A Word About Worship
“Come, let us bow down in worship.”
Psalms 95:6
Worship is the number one ministry priority in our church. We hope and pray that the weekend worship will be the most exciting and meaningful event of each person’s week, a place for Christians to get their spiritual batteries charged, and a place for seekers to find God.
Soren Kierkegard, a Danish philosopher in the 19th century, once clarified the most common misconception about worship using the analogy of a drama. “When we come to worship God, we generally feel as though the preacher and other ministers are the performers and God is the subject of the performance and we as the congregation are merely the audience…but this is a terrible misunderstanding of worship.”
Kierkegard is describing a consumer-oriented approach—focused more on what we receive than what we give. Kierkegard goes on to say, “Authentic Christian worship is just the opposite. We, the congregation, are the performers. The preachers and other ministers are the directors of the performance and God is the audience.”
Next time you worship, try this perspective. It just might make it a more meaningful experience.
Judging Others
“Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?”
Matthew 7:3
Imagine that you need surgery to remove a splinter of wood from your eye. It’s a dangerous procedure; one slip of the scalpel and you are ruined. The doctor tells you that the surgery will be no problem, but something about the doctor is so horrifying it’s comical. You notice he has a two-by-four through both his eyes.
That ludicrous scene is what Jesus was illustrating when He talked about judging others. He said, “Do not judge or you too will be judged…Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye, and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye…You hypocrite? First take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”
In short, in judging the flaws of others, we are often blind to our own flaws. It’s ludicrous to get in the judging business, for none of us have good enough vision to know the whole story. Only God sees with complete vision. He’s the only One with 20/20 vision in understanding another person’s life. Let’s get into the loving business and leaving the judging up to God.
Pruning
“…every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit.”
John 15:2
Are you a gardener? Do you enjoy seeing things grow? If so, you understand the principle that a plant must be pruned in order to produce at its peak. Dead wood and unhealthy parts must be cut away.
Pruning is a reality in the garden, but it’s also a very real part of human life. Because God loves us, sometimes He chooses to prune our lives. This may come through the loss of a job or a loved one, or a move away from something that’s comfortable for us. It may happen in many ways that we face adversity.
What is accomplished by pruning? For the plant, it’s a healthier and more vigorous growth with more fruit. For us, it’s the ability to rely more completely on God, our source of life, and the ability to live a more spiritually secure and disciplined life.
Pruning is painful. It allows us, though, to live a more fruitful life. With God, pruning always gives us hope.
Thermometer Or Thermostat?
“Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.”
1 John 5:5
Have you ever thought about the difference in a thermometer and a thermostat?
A thermometer changes with circumstances—it reacts.
A thermostat changes the circumstances—it regulates.
The same could be said for the way people respond to life’s challenges. Some let circumstances control them and they often feel like victims. But others experience life on a more even keel. Circumstances may become difficult, but they’re constantly overcoming those difficult circumstances. They weather the storms with the confidence that circumstances have no power to defeat them.
Which are you? A thermometer, constantly up and down? Or a thermostat, strong and unshakeable?
I find that people who have a strong personal relationship with Jesus Christ experience great strength and inner peace no matter what their circumstances. They don’t see themselves as victims, but always as overcomers. It’s a real key to successful living.
You Can’t Take It With You
“For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either.”
1 Timothy 6:7
I’ve been a pastor for many years, and have attended a lot of funerals. But I’ve never seen a moving van following a hearse at a real funeral.
Think about the priorities and the interests in your life. How much time is spent acquiring and hoarding things when, in the end, you simply can’t take it with you? The Bible states that we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take any stuff out of it either. So it’s good to focus on the things that last—like God and building eternal treasure.
Hooking Up
“…the body is not for immorality, but for the Lord.”
1 Corinthians 6:13
In Tom Wolfe’s book, Hooking Up, he writes, “Sexual revolution was a rather prim term for the lurid carnival actually taking place in the mightiest country on earth in the year 2000…an estimated fifty percent of all hits on the web portraying what was known as ‘adult material.’”
In the year 2000, “hooking up” was a term known to almost every American child over the age of nine, but to only a relatively small percentage of their parents, who thought it was used in the old sense of ‘meeting’ someone. Among the children, hooking up was understood to mean a sexual experience.
No doubt, America’s sexual standards are not what God had in mind when He invented sex. Sex is his idea, but for only one setting—in the context of marriage between a man and a woman. It’s difficult to live by and radically counter-cultural, but God loves you and He wants the best for you. Do you have the courage to trust Him in this and every area of your life? You won’t be disappointed.
Hope At Easter
“The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.”
Matthew 28:5,6
When we lose a loved one, we want the whole world to stop and take notice. The world, however, keeps rushing on and darkness can engulf our soul.
A Christian man lost his 18-year-old son. It was a tragic death and the father felt his soul engulfed in darkness. Easter came and he dreaded the day. He arose early, unable to sleep. He sat alone in the darkness of his home. He felt the darkness of his son’s death mocking his soul on a day when in the past he had always felt such hope. Then he saw the sunrise.
As he watched it rise and bring light to another day, he heard the “Hallelujah Chorus” being sung over the radio. At that moment he felt God speaking to him, saying, “As the sun rises, my Son rose and so will yours.”
The man realized there will be no darkness in heaven—only light. There will be no death—only life—because Jesus is risen indeed! This is why Easter is such a glorious day.
More Thoughts On The Resurrection
“You are witnesses of these things.”
Luke 24:48
One of the major questions people have to ask when considering the resurrection of Jesus is how to explain the dramatic change in the disciples. Consider the following:
At his crucifixion, all but one fled in fear and they went into hiding— for as His followers, they feared the government authorities would arrest them as well. Then later, in different parts of the world, they boldly proclaimed that Jesus had risen from the dead. When confronted with death if they didn’t stop making that claim, none did. People will die for a lie that they don’t know is a lie, but they don’t die for something that they know is a hoax. Someone would have squealed and no one did. Why?
That first Easter morning when the women told the disciples that Jesus was risen, they did not believe them. They thought it was nonsense. They knew He was dead. What happened to cause them to believe that He was alive?
Can you answer these questions? I believe Jesus arose, and they saw Him, and their lives were never the same.
The Empty Tomb
“And, if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith is also in vain.”
1 Corinthians 15:14
If you’re a skeptic about the resurrection of Jesus, how do you explain the “empty tomb?” Some say the disciples stole the body. Matthew 28:11-15 speaks of this rumor.
I ask you, how could they overcome the Roman guards, who were executed, if they left their post or lost their prisoner? And how can you explain all the disciples dying a martyr’s death at different locations and times for proclaiming something that they knew to be a lie?
People will die for a lie if they don’t know it’s a lie, but people don’t die for something they know is untrue. Do you remember Watergate and all those Nixon loyalists running for their lawyers when they realized prison might be ahead?
The disciples claimed that Jesus Christ proved He was God’s son by rising from the dead. To escape martyrdom, all the disciples had to do was renounce their claim. They did not.
No, the disciples didn’t steal Jesus’ body. They died because they knew that Jesus rose.
Many Live Appearances After His Death
“…because I live, you will live also.”
John 14:19
Christianity is about faith – faith in Jesus Christ who rose from the dead. But have you realized there is also historical documentation of Jesus’ resurrection? Six different books offer documentation of Jesus’ nine live appearances after His resurrection:
1. He appeared to Mary Magdalene and other women the morning of His resurrection.
2. He appeared to Peter.
3. He appeared to two men on the road to Emmaus.
4. He appeared to the disciples as a whole (except for Thomas, who wasn’t there).
5. He appeared to the disciples with Thomas, and Thomas believed.
6. He appeared to seven disciples at the Sea of Galilee and enjoyed a fish fry.
7. He appeared to over 500 people at once.
8. He appeared to James, his brother.
9. He appeared one final time to his disciples before He ascended to heaven.
There are at least nine documented live appearances after His death. That is a lot of evidence that He rose from the dead.
Swoon Theory
“He is not here, but He is risen.”
Luke 24:6
We’ve been looking at the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the many theories espoused to debunk it. Let me share with you one of the funniest theories that tries to explain the empty tomb. It’s called the Swoon Theory.
This theory argues that Jesus really didn’t die. The Roman guards just thought he had died, but he was really unconscious or swooned from the loss of blood and exhaustion on the cross. Later he revived and came out of the tomb and appeared to his disciples, who thought he had risen.
Yeah, sure. After the ordeal of the crucifixion in losing all of his blood, he survived three days in a damp tomb without food or water, unwrapped himself from tightly-bound burial clothes, rolled away the heavy stone, overcame the Roman guards, walked miles on feet that had been spiked, and convinced his disciples that he has risen from the dead. Why, it takes more faith to believe this theory, than to believe in the resurrection.
In the end, the only theory that explains the empty tomb is Jesus’ resurrection from the dead, and that’s the evidence I believe.
Do You Believe He Is Risen?
“He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said.”
Matthew 28:6
On the first Easter morning, a group of women went to the tomb to anoint the body of Jesus. There was no doubt in their minds Jesus was dead—they saw Him die on Friday and they even saw where He was buried. Yet, when they arrived on Easter, the tomb was empty. They were alarmed.
Can you imagine how you would feel if you took flowers to the grave of a loved one two days after the funeral, and the grave had been dug up, and the casket was open, and the body was gone? Terrifying! But an angel said to them, “He is not here. He is risen.” And the angel reminded them that Christ preached that He would be killed and rise again. The women believed. How about you?
If Christ did not rise from the dead, He was a fraud or a loony-tune and certainly not a great prophet or teacher. Or, He did what He said He’d do—conquer death—which makes Him God.
What do you believe? All of Christianity rises and falls on the resurrection.
Why I Believe In God
“Now the centurion and those who were with him keeping guard over Jesus…said, ‘Truly this was the Son of God.’”
Matthew 27:54
The big reason I believe in God, is the overwhelming evidence of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. If He didn’t, He wasn’t God. But if He did, well, men like Mohammed and Buddha just don’t compare. Have you examined the overwhelming evidence of Jesus’ resurrection?
All the authorities had to do was produce His body, and Christianity was dead on arrival. No one ever did.
In fear, all the disciples deserted Jesus at His crucifixion; yet, they went from being cowards to courageously proclaiming of His resurrection. They died martyrs’ deaths for refusing to stop telling what they knew to be true.
Some say the disciples stole the body and then lied about His resurrection to start a new movement. But hold on. People will die for a lie if they don’t know it’s a lie, but people don’t die for a lie that they know is a lie. Someone would have squealed.
So much evidence and yet there is so much more. The overwhelming evidence of Jesus’ resurrection is the number one reason I believe in God.
When Christianity Is Worthless
“If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised.”
1 Corinthians 15:13
Do you know what would make Christianity worthless?
If Christ did not rise from the dead, Christianity would be built around a big lie. It would mean that Jesus was a liar, because He said He would be killed and rise again. It would mean that the Bible is filled with lies, because over and over it writes of Jesus’ resurrection. It would mean that of all people on earth, Christians are to be pitied the most, for we have bought into a colossal hoax.
But if Christ rose from the dead, it means that when Jesus says He is the Son of God, He is believable. It means there is hope beyond the grave. It means every miracle in the Bible is believable. After all, if a man rises from the dead, what’s the big deal about parting the Red Sea or making the lame walk? Christianity rises and falls on the resurrection. No resurrection, and Christianity is worthless. But if He did rise, it means everything.
I believe He did. How about you?
Work To The Glory Of God
“For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name…”
Hebrews 6:10
The story is told of a woman who cleaned the same office building for many years. When asked how she endured the drudgery of doing the same chores day in and day out, she replied, “It’s not drudgery. You see, I’m working for the King and He’s pleased along with others when I do my best.”
This is a woman who has found the secret to satisfying work. Her focus was not on the tasks, but on the Lord and people. She focused on serving the Lord and her fellow man. How about you? When was the last time you found joy in your work?
The Bible gives us a key: “Whatever you do…do all for the glory of God.” When we work for the Lord and to serve other people, work can bring us joy and fulfillment. It all depends on your attitude.
Are you anticipating another day of drudgery? That’s what you’ll probably get. But if you’re planning to live this day to please God and to serve others, you may be surprised how the drudgery is replaced by meaning and purpose.
Winning The Race
What is this confidence that you have…we trust in the Lord our God….”
2 Kings 18:19,22
During the filming of the old classic movie, Ben Hur, Charleton Heston had a terrible time learning to drive the chariot. When it came time to film the key sequence of the chariot race, Heston told the director, “I think I can drive the chariot, but I don’t think I can win the race.” The director replied, “You just drive, and I’ll see to it that you win.”
Wouldn’t it be great if we could be assured of victory in life? Wouldn’t you like to know that, even though the circumstances don’t always seem to be in our favor, the ultimate outcome would be positive?
I’ve got good news for you. This principle does hold true. Those who place their trust in Jesus Christ, who seek to follow His guidance and direction for living, can be sure of ultimate victory through eternal life. Live life God’s way—He assures the victory.
Life’s Most Important Question
“Pilate said to them, ‘Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?’”
Matthew 27:22
Almost 2,000 years ago, a man named Pilate asked the most important question in life. Standing before him was an itinerant preacher. There was nothing remarkable about His looks. He had attracted a large following but few committed followers. He had no wealth—not even a home of His own. Yet He was the object of an unmitigated hatred from a mob. Pilate asked, “What shall I do with this man?” As the mob cried for His execution, the man, Jesus Christ, stood silently as Pilate cowardly sentenced Him to death on the cross.
The question Pilate asked is ultimately one all of us have to ask. What shall I do with this man Jesus?
He loves you, even when you could care less about Him. He cared enough to pay the penalty for your sin. What will you do with Jesus? Your eternal destiny hangs in the balance by how you respond.
Real Soul Food
“I am the living bread that came down out of heaven; if anyone eats of this bread he will live forever.”
John 6:51
Some of my most satisfying times are spent enjoying good soul food with close friends and family…fried chicken, turnip greens, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, cornbread, and butter beans. Man, it makes my mouth water just thinking about it.
But the ultimate “soul food” is the bread of life. Have you tasted this bread? This food makes you feel satisfied and content, sort of like your favorite meal. But only the bread of life provides lasting satisfaction and contentment. Jesus tells us He is the Bread of Life, the ultimate soul food, because only He provides us with spiritual nourishment that lasts.
During the Passover meal the night before His crucifixion, He broke bread with the disciples. He said the bread symbolized His body and that He would be broken on the cross. Christ wanted all of us to know that He is the Bread of Life – the only food that brings contentment and fulfillment to our souls.
I love soul food, especially the ultimate soul food, the bread of life—Jesus Christ.
Jesus Making Religious People Mad
“God said…I AM WHO I AM.”
Exodus 3:14
Jesus was constantly making religious people mad. What made them the angriest were His claims about Himself. He said, “I AM the bread of life,” and “I AM the light of this world,” meaning enlightenment. He said, “I AM the way,” meaning the way to God. He said, “I AM the truth.” “I AM the life, ” meaning the key to eternal life. He said, “Before Abe was, I AM.”
Now, these are definite claims to be God. These were outrageous statements and were the major reason that Jesus was executed. The religious people saw Him as a blasphemer, claiming to be God.
Whatever you do, don’t commit intellectual suicide by claiming you think Jesus was a good man, or prophet, or good teacher, but not God. Our only rational conclusion can be that He was an idiot, a megalomaniac who lied, or He is who He claimed to be. I believe He told the truth about Himself.
What do you believe?
Mary Magdalene
“Now after He had risen early on the first day of the week, He first appeared to Mary Magdalene…”
Mark 16:9
The best seller, The DaVinci Code, made Mary Magdalene a hot topic of discussion. Who was she? Was she Jesus’ wife and the mother of His child as the book claims? Or was she simply a dedicated follower of Jesus?
She is an important person in the story of Jesus, because she was one of the women who went to anoint the body of Jesus after His death and burial. That was the custom in those days. But the tomb was empty. And while Mary was bewildered at this, Jesus appeared to her alive. His first appearance after His resurrection was to a woman.
Jesus took women seriously in that patriarchal first-century world. He did more to raise the status of women than anyone who has ever lived. But there is no historical evidence or documentation that Mary Magdalene was Jesus’ wife. That is pure fantasy. She is simply a good example of what it means to be a devoted follower of Jesus.
Pride
“Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before stumbling.”
Proverbs 16:18
It was a spring day – April 10th, to be exact – and it seemed that all of South Hampton, England had gathered in one place to celebrate one of the pinnacle accomplishments of man. About 2200 people had the privilege of a first-hand view, among them some of the wealthiest people in the world. It seemed the whole word was marveling at this awesome accomplishment – eleven stories high, 900 feet long, 46,000 tons – and yet just five days later, at 2:20 a.m. on April 15, 1912, it was all gone – disappeared – a massive wreckage at the bottom of the sea. The name “Titantic” was always preceded with the word “unsinkable.” On board, many joked, “Even God couldn’t sink the Titanic,” but it will forever serve as the twentieth century example of the foolishness of pride.
God’s word says, “Pride goes before a fall, and a haughty spirit before stumbling.” Prideful Titanics sink into destruction, but a good life that is humble before God and man has a better chance to withstand the storms of life.
I Am The Resurrection And The Life
“I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live, even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die.”
John 11:25-26
One of the more outrageous claims of Jesus was, “I AM the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me will live, even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die.” He concluded this claim by asking the crowd, “Do you believe this?”
How would you have responded?
Jesus was claiming to have power over death. He was claiming that He is the source of eternal life. He was claiming that even if a person dies physically and they believe in Him, they will never die spiritually. Do you believe this?
How you answer Jesus’ question concerning His claims about Himself and power over death is the most important decision you’ll ever make. Let’s put it this way: if He didn’t rise from the dead Himself, the decision is easy. Don’t believe Him. But if He did, man, we have an important decision to make—a decision of life and death.
I believe Him. How about you?
Saul to Paul
But the Lord said to [Ananias], “Go, for [Saul] is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel;
Acts 9:15
He was the worst kind of terrorist—a religious terrorist—plotting to kill and hurt people who didn’t believe in God like he did. He was brilliant, highly educated, and ambitious. The mention of his name would strike fear in people who didn’t believe as he did.
One day on his way to fulfill another terrorist plot, he was stopped by a power that he didn’t know existed. It terrified him. This person was so powerful that it stopped the young terrorist in his tracks. The terrorist was named Saul. The powerful person was named Jesus.
And on that day, the terrorist named Saul was changed inwardly and outwardly by the love of Christ. Christ can change anyone who is hostile to Him and His church—even religious terrorists. He can even change people who are sinners like you and me.
Parenting Teens
“Likewise, urge the young men to be sensible.”
Titus 2:6
Parenting preschoolers and children is physically and emotionally demanding, but nothing is more emotionally demanding than parenting teens. Peer pressure, their desire for freedom, and your desire to not let go too fast can cause all kinds of stress. A few thoughts:
If you’ve taught them to obey at six, there’s a better chance they’ll obey at sixteen.
If you take time to listen to them when they’re young, there’s a better chance they’ll listen to you as a teenager.
Don’t sweat the generational differences. Instead, ask these questions:
1. Is what they are doing unbiblical?
2. Have they defied me?
3. Will it bring them harm?
If the answer to any of those is “yes,” it’s time for discipline and instruction with a good dose of love.
Pray that they will desire to make decisions that are pleasing to God, for when they do, you’ll never have to worry about them pleasing you. This is more important than their happiness, for this is true joy.
