War For The Kingdom (Possibly Controversial)

"Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemings of the devil."  (Ephesians 6:11)

There was great news for me this week, a great answer to prayer.  I have been praying as a "priority" for President Trump that he be able to appoint at least one more Supreme Court Justice.  There are some, however, in the Church who believe such things are not the "mandate" of the Church.  They believe, I guess, "the schemings of the devil," are just to mess up my personal life.

Some "spiritualize" Ephesians 6:10-18 to the extent that they don't war outside religious connotations.  It is classic just get saved, and forget about a changed life style.  Too many think that the Followers of Jesus should just have altar calls, evangelize, do missions, and stay out of everything else.  Tomorrow I finish another quarter through the Bible.  You just cannot take the aforementioned approach to life and base it on the Bible.

As we were traveling home yesterday, we listened to a well known pastor, Bible preacher.  I have always appreciated his preaching when I have had a chance to hear him.  Yesterday he was attempting to make a case for tolerance, patience, love, acceptance, etc., from 1 Thessalonians, yet in that call there was a rebuke for those who believe the Church is called to be an instrument for culture change.  Such theology excludes preaching and living of Jesus' Words, "And as you go, preach, 'The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.'"  The Kingdom is everywhere, in everything, every aspect of life.  Praying and doing all we can for a culture which reflects the The Reign of Jesus Christ, the Kingdom of Heaven, is a Biblical mandate.  It is not, "Go into all the world and compromise." 

When a person surrenders his life to Jesus Christ, "all things are become new."  What is it about, "all things," do they not understand?!?  The persecuted Church of the first three centuries of the Common Era lived, "all things...become new."  As a result, they took over the Roman Empire.  Jesus told Pilate, "My Kingdom is not from this world."  He did not say that His Kingdom has nothing to do with this world.  "Jesus Christ is Lord," does not mean, "head of a religion."  It means, as the Psalm declares, "The Kingdom is the Lord's: and He is the governor among the nations."

Father, in Jesus' Name, help me to keep the right perspective in everything.  Amen.

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

Hebrews 12:2

"Like A Weaned Child...I am Content"

"But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content."  (Psalm 131:2, NIV)

How does one do this?  Apparently it has something to being, "....like a weaned child with it's mother."

It's a scene of tranquility, rest, peace.  This is only possible in Jesus Christ.  The words and philosophy of this present world system will continually keep us in an agitated state, anxious, uncertain.

We can, "calm[] and quiet[] [ourselves]," when we live a life of, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."  Take a joyful, restful moment and enjoy today's text.  Our Heavenly Father is indeed our Father, our Comforter, our Savior, Deliverer.  In Him we are, "like a weaned child...content."

Father, in Jesus' Name, thank You for this comfort.  Amen.

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

Hebrews 12:2

'You Play It Your Way"

"Jesus said to him, 'If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you?  You follow Me.'"  (John 21:22)

So many people's lives are full of constantly quoting others, the latest "catch phrases," cliches.  They are too worried about "John."

"You follow Me," not the latest hero, charismatic personality.  Many are constantly quoting the phrases and even Scriptures which admired people frequent.  For me, part of, "You follow Me," means that you and I have testimonies people need to hear.  Of course, this does not negate the testimonies, even "revelations" of others. You and I, however, have received "words" from the Scriptures, written in our hearts and minds, some "forged" in great trial.  One thing our text says to me is that just as there are four Gospels, and not one big Gospel, there are "four" testimonies which the world around us needs.  Repeating the phrases of others constantly negates, "You follow Me."

I was attending a Jazz Concert at the old Civic Arena back in 1970.  During one band's gig, the bassist had a solo.  While he was playing, the band conductor started to direct.  A guy from the audience shouted, "You play it your way."

Father, in Jesus' Name, I so thank You that you daily, as Psalm 119 says, "unfold[]" Your Words to me.  Amen.

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

Hebrews 12:2