Category Archives: love

Spiritual but not Religious

15 Wednesday Nov 2017

Posted by in Bulletin Article, Faith, love, Presumptuous

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I once listened to an interview Dan Rather had with Willie Nelson. Dan asked Willie if he was religious. Willie replied he was not, but he was spiritual. This was an interesting answer, but not sure what that means. What does spiritual mean? In Willie’s case, it does not mean religious, though he might have some religious inclinations in him. Google defines it as relating to or affecting the human spirit or soul as opposed to material or physical things. To me, this definition is not helpful. Relation to or affecting the human spirit? This is another way of saying something like, “There are those who are clean in their own eyes but are not washed of their filth” (Prov. 30:12, ESV).

This boils down to: “I don’t want to commit myself to the Lord and His way of thinking and doing. It demands too much of me, so much that I simply don’t have time, neither do I want to take the time to adjust my life to comport with His.” Do you know of many people like this? I do.

People who think and operate this way will be the first to tell you they love the Lord. Yet, in spite of the words they use, their “I love the Lord” life does not correspond to the teachings of the Lord they declare they love; thus, they give the Lord a partial commitment. The Lord demands total commitment, not partial (there is no such thing as partial commitment). Those who love the Lord, on purpose, separate themselves from the ways of this world.

Those who are “partially” committed know the Lord desires more from them. In order to bridge the gap between where one is at and what the Lord desires, they apply an ointment of their own making. This ointment allows them to think they are spiritual, though not religious (as the word is commonly understood). Though one may not be as “bad” as Willie Nelson’s spiritual outlook, they still choose a different approach than the Lord’s. “I love the Lord, but I love Him as best I can given the circumstances I am in, even if that means I can only obey Him some of the time” is adopted. The “I am spiritual” outlook says things like, 1) My husband is not supportive of me attending church. 2) My children have so many activities, activities that I want them to have a part in. 3) I don’t want my kids to stand out from the crowd, because they made fun of, and I know how I felt when that occurred to me so many years ago. 4) Work takes me away, and I must make a living. 5) I am tired!

On and on it goes.

On the other hand, the Scripture teaches, “As they were going along the road, someone said to him, ‘I will follow you wherever you go.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.’ To another he said, ‘Follow me.’ But he said, ‘Lord, let me first go and bury my father.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.’ Yet another said, ‘I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.’ Jesus said to him, ‘No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God’” (Luke 9:57-62, ESV).

None of this applies to me! Perhaps it does much more than you think. How many, on judgment day, will say to the Lord, “But, Lord, though I was not religious (i.e., committed), I was certainly spiritual and did love you. Won’t you let me in?”

Perhaps one will hear on that day, “Why should I commit to you when you never did to Me? You committed to your work, your family, your charitable service, but never to Me. I did not fail to see what good you did, but I never saw what good you did in My name with My life controlling yours” (John 14:6). RT

Oh…What Mercy!

11 Saturday Nov 2017

Posted by in Bulletin Article, Genesis, love, Salvation

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Abraham had a great test given him by the Lord. Because Abraham loved the Lord, he passed the test and, no doubt taught the same valuable lesson he learned to his son, his promised son Isaac. Though little is known of Isaac, we learn at least two things. First, he was a man of great faith. Second, to him were born two sons; their names were Esau and Jacob. Esau was firstborn, but he gave up his responsibility for a moment’s time of fatigue.

Throughout the lives of these two boys turned into men, there seemed to be a strain. Whether that is so or not, one day it came to the point when the the firstborn (Esau) should have chosen a better course than he did. Famished as he was from a day’s activity, he gave up something that should have never been given up, that is, the privilege and responsibility belonging to him. Firstborn status (also known as birthright) meant that with the responsibilities placed on him in leading the family (and those responsibilities were great) came the privileges of receiving half the inheritance. For a moment’s time, physically hungering, Esau gave it up! it had consequences he could not have imagined.

For Jacob, the consequences of doing what he did was not easily experienced either. He not only deceived his brother (at his mother’s behest), but was always on guard because he knew his brother turned against him. He leaves home and experiences one heartache after another; in fact, so troubled by his life’s experiences, he said to Pharaoh (king of Egypt) that his life has been nothing but trouble (Genesis 47:9). Nevertheless, though Jacob did wrong and paid for it, it was through Jacob that God chose to bless humanity.

Jacob had twelve sons, but it was one son that Jacob wrapped his life around; his name was Joseph. Joseph was the son of his old age, but Joseph soon experienced his own heartache when he was kidnapped by his brothers, sold into bondage and placed in a foreign home where the wife of a significant leader cast her longing eye. For many years, Jacob lived with the knowledge his son had been killed by animal because his other sons told him as much. What Jacob did to his older brother was done to him. In this tumultuous time, Jacob had two sons stand tall. Joseph stood tall for the Lord, and the Lord blessed him accordingly. Jacob taught Joseph well. There was another son; his name was Judah.

There is not much said about Judah in Genesis; that which is said presents to us experiences of the man that also was heart-breaking. In Genesis 38, the experience of Judah was a loss of his wife, the loss of two sons, and an intimate relationship because of loneliness (and sin), but also exposure. It was later in his life, when confronted by the deed he and his brothers were guilty of (kidnapping, selling Joseph and lying about it), he appealed and bowed to Pharaoh’s “right-hand” man, Joseph (unbeknownst to Jacob). The humiliation and horror did not escape any of Jacob’s sons. They were now at the mercy of Joseph.

We are, also, at the mercy of the Lord. Joseph was in perfect position to render justice and judgment, but he chose to take a different course than what his brothers expected. As we read this article right now, do we think of the Lord’s mercy as He extends it to us? If not, perhaps we should. He is in perfect position (and always will be) to render justice and judgment, but oh what mercy! RT

Baltimore (Sermon)

05 Tuesday May 2015

Posted by in Baltimore, evil, injustice, love, mobs, Satan

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INTRODUCTION

  1. Here is what I have learned concerning that which generated the riots in Baltimore. Riots broke out after the funeral of a black man (Freddie Gray) died of serious spinal cord injuries apparently suffered in police custody (Fox News Website, 4.28.2015). Looted storefronts, rock throwing, burned cars, 15 police officers injured, “purge” (or lawlessness) encouraged. During the funeral there were credible reports of gang activity by three of them as they sought to encourage violence. The National Guard was called out for the first since 1968 to deal with a similar crisis. President Obama called the police action and violent reaction a “slow rolling crisis,” though he tried to mitigate the force of those words with an additional remark that there was no excuse for such violence. The newspaper article’s last paragraph starts, “The violence set off soul-searching among community leaders and others…” (www.jg-tc.com, A-2, 4.29.2015).
  2. A number of months back, I sent out an email article by Hugh Fulford with some observations relative to the Ferguson, MO tragedy. A brother (______) on Long Island (LI) took strong exception to what had been written. I don’t remember much about what Hugh said or what the brother on LI said. I do remember giving the brother a warm reply and asked him to discuss with me a scenario. He replied in kind with interest, but as a professional and time constraints tight, he could not do so at the moment.
  3. Unfortunately, it never materialized. Reflecting on this and how best to handle a situation such as these, I remember well two passages in Scripture that also speak of mob action.

BODY

A. There are two mob actions in the Book of Acts that warrant some attention. In both scenarios there was an economic component to the actions of the mob and there was also a religious component to the mob actions. As Paul preached, the people “tuned in.”

B. Acts 16:19 – An irritated Paul, hearing the continual words of a “certain slave girl,” turned around and commanded the evil spirit to come out of her. Accomplished, the masters of this slave girl, realizing their hope of profit was gone gathered a mob (however large) and justified their actions with incarceration (16:16-24). As a result of the injustice perpetrated on Paul and Silas, there was a man (jailer) who was saved, he and his house.

C. Acts 19:32 – By this time Paul dealt with false religion to such a degree that he invariably had success. That success came at a cost, however. While in Ephesus the makers of idols were aggravated that Paul’s preaching and teaching was thwarting their industry (19:24-27). In order to head off this preacher and his message a mob gathered and took with them companions of Paul into an area where much chanting and hollering was done. The Scripture poignantly state that most of them did not even know why they were present (19:32).

D. In the course of unfortunate scenarios like what we have seen in Baltimore, it will invariably be the case that someone will suggest “dialogue.”

E. Dialogue is good, but about what will one talk about? Will it be the economic situation of the community? That will be fine, but will it be sufficient? Will it be about the relationships that exist between two different communities (the “white” police force and the black community)? That will be fine, but will it be sufficient? Where does a conversation start?

F. Let me suggest what most (if not all) of secular society will reject, almost with a wave of the hand. The solution to the matter starts with one. First, one must be a Christian. Second, one must be devoted to the Lord and His way, no matter the cost. Short of these two points, all applications of the Scripture will fall short of actual solution. It won’t be because the Scriptures are wrong, or will fail; it will be because the implementation of what is said by the individual will not take root (Matthew 13:3-9). Matthew 7:12; 22:34-40; Philippians 2:12-16; Colossians 1:28; 2:8, 20-23. Satan is a hindering agent (1 Thessalonians 2:18). He will do what he can to thwart the Lord’s cause, even if it is rioting in the streets. In the context, though we are not told how this actually occurred, Paul mentioned the Jewish obstacles. Thus, Satan used the Jews.

CONCLUSION. That which occurred in Philippi, Ephesus, Ferguson, and Baltimore was all at the instigation of Satan! To deny it is to not be aware of how “he” moves in Scripture (1 Peter 5:8; 2 Corinthians 2:11; 4:4). The ONLY way to defeat Satan is not to play his game.

The Courts and the Christian

19 Wednesday Mar 2014

Posted by in Affliction/Persecution, America, Behavior, Communication, Corinthians, Doctrine, Leadership, love

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In Paul’s letter to the church in Corinth he admonishes them because there were some going before unbelievers to settle their disputes among themselves. Paul found this tremendously out of place. The unjust (unsaved) judge in secular court is not to judge the just (saved); rather, there should have been, Paul said, some among the church who could judge these trivial matters that were besetting the saints. He gives reasons why going to court with a brother is sinful. First, saints will judge the world (6:2). Paul does not state exactly how this takes place, but the fact that it will is a teaching from God. Second, in comparison with such a judgment, matters that pertain to this word are trivial, small (6:2). It may be that one of the parties to litigation may not regard his perspective as small or trivial, but the Lord does. Third, the saints will judge angels (6:3). Again, Paul does not explain this, but declares the fact of it. Fourth, those “least esteemed” (NKJV; “no standing in the church” both NET and ESV), are in no position to judge saints. In other words, those outside the church (secular Judges) have no standing within the church, therefore they should not be judging brethren. Fifth, there surely is a saint, wise man (or men) in the church who can fairly judge (6:5). Sixth, it is a complete failure that brothers would even have these matters unresolved that they would litigate (6:7)! Seventh, and last, it is better to suffer wrong that to “soil” the Lord’s name and church with such small matters (6:7).

Let us not misunderstand. The court system in our society is for the occasion to make right what we suffered as a wrong. It is not sinful for Christians to avail themselves of this avenue of justice. What Paul is addressing is when there exists a problem between brothers, and the saints utilize a system that does not respect God in seeking adjudication (or justice). The saints live by a higher standard (and law) than those of this earth; therefore, let us be judged by the same, by a standard higher than any secular law.

When one thinks about what the Holy Spirit is saying in this chapter—it can be a difficult think to accept. This is especially the case when one thinks about the ease at litigation today, the victim mentality, the selfish mentality, and such like. Nevertheless, the Holy Spirit is clear. Those who don’t see fit to submit to His will, will be sitting amongst those identified in as not inheriting the kingdom of God (6:9-10). Those who think this way may consider such lack of inheritance as trivial, but they won’t!

 

Just as they did

12 Wednesday Mar 2014

Posted by in love, Preaching, Wisdom

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Nicodemus asked, “Does our law judge a man before it hears him and knows what he is doing?” (John 7:51) Making judgments in life is something we all do and cannot fail to do. That is just the way life is! The standard we use, however, is of most importance. To a godly person it goes without saying that the standard used needs to be (and is) God’s word coupled with charity. Unfortunately, many who identify themselves as Christians fail to utilize both. The standard is not God’s, but their own, and what charity is used is merely perceived, not real. It was in this failure to apply both that the religious leaders utilized, killing the Lord. When we do what they did, we will “kill” just as they did.

 

The Pattern

11 Tuesday Mar 2014

Posted by in Doctrine, Faithfulness, God, love, Man-Made Churches, Teaching

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There are some in the Christian world who look upon the idea of a pattern (a correct way to do things) in religion as being something to be dismissed. In fact, some call this legalistic, and that it is in part and whole contrary to the New Testament. Is this true? It is not!

The idea behind a pattern finds its way into religion from God. To Moses the Lord said, “And see to it that you make them [articles of the Tabernacle] according to the pattern which was shown you on the mountain” (Exodus 25:40, NKJV). As the children of Israel made their way from Egypt to the land of promise (Canaan) and embarked on clearing the land of its evil, it was finally the case that the Israelites were able to “rest from their labors” and go home. Joshua gave the departing ones a word of exhortation, “But take careful heed to do the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, to love the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways, to keep His commandments, to hold fast to Him, and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul” (Joshua 22:5). You will note in this word from Joshua two important ideas. First, the Israelites were to pay attention to the Lord and do exactly what He said. Second, they were to have their motivation (love) properly in place. This is the idea behind what some people disparagingly call “pattern theology.” Those who do so speak about that which the Lord set in place!

So important was this concept that the people of Israel were alarmed when they heard of a compromise existing (Joshua 22). After having laid down their arms they were prepared to take them up again because of the perceived compromise. In other words, they were prepared to do battle with their brothers (22:13-21). After some conversation it was learned by the leaders of Israel there was no attempt to compromise the Lord’s way (22:29), but that which was built was done as a witness (a replica, a pattern) for later generations (22:26-28).

In this there is a lesson. What some ridicule as “pattern theology” actually got its origin from God, not any man. Whatever failings man may have had in implementation of the Lord’s pattern, let us not be guilty of doing the same. There are two things to keep in mind: first, when the Lord said something on a particular topic, that which the Lord said (commanded) is that which is to be done in the way He said to do it. He did not give to man the option to alter what He said, only to choose to obey or not. Second, those who serve the Lord faithfully understand the Lord’s mercy and its underserving quality. Because this is understood, the love that is expressed to the Lord brings about obedience. Joshua understood this and, when he was preparing to pass from this life, set before the people of Israel the alternative to the Lord’s way (Joshua 24:14-15). In the Lord’s church, those who are faithful to the Lord understand the same. The structure of the church, the structure of worship, the behavior in life—these are things the Lord addressed for His saints to understand and to submit to.

 

The Deprived Ones

25 Tuesday Feb 2014

Posted by in Leadership, love, Preaching

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When Paul wrote to the church in Corinth, he wrote concerning two things; first, he wrote to encourage them in the Lord and for them to avoid the divisive spirit that was amongst them already; second, he wrote to answer questions that were troublesome to them. In the course of addressing these two main points Paul also addressed why it was that a divisive spirit existed among them. A divisive spirit exists because people accept the wisdom this world presents as enlightened and reject, as a result, God’s wisdom. The Bible uses terms like “flesh” or a “carnal spirit” to describe such a way of thinking.

When these two approaches meet (man’s wisdom opposed to God’s wisdom), the clash is great and a spirit of division pervades. This divisive spirit drove a wedge between the Christians in Corinth because of personalities; people wanted to be aligned with prominent preachers. Paul addressed this matter when he spoke about his own experiences in relation (or comparison) with those in Corinth (4:1; 2:1-5). Paul was judged by some in Corinth as being inadequate for the occasion he was called upon to engage (preaching the good news of God). He mentioned that as an apostle he was considered foolish, he was deprived of necessary things like food, water, and sufficient clothing, and that he had no real place to call home (4:9-13). Paul, however, was not going to be thrown off his God-ordained task of preaching and teaching; rather, he used his circumstances in order to serve God, the brethren, and even himself (cf. 2 Corinthians 1:3-7).

Let us make an application: Christians can be deprived of many things in this world. This does not mean—and this needs to be said and stressed—this does not mean that God is not blessing the “deprived ones,” when, in fact, He is and has already done so. The problems many face in this life are associated with believing that possessions are the outgrowth of God’s blessings. There is no necessary connection, none! Blessings from God are spiritual (Ephesians 1:3). Whatever physical blessings we are fortunate to possess and enjoy can be (and should be) used to glorify the Lord. Let us not think, however, that because we don’t have something that the Lord is not on our side. To think this way is discouragingly wrong!