Christ or Rules?

As I seek to follow Jesus, to be a genuine follower and imitator of Jesus, I find that rules are further from my mind. Oh, I don’t mean we need to tear Romans – Revelation from our Bibles, but as we Love God, Love our Brethren, and Love our Neighbor we find there is no Law to violate. Galatians 5:22-23, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. (NKJV)

No Law?! Right, no law. As we sincerely fellowship with our Lord, allow Him to transform our thinking, and His Spirit to draw us closer into fellowship with His Holy nature (Sanctification) we are adhering to the law of liberty. Freedom, freedom at last (John 8:36).

Yes, Christ will set us free. The process begins with our initial faith in Him, but continues as we follow Him by true confession, repentance, and even in our own death, burial and resurrection into new life (Baptism).

Following the “Way” starts as we go through the “Gate.” Both are Jesus, both lead the same direction, into rich fellowship with God and into the glories of His presence. So, developing a relationship with Jesus is enhancing or fellowship with the Father (John 14:8-11).

Since we’ve been called into fellowship with God’s Son (1 Corinthians 1:9), we should enjoy the person of Jesus Christ. We should get to know Him more and serve with Him at the helm. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. No one can enjoy an enduring relationship with the Father unless they learn how from Jesus (John 14:6-7).

John 5:39-40, “You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.” (NKJV)

December 21, 2011

December 21, 2012 is the day that many are forecasting calamity for the Earth and all that is on it. The Mayan Calendar, Hopi Indians, Nostradamus, Edgar Cayce, Merlin, Einstein, Shirley MacLaine, Mother Shipton, Jack Van Impe, the I Ching, planet Nibriu, Numerology, Book of Mormon, Book of Revelation, Bible Codes, Magnetic Polar Shifts, Solar Flairs, Alien Invasion, all are in the mix and each become a prediction of catastrophe for planet Earth on or near December 21, 2012.

The evidence is overwhelming right? Wrong! I’ve perused the information, listened to video clips, heard the science and all of it is unsubstantiated. Even the so-called Walking Bible, Jack Van Impe, has gotten onboard with the hype. None of the aforementioned has clearly indicated the time of the Earth’s end. The Mayan Calendar ends, or is it cyclical? Or, could it be that when the Mayans were decimated they were unable to complete any more calculations and add to their calendar?

There are too many questions. Prognosticators speak from ignorance, whether they are spiritual prophets or scientists making their guess-timations. I’ve heard or read nothing that seems to have any substantial evidence to predict the end of the world except from the Bible.

The Bible has given us an answer. God will send His Son to earth a second time to save those who have placed their faith in His sacrificial death, burial and resurrection (Hebrews 9:27-28). Those who haven’t faith will be judged guilty of their offense. The heavens and earth will be destroyed by God’s power and a New Heaven and a New Earth will be prepared for God’s saved people (Revelation 21:1). When will these things happen? No one knows the day or hour (Matthew 24:36), but an indication is that the times will be like the days of Noah (Matthew 24:37-39), or at least the surprise will be like when the rain began and the waters rose. No one knows except God. So we are told to be ready, because His coming will a surprise (1st Thessalonians 5:1-3).

How are we to be ready? Accept that God is Creator, and Sovereign over all things and even yourself (Revelation 4:11). Acknowledge that He is good and loving, but is also just (2nd Thessalonians 1:6). Realize you have offended God by not holding the moral standards He has and has intended mankind to live by (1 Peter 1:15-16; Romans 3:23). Understand God loves you and has supplied a way for you to be forgiven of all your offenses against His perfect standards. God sent the Co-Creator (John 1:1-4 and verse 14), Jesus Christ, to live as a man, live an example of Godly Ethic, and then be falsely charged with crimes He didn’t commit, and then executed by Roman crucifixion. God tells us that Jesus was sent for this purpose, to die by Roman hands, but die by God’s decree as a sacrifice of substitution (Galatians 4:4-7).

At the cross God placed the guilt of everyone’s sin (offense) upon Jesus (1st Peter 3:18). Jesus took not only the beatings and crucifixion, but also the judgment of our sin, which was laid upon Him. He died in our stead, so we could be judged as righteous as He truly was and is. Wow, that is an awesome expression of God’s love for you and I (Romans 5:6-11).

How can that righteousness (innocence) be applied to our lives? It begins with receiving the message (Romans 10:17). Then we are to believe the message about God’s love (John 3:16). That belief (faith) is to move us to repentance (change our direction to follow Jesus as Sovereign – Acts 3:19). Then we are to Call Upon Jesus to accept us (Acts 2:21). Finally, we are to imitate the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, and have our own death of sin, leaving the old life behind in burial, and being raised to new life in baptism (immersion in water – Acts 2:38 & Romans 6:1-8). At that time God promises to forgive us our sins based upon what Jesus has done and our acceptance of Jesus, and His righteousness is credited to us (Romans 4:23-25).

Then we live for Christ by following the teaching of the New Testament Scriptures. Of course, the more a Christian learns from the Bible the more they adore their God and understand the benefit of submitting to His Sovereignty (Philippians 3:7-14).

Leadership Forum

Okay. This Leadership Forum is going nowhere. I know when to kill the cat. Let this be a lesson to me and the Forum folks with a small audience. The End!

POST: January 26, 2011

Chapter 5, “It Worked Yesterday, Why Won’t It Work Today?”

Wow, if changing the traditional methods is important to reaching a larger portion of our society for Christ it just won’t work. There are to many barriers to change for the average member, minister or elder to hurdle. A few stubborn traditionalists can cause enough problems that the rest will bow to their obstinance so innocent folks won’t become victims of friendly fire.

First, what is tradition? If tradition is the constant of the revealed Gospel message then I’m a traditionalist. The message can’t be changed to protect the guilty or innocent. What methods were Biblically traditional? 1) ah, 2) dah, 3) double dah.

What Doctrines were taught and were to be believed and applied to individuals and to the corporate body? 1) God is Creator, 2) Jesus is Redeemer, 3) Man is in need of God’s Grace, 4) Once man stands in God’s grace man is to live a holy life, 4) The Christian is to carry out the “Great Commission” in total, 5) The church is to follow the pattern found in Acts 2:42. Okay, that was really simplifying things, but the point of Loving God, Loving our Brethren, and Loving our Neighbor is seen in each of the five points.

1) Has the church become stale and unappealing to even our younger converts?
2) Do younger families, who are searching for spiritual guidance, step into the “Traditional Church” to find direction only discover social mothballs?
3) Is it worth the chance to aggravate those who believe their traditional method shouldn’t be tampered with to change the musty norm?
4) What are your ideas about change for the sake of gain?
5) How far from your decaying traditions are you willing to suggest your congregation move for such gain?
6) Do you think many of the congregation would think it radical or would they be eager to change?
7) Are there changes that would cause freedom, fellowship, and nurturing if we were willing to remove our illegitimate barriers?

This is a Leadership Forum. We are reading and discussing “Herding Cats: Teaching and Leading in a Postmodern World” by Rusty George & Jeff Krajewski. College Press web site: http://www.collegepress.com/storefront/node/110

“Time for a Change”

Glenn Beck is right. There is a conspiracy. The Democrats make a challenge after less than favorable Republican leadership. The sweep takes us to the liberal side of politics. The Republicans make a similar challenge after the Democrats lead poorly. The move takes us to a conservative direction. Yet, either way the nation is lead by these two popular parties “We the People” are lead away from our freedoms. Freedoms earned by prayer, blood and hard work.

Neither party politicians represent the nation as a whole. They seem to be taking the United States for a ride toward socialism. Maybe toward a one world government. Big stick diplomacy, little help to create jobs nationally, steeling property ownership, taking the right to bear arms from us, and changes that will lead to a bankrupted U.S.A. all should be a wake-up call.

Abiding by the Constitution and listening to the political jargon are two separate things. One is real and has been a solid approach guiding government to lead the citizens in security towards prosperity. The other approach leads us to submission to the United Nations, the World Bank, and indebtedness to China.

Why can’t the average American recognize the downward spiral? Is it apathy or has the majority been persuaded that BIG GOVERNMENT is the real answer for the populace? Both. This constitutional republic has been dumbed down by education leaders. Our nation’s children, who are now grandparents, have been suckered into believing God has no place in business or politics. We have allowed our children to be lead by universities which tout godless philosophies and communistic politics. Shame on the nation which gives in to such leadership.

A generation of Relativistic numb skulls are taking the lead. “Gray Area” politicians are destroying our culture of freedom and strength. We used to be a nation of people who sought for the secure future of the U.S.A. so our children’s children could enjoy a safe and prosperous citizenship. Now our children may be left a history book filled with lies about a nation that followed greatly flawed leaders like George Washington, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson.

Where are the patriots? Where are the thinkers of this age? I believe they are found in the halls of faith, in the churches of our nation, and on their knees before a All Powerful and All Wise God. They are humble before God and living with the respect of other Christians of our age.

Seek the qualifications of those you cast a vote for. If they aren’t sincere followers of Christ, people of prayer, and have the heart of the American people in mind don’t vote for them. Our nation will no longer be blessed of God if we elect godless, self-seeking, hypocrites into our state houses and federal government.

Missouri Legislators have called for 40 Days Prayers. Several hundred Missourians attended the ceremony to begin this vigil. Anne Graham Lotz (www.annegrahamlotz.com) spoke to encourage us to repent and pray. All states should follow Missouri’s lead and see the hand of God begin to sweep across this great nation with blessings and not cursings.

In and Out Church

Church. I just wonder if church is church? I suppose many have wondered if we “do church right” in the twenty-first century. We are the “Called Out.” Yet, we are called to go in. Out of the world to worship, pray, fellowship, and train. We are to go “In” the world around us to share the love, experience, and message of our God. In and out Christians, an interesting idea to teach and it must be difficult to understand.

I preach from the book of Acts and some believe I’m feeding the babes and it’s not enough meat for the mature. Yet, the “Mature” seem not to understand the milk of the Word. Are we doing church right? Shouldn’t more Christians be “In” Christians?

Most of Scripture is simple. Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole [duty] of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” (NIV)

Then we have the response of a Teacher of the Law in Luke 10:25-28. Of course, he had asked Jesus what we must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus asked the Teacher what he thought. The Teacher said to Love the Lord your God…, and your neighbor as yourself. Jesus commends the Teacher for his answer with these words, “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.” (NIV)

It seems aptly clear that we are to exhibit the attitudes of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Also, we are to live in such a way that reveals our faith in God. A casual reading of Ephesians reveals this point. This may lend credence to our “In” mission. Go “In” to the world and make disciples.

How is our “Out” Christianity supposed to compliment our “In” mission? If we aren’t involved in the “In” mission we must be doing something wrong in our “Out” life. We are Called Out (Church). Aren’t we to encourage one another to be involved in the “Out” life (Hebrews 10:25). Well that’s not what it says. We are to use the meeting times to encourage one another to be about love and good deeds. (Hebrews 10:24). This love and these good deeds can be expressed either Out or In.

“Out” expressions of love and encouragement to serve is what seems so hard, because we have not learned the simple stuff as I have already written about. Maybe we could get along better if we place at least equal importance in our “In” mission. We would be more like-minded about personal mission. We’d probably pray for one another’s success as we went In the world to share Christ. We would have more testimony of God’s power to convict and change lives. Oh, the excitement “In” missions would generate.

How about a 50/50 ministry? 50% Out and 50% In. I’d say we’d have better things to talk about, think about, pray about, and we’d be working on our attitudes and characters more since we would be intentionally carrying Christ to the world around us.

What do you think? “In” and “Out” we would be more like-minded (Philippians 2:1-5). We would be more like Jesus intends his In and Out Church to be.

Republic to Communism to Republic

The United States of America still has a chance to remove itself from communism back to capitalism, but only if corporations, minuscule and mega, organize. American corporations must go to their local, state, and federal elected officials and work at convincing the government to return to the Republic we were created to be. Corporations must withhold any campaign donations, hire their lawyers to represent them, and demand the freedom to earn or lose in this land of the free.

General Motors is the Mega that has been manipulated to fall into the communistic hands of those who threaten to take our liberties away. Canada and the United States both will hold share in the giant corporation. Don’t think an American Union isn’t on the horizon.

The signs are apparent, but the population is dull. This nation needs a few clear minded leaders to stand, lead, and steer us back to being the capitalist republic that won WWII. Stock holders need to sell their stocks and begin to buy legitimately. Companies need to remove themselves from the stock market, commodity markets, and allow the public to purchase bonds through the companies, or by contract become partners. If there must be Federal regulations let them be to protect the partnerships and bond holders as they do real business with real companies.

Yet, capitalism begins and ends with a certain amount of risk. Each person, business, or groups of business speculators must research, make contracts, and profit or fail on their own. The U.S. must strip their law code to the bone and begin as a newborn country when it comes to regulating our people. “We the people” are in control of this nation. We vote, we support, we campaign, we have freedom of speech and press, we should not be afraid of unlawful arrests by the government. Why, when one citizen is unlawfully arrested the nation is raped. The nation then should stand as one voice to secure her citizenship.

We may have a few politicians who are serving us well, but the majority blocks the will of those who are representing us well. It’s time to begin afresh. We must clean the houses of government, both States and National. When that occurs they will get the message they don’t run this nation, but “We the people” do. Afterward, we can elect the well meaning candidates to office to help lead us in State, National and International affairs.

What’s the world going to do? We have always been the market that changes the world, we have always been the government that citizens of other countries have wanted to be a part of. We are the “land of the free and the home of the brave.” People, all people, as they learn of freedom what it. If we take the gold back from the Federal Reserve and place it in Fort Knox (etc.), putting an end to bankers holding us hostage we will leap from a debtor nation to a prosperous one again.

The Federal Reserve is a private industry that will control any debt owed them. In reality, General Motors will be Federal Reserve’s not the Government’s. This will be the case for any corporation that is bailed out by the Government. We need to wake up. Or, we need to be prepared for some huge changes that will affect our freedom, from corporate CEO to part-time employee.

As to National debt, we don’t have one. We should cancel all debt we owe. We have supported this hungry world for decades, supplied foreign armies with implements of war, and become the big stick of the United Nations. It may seem strange, but we can say no to the Federal Reserve, China, the World Bank and any other who believes we owe them. We can tell the world that “We the people” are going to own a majority partnership in any corporation on U.S. land.

We will recover. We will continue. Yet, we must put forth the plan to protect and grow our national defense and the livelihood of our people. Yes, there is much that must be sorted out and organized to restart a government, but we have smart and patriotic people who can lead this nation to greatness again. But, it takes a few exceptional leaders to bridge the gap between the disfranchised and the hope of something better. Who will accept the challenge?

What Do We Do and How?

From the time Homeland Security was formed under George W I have been skeptical of the purpose and leery of its impact upon Christianity and conservativism. It seems that our most recent Presidents as well as much of the United States Congress have been moving the U.S. population like sheep from the Republic form of government. It seems that the H.S.A. is just another part of the puzzle.

FEMA, HAS, NSA all have a “Black Operation” agenda that is hidden from the general public. From FEMA camps to spying upon our citizenry, all have gone beyond reasonable methods to maintain security and be of real benefit to disruption in America.

The sheep (citizens) of the U.S.A. have long been herded by discontent. One segment of society is unhappy, or made unhappy by the media, about various issues. Voting moves us to the other side of the isle, but the candidate is on the same general course, one world economy, one world law enforcement, one world centralized backing system, and one world government.

Apparently, those who are in the know and are the movers of the world sheep believe the U.S.A., citizens and government, must become bankrupt to the point that we finally succumb to their socialistic advances. The Stock Market is easily manipulated, the Federal Reserve (not a Federal Gov. entity) is controlled by bankers, AIG insures the Congress pensions, and we wonder why and how things get the way the do? Dah!

“We the People” have been dumbed down and made dependent upon the Government. From Franklin D. Roosevelt we have seen immeasurable amounts of money used to maintain the welfare of society. Generations of people have become dependent and lack the skill or willingness to change their dependency. From government involving itself in farm loans, small business loans, FAFSA grants, and a myriad of other handouts the citizens have become dependents. Americans expect the government to support their basic and privileged needs.

Now, we near the crossroads of America. Do we numbly be shepherded, as George H.W. Bush called it, into the New World Order? Or, do we stand constitutionally and refuse, as people who elect our leaders, and expect them to govern for our best interests.

Now we come to the crux of the subject. What can we do? What should we do? How should Christians face the probable changes?

Every citizen can call, write, visit, and email their local, State and Federal government leaders. We can explain our displeasure with the tendency of government to lead us away form being a Republic that is sustained by hard working capitalists and not a stock market, or central banking system. We can even suggest that our State begin talks with other States about this issue and even secession from the United States, and withdrawing our States Militias from Federal use. Talk alone would get the attention of the sheepherders.

We can have positive public meetings. We can organize local activism. I believe in peaceful meetings and legal demonstrations. Demonstrations like the recent TEA meetings would be good. The more peaceful meetings and demonstrations the more media exposure we may accidentally gain. Remember, we should educate our fellow citizens and solicit their involvement. We are not to make war.

When it comes to a Christian view and method of dealing with the future of our country we need to walk carefully. The mandate of Christ is to love and make disciples. To fight against the established government is against the Holy Scriptures (Romans 13:1-7 & 1 Peter 13-25).

Yet, when oppression arises we may flee and/or seek refuge. We should also be helpful to others seeking the same refuge. As with Nazi Germany many, Christians and non-Christians, helped to save those who were being sought, captured, imprisoned, and executed. Acts chapters three through nine indicate that when local oppression occurs fleeing, hiding, and peaceful protest are acceptable. Yet, when caught Christians were testified as being a peaceful and prayerful martyrs.  Tertullian wrote that “The blood of martyrs is the seed of the Church.”1   Its not recorded that Stephen fought against those who eventually killed him.2    He chose to die with faithfulness, and without fear of the spiritual future. I have heard it was the case with a many of those killed by oppressive leaders and governments in the first three centuries of the church. That would be in line with Christ’s words in Matthew 10:21-33.

Well, I’m sure there will be much more on this topic by other writers far more articulate than me. I hope so, because the American Church needs to be prepared for something we haven’t had to deal with on a large scale. So, begin to discuss this subject, pray to the Lord about how to counsel others, and be ready to live for Christ in a far different social climate. And remember, a Christian isn’t an American first, but a citizen of the Kingdom of God no matter what government we live under on earth. It has been and hopefully will continue to be a great privilege to be a citizen of the United States of America. Lets pray for her and properly seek to keep her a free, prosperous, and benevolent nation.

____________

[1] Christian martyrs http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_martyrs

[2] Acts 7:54-60

Is the Mission Philanthropy?

I recently attended a large convention of missionaries. The main evening messages concerned helping others in need. That in itself was fine, but the means did not conclude at the end. I heard of a man who moved his family to a slum of Bangladesh, of a Doctor remaining in Africa to help the poor, and a director of a mission sending organization speak of benevolence to the poor. All these acts were fine and may have been greatly helpful to the people they served.

My concern is that redemption wasn’t primary. Jesus shed His blood to gain forgiveness of sins for all who place faith in Him. His mission was to enter humanity, reveal His origin, show God’s favor, and die for mankind. He gained a hearing to achieve much of his purpose by showing God’s loving kindness. Jesus healed, feed, and raised the dead. Yet, it was His message that offered life (John 6:68-69).

To be humanitarian (benevolent) without a message of redemption is to be humanitarian. I’m happy people of the world forms clubs and other organizations to met the physical and emotional needs of the poor and hurting. At least those who experience help may enjoy more quality of life on earth.

The real issue is, does the witness/testimony of God’s love lead to the reason Christ came to a world of lost sinners? Benevolence without message is philanthropy. Lovingly Caring for the needs of people to earn an ear for the Gospel is Christian. The former may give temporary quality. The latter offers eternal quality.

Our commission is to Go preach, baptize, and teach. Loving people as we Go is readily seen in Scripture. Paul went, he may have healed, but he always preached, baptized and taught.

The other issue here is missionaries remaining on a mission field for years before preaching. Paul didn’t wait for years before preaching. He trusted the active and living Word of God and the Spirit of God to work. Not to say we shouldn’t make and gain relationships, but we may have some very lazy missionaries who fear rejection and fail to have the courage to speak. Remember, Paul was also persecuted for his preaching.

Lets preach the Gospel. If you are blessed of God to do much benevolence do it. Show God’s love however you can, but mostly by preaching the message of Love (John 3:16).

Third Party Vote Isn’t A Waste

When asked why they will not vote for a third party candidate, many people will respond by saying something like, “He cannot win.” Or, “I don’t want to waste my vote.” It is true: America has not elected a third party candidate since 1860. Does that automatically mean, however, that every vote cast for one of the two major party candidates is not a wasted vote? I don’t think so.

In the first place, a wasted vote is a vote for someone you know does not represent your own beliefs and principles. A wasted vote is a vote for someone you know will not lead the country in the way it should go. A wasted vote is a vote for the “lesser of two evils.” Or, in the case of John McCain and Barack Obama, what we have is a choice between the “evil of two lessers.”

Albert Einstein is credited with saying that insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting a different result. For years now, Republicans and Democrats have been leading the country in the same basic direction: toward bigger and bigger government; more and more socialism, globalism, corporatism, and foreign interventionism; and the dismantling of constitutional liberties. Yet, voters continue to think that they are voting for “change” when they vote for a Republican or Democrat. This is truly insane!

~ Chuck Baldwin

Presidential Candidate

Constitution Party (CST)

http://www.baldwin08.com/

Church Leadership #3 – Deacons, Servants on Assignment

The Deacon is not an Overseer (Elder), but a servant. The responsibilities of Deacons are diverse. Deacons are under the oversight of the Elders and Evangelist, if an Evangelist is part of congregation. Their duties may be by assignment of the Elders and Evangelist and also by faithful motivation.

The word translated Deacon is a word for servant. Many believe, and I would agree, that Acts 6 is the first place we find Deacons. Seven men were chosen to help the widows of the new congregation in Jerusalem. These men were to meet certain qualifications before being chosen to serve. The fledgling congregation apparently had no Eldership, but the Apostles were overseeing the work. The Apostles were made aware of a need and then implemented a method of caring for the need. They instituted the deaconate.

Later, the Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy to give several instructions. One of these concerned the selection of Deacons (1 Timothy 3:8-13). Paul gave Timothy qualifications for the service position of Deacon. So, as with the Elder, a qualified Christian may be appointed to serve as a Deacon.

I would agree with Alexander Strauch (The New Testament Deacon) that this body of servants were and are to be people helpers. The duties were not defined in Scripture, but the term Deacon alone helps us to define it as a role of service. As Acts 6 reveals a need being met by the servants selected, so the physical needs are to be met by the present day Deaconate.

How they do their service is up to opinion. They may consist of a team of qualified people who have a budget and treasurer so as to handle service related projects for the needy of the congregation, to offer benevolence, and even maintain church property. The team of servants could solicit the help of others of the congregation to assist in projects. Yet, the qualified Deacons would have to assume certain jobs so as to protect the privacy of members. Example, if Grandma Jones lives alone and it is Deacon Smith’s responsibility to periodically check her wellbeing, and while checking he finds she has fallen in the bathtub, it should be handled in a discreet manner. Only a trusted person should be given such assignments. Whether it is the Deacon or their spouse who may help them, they would both need to be discreet and maintain the privacy of Grandma Jones.

It is my opinion that the Eldership should oversee the Deacon team. Yet, give them the flexibility to do their service. The Eldership will benefit if they do so, because they can then do the work of shepherding without being bogged down with other service. This would be similar to the reason seven men were chosen in Acts 6:2.

By virtue of their character and work Deacons become respected and can lead others to serve in genuine Christian attitude. They also would have many opportunities to give Biblical encouragement to those they serve (1 Timothy 3:9 & 13). Paul, in Philippians 1:1, distinguished the Deacons along with the Elders. Without making to much of that, I would opine they were at least significant in service and held by the congregation in great respect.

Hillbilly Theologian