Separate the Enduring from the Temporary
June 15, 2010
I would like to share an important rule of hermeneutics that if not understood and practiced (like many principles of Biblical interpretation), it can have drastic negative effects in your life. This is being able to separate the enduring from the temporary. The goal off this is to distinguish from the normative and the descriptive Scriptures. normative - actions meant to be a pattern for all believers descriptive - actions that are merely described in events of Biblical characters, but not set forth as a normal pattern for believers today Here are some examples and their classifications of Scriptures and Biblical stories that are normative or descriptive: | Bible | Command or Action | Normative or Descriptive |
|---|
| Genesis 6:14 | God commanded Noah to build an ark. | Descriptive | | Genesis 12:1 | God told Abraham to leave his home and move to a new land. | Descriptive | | Genesis 19:30-38 | Lot’s daughters had an incestual relationship with their father. | Descriptive | | Genesis 29:31-30:24 | Jacob had four wives. | Descriptive | | Exodus 2:19 | The midwives lied to save the newborns. | Descriptive | | Exodus 20:3 | God commands not to worship idols. | Normative | | Deuteronomy 20:15-18 | God told Israel to kill their enemies. | Descriptive | | Joshua 2:4-6 | Rahab lied to save the spies. | Descriptive | | Ruth 3:9 | Ruth proposed marriage to Boaz. | Descriptive | | Esther 2:14-18 | Esther married an unbeliever. | Descriptive | | Ezekiel 4:4-8 | Ezekiel preached lying on his side. | Descriptive |
Here are the three important questions of biblical interpretation for clarifying what a story is teaching—or what it is not teaching. - Does other direct teaching in the Bible condemn the action?
- Is the action, promise, or command confirmed and repeated in other passages of the Bible?
- Is the action or command only part of a cultural practice of the biblical person?
Gideon Asks for A Sign...Three Times! (Judges 6) We will use these three questions in relation to Gideon’s fleece, when he sought a sign to know God’s will. Gideon asked three times for a sign from God. Is Gideon’s method a pattern for believers today? Or did he already know God’s will, but lack the courage to act on it? Two of the three rules apply to Gideon. Question 1: Other verses in the Bible discourage us from asking God for signs. God prefers that we trust Him without signs. The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested him by asking him to show them a sign from heaven. He replied, ‘When evening comes, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,’ and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a miraculous sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.’ Jesus then left them and went away. (Matthew 16:1-4) “‘Unless you people see miraculous signs and wonders,’ Jesus told him, ‘you will never believe’” (John 4:48). So we see that Jesus encourages us to walk by faith, not by sight and signs. Thomas believed after he saw the nail prints, but Jesus blesses those who believe without seeing signs (John 20:29). Question 2: In the Old Testament, signs are mentioned a few times. God gave signs to Moses and to Pharaoh. Isaiah invited Ahaz to ask for a sign (Isaiah 7:10). Likewise, Hezekiah asked Isaiah for a sign that God would heal him (2 Kings 20:8). But in Gideon’s case, God had already sent an angel to talk with him. Still, Gideon asked for signs. Gideon’s action seems to have been an act of doubt, rather than faith. Question 3: This question has little or no application to the passage about Gideon since the passage does not focus on unique, cultural practices. God gave some signs to guide and assure His people under the Old Covenant. In contrast, under the New Covenant, it is easier for us to know God’s will. He puts His Spirit within us to guide and assure us. He has given us an entire Bible to help us know His will. Likewise, He guides us through wise counsel, circumstances, and spiritual events like dreams and visions. Under the New Covenant, God has many ways to guide believers without using signs, but all things should be measured by the teachings of the Scriptures. Jason Hanash, Associate Pastor
Neutralizing Fear
March 1, 2010
By Jason Hanash, Resident Pastor
The secret to neutralizing fear is to embrace the threatened disaster and count it as not too high a price to pay for obedience to Christ. This attitude of faith may not totally eliminate the uneasiness and apprehension. It will, however, allow you to go ahead and act in obedience to Christ. The problem of fear is not the fear itself, but the fact that we allow it to immobilize us. Being afraid is no sin. Shrinking back fearfully from obedience is sin. Fear can stop you in your tracks as a Christian, but it doesn't have to. You can trust God and move ahead in obedience because you understand fear and know how to deal with it. (Wayne McDill, Making Friends for Christ, p. 103)
Fear is a money market. There are numerous proponents in the pharmaceutical, physicians, and political arena who would have you believe that you are unsafe, unhealthy, and imbalanced. Just look at this list of awkward phobias:
Peladophobia: fear of baldness and bald people.
The Bible tells me something much different when it says, "For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father...For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind...There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear." (Romans 8:15; 2 Timothy 1:7; 1 John 4:18)
Fear is stated as being a "bondage" that steals, cheats, and deprives God's people from the abundant life that Christ has promised (John 10:10). The Holy Spirit enables us to conquer all fear with "power, love, and a sound mind".
Power - We must always realize and remind ourself, that it is His Spirit that gives us authority and power (Acts 1:8). "'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' Says the Lord of hosts." (Zech 4:6)
Love - "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear" (1 John 4:8). When we comprehend the vast love that God has for us, how he has promised to protect us, commanded us to be strong and couragious, and assured that His presence would follow us (Joshua 1:9), there is no reason to fear.
Sound Mind - Fear is a mind game that the enemy uses to debilitate you of your purpose. Once the enemy has poluted your mind, everything else follows. Proverbs 4:23 (GNT) says, "Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts", which is why it is important to know that "the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ" (1 Corinthians 10:4-5 ESV).
The Right Ingredients
January 2, 2010
There is a culinary saying that says, “Great cooks produce the best meals because they use the best cooking ingredients.” In order to be considered an excellent cook, you need more than just a good recipe.
We can learn much from what great cooks already know about selecting the best ingredients. Great cooks are well groomed in using herbs and spices to enhance the flavors of their meals. They also know how to select the best cuts of meat and dairy products to create a delectable and savory dish.
2 Peter 1:3 says,
“Everything that goes into a life of pleasing God has been miraculously given to us by getting to know, personally and intimately, the One who invited us to God. The best invitation we ever received!” (Msg)
To produce the best life, a life of pleasing God and therefore finding favor and living in abundance, the best ingredient is necessary – Jesus Christ! What good news this is. We don't have to toil and struggle our Father. He doesn't set impossible expectations or even ask for you to measure up to a certain standard. The Bible says that we need only to get to “know, personally and intimately, the One who invited us to God.”
Your inability to use the best cooking ingredients can have detrimental consequences. Have you ever baked or tried to make a particular dish and forgot the main ingredient? Did you see the faces of those who tried to swallow it? There is a similar picture of this in the Bible that God gives of tasting a life that is filled with everything else but a personal and intimate relationship of love with Him. In Revelation 3:16 in The Message Bible, Jesus says, “You're stale. You're stagnant. You make me want to vomit.”
Has you're spiritual life become stale? Do you feel stagnant in your spiritual growth? Well, check your ingredients. What having you been making life with?
The truth is “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” 1 Peter 1:3 (NIV)
Jason Hanash, Associate Pastor
God’s Prophetic Time Clock
December 14, 2009
Overview of Daniel’s 70 Weeks (Daniel 9:24-27)
Daniel 9:24 The entire 70 weeks (490 years)
Daniel 9:25 This first 69 weeks, or 7 weeks + 62 weeks (483 years)
Daniel 9:26 The time between week 69 and week 70 (?? Years “Church Age”)
Daniel 9:27 Week 70 (7 years - the Great Tribulation)
Daniel’s 70 weeks prophecy has been called by Bible scholars and Pastors, the backbone of all prophecy. It is the indispensable key to all prophecy. The setting for this prophecy is found in Daniel 9:1-23. The prophet Daniel is in Babylon, where the Jewish people have been in exile for almost 70 years. Daniel knows from reading the prophecies of Jeremiah that the captivity will last only 70 years. In Daniel 9:1-23, Daniel confesses the sins f the Jewish people and prays about the restoration of the people from Babylon. He knows that the 70 years of captivity is over (9:21), so he begins to intercede for his people. While Daniel is praying, God sends an immediate answer by the angel Gabriel (9:21). Daniel 9:24-27 is Gods answer to Daniels prayer, and in this answer, God goes far beyond the restoration of the people from Babylon. He goes all the way to Israel’s ultimate and final restoration under the Messiah!
"Seventy weeks are decreed about your people and your holy city, to finish the transgression, to put an end to sin, and to atone for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal both vision and prophet, and to anoint a most holy place. Know therefore and understand that from the going out of the word to restore and build Jerusalem to the coming of an anointed one, a prince, there shall be seven weeks. Then for sixty-two weeks it shall be built again with squares and moat, but in a troubled time. And after the sixty-two weeks, an Anointed One shall be cut off and shall have nothing. And the people of the prince who is to come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. Its end shall come with a flood, and to the end there shall be war. Desolations are decreed. And he shall make a strong covenant with many for one week, and for half of the week he shall put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall come one who makes desolate, until the decreed end is poured out on the desolator."
Daniel 9:24-27 (ESV)
Bible scholars generally interpret each week as a period of seven years because Daniel had already been thinking in terms of years in Daniel 9:1-2. The entire period involved, therefore, is 490 years.
70 sets of 7-year periods using a 360-day prophetic year
This prophecy goes on to predict that 7 of these sevens (49 years) will pass while Jerusalem is rebuilt and 62 more sevens (434 years) will transpire until the Messiah (“Anointed One“) comes as Israel’s “prince“. The total of the first 69 sevens is 483 years.
49 + 434 = 483 years
Using simple calculation, we can determine that the divine prophetic clock began ticking on March 5, 444 B.C., when the Persian king Artaxerxes issued a decree allowing the Jews to return under Nehemiah’s leadership to rebuild the city of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 2:1-8).
From the time the countdown began until the coming of the Messiah (“the Anointed One”), will be 69 weeks.
7 weeks + 62 weeks OR 483 years
This is the EXACT period of time, which is 173, 880 days when using the Jewish calendar of 360 days for a year, is the precise number of days that elapsed from March 5, 444B.C. until March 30, A.D. 33, the day that Jesus rode into Jerusalem for the triumphal entry (Zech 9:9; Luke 19:28-40). God predicted a period of 173,880 days to the exact day!
As you can see, that leaves out one “seven” or “week” still left for the future. God’s prophetic clock for Israel stopped at the end of week 69. We are presently living in this period of unspecified duration between weeks 69 and 70, which is called the church age. The church age will end when Christ comes to rapture His bride, the church, to heaven. God’s prophetic clock for Israel will begin to run again, after the church ahs been raptured to heaven, when the Antichrist comes onto the scene and makes a seven-year peace treaty with Israel (Daniel 9:27). This is the final or seventieth “seven” that still remains to be fulfilled. It’s often referred to as the seventieth week of Daniel.
Here’s a look at the prophecies yet to be fulfilled:
Major Prophecies That Are Yet Unfulfilled
In Chronological Order
1. Rapture of the church (John 14:1-3; 1 Corinthians 15:51-58; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)
2. Reuniting of the Roman Empire under a group of ten leaders - the G-10 (Daniel 7:7, 24; Revelation 13:1; 17:3, 12-13)
3. Jewish temple rebuilt in Jerusalem (Daniel 9:27; 12:11; Matthew 24:14; 2 Thessalonians 2:4; Revelation 11:1-2)
4. Rise of the Antichrist (Daniel 7:8; Revelation 13:18)
5. Signing of the seven-year peace-treaty with Israel (Daniel 9:27)
6. Russia, Iran, and other Islamic allies spring a surprise attack on Israel (Ezekiel 38-39)
7. Peace treaty with Israel broken after three-and-a-half years; beginning of one-world government, one-world economy, and one-world religion (Daniel7:23; Revelation 13:5-8; 15-17; 17:16-17)
8. Mark of the beast established as a pledge of allegiance to the Antichrist and as a passport for doing business (Revelation 13:16-18)
9. Many Christians (Tribulation Saints) and Jews martyred for refusing to worship the world dictator and take his mark (Revelation 7:9-17; 13:15)
10. Catastrophic, divine judgments and environmental disasters upon the whole world, represented by seals, trumpets, and bowls (Revelations 6-16)
11. World war breaks out, with the focus on the Middle East - Campaign of Armageddon (Revelation 16:12-16)
12. Babylon destroyed (Revelation 18)
13. Second coming of Christ (Matthew 24:27-31; Revelation 19:11-21)
14. Judgment of unbelievers (Ezekiel 20:33-38; Matthew 25:31-46; Jude 14-15; Revelation 19:15-21; 20:1-4)
15. Satan bound for 1000 years (Revelation 20:1-3)
16. Resurrection of Tribulation saints (Daniel 12:2; Revelation 20:4)
17. Millennial (1000 year) kingdom begins (Revelations 20:5-6)
18. Final rebellion at the end of the millennium (Revelation 20:7-10)
19. Resurrection and final judgment of the wicked - Great White Throne Judgment (Revelation 20:11-15)
20. Eternity begins - new heaven, new earth, New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:1-2)
"Once Saved Always Saved" - An un-Biblical Teaching
December 3, 2009
In response to my last devotion, there were comments posted by an Anonymous believer who had concerns about the teaching of “Once Saved Always Saved”, or the “Security of the Believer”. This Anonymous believer has a right to his opinions, and I do believe him/her to be a brother/sister in Christ. But I also believe that this teaching is dangerous for the Christian and un-Biblical. That is why I have decided to post this response for everyone to read, so we all can “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).
****************************************************************************************
My apologies Anonymous. I have been really busy. To be honest, when you asked the initial question about the “security of the believer”, I thought that you were someone who was genuinely seeking truth about the matter, not someone who has already made up their mind and desired a forum for a doctrinal debate. I appreciate your views and respect you. I also love you in Christ and believe us to be family. These things should not divide us, but we should rally around Christ and Him crucified for the sins of mankind. In the future, you can email me directly at jason@cccbakersfield.com, or make an appointment to speak in person.
Besides the Scriptures and commentary I have posted below, if what you say is true about God “granting people faith”, and that we as humans have nothing at all to do with our salvation, than you refute the fact that God created us with FREE WILL. It is this free will that enables us to truly love God; to be called sons and daughters of our God, Creator, and Father. Without free will, than one must reason that God creates some for Heaven and other for Hell (since it is His decision to give faith as you say). This contradicts the entire Bible (remember, although you may be able to find a Scripture that “sounds” contradictory, you must interpret the whole Bible as God’s Holy Word together), specifically John 3:16 and 2 Peter 3:9 which says, “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”
You have said that those who were once “Christians” and fell into habitual sin were not “real Christians” in the first place. I believe that Scripture taken in it’s entirety refute the doctrine of “The Security of the Believer” or “Once Saved Always Saved.” These are just a few…
Matthew 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven
Notice it's not enough merely to know that he is Lord (or even to call him that), but we must "do" the will of God.
Luke 8:13 They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away
Note that this person "heard the word", "received the word (with joy)", "believed for a while", but ultimately "fell away". So we see that it is possible to begin the race, but not finish.
Luke 9:25 For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?
It is interesting that Christ used the term "cast away"- this term is used by the apostle Paul in I Cor. as well, and refers to the special punishment of an apostate believer.
I Cor 3:17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
This couldn't apply to unbelievers, as their bodies do not contain the precious Holy Spirit in their temple.
I Cor 9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
What a sobering concept. Even the great apostle Paul knew of the possibility of falling away. Modern translations of the bible have watered down this verse, and most liberal commentaries state that Paul was only speaking of rewards being lost. But notice the pronouns I, my body, it, I, I, myself. Note also Paul uses the term "castaway" (same Greek word used for reprobate in other places). Remember earlier in the gospels, Jesus had warned about man losing his soul or becoming cast away.
II Cor 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
Why do we need to examine ourselves, if it is a once-for-all done deal? Let us heed the warnings of scripture and keep close watch on our eternal souls!
Galatians 2:17 But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. 2:18 For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor
Truly we are justified by faith, but that faith is not a license to sin. For if we go back to our old way of life, we become a transgressor (one who breaks the laws of God).
Galatians 5:4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace
The possibility of falling from grace exists, and mere human good works are equally dangerous if trusted upon for righteousness.
Phil 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling
Again, this doesn't sound like the modern message of "everything's ok, once-saved-always-saved". We ought to give the most earnest heed to the most important thing........our eternal destination!
Col. 1:23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister
There are many of these IF-THEN statements of the bible....pretty self-explanatory.
Timothy 3:6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
Here we see the importance of spiritual maturity when it comes time to appoint elders to the local assembly. Timothy is warned that a recent convert should not be placed in a position of spiritual authority because his pride could cause him to fall under the same judgment/condemnation of the devil. We know that the devil's judgment is none other than the lake of fire.
I Timothy 3:6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. (NIV)
I will point to two things. #1 this person is a "convert" ( I must ask what have they been converted to? Is it not Christianity?). #2 this person is in danger of falling under the same judgment of the devil.
Hebrews 6:4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, 6:5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, 6:6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. 6:7 For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: 6:8 But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned
Now I want to tread very lightly here, and be careful not to add-to or take-away from what the text says. But let me say this. It is apparent that this is speaking of a BELIEVER. Notice he is "once enlightened", "tasted of the heavenly gift" (the Greek word for taste is the same one used when an earlier text stated Christ tasted death for every man), " were made partakers of the Holy Ghost" (you cannot partake of the Holy Ghost by merely attending church, taking communion, being baptized, participating in rituals. You are only a partaker of Him, when He is in you), he has "tasted" the good word of God, and finally enjoyed the "powers of the world to come" (It would be impossible for an unbeliever to be granted this privilege by God. I don't know of too many unbeliever/sinners who have enjoyed the powers of the world to come)
Also, I would like to add that is not for us, as Christians to say when a person has "fallen away" to such a place. Or, to say that “they were never really a true believer”. We should defer all judgment unto the Son. The phrasing here of falling away, doesn't seem to imply simply a mistake made by a believer, for truly no one is without sin. Forgiveness is the privilege of every born-again believer according to I John 1:9. This seems like a much more serious offence of turning one's back on God altogether. But having said that, I don't want to diminish at all what the Holy Ghost is saying in this passage.
Hebrews 10:26 For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 10:27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. 10:28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 10:29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? 10:30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. 10:31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
Now right out of the gate, the myth that all of our past, present, future sins are already forgiven is shattered. (v.26) Next notice that is a far worse punishment for the one who hath counted the blood wherewith he was SANCTIFIED (impossible that this could refer to anyone but a believer) than for the one who had never known the way of truth. Verse 30 is clear.....he will judge HIS PEOPLE. We would do well not to water-down the fear of God (which scripture says is "the beginning of wisdom").
I pray that we will all continue in the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, walking in faith and holding fast to the promises of God, and allowing the grace of God to continually transform us. God bless you!
Pastor Jason Hanash
Happy Thanks Living
November 26, 2009
November brings us to the time of year when we observe our national Thanksgiving holiday here in the US. I’m glad we have a special day set aside to remember God’s gracious provision for us. But, that shouldn’t obscure the reality that we are commanded by God to demonstrate a grateful spirit every day of the year. I call that a spirit of “Thanksliving.”
How important is it to be thankful? In Romans 1:21, Paul outlines the downward course of a person toward reprobation. He says, “Because that, when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful…” One of the first steps away from God is, not exercising a grateful spirit.
The secret of maintaining a grateful spirit is to be Content
Ungratefulness and covetousness are closely related. In I Corinthians 6:9,10 covetousness is listed right beside sins such as immorality and drunkenness. That’s because this sin becomes the channel by which we are led deeper into the sins of the flesh and spirit.
Hebrews 13:5 tells us that the secret to maintaining a grateful spirit is to be Content. To me, contentment has always carried the idea of being satisfied, being at rest. Like the proverbial cow, chewing its cud. But this is a verb, it denotes action. This word carries the idea of raising a barrier; to ward off something. We must ward off things that foster discontent. Someone has defined contentment this way; “recognizing that God has provided everything I need for my present happiness.” That attitude will insulate us from the rank materialism that is so pervasive in our culture.
The ability to be Content rest on our faith in God’s promises
Why can you and I be content with what we have? Because God has promised that He will NEVER leave us or forsake us. The literal translation is like this. “No, I will not leave thee; no, neither will I not utterly forsake thee.” It is a very emphatic statement. This is the ultimate security. And that’s what we are seeking when we struggle with covetousness; security. And that’s what we are seeking when we struggle with covetousness; security. We must realize that true security is found in our relationship to God and His promises to us.
That realization of God’s care should dispel all our fears. The word fear, in Hebrews 13:6 is the equivalent of our word phobia. Now a phobia is not temporary fright. A phobia is a state of fear one lives in. The dictionary says it is an irrational fear. So, for believers, the fear of man is irrational. Jesus said, “don’t fear those who kill the body but fear Him who can destroy both soul and body.”
Our faith is God’s promises is demonstrated by our lifestyle choices
One thing I want to make clear, there is a vast difference between contentment and complacence! Remember, contentment is active. It’s accepting what God has given and using it for His glory. It’s erecting a barrier to those things that foster discontent. Complacence is passive, it’s the attitude of, “whatever.” It gives the idea of not caring or not being concerned. 1 Timothy 6:6 states that “godliness with contentment is great gain.” What are some practical things we can do to develop this quality of great value?
Realize that all we have comes from God.
Accepting the sovereignty of God goes a long way in helping us to be content. This applies to possessions, circumstances, abilities, spiritual gifts and so on. Along with that we must be convinced that who we are is not dependent on what we have.
Flee from temptation.
Don’t go to the mall, the sporting goods store, or the tool aisle at Home Depot just to “window shop.” You may think it’s harmless but it feeds that desire for more. You know Satan will always help us find ways to justify our selfishness.
Our lifestyle choices reflect our contentment or lack of it
Be willing to give as the Lord directs you. Have you ever been saving money for a particular need, or want, and God directed you to take that money and give to a need that someone else has? Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit in relation to giving. That will help you develop a contented heart.
Be aware of the plight of our brothers and sisters in other lands who suffer for their faith in Christ.
By entering into their sufferings and seeing how committed they are and how little they have materially, we can be challenged to be more content. Wishing you Happy ThanksLiving and the great riches of contentment!
Keys to Healthy Relationships: Resolving Conflict
October 19, 2009
The second part in our series about healthy relationships is about resolving conflicts.
Conflict happens everywhere: home, work, church, and everywhere in-between.
Paul said to “do all that you can to live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18 NLT). Conflict is a necessary ingredient in life, but how we respond to the conflict is of greater importance than the conflict itself. In James 3:18, it says, “Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.” This is the law of sowing and reaping, and through it we see that it is not the outward agents and entities that come upon us that affect our endurance, but it is the reaction we sow that will determine our future harvest.
There are 5 main styles of dealing with conflict. See if you can identify the one you use more than others:
Competitive: “I win, you lose.” A destructive attitude in any relationship.
Collaborative: Cooperate effective and acknowledge that everyone is important. Usually the best form of conflict resolution.
Compromise: At least partially satisfy everyone. We have to be able to give a little and respect others opinions and feelings.
Accommodating: Meeting others needs at the expense of your own. Sometimes necessary, but can create a time bomb within.
Avoiding: Not wanting to hurt others feelings; evade conflict entirely. Sometimes necessary, but not the optimal way of dealing with things.
You can see how some of these styles can be used depending on the situation and conflict. In order to be peacemakers and have healthy relationships, we need to recognize which is our favorite, and be able to deviate from our norm after diagnosing the circumstances.
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God" Matthew 5:9
Keys to Healthy Relationships: Selflessness
October 12, 2009
Colossians 4:6 MSG
“The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out.”
We're going to start a new series on how to establish and maintain healthy relationships. Our first devotional is on selflessness.
Have you ever been around someone who just lifts your spirit? Someone who can make you smile, or who is always available to listen when we’re down or pressured by life’s challenges? This person is a giver.
In our relationships, we can either be GIVERS or TAKERS; we either ADD to the relationship, or SUBTRACT from it. It’s easy to become self-centered in our conversations and relationships. It’s part of our carnal nature to look out for our own feelings and circumstances first, and others second, third, and maybe even fourth.
Philippians 2:3-5 (NIV) tells us, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.”
When we put others needs before ours, we are effective and powerful witnesses; we are taking on and adopting the attitude of Christ!
Ask yourself
- How can I brighten someone’s spirit today?
- How can I steer that negative conversation to a positive one that would please God and reflect the attitude of Christ?
- How can I be a GIVER in my relationships and conversations, putting others needs above my own?
- How can I invite someone into my life, and allow them to be blessed and better for it?
Always remember, “The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not to put them down, not to cut them out” Col 4:6 MSG.
Jason Hanash
Associate Pastor
Practical Keys to Spiritual Growth
August 24, 2009
MARK 4:26-28 (Amplified Version); And He said, The kingdom of God is like a man who scatters seed upon the ground. And then continues sleeping and rising night and day while the seed sprouts and grows and increases-he knows not how. The earth produces [acting] by itself-first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear.
The first thing the seed does to start the growth process is to build a root system in the earth; which is the kingdom that the seed belongs and was attached to by God. Isaiah 61:3 declares that we are the planting of the Lord. Colossians 1:13 declares that we have been translated out of the kingdom of God and into the kingdom of Jesus Christ.
The first thing we must do is build a root system into the kingdom that we’re in. A root is the part of the plant usually below the ground or within the ground or kingdom it belongs too. The root system is design to first of all hold the plant in position and keep it in place. This is what prayer, serving, giving and attending church on a regular basis do.
It is through the root system that the plant also draws water and nourishment from the soil-earth or the kingdom that it belongs too. The seed has the ability to comprehend the earth or its kingdom. Comprehend means to understand; to include; or to take in. The seed understands naturally that it’s surrounded by everything it needs to grow, to live, to flourish and to become. Everything that pertains to life and godliness is in the kingdom of God for us (II Timothy 1:3).
The root system for the seed signifies or represent: the understanding that the seed has of its kingdom, the expectation the seed has in its kingdom, the confidence of being compensated for its efforts or doing its part, the reliance and trust the seed has in its kingdom.
Before we were translated into the kingdom of God, we spent years building our root system in the kingdom of darkness. Many believers are struggling to hold their position in Christ, because they haven’t completely destroyed their root system in the kingdom of darkness and are still including or taking in nourishment that is unhealthful for godly living; keeping them from progressing in the kingdom of God.
John 1:12; But as many as receive him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God……It’s impossible for the seed to become without building a root system. The same holds true for you and me.
Gregary Moses
Associate Pastor
Rejoice Always!
August 17, 2009
Imagine you are walking down the street minding your own business when someone approaches you and gives you $100. How would you feel? What if it wasn’t just $100, but $1000, or $1,000,000? I’m sure if it was $100 you would say to yourself, “Wow, $100, this is so cool”, or something like that. But, if it was the $1,000,000 you would probably jump and scream until your voice gave out. The greater the value of the gift, the greater our joy is when we receive the gift.
The Bible says in 1 Thessalonians 5:16, “REJOICE ALWAYS”. This is a command. It is possible because our joy is based not on the gifts this world offers, which are here today and gone tomorrow, but on the Gifts of God. Romans 6:23 tells us the Gift of God is eternal life and James 1:17 adds every good and perfect gift comes from above. We are not just happy, but overjoyed because through Christ we have all things.
Even so, some don’t have joy. Others are on a joy roller-coaster, happy one week and depressed the next. This is because we don’t appreciate the magnitude of our sin. Isaiah 59:1-2 tells us that sin separates us from God. Yes, one sin is enough to eternally separate us from God. Also, we don’t appreciate the magnitude of our Gift. God paid the ultimate price so that we could (Romans 8:32) be reconciled, have fellowship, and experience true Love, Compassion, Peace, and overwhelming JOY.
If you ever get to feeling down, or if you sense you have lost your joy, remember that you have been made a son of God, and a co-heir with Christ. You have been given priceless gifts through Jesus that don’t rust, fade, or expire. Let us continually base our joy on God’s Gifts so that even when times are tough, through Christ, our greatest gift, we will still be overjoyed.
By G. Diaz
[ Older Posts ]
|
