Depending upon the church you attend or attended, pastors focus on different aspects of Christianity. Some emphasize altar calls, asking convicted hearts to enter into a personal relationship with Jesus. Others challenge believers to live out their faith seven days a week, being a light to the world outside of church. Unfortunately, few discuss a painful reality, obedience to God brings opposition from the world.
“If the world hates you [and it does], know that it has hated Me before it hated you,” John 15:18.
In the past two months, Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh has been verbally crucified by the media daily. While sexual assault accusations have received most of the headlines, you have to read between the lines understand the motivation behind these attacks. First, Kavanaugh is a devout Catholic who isn’t afraid to express his faith. Second, Kavanaugh will likely defend and protect pro-life cases. Thus, an obedience to support life in the past has alarmed abortion activists to attack this man of God.
19 If you belonged to the world, the world would love [you as] its own and would treat you with affection. But you are not of the world [you no longer belong to it], but I have chosen you out of the world. And because of this the world hates you, John 15:19.
No one wants to be hated. Human nature creates a desire within to be embraced and loved. Yet, one day Jesus revealed a side of Christianity to his disciples that is hard to grasp. Obedience to God brings opposition? Really? Well, if your life is a living example of Christ, shining light into darkness, this will expose flaws within the lives of others. Thus, this will lead to resentment and in some cases hatred. Therefore, if you want a complete perspective of what to expect as a Christian living in 2018, obedience to God brings opposition from the world.
Anger Management is nothing to joke about, especially for those who struggle to maintain their composure when upset. Yet, Hollywood created a 2003 film and television sitcom bearing the same name in 2012. To the average person, there is a belief that getting angry is a sin. This perception will lead non-believers to criticize Christians, referring to assertive comments, raised voices or certain tones like that displayed by Brett Kavanaugh as inappropriate behavior. However, is there such a thing as righteous anger?
And Jesus entered the temple [grounds] and drove out [with force] all who were buying and selling [birds and animals for sacrifice] in the temple area, and He turned over the tables of the moneychangers [who made a profit exchanging foreign money for temple coinage] and the chairs of those who were selling doves [for sacrifice]. 13 Jesus said to them, “It is written [in Scripture], ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer’; but you are making it a robbers’ den,” Matthew 21:12-13.
The Bible provides two specific examples to address this issue. The first occurs as Jesus enters Jerusalem to prepare for the Passover Celebration. While visiting the temple grounds, Jesus is disturbed by what he sees, a holy site turned into a money making operation. This offended Jesus, inspiring righteous action, turning over these tables to shut down this shady business. Jesus explains his reaction in verse 13, God’s house should be a place of prayer not a den of robbers. Thus, in this case it appears righteous anger is acceptable in God’s sight.
Be angry [at sin—at immorality, at injustice, at ungodly behavior], yet do not sin; do not let your anger [cause you shame, nor allow it to] last until the sun goes down, Ephesians 4:26.
The second illustration comes from a letter written by the apostle Paul. Most Bible translations of the passage above say “in your anger do not sin.” However, the Amplified version takes this notion one step further by insisting to get angry when you see immorality, injustice or ungodly behavior. This is followed by a warning, in your anger do not sin as these emotions might cause you to do something that you regret. However, the Bible is clear about anger management. You can become angry at those acts that upset God, but in your anger do not sin.
Rod Tidwell is a fictional character played by Cuba Gooding Jr. in the 1996 film Jerry Maguire. Tidwell is a veteran wide receiver in the National Football League who is about to become a free agent, looking for one final contract to secure his families financial security. Tom Cruise plays a hot shot sports agent who is fired from the firm he helped built. Thus, Cruise is left with one client, Tidwell, whose main request is “show me the money.”
A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, And the wealth of the sinner is stored up for [the hands of] the righteous, Proverbs 13.22.
As part of a small group Bible Study, my wife and I have to create a detailed budget to track where our money is being spent. Upon completion, this spreadsheet will reveal what each of us value in life. While the majority of our paychecks are spent on a mortgage, food and utilities, other interests will be unveiled by previous expenses. I am not sure what the final results will uncover, but I am sure there are areas like fast food and golf that need to be reduced in the future.
Train up a child in the way he should go [teaching him to seek God’s wisdom and will for his abilities and talents], Even when he is old he will not depart from it. The rich rules over the poor, And the borrower is servant to the lender, Proverbs 22:6-7.
According to the Bible, King Solomon is one of the richest and wisest to walk the face of the earth. Thus, as this man shares some advice about financial matters in the passages above, its important to reflect upon this information. Solomon places an emphasis on leaving a financial legacy for your children and grandchildren. As this process is ongoing, Solomon urges individuals to educate your children about money. Whether this is through allowances, chores or saving money, these practices help shape what your offspring value in life. In other words, Solomon is asking what do you value? If you want to know, show your spouse where your money is being spent.
During my senior year of college, I became president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter at the University of Delaware. With any type of leadership position, there are numerous responsibilities that you must face and fulfill. My first week on campus was spent sitting at a table in different venues, meeting and greeting incoming freshmen as well as transfers who wanted to know what our group had to offer. During an outdoor event later that week, I was positioned next to a Make Cannabis Legal table. A reporter for our college newspaper thought this was ironic, Christians and pot together, stopping by to ask me a few questions. When the article was posted, I realized that I was set up as what I said was taken out of context. This was my first encounter with a distortion of truth.
As it is written and forever remains written, “There is none righteous [none that meets God’s standard], not even one. “There is none who understands, There is none who seeks for God, Romans 3:10-11.
Five years later I attended a Promise Keepers event at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. Sixty five thousand men filled this stadium eager to hear Colorado University football coach Bill McCartney. One of my co-workers at Four Winds Golf Club, who wasn’t a believer, was amazed by this speech. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the headlines which led Chicago’s nightly news. Roughly six million people lived in Chicago at the time of this event who heard reporters interview women who opposed the Promise Keepers movement. These protestors labeled participants as anti-woman, bigots and sexists. The coverage suggested that several hundred women marched outside the stadium, standing in unison against Promise Keepers. However, the press failed to tell their six millions viewers that there were only ten protestors on Friday night and two on Saturday. Nonetheless, the media had a specific narrative that they wanted to communicate and the only way to execute this plan was through a distortion of truth.
“All have turned aside, together they have become useless; There is none who does good, no, not one,” Romans 3:12.
In the last few months, there hasn’t been a day without some sort of news story on the Brett Kavanaugh confirmation process. From week to week, there have been twists and turns creating a media feeding frenzy. The initial stage began by trying to collect and uncover all of Judge Kavanaugh’s opinions on previous court cases and decisions. After an extensive examination, Senate hearings followed with days of questioning. Despite allegations, criticism and doubt, Brett Kavanaugh passed the second phase with relative ease. On the verge of a senate confirmation vote for this Supreme Court nominee, Democrats have unleashed a desperate attempt to derail this process by smearing this man with a series a sexual assault allegations going back to Brett’s high school days. A letter leaked to the press resulted in another hearing with an accuser, Christine Blasey Ford. While compelling, this didn’t satisfy every senator, leading to a seventh FBI investigation of Brett Kavanaugh. If you watch cable news, ninety percent of the coverage on Kavanaugh has been negative with an odd talking point, “guilty until proven innocent.” Perhaps, a distortion of the truth?
This righteousness of God comes through faith in Jesus Christ for all those [Jew or Gentile] who believe [and trust in Him and acknowledge Him as God’s Son]. There is no distinction, 23 since all have sinned and continually fall short of the glory of God, Romans 3:22-23.
This current Supreme Court nomination process reminds me of a previous election in the state of Washington. When the candidate who was suppose to win lost, there was a series of recounts done. Each time the individual who lost picked up a number of votes. By the third recount, the democrat was victorious with the republican departing quietly into the night. If this current standard, going back to your days in high school is applied to future judges or politicians, there will be no one left to run for these offices. No matter how hard you try to do the right thing daily, sooner or later you will fall, giving into the temptation on earth. Human beings are imperfect people, full of distortions that deviate from truth. According to the apostle Paul, the only way to overcome mankind’s flawed human nature is by coming to faith in Christ. As you reflect upon current events in the United States, may you pause to consider what’s reality important, a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
The word mind appears 95 times in the original King James Bible translation. Many of these references appear in the New Testament. The Greek word noús is the God-given capacity of each person to think. This is where the concept of reason is derived, the mental capacity to exercise reflective thinking. Thus, as an individual reads the Bible for the first time, the idea of an invisible supernatural force may be difficult to grasp.
But the natural [unbelieving] man does not accept the things [the teachings and revelations] of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness [absurd and illogical] to him; and he is incapable of understanding them, because they are spiritually discerned and appreciated, [and he is unqualified to judge spiritual matters], 1 Corinthians 2:14.
The apostle Paul addresses this struggle in the passage above. Today, agnostics, atheists and scientists reject initial thoughts of the Spirit of God. To intellects, taught to expand their mind with natural and worldly ideology, biblical teachings seem absurd, foolish and illogical. While debating, discussing and sharing the good news about Jesus to educated men, Paul came to the conclusion that many were incapable of understanding spiritual truths. These stubborn souls are blinded by minds steeped in age old traditions.
But the spiritual man [the spiritually mature Christian] judges all things [questions, examines and applies what the Holy Spirit reveals], yet is himself judged by no one [the unbeliever cannot judge and understand the believer’s spiritual nature]. 16 For who has known the mindandpurposes of the Lord, so as to instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ [to be guided by His thoughts and purposes], 1 Corinthians 2:15-16.
In May of 2008, Hollywood released Indiana Jones and the Kingdom Crystal Skull. This film is based upon gnosis, the knowledge of spiritual mysteries. After a pursuit for an ancient crystal skull, the climax reveals that knowledge belongs to aliens, higher beings beyond earth. You don’t have to see this movie to be informed. Rather, the passage above unlocks the secret to this life. The Holy Ghost, an invisible counselor guides those who place their faith and trust in Jesus, Romans 10:9-10. When you let God in, the Holy Spirit opens your mind to spiritual truths once hidden by a sinful nature. May this blog inspire you to develop a Christ like mind.
The term vibe can be best described as ambiance, aura, character and spirit that oozes out of your soul. Others refer to this quality as charisma, a trait that a pied piper demonstrates. People who exhibit a strong personality tend to develop a following. Whether this occurs within your community, on social media or at your place of employment, these groups may resemble a tribe as in the days of the Old Testament.
So Moses and Aaron took these men who were designated by name, 18 and assembled all the congregation on the first day of the second month, and they registered by ancestry in their families (clans), by their fathers’ households, according to the number of names from twenty years old and upward, head by head, 19 just as the Lord had commanded Moses. So he numbered them in the Wilderness of Sinai, Numbers 1:17-19.
During the Exodus out of Egypt, the Israelites traveled in 12 groups. These groups were named after the 12 sons of Israel. Moses refers to these descendants as Tribes. In the early days on earth, the order of your birth often dictated your ability to be successful in life. Unfortunately, during the days of Judges, individuals began to do what was right in their own eyes. Instead of keeping the ten commandments, worldly judges gave off bad vibes. Thus, many tribes gradually became spiritually bankrupt.
What good has it done me if, [merely] from a human point of view, I fought with wild animals at Ephesus? If the dead are not raised [at all], let us eat and drink [enjoying ourselves now], for tomorrow we die. 33 Do not be deceived:“Bad company corrupts good morals,” 1 Corinthians 15:32-33.
In a letter to the church of Corinth, the apostle Paul warns Christians about negative influences in life. Within a culture steered by philosophy, it wasn’t hard to justify and rationalize certain types of behavior. In the passage above, Paul is blunt, warning people about getting close to those who demonstrate sketchy character. Like the sowing principle, the vibe you give off to certain groups of people. Therefore, don’t be mislead by bad company. Rather, let your light shine throughout your community, Matthew 5:16, so that others will be drawn to Christ.
During the last half century, I have been fortunate enough to attend, listen and participate in numerous inspirational events. I went to Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania during a Billy Graham Crusade to hear NFL Hall of Famer Reggie White speak. Shortly after getting married, I heard former Colorado football coach Bill McCarthy address a crowd of sixty five thousand men during a Promise Keepers event at Soldier Field. I spent a year under the spiritual leadership of Alistair Begg, the voice of Truth for Life ministries at the Chapel in Solon, Ohio. Finally, I spent another year soaking in the knowledge of John Ortberg via Community Services at Willow Creek Community Church in Barrington, Illinois.
But even as he was saying this, a cloud formed and began to overshadow them; and they were [greatly] afraid as they entered the cloud. 35 Then a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, My Chosen One; listen and obey and yield to Him!” – Luke 9:34-35
Many of these speeches invigorated my soul, eager to live out my faith. Yet, there is one message that stands alone in the Bible. In the passage above, there were only four people present. Beside Jesus, James, John and Peter were on a mountain that was engulfed by clouds. This formation is similar to a heavy fog, limiting your visibility to a couple of feet. Within this cloud, the voice of God the Father spoke. To make sure there isn’t any doubt, God identifies Jesus as his own son. Believing that brevity is clarity, God the Father shares seven words. The command is simply: listen, obey and yield to Jesus.
When the voice had ceased, Jesus was found there alone. And they kept silent, and told no one at that time any of the things which they had seen [concerning the divine manifestation], Luke 9:36.
Listening means to be attentive, concentrate, hang on and keep your ears open. Obeying is the act of accepting, bowing, carrying out, deferring to and submitting to that which is being recommended. Yield refers to bear, contribute, fetch, gather, provide and realize the plan. In this context, the calling that God has designed for your life. According to the passage above, theses three disciples were in awe, reflecting upon what had just happened. None of these men revealed this event until after Jesus rose from the dead. Although there were only three eye witnesses, God’s message to modern believers hasn’t changed. Listen, obey and yield to Jesus.
The term X factor refers to a variable in a given situation that could have the most significant impact on the outcome. In the context of a sporting event, the X factor could be a replacement, substitute or specific play that changes the momentum of a game. This may be an unlikely hero or a star who seizes the moment by coming up clutch. In the 1996 film Tin Cup, Kevin Costner plays Roy McAvoy, a driving range golf professional who qualifies for the United States Open. This reckless golfer takes unnecessary chances, following the motto, “each shot is a defining moment. Either you define the moment or the moment defines you.”
They were continually and faithfully devoting themselves to the instruction of the apostles, and to fellowship, to]eating meals together and to prayers. 43 A sense of awe was felt by everyone, and many wonders and signs (attesting miracles) were taking place through the apostles, Acts 2:42-43.
During the first century, few churches had a physical building. Some met in local synagogues, others met outdoors on the outskirts of town, but most gathered in homes. According to Luke, this decision was the X factor in promoting spiritual growth. As people from different ethnic backgrounds began to meet for fellowship, prayer and spiritual discussions, a special bond formed. This spiritual climate set the stage for a revival, the first Great Awakening in history. Outsiders were curious, hungry for what these followers of Christ demonstrated and possessed.
And all those who had believed [in Jesus as Savior] were together and had all things in common [considering their possessions to belong to the group as a whole]. 45 And they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing the proceeds with all [the other believers], as anyone had need, Acts 2:44-45.
Based upon the passage above, poverty was eliminated by this generous group of believers. Whenever a member of the church had an emergency, problem or need, wealthy members sold their possessions to cover any cost or expense. Ultimately, the X factor for any congregation is when people become the hands and feet of Christ. This isn’t done out of a desire to be recognized. Rather, genuine love keeps no record of wrongs, giving out of the goodness of your heart. May the Holy Spirit inspire you to be the X factor in your community.
Nearly five years ago, I was finishing up a normal day of work at Amazon. After bruising a rib during a sledding accident the week earlier, I wasn’t moving too well but felt fine. Thirty minutes before the end of my shift, I sneezed. A few minutes later, I started having trouble breathing. I sat down, thinking everything would be fine. Moments later I collapsed as a co-worker rushed to get a paramedic on site. Before I knew, I was rushed to a hospital in the back of an ambulance, placed into a Cat-Scan machine to see what was wrong. The diagnosis, two broken ribs and a partially collapse lung.
So Satan departed from the presence of the Lord and struck Job with loathsome boils and agonizingly painful sores from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head. 8 And Job took a piece of broken pottery with which to scrape himself, and he sat [down] among the ashes (rubbish heaps), Job 2:7-8.
In the aftermath of my emergency surgery, I was forced to take a leave of absence. Despite a signed note from my doctors, I wasn’t cleared to return for five weeks. This event caused a major financial strain as well as delaying a promotion for another five months. Although my insurance covered most all my hospital bills, I owned over three thousand dollar for two ambulances, one to the hospital and the other to Christiana for my operation. No matter how prepared you may be in life, only God knows when your next emergency will arrive.
Then his wife said to him, “Do you still cling to your integrity [and your faith and trust in God, without blaming Him]? Curse God and die!” 10 But he said to her, “You speak as one of the [spiritually] foolish women speaks [ignorant and oblivious to God’s will]. Shall we indeed accept [only] good from God and not [also] accept adversity and disaster?” In [spite of] all this Job did not sin with [words from] his lips, Job 2:9-10.
My wife Leanne and I recently started a Dave Ramsey Financial Peace class. This course covers financial planning topics throughout nine sessions. While I can’t make any judgments from one week, the goal of this small group study is to prepare couples and families for financial emergencies. In the passage above, Job and his wife argue following the death of their children in a horrific storm, possibly a tornado. While Job’s wife had given up hope, Job’s relationship with God helped him remain optimistic. Since only God knows the future, make sure you start planning for the future now so that you become a good steward of the resources God provides.
If you have ever coached, played or watched a little league baseball game, you know that no lead in safe. My oldest son James played in the 11-12 year old championship game two years in a row. The first game went into extra innings as each team went ahead, lost the lead only to tie the game in their last at bats. Running out of pitchers, James came on in relief, pitching the 7th and 8th. Needing one out to close out the game, an error let in the tying run. In the bottom of the 8th, James was left on the mound while the opposing team celebrated. One year later, the championship game went into the 9th, but this time his team walked off champions. I hope these 2 games helped teach my son that it’s not over until you quit.
And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith,” Matthew 21:22.
During my sophomore year of college, my ultimate frisbee team reached the finals. From a talent stand point, my team didn’t deserve to win based upon merit. Down the entire game, I threw a Hail Mary pass as time was about to expire. Laying on my back, I watched as my throw sailed over two teammates in the end zone. However, a gust of wind miraculously keep the frisbee in the air long enough for our fastest player to make a game tying catch. In overtime, a defensive stop gave us a chance to take our first lead of the game. While making a catch in the end zone, a 6 foot 3 inch 200 pound defender landed on my arm. Somehow by the grace of God, I held on seal the victory. This experience taught me to never give up.
I can do all things through him who strengthens me, Philippians 4:13.
After the crucifixion of Jesus on a cross, one disciple committed suicide, others went into hiding and a few returned to their former trades. On the eve of Easter Sunday, Jesus’ mother, Mary Magdalene and other women went to ceremonially prepare Jesus’ body. Perhaps, some of them went to this cave, tomb hoping for a miracle. Upon their arrival, an angel of the Lord delivered incredible news. If someone can rise from the dead, then nothing is impossible. Thus, these godly women learned a valuable life lesson, its not over until you quit. Therefore, despite whatever trials you may endure, don’t give up, don’t ever give up.
ExpressYourself4Him 