"Christian service means invading a battleground, not a playground; and you and I are the weapons God uses to attack and defeat the enemy. When God used Moses' rod, He needed Moses' hand to lift it. When God used David's sling, He needed David's hand to swing it. When God builds a ministry, He needs somebody's surrendered body to get the job done." (Warren W. Wiersbe ... quoted in "The Church Awakening" by Charles Swindoll)
This past Saturday night we had a wind storm pass through that left tree limbs scattered everywhere. The following morning at church service several said they slept right through the storm and had no idea it was going on. I am concerned that this is descriptive of what much of the Church is doing today. They are sleeping right through the storm. We see the church being ridiculed and mocked. We see the powers of this world attacking her as if she is powerless. Even though the church is the most powerful entity on earth, her members seem to be asleep while the battle rages. And even if they are not asleep ... they certainly seem as if this is a game played on the playground rather than a battle with eternal consequences. The fact is, all of us could be more prepared for the war.
The Apostle Paul tells us how in the following passage: EPHESIANS 6:10-18 NIV ... Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Disappointing!
Occasionally, people you hold up in high esteem disappoint you. Such has just happened to me. I have always appreciated what Tony Compolo has had to say. I have even quoted him recently in a sermon. But this past week has been a disappointment.
According to two different articles (Denison Forum & AlbertMohler.com) shared with me, Tony has caved. His wife has been a proponent of considering gay marriages and relationships as something normal and should be accepted by the Church as consistent with God's desires. He yielded to temptation and sided with her on the issue. But he is wrong.
Al Mohler says it well when he suggests that no where in the Bible does it encourage homosexuality. In fact, any time it is mentioned it is condemned.
1 Timothy 1:10 NIV puts it this way ... for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers ... and for whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine". The point here is that homosexuality is contrary to sound doctrine (as well as the other sin habits mentioned).
Romans 1:24-27 NIV uses words like "shameful lusts", "depraved minds", "unnatural", "indecent acts", and "perversion" when referring to homosexuality. There is nothing in these descriptions that would suggest that it it consistent with the desires of God. In fact, quite the opposite.
Sorry Tony! As much as I have appreciated much of what you have had to say, you missed it on this one.
Having said all this I must continue. Even though the Church must not accept perversion as normal and acceptable, we are to love those who commit the perversion. Most commonly put, 'we hate the sin but love the sinner'. That is especially significant since we have all sinned (Romans 3:23). But just because we all have sinned does not mean that we should become compliant with sin. It simply means that as Christ followers who love others, we must expose the sin and restore the sinner!
According to two different articles (Denison Forum & AlbertMohler.com) shared with me, Tony has caved. His wife has been a proponent of considering gay marriages and relationships as something normal and should be accepted by the Church as consistent with God's desires. He yielded to temptation and sided with her on the issue. But he is wrong.
Al Mohler says it well when he suggests that no where in the Bible does it encourage homosexuality. In fact, any time it is mentioned it is condemned.
1 Timothy 1:10 NIV puts it this way ... for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers ... and for whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine". The point here is that homosexuality is contrary to sound doctrine (as well as the other sin habits mentioned).
Romans 1:24-27 NIV uses words like "shameful lusts", "depraved minds", "unnatural", "indecent acts", and "perversion" when referring to homosexuality. There is nothing in these descriptions that would suggest that it it consistent with the desires of God. In fact, quite the opposite.
Sorry Tony! As much as I have appreciated much of what you have had to say, you missed it on this one.
Having said all this I must continue. Even though the Church must not accept perversion as normal and acceptable, we are to love those who commit the perversion. Most commonly put, 'we hate the sin but love the sinner'. That is especially significant since we have all sinned (Romans 3:23). But just because we all have sinned does not mean that we should become compliant with sin. It simply means that as Christ followers who love others, we must expose the sin and restore the sinner!
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
Are You Tolerant?
"Secularization theology has taught us to be 'tolerant' of the world system ... to be more accepting and understanding ... and not bigoted. G. K. Chesterton says it well: "tolerance is the virtue of the man without convictions." It is easier to claim tolerance and straddle the fence than to choose sides. ... But tolerance makes no impact for the kingdom of God." (Charles Swindoll, The Church Awakening, page 170).
In the name of 'tolerance', do we fail to stand firm for the sake of Jesus Christ? I find it is much easier to be politically correct than to stand unwavering for our Lord. And even though the world tells us that our 'intolerance' is unacceptable ... Christ tells us to be faithful to his truth.
Matthew 7:13-14 ... “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
Like it or not, the way of salvation is not all inclusive. Some will be excluded. Tolerant or not, that is reality.
In the name of 'tolerance', do we fail to stand firm for the sake of Jesus Christ? I find it is much easier to be politically correct than to stand unwavering for our Lord. And even though the world tells us that our 'intolerance' is unacceptable ... Christ tells us to be faithful to his truth.
Matthew 7:13-14 ... “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
Like it or not, the way of salvation is not all inclusive. Some will be excluded. Tolerant or not, that is reality.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)