A Simple Christmas Wish

I've posted some fairly personal things on this blog since we started it. Maybe, too personal. But, after all, that's partially what a blog is for.

I want to wish all of you a Merry Christmas, and I would like to share something even more personal than the stuff in the past. Maybe a few of you would like to do the same. Don't be ashamed; we're not supposed to be. And, sharing is another reason for this blog.

Here's my prayer journal entry for today ...

Lord ...

... how did it get to be Christmas already? It seems like it should be 12 months ago, not now. I truly haven't sensed the "spirit of Christmas" until just a few hours ago. I am sorry. Perhaps it is because of all the commercial pollution. Maybe it was just busyness and selfishness. I should know better. Please Oh Holy Spirit of Christ, help me to show my love to others and to demonstrate Your love through my actions and words. Father, please fill me; please fill me with The Spirit; please let me be different from so many others of the world and demonstrate the true power of your love that wants to overflow from my heart. Jesus, I am thirsty; so thirsty for You. I come to You today seeking the water that only You provide. Let me be a river of living water, too. I've come to You because You called and because You loved me. True, I chose to answer... finally. What choice did I have once the proposition of faith, trust and obedience to You was presented in the way that it was, at the time that it was? Thank You, and thank You for the man whom You sent. Through him, You made me see a glimmer of Your light. Since then, Your light has become everything that matters, and I owe You everything. I owe You me, and I am indebted to You forever. Oh my Lord, Oh my God, how I love Thee. Your birth, Your life, Your teaching, Your revelation, Your truth, Your suffering and death for my sins, Your resurrection and ascension are the greatest blessings in the entire span of man. I know this now. It's so awfully sorrowful that so many people reject these truths, even as I did. Thank You, my Master, my Lord, my God. Merry Christmas to You, Jesus. Merry Christ Mas. Today, we honor Your birth as a man. Today we cherish Your first coming, Your coming to our level, Your coming to save us from death, from ... ourselves. Today and tomorrow, we hold You closely within our hearts and worship You and the One who sent You. We truly do. Help all of us, all who are in the family of God — and those You want to be, to keep close to You in the hours, days, months and years to come. Please help us to do that for Your honor and for Your glory.

IBG / JF

"Cuckoo for Coco Puffs?"

Francis Chan's New Mission

Here is a video interview with Francis Chan that Ted found on the Net and passed over to me. It was produced about 4 months ago.

But, if you might be interested in the whats, the whys, and the wherefores, give a look and listen. / JF

What's Next for Francis Chan? A Conversation with Mark Driscoll and Joshua Harris from Ben Peays on Vimeo.

Yet Another Poignant Reminder

Today's e-mail message from Jack Graham, Power Point Ministries, is yet one more poignant reminder of the need for and power from our walk in the Spirit. See if you agree..

How the Holy Spirit can show himself through you, December 10, 2010

"On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, 'If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.''" John 7:37-38

"I spoke with a man awhile back who had been on several mission trips to Latin America. He was telling me that in the summer, the heat and humidity can be almost unbearable in some areas. But the rivers are almost ice cold year-round because they come from melted snow in the mountains. So the people in these countries jump in the cold rivers for relief from the severe summer heat!

"Now isn't that just like the Holy Spirit? When we believe in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of our sins, the Spirit of God comes and dwells in us. And because of that, rivers of living water flow out of us that are remarkably different than the world around us.

"And that's really what it means to live a spiritual life! The Christian who lives spiritually will say and do things that are so different from the dying world around him that people will notice. God's Spirit allows us to breathe refreshing life into a harsh world!

"So instead of conforming to the world, live a life that is characteristic of the Holy Spirit inside of you. And your thoughts and deeds will be like a cool stream in a dying world.

"ALLOW THE HOLY SPIRIT TO WORK THROUGH YOU AND BRING LIFE TO THE LOST AND HURTING WORLD AROUND YOU."

You can find the author at JackGraham.org, oneplace.com and crosswalk.com or in Dallas, if you care to drive there.

/ JF

Dependence on the Spirit

“This is the one who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. For there are three that testify: the Spirit, the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement. We accept human testimony, but God’s testimony is greater because it is the testimony of God, which he has given about his Son. Whoever believes in the Son of God accepts this testimony. Whoever does not believe God has made him out to be a liar, because they have not believed the testimony God has given about his Son. And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” [1John5:6-12, NIV]

“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.
You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.” [1John4:1-6, NIV]

Based on these verses, I have realized that the Spirit testifies to the truth, whereas my fallen world view would be false and subject to the spirit of falsehood. Without the Spirit, I would not have acknowledge Jesus Christ had come in the flesh is from God and not believed the testimony God has given about his Son. I must be totally dependent on the Spirit to be able to know the truth in a world of lies and falsehoods. Practical steps would be to love my brother (not an easy task) without conditions and to read the Word more, to allow the Spirit to reveal to me the Truth and counsel me on my spiritual walk.

Will miss this Wednesday’s morning bible study (start of Psalm 19), but will pray that you all have a blessed Thanksgiving with family and friends.

Forgotten God, main point for me

We spent almost 9 months going through Chan’s book, FORGOTTEN GOD, which is basically his impression that the Christian community does not live in the power of the Holy Spirit much at all today. While he presents it in the context of the church setting, the accusation really applies to all individuals. God does work His will in the forces of the universe to continue the march of His plan toward the final end of history as we know it. Through those events there may be many who are turned towards Him. But in a vast majority of cases, the lost are only brought to saving knowledge and repentance by the work of Christ’s servants……you and me. That is how God has chosen present the gospel in this age, through His Church…..you and me.

Through out the study one thing became clear to me. We only experience the Spirit’s power when we step out of our comfort zone. Yes, all true believers have the Spirit (Rom.8:9), He is God (I Cor.12:4-6) in us, we are all united in Him (Eph.4:3-6), He wants to transform use into Christ-likeness (Jn.16:7-9) and He wants to commune and have fellowship with us. His ministry is essential for the Body of Christ to function properly and for our relationship to the Lord. But if we are filled with the Spirit, we will do things for Him beyond our own capabilities. For if we do only those things we can do in our own power, we are denying our trust and faith in God. We are shutting the door to “works of faith” He could do through us.

This filling is not just an emotional response to Him or some feeling. It is listening to His promptings and acting in obedience. Living in the Spirit is just like loving sacrificially; such love is active and not passive; its motivation is for the good of others, not for yourself. That is what God wants to demonstrate though us and that only happens when we are filled with the Spirit and acting in His power.

So listening to the Spirit’s prompting and obeying means trusting that He will empower you to do what He asks. What He asks will certainly be customized to you personally. But I am convinced if we earnestly pray with perseverance and remain in His Word daily, soon He will be revealing to us what it is we should be doing. It will be an area where He wants to transform us not only towards Christ-likeness, but also in showing the world His love.

For me? Well, I am usually a pretty reserved person. I am not the one who usually initiates relationships. I am not the center of attention, in fact, the further away from that the better. I am comfortable with the family and friends I do have and don’t want to widen those. I am uncomfortable with crowds, particularly where there are mostly strangers. I am sure there are deep psychological causes for this, but I’m not going there. What God has been saying to me lately is, “If I am going to use you to show my love to others, then you need to be with others and build relationships outside your comfort zone. I will be there with you; we will take it one step at a time. Just trust Me”. So I need to get to know my neighbors and build some deeper relationships with those I have some common interests with like golf. It seems simple for many, but for me it is a step of faith

What It Means to Be a Disciple

The question that stumped me the most in our entire 9-month study of "Forgotten God" was number 9 of Session 7, which asked if any of us had ever walked away from a ministry opportunity. Thinking at first in terms of church programs or duties, my written answer was "No," simply because I had never participated in one.

Then, after we discussed it a bit last Wednesday, I had to cross out that answer and change it to a "Yes." I indeed have walked away because the opportunities would take me beyond my natural talents.

That was at a point in our conversation when I suggested that the over-arching ministry to which we all belong is our discipleship to Jesus Christ. To be a decent Christian, one must be a disciple of Jesus. I find that unless I take an active role in pursuing the Spirit and practice dependence upon Him, I fail miserably at this, our first and foremost ministry.

The reason: Discipleship is not possible without the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. It, like so many facets of Christian living, is simply not within the natural realm.

So, I believe that practical steps to be a true disciple are, first, to discern what true, active discipleship really should be; then, to seek the Spirit's guidance and help in developing those characteristics. If I can identify what they are, then I know what type of help to ask for, and I know where I need to do my part in putting them into practice.

So, what does it take to be a disciple? What are the characteristics of a true and active disciple of Jesus?

You can find several places in the Bible (Paul, James, John, and Peter give us many characteristics and relay commands from God). But my favorite place is Jesus' own words in John 13-17. If you look closely, this is where our Savior, the greatest of all teachers, spells out what He expects of a disciple, what a disciple can expect in his ministry, and it's the place where Jesus prays to the Father to protect disciples in the practice of their discipleships.

The text is probably the most wonderful prose ever composed. But, if you're like me, you can miss the richness of the clarity of instruction amidst all the wonder until each is separated from the composition and reviewed individually. It's like isolating specific trees from a rich forest to behold their particular strength and nature.

They then become very practical steps to take, as Francis Chan stipulated in his concluding question, "... right now ..."

In John 13, I find these. See if you agree.

• "If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me." v8
• "... you ought to wash one another's feet." v14
• "... you should do as I did to you." v15
• "... you are not greater than the one who sends you." v16
• "If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them." v17
• "... he who receives whomever I send receives Me; and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me." v20
• "... love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another." v34
• "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." v35
• "Where I go, you cannot follow me now; you will follow later." v36

In John 14:

• "Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me." v1
• ... that where I am, there you may be also." v3
• "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me." v6
• "... he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father." v12
• "Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. "v13
• "If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it." v14
• "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." v15
• "... but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you." v17
• "After a little while the world will no longer see Me, but you will see Me; because I live, you will live also." v19
• "In that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you." v20
• "He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will beloved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him." v21
• "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him. v23
• "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you." v26

In John 15:

• "You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you." v3
• "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me". v4
• "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing." v5
• "If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned." v6
• "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you." v7
• "My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples." v8
• "Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love." v9
• "If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love." v10
• "These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full." v11
• "This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you." v12
• "You are My friends if you do what I command you." v13
• "No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you." v15
• "You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you." v16
• "This I command you, that you love one another." v17
• "If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you." v19
• "Remember the word that I said to you, 'A slave is not greater than his master ' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also." v20
• "When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, that is the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify about Me, and you will testify also, because you have been with Me from the beginning." vv26-27

In John 16:

• "These things I have spoken to you so that you may be kept from stumbling." v1
• "They will make you outcasts from the synagogue, but an hour is coming for everyone who kills you to think that he is offering service to God." v2
• "These things they will do because they have not known the Father or Me." v3
• "But these things I have spoken to you, so that when their hour comes, you may remember that I told you of them These things I did not say to you at the beginning, because I was with you." v4
• "But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you." v7
• "And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment; concerning sin, because they do not believe in Me; and concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father and you no longer see Me; and concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged." vv8-10
• "... you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; you will grieve, but your grief will be turned into joy." v20
• "Therefore you too have grief now; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you." v22
• "In that day you will not question Me about anything Truly, truly, I say to you, if you ask the Father for anything in My name, He will give it to you." v23
• "Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full." v24
• "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." v33

In John 17:

• "... that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent." v3
• "I am no longer in the world; and yet they themselves are in the world, and I come to You Holy Father, keep them in Your name, the name which You have given Me, that they may be one even as We are." v11
• "While I was with them, I was keeping them in Your name which You have given Me; and I guarded them and not one of them perished but the son of perdition, so that the Scripture would be fulfilled." v12
• "But now I come to You; and these things I speak in the world so that they may have My joy made full in themselves." v13
• "I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world." v14
• "I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one." v15
• "They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world." v16
• "Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth." v17
• "As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world." v18
• "For their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth." v19
• "I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me." vv20-21
• "The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one; I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me." vv22-23
• "Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me, for You loved Me before the foundation of the world." v24
• "O righteous Father, although the world has not known You, yet I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me; and I have made Your name known to them, and will make it known, so that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them." vv25-26

Jesus summed it up earlier for each of us in Chapter 8 of John's Gosepl, when He said in verses 31 and 32, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (NKJV)
What better guidelines do we need? Pray, ask, surrender, and the Holy Spirit will empower us to do our part. That's what I have come to know.
IBG / 11.23.10

FLEEING EVIL

I feel like a bit player in a greek tragedy where I am caught in a fate beyond my comprehension or understanding. Thank the Lord for the Truth, and the Word, which reveals a drama, that began long before my existence, and has a definite ending.

That said, I heard from certain brothers and sisters in Christ, that we should flee evil. Ok, that sounds like sound advice, but practically, we live in a fallen world, and to simply believe that we are commanded to run or flee from evil would suggest that we would have to physically leave this world (1Cor 5:10) to avoid evil. Hey, by our own omission that we are all sinners, and will continue to sin, makes our continued relationship as brothers and sisters in Christ questionable (i.e., I should avoid you because you are a sinner)!

My limited search and understanding of Scripture, has not validated the simple act of fleeing evil or sinners is what we are commanded to do. Rather, my current view is that Scripture (1Thes 5:22, 2Tim 2:22, 1Tim 6:11) suggest we should avoid our personal conduct of evil practices rather than a simple act of association. That said, since we are sinners and weak, we would be unwise to subject ourselves to a sinful environment, where likely we would be enticed to conduct sinful practices or give in to our evil desires. Everyone has been blessed with certain or unique strengths, which suggests that some of us may be able to resist sin more times than not then others.

Hopefully, this is not just godless chatter associated with quarreling about words (2Tim 2:14-19), but I need your prayers with 1Cor 5:11 which states: "But now I am writing you that must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat." As brothers and sisters in Christ, we are tasked to police our church, which could be for the purpose of avoiding any perversion in the application of the Word in the day to day conduct of our lives. Hence, what are guidelines to say how we should judge and expel anyone since we ourselves are not without sin?

Well, here is my problem. The devil knows scripture better than any of us. Hence, I have little hope to win an argument or quarrel with Satan based on scripture based on my fallen world background. Plus, Satan will always play the sinner card, where beyond guilt, maybe some day someone could judge me and say that I should be expel. Hence, what is the threshold for declaring a brother or sister in Christ immoral or wicked? It seems to me the history of Christianity has too many examples of witch hunts, which unfortunately reflects how the church can be perverted from within in name of God.

Of course, it would be easy say that I should turn this over to the Spirit, which perhaps, the reason for this blog posting with hope the Spirit will speak through one of the readers. I ask for continued prayers.

Who is a Christian?

First, for those absent for the Sept.1 Mens Bible study, Ted did a great job in leading us this morning.

A closing question was posed on whether the President is a christian, as he claims he is? I have pondered this same question from time to time. For that matter, I even questioned the claims of Catholics, Mormoms and 7 day Adventist that they are christian. Then, a little uneasiness creeps over me (maybe the Spirit?) that reverses the focus of question on me being a christian as claimed.

Is being a christian defined in the Bible, or was its origin from the early Romans who used it to label early believers. I would dare to say that if being a christian is based on a man derived definition, I would hesitate to give creedance to its authority.

Hence, where does this train of thought leads us? Perhaps we should focus on our own belief and actions as being a "christian" rather than on others being christians. Essentially we could fall into the pitfall of judging others. In that regard, I defer to Matthew 7:1-7 (NIV):

"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

"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? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a 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.

"Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces."

Ok, is this a stretch to apply this Bible verse, to the question at hand? Maybe or maybe not, perhaps depending on the extent of judgment being made to answer the question. I believe some discrenment is warrented to determine whether one actions or beliefs are based on the Word merit my support, but it seems to be a threshold, where my judgment is beyond my authority (i.e., who is a christian). Perhaps this is a cop out, but I am only suggesting that Matthew would probably recommend some restraint in judging who is and is not a believer because we do not truly know the hearts of our fellow men or women.

This thread is posted to spark discussion, and hopefully, the Spirt, through your responses or input can enlighten me and others as well on this subject. We are tasked to pray for our leaders, presuming they doing God's worker whether they are true believers or not with respect to accepting Christ and God's grace.

Consequence of Sin

Some personal matters have been weighing heavily on my heart, and I asked the Holy Spirit to help me vent some revelations on my part in the Spirit of love.

In our men's bible group discussion on how the Holy Spirit can manifest it self in us or others, speaking in tongues was cited as a possible indication of being filled with the Spirit. However, I would like redirect the focus on 1 Cor. 13-1-3 which says:
"If I speak in the tongues[a] of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames,[b] but have not love, I gain nothing." [NIV]

Furthermore, Galatians 5:22-23 says: " But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." {NIV]

I believe God is trying to make a point by listing love as the first attribute to describe the fruit of the Spirit. Hence, if we do not have love in our hearts for one another, we are quenching the Spirit.

Ephesians 4:29-31 says: "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice." [NIV]

Wow, if we interact with each other poorly (i.e., without love), this grieves the the Holy Spirit. So I ask the question, were we created to exist for God's purpose as individuals or as a community?

From the day we were born, we bought into the universal LIE that existence is centered on "ME". Our personal relationship with God is about "ME". Our personal sin is about "ME". Yet, the Spirit is gently saying that our existence is not about "ME" but "YOU" my brothers and sisters.

I openly ask forgiveness, because I now know that my personal sins have and can affect those around me whether they be strangers, friends and family. Joshua Chapter 7 describes how the sin of one individual (Achan) can affect and result in dire consequences beyond his family but a whole nation (Israel).

Perhaps, that is why Paul commanded expel the immoral brother in 1 Corinthians 5 because of implications of communal consequences to the Church as the result of the sin of one individual.

Are we not concern about the state of affairs of this country? Have we not share our concerns about this country no longer having the favor of God? Have we not pointed fingers at our leaders for being Godless? Yet, do not all of us are to blame and have responsibility?

By our own mouths we profess to be sinners, and I more times than not, as if it was some badge of honor. For that, I asked for God's forgiveness. I am a shame to say, that I failed to realize how my personal sins can have dire consequences beyond me, to friends, family, community and nation. I bowed to the cycle of sin, where it is accepted that we will sin again over and over, and that we are weak and blame Satan for our actions. Well guess what guys, if we are all doing this on a personal basis, collectively it results in a society and nation of sinners.

In recognition to those blessed souls, who are without sin, please forgive my assertive assumption that we are all sinners. I ask in the Spirit of love, that this blog post stimulates some dialogue and realization that "personal" sin is misleading because of the implications beyond the individual or "ME". If we truly have the Spirit in us, because of love, how can we continue to sin because it can hurt those around us and even ultimately this nation in the eyes of our Creator, GOD?

In love, I ask for your and God's forgiveness for those petty transgressions and sins that I have done against you all my brothers and sisters in Christ.

New Barna Update Appropriate to Our Study

You might want to review the results of Barna's latest update "How Different Generations View and Engage with Charismatic and Pentecostal Christianity".

A couple of pertinent excerpts:

• "The four generations also demonstrated contrasting perspectives about the Holy Spirit. Despite their skepticism about the charismatic and Pentecostal expressions of Christianity, older believers stood out from younger Christians for their likelihood of saying that they “consistently allow their lives to be guided by the Holy Spirit.” Elders (64%) and Boomers (59%) outpaced Busters (54%) and Mosaics (38%) on this viewpoint.
  
  
• "In spite of their openness to the charismatic and Pentecostal elements of the Christian faith, the youngest believers offered an unexpected, existentialist view of the Holy Spirit. In total, 68% of Mosaic Christians said they believe that the third person of the trinity is just “a symbol of God’s power or presence, but is not a living entity.” This compares to 59% of Busters, 55% of Boomers, and 56% of Elders who believe the Holy Spirit is merely symbolic."

Be sure to see the chart "Generations and the Holy Spirit" for some revealing (#2) and shocking (#3, #8) statistics. Goes to show you that we can be a product of what we are taught (or not taught). (The headline contains an active hotlink to go there.)

IBG / 04-08-10

PRAYER REQUEST

Hi Brothers,

Another candle is lit in heaven,and this world a little dimmer. Our dearest brother, Kevin Walker, the worship pastor at Tri-Lakes Chapel, who has been on our brother Joe's prayer list passed yesterday evening at home with family and friend(s).

Please pray for his wife, kids and family.

God Bless,

Richard

"Show Me..."

I thought that I would share this from the daily devotional "Drawing Near" by John MacArthur, March 11. John is teaching on the prayer of Daniel (Ch 9), but his message today is so appropriate to our study in 1 Peter. He writes...

"Someone once said, 'Show me your redeemed life and I might believe in you Redeemer.' That's a fair request! As Christians, we are Christ's ambassadors to a dying world. With His Spirit in our hearts and His Word in our hands, we are to speak His truth in love and live a life that lends credibility to what we say.

"When we fail to do that, we dishonor God and provide ammmunition for those who seek to discredit His work. That was certainly true of Israel. They were God's chosen people, and yet His name was blasphemed among the Gentiles because of Israel's unbelief and disobedience (Rom 2:24)."

/ JF 03.11.10

Anyway Love

I happened to catch (and read) the lead article in this week's Focus on the Family newsletter—something I have never done before, but will probably do in the future.

The headline caught my attention because of our study of submission and love in 1 Peter 3 and because of relationship challenges we all have. The article concentrates on marriage, but its principles apply to all relationships.

From our energies, interest and discussion, this topic is hot. Any reminder of how to fortify our responsibilities within our families—especially our relationship with our spouses—should be welcomed. It is just too marked a target for the evil one and the world.

Focus' article is entitled "Anyway Love."

It'll take you maybe 5 minutes to read and perchance hours to reflect upon. I suspect that the time invested will generate a high return—for each of us.

In fact, the whole series, entitled "Strengthening Your Marriage", will be worth your attention and effort, even for the bachelors among us.

For, "Anyway Love" captures the principles of Jesus' teaching in Luke 6:32-38.

You can read it here.

It is worth your time!

IBG / 02-26-10

Forgotten God by Francis Chan

I just got off the phone with David C. Cook. They say the Forgotten God workbooks that we have been waiting for are now available! In fact, they started shipping to distributors yesterday.

So, here are the numbers. The list price for each book (the text and the workbook) is $14.99 each. So, I should be able to get them for $8.00 each. Think about what you want me to order and we will try to put an order together in the next week or two. (I am happy to mail copies of the books to our out-of-town group members. In fact, I might even be willing to personally deliver one to the beaches of Alabama!)

If you want to get a bit more information on the workbook, Amazon.com has some sample pages available for viewing. Clicking on the image to the write of this post should get you there. I think. I hope.

Holy Priesthood

When I was growing up as a Catholic, we looked upon priests somewhat with awe being the focal point of our budding spiritual life. In that context, it was always us and them, a clear separation.

I have been mulling over last weeks bible discussion of 1 Peter, Chapter 2, and a light bulb clicked on as to what should be our true identity or purpose we are being groomed for here on earth. We have discussed in the past that we exist for God's purpose rather than for our own purpose. Here again, this message rings out clear and loud as follows:

"4As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him— 5you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."[1Peter 2:4-5. NIV]

Wow, our true identity are priests in God's holy house,where our purpose is to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. Ok, this begs the question what spiritual sacrifices are acceptable to God? This implies a direct personal connection in making such sacrifices (i.e., not by someone else). As briefly discussed, we collectively identified actions such as words (worship prayer)or good works as being possible sacrifices that could be offered to God. I dare say,all of our actions if centered or done with a motive to glorify our God, could be acceptable sacrifices.

Easier said than done. The ongoing spiritual warfare, results in us falling short more times than not in aspiring to be full time living sacrifices in the glory of our God. Yet, there is urgency, because of our finite life time on earth, and time is running out to get it right for ever and ever in our eternal lives in heaven. John shared a vision of the throne in heaven as follows:

"9Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, 10the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say:
11"You are worthy, our Lord and God,
to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things,
and by your will they were created
and have their being."
{Revelation 4:9-11, NIV]

I see the task before us, and pray that the Spirit will prune or groom the branches of each of our spiritual trees, to give such glory to our Lord and God.

TO SAVE A LIFE

Sally and I just saw a new movie "To Save a Life". This is a new Christian movie that was released last Friday. Unfortunately, there were only four of us at the Caste Rock theater 2:30 pm show.

I challenge all of us to support this film. I would not recommend pre-teen (<16) attendance unless accompanied by a adult.

The message is current,and deals with how being Christ like can affect the people around you. We need to support this movie.

PS: I must confess that I may be bias because our daughter (Laura Black) is in this movie. That said, lets show Hollywood, that we need more main stream films based on Christian values.

Some considerations on natural disasters

I spent all day on a blog about Pat Roberston's comments and some Biblical concepts that I think need to be considered when we look at natural disasters. You can find it here. As always I welcome your comments.

BADTHINGS HAPPEN

First I would like to apologize to the Wednesday's Bible study group for distracting the morning attention away from 1 Peter. Perhaps we should return to having our prayer requests toward the end of the morning.

As suggested I did find a video online to hear what Pat Roberson actually said about Haiti, and the alleged pact with the devil.

1Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 2Jesus answered, "Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? 3I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. 4Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? 5I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish." [Luke 13:1-5, NIV]

That said, I recognize that I have a "plank" in my eye. Nevertheless, bad things will continue to happen around the world including this country, and I ask what would Jesus say about such events? I would venture based on Luke 13 above, he would redirect our attention to evaluate our own state of grace, and need to repent rather on whether the victims were worst sinners or more guilty and deserved what they got. I recognize that only by the grace of God, that I am not going through the pain and loss the people of Haiti are enduring currently.

I pose the question: Can our attitude of righteous misled us into expecting justice or wishing punishment in this world on our brothers or sisters because of their perceived sins or lifestyle? Although I am an accountability sort of guy (Dirty Harry) in how I look at the world, lately I have been trying to turn that around in my walk with Christ. Simply because, I too will be accountable, and by my own omission, am a sinner, and only by the grace or mercy of God through Christ have been forgiven (i.e., grace is independent of good works).

Yes, by discernment (i.e., judgment), I chose not to follow certain lifestyles, and choose life over death spiritually. I can not speak on God's purpose on what happened in Haiti, or when bad things happen in general that it was God's wrath per say, but I am striving to try to recognize the opportunities to do what God would have me do after such events. I do agree with Pat Robertson's assessment that there will be opportunities in Haiti for God's work to be done, which was the case prior to the earthquake although perhaps more limited due to possible corruption of their governing authorities.

Psalm 11

I just finished an article on Psalm 11 that some of you might find encouraging. You can find it here.

My notes on 1 Peter

After starting on antibiotics last Monday I've been feeling better each day. I heard the group is starting 1 Peter and thought I'd pass on my research notes for what it's worth. I admit it may take some work to get used to navigating around my mind-map. It's very much a work-in-progress. Sort of a mud-on-the wall approach. I gather all kinds of info and make notes, then arrange, weed-out and edit as I go along. (Click on the post title to get to my web site where you can access the map)