Forgivness: Must I?

A great question came up the other day on Facebook and I thought it would be beneficial to look at the answer from a Biblical perspective. The question was this, “Do I have to forgive someone who hasn’t asked for my forgiveness.” What I soon discovered was that the answer to this question is a difficult and multi-dimensional one.

My immediate response just off the top of my head was to say that yes we must. The words of Jesus say this in Matthew 5:23-24 "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.”  But the problem with using that verse alone is that it does not address every situation. Actually this verse is speaking about our being the one who appears to have either transgressed against another or at the very least having something going on that has caused this person to believe we have offended them. In this case it our duty to go directly to that person and attempt to settle the matter. Without delving deeply into that scenario, it is safe to say the overall tenor of scripture requires us to be loving and Christ-like in our approach, seeking their forgiveness.

But what about people who do not recognize they have sinned against us or simply refuse to seek our forgiveness? The Bible provides a simple procedure for dealing with this. Again it is Jesus who gives us this commandment in Matthew 18:15-17 "If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.” If we fail to follow the Biblical method then we are in error as well. Most people do not like confrontation but that is what Jesus instructs here. We must seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance whenever we face this type of confrontation; otherwise we will fail in being like Christ in how we speak to others.

So here we have a clear commandment. We are to go to those who have sinned against us and confront them. Notice though we don’t go to take a heavy hand of condemnation, but are to attempt to win them over. Then we see a progression to take that in the end may result in our having to essentially deny the person fellowship. You don’t have to be friends with those who hurt you and refuse loving attempts of correction.

But take note of something; no where does it say to harbor hatred or bitterness toward them. The Bible has plenty to say about bitterness and anger and those are things we simply as Christians cannot carry in our hearts or minds. Ephesians 4:31 says we must “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” Even the world of secular psychology will tell us the consequences of bitterness and anger are not healthy for us and can even cause illness.

Jesus also commands us to go another step in our dealings with those who hurt us. Listen to Jesus speaking in Matthew 5:43-48 "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Again, this type of behavior will require we walk in the Spirit for our own wickedness will keep us from following through on this commandment.

I would like to wrap this up with some solid Biblically based advice from Jay Adams, renowned Biblical Counseling author. In his book A Theology of Christian Counseling he writes;

“While forgiveness must not be granted to those who do not seek it repentantly (if he repents, forgive him --- Luke 17:3), the one who “has something against anyone” may not hold it against him in his heart. Before God in prayer, he is to forgive him (i.e., he must tell God he will not hold it against him no longer). He may not brood on it. But this forgiving in prayer (in his own heart before God) does not preclude his responsibility to pursue the matter with the offender. He does this

            (1) for Christ’s sake,

            (2) for the sake of the peace of the church,

            (3) for the sake of the offender and

            (4) for the purpose of reconciliation.

The one who has relieved his own mind and heart of the burden of the offense in prayer growing out of a truly forgiving attitude, will have little difficulty granting forgiveness when it is sought. And in the meantime, he will avoid the destructive results of resentment.”

I think the point of what Adams is saying is that by going to God and giving it up to Him, we are trusting in God’s Word that tells us that God is the avenger, not us and we believe God when He tells us in scripture that “For we know him who said, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," and again, "The Lord will judge his people." (Hebrews 10:30). For you see God’s justice is righteous while ours is tainted by our own sinfulness. By letting God be the judge we can more easily fulfill the great commission to take the Gospel to, even those who we are wronged by.

I hope this short study sheds some light on this question. I suggest we continue to be diligent in searching the Scriptures and depending on the Holy Spirit to be our teacher. I think we can sum it up by saying that forgiveness can be said to be dependent upon repentance, but we need to allow God to be the judge of others and in our hearts be prepared for the day when those who have sinned against us will return to both God and us seeking forgiveness. Until that day comes our efforts would be best spent praying for their salvation as opposed to dwelling in the land of bitterness and anger. Colossians 3:12-14 seems to be a good place to start and I leave this study with the Word of God that says this;

“Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

Humility

Humility. Not exactly a trait we find truly exalted in the world today. In reality the man who was to walk in humility amongst our world would be considered weak. Growing up as a boy, I was always small and slight for my age and the abuse I received was amazing to me. The arrogance and prideful nature of the other boys made itself known by verbal abuse exhibited by name calling. Attempts to intimidate me all through school and on the playground led me to develop an act of my own. As I grew older I found that by carrying myself as being arrogant and challenging the bullies to fight, I was able to create an atmosphere of arrogance only to be reflected just as the character Fonzie was in the TV show Happy Days. Later on alcohol would enhance my ability to portray myself as unafraid and confident, if not in size and strength, but in pure lunacy. Crazy acts of bravado performed merely to give off the appearance that I was not someone to be messed with. A sad act, one that, even as a Christian, I struggle to let go of even now.

But now I have come to Christ in full acknowledgment that without His gift of mercy and grace, I am in serious distress. I am blessed that my life as a Christian has developed through God’s use of trials and tribulation to bring me to a point of knowing I need Him. Desperately do I need Him. Not only because I desire to spend eternity with Him, but also I cannot make it through the sorrows of this life without his strength. I am a broken man.

The very essence of Christianity lies in just that position. I am speaking of the position of complete submission to Christ. That is what we are called to. Andrew Murray says this in his book, Humility, “The creature has not only to look back to the origin and first beginning of existence, and acknowledge that it there owes everything to God; its chief care, its highest virtue, its only happiness, now and through all eternity, is to present itself an empty vessel, in which God can dwell and manifest His power and goodness.” This is simple Biblical truth.

Friends, I ask you this; Is it not our calling to seek a life that mirrors that of Christ? The process of sanctification is the work of the Holy Spirit in making changes in us that will lead us down the path of being like Christ. Notice this as told in 1 Thessalonians 5:23 (NASB) “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” We are to be preparing for the return of Christ by allowing God to work in us so that at His coming we are to be without blame. But we cannot do this within our own power. 1 John 2:3-6 (NASB) says “By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. The one who says, "I have come to know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him: the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.” Read that last line again. “The one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.” The Apostle gives a clear command in 1 Corinthians 11:1 (NASB) “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.”

So what was Jesus like? The Bible teaches us that there is one clear attribute of Jesus that best describes Him and thus becomes our greatest pursuit and that would be humility. Again I quote Murray, “If humility be the first, the all-including grace of the life of Jesus, if humility be the secret of His atonement, then the health and strength of our spiritual life will entirely depend upon our putting this grace first too, and making humility the chief thing we admire in Him, the chief thing we ask of Him, the one thing for which we sacrifice all else… Until a humility which will rest in nothing less than the end and death of self; which gives up all the honor of men as Jesus did, to seek the honor that comes from God alone; which absolutely makes and counts itself nothing, that God may be all, that the Lord alone may be exalted,--until such a humility be what we seek in Christ above our chief joy, and welcome at any price, there is very little hope of a religion that will conquer the world.”

Do we understand what Christ did for us? Philippians 2:8 (NASB) “Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” When that verse speaks of Jesus humbling Himself it means that He did not have to leave His position of glory that He held in Heaven with the Father. But he came down as a simple man, a carpenter, and walked this earth in poverty and strife. He allowed others to abuse Him and mock Him. He was sentenced to die without even a real charge against Him that was true. Yet He did not fight back. He could have. In the account of His arrest in Matthew He stated that if He wanted He could summon up more than twelve legions of angels to fight for Him. But He sacrificed His own glory, His reputation, and was “obedient” to the point of death.

The entire life of Christ as He walked this earth was marked by His humility. He came as a servant. By His own words Jesus reveals His humility. Luke 22:27 (NASB) "For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at the table? But I am among you as the one who serves.” Matthew 11:29 (NASB) "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart…” His teachings were clear that it was the one who is last that will be first in His kingdom. Matthew 20:26-29 (NASB)
"It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."

The entire life and teachings of Christ spoke of humility. So why is it that we see so little of it, even within the church? Our ministries are full of pride. There is bickering and back-biting within our work. All of us think things must be done our way. Our marriages are full of arguing. Divorce rates run just as high within the believers as within the world. Turn your Bible to the Book of James. James 4:1-6 (NASB) “What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members? You lust and do not have; so you commit murder. You are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures. You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you think that the Scripture speaks to no purpose: "He jealously desires the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us"? But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, "GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE."

The answer lies in our own desires. Our own lustful and coveting flesh. We must put to death the desires of the flesh. We must humble ourselves before God through prayer and fasting. We must take the world out of our lives, our homes, and yes, even our churches. We must discipline ourselves to seek the filling of the Holy Spirit and to ask Him to fill us and empower us to walk the narrow path Jesus speaks of and to be guided by Him away from the wide road to destruction.

This is not an easy task because our flesh will fight against this. Our friends and co-workers will do everything in their power to draw us away from the Father and closer to the world they choose to reside in. We must stand firm in the “Full Armor of God” as set forth in Ephesians 6 and we must develop close friendships with others who desire intimacy with God and then follow the command of Ephesians 6:18 (NASB) which instructs us that “With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints.” We must walk and pray in the Spirit and give up any hope in ourselves or in others and instead do all things through the power of the Holy Spirit.

We must accept that following Christ has a price. Salvation is a free gift, but it does not come without responsibility. We must follow the call of Jesus as set forth in Matthew 16:24-26 (NASB) "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. "For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.”For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?”

When I take a good, hard look at myself I cannot imagine how someone like me could ever be like Christ. Humbleness and humility are like pipedreams when I try and imagine myself in that way. The gift of Salvation comes through with a guarantee, but that does not remove our responsibility to grow and to seek a life as close to Christ as we can. It is humility that must be the attribute we most diligently seek. Of course I will fail in this endeavor, but I can never stop fighting this war. I must also remember that even an outward appearance of humility is of no value, God sees the heart and my humility must run deep within my heart. As always our hope lies in Christ and in the eternity He promises those who give their lives to him. Philippians 1:6 is the hope a poor, wretched sinner like me can take great comfort in, “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Praise the most Holy name of Jesus. Our hope and our salvation.

Back to War

I guess it was a year ago that I served as the prayer co-coordinator for the Spring 40 Days For Life Campaign at Granite City. I remember that time so very well. It was probably the closest time I have spent with God in my entire life. I walked and prayed in the Spirit more than I can ever remember and know that my life was forever changed. I believe it was a time that I actually allowed the Holy Spirit to fill me on a regular basis and to essentially take over my body in service to God.

I spent most of the Fall campaign out of the fight. Recovering from my injuries in an accident left me in a different position. However that time was not lost either. Because my body was broken I was pretty much stuck in a recliner in my living room. Yet I remember that because of my situation, I was left in the hands of our Father God, and many sleepless nights found me in prayer and in communion with Him. As a famous author once said, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." My relationship with Jesus became the foundation of my existence.

But praise God, His healing hand brought me out of my pain and took me back into this world. Now we are on the eve of another campaign. I do not hold an official title in this war, yet I have felt the hand of God stirring me to prepare for another battle in this epic war that is not only being fought against abortion, but is a spiritual war for both the lives of those babies in the wombs of God's daughters and for the souls of men and women who are in peril of facing an eternity of separation from our Father in Heaven and instead will find weeping and gnashing of teeth should they not bow their knee to Christ on this side of eternity.
Yes, I am ready for battle. I shall "be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might."

I shall proceed as Ephesians 6:10-18 instructs:
"Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of Salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints."

Tonight at midnight myself and my blessed friends and family will go back into the battle. We shall not be defeated for we fight in the Army of the Lord. Jesus has won the victory. He is risen. And the gates of Hell shall not prevail.

The Unsatsified Christian

The past several years have found me engaged in various conversations with fellow Christian brothers and sisters. During the course of these conversations I have often found myself expressing to others that I have concerns about myself in respect to my salvation and in my progress we Christians call sanctification. There may have been a time when I might have come across as if I was questioning my eternal destination. As a Bible-believing Christian, let me state categorically that I believe in salvation by grace alone. As a potential Calvinist, (I can’t say that I have totally reached a final opinion on the strict five points of Calvinism) I tend to lean more on the work of God in my salvation than in my own participation in that progress. I do not care to debate that topic here, I am just pointing out where I am right now in my personal theology. Recent times have allowed me to believe I am a saved, born again Christian, who is headed to Heaven upon my personal demise.

Yet I continue to find myself trying to explain what I am saying on this topic to other Christians. I have been questioned about this a lot. People are always telling me I am too hard on myself. Some might suggest my view of salvation is skewed. Recently a good friend and brother, one very astute in matters of the faith and also very spiritually minded, has expressed that whenever he hears someone speak as I do, he often finds that it is due to some stronghold of sin still residing within the one speaking. I understand the points these different people make, yet these thoughts do not adequately describe where I am coming from. Yes, there are a multitude of sins I could easily resort back to in my life, I don’t think anyone who came to Christ as a sinner should ever think they are beyond falling back into their old sinful habits. I suppose God has delivered people completely from a particular sin, but most people spend their entire lives in the shadows of their old nature. Matthew 26:41 cautions us to "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." The battle between flesh and Spirit does not end when we become Christians. The war really just begins. But that is not really what it is I speak of.

2 Corinthians 13:5-6 tells us to “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you--unless, of course, you fail the test?” This is not a suggestion, but a Biblical command. Now I don’t know what that verse says to you, but I have prayed over this verse many times asking the Holy Spirit to reveal to me the meaning. One person said they felt it means about once a year we should “sort of look at ourselves to make sure we are doing good things.” He suggested that “we were good guys, we give our money and we serve at our church.” Well, that just isn’t enough of a test for me. There is one section of scripture that more than any other concerns me. Matthew 7:21-23, which finds Jesus saying, "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'”

Certainly that verse clearly declares that there are people who are walking this earth feeling completely secure in their salvation, but in the end they have a really bad surprise coming. I do not want to hear those words from Jesus. That literally scares the “hell” out of me. So how can I avoid those words? I believe that I simply must seek to be in obedience to Christ, for He has said this in John 14:15, "If you love me, you will obey what I command.”

Of course I understand that by nature God is long suffering and full of mercy, grace, and love. He knows I will fail everyday at trying to obey Him, just as we understand our children are not always obedient. But let me offer this; it is different to fall short and not always succeed in perfect obedience as compared to having a lackadaisical attitude towards my failures. The standard is clear. The command right out of the mouth of Jesus, himself, says this, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:48.

Listen to the Word of God in the following scripture readings:

2 Corinthians 7:1 (NIV)
Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.

1 Peter 1:14-16 (NIV)
As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."

Ephesians 1:4 (NIV)
For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.

Not only are we called to perfection, we are to teach that as well. Colossians 1:28 says that “We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.”

Yes, my standard is high. Unattainable in this life? Maybe so, but technically we have been given the power to attain this through the Holy Spirit. We just do not ever die completely to the flesh we live in; all of us still fight the battle of flesh versus Spirit. The Apostle Paul refers to this battle in Romans 7:14-20 (NIV) which says “We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do--this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.”

Paul goes on in Romans 7:22-25 (NIV) “For in my inner being I delight in God's law;
but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God--through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.”

Romans 8 will offer the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Within that chapter we find that we have hope and that hope comes through Jesus Christ. We also find that verse 9 reveals to us that we can have victory through the power of the Spirit of God which lives in us. But notice that in Romans 8:12 (NIV) there is a part here that we have in this process. “Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation--but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it.” The “it’ here is that we have an obligation to live according to the Spirit. We are commanded to walk in the Spirit, live in the Spirit, and to pray in the Spirit. I believe the Bible is clear; we are justified by the blood of Jesus Christ, we are saved by grace and grace alone, but our sanctification, our life-long process of becoming like Christ, involves our participation as the Spirit of God leads us.

So for me, I fight the battle every day. Unless I look in the mirror and see the reflection of Christ I cannot be satisfied. For those who play sports or participate in the martial arts, do we not always strive to be the best? Do we sit back and look at what we did yesterday or do we set our trophies up on a shelf and go back to training? Yes, it is good to celebrate the joy of serving the Lord. I enjoy the fruits of my service to God. But I can’t sit back and pat myself on the back, I must continue to strive, I must continue to run the race and run it to win. Paul says in Acts 20:24 (NIV) “I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.” The finish line for the Christian is Jesus Christ and we simply must strive and fight everyday to complete that race.

Perfection is the goal. Jesus commands us to be perfect. He set the standard and anything short of perfection is not to even be thought of. I don’t beat myself up because I fail in my quest today, that would be exactly what Satan would want me to do. But I must keep driving forward . Satan also is happy when I settle for what I am, instead of what I can be. He longs for me to think I have arrived as a Christian. He wants me to think that I’ve done enough in the quest to spread the Gospel. I have never, nor will I ever buy into the old adage about not taking on too much and wearing myself down, for then I would be useless to God. That is a lie of Satan. The only work I should be doing is the work God has called me to do, and God never gives us a mission without providing the means and the strength to do it. Philippians 4:13 (NIV) says that “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” Not some things or not things when I am refreshed and well rested, but everything.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NIV) says “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” Some of my greatest blessings have come when I have been the most rundown, because I gave it all to God and relied on Him not me.
Wow! As I look at this topic I am amazed how scripture lights this up for me. I hope you understand where I come from. I am nothing. Christ is everything. Yes, I know who I am in Christ. I rejoice in that. But personally I have not found myself living 100% in the power and strength of God. Until my flesh is completely crucified and no longer affects my life and my thoughts, I will not be satisfied.

I encourage each of you to encourage each other. Do not be critical but work at building each other up. But please do not compromise the perfection of God as you serve Him. As usual I leave you with scripture.

2 Corinthians 13:11 (NIV)
Finally, brothers, good-by. Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.

Troubled Times

There is a lot of talk these days about how turbulent the times are. Even conservative Christians are talking about our future here in America, saying we are heading for really bad times. Many think we are in the beginnings of the end times and if it isn’t that they think this is the beginning of the days spoken of in the Bible, many definitely think America is in trouble. Some say America either has or is about to lose the blessings God has put upon this country. I must admit that I have shared that opinion. Certainly as a nation we are turning away from God more and more. Our president appears to be more willing to embrace the Muslim culture and its agenda and is turning his back upon the Christian worldview.

All of this talk seems to have increased a viewpoint amongst Christians that it is time to store up food, water, and to prepare for the worst. Many are buying guns. Funny thing is I used to be a radical. I spent two weeks at a camp where I learned the rudiments of survival, how to exist in any environment with only a knife. Find food, water, and learn to make shelters was the core of the class. This survival was excellent in nature, because it was about survival in the utmost worse of conditions. While I never bought weapons, (having been one who struggled with depression I chose not to purchase weapons), I studied about them and military operations like ambushes. I read and tried to practice the secret ways of the ninjas, learning things about mind manipulation and intimidation. I looked at the world as if everyone except my closest family members were not to be trusted and I did not let myself get close to people. All this time I considered myself a Christian, yet I lived in isolation and mistrust.

But God has been watching over me for years. He has been calling me but I wasn’t listening. Little by little He began to break me. Without going into those stories, let me just say I have begun to listen a little more. About three years ago I decided that I should try and begin to look to God’s Word for how to live my life. He also led me to prayer. You know, I am still being taught by God. His Holy Spirit has become the only one I consider to be my counselor, as John 14:26 instructs me. "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.” So now I search the scriptures and then I pray that I have the proper understanding of what God wants me to do. I also have made an effort to search out and become close to those in the Church who I can see are men and women of God who also counsel only through the power of the Holy Spirit and the Word. Then I can also trust in their counsel as I compare it to what I believe God has already led me to. I believe this is Biblical and has allowed me to find so much more peace and joy even in the midst of life and trust me, my life like yours, has plenty of storms to weather. But God is good and His promises are true and I give ALL glory to Him.

So I say we look to the Word as we consider what to do if and when all this chaos and collapse comes to our country. Should we buy guns, store up ammo, water, and food? I am going to assume that you, the reader, are a disciple of Christ, Born again and under the grace and commandments of the New Testament. Actually I believe I could also make my point through the Old Testament, but since we are really under The New Covenant, I will stay mostly there.

Let us start at arming ourselves. I have no debate with anyone owning a gun, I really like guns and I may eventually buy one, maybe more. Most Christians will refer to Luke 22:36-38 (NASB) in which Jesus, himself, tells the disciples this, "But now, whoever has a money belt is to take it along, likewise also a bag, and whoever has no sword is to sell his coat and buy one.”For I tell you that this which is written must be fulfilled in Me, 'and He was numbered with transgressors'; for that which refers to Me has its fulfillment." They said, "Lord, look, here are two swords." And He said to them, "It is enough." Now I have enough Bible Commentaries to satisfy most who would like to discuss the meaning of this passage. There is an argument that Jesus was not really happy with them thinking they needed weapons when they were in the very presence of God Himself, and as Jesus would later say, He could call in legions of warring angels if He wanted. But let’s just accept that it is not a problem to have a weapon for personal protection. The problem lies in where you really put your trust. Except for cops and soldiers, I have probably been in as many dangerous situations and locations as anyone else. In my 32 years at the phone company I have been in neighborhoods and drug houses that most thought only exist in TV shows. I also have put myself in bad positions in my days of drinking and being stupid. Yet I have never needed a gun to get out of these situations. Not saying it can’t happen; just that God has always protected me.

Yet even in light of Luke 22:35-38, can anyone show me anywhere in the Bible, where Jesus, Paul, Peter, or any other author of the New Testament instructs us to use a weapon? Instead the scriptures offer a different viewpoint.

2 Corinthians 10:3-6 (NASB) For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, and we are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete.

Ephesians 6:12 (NASB) For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.


Hebrews 11:23-40 (NASB) By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king's edict. By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward. By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured, as seeing Him who is unseen. By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood, so that he who destroyed the firstborn would not touch them. By faith they passed through the Red Sea as though they were passing through dry land; and the Egyptians, when they attempted it, were drowned. By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish along with those who were disobedient, after she had welcomed the spies in peace. And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection; and others were tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection; and others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground. And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect.

As you can see, even the Old Testament people really didn’t fight by might, but by faith. This is not to say they didn’t have weapons, sometime God used the sword, but it was their faith in Him that brought the victory. So I think it is ok to have your sword, but do not ever forget where your real firepower comes from. God has given you a much more powerful weapon and it is called the Sword of the Spirit. That, guys, is the Word of God. Take your gun if you wish, but you better keep God’s Word even closer. Psalms 44:3 (NKJV) says this, “For they did not gain possession of the land by their own sword, Nor did their own arm save them; But it was Your right hand, Your arm, and the light of Your countenance, Because You favored them.”


So what of storing up supplies? How would that fit in to God’s Word? Well, I have heard several people speak about Joseph and his part in the feeding of the Jews during the famine. Simply put I would respond that this was a predicted event by a prophet of God and was in response to God’s direct plan. If one of you out there is convinced you have received a message from God that is a true prophecy, then I guess I advise you to store up food. I personally am not convinced we have a direct prophet of God today predicting that and since we also have the written revelation of God, I don’t expect that to happen. Unless we are speaking of the Great Tribulation and even then is there a Biblical mandate to do so? And I have just finished reading about the Tribulation and even if I thought the Church would be here for it (I don’t) I see no instructions in a book titled The Revelation to so and based on the description of this tribulation, I doubt it would help.

What I see and read more of in the New Testament is Jesus and the Apostles instructing us not to fear and instead trust in God to provide. I won’t continue to overwhelm you with scripture, but I think Jesus is clear on the principles of faith in Matthew 6:25-34 (NASB) that says this, “For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? "Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? "And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?”And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. "But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! "Do not worry then, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear for clothing?' "For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.”But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. "So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

I’m just going to let the part of scripture stand and suggest you go to God in prayer and ask Him what that means to you. I know this; God is sovereign. Although He allows Satan to be the prince of this world for now, God has not given up control. Trust me, He is still there and His promises are all true. Certainly it is proper to be prepared in case of a storm or emergency. There is no problem with defending your life, family, and property. But be careful how you let that process fit into your life. Read the Word and believe in the promises of God. Be careful of casting doubt upon what God has said and given you who have chosen to put your faith in Him. Be strong in the Lord, not in self. Look at the victories in the Old Testament and see how they were won. Read about Joshua and the Battle of Jericho. Do you not believe that story? Do you not believe God can still provide in that way? Read the Psalms regularly. Learn about the attributes of God and His mighty power. Pray Ephesians 6 each morning and “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might”, as Ephesians 6:10 instructs us.

As I often do I leave you with one last scripture. Please meditate on it and ask the Holy Spirit to teach you what it means to you. Search the entire breadth of the Word of God and then after going to God find out what God wants you to do.

Hebrews 10:32-39 (NASB) But remember the former days, when, after being enlightened, you endured a great conflict of sufferings, partly by being made a public spectacle through reproaches and tribulations, and partly by becoming sharers with those who were so treated. For you showed sympathy to the prisoners and accepted joyfully the seizure of your property, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and a lasting one. Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised. For yet in a very little while, He who is coming will come, and will not delay. But my righteous one shall live by faith; And if he shrinks back, My soul has no pleasure in him. But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul.

May God richly bless you!

Throwing Stones

Some of you who read my blogs may think I am trying to be controversial at times. While they may be that, I can assure you that this is not my objective. It is my desire, no I believe I am called by God, to both seek truth and then to share it with others. God has put it on my heart to be a person who challenges Christians to become more like Christ everyday and to be a defender of the truth of the Word. Yet I am only an imperfect human and I know that at times I may fall into the traps of Satan and let my opinions slip in. I guess it is fine to have my opinion, you, too have that right, but it is my hope that, I can make a distinction when I write and speak, about when things are opinion and when things are God’s truth. The best advice I can give the reader is to follow Biblical command and do these two things from 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 (NKJV): “Do not despise prophecies” and “Test all things; hold fast what is good.” Take all I say and search the scriptures then go to God and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the truth.

Just this week a young woman was arrested for enticement of a minor and coercion as she was caught in a plot in which it appears she was intending to have sex with a 13 year old boy. This young woman was an attendee of my church. I do not know her and I am incapable of knowing if she truly was a born-again believer or if she was just attending church because she was deceived into thinking simple church attendance was the path to heaven. Maybe she was seeking God and just hadn’t reached the point where she could give her life to Christ. We could speculate on her motives for all time. I leave that to God for you see the Bible teaches this about us in 1 Samuel 16:7 (NKJV) “…For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."

My question today is this: What is our part in this as the Body of Christ? I suspect that many of you out there are angry. Nothing worse than a child predator we say. Let her rot in prison and burn in Hell, some might declare. But today I would like us to explore what God wants us to do.

I was praying this morning for the 3 elders of my church, one of which is my pastor. They are on a small sabbatical if you will, taking the day to fast and pray. I know these men well and they are committed to leading my church as God calls them to, so they are humbling themselves before God and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Their jobs are far more difficult than most church attendees realize. They will be held accountable in a higher degree because they are teaching and guiding us. What shall their response be to this situation? What if they are asked by the media to comment?

As I was praying God spoke to my heart through scripture, putting this text in my mind:

John 8:1-12 (NKJV) But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. Now early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people came to Him; and He sat down and taught them. Then the scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. And when they had set her in the midst, they said to Him, "Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do You say?" This they said, testing Him, that they might have something of which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear. So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, "He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first." And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, "Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?" She said, "No one, Lord." And Jesus said to her, "Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more." Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life."

You see we are not really called to be God’s executor’s of justice. God has put all authority in place to accomplish that. Romans 13 tells us that “…there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.” He goes on to say that those He has put in authority are “…God's minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.” 1 Peter 2:13-14 (NKJV) continues to explain, “Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good.” God has put a process in place to ensure that this young woman will be dealt with and justice shall be served.

But what does God call us, who are called in 2 Corinthians 5:20 (NKJV) to be “…ambassadors for Christ…”, to do? First of all we are not to get too worked up and be filled with anger. Proverbs 24:17-22 (NKJV) instructs us to “…not rejoice when your enemy falls, And do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles; Lest the Lord see it, and it displease Him, And He turn away His wrath from him. Do not fret because of evildoers, Nor be envious of the wicked; For there will be no prospect for the evil man; The lamp of the wicked will be put out.” God has this guys…He is in control.

Now certainly all would agree that child predators are our enemy. What does Jesus say about our enemies? Matthew 5:43-45 (NKJV) "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” In Proverbs 25:21-22 (NKJV) he says this: “If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; For so you will heap coals of fire on his head, And the Lord will reward you.”

Now maybe you aren’t going to run down to the jail and take this woman gifts. But I believe this is what we must do. Listen to the Word from 1 Timothy 2:1-7 (NKJV). “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time,…”

Let me draw a quote out of that verse. “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth…” God desires that even those who do wicked and evil things come to Him. We are called to take the Gospel to the very ends of the earth. Sometimes we are so long-sighted we forget that the lost are right in front of us. But let us consider the missionaries who travel to the ends of the earth. Many of them go to tribes of people and those tribes are often filled with all kinds of violence and bizarre rituals which often include sexual deviated behavior. Those missionaries don’t forsake these people and deny them the Gospel; they know that the answer to the wickedness of the world is the Gospel. Jesus, Himself said that "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy and not sacrifice.' For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance."

We know that Jesus did not come the first time to condemn, but to save us from our sin. While certainly as Christians we do not condone sinful behavior and we do have authority to judge believers and to go to them in love to rebuke and correct them, that does not mean we do not pray for even those who have not yet bent their knees to our Lord. Jesus tells us to even think sinful thoughts make us guilty. Her sin has been made public. Maybe yours hasn’t, but don’t think that makes you innocent. Jeremiah 17:9 (NKJV) reminds us "The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?” I can answer that question, God knows it.
So I say we pray for this young woman to serve the sentence she is given but also that we pray for restoration and forgiveness in her life. Pray that if she is not saved that the Holy Spirit will bring her into the fold. Pray for her family and pray for the family of the offended party, particularly the young boy. Let God serve justice and let the light of Christ shine out in you. Pray for me and for each other. Lift up God in praise and worship to a level you have never done before. None of us deserve His love or mercy. We all deserve to rot in Hell, but praise God for His undying love and mercy.

I leave you with scripture.

John 3:14-21 (NKJV) And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God."

Letting Go and Holding On

The life we have is a pleasant gift from God. Even to most who never give God a casual thought or to the one who despises Him in every way, God has given so much, especially in this day of prosperity and ease here in this beautiful country. So I come to you today and ask that you drop right to your knees and thank God for the blessings of life. And never, ever take any single thing for granted. I say this now from a new perspective. Of course all of us at times remember how good life is, but I had let complacency slip in.

A few weeks ago, in a matter of moments, I found out that everything I took for granted could be lost in a moment, in a brief, bad decision. All my life I had bounced around roofs and climbed ladders and telephone poles with reckless abandon. At 52 years old I pridefully acted as if I was invincible and as if I was in control of my life.

Then I did something really stupid. My best friend knew it was stupid and told me not to do it. But I thought I knew better. I was wrong. I fell off a roof in a position that I immediately recognized as one I had no control of.

When I began to fall from that roof, I was desperately hanging on to a piece of plywood. But somewhere on the trip down, I let go, instinctively knowing that I was clinging to a useless material object. Smashing into the ground, my body was broken and beaten. Still conscious I feared for my life, at first unable to take a breath and then immediately knowing I was severely injured, I was more afraid then I had ever been.

But then finally along the painful journey to the hospital, I found the hand of Christ himself reaching out to me. Knowing the pain was unbearable for my weak physical mind and body, Jesus picked me up and carried me through the pain and kept me close to Him. My accident began with me hanging to a piece of wood, but it ended with me clinging desperately to Jesus.
Jesus carried me through each step of the hospital experience. Every fear I faced, fears that had haunted me all my life, He brought me through. Now, praise God, I am home recuperating. When people ask things like when I might return to work, I truthfully respond that I do not take more than 1 day at a time. I trust in God to provide and now I just seek patience and comfort through Him.

So how has this changed my life? Well to begin with I again became aware of how blessed I am. My hospitalization resulted in an unbelievable outpouring of prayer and of people coming to see me. I learned that not only do I have an awesome family: I have an awesome Church family.
I also learned quite a bit about pain. As soon as I hit the ground I was in intense pain. Many say that the body protects us by shutting down the pain, but in my situation God allowed me to experience intense pain and I never lost consciousness nor did I appear to be in shock. Instead I existed in a state of pain so intense I had no other option but to completely surrender it to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Now some might say God wouldn't have a hand in my suffering. To that I say read the Book of Job. You see while God wasn't the source of Job's suffering, He did allow Satan to bring it on and then God turned the tables on Satan by taking this devastation inflicted by the evil one and using it to defeat him. Romans 8:28 confirms this saying, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."
So the bottom line here is this: God has and continues to bless me through the entire experience. My life shall never be the same. I see now that being able to bench press a certain amount of weight or getting people to think you're afraid of nothing is all useless pride. Instead what matters is letting go of the silly idea that being in control of a situation is important and I have learned instead to let God be in control.

The Bible is not short of counsel in this area. 2 Corinthians 12:9 reminds of us of what Jesus advises us. It says this, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

I have experienced the power of Christ at work. My body knows of the amazing work of His healing hand . Just ask the staff at St. Anthony’s who witnessed how Jesus healed and moved me from the ICU to a regular room to home in just 9 days. Ask them why I was allowed a constant flow of visitors, against their rules that patients be allowed rest and not be bombarded with people. The answer is simple: God used the Body of Christ, through the biggest outpouring of prayer and love I and they may have ever seen, to make known the truth of His Word which says this: "...pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much."

I think of all the lessons to be taken from this event, most importantly God wants each of us to at least understand this very important lesson. The Word of God is true...all of it. Those promises He makes are not just cheerful little statements given to make us feel better. No, the promises of God are complete truths that we can trust our whole lives with. If He said it; believe it. Then when you find yourself in a situation that seems unbearable, your spouse leaves you, you lose your job, or maybe your health whether by illness or accident, you can immediately ask Jesus to carry you through it. He will not let you down.

I have to make the following plea to you before I post this. If Bible reading and prayer don't play a dominent part in your life, please change that. I don't know how I would have made it through this had I not been convinced of the truth of God's Word and known the promises Jesus had made me. And when I fell, my Christian brother and friend Bill and I both knew to pray even before He called 911. You see God is in control. Doctors, nurses, and paramedics are awesome and I appreciate each and every one of them and their work. But they are just one way God heals and comforts us. It is His power and His love that actually does the healing. To God be all the glory and all the praise.