Faithful Men

Living the Truth - Part 3

noreply@blogger.com (Roger) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 18:59:00 +0000

(Be sure to see the previous posts to get the context of this article.)

The third principle is Act on the Truth. This is perhaps the hardest of the three. It's not enough to know the truth and to accept it, you must act upon it. You must make your decisions, adjust your attitude, act out the part as though it is true even if your feelings are screaming at you. Now this is not the same thing as wishful thinking or positive thinking. We are not creating truth by wishing or hoping long enough or hard enough. We're talking about truths we know. Truth is something that is out there whether we believe it or not. Obviously we don't know all truth, but we do know some. The force of gravity is a natural truth. No matter how much you might wish it weren't true, it's still in effect. If you jump from a 10 story roof, the forces of nature will apply to you no matter who you are, no matter whether you believe in God or not. You might wish you could jump and soar like a bird among the buildings, but all of the wishing in the world does not make it so. Now there are other truths that also exist that will allow you to invent some sort of wings or parachute, but in all of these cases you are required to act according to natural truths or face the consequences. That's true in the spiritual life as well. God says that we should not be fooled. We will reap what we sow. We may not like it. We may wish it were different, but there is coming a day when the harvest will show what we've been planting. Another truth that is troubling is that we live once, we die once and after that comes the judgment. (Hebrews 9:27)

Sometimes you need to act out the truth almost as though you are acting a part. You may feel hypocritical doing this because inside your feelings aren't meshing with the behavior. For example a truth of Scripture is that we are to be kind to others no matter what they may have done to us. Acting kindly toward someone who has hurt you deeply may make you feel like a hypocrite. Inside you may not be feeling all of that kindly, but you are acting out kindness in spite of those feelings. If we live and act according to the truth, our feelings will catch up with us eventually. Feelings are real, but they can be deceptive. So live out the truth no matter what the feelings say.

An analogy is like the first time we learned to float during our swimming lessons. They told you that the water would hold you up if you just rested on it. They may not have told you that the water would hold you up after about 7/8 of your body was submerged, but it's still the truth. You can believe what they told you and you can even accept it. But when they have you lie back on their arms, it starts to be a different story. Then they tell you to relax and they begin to lower their arms to allow the water to take over. You continue to sink as their arms descend. If you're like me, you get to the point where you start thrashing with your legs and feet trying to find out where the bottom of the pool is. However, if you get to the point of actually resting on the truth that the water will hold you up, it's an exhilarating experience.

...to be continued...

Living the Truth - Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Roger) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:58:00 +0000

(Be sure to see the previous posts to get the context of this article.)

The second principle is Accept the Truth. You not only have to know what is true, you have to accept it and acknowledge that it is true. You have to believe, accept and embrace the fact that it is true. Getting from the knowledge step to the acceptance step is sometimes difficult. There are times when we know the truth, but we don't want to believe it or accept it. In order to get over that hump we need to be continually thinking on and speaking the truth to ourselves.

In Psalm 42:5, the writer does just that. He says, “Why are you cast down o my soul and why are you disquieted within me?” See what he is doing? He is talking to his own soul. He answers himself too! He says to himself, “Hope in God, for I shall yet praise him.” He quotes a promise of God to himself and acts on it with praise to God.

This is what we all need to do. When a circumstance comes up that we are having an issue with, we need to know what truth applies, and then we need to embrace it and tell ourselves that it is true and that we have the strength and power of God to deal with it and overcome our fearful or fretful feelings.

One of the things we need to be especially careful to avoid is proclaiming our feelings or commonly accepted statements as if they are true. I get extremely frustrated over the many statements I see online that are supposedly the truth, but contradict what God clearly says in the Bible. For example, we sometimes say, “I'm overwhelmed. I can't live victoriously over my circumstances. They are too much!” Yet God says, “I will not allow you to be tested above what you are able.” (1 Cor. 10:13)

...to be continued...

Living the Truth - Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Roger) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:56:00 +0000

Be sure to see previous posts to get the context of this article.

Here are the three principles I want us to look at:

1. Know the truth.

2. Accept the truth – believe, accept and embrace it

3. Act according to the truth – make decisions, adjust your attitude, act the part

Let's dig deeper into these principles and then I will use them in some practical examples.

First then, we must know the truth. Jesus said in John 8:32 “And ye shall know the truth and the truth will set you free.” This statement was not made in isolation however. Just before this, Jesus had said, “If you abide in my word, you are my disciples indeed.” The principles we are talking about depend on our being true disciples of Jesus Christ. They depend on our abiding in the word of Christ. This means that we need to be taking in the Scriptures, thinking about what they say and basing our life decisions on them. All of God's word is truth. Jesus said in John 17:17, “Your word is truth.” All of God's promises are truth. Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 1:20, “All of God's promises in him are yes and amen.” So become deeply familiar with the truth and promises of God. Know them!

In addition to the truth we find in Scripture we must know the truths of life – natural truths. You might think this is obvious, but a lot of people try to live life in contradiction to natural truth. Here are some examples:

Time moves only forward – so don't dwell on the past

You can't continually spend more money than you take in – so don't act like or wish you could

You can't change other people's minds for them – so just take care of your own attitudes; that's hard enough.

You can't add a day to your life by thinking about it (Matthew 6:27)

So the first principle is Know the Truth – both Scriptural and natural truth.

...to be continued...

Living the Truth - Introduction

noreply@blogger.com (Roger) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

This series of articles is taken from lessons I presented at Faith Baptist Church in January, 2012

One of the most important, yet arguably the most difficult habits to develop in life is the ability to live according to the truth. In Philippians 4:8, the Apostle Paul admonishes us to think on the things that are true. In another letter he tells the Corinthian believers, “We cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth.” (2 Cor. 13:8) So I take it that the best way to live life is to live it in accordance with the truth. In other words, there are realities of life – both physical and spiritual life that govern how we live. When we live in ways that are conflict with these truths, life will not go as well as when we are living in accordance to the truth. Many times our biggest battles are not out there in the physical world, but are conflicts and frustrations that arise in our minds. These conflicts increase interpersonal tensions, and give rise to worry and frustration.

One of the important principles that the Bible teaches us is that our lives can be transformed and that this transformation takes place by the renewing of our mind. (Romans 12:2) Paul, in his letters talks about being renewed in the spirit of our minds (Eph 4:23) and being renewed in knowledge. (Col. 3:10) Such transformation is something we should all want to see take place in our lives. But this renewal takes place in our minds through the things that we consciously think about. That's why Paul wrote that we should set our minds on and think about those things that are true.

Renewing the mind comes from meditating on God's word which is truth and then outside of Scripture forcing ourselves to operate with the truth of the way life is. We need to avoid living in a false world – a world that doesn't actually exist. We need to avoid relying on principles that are false either according to the Word of God or according to the nature of things.

Most of our problems of discouragement, depression, frustration, worry, anxiety and even many interpersonal relationships are a result of thinking things which are false.

What I plan to do in this article is give you three principles along with a short explanation of each one. Following that overview, I hope to examine a few areas of life in order to show you how to apply these principles. Hopefully the examples will be of help in applying these principles in other areas of life that I may not cover here.

Here are the three principles I want us to look at:

Know the truth.
Accept the truth – believe, accept and embrace it
Act according to the truth – make decisions, adjust your attitude, act the part

...to be continued...

The Romans 52 - Week 5 - Romans 1:21

noreply@blogger.com (Roger) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:20:00 +0000

because, although they knew God,they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Romans 1:21

Hymn of the Week - Only Jesus Can Satisfy

noreply@blogger.com (Roger) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 15:38:00 +0000

Only Jesus Can Satisfy Your Soul by Lanny Wolfe

The world may try to satisfy
That longing in your soul.
You may search the wide world over
But you'll be just as before.
You'll never find true satisfaction
Until you've found the Lord,
For only Jesus can satisfy your soul.

CHORUS:
Only Jesus can satisfy your soul.
Yes, only He can change your heart
And make you whole.
He'll give you peace you never knew,
Sweet joy and love and Heaven, too.
For only Jesus can satisfy your soul.

If you could have the fame and fortune,
All the wealth you could attain.
Yet, you have not Christ within,
Your living here would be in vain.
There'll come a time when death will find you,
Riches cannot help you then.
So, come to Jesus, only He can satisfy.

CHORUS:
Only Jesus can satisfy your soul:
Yes, only He can change your heart
And make you whole.
He'll give you peace you never knew,
Sweet joy and love and Heaven, too.
Only Jesus can satisfy your soul.
Yes, only Jesus can satisfy your soul.

The Romans 52 - Week 4 - Romans 1:20

noreply@blogger.com (Roger) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:18:00 +0000

For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse. Romans 1:20

The Romans 52 - Week 3 - Romans 1:18

noreply@blogger.com (Roger) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:16:00 +0000

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. Romans 1:18-19

The Romans 52 - Week 2 - Romans 1:17

noreply@blogger.com (Roger) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 14:08:00 +0000

For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith." Romans 1:17

Hymn of the Week - Grace Greater Than Our Sin

noreply@blogger.com (Roger) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 12:19:00 +0000

Grace Greater Than Our Sin by Julia H. Johnston

Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured,
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilled.

Refrain

Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin.

Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold,
Threaten the soul with infinite loss;
Grace that is greater, yes, grace untold,
Points to the refuge, the mighty cross.

Refrain

Dark is the stain that we cannot hide.
What can avail to wash it away?
Look! There is flowing a crimson tide,
Brighter than snow you may be today.

Refrain

Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
Freely bestowed on all who believe!
You that are longing to see His face,
Will you this moment His grace receive?

Refrain

Debates between Christians and Atheists

noreply@blogger.com (Roger) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:37:00 +0000

I found an interesting web site that features debates between Christians and atheists. If you are a Christian who is interested in learning about arguments that are effective in presenting the case for Jesus Christ, his death, burial and resurrection as well as the case for the truth and reliability of the Bible, check this out.

http://www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable Check out the top ten downloads listed at the right side of the home page of the site.

Some particularly interesting debates are:

Is the Bible historically reliable?

William Lane Craig vs Stephen Law-Does God Exist?

William Lane Craig vs Peter Millican - Does God Exist?

I'd like to hear what you think.

The Romans 52 - Week 1 - Romans 1:16

noreply@blogger.com (Roger) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:36:00 +0000

As this new year was getting underway, I was trying to think through a series of verses that we might challenge ourselves to memorize during this year. I wanted it to be relatively simple and yet spiritually helpful. What I came up with is a series of verses chosen primarily from the first eight chapters of the book of Romans. These verses capture the highlights of Paul's argument in his helpful epistle. I'm calling this series, "The Romans 52." Why not plan on joining us as we memorize these key verses.

Romans 1:16 "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek."

Our Reaction to the Penn State Story - Some Thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (Roger) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:18:00 +0000

Today I want to share some of my thoughts related to the Penn State situation, especially what the virtually universal outrage and condemnation tells us about ourselves. Before I begin, let me say that nothing I say here should be construed to mean that molesting and abusing children is ok. Such behavior is a heinous crime against another human being and a sin against a righteous and holy God. Anyone found guilty of such behavior should rightfully be punished to the full extent that the law allows.

It's interesting to me that the actions alleged to have been committed by Mr. Sandusky have been universally condemned. My question is, "Why?". What does this tell us about ourselves as human beings? We live in an age when almost anything is accepted and tolerated. But why is this action condemned so thoroughly and completely? Is it because of the laws of our country? What if there were no laws against molesting children, would it still be wrong and would the outrage still be there? Would it still be evil? I think most people would say these actions would still be evil even if the law allowed them.

Is this the kind of behavior that is wrong in all time periods or is it just wrong at the time we live? Was it wrong when the Romans practiced this kind of behavior 2000 years ago? Or was it ok then because it was acceptable in their society?

Is this kind of behavior wrong in America but acceptable for other cultures in other places in the world? If the culture of some other country accepts this kind of activity as routine, is it ok with us? Is it still wrong and worthy of our condemnation? I think most of us would say it is still wrong.

If these actions are wrong and we all recognize it, is it because there is a "list" either written within our nature or "out there" somewhere that contains this as well as other activities that are always wrong? How do we find out what else is on that list? By consensus? By majority opinion? I don't think that would be true because most of us would say that abuse of children is wrong no matter how many people or what other cultures may contradict our verdict. So then, how do we know?

I maintain that the only rational basis for being able to say that such behavior is morally wrong in all cultures and at all times is if there is a God or moral authority outside of ourselves who has established the "rights" and "wrongs" of living. I know that even most atheists would condemn child molestation, but I don't understand a rational reason for saying such behavior is wrong if there is no reason for our existence other than the result of random processes over millions of years. Maybe it's in our DNA that molesting children doesn't advance the human race evolutionally. However, I think most of us believe that it is more than just the chemical composition of our DNA that makes us think this behavior is wrong. Most of us think this behavior is absolutely wrong in some moral sense.

I believe that the God who created us in His image has laid down principles and rules of conduct which, if followed, produce the kind of individual and societal life that we all can enjoy and in which all members of society can thrive. I believe that the God who laid down those principles has communicated them to us in two ways. First, he has embedded them generally in our nature. Romans 1:19 and following in the Bible says, "For what can be known about God is plain to them because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made."

The second way God has communicated His principles to us is through His Word, the Bible. I know that seems like an old fashioned and narrow point of view, but that is the claim the Bible makes. For example, God has said, "You shall not steal." I think most of us would agree that if everyone followed that principle, the world would be a better place. God has said, "You shall not lie." If you knew that everything everyone said was the absolute truth and could be trusted, wouldn't that make our lives and relationships better? This same God, all throughout the Bible tells us to love and respect others. He tells us not to treat anyone cruelly, especially the weak and defenseless. He tells us to treat others the way we would want to be treated ourselves. The crimes we're discussing are crimes, not because they are preferences of our, but because they violate the very nature and character of God and the image of God that was created in us. All kinds of things can ultimately be excused at some other place and time or under other circumstances if they are not grounded in the character and revelation of God. If there is no God, there is no ultimate lawgiver and judge and we are free to do whatever our culture allows.

There is another thing each one of us needs to think through very carefully. If crimes such as the abuse of children are wrong ultimately because they violate the unchangeable laws of God, given to us out of love for us for our well-being, what about all of the other things that God has also included in that list? Everyone is condemning these crimes, but what about all of the other things that God condemns? Do we have the same outrage about those? Do we know what they are? Do we care? For some examples of other things that are on God's list see Exodus 20:1-17 and Romans 1:28-32 in the Bible. If you don't have a Bible, just Google those references.

Memorization Monday - Expected Fruit - Joy

noreply@blogger.com (Roger) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:15:00 +0000

2 Corinthians 6:10 "As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing, as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything." (ESV)

Excerpt from "Our Lord Prays for His Own"

noreply@blogger.com (Roger) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 15:23:00 +0000

In this excerpt the author is discussing John 17:20 where Jesus prays, "Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word."

[Notice] the Object on whom they were to believe. "I pray for them . . .which shall believe on me"; He does not say, which shall believe in God, but "on me"; He does not say, which believe the Word of God, but "on me";
He does not say, who believe in their salvation, but "on me."

Here we learn the faith that justifies is faith in the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Who is there, except a few professed infidels, who do not tell you they believe in God? -- who, tin this country, but a few professed infidels, do not say they believe in the Word of God? We may quite satisfy ourselves that we believe in God, and in the Word of God; and in our own ultimate salvation; and yet we may not be included in our Lord's prayer, because He does not say, "I pray for them which shall believe" -- in God or in the Word of God, or in their own salvation, but --"on me."

Not that to believe in God, or in the Word of God, and in the fact of our own salvation, is not our privilege and duty. Oh, no! But when we believe in Him, we believe in God in a different sense; we believe in the Word of God as a different thing, and for a different object. We believe in God as loving us when we were sinners, and giving His Son to die; we believe in the Word of God as the truth revealing this fact; we believe in our salvation as the end of our faith; but we believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as the Saviour who took our place, died in our stead, was wounded for our transgressions, whose blood cleanseth from all sin, and who, in resurrection glory, now stands before the throne as our Representative, Himself the object of alljustifying faith. Alas! how may talk of believing in God, and in His Word, who have never believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, and have never taken refuge in Him for their salvation.

From Our Lord Prays for His Own, by Marcus Rainsford, Moody Press, 1950, Pages 364-365

Memorization Monday - Expected Fruit - Joy

noreply@blogger.com (Roger) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 15:28:00 +0000

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, Rejoice!

Hymn of the Week - For All the Saints

noreply@blogger.com (Roger) — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 15:30:00 +0000

For all the saints, who from their labors rest,
Who Thee by faith before the world confessed,
Thy Name, O Jesus, be forever blessed.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

Thou wast their Rock, their Fortress and their Might;
Thou, Lord, their Captain in the well fought fight;
Thou, in the darkness drear, their one true Light.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

For the Apostles’ glorious company,
Who bearing forth the Cross o’er land and sea,
Shook all the mighty world, we sing to Thee:
Alleluia, Alleluia!

For the Evangelists, by whose blest word,
Like fourfold streams, the garden of the Lord,
Is fair and fruitful, be Thy Name adored.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

For Martyrs, who with rapture kindled eye,
Saw the bright crown descending from the sky,
And seeing, grasped it, Thee we glorify.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

O blest communion, fellowship divine!
We feebly struggle, they in glory shine;
All are one in Thee, for all are Thine.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

O may Thy soldiers, faithful, true and bold,
Fight as the saints who nobly fought of old,
And win with them the victor’s crown of gold.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long,
Steals on the ear the distant triumph song,
And hearts are brave, again, and arms are strong.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

The golden evening brightens in the west;
Soon, soon to faithful warriors comes their rest;
Sweet is the calm of paradise the blessed.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

But lo! there breaks a yet more glorious day;
The saints triumphant rise in bright array;
The King of glory passes on His way.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

From earth’s wide bounds, from ocean’s farthest coast,
Through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,
And singing to Father, Son and Holy Ghost:
Alleluia, Alleluia!

Biblical Manhood - Part 5 - Vocation

noreply@blogger.com (Roger) — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 15:22:00 +0000

As we continue to consider God’s Pattern for Christian Manhood I would like to think through the idea of vocation as a calling rather than merely a job. As we do that it is important to remember that work was given before the fall. In other words, it did not come as a result of sin, even though it may feel that way sometimes. God has always intended that we should have something profitable to do. Genesis 2:5 and 2:15 speak of tilling, tending and keeping before sin entered the world. After the fall, work as toil and sweat would be the norm as we labor to get enough to eat and support ourselves. Also after the fall, things began to decay and wear out. The new car would eventually be on a junk heap. Our new Iphone will eventually be tossed way as hopelessly outdated. The fence in our yard will rust. All of this means there would be continued work to restore, maintain and rebuild.

God is opposed to laziness and sloth. I was interested to see that Psalm 104:23 speaks of man going out to his work for the day when the sun comes up and returning home when the sun is going down. Where were the unions then? And then in Exodus 20:9 God tells the people that they were to do all their work and labor in six days and rest on the seventh. It is a blessing of grace that God commands that we set aside one day a week for rest and worship. But from His point of view He’s thinking that we will be working and laboring the other six. Obviously we have created many tools to make our work easier, but even so, I think most of us will admit that work tends to be a chore, rather than a delight.

Consider these passages from Proverbs

10:4 He who has a slack hand becomes poor, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.

12:24 The hand of the diligent will rule, but the lazy man will be put to forced labor.

18:9 He who is slothful in his work is a brother to him who is a great destroyer

20:4 The lazy man will not plow because of winter; He will beg during harvest and have nothing.

26:16 The lazy man is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can answer sensibly.

It seems obvious to me that God is telling us that work is a good thing and we should be engaged in it regularly and faithfully. In addition, we should see our work as for God. In addressing slaves in Ephesians 6:6, Paul writes, “Slaves, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man.” If this was said to slaves, how much more should we as free workers work as pleasing the Lord.

In the Christian world-view, work is a good thing. It is God-ordained for our good and his glory. It is to be looked at as meaningful as we have the opportunity to support our families and maintain a God-honoring testimony out in the world.

What's Wrong?

noreply@blogger.com (Roger) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 15:04:00 +0000

Almost anyone who has any power of observation at all would have to admit that things in the world don't seem to be going the way we think they should. Whether it's a tsunami in Japan or drug wars in Mexico or people starving in Somalia, or arguments and fights within a family, events seem to fall far short of the ideal that we can imagine. Why do we imagine things such as peace, safety and love? Why does virtually everyone idolize the good, and yet there is so much evil? Sometimes when my wife and I are out for a walk on a beautiful day, we wonder why anyone in any of the homes around us would be fighting or arguing on such a beautiful day. Why can't we all just get along?

One answer is, “That's just the way it is. Get used to it.” I don't know about you, but that answer does not satisfy me. If all of this “bad” stuff is just imbedded in nature, why do we have the idea that there is a “better”?

I think the Bible has the best answer that I've seen anywhere. God says that he originally created the world in a state of goodness and harmony. Into that world came sin in the form of selfish rebellion against the creator. A man, made in the image of God, decided that he had found a better way to achieve happiness rather than the way God had given him. In doing so he brought God's curse on us as a race of people. What's more, he brought a curse upon the creation itself.

Someone may say, “You don't really believe that myth, do you?” I must admit that I do. No other explanation I have found explains why we have a sense of good and justice and order at the time that there is so much evil, injustice and chaos both within the human race and in nature.

The Bible says that man knows that there is a God. The fact that he is eternal in power and that he has all the characteristics of deity is known to all, but we suppress it. (Romans 1:18-20) We suppress it by not glorifying or giving the honor to God that he is due. In addition we are not thankful for what he has given us. Paul the Apostle told the Athenians that God give us life and breath and everything else we have. (Acts 17:25) Our basic error is to think that we can provide everything for ourselves. We don't need God. We can do things our way. That is the attitude that brought us the curse in the first place.

Having been created in the image of God, we have amazing capabilities. Look at all of the inventions we have come up with for making life better and our work easier. We have come to believe that we can solve every problem there is if we just trust in ourselves. That philosophy has been around for a long time. How are we doing so far? Have we solved the problem of war, famine, tsunamis, or the common cold?

God says that our core problem is rebellion against him. We do not want to give him glory. We do not want to worship him as God, we do not want to retain God in our knowledge. (Romans 1:20-32) This passage in Romans tells us that because of our defiance, God gives us up to do the things we want to do. He basically says, “Alright, then, do it your way and see what happens!” The results are disastrous.

The Bible tells us that God is in the process of changing people. Jesus told Nicodemus that in order to see the kingdom of God it was necessary to be born again. Jesus told him that everyone who believes in Jesus, that is those who trust him with their souls, will not perish but will have everlasting life. Those who do not believe are still under the judgment of God. (John 3) Eventually even the curse on creation will be removed. At that point, all wrongs will be righted and perfect justice will prevail.

This is not just a pie-in-the-sky hope. This is what God has promised. Some people suggest that such a hope in a future righting of wrongs keeps us from doing what we should be doing now. That may be the case for some people, but Jesus taught that we should put his principles into action in this world here and now. We should love our wife and family, rather than abuse them or forsake them. We should love our neighbor the same way we love ourselves rather than look for ways to cheat them or to allow them to suffer. He told us be content with what we have rather than being greedy to always have more, spending our life complaining about what we don't have that other people may have. He told us not to proudly flaunt our charity, giving or prayers. It sounds to me like if we would trust Jesus with our eternal destiny and put his teaching into practice in our daily lives, the world would be a better place now while we wait for the final reconciliation of all things.

Biblical Manhood - Part 4

noreply@blogger.com (Roger) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 23:50:00 +0000

Another important spiritual discipline is prayer. Men are not usually as consistent at this as women, and yet Paul told Timothy that he would have men (as distinct from women) pray. It’s a special challenge to us as men to be the leaders in prayer for our families and churches.

Some may ask why God wants us to pray when he seems to do what he wants anyway. I don't know the answer to that question, but I do know that God wants us to pray. He even asks us to come with confidence. Hebrews 4:16 says “Let us then with confidence draw year to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

The verse right before that tells us that in Jesus we have a high priest who is able to sympathize with our weaknesses because in every respect he has been tempted as we are tempted, yet without sin. For this reason we would be fools not to go to him, one who understands us and sympathizes with us. He has walked in our shoes and understands what it is to live a human existence.

While I don’t understand all of the ins and outs of how prayer works and why God answers some the way we want and not others, there are several key passages of Scripture that give us a picture of what the conditions are for answered prayer.

Matthew 7:7 Pray persistently

Matthew 18:19 Pray in agreement with others

Matthew 21:22 Pray believing

John 15:7 Pray while abiding in Christ

John 16:24 Pray in Jesus’ Name

I John 5:14, 15 Pray in the will of God.

Biblical Manhood - Part 3

noreply@blogger.com (Roger) — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 23:34:00 +0000

Besides laying aside things which hinder us as we talked about last time, God has given us several spiritual disciplines on which we should focus so that our lives grow and develop into greater Christ-likeness for His glory. Often in my life I have looked for the secret of victory or the three or four steps to greater spirituality. But it always comes down to the same things. There are no secrets here.

The first area of importance in the Christian life is the Scripture. 2 Timothy 3:16 tells us that all Scripture is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for instruction in righteousness. If Scripture is profitable for these things then obviously we should be spending time reading and studying it, unless of course we are not interested in being taught or corrected.

Along with the reading and study of Scripture is memorization and meditation. Joshua 1:8 tells us that with constant meditation on the Word of God comes success and prosperity. Now he is not talking about worldly success and financial prosperity. He is speaking of spiritual success and prosperity, the kind that are ultimately more rewarding and satisfying than anything the world can provide. Psalm 1 speaks of the same thing. The man who spends time meditating on Scripture is compared to a tree planted where there is plenty of water. His leaf won’t wither and whatever he does, prospers. This is compared to the ungodly man who is more like chaff that is dry and lifeless and blown away by the wind. Which kind of man do you want to be?

Memorization Monday - Expected Fruit - Joy

noreply@blogger.com (Roger) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 23:27:00 +0000

John 15:11 [Jesus said], "These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full."

Memorization Monday - Expected Fruit - Faith

noreply@blogger.com (Roger) — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 15:20:00 +0000

Romans 4:20, 21 He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God,and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.

Hymn of the Week - Come We That Love the Lord

noreply@blogger.com (Roger) — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 15:16:00 +0000

Come We That Love the Lord by Isaac Watts

Come, we that love the Lord,
And let our joys be known;
Join in a song with sweet accord,
Join in a song with sweet accord
And thus surround the throne,
And thus surround the throne.

Refrain

We’re marching to Zion,
Beautiful, beautiful Zion;
We’re marching upward to Zion,
The beautiful city of God.

The sorrows of the mind
Be banished from the place;
Religion never was designed
Religion never was designed,
To make our pleasures less,
To make our pleasures less.

Refrain

Let those refuse to sing,
Who never knew our God;
But favorites of the heavenly King,
But favorites of the heavenly King
May speak their joys abroad,
May speak their joys abroad.

Refrain

The God that rules on high,
And thunders when He please,
Who rides upon the stormy sky,
Who rides upon the stormy sky,
And manages the seas,
And manages the seas.

Refrain

This awful God is ours,
Our Father and our Love;
He will send down his heav’nly powers,
He will send down his heav’nly powers,
To carry us above,
To carry us above.

Refrain

There we shall see His face,
And never, never sin!
There, from the rivers of His grace,
There, from the rivers of His grace,
Drink endless pleasures in,
Drink endless pleasures in.

Refrain

Yea, and before we rise,
To that immortal state,
The thoughts of such amazing bliss,
The thoughts of such amazing bliss,
Should constant joys create,
Should constant joys create.

Refrain

The men of grace have found,
Glory begun below.
Celestial fruits on earthly ground
Celestial fruits on earthly ground
From faith and hope may grow,
From faith and hope may grow.

Refrain

The hill of Zion yields
A thousand sacred sweets
Before we reach the heav’nly fields,
Before we reach the heav’nly fields,
Or walk the golden streets,
Or walk the golden streets.

Refrain

Then let our songs abound,
And every tear be dry;
We’re marching through Immanuel’s ground,
We’re marching through Immanuel’s ground,
To fairer worlds on high,
To fairer worlds on high.

Refrain

Biblical Manhood - Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Roger) — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 15:08:00 +0000

As we think about God’s Pattern for Christian Manhood we are thinking through how we can reflect the glory of God. We were made in His image and likeness and are to make Him look good. As Christian men we need to think seriously about this. Paul said that when he became a man he put away childish things (I Corinthians 13:11). We men tend to hang on to our childish ways. I’m sure most of us have seen the bumper sticker that says the only difference between the man and his boys is the price of the toys.

Dr. Albert Mohler, President of the Southern Baptist Seminary, has compiled a list of 13 marks that distinguish a boy from a man. I would strongly encourage you to read over that list and evaluate your progress by some of the markers he includes there. http://www.albertmohler.com/2005/04/21/from-boy-to-man-the-marks-of-manhood-part-one/

Another thing the Bible tells us to do is to lay aside every weight and sin that hinders us in our race (Hebrews 12:1) The Apostle Paul tells us in 2 Timothy 2:4 that a good soldier does not entangle himself with the affairs of everyday life so that he may please him who has called him to be a soldier. The point is that we as Christian men need to avoid those things which entangle us and hinder us from being everything God would have us be for His glory. As you look at your life, try to think through what those things are that might be a hindrance. Once you have identified them, take steps to reduce and eliminate them from your life so that you can run the race God has laid out for you.