Category Archives: Teaching

Enter God’s Rest

Read Hebrews 4:1-11

“Wherever rest appears in 3:1 to 4:11, it refers to an experience of salvation we enter by faith in Jesus Christ.” (Tommy Lea, Holman NT Commentary on Hebrews).

The Sabbath is a symbol. The day has meaning beyond itself. That meaning has been fulfilled in Christ (Matthew 5:17 & John 19:30), who is Lord over the Sabbath (Mark 2:28). We will realize it when we rest in Him.

The Sabbath was a perpetual reminder to the Jews to trust YHWH. “Cease striving and know that I am God.” The psalmist wrote that for Israel to sing (Psalm 46:10).  Stop striving to please God on your own; instead, rest in Christ. He pleases the Heavenly Father. You and I fall short, even when we are at our best. Trust Him to care for you; trust Him to forgive you when you fail. Follow Jesus and obey Him by all means, but do so as the result of an active faith, not as an attempt to win his favor. His favor is given freely when you have faith.

The Pharisees never figured that out. Instead, they made the Sabbath a legalistic nightmare of rules to keep people from work, which caused plenty of strife and unrest.  Ironic. Obviously, that is not why God established the Sabbath. As Jesus clearly stated, “God made the Sabbath for man and not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27).  

Sunday is not the same as the OT Law Sabbath. Saturday is. Our present passage is not teaching Christians to observe the Sabbath as a special day, be it Saturday or Sunday. It is leading us to understand the purpose behind the Sabbath, to enter God’s rest.

As those who are in Christ, we leave behind our striving to please God because we believe that Jesus Christ, who dwells within us, has fully pleased His Father. Therefore, we are pleasing to God as our Father, so long as we remain in Christ. We enter this rest by trusting Christ’s completed work at Calvary. “It is finished.” My salvation was bought with His precious blood. There is nothing more for me to add. Death was conquered.  There is nothing more for me to fear. I am under Christ’s authority. There is no law for me to keep. I am already justified, made right positionally, even before I begin to produce the fruit of righteousness.  

So, do not harden your hearts and go back to the old way of seeking to live a holy life on your own to please God. Legalism kills. You can never be holy enough for the Holy One. Trusting Him and admitting His Spirit into your heart, which is the inner chamber of your life, will make you holy. Do not doubt the love and goodness of your Heavenly Father when you are going through trouble. Trust Him to protect, and provide as He did for His people in the wilderness. That is rest.

Finally, realize that the Promised Land itself was the ultimate rest for the Israelites. That is what the author of Hebrews is speaking of here. When we strive to please God, we tend to make Him promises:  “O, God, I’ll do this for You if you’ll just bless me.”  “O, God protect me from this tornado,” or “from these terrorists, and I’ll serve you.”  That is not New Covenant religion!  God has made the promises. Discover them and trust Him to fulfill His own word. Jesus has promised, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all of these other things will be done for you” (Matthew 6:33), and “If you remain in me and my word remains in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be done for you” (John 15:7). Put your hope in these promises. Begin to ask and seek and knock (Matt. 7:7-11, Luke 11:9-10), and rest in the faith that your good and loving God will answer your prayer and give you “above and beyond all that you can ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20).

You enter the Lord’s rest by faith. “This faith demands a dependence on God’s work instead of on our own works.” (Tommy Lea, ibid.) When you “believe in yourself,” rather than trusting God, then you will fall short of His rest. You will either start making up your own rules, or striving to keep your understanding of the Bible’s teaching on your own. This is not the way to live the life of a Christian as God designed it to be. Rule oriented religion is common; it is very human. We are competitive. We seek to perform, to earn. We want to deserve good things. The Gospel is nothing like this. Christ offers justification, being made right with God because of His sacrifice. Christ offers a free gift of eternal life if we will receive it by faith. Then we live our lives in gratitude for what the Lord has done. We are transformed by grace and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. The fallen human nature is replaced with a spiritual one: I am reborn by the work of the Holy Spirit, and I begin to produce good works organically. Religion is inherently artificial. Genuine Christian life is supernatural, sustained by the Spirit of God. In Christ I don’t fear, I don’t strive, I am kept from falling or failing. That is rest.

When I have financial needs, I am stressed. Jesus taught us to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread.” Interestingly, the Greek word translated daily may mean tomorrow’s bread, which I pray for today. The idea would be that I don’t worry about tomorrow, as Jesus plainly says (Matt. 6:34). Instead, seek His kingdom and righteousness and trust him to provide everything you need (Matt. 6:33). That is rest.

Never Take Revenge

“Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’ To the contrary, ‘if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:19–21, ESV)

We are living in a revenge culture. Witness the ever present “revenge porn” found online. It seems everywhere I turn, whether to those on the Right or Left, there are people angry at something someone has done to them (real or imagined).

A very visible example at the moment is the murder of Charlie Kirk, a Conservative debater, speaker and organizer. He was a gentle, but unrelenting and persuasive, even provocative promoter of Conservative political ideas. He was also an outspoken and unapologetic Bible believing Christian. He had great impact on college campuses, most of which have become bastions of Leftist ideals. He made enemies on the Left, and one of them murdered him in cold blood in the middle of one of his college appearances in Utah. This is likely seen as revenge by many of his political opponents and detractors, who hated him for what he stood for. I was not a Charlie Kirk fanboy, but I did appreciate his incisive and intelligent answers to college students who asked questions at his meetings. In the wake of Charlie’s murder, what should his friends and followers do? 

What would Charlie do?

I don’t believe Charlie Kirk would seek revenge. He would seek to dialog with those who approve the actions of his assassin. That’s what he always did: have a conversation; ask questions; speak truth. 

What would Jesus do?

Pray for the assassin. Offer forgiveness. Show undeserving love to those who celebrate this evil act.

What I see is Conservatives rejoicing over people losing their jobs because of impulsive social media posts. If you’re a Christian, a real one who follows Jesus, stop. Pray for these people.

What should genuine Christians do when we are the recipients of evil and injustice?

Leave it to the wrath of God. God is love, AND God is just. Only almighty God can dispense perfect, righteous justice to those who perpetrate evil. 

“It is appointed for everyone once to die, and then comes judgment” (Heb. 9:27)

“We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil” (2 Cor. 5:10).

My anger doesn’t achieve God’s righteousness (James 1:20)

Jesus took upon himself the entirety of Almighty God’s righteous wrath against sin at the cross. As a result, anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved from that wrath, saved from eternal destruction in hell. “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 8:1).

Since I have been forgiven by God, I am commanded to offer forgiveness to anyone who has offended or harmed me. I am not justifying their hatred, harm or sin. I am giving them over to God. I will not take revenge. However, if that person rejects Christ and clings to their evil, they will pay the penalty for what they’ve done to me and others. It is imperative that we who claim Christ as our Lord, act like it. We must act like Jesus. 

I saw a video of a march honoring Charlie Kirk the night of his death. An individual rode through it on an electric scooter (I believe) shouting disrespectful remarks. A mob knocked him off the scooter and began beating him. That is exactly what Jesus forbids. That is what Paul is speaking against. That did not honor Charlie Kirk. In fact, it plays right into the hands of his Leftist detractors, making them feel justified in their hatred.

At the root of revenge culture is self-righteousness. I am good; I am right; you are wrong; you have offended and harmed me, so I will harm you back. Justice demands an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth, so I will poke out your eye or knock out your teeth. The trouble with this is, “there is none righteous, not even one” (Rom. 3:10/Psa 14:3), so I am hypocritical to hit back in anger. Revenge never ends. Soon enough we find ourselves in a blind and toothless world. 

In reality, you may be right and I may be wrong, but only God can condemn anyone. However, the good news is: “there is therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 8:1). So, we all need to get right with God by receiving Jesus as Lord and Savior. My response to being offended and harmed must be love. Jesus gave practical application to this command to love your enemy.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.” (Matthew 5:38–42, ESV)

Jesus tells us how to overcome evil with good: Love your enemies.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:43–48, ESV)

So, “Love your enemies and drive ‘em nuts!”

MANdate

Four things men are made to be and do from Genesis 2.

1. Protect & Serve

The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. And the LORD God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die.
Genesis 2:15-17 (NIV)

עָבַד
ʽâbad

1) to work, serve
1a1) to labour, work, do work
1a2) to work for another, serve another by labour
1a3) to serve as subjects
1a4) to serve (God)
1a5) to serve (with Levitical service)
Part of Speech: verb

Men are made for meaningful work.

Without meaningful work the mind and hands of a man wander
into evil places.

Without meaningful work a man will become depressed.

Men are made to serve.

Self serving behavior will always lack fulfillment for a man.

Men are no good without a Master.

Without a Master we are rogue warriors,
ronin,
angry, violent, unfulfilled troublemakers.

A man works to serve his wife,
but she is not his Master.

A man works to serve his children,
but they are not his Master.

A man works to serve his friends, his church, his neighbors, humankind, but none of these is his Master.

A man must submit to worthy superiors,
but no man is worthy enough to be the Master.

Jesus Christ is the Master.

שָׁמַר
shâmar
1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed
1a1) to keep, have charge of
1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life
1a2a) watch, watchman (participle)
1a3) to watch for, wait for
1a4) to watch, observe
1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory)
1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain
1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow)
1a8) to keep, preserve, protect
1a9) to keep, reserve
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be on one’s guard, take heed, take care, beware
1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain
1b3) to be kept, be guarded
1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed
1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from
Part of Speech: verb


Men are made to keep watch and protect.

Men must first guard their hearts from evil, duplicity and temptation.

“Guard your heart,
for from it flow the springs of life”
(Proverbs 4:23).

A man must watch over his own attitude and behavior.

“Watch the path of your feet
And all your ways will be established”
(Proverbs 4:26, NASB).

A man must watch his mouth.

“The one who guards his mouth preserves his life;
The one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin”
(Proverbs 13:3).

Only after he has guarded himself from evil is a man capable to protect his family and friends.

It is precisely at this point that Adam failed Eve,
and we are the worst for it.

When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.
Genesis 3:6 (NIV)

Adam failed to guard his wife.

Instead of watching over her, he just stood by and watched the devil take her captive with lies.

Men of God, you must not follow Adam!

Protect your wife, your family and your friends
by speaking the truth in love
(Ephesians 4:15).

This may make you unpopular in your home or with your friends, but they will thank you in the end.

Of course, this assumes you’ve disciplined yourself to learn the truth of Christ and live by it.

2. Decide & Lead

“Now the LORD God had formed out of the ground all the beasts of the field and all the birds of the air. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name.
Genesis 2:18-19 (NIV)

Men are made to define, determine, make decisions.

It is not a lack of intelligence which keeps a man from making a decision, but a lack of determination and courage.

A man lacks determination who believes strongly in nothing beyond himself.

Our problem right now is too many men have grown up without strong Christ centered fathers and grandfathers.

We live in a world filled with pusillanimous boy-men.

Pusillanimous
Pu`sil*lan”i*mous\, a. [L. pusillannimis; pusillus very little (dim. of pusus a little boy; cf. puer a boy, E. puerile) + animus the mind: cf. F. pusillanime. See Animosity.]

1. Destitute of a manly or courageous strength and firmness of mind; of weak spirit; mean-spirited; spiritless; cowardly; — said of persons, as, a pussillanimous prince.

2. Evincing, or characterized by, weakness of mind, and want of courage; feeble; as, pusillanimous counsels. “A low and pusillanimous spirit.” –Burke.

Syn: Cowardly; dastardly; mean-spirited; fainthearted; timid; weak; feeble.

Where are the real men?

Where are the men of God?

Men, we must submit to the Son of God,
and His Father will become our own.

Then we will begin to be what we were meant to be.

Men are meant to lead.

“For Adam was formed first, then Eve”
(1st Timothy 2:13).

The leader goes first to chart the course.

The leader goes first to protect those following him.

The leader offers the first and the best to God.

The leader is first to look after the needs of his followers, and last to meet his own needs and desires.

“Rather, let sthe greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves”
(Luke 22:26, ESV).


“Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven”
(Matthew 18:4).


“The greatest among you shall be your servant”
(Matthew 23:11, ESV).

As an example, the husband is called to love his wife sacrificially,
“as Christ loves the church and gave himself up for her”
(Ephesians 5:25).

A Christlike leader never strives to focus attention on himself.

A Christlike leader makes no selfish demands.

A Christlike leader doesn’t have to enforce his leadership with threats of force or pleading for obedience.

A Christlike leader is first of all a follower.

“Follow me as I follow Christ”
(1 Corinthians 11:1).

If you will not follow, you will be a poor leader.

Jesus Christ is our role model, men.

He is everything we are supposed to be.

Make the decision to follow the One who called himself
“Son of Man”
starting right now.

The Bible Is/Is Not

  • It is not just a single book but a collection of writings.
  • It is not one type of literature, but many: narrative, poetry, wisdom sayings, law, letter, prophecy, apocalyptic.
  • It is not merely human in origin, nor written by the hand of God alone.
  • It is a human and divine colaberation.
  • Its works were written by some 40 ordained and inspired human authors.
  • Its works were not written at one time, but over a period of 1500 years.
  • Portions of its writings began as oral tradition among people who could not read and write: stories in Genesis 1-11, Gospel stories regarding Jesus’ works and words.
  • It was not written in English, but in ancient Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek.
  • Different English translations are a good thing because this allows the reader to see into the original languages through the eyes of different translators who have different views about the texts.
  • The 66 writings were not determined to be Scripture by some council of men, but understood to be the Word of God by the people of God from the time they were written. They were read in synagogues and churches for many years before official councils were convened. Ie. Old Testament- Jamnia in AD 90, New Testament- Athanasius’ Festal Letter is first official list of 27 writings (AD 367), Synod of Hippo (AD 393)
  • The Bible is honest and shows the weaknesses and sins of its characters, including and especially the greatest heroes. Ie. King David and Bathsheba, Peter’s denials, Paul’s persecution of the church.
  • The Bible is not “full of errors,” but does show the differences in time periods, understanding and experience of its human authors: ie. 4 Gospels, Kings vs. Chronicles.
  • God doesn’t support everything the writings in the Bible report. Ie. King David did a number of things as a warrior that God proved to be unhappy about, since he was not permitted to build the temple because he “shed much blood”; the imprecatory Psalms display some negative (even awful) emotions of the writers (Psa. 58, 137).
  • The Bible is a miracle of preservation, the Penteteuch alone having survived for 3500 years, the New Testament books surviving Roman persecution and burning.
  • The Bible is not God’s words, but God’s Word. It is His message to His people.
  • The Bible must be read along with the presence of the Holy Spirit, who inspired its writers if it is to be correctly interpreted. Pray for illumination and understanding before you read.

Jesus Is God, Accept No Substitutes

Jesus Christ is one with God the Father. In Christ “all the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily” (Colossians 2:9).

Biblical Christians cannot accept any denomination, religion, doctrine or leader who will say otherwise.

–The ancient gnostics refused to believe that Jesus could be a flesh and blood man, and refused to accept that all the fullness of the Creator of the universe lived within him.

–The Jews refused to accept that Jesus Christ was one with God the Father, and rejected him as Messiah.

–Islam rejects Jesus claim to be one with God the Father. It is an offence to call Jesus the Son of God. They teach that he is a prophet, lower than Muhammed. The Koran teaches that Jesus did not die on the cross. Nevertheless, Muslims believe one thing that is true. Jesus will return to earth. What they do not recognize is that without Jesus death and resurrection no one can enter heaven (John 14:6, Acts 4:12).

–Mormons do not accept the truth that Jesus is one with God the Father. Indeed, this false religion is so metaphysically confused and theologically wrong that there is little to find agreement on, even though they would have you believe that they are worshipping the same God and believing in the same Jesus.

For the Mormon the incarnation is no big deal because they are taught human beings are made of the “same stuff” as God, whom they call Elohim. Of course Jesus is “fully God and fully man” because every man can become a God. “Divinity is the full maturity of humanity.” (http://lehislibrary.wordpress.com/2009/09/18/lds-christology-trinitarian-christology-a-comparison/) 

For the Mormon, the God of our world is one of many gods throughout the universe. He is a physical being. He was once a man. Jesus is the physical offspring of this god, the result of Elohim having intercourse with Mary. Jesus is but one savior among many in the universe, since each world likely requires a savior. 

The truth is Mormonism is a lie inspired and led by the god of this world, whose name is not Elohim. The god of this world is the father of lies. His name is Satan. He is blinding the eyes of many today. He is successfully misleading many Christians.

“You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44, ESV).

“And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God” (2 Corinthians 4:3-4).

“For false christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect” (Matthew 24:24, ESV).

This is why it is imperative that we hold to the truth that Jesus Christ is absolutely unique. He is the One and Only Son of the One and Only God. 

“He is the image of the invisible God. The firstborn of all creation. In him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions, rulers or authorities– all things were made through him and for him. And he is before all things and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent…. In him all the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily” (Colossians 1:15-19 & 2:9).

Church Is/Is Not Essential

Remember the pandemic? Of course you do. Remember when we all were commanded to “shelter inside”? Well, you could go outside if the government determined that what you were going to do what “essential.” Was your job deemed essential? What activities could you participate in during those dark days? Well, you could go to the store to get food; that was considered essential. You couldn’t go to a friend’s house if it meant there would be too many people (usually over 10). You could go to the liquor store; because, you know, alcohol is essential. In places like Colorado I believe the marijuana shops were open. You could go to Walmart, but in at least one state you couldn’t go to the garden section and buy seeds or tools to grow your own food. In fact, in my Walmart experience during the shutdowns, there were quite a few people who were meandering up and down the aisles—at least six feet apart, of course.

In many states churches were not considered essential and you couldn’t worship together. This lasted long after the official shutdowns. Church is just not essential, apparently. Better for us all to worship quietly in the safety of our homes. So, many churches learned to stream. Many people tuned in, kind of. In my observation of the statistics that Youtube provides, the average watch time for a 70 minute worship service was a little over 20 minutes. Yeah, church is really not essential, even to those who would say it is.

Now, we’re a good ways past shutdowns, masks, vaccinations, and church is still not essential to many people, even those who were once faithful participants in their respective local congregations. I’ve seen about one third of my congregation (or more!) who attend quite sporadically, or who have stopped coming altogether. Church is not essential to them.

Jesus thought church was essential, however. He established it. Let’s define church to understand exactly what Jesus intended. The Greek word translated “church” in the New Testament is ekklesia (yes, we get our English word “ecclesiatical” from it). Ekklesia could literally be translated “the called out.” God calls His people out of the world, and He calls them together to worship. Implicit in the idea of church is gathering together regularly. The people of Israel did this in the temple and in their local synagogues. From the beginning Christians gathered in the temple and in homes.
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer.” (Acts 2:42, CSB)
“Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with joyful and sincere hearts,” (Acts 2:46, CSB)
Yes, they did this more than just once a week. In fact, they gathered daily. Church was essential to them. God blessed these gatherings greatly. People were saved, healed, delivered from evil. They shared their worldly possessions. This essential church didn’t diminish but exploded with new members.
“Many signs and wonders were being done among the people through the hands of the apostles. They were all together in Solomon’s Colonnade. No one else dared to join them, but the people spoke well of them. Believers were added to the Lord in increasing numbers—multitudes of both men and women. As a result, they would carry the sick out into the streets and lay them on cots and mats so that when Peter came by, at least his shadow might fall on some of them. In addition, a multitude came together from the towns surrounding Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed.” (Acts 5:12–16, CSB)
Church is still essential, regardless of what our godless government, and many faithless, consumer oriented Christians say or do. We are warned to continue meeting together, not for the sake of habit, but to worship and serve our Lord, and to encourage one another.
“And let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.”
(Hebrews 10:24–25, CSB)
This is not possible when we are apart. It is not possible if you’re watching on your TV or computer or mobile device. We must gather. We must do this regularly. Church is essential. If you are a genuine believer in Jesus Christ, if Jesus is your Lord, you need to be involved in a local church weekly. Church is essential. If you neglect church, you’re simply living in disobedience to the Lord you claim to follow. Get back this week, participate, volunteer, and be consistent.

What a Waste

“And he said to them, ‘Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you. For to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away’”
-Jesus (Mark 4:24-25, ESV).

Week after week you have attended church. You recognize that illustration the preacher uses as on you’ve already heard. You’ve listened to the Scripture so many times that you might be able to quote a good bit of it if you tried. If you wanted to… Do you want to grow spiritually? To become more Christ-like? Or are you more concerned with other things? Does your attention perk up when the topic is methods and means of making money, or steps to living your best life now? You’ll go over and above for what you really want, friend? And maybe that’s not Jesus. Perhaps your problem is Christianity is part of your history, your culture. Is it an old habit, just a weak little practice without much practical use?

Have you forgotten what life used to look like when you loved and followed Jesus with your whole heart? Have you lost your first love? Or did you ever love anything or anyone other than yourself?

James says, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like” (James 1:22-23). Sorry to be the one to say it, but if you’re like the person James speaks of here, then you’re a loser. You’re is losing your identity in Christ. You’re losing hope in Christ. You’ve lost your faith through natural erosion. Eventually, if not already, you’ll lose the truth you used to believe in.

Jesus said, “Pay attention to what you hear.” You will be blessed in direct correlation with how deeply and how completely you receive the Truth of God’s Word. When you measure out more time and attention to hearing and applying the Word, then God will add blessing to you. The blessing is His presence and more revelation, then all of the other (earthly) things will be added to you as well. “Seek firs the kingdom of God and all of these other things will be added to you as well” -Jesus (Matthew 6:33).

However, if you fail to listen, then even what you’ve previously heard will be taken from you. First, the Truth no longer has the depth of meaning it once did. Then you start doubt it. Then you forget it. Finally, you’ll be just like a lost person without the knowledge of the Truth. In the most extreme, and irreconcilable, case you’ll hear the Word of God and despise it. At that stage you’ll find that you have contempt for church and the Bible, and even Jesus (the Bible’s Jesus, at least, although some folks reinvent Jesus to agree with their views). Continue down this path and you will become incapable of repentance (Hebrews 6:4-8). You will begin to call good evil, bitter sweet, and darkness light. You redefine the concepts of good and right to match your worldly values. If you reach this point of rejected the Bible and the witness of the Holy Spirit, you will be lost forever, and ever.

Is this you? O, woman, o, man, make a change today! Don’t wait for the feeling to return. You’ve numbed and scarred yourself too much for feelings. If you’re reading this and can see yourself slipping, then you’re not beyond hope. If you can change your mind, do it today. Determine to follow the Truth. For if you continue to eschew wise counsel from godly people, if you continue to be unfaithful to Christ and his bride the church, there may well come a time when you no longer have any faith. If you have ears, pay attention. Act now.

“For him who has ears to hear, let him hear!”

The Curse & Blessing of Self-Consciousness

In the Garden, prior to eating the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, Adam and Eve were not self-aware. They did not possess a conscience. Instead they were intensely aware of the Presence of God and entirely reliant upon Him to determine the right course to take. Eating of the Tree resulted in separation from God and the need for what it provided, which is self-awareness and the knowledge of what is good and what is bad.

This is proven in the Genesis passage by the fact that the first couple was unaware of their nakedness until after the fruit was eaten at which point they sought to hide from the Presence of God. What is more indicative of self-consciousness than how we feel when we are naked. This is more than worry about what others think. Nudity, once one gets beyond early childhood, to a point in life corresponding to the “age of accountability,” is a state that intensely heightens self awareness.

Further, the term used for “conscience” in the Greek New Testament points to the same idea. “Suneidesis” is defined in Liddle and Scott’s lexicon first as “self-consciousness.” In Thayer’s lexicon it is first “the consciousness of anything,” then “the soul as distinguishing between what is morally good and bad, prompting to do the former and shun the latter, commending one, condemning the other.”

This Greek word is used 32 times in the New Testament always referring to the human conscience. Examples are:

“Paul, looking intently at the Council, said, ‘Brethren, I have lived my life with a perfectly good conscience before God up to this day’” (Acts 23:1, NASB).

“… by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron” (1st Timothy 4:2).

“To the pure, all things are pure; but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their mind and their conscience are defiled” (Titus 1:15).

The most instructive example is contained in Paul’s theological epistle to the Romans.

“…in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them” (2:15, NASB).

In this passage the Apostle is seeking to demonstrate that the Gentiles have a moral law written within them, which they elect either to follow or rebel against. It is this natural law of the conscience that will determine what happens to those who have not been exposed to the truth contained in the Bible on the Day of Judgment.

I propose that what we know as our conscience came about when Eve and Adam ate the fruit from the tree. It prepared the human race for life without the Presence of God. Myriads of moral/ethical decisions would have to be made. How does one know what is right and what is wrong? What is the standard? How do we know? We know. The conscience speaks.

However, like the Law of Moses, the natural law of conscience is weakened by human sin. We rebel against it, seeking to do whatever pleases us, and in so doing scar the conscience. This begins to happen at a young age. As the result, every society makes laws for citizens to follow. When the citizenry rebels against good laws, or when lawmakers become corrupt and make unrighteous laws, societies crumble. This happened to Rome. It is happening to America.

The concept of conscience I have briefly developed here has far reaching implications.

1- It answers the question of what happens to those who are without God’s special revelation found in the Bible, most importantly those who do not have the knowledge of Jesus Christ. They are without excuse because each person will be judged by the light of his or her conscience (as well as the revelation of God found in nature). They will be judged according to the light they have received.


2- This perspective also answers questions about what has been called original sin and how it is passed on from Adam and Eve. We are born with the curse and blessing of self-awareness and it’s companion, the conscience. This came into the human community when the first man and woman ate the fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Without God, self-awareness results in self centeredness, which has been described as original sin. This selfishness has corollaries: pride, rebellion and unbelief.


3- This also answers the question about the essential nature of humankind. Are people inherently evil, or basically good? The answer is yes, and no. Apart from God, humankind is inherently self-centered. Thus, the idea of total depravity espoused by Calvin is only true insofar as it relates to humankind’s natural relationship to God. Apart from the Presence of God we fall hopelessly short of what we were intended to be. It does not mean humankind is utterly depraved and without goodness. The law of God is written on the conscience, and that continues to guide many. The Enlightenment concept of the noble savage is erroneous also. Civilized or uncivilized, human beings are capable of, and have committed, great evils. Motives have been money, power, self-righteousness, but it comes back to those in power looking after their own interests at the expense of others.

We need to be saved from our condemning self-consciousness through Christ. It was Jesus who said, “Deny yourself. Take up your cross and follow me.” The cross puts an end to self-centeredness. The Holy Spirit replaces the scarred conscience. God-consciousness replaces self-consciousness. Egocentricity gives way to Christo-centric living. All I have to do is make a choice to stop believing in myself and start believing in God as He has revealed Himself in His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ.

“I have been crucified with Christ and no longer do I live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live on in the body I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave His life for me” (Galatians 2:20).

“You died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3).

Questions to Ask Before Following the Leader

Today, there are plenty of self-proclaimed apostles, prophets, bishops, pastors and teachers. Before you listen to or follow someone, pray and ask the following questions.

  1. Is this person connected to the larger community of believers, or are they doing things on their own?
  2. Does their teaching agree with historic Christian doctrine (ie. Nicene faith) or are they teaching novel doctrine and/or innovating theologically?
  3. What is their theology? Do they teach the Bible or their own ideas, tips on various aspects of daily life, psychological insights, politics?
  4. Do they confess that Jesus Christ is who the New Testament clearly teaches he is?
    1. The unique Son of the one and only God (1 Timothy 2:5)
    2. Lord, meaning God, one with the Father (John 8:58, 10:30, Romans 10:13).
    3. God come in the flesh (Hebrews 4:15, 1 John 3:2-3, John 1:14). 
  • “By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already” (1 John 3:2-3).
  1. Do they confess Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).

5) Jesus is God’s chosen one, the Christ, the Messiah

  • “Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son” (1 John 2:22).
  1. Do they teach that they represent the “true church” and state or insinuate that other denominations or churches are going to hell?
  2. “They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they are not of us” (1 John 2:19)
  1. Do they have peers who recognize them as a leader?
  2. Is the title they use appropriate? Did it originate from themselves or was it earned from or applied by a recognized group or entity?
    1. “Bishop” for example is a term traditionally used in denominations with episcopal forms of church government. It refers to one who has authority over other ministers, usually over numerous individual churches.
    2. “Apostle” is not a term that any established denomination has used until recently in some Pentecostal churches.
    3. Those who apply exalted terms to themselves to garner respect should listen to the words of Jesus, “But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers. And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted” (Matthew 23:8-12, ESV).
  3. Do they cooperate with and/or contribute to other ministries?
  4. Do they seek to steal members from other churches? Do they incite rebellion and division in other churches as a ploy to gain some of their members?
  5. Do they discount and disrespect other ministers? 
  6. Are they accountable to a denomination or a recognized Christian organization beyond themselves and what they have established?
  7. Were they active in a Gospel teaching, Bible believing church prior to stepping out as a leader. If so, did that church recognize their calling?
  8. What is the fruit of their ministry? Do people who listen to them really follow Jesus? 
  9. Is their ministry focused on Jesus Christ? Or do they focus on themselves, or on you the consumer?
  10. What kind of character do you observe in their followers/listeners? Is it Christ-like? 
  11. Do they charge for ministry? Books, CD/DVD, admission to events?
  12. Do they expect or require followers to donate certain amounts or percentages in order to be considered worthy or acceptable?
  13. Are they financially accountable?
  14. Do they have a governing board or are they accountable to a group of people?
  15. Are they moral and honorable? What about their staff?
  16. Are they servants to people or do they treat followers like their servants?
  17. Is their teaching filled with references to themselves?
  18. Do they live a lavish lifestyle, flaunting wealth, rather than exemplifying sacrifice?
  19. Are they personable, friendly and approachable, or distant and superior?
  20. Are they honest and transparent, or unwilling to reveal details of their personal life?
  21. Are they willing to admit to weaknesses?
  22. Do they seem angry?
  23. Are they ambitious and competitive?
  24. Do they boast about themselves and/or their ministry?
  25. Do they exemplify faithfulness and commitment to their church or ministry, or are they often absent due conferences, speaking engagements, vacations, or personal concerns?
  26. Do they give as much or more than they expect others to give (this includes time as well as money)?
  27. Are they above reproach sexually? 
  • Do you hear them speak in a cavalier way about sexual matters? 
  • Do they laugh at sexually explicit humor? 
  • Do they watch movies or TV programs with sexually explicit scenes? 
  • Do they look at pornography, or read pornographic literature?
  • (viii) Do they show affection without giving any hint of sexual desire or impropriety?
  • If they are married, do they appear to be affectionate with their spouse?
  • Do they treat children appropriately?
  • Are they often alone with anyone other than their spouse?
  1. Do they fulfill the Bible’s requirements for the office they hold?
    1. 1 Timothy 3:1-15
    2. Titus 1:5-9
    3. Ephesians 4:12-16

Love in Four Dimensions

There is only one word for love in the English language: L-O-V-E. But did you know that there is more than one kind of love? There are also many different expressions of love. We know this to be true in our everyday experience:

  • You may love your family or a friend.
  • You may love your dog or cat.
  • You may love a boyfriend or girlfriend.
  • You may be married and love your spouse.

Is it appropriate or right to express your love in the same way in each of the relationships listed above? Hopefully NOT!  There is more than one kind of love – even if you can’t (yet) give each type of love its own name. Like space and time, LOVE has FOUR DIMENSIONS. To name these “FOUR LOVES” we’ll need to change languages. The New Testament in the Bible was written in ancient Greek, a very expressive tongue which has no fewer than four words for love:

AGAPE = aγάπη

PHILIA  = φιλία

EROS =  ἔρως

STORGE = στοργή

Each of these words has a different form or expression of love in mind. Relationship is a continuing connection with another person, Each of the different forms of love is the basis for a different type of relationship connection.

AGAPE– The foundational love, without conditions. It should be the basis for every human relationship. It is like the dimension we call WIDTH, which we could designate as East and West on the compass. As the old hymn says, “There is a wideness to God’s Mercy.” “He removes our sin from us as far as East from West.”

PHILIA– This is mutual love; trust as the primary condition. This selective kind of love is the basis for friendship. It is like the dimension we call LENGTH, which we may designate as North and South on the compass. We should go to great lengths to find and keep a trustworthy friend.

EROS– This is intimate love. Exclusive lifetime commitment between opposite sex  lovers is the condition. This exclusive love is the basis for marriage. It is like the dimension we could call DEPTH/HEIGHT. This love is emotionally deep and takes us to great heights of passion.

STORGE– This is affection, love’s language. We use it to show how we feel about another. It is expressed diversely with each form of love, and in each type of relationship. It is like the fourth dimension of TIME, which is present with all of the others, but experienced differently from the perspective of each dimension.