Have we made God’s desires our desires? Are we still acting like infants in our faith? It’s one thing to baby babies, but its time that some Christians grew up. Let’s go look in the mirror. Are you or I one of them that needs to stop being so self-centered living only for our fleshly desires? What do you think?

THE SECRET

“Shhh! It’s a secret.” We like to be in on knowing a secret. What we know is not to be openly shared with just anyone. You can pass your secret on to some people, but others can’t be told because they just don’t know how to keep a secret. And of course some people should not be told about a secret because it concerns them.

Do you remember how you felt the last time you had a secret that wasn’t a secret anymore? Someone let the secret out of the bag and now the surprise is ruined, or worse someone has been hurt by hearing the secret from the wrong person.

We recently involved everyone at the church in the secret gift for Pastor George and his family. The excitement was building as the big day approached. Unfortunately when the day came a couple of little voices blurted out, “We’ve got a surprise for you today!” Ahhh! You’re not supposed to tell someone about their surprise—that’s part of the secret!

So can I let you in on a secret? It’s God’s secret wisdom.

• God's wisdom is something mysterious that goes deep into the interior of his purposes. You don't find it lying around on the surface. It's not the latest message, but more like the oldest—what God determined as the way to bring out his best in us, long before we ever arrived on the scene.
  1 Corinthians 2:7 (MsgB)

God’s secret was His plan of salvation for all people. It was God’s idea right from the very beginning, so it’s not anything new. Salvation was the secret in God’s heart from day one. God did not want sin to separate us from Him, so in His love He planned for His only Son, Jesus, to die in our place. Jesus’ death on the cross for our sins makes it possible for us to be forgiven, to be friends of God.

God kept His secret well. Oh He dropped some hints about what His plan was through the prophets, but no one fully understood exactly what God had in mind. Paul goes on to say that if the rulers of this world had known what God was going to do they would never have nailed Jesus to the cross. They had no idea the cross was part of God’s plan (see verse 8).

Now the secret is out. When Jesus rose from the dead God’s secret of salvation was revealed. Surprise! Now, what will you do with God’s secret? Will you keep it to yourself, or will you tell somebody about it? What do you think?

Hold onto the towel!

From time to time we all feel discouraged. We feel like throwing in the towel and just giving up. What’s the use of persevering?

Perhaps you are feeling that way even today. Maybe you want to give up on your marriage. Perhaps your adult children have turned away from God, or you have a teenager in the midst of rebellion. Maybe you find yourself at a financial dead end. Or it could be that the doctors have not given you a favorable report. You want to escape but none can be found.

In the midst of all our trials and the shortcomings of life we sometimes even want to give up on God. Why are these things happening to us? Does God even care? We withdraw from going to church; we stop praying and reading our Bibles. It seems that hope is lost, and our faith is fading fast.

What should we do in moments like these? How should we respond to the speed bumps of life that stop us cold? With only a mustard seed of faith, look to God.

• [8] He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. [9] God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.
  1 Corinthians 1:8-9 (NIV)

The Lord will strengthen those who are weak, so don’t try to make it in your own strength. But that’s not all! God will also keep you from sin. We can know that with God’s help we will one day stand before the Lord blameless and pure. Though we feel like giving up, God never will. The Lord is faithful.

Stop and reflect on the goodness of the Lord. Don’t dwell on the negative thoughts that so easily fill your mind. Push them aside and choose to remember what God has done for you. As you do let praise begin to fill your heart and overflow. Even if you don’t feel like it begin to praise the Lord and give Him thanks that He is faithful to the very end. God will never give up on you.

• To all who mourn . . . [or just feel like giving up], he will give beauty for ashes, joy instead of mourning, praise instead of despair.
  Isaiah 61:3 (NLT)

So you don’t feel like praising the Lord. Act on faith and let the Lord fill your mouth. He will keep you strong to the very end and help you overcome. Hold onto the towel. As a matter of fact wave it as a victor's flag with the sound of praise. What do you think?

Looking Deeper

What happens to a person when they become a Christian by faith in Christ? As believers, you and I would all give testimony of a changed life, but what exactly happened when we were saved? How should this change be described?

Talking to Nicodemus, Jesus referred to a necessary transformation that would have to occur in order to inherit the kingdom of God. Jesus said the believer must be “born again” or literally born from above. Nicodemus wondered how this new birth would take place. A grown man could not re-enter his mother’s womb to be born again. Jesus answered Nicodemus’ question by saying a person must be born of “water and the Spirit” (John 3:5). Jesus added:

• Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.
  John 3:6 (NIV)

What does Jesus mean here by flesh? The context would indicate that Jesus is referring to the human body; in other words, through natural childbirth human always gives birth to human. But is it possible that Jesus has more in mind than just the human body? Could it be that Jesus wants us to understand that the human nature gives birth to itself; in other words it is impossible for us to be born again through human effort or strength. Only the Spirit can bring about the new birth that Jesus is talking about.

Jesus’ statement that an individual must be born of “water and the Spirit” is curious. As a religious leader Nicodemus would have most likely been familiar with Ezekiel 36:25-26 which speaks of the cleansing of the Spirit and the renewal of life that God will bring to those whose hope is in Him. “I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh” (NIV).

If by water Jesus means natural birth then He has perhaps overstated the obvious. A person must be born, that is a living human being in order to then be born again of the Spirit. But if Jesus has in mind the cleansing of the human nature by the Spirit through the rebirth, then it seems likely that flesh could refer to the human nature and not simply the body. What do you think?

The Flesh

Ponder this: “there are different kinds of flesh.” This is my understatement of the day. I’ve spent the better part of the day studying what the word “flesh” or as the in the Greek “sarx” means. I’m tempted to say, “It’s all Greek to me” (I guess I said it didn’t’ I).

Paul said, “All flesh is not the same: Men have one kind of flesh, animals have another, birds another and fish another” (1 Corinthians 15:39 NIV). The meaning of flesh here is obvious; it is the body or tissue of a living creature. Yet all “sarx” is not the same!

In the New Testament (and especially in Paul’s epistles) flesh or “sarx” is defined four different ways: [1] bodily flesh or tissue, [2] human decent or relationship, [3] mankind or the human race, and [4] human nature. It’s that last meaning that is hard to get a handle on (well at least for me). In many modern translations “sarx” is translated as sinful nature (that’s what gives me a problem that I’m trying to figure out).

The flesh as human nature can be thought of in three ways: [1] weak human nature, [2] the human nature of Christ, and [3] unregenerate humanity. Just where does flesh as “sinful nature” in so many of our English Bibles fit in? Obviously it would not apply to the human nature of Christ. Jesus took on the “likeness of sinful flesh” but was free from sin (Romans 8:3 KJV).

But how might “sinful nature” apply to the flesh that is unregenerate humanity or the flesh that is the weak human nature? I can accept that a non-Christian the unregenerate has a sinful nature, but does the believer still have a “sinful nature” or is it just the weakness of the flesh? Think about this:

• [16] So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view [“sarx”-the flesh]. Though we once regarded Christ in this way [“sarx”-the flesh again], we do so no longer. [17] Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
  2 Corinthians 5:16-17 (NIV)

Paul had a transformation in his way of thinking about people, and especially about how he thought about Jesus. Why? In Christ he became a new creation; the old way of thinking according to the flesh was gone and a new way of thinking (by the Spirit) had taken its place. Being in Christ dramatically changed the way Paul thought, but did it also change his flesh? That is did Paul cease to have a “sinful nature” because of his relationship with Christ? How had Paul’s conversion (and in turn our own) changed him because he no longer lived according to the flesh but by the Spirit (see Romans 8:4-5)?

I want to invite you to take a journey and ponder with me this week about the change that has taken place within our lives. Has our sinful nature been done away with or is it still there trying to regain control of our lives? Together let’s try to unravel what it means to live in a body of flesh and blood, no longer controlled by the flesh but by the Spirit. What do you think?