Sunday, March 29, 2009

Satan

What do you get when you bring together a pastor, a former hooker, an atheist, and another pastor who does not believe the Bible? Nightline's debate on whether Satan exists or not. If you happened to watch Thursday nights program, you saw really nothing accomplished. There was one statement made that I thought really stood out. The pastor who does not believe the Bible said you can just pick and choose what you want to believe. While we think what a heretic he is, many of us may be more like him than we want to believe.

Many people do not believe that Satan or Hell exists, that includes people in the church. We do not like to talk about sin, and many really are not convinced that there is only one to God. That includes people in the church. Yet the Bible talks about Satan, Hell, and sin. It also talks about a lot more things that we tend to get squeamish about.

If we are going to impact this world it will have to be done using God's word. We have to allow God's word to impact our life, then through us impact the lives of those around us. This is where it has to start, Satan does exist and there is a place called Hell. We have family and friends that are dying without Christ and they will be spending eternity in Hell. Let the debates end and the impacting this world for Christ begin.

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Can't We All Just Get Along?

That question has been asked alot during times of real tragedy, and at times when people are trying to be funny. The most memorable time was in 1992 during the LA riots. After a couple days, a man named Rodney King went on TV and asked that very question. Can't we all just get along.

Many of us look at the world around us and ask the same question. We want countries to get along, people to get along, and as Christians we want the world to get along with us. It is then odd that Jesus would say in in Matthew 10:34-36, "Do not think I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword." He goes on to take about the divisions that will be caused by Him. Yet, is Jesus not called Prince of Peace, Lord of Peace?

Before you call me a heretic, think about what He is saying. Romans 5:1 tells us Jesus did bring the possibility of peace, but it is peace between God and us. That through His death and resurrection we can be at peace with God. The result, alot of the world will hate us.

Jesus was not saying that He wanted to cause division, but live for him, stand for him, and you will see division. In some countries it will cost you your life, and in others your freedom. Jesus was trying to make His followers aware that following would cause conflict, not remove it.

As the Message says Jesus did not come to make life cozy, but He came offering us something that the world cannot offer, and the world cannot take away. Peace with God, eternity in His presence. As we go through our days here on earth, He gives us a peace that passes all understanding as we face the conflicts of this world.

Monday, March 16, 2009

Being Blessed Or Getting Rich

This past Sunday we dealt with the idea of being blessed or getting rich. Many times we hear that if you are faithful God will heal you or bless you. In today's society we have come to equate blessings with riches or good health. After something good happens you hear that person say that they have been blessed. I wonder if they had not won the game, or the money, or the doctor had bad news would they still feel blessed?

I look through the Bible and I see people that were far more faithful than you and I, and today's world would not call them blessed. If you would like to hear more click on the title above and listen to my sermon on Being Blessed or Getting Rich. You might get a blessing, you had to know I was going to say that. Let me know what you think.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Getting Rest

This past weekend had the one day most of us dread, it was the day we have to turn our clocks ahead one hour. The only year I looked forward to it was the night I was working third shift, we all meant in the office as they turned the clocks ahead. It was great. Every other year it just means I lose an hour of sleep.

This past Sunday we talked about rest, actually the need to rest from time to time. As Americans the thought of resting brings to mind the image of a slacker, or laziness. I wonder if we would call God a Slacker, on the seventh day He rested, I don't think we would. God set the example for us, rest is vital for us physically, and spiritually.

It is during those time of rest that we usually hear from God. In taking that break from the hustle and bustle we are usually in a quiet place. It is in that quiet that we have the best opportunity to hear that still small voice. It is time to slow down, go to a deserted place and rest awhile as Jesus told the disciples. (Mark 6:31) See if you are not better off as you rest a while from time to time.

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Being Different

Most of us really do not want to be considered different. Yeah, there is always that one that will do whatever it takes to get noticed. Just watch the episodes of people auditioning for American Idol. But for most of us we just want to fit in, to be just a face in the crowd, or one of many.

The question that you and I have to ask is how far will we go not to be considered different. The Bible says that we are different from this world, and there will be those that do not like us because we are followers of Christ. Living for Christ will cause us to be different, it will cause us to stand out.

This takes us back to the question, how far will you go not to be considered different? Just be silent, reject the Bible, or go as far as to reject Jesus. We have to be who we are, which is followers of Christ. It is not always easy, but what an impact we make when we strive to be not different but a son or daughter of our Heavenly Father.