I have been wrestling with 1 Peter 4:18 lately which says, "And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
This passage is in a paragraph about the test of persecution. Amazingly, the Holy Spirit inspired Peter to write this Scripture just two years before the history making persecution of the Church under the emperor Nero. Peter was executed in that era of persecution!
Persecution is a test. It is not a test of the ungodly, but a test of God's children. God never sends calamity on his children, but as we have all experienced, will sometimes allow it. When Christians are persecuted those who treat Jesus like a Hobie are weeded out quickly. Those with a real commitment to Jesus stand out, they shine, they endure.
Because we are continuously tempted, confronted and attacked by the devil it is hard for the righteous to be saved. A person that is saved is a miracle to start with. But, miracles are not always easy. Everyone wants miracles, but not the problems that precipitate them. Everyone wants miracles, but not the kind that God gives, and then require work or effort on our part. Today we have equated miracle with easy, and that is not the case. Miracles are not easy, they are hard! Those who experience the most miracles have made the most sacrifices to God through prayer and giving themselves to serve others.
Back to 1 Peter 4:18. If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, which we have been discussing, what will become of the ungodly. There is judgement from God for those who lightly confess Christ, but have not deep commitment that stands through tests and persecution. What kind of judgement will there be then, for those who have rejected God completely?
Try reading 1 Peter 4:12-19 and tell me what you think. This is a great opportunity to create a good discussion. I will monitor my comments as closely as possible this week and let's talk. In the process, we can help each other through the persecution and temptations we are facing.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Lost in Space
Sorry I have not written anything for almost a week. Memorial day was a nice get-a-way for my family. My entire family actually got to get together on Monday. That seems to be more difficult every year because of busy schedules and growing families.
Well, it is time to get back to writing.
Well, it is time to get back to writing.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Amazing Story
I found an article that deals with the story that took up so much of the service time last night. The lady who was effected by the Azuza Street revival and traveled to Springfield, Missouri was Lilly Corum. This article was written by Fred Corum one of her family members who was one of the boys who claimed the land in Springfield for God. Click here to get a copy of this article. The article is on page 10 of the publication.
Paul
Paul
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Idol Wednesday
Who is going to win Idol tonight? I am a real Blake fan. I think the whole competition is geared to help teenage female vocalists succeed and win. When Taylor won last time you could tell that he was not the cookie cutter singer the show was shooting for. It seems to me that in the judging comments that they applaud when the contestants fit the female, R&B, pop star image. Just look at the song they made poor Blake sing at the end. It was slow, emotional and totally female vocalist oriented. If they had picked a high energy tough sounding song, Jordin would have been way out of her element. Go Blake! Beat the system! It is rigged against you, but you will do well.
What does that have to do with electronically feeding the flock? Consider this. The system of this world and our culture is rigged against us who are sold out believers in Jesus. Jesus said in Luke 21:34, "Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap..." It is easy to slowly and incrementally lose our spiritual fervor. Smoke dissipates. Our spiritual fervor must not. The competition is formulated against us, but the Power of the Holy Spirit in us is grater than the Satanic powers that seem to hold the reigns of our spiritual competition. In the end what really matters is the vote. The vote is not controlled by Satan or this world. The vote was cast 2,000 years ago on the cross, the enemy longs for a re-count, it was ratified at the resurrection, and implemented when you chose to follow Jesus!
You win!
I have a lot on my mind today. There are a lot of things going on this week that are unexpected, as well as all the normal things that need to happen this week. Please pray for Samuel, a baby in our church. He has been rushed to the hospital by helicopter and has a very high fever. Also pray for a family who has experienced a death in the family. I will give details to these prayer requests tonight in the Spirit Filed Life Service.
Remember to keep Pastor John and his wife Stephanie in prayer while they are on vacation! This vacation is a great opportunity for John and his entire family to travel together.
Paul
What does that have to do with electronically feeding the flock? Consider this. The system of this world and our culture is rigged against us who are sold out believers in Jesus. Jesus said in Luke 21:34, "Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap..." It is easy to slowly and incrementally lose our spiritual fervor. Smoke dissipates. Our spiritual fervor must not. The competition is formulated against us, but the Power of the Holy Spirit in us is grater than the Satanic powers that seem to hold the reigns of our spiritual competition. In the end what really matters is the vote. The vote is not controlled by Satan or this world. The vote was cast 2,000 years ago on the cross, the enemy longs for a re-count, it was ratified at the resurrection, and implemented when you chose to follow Jesus!
You win!
I have a lot on my mind today. There are a lot of things going on this week that are unexpected, as well as all the normal things that need to happen this week. Please pray for Samuel, a baby in our church. He has been rushed to the hospital by helicopter and has a very high fever. Also pray for a family who has experienced a death in the family. I will give details to these prayer requests tonight in the Spirit Filed Life Service.
Remember to keep Pastor John and his wife Stephanie in prayer while they are on vacation! This vacation is a great opportunity for John and his entire family to travel together.
Paul
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Healthy Contentment
There are two pairs of individuals in the Bible that have always intrigued me. Noah and Enoch in the Old Testament and Peter and James, the brother of John, in the New.
Noah and Enoch both were described as men who, "walked with God." Enoch walked with God and was taken straight to heaven in what looks like an elated early retirement (Gen. 5:24). Noah on the other hand was just as spiritual and walked with God. He however, labored 120 years with ridiculing neighbors, lived one year in a floating barn, and landed on a shore with no neighbors or supporting culture!
Peter and James are the second pair. In Acts 12 we see that both are arrested for their faith. James is executed and Peter is visited by an angel who frees him from prison.
Often I look at my life and wonder why my life and calling seem so frustrating while others follow God equally well and seem to have it easy. Have you ever done this?
If we live too long with that question unanswered we will get bitter. God did not save you to be bitter, he saved you to be better. Here are some elements that will keep you from bitter and move you to better in the comparison temptation.
The element of Perspective
Noah worked hard and struggled, but children remember Noah's story and usually don't know who Enoch is till much latter in life. James lost his life, but earned his reward sooner. Remember Peter was martyred too, but went through many trials along with victories on the journey.
The element of Peace
Paul said that he had learned to be content in whatever situation he found himself. Most of Acts focuses on his missionary journeys and amazing events. But the last few chapters of Acts cover several years of Paul's life, all spent in prison. Paul would have rather been free, but did God's work in whatever situation God gave him.
The element of Purpose
If we know our purpose, or find our purpose, we can take a real beating in life and keep on ticking. If we see no purpose in our pain then we are miserable. God wants to talk to you about his plan for you and your journey. Just start to ask him.
Finally, I found a cool article about weight loss and health. It indicates that stress, missing forgiveness of others, missing forgiveness of self, lack of spiritual purpose and bitterness all lead to chemical reactions in the body that make it difficult to lose weight and make us gain weight! Filter through the stuff you may disagree with in the article, but be inspired by the good stuff.
Paul
Noah and Enoch both were described as men who, "walked with God." Enoch walked with God and was taken straight to heaven in what looks like an elated early retirement (Gen. 5:24). Noah on the other hand was just as spiritual and walked with God. He however, labored 120 years with ridiculing neighbors, lived one year in a floating barn, and landed on a shore with no neighbors or supporting culture!
Peter and James are the second pair. In Acts 12 we see that both are arrested for their faith. James is executed and Peter is visited by an angel who frees him from prison.
Often I look at my life and wonder why my life and calling seem so frustrating while others follow God equally well and seem to have it easy. Have you ever done this?
If we live too long with that question unanswered we will get bitter. God did not save you to be bitter, he saved you to be better. Here are some elements that will keep you from bitter and move you to better in the comparison temptation.
The element of Perspective
Noah worked hard and struggled, but children remember Noah's story and usually don't know who Enoch is till much latter in life. James lost his life, but earned his reward sooner. Remember Peter was martyred too, but went through many trials along with victories on the journey.
The element of Peace
Paul said that he had learned to be content in whatever situation he found himself. Most of Acts focuses on his missionary journeys and amazing events. But the last few chapters of Acts cover several years of Paul's life, all spent in prison. Paul would have rather been free, but did God's work in whatever situation God gave him.
The element of Purpose
If we know our purpose, or find our purpose, we can take a real beating in life and keep on ticking. If we see no purpose in our pain then we are miserable. God wants to talk to you about his plan for you and your journey. Just start to ask him.
Finally, I found a cool article about weight loss and health. It indicates that stress, missing forgiveness of others, missing forgiveness of self, lack of spiritual purpose and bitterness all lead to chemical reactions in the body that make it difficult to lose weight and make us gain weight! Filter through the stuff you may disagree with in the article, but be inspired by the good stuff.
Paul
Monday, May 21, 2007
A Great Weekend
Let me start by saying CONGRATULATIONS to the graduates of Washington High School! We will be giving a gift to each graduate this Sunday at the start of the 10:15 a.m. service. We will then be praying for them as they head out into new territory.
Friday I spent the day helping my brother unload his moving truck. It was a lot of work. He has finished his Master's degree and has applied for further study.
As we worked together I realized how important it is for family to help one another fulfill the calling God has placed on their lives. My brother feels called to work in the academic world teaching in higher education. I know my parents helped me a lot when I was starting in ministry. Now I hope that I can help the rest of my family.
It is not just about helping family. It is about feeling a confirmation regarding their calling and taking part in it with them. If every Christian would find out what God's calling on their life was they would experience this adventure also. Your efforts for your family become efforts in God's kingdom, as well as service motivated by love.
If you want a double blessing helping you family, especially your High School Grad, find ways to help them find and fulfill God's call on their life. When they feel a calling from God it puts a whole new set of purposes and rewards to their efforts and to yours as well.
Paul
Friday I spent the day helping my brother unload his moving truck. It was a lot of work. He has finished his Master's degree and has applied for further study.
As we worked together I realized how important it is for family to help one another fulfill the calling God has placed on their lives. My brother feels called to work in the academic world teaching in higher education. I know my parents helped me a lot when I was starting in ministry. Now I hope that I can help the rest of my family.
It is not just about helping family. It is about feeling a confirmation regarding their calling and taking part in it with them. If every Christian would find out what God's calling on their life was they would experience this adventure also. Your efforts for your family become efforts in God's kingdom, as well as service motivated by love.
If you want a double blessing helping you family, especially your High School Grad, find ways to help them find and fulfill God's call on their life. When they feel a calling from God it puts a whole new set of purposes and rewards to their efforts and to yours as well.
Paul
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Tired but Happy
This morning I met one of our men at the coffee shop at 7:45 a.m. Pastor John and I did not leave the hospital last night till midnight. When the lady at the coffee shop asked how I doing I told her the truth, "Tired but Happy."
Last night's membership class was extremely refreshing for me! I love opening up a Wednesday night discussion. Several folks in the congregation had awesome insights and there were great questions. The hardest questions always lead me, after reflection and study, to the greatest answers that prove that God is even greater than I had previously thought. That is why I love hard questions.
We had an awesome discussion about salvation and ended by praying for a friend who has quit smoking. Then we cut up her cigarettes with a paper cutter to visualize and completely end their hold on her life.
On an other note, pray for my brother Steve and his wife Mindy. Steve graduated from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary last Saturday with an M.A. in theology. He is applying for other graduate programs now and is seeking the Lord's will. He is coming through town tonight and we will get to hang out! His education quest may lead him to the St. Louis area. I want God's best for him.
Paul
Last night's membership class was extremely refreshing for me! I love opening up a Wednesday night discussion. Several folks in the congregation had awesome insights and there were great questions. The hardest questions always lead me, after reflection and study, to the greatest answers that prove that God is even greater than I had previously thought. That is why I love hard questions.
We had an awesome discussion about salvation and ended by praying for a friend who has quit smoking. Then we cut up her cigarettes with a paper cutter to visualize and completely end their hold on her life.
On an other note, pray for my brother Steve and his wife Mindy. Steve graduated from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary last Saturday with an M.A. in theology. He is applying for other graduate programs now and is seeking the Lord's will. He is coming through town tonight and we will get to hang out! His education quest may lead him to the St. Louis area. I want God's best for him.
Paul
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Membership: Created To Belong
Tonight in the Spirit Filled Life Service we will begin an unusual set of lessons. Usually we do not take time in our regular service for Membership Class, but I feel the need to re-teach many of the elements of the class to everyone in the church.
There are simply four sections to the class, though not every section is of equal length. They are, What We Believe, Where We Have Been, How We Work, and Where We are Going. The first lesson takes a bit longer.
The purpose for this membership class is first to receive new members who have not been through membership class. The second purpose is to renovate the membership class so that future members will be stronger followers of Jesus Christ and stronger members of the church by feeling a greater connection to the beliefs, function and vision of the church.
The process and the rules for membership are not changing. We are still functioning under the same constitution and bylaws we have had, but we are going to function in much greater quality in the future.
Here is an interesting membership note! Our oldest member of First Assembly is going to be 103 this Summer in August. The second oldest member turned 100 this week. We are celebrating her birthday with her family at a party they are having this Sunday.
Jesus said the owner of a house brings old treasure as well as new. Jesus was talking about the old covenant principles and the new covenant principles. Taking a bit of exegetical leeway I believe that in a local church we need old treasures and new treasures. Every believer is a treasure to the Lord and to the First Assembly FAMILY!
Paul
There are simply four sections to the class, though not every section is of equal length. They are, What We Believe, Where We Have Been, How We Work, and Where We are Going. The first lesson takes a bit longer.
The purpose for this membership class is first to receive new members who have not been through membership class. The second purpose is to renovate the membership class so that future members will be stronger followers of Jesus Christ and stronger members of the church by feeling a greater connection to the beliefs, function and vision of the church.
The process and the rules for membership are not changing. We are still functioning under the same constitution and bylaws we have had, but we are going to function in much greater quality in the future.
Here is an interesting membership note! Our oldest member of First Assembly is going to be 103 this Summer in August. The second oldest member turned 100 this week. We are celebrating her birthday with her family at a party they are having this Sunday.
Jesus said the owner of a house brings old treasure as well as new. Jesus was talking about the old covenant principles and the new covenant principles. Taking a bit of exegetical leeway I believe that in a local church we need old treasures and new treasures. Every believer is a treasure to the Lord and to the First Assembly FAMILY!
Paul
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Be Aware!
In Genesis 18:16 Jacob wakes up from a dream where God made great promises to him. Jacob had received all the promises of Abraham that night. His first words when he woke up were, "Surely the LORD is in this place, and I was not aware of it.”
In Exodus 34:29 Moses came down from the mountain with the second set of stone tablets in his hands, and his face was glowing, but he was not aware of it. He had spent 40 days, more than a month, talking to the Lord.
When we start our day in prayer we meet with God almighty, the same God that met with Jacob and Moses. What an awesome opportunity! When we leave our place of prayer we often think we have stepped out of the Lord's presence, but we have not!
Jacob did not realize the presence of the Lord on his life. He was living a halfhearted commitment to the Lord and was looking out for himself, not the Lord. Moses came down the mountain and did not realize that the presence of the Lord lingered with him!
Let's make time for God today and then walk, work and live the rest of the day aware of the Lord's presence. He will direct you, speak to you, keep you accountable, excite you, and fill you with joy when your day stinks.
Let' s be aware of the Lord's presence.
Paul
In Exodus 34:29 Moses came down from the mountain with the second set of stone tablets in his hands, and his face was glowing, but he was not aware of it. He had spent 40 days, more than a month, talking to the Lord.
When we start our day in prayer we meet with God almighty, the same God that met with Jacob and Moses. What an awesome opportunity! When we leave our place of prayer we often think we have stepped out of the Lord's presence, but we have not!
Jacob did not realize the presence of the Lord on his life. He was living a halfhearted commitment to the Lord and was looking out for himself, not the Lord. Moses came down the mountain and did not realize that the presence of the Lord lingered with him!
Let's make time for God today and then walk, work and live the rest of the day aware of the Lord's presence. He will direct you, speak to you, keep you accountable, excite you, and fill you with joy when your day stinks.
Let' s be aware of the Lord's presence.
Paul
Monday, May 14, 2007
Great Job Stephanie!
Sunday was Mother's Day and Stephanie spoke in both services. She was exhausted by the end of the morning, but was "victorious on the field of battle." She connected with so many people in great ways with her message. It truly was from the Lord.
To hear the message click on First A/G and go to Audio sermons. her message will be in the audio player latter today.
If you like the message or if it touched you please post a word of encouragement in the comments of this post. I will send them to Stephanie.
This Wednesday night we will start membership class on Wednesday nights. I will be sharing with everyone the new membership class so that all our members will have a chance to hear what new members are learning and what is expected of them as members. Everyone will also know what they can expect of their church in the future.
God Bless,
Paul
To hear the message click on First A/G and go to Audio sermons. her message will be in the audio player latter today.
If you like the message or if it touched you please post a word of encouragement in the comments of this post. I will send them to Stephanie.
This Wednesday night we will start membership class on Wednesday nights. I will be sharing with everyone the new membership class so that all our members will have a chance to hear what new members are learning and what is expected of them as members. Everyone will also know what they can expect of their church in the future.
God Bless,
Paul
Thursday, May 10, 2007
The Spirit's Voice #5
This last way in which the Holy Spirit speaks is the most common way that the Holy Spirit speaks to believers. Through this avenue the Holy Spirit encourages, leads, illuminates the Scriptures, convicts and assures us.
In 1 Kings 19:11-13 Elijah heard the quiet whisper of God. Often God speaks internally to us in a way that is so quiet that we wonder if God is really speaking. We expect such big appearances of God that we miss all the little ways he is talking to us all the time.
When we experience this quiet whisper of the Holy Spirit in our spirits the first question is often, "I that just me thinking, or is that God?" Here is why we ask that question. When we communicate with any other person we go through a process of translating our idea in to some language or code. Then we transmit the code. The recipient must decode the message and form an idea. In all the encoding, transmitting and decoding errors can occur. For instance, in the diagram I am thinking candle, but encode it like this, "A light." My friend thinks I am talking about the sun because of an error in encoding and transmission.
In 1 Kings 19:11-13 Elijah heard the quiet whisper of God. Often God speaks internally to us in a way that is so quiet that we wonder if God is really speaking. We expect such big appearances of God that we miss all the little ways he is talking to us all the time.
When we experience this quiet whisper of the Holy Spirit in our spirits the first question is often, "I that just me thinking, or is that God?" Here is why we ask that question. When we communicate with any other person we go through a process of translating our idea in to some language or code. Then we transmit the code. The recipient must decode the message and form an idea. In all the encoding, transmitting and decoding errors can occur. For instance, in the diagram I am thinking candle, but encode it like this, "A light." My friend thinks I am talking about the sun because of an error in encoding and transmission.
When God communicates with our spirit through the small still voice, or witness of the Holy Spirit, there is no encoding and no decoding. God simply, and perfectly places His idea in our spirits. The first voice to encode that new piece of information is our own, thus we wrestle with the above question.
As we learn to hear the Lord better and better and judge our own thoughts by the Word we will become better and better at hearing the small still voice of the Holy Spirit of God.
Keep Listening,
Paul
The Spirit's Voice #4
The fourth way the holy Spirit speaks to us is through other believers. We hear the voice of the Holy Spirit in the Scriptures and through the inner voice of the Holy Spirit which we will discuss in the next post. Those messages that we receive from God are often confirmed by other believers. Provers 25:11 says, "a word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver." We often experience the confirmation of the voice of the Spirit through the help of others who hear God's voice.
There are two cautions in listening to people, even Christians, because no one is perfect. First, weigh what you think may be from the Lord against the Scriptures. Second, weigh what you hear from others with what you know the Holy Spirit is already saying to you.
The key word in this post is confirmation. It is almost never the case that another person reveals, by the Spirit, information that I have never heard, or could never access my self. Why is that? Because God wants desperately to talk to you personally, not vicariously through another person. Other people are used by God to speak to us, but God wants primarily to talk to you.
Here are some ways to enhance hearing God communally.
1. Join a local community of believers.
2. Make close friends at church.
3. Gain a good attitude toward other believers.
Have a blessed day,
Paul
There are two cautions in listening to people, even Christians, because no one is perfect. First, weigh what you think may be from the Lord against the Scriptures. Second, weigh what you hear from others with what you know the Holy Spirit is already saying to you.
The key word in this post is confirmation. It is almost never the case that another person reveals, by the Spirit, information that I have never heard, or could never access my self. Why is that? Because God wants desperately to talk to you personally, not vicariously through another person. Other people are used by God to speak to us, but God wants primarily to talk to you.
Here are some ways to enhance hearing God communally.
1. Join a local community of believers.
2. Make close friends at church.
3. Gain a good attitude toward other believers.
Have a blessed day,
Paul
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
The Spirit's Voice
Tonight in the Spirit Filled Life Service at First A/G I will be speaking about the Language of the Holy Spirit. You have already read a bit of this message on Monday and Tuesday's posts. There are three other points, or ways the Holy Spirit speaks. I will post those in the next two days.
There is a special portion of the end of the sermon that I will post on the blog, but will not have time to share in the message tonight. Why do I struggle with the question, "Is that God speaking or just me thinking?"
Today's language of the Holy Spirit, or way he speaks charismatically through spiritual gifts, dreams and visions. The English word charismatic is from the Greek word, "charis," or, "charismata" which is the Greek word used in Romans and Corinthians and is translated spiritual "gifts," by most English Bibles.
The Bible gives many examples of God speaking through dreams. When I say dreams I mean it in the most simple way. You go to sleep and have a dream. What is amazing in the Bible is all the times that God gives a dream to an unbeliever like Pharaoh in Exodus, Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel, and Pilate's wife in the crucifixion story. Some examples of God giving a dream include, Genesis 20:3-6, Daniel 2; 4; & 7:1, and Matthew 1:20. Again, dreams can be our thoughts, stresses, or joys. Not every dream is a sign from God. Not all dreams are good. We judge our dreams and thoughts, even thoughts while sleeping by the Word of God.
Visions can be a term that is hard to define. Daniel had a dream from God, but called the dream a vision. The Apostle Paul talks about a vision where he did not know if he was in his body or out of his body. We don't know all the specifics about visions. However, God will occasionally give a divine vision. Some examples include, Genesis 15:1, Acts 9:10, 10:3, and 16:9. In Acts 2:17 the Bible says that Christians will have visions when God pours out his spirit on his people. Again, a vision like a dream can be difficult to interpret and the ruler for measuring a vision is the Word of God.
Finally the Holy Spirit speaks through spiritual gifts. 1 Cor. 12:1-11, and all of chapter 14 explain the role of spiritual gifts in the church worship meeting and the church in general. Romans 12:6-8 also lists other spiritual gifts. Spiritual gifts deserve an entire sermon series of their own. At First Assembly of God we experience direction from the Lord for our services many times through the gifts of the Holy Spirit in our services. We may deviate from a program to follow the immediate direction of the Holy Spirit. This usually results in amazing ministry results as God makes himself know to people very personally in a corporate service.
Take some time to study these. There is a lot more to say, this is just a quick overview.
God Bless,
Paul
There is a special portion of the end of the sermon that I will post on the blog, but will not have time to share in the message tonight. Why do I struggle with the question, "Is that God speaking or just me thinking?"
Today's language of the Holy Spirit, or way he speaks charismatically through spiritual gifts, dreams and visions. The English word charismatic is from the Greek word, "charis," or, "charismata" which is the Greek word used in Romans and Corinthians and is translated spiritual "gifts," by most English Bibles.
The Bible gives many examples of God speaking through dreams. When I say dreams I mean it in the most simple way. You go to sleep and have a dream. What is amazing in the Bible is all the times that God gives a dream to an unbeliever like Pharaoh in Exodus, Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel, and Pilate's wife in the crucifixion story. Some examples of God giving a dream include, Genesis 20:3-6, Daniel 2; 4; & 7:1, and Matthew 1:20. Again, dreams can be our thoughts, stresses, or joys. Not every dream is a sign from God. Not all dreams are good. We judge our dreams and thoughts, even thoughts while sleeping by the Word of God.
Visions can be a term that is hard to define. Daniel had a dream from God, but called the dream a vision. The Apostle Paul talks about a vision where he did not know if he was in his body or out of his body. We don't know all the specifics about visions. However, God will occasionally give a divine vision. Some examples include, Genesis 15:1, Acts 9:10, 10:3, and 16:9. In Acts 2:17 the Bible says that Christians will have visions when God pours out his spirit on his people. Again, a vision like a dream can be difficult to interpret and the ruler for measuring a vision is the Word of God.
Finally the Holy Spirit speaks through spiritual gifts. 1 Cor. 12:1-11, and all of chapter 14 explain the role of spiritual gifts in the church worship meeting and the church in general. Romans 12:6-8 also lists other spiritual gifts. Spiritual gifts deserve an entire sermon series of their own. At First Assembly of God we experience direction from the Lord for our services many times through the gifts of the Holy Spirit in our services. We may deviate from a program to follow the immediate direction of the Holy Spirit. This usually results in amazing ministry results as God makes himself know to people very personally in a corporate service.
Take some time to study these. There is a lot more to say, this is just a quick overview.
God Bless,
Paul
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
New Look, Same Blog
Last night I finally figured out how to change the look of the blog. Later I will get a better graphic for the header. If you have a good digital pic of Stephanie and me e-mail it to me and I may use it. The current picture of us is like 6 years old!
Learning,
Paul
Learning,
Paul
The Spirit's Voice
This week we are researching five ways the Holy Spirit speaks to us. Yesterday we mentioned the most reliable way that God speaks, through his written Word. Many Christians believe that the Bible is filled with errors, and we must determine what God’s Word is, and what parts of the Bible are error. When we do that, we become the final authority for our faith search rather than allowing God to be the final authority.
The second way the Holy Spirit speaks is through our conscience. While the Bible is the written Word of God to us, our conscience is God’s word written on our hearts, or the inside of us. Romans 1:18-23 tells us that God’s qualities have been made known to man through creation. None of us have an excuse for our sins. Each human entity (individual) and the world we live in are created by God, to make God clear to each of us. Every person is created with a mind, body and soul. We are also created with a conscience that shows us God’s righteous and perfect nature.
Last week my four year old twins were playing with their two year old sister. When one of the boys took her toys she was enraged! She knows intuitively that the boys should respect her property (Exodus 20:15 and Leviticus 19:13). She knows that stealing is wrong. Because so many sins bring the result of pain, we know what is right and wrong. There is no culture I know of in the world where stealing, adultery, lying, and murder are acceptable.
So, if God wrote his moral law on our consciences, why do so many people seem to be differing in their views? In Romans one Paul tells us how people ignore their conscience. 1 Timothy 4:2 says that there are some who have their consciences “seared.” Rather than having a conscience that feels what it should feel, it is covered with a scar tissue that can not feel and can not judge correctly. The Devil is trying to sear our consciences all the time. If he can get us to accept, or not be bothered by sin, he has seared our conscience. The flood of immorality in our culture must not desensitize us to sin. We need a good conscience.
Finally, if you have a Bible software program or a good concordance, search the word conscience. You will find that it is possible to have a good conscience, but also an imperfect conscience. You will also find that God speaks to us about being sure in our faith through our conscience. Also, think about the ancient characters of the Bible. They lived before the Bible was written. How did they know right and wrong? They knew through the conscience that God gave them. As time went by, the human condition worsened (Genesis 6:5 and 19:13). The Word is necessary to remind us of how we allowed our consciences to change (Galatians 3:24).
I challenge you today to think about the things that you intuitively know are right and wrong, and then compare what you think with the Scriptures. Begin to train your mind to respond to your conscience. As you train remember, the Word of God is the standard for our conscience. With a good, forgiven, Holy Spirit led conscience, you will begin to hear God more and more!
Have a great day!
Paul
The second way the Holy Spirit speaks is through our conscience. While the Bible is the written Word of God to us, our conscience is God’s word written on our hearts, or the inside of us. Romans 1:18-23 tells us that God’s qualities have been made known to man through creation. None of us have an excuse for our sins. Each human entity (individual) and the world we live in are created by God, to make God clear to each of us. Every person is created with a mind, body and soul. We are also created with a conscience that shows us God’s righteous and perfect nature.
Last week my four year old twins were playing with their two year old sister. When one of the boys took her toys she was enraged! She knows intuitively that the boys should respect her property (Exodus 20:15 and Leviticus 19:13). She knows that stealing is wrong. Because so many sins bring the result of pain, we know what is right and wrong. There is no culture I know of in the world where stealing, adultery, lying, and murder are acceptable.
So, if God wrote his moral law on our consciences, why do so many people seem to be differing in their views? In Romans one Paul tells us how people ignore their conscience. 1 Timothy 4:2 says that there are some who have their consciences “seared.” Rather than having a conscience that feels what it should feel, it is covered with a scar tissue that can not feel and can not judge correctly. The Devil is trying to sear our consciences all the time. If he can get us to accept, or not be bothered by sin, he has seared our conscience. The flood of immorality in our culture must not desensitize us to sin. We need a good conscience.
Finally, if you have a Bible software program or a good concordance, search the word conscience. You will find that it is possible to have a good conscience, but also an imperfect conscience. You will also find that God speaks to us about being sure in our faith through our conscience. Also, think about the ancient characters of the Bible. They lived before the Bible was written. How did they know right and wrong? They knew through the conscience that God gave them. As time went by, the human condition worsened (Genesis 6:5 and 19:13). The Word is necessary to remind us of how we allowed our consciences to change (Galatians 3:24).
I challenge you today to think about the things that you intuitively know are right and wrong, and then compare what you think with the Scriptures. Begin to train your mind to respond to your conscience. As you train remember, the Word of God is the standard for our conscience. With a good, forgiven, Holy Spirit led conscience, you will begin to hear God more and more!
Have a great day!
Paul
Monday, May 7, 2007
The Spirit's Voice
As I promised this Sunday, I will be sharing a second sermon to you this week through the blog. This message correlates to the Small Group chapter titled, "The Spirit's Voice."
There are five ways the Holy Spirit speaks to people and we are going to look one each day this week. Four your own personal study I encourage you to look up the Scriptures that are mentioned in this set of blog entries.
The first way the Lord speaks is through the Word of God, the Bible. 1 Peter 1:21-22 tells us that the Word of God was written through the working of the Holy Spirit. 2 Timothy 3:16 says that, "all Scripture is God breathed." The Bible was written by human hands which were guided very specifically by the Holy Spirit. Hebrews 4:12 tells us that the Word of God is alive! The Bible is not just an old book with timeless truths. It is God speaking to each one of us today. His Word never changes and it stands secure for all eternity (Matthew 24:35).
The Word of God, the Bible, has been given to us by God so that we will know Him. We get easily confused about God and his thoughts about us. The best way to know His thoughts is to know his everlasting and unchanging Word. Someone may argue that the small still voice of the Holy Spirit is a more sure way to hear God's voice. If it were the final authority we would test the Bible with what we think we hear in our hearts. Instead the Bible says we must test what we think we hear in our hearts with the Word of God (1 John 4:1). The final authority is the Word of God.
People constantly asking about situations for which they seem to have no answer. Most of the time the answer is in the Scriptures, they just have not found it, or failed to look. If you will learn the Scriptures then you will know the will of God for most of life's situations. Rather than praying only for an answer from God we must learn to search the Word of God for his answers.
I am convinced that the Word of God has an answer for every situation we face in life. To show you, let me tell you tow stories. A few years ago I was driving a youth group through the absolute middle of nowhere on a trip. One of the students pointed to a house and said, "Why in the world would a person decide put put a house out here in the middle of nowhere?" I immediately told them to look up Acts 17:26 and she had her answer.
Another time I had a difficulty finding direction from God regarding two building project options that our church could begin. Both were desperately needed, a flooring job and a parking lot. I had asked God for wisdom several times and then in my daily reading the Lord showed me that the floor of David's temple was covered with pure gold. I was disturbed and thought that was a human error in the temple project. That gold should have been used for the poor. The next day when I prayed for an answer about our building God reminded me of what I had read. The parking lot would facilitate growth. The floor would simply honor God's house rather than increase capacity. To honor God's house we did the floor first and God blessed. Both projects are now complete.
Check in tomorrow for the second point.
Paul
Thursday, May 3, 2007
The Power of Your Story
There is power in my story. I have had this thought on my mind for several weeks. My story is the story of my life. My story speaks to those who know me, especially my children. Now before any young person writes this off as a blog entry for dads just hang on!
In Genesis chapter four Cain kills Able. Cain is exiled and starts a city (culture) of his own. Then the Bible gives the list of his descendants down to eight generations, ending with a guy named Lamech. Lamech has two wives and confesses to them, "I have killed a man." In his confession he says, "If Cain is avenged seven times, then Lamech seventy-seven times." (Genesis 4:24)
The Bible says in the Old Testament that God is jealous and when men forsake him and worship other gods he would be, "punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me..." (Exodus 20:5) Some individuals have made a doctrine of curses out of this verse and say that some people, including Christians, are cursed because of their ancestors sins and will be sick, or sinful, because of the sins of the fathers (There is no Hebrew word for father, most occurrences of father in the O.T. are a translation of the Hebrew word best translated ancestor).
I don't think that Lamech was cursed with some mystical, invisible curse that made him commit murder. James 1:14 says, "each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed." We sin because we mess up, not because our fathers messed up.
Though we are personally responsible for our actions, our actions are influenced by other people. In the case of Lamech he was influenced by a story. The story of his ancestor, the father of his culture, Cain. Eight generations later they were still talking about Cain killing his brother Able. The story of Cain's mistake had marked his family, his city, his culture.
So, what's the point? There are two points.
First, consider what story you are writing today, this week, this year, for your children to read. How will you explain your story to them? What will it influence them to become?
Second, consider how God wants to make your story better. Exodus 20:5 says that God punishes three and four generations. But, Exodus 20:6 (the very next verse!!!) says God is, "showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments."
Do you want your kids to: be drug addicts, experience the pain of divorce, hate their siblings, lose jobs, go to prison, live under huge debt, be angry, bitter and unforgiving? Then write that story. Even if that is your story so far, start today and write something different. You don't have to hide the ugly truth of your story, you just need a better ending. Your story may have crisis and climax but you need resolution. If you want a different story, call out to Jesus Christ today! God will transform who you are, and what your going through when you work with him and you can begin to write a new story!
Want to tell your story? Want some writing tips? Leave a comment and let's write life together!
Striving to write well,
Paul
In Genesis chapter four Cain kills Able. Cain is exiled and starts a city (culture) of his own. Then the Bible gives the list of his descendants down to eight generations, ending with a guy named Lamech. Lamech has two wives and confesses to them, "I have killed a man." In his confession he says, "If Cain is avenged seven times, then Lamech seventy-seven times." (Genesis 4:24)
The Bible says in the Old Testament that God is jealous and when men forsake him and worship other gods he would be, "punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me..." (Exodus 20:5) Some individuals have made a doctrine of curses out of this verse and say that some people, including Christians, are cursed because of their ancestors sins and will be sick, or sinful, because of the sins of the fathers (There is no Hebrew word for father, most occurrences of father in the O.T. are a translation of the Hebrew word best translated ancestor).
I don't think that Lamech was cursed with some mystical, invisible curse that made him commit murder. James 1:14 says, "each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed." We sin because we mess up, not because our fathers messed up.
Though we are personally responsible for our actions, our actions are influenced by other people. In the case of Lamech he was influenced by a story. The story of his ancestor, the father of his culture, Cain. Eight generations later they were still talking about Cain killing his brother Able. The story of Cain's mistake had marked his family, his city, his culture.
So, what's the point? There are two points.
First, consider what story you are writing today, this week, this year, for your children to read. How will you explain your story to them? What will it influence them to become?
Second, consider how God wants to make your story better. Exodus 20:5 says that God punishes three and four generations. But, Exodus 20:6 (the very next verse!!!) says God is, "showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments."
Do you want your kids to: be drug addicts, experience the pain of divorce, hate their siblings, lose jobs, go to prison, live under huge debt, be angry, bitter and unforgiving? Then write that story. Even if that is your story so far, start today and write something different. You don't have to hide the ugly truth of your story, you just need a better ending. Your story may have crisis and climax but you need resolution. If you want a different story, call out to Jesus Christ today! God will transform who you are, and what your going through when you work with him and you can begin to write a new story!
Want to tell your story? Want some writing tips? Leave a comment and let's write life together!
Striving to write well,
Paul
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Too Small
Our Building
Tonight I will be sharing a message that I preached in 2003 when I first became the Pastor in Washington. Isaiah 49:14-21 tells us that as the Kingdom of God grows we will be amazed at the increase. We will be astonished and say, "This place is too small for us, give us more space to live in." We are closer than ever before to making this a reality for First A/G.
Our Missionary Display Board
Just a quick note! We added three new missionaries this month. Each time we see a steady increase in giving to missions we pick up another missionary. Eternity will be different because you gave to missions on top of your tithe! Some day we hope to support all 100 of our Southern Missouri District missionaries at at least $50 every month. Check out the list of the missionaries we support on the web. A church that gives will receive. A church with a heart for world missions will reach their community and neighbors.
Paul
Tonight I will be sharing a message that I preached in 2003 when I first became the Pastor in Washington. Isaiah 49:14-21 tells us that as the Kingdom of God grows we will be amazed at the increase. We will be astonished and say, "This place is too small for us, give us more space to live in." We are closer than ever before to making this a reality for First A/G.
Our Missionary Display Board
Just a quick note! We added three new missionaries this month. Each time we see a steady increase in giving to missions we pick up another missionary. Eternity will be different because you gave to missions on top of your tithe! Some day we hope to support all 100 of our Southern Missouri District missionaries at at least $50 every month. Check out the list of the missionaries we support on the web. A church that gives will receive. A church with a heart for world missions will reach their community and neighbors.
Paul
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)