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What Kind Of Christian Are You?

Posted on April 14, 2014 by bibleteacherorg

Christians are – according to the Scripture – people who have been “born again” through the power of God. They have received Christ as both Lord and Savior, and, according to the Scripture:

John 1:12-13 …. as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

Christians are “born of God’s Spirit”, brought into His Family by adoption, God’s Children by faith. They are “new creatures in Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 6:15), driven by love as Christ was driven by love. This is what the Bible says. If this is so, then why are so many who profess Christ creatures, not new creatures? Some “Christians” are like locusts, the scourges of the Bible. They hop into a Church, blessing the heart of the pastor and flock at first, for any addition is a blessing in a small family. They consume resources, but never tithe nor decide to give to the work of the ministry. Like locusts they eat and eat, consuming resources but never replacing them. Then one day, like the locust hoard, they hop away to another Church. They never tell the pastor or flock why they left. In their wake they consumed the pastor’s time – hours and hours in counseling and services. They consumed the Church’s time by projects they started but never continued. They left a hole in the hearts of the people and never an explanation. Hopity hop. Time to consume again.

Other “Christians” are like vultures, carrion eaters. When they first come to the Church they look good, soaring in, almost like eagles. They give a good portion to the ministry, and seem to be at every service. Then they start skipping services. The pastor sends cards and tries calling, and they pop back a little here and there – but are never consistent. Then they stop coming to Church … that is, until a problem happens. When a disturbance comes and a “business meeting” is scheduled these carrion birds pop in, squawk, and add to the fire. They feed on the trouble, nibbling at the pastor and the flock. They have no right to do so but because they “are on the roll” of the Church they have a vote and have a say. They nibble and bite, and, if the Church splits or the pastor dies, they fly away to tell others how “good” they were and how “bad” everyone else was. The story is just so juicy. They are the close relatives of the “Christians” who are like piranhas. These are the ones who do nothing but sit back and pick – pick – pick at every problem they see in the Church. They look good in the services, but once they swim home they get on the phone with their other piranha friends and pick. I had one lady tell me at a Church oddly named “Good Hope” that “this is what we love to do after Sunday dinner. We get together and pick the sermon and the pastor apart!” Piranhas and Vultures destroy Churches, and destroy its witness in the neighborhood.

Then there are the Christians that are like “Mocking Birds”. northern_mockingbird_glamour These are very pretty, lovely to look at, yet have no gumption, no backbone. They imitate good Christians, imitate bad Christians, imitate the lost. They are imitators, of little use in the Kingdom of God. If they would imitate Christ they would be great assets. But they bend and twist with the slightest breeze, going with the flow, following the crowd. Someone says “I know the Bible speaks against sexual sin, but we will gain more members if we look the other way”. The Mocking Birds reply, “Look the other way”. Another says, “A woman should have a right to do with her body as she pleases. Support abortion.” The Mocking Bird replies, “Support Abortion”. They will not stand against anything, but stand for everything. This is their way.

Then there are Christians who are like “Fire Ants”. They appear peaceful until you step on their mound where they are resting. All of a sudden, they are all over you! I have stood at the door of the Church greeting people as they leave when a few fire ants come up and start chewing on me. They rake me up one side and down the other for some perceived slight, then while I (or you) are in shock, stalk angrily away. These same ants often wonder why they aren’t used in the Church more – why they aren’t on a Committee or asked their opinion. Frankly, it’s because I’m scared of them! No one likes to be ant bit!

Then there’s the Christian who doesn’t mind coming to Church, but doesn’t want to do anything. These are like “Sloths”. They hang around doing nothing, and will cause no trouble lest you try to change their traditions. These are the ones who refuse to move from their God ordained pew – you know, the one that has their name on it. Their favorite song is “I shall not be moved” – and they mean it. They are happy with their status quo, happy with things the way they are – just leave them alone.

Then there are the Biblical Christians, those who soar like the Eagles. No, I don’t mean the Rock Band “The Eagles”, but who “Mount up on wings and soar for the Lord”. They are great testimonies to the saving power of Christ. They are blessings to the pastor, for they want to rise up and work. They are blessings to God for they want to be above the world and sin. They guard and protect the Church of God because they are uplifted by the Word of God. It is such a joy to have these types of “New Creatures” in the Church. If there were more of these, this Pastor would consume less bottles of Tums every week. Oh, how majestic are those who love the Lord and are not ashamed to show it!

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I and my Brother in Christ Jim Haney singing

Posted on January 6, 2014 by bibleteacherorg

for Riverview Baptist Church (798 Santa Fe Pike, Columbia, TN)

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The Household Of Faith

Posted on January 6, 2014 by bibleteacherorg

Galatians 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

In the life of a Pastor his day begins with prayer. Prayer for the Church that God has entrusted to his care. Prayer for its members. Prayer for its growth. Prayer that we can be the Light of the world that our Lord wants us to be. That we will do some good this week, and that others will come into a saving relational knowledge with Christ Jesus our Lord.

As the day progresses, the Pastor gets calls. People call the Church. People call his cell phone. “I need help this month. I can’t pay my electric bill. I can’t pay my rent. My utilities have been cut off.” For the household of faith the answer is simple. If you are a partner in faith with us, a part of our local Church, we will take up an offering for you and yours. I usually have a deacon stand at the door and ask the Church to give. Our local Church – like most local Churches – is generous beyond imagination. There has never been a time when a partner in our Church was struggling where financial help has not been offered. This Church is filled with people who love one another, and I am so blessed to be their Pastor. We take care of one another, just as we should. In the New Testament Church ……

Acts 2:44-45 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

they showed that type of unity, and I see it frequently in our local Church. Sadly, though, the many calls I receive during the week are not from Church members. “I need help this month. I can’t pay my electric bill. I can’t pay my rent. My utilities have been cut off.” I am asked for funds. I reply, “Where do you participate in Church? Who is your Pastor?” They return, “Oh, I don’t go to Church. I love Jesus (they always love Jesus) but don’t have to go to Church to love Jesus. I just need some money, some help with my finances this month.”

And I have to say “No, I’m sorry, we don’t do that.”

I wish I didn’t have to say no. I wish I were a millionaire. If I had Bill Gates money I would help every poor person in Columbia Tennessee, and I’d pay every overdue utility and rent. I hate having to say no. But having said all this, IF I had the money, and IF I paid every person’s bills, I suspect that I would be outside of the will of God. The Bible says:

2 Thessalonians 3:10-13 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. 11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. 12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. 13 But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.

Most of those who do not have the money will not work. They make excuses. They live on government welfare. They make bad decisions. I’ve seen “poor people” in line in front of me at the local Wal Mart. The man was robust, in perfect health. The woman he was with was comfortably dressed. They buy groceries with food stamps (or the EBT card, the modern version of it), and after buying groceries get a case of beer and a 50$ carton of cigarettes. Many poor are poor because they will not work. While others work, they want to be supported. The Bible frowns on that.

It is lazy to call a Pastor on Monday morning or Sunday afternoon saying, “I need help with …” when you should have at LEAST been in Church. Get out of bed. Come to the Church. True story: I had someone blast me because our Church was not helping “it’s own members”. When I asked who these people were and they told me their names, I replied “WHO ARE THEY?” I had been Pastor of the Church for 6 months and they had never darkened the door of the Church nor ever attempted to call me on the phone. If there was a police line up, I couldn’t have picked them out. GET OFF YOUR BEHIND AND GET TO THE CHURCH.

I have had people call and, when I said we cannot help, they replied “But isn’t that what the Church is for?” No, it’s not. You will find no instance in the Scripture where Jesus Christ paid anyone’s utility bill. You will find no instance where Jesus fed anyone who was not under the sound of His preaching. You will find no place where Jesus provided clothing or shelter for anyone. When Jesus fed the 5000, it was at the end of a day of preaching. Get to Church.

The Church is a family of God. It is a place where God’s Children gather to care for one another, to feed on God’s Word, and to worship the Lord. In these latter days we all need all the family we can get. Get into a Church. Become NOT a member, but a PARTNER with a household of faith. Help others as others help you. Work together. Don’t lay out of Church for years then, when you’ve made bad decision after bad decision, your power is cut off, call the Pastor and demand funds. We are not a welfare station. We are God’s Church. We are called out of this world by the Gospel of Christ. We love God, love one another, and would love to love you.

My calling as a Pastor is to point every person to Christ, to tell you that He must be Lord of your life if you want to be blessed. He is the Only Savior. If you have believed what Jesus said in John 14:6

… I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

and have been born again by the power of God, my calling is to teach you to be more like Jesus. Every Christian is to be like Christ. This is what God has foreordained ….

Romans 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

God wants you to be a Christian. If a Christian, He wants you to be like Christ. This is the thrust of my ministry, to bring you to Christ and, if you are saved by His Grace, to share His Word with you so that God can make you more Christlike. I wish you well, and pray for you, too. You need the Lord more than you need a rent check. You need the Lord more than you need your utility payment. Like the prodigal son, you need to understand that until you are in the hands of Christ your life will always be lacking. I cannot feed your habit by paying your bills. As Evangelist Vance Havner once said, if someone had given the prodigal son a sandwich he might never have gone home. You need to go home. To quit wandering. To give yourself to Jesus.

Do that, and come to Church next Sunday. Come up to me and introduce yourself as a Child of God. Partner with our local Church. Love God, love your Church family. And yes, then we’ll help, because you are our brother or sister in Christ!

I hope you understand.

Posted in General | Tagged Christian, Church, giving, welfare | Leave a comment

Good Feeling Merry Gentlemen!

Posted on December 23, 2013 by bibleteacherorg

I opened up Facebook today to see a rant from one of my “friends” about Christmas. In all CAPITAL LETTERS she told the world – myself included – that she’s “not feeling” Christmas. There’s a lot of people “not feeling” Christmas. In fact, suicide rates climb during the Christmas season. Why?

I think it has to do with condition of your heart and the focus of your eyes.

Let me ask you ….. What song are you singing this Christmas? Are you singing …

“Tis the Season to feed the selfish,
Buy Buy Buy Buy Buy B-Buy Buy Buy.
Grab made in China off the shelf-ish,
Buy Buy Buy Buy Buy B-Buy Buy Buy.”

“O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, the night when Christ was born;
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine! “

If you’re not “feeling” Christmas it’s because your eyes are fixed on anything but Christ. It’s not about losing a loved one. My mom and dad both went to be with Jesus this year. My middle son went to be with Jesus when he was 17. It’s not about presents. Today’s ga ga is tomorrow’s garbage. It’s not about celebrity. Today’s “Material Girl” is tomorrow’s ??????? It’s not about stuff, or big meals, or lights on a tree. It’s about Jesus Christ.

If you’re focused on feeding your ego or “feeling” Christmas you’ll never feel it. Without Christ in the heart you’ll never find pleasure under the tree. Right now I’m wearing a set of house slippers my wife bought me for a pre-Christmas gift. Frankly, they’re killing my feet, and I’m going to have to take them off. I could whine and complain about what she gave me that doesn’t fit but, you know something …. she’s the best wife EVER! She loves me unconditionally. I hate the shoes, but love her.

Your life may not have turned out the way you want. I understand that. I wish I pastored a mega-Church like Rick Warren. I wish I were as successful as my oldest son is in ministry. I wish I could be near my grandchildren for Christmas. It hurts to be hundreds of miles away, unable to hug those little boys.

But God has given me – and you – greater gifts that far surpass what we do not have.

He has given us eternal life by giving us HIMSELF. That’s why a babe lay in a manger, because God came to be with us. He has promised all who believe in Him eternal life. I will see my loved ones again because of Jesus. He has promised us His peace and His joy if we keep our eyes on Him.

So the choice is yours.

You can wallow in what you do not have and make yourself a hell on earth.

Or you can embrace Christ and revel in what He has given you – and me.

Choose wisely. Choose Christ.

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A New Day ~

Posted on December 13, 2013 by bibleteacherorg

Beautiful Poem! And AMEN!

CHRISTian poetry ~ by deborah ann

Restore my soul Lord,
each and every day
establish my paths
along the way.

Rebuild my life Lord,
every morning anew
determine my course
so as I may follow you.

Repair my heart Lord,
at dawns early light
prove its intent is true
pleasing in Your sight.

Renew my mind Lord,
upon the rise of the sun
strengthen my awareness
so Your will may be done.

Refresh my spirit Lord,
as the stars slowly fade
as this is a new day
for me ~ You have made!

~~~~~~~~~

Psalm 143:8
King James Version

“Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning;
for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way
wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.”

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The Temptation To Lower Yourself

Posted on December 13, 2013 by bibleteacherorg

Lord, give me a wise and understanding mind, 1 Kings 3:9 that wisdom which in all cases helps one to succeed; Ecclesiastes 10:10 that wisdom of the prudent which is to discern his way. Proverbs 14:8 This I pray, that my love may abound more and more with knowledge and all discernment, so that I may discern things that differ and may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:9-11

Have you ever been attacked? I don’t mean “mugged”, because I’ve never been “mugged” by a thief, but attacked physically and or emotionally. If you’re human you have been attacked. And sadly, if you’re a Christian you’ve probably been attacked by:

a. The Unbelievers around you.

b. Wolves in sheep clothing.

c. Other Christians.

d. Your own mind.

Frankly, I doubt very seriously that the devil, that old Satan, ever attacks the average Christian. He is not, after all, all powerful nor is he like God everywhere. Satan is a created being – a being of light – an Angel that stood up against God and in pride tried to be God. Though he said:

Isaiah 14:13-15 …. I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. 15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.

You cannot rebel against God and win. Satan tried. He convinced a third of the angels of Heaven (Revelation 12:4,9) to follow him, but did not prevail. But he and his followers came to this earth and, once on the earth, began to teach others to do as he did.

To rebel against God.

To be evil and hateful.

To gossip, tear down, attack others.

To bring pain and suffering to the children of God and the Church of Christ.

Our Lord Jesus told those of us who follow Him …

John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

The Unbeliever will always attack the Christian. God calls the Christian away from the abnormal, selfish lifestyle that so many unbelievers naturally adopt. No longer are we to walk in the “works of the flesh”

Galatians 5:19-21 …. sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, 21 envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I tell you about these things in advance — as I told you before — that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

but we are to allow the Spirit of God to produce in us “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control” (Galatians 5:22-23). This “Fruit of the Spirit” is the Light that Christ has given us, a “Light to Lighten the Gentiles” (Luke 2:32). As many lights cling to the Christmas Tree, adding beauty and visibility to it, every Christian in this world – while on this world – is to be that kind of Light. God shines through us, through our varied characters, to be like Jesus. To be light.

This is why we are attacked.

The Unbeliever and the “Wolf in sheep clothing”, the pretender to the Christian faith, do not like the light. They will not come to Christ because, as the Scripture says,

John 3:19-20 … men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

The Unbeliever and the pretend Christian do not like the light – they like sin. So they stay in sin, and justify sin, and attack while trying to draw others into sin. Like Eve, they tempt to evil but do not understand that their way is not the Way of Christ. Unlike Adam we must not lower ourselves to defy God, to enter the darkness, to strike back when the Unbeliever and the Hypocrite strike. If we are indeed Christians we have no place in the darkness, no home in the mud. The pretend Christian is clearly seen when – gossiping and backbiting – they violate the standard of love. They who do not repent of the darkness and seek the Fruit of the Spirit are pretenders, perhaps Churchmen, perhaps even teachers and preachers, well awarded for their service in the Church by unwitting followers. But if “the dog is turned to his own vomit AGAIN, and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire” (2 Peter 2:22), then that person was never born of the Spirit, saved by Grace in the first place. The Children of God act like the Father Who made them. They love. They love.

When Christians attack Christians – if they are indeed Christians – it is not long until the Father corrects the problem. If one professes Christ but produces none of the Fruit of the Spirit, their profession has no more substance than the department store Santa’s promises to the children on his lap. The genuine Christian does not long stay in darkness. God rules in their hearts, and they love. He who will not love is NOT of God. Is this not what James wrote?

1 John 4:19-21 We love him, because he first loved us. 20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? 21 And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.

We have all been tempted to lower ourselves to where the attacker is. Do not do so! I have been attacked by pastors, preachers, teachers, deacons, and prominent family members of Churches. It is a strong temptation to attack back, and sometimes I have succumbed to that temptation. Never has attacking back been a good idea. Anytime I have done so, lowering myself into the mud slingers domain, I have muddied myself. A untempered remark – a few seconds said – lingers and darkens for months and even years. Better to do as the Apostle Paul did when attacked by the hypocrite. Let God have Alexander the coppersmith (2 Timothy 4:14) and Hymenaeus (1 Timothy 1:20). God can take care of the Unbeliever. God can take care of the Hypocrite. God can take care of the wayward Christian. God can take care of me! That’s what we all need to do when attacked. Don’t – like Eve – take Satan’s bait. Reject the evil. Do not wallow in the mud. You are not a pig – you are a Prince of God, a child of the King. You are not a dog, but Dominated by Love. Be the Light!

Posted in General | Tagged attacks, Christ, evil, love | Leave a comment

Unto Us A Child Is Born

Posted on December 9, 2013 by bibleteacherorg

Isaiah 9:6 ^(KJV) For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Pastor Greg Laurie gave the following illustration. He said: I heard the story of a mother who was out Christmas shopping, frantically trying to get everything done. She had her small child with her, but for a moment, she lost sight of him. In sheer panic, she started retracing her steps and found him with his nose pressed against the glass of a store display, looking at a manger scene. The boy said, “Mommy, Mommy! Look! It is Jesus in the hay!” Grabbing his hand she pulled on him to lead him away. “Let’s go, we don’t have time for that.”

In the hustle and bustle of the “holiday” season we forget that the word “holiday” originally comes from the words “holy day”.

We get in such a hurry to do the secondary things – buying gifts, getting the house ready for the family to come – that we speed up the words. We blend “holy day” together into one word, “holiday”, and lose the original intention. This season may be focused on the gifts – the retailers want you to focus on the gifts – but God doesn’t want you to forget that this season commemorates a great thing. This season is all about:

Unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given.

We All Desperately Need The Lord Jesus! Every Christmas Hollywood rolls out a few movies to try and entertain as well as influence America. During the Christmas season of 2005 Hollywood rolled out Brokeback Mountain, a cowboy movie with a twist. The movie was advertised as “The story of a forbidden and secretive relationship between two cowboys and their lives over the years”. I find it interesting that John Wayne, probably one of the greatest actors to ever portray cowboys, never won a single Oscar …. but Brokeback Mountain won three Oscars portraying a sexually sinful lifestyle. What is Hollywood releasing this year? A movie called Delivery Man. This movie is being advertised with “What would you do if you suddenly found out you were the father of 533 children?” The lead character is a man who made hundreds of “donations” to a fertility clinic to make some money. The clinic makes an error, and now there are 533 children running around because of his “donation”. The movie is supposed to be a comedy though, frankly, I don’t see anything funny about it. The Bible considers adultery to be a sin …. and to father 533 children even through so called “medical donations” does not minimize the impact of that sin. Without Christ America is going to hell in a handbasket!

We Are All That US That The Child Was Born For. We Are All That US The Son Was Given To. Each and every one of us desperately need what God is offering us. We desperately need that Child Who is born. We desperately need that Son Who is given. The Bible says:

Romans 3:23 ^(KJV)For ALL have sinned, and come short of the glory of God …

Unto us the Child was born. Christ came to save us from our sins. The SON was not born – the CHILD was born. The SON is eternal, everlasting, without beginning or end. The SON is the SON OF GOD. The Angel said to Mary:

Luke 1:35^(KJV) ….. The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

Jesus Christ was, is, and will always be the Son of God. He is the Eternal and Great I AM. The Bible says of Jesus that:

Hebrews 2:14-17 ^(KJV) Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. 16 For verily he took not on [him the nature of] angels; but he took on [him] the seed of Abraham. 17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto [his] brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things [pertaining] to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

The Son was GIVEN, not BORN. The Child was BORN, not Given.

God the Father sent His Son to this earth to take on Himself the seed of Abraham. He was made like unto us.

Isaiah 9:6 (KJV) For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Unto us. God didn’t leave anyone out. We are all sinners. We are all the US that Christ came for! He didn’t give just a few of us this Child.

Man’s love is limiting and limited, but God’s love is limitless! We are all flawed, all sinners, creatures who will die and who do deserve it. Yet God shouted “NO”! His shout cried out through Isaiah, and echoes throughout human history as only the Voice of God can do. Unto US a Child is born.

Galatians 1:4 WHO GAVE HIMSELF for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:

Jesus Christ did not come to this earth to save the world. He came to deliver us, deliver a people from this present evil world. The devil wants you to miss this point, to think that you are all right. But God’s love reaches out through space and time to tell us that ….

2 Corinthians 5:14 ^(KJV) …. the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if ONE DIED FOR ALL, then were all dead:

All are dead. All are sinners. Christ died for all.

There Is No Other Savior And Lord But Jesus Christ!This is not a popular message in this day of overwhelming tolerance, but it is what the Bible teaches. Look at our focal text once more:

A guy bought his wife a beautiful diamond ring for Christmas, and she was showing it off to all her friends. His friend whispered to him, “I thought your wife wanted one of those four wheel drive vehicles”. He whispered back, “She did. But where in the world can you find a fake Jeep?”

There are a lot of fake things out there that you can give as presents. There’s fake perfumes, fake jewelry, fake designer purses and shoes, fake things of all type. There’s a lot of fake Messiah’s out there, a lot of fake Christs. Jesus warned …

Matthew 24:24 ^(KJV) For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

The Bible tells us that there is but ONE Christ, ONE Messiah.

As I remarked before, God did not leave out the article “a”. Unto US A Child is born. A Son is given. God has only done this great thing once and for all, and that was when He gave us Jesus.

The early Church understood this, for Peter boldly preached:

Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

But before Christ ever died on that Cross, before He was born of the virgin called Mary, the Angel told Joseph, Mary’s intended husband:

Matthew 1:20-21 … Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21 And she shall bring forth A SON, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

It may surprise you to know that Mary brought forth several sons after Christ was born, sons that were Joseph’s children. If you don’t believe me look up Matthew 12:46-47; Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:2-3; John 2:12; Acts 1:14; and 1 Corinthians 9:4-5. Mary was a virgin only when Christ was born, but went on to bear children normally through her husband Joseph. Mary had several sons, and one of these sons James wrote the Book of James in our Bible.

Of all the sons Mary bore, only the Son Jesus is the Messiah. Only Jesus shall save His people – HIS people – the people who believe in Him – from their sins.

Unto us A Child is born. This Child that was conceived in Mary is of God the Holy Ghost. This Son Who is given shall save HIS people from their sins.

We All Desperately Need The Lord Jesus To Govern Our Lives! Once more we read …

Every government that recognizes Christ as Lord stands the test of time, but every government that rejects Christ in time collapses under its own poor decisions.

The Child was born to make payment for our sins.

The Son was given to rule over our hearts.

Where Christ Has Singular Rule, His People Are Blessed. We read again:

Let’s close by focusing on the phrase “His Name”. When we speak of a person’s “Name” we’re taking about what their parents named them. That’s not what this text is speaking to. When people lived under Kings they were governed “in the name of the King”. If you did something wrong a law enforcement official would say “Stop in the Name of the King”. The NAME refers to being under the authority of someone who rightly rules.

Christ rules His people in four ways.

Under Christ’s Rule We Have A Wonderful Counselor. Where the text says “Wonderful, Counselor”, the King James incorrectly adds a comma. Jesus is the Wonderful Counselor. He gives us correct advice and perfect guidance. He comforts us when we are tried by His precious Word.

Sometimes bad things happen in our lives, but Christ tells us that God is still in control. Phillis Wheatley was the first black American and first Slave to publish a book of poems in the United States. Being forcibly taken from your homeland would be seen as a terrible thing. Yet Phillis wrote:

‘Twas mercy brought me from my Pagan land,

Taught my benighted soul to understand,

That there’s a God, that there’s a Savior too:

Once I redemption neither sought nor knew.

Some view our sable race with scornful eye,

“Their color is a diabolic die.”

Remember, Christians, Negroes, black as Cain,

May be refin’d, and join th’ angelic train.”

Christ is the Wonderful Counselor, leading His people from all lands to join the Family of God. Too many people today listen to the bad counsel of the world, and die in their sins. I will always get wonderful counsel from Christ my Lord! He never gives bad advice. His Word is always just the right word. He is the Living Word pointing us to His Written Word … the Word of Life.

Under Christ’s Rule I Have Access To All The Resources Of The Mighty God. He doesn’t just listen to our needs, but He is able to respond and meet our every need. The Bible says …

Psalms 40:4 …. Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust

A young boy was traveling with his father on a train. The child asked his father “If there is a mighty and loving God Who cares for us all, why is there so much evil in the world?” The train came to a station and stopped. The father reached into the overhead compartment and pulled down a heavy suitcase. He handed it to the child, saying “Will you carry this off the train for me?” The child tried to pick it up, but just couldn’t, and neither could he drag it. Finally in desperation and nearly crying the child said, “It’s too heavy. Please, father, won’t you carry it?” The father said, “Yes, son, I’ll be glad to carry that burden. I’d be a poor father if I made you carry such a load. In the same way, our God does not expect us to carry loads too heavy for us. He is God. He gave us His Son, and to us His Child was born. We need to trust in Him, letting Him be God … and us His children!”

As our Wonderful Counselor we share our hearts with Him, but as our Mighty God we trust Him to meet our needs, to save us, to be our Hero. Christ is a Hero to His people.

Under Christ’s Rule I Enter The Family Of The Everlasting Father. Philip told Jesus one day

John 14:8-10 ^(KJV) …. Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. 9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou [then], Shew us the Father? 10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.

Under Christ’s Rule I Have The Greatest Of Peace. Jesus Christ is our Prince of Peace. You will never have Peace with God – nor even within yourselves – until you willingly follow the Savior.

Romans 5:1 ^(KJV)Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

He is Lord! We obey Him, follow His Word. He is Lord!

May God touch your hearts with His Word.

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Corrupt Communication

Posted on December 3, 2013 by bibleteacherorg

I was visiting with an older couple just last week when the subject of death and Heaven came up. I shared with them that my son Stephen passed away in 1998, but that I believed he was with the Lord because he professed Christ as his Savior two years prior to his death. They asked how my son passed away. I replied that it was a gun accident. Without a pause I was asked:

“Do you really think your son went to Heaven?”

Well yes, I do. An accident with a gun does not void the work of Christ. But even deeper than this is another question that is on my heart. This same couple expressed upset over something that someone else said to them just a few days before. Yet without a thought they felt it was appropriate to imply my son is in hell. This is not the first time I’ve seen this. While pastoring in Lexington Tennessee I had to bury a man who – distraught – committed suicide. While standing at the casket with his dear wife a member of our Church came up and asked “Do you think he’s in Heaven or hell?” What a stupid question to ask at a stupid time! I’m sure there are many who will read this post and say “Well, suicide is self murder. You can’t ask forgiveness for self murder, so of course you go to hell if you do this.” Really? Where do you see this in Scripture. Let’s put this in perspective – are any of us pure and perfect anytime? If you stepped off a curb out into the pathway of a passing bus are you sure that you will meet your Maker perfectly clean? Are you still carrying a grudge against someone for something that happened years ago? If you die tonight doesn’t that count as a sin?

The truth is, none of us are lilly white – that’s why we desperately need Christ. If you reply “No No … I’m pure and perfect all the time” then you are guilty of the greatest of sins, the sin of self righteousness. God said of the self righteous:

Isaiah 65:2-5 (KJV) I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts; 3 A people that provoketh me to anger continually to my face; that sacrificeth in gardens, and burneth incense upon altars of brick; 4 Which remain among the graves, and lodge in the monuments, which eat swine’s flesh, and broth of abominable things is in their vessels; 5 Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day.

It was the self righteous Pharisees and Sadducees that turned Jesus over to crucifixion. Listen Beloved – “the Blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin”. Salvation is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8-9) not of works (Titus 3:5) lest anyone think they have any reason to boast. If you think you are going to Heaven when you die because you’re a “good person” you are sadly mistaken. You will go to Heaven – if you go – because you have “believed on the Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 16:31) and are saved.

Does this mean that Christians shouldn’t worry about morality? No, not at all. God says to the Christian:

2 Corinthians 6:17-18 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

We are to turn away from the idolatrous things of this world. The “unclean thing” in the context of this verse refers to binding to the unbeliever and their ways. We should as Christians shun idols. We should not walk in darkness. But we still are not perfect – none of us are – though Christ is.

Before you were saved you followed the ways of this world. Your tongue was worldly, your hands and feet were worldly. Now that you are saved you are called to sonship. You are not called to share GOSSIP but to share the GOSPEL. GOSSIP is perverted, the GOSPEL is pure. You should not tear down with your lips, but exhort and lift up. You should not revile, but lead others to repentance. I daresay the reason the Church has had little impact on America in recent years because of unclean use of the tongue. Are you saved by faith in Christ? Are you born again by the Spirit of God? Then heed the Apostle, who wrote:

Ephesians 4:25-32 (KJV) Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor for we are members one of another. 26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: 27 Neither give place to the devil. 28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. 29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. 30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

Reread that last line one more time. “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you”. Those are great words to live by. Let’s all strive to this standard.

Posted in General | Tagged Christ, Christian, Divisions, Tongue | Leave a comment

“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.”- RF

Posted on December 3, 2013 by bibleteacherorg

Wonderful post … I really enjoyed this.

A thought every now and then

“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” I’m a quote guy. You can’t be a quote guy without having one from Robert Frost. This is the ending to Frost’s famous poem, “The Road not Taken.” I have chosen this as the beginning of my blog series which will explore 5 of the most famous quotes from different areas of society. This quote today, I take as being often misrepresented, as if Frost was celebrating an individualistic path he took in life which he cherished in hindsight. I take it that this is a reflection on a mistake he made in choosing a certain path, which has led him to regret. If this is so, then his words mirror those of other artists, actors, singers, etc. who live a life of intriguing notoriety, yet come to a…

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