Thursday, December 29, 2011

Back to the Future (Part 5)

I have entitled my blog "Walking with God relieves stress." Note, I did not say that walking with God guarantees that you will be problem free. Stress is mainly a problem brought on with the idea of "not having control" of life's circumstances. Stress is greatly removed from the life of a Christian who daily realizes that their life is not their own, but rather gives total control to Jesus Christ to pilot their life as long as they are given breath to live. With Christ in the driver's seat, why should I fear or get stressed out with life's surprises? This mindset can be illustrated with two of the seven churches found in Revelation chapters 2 & 3, Smyrna and Philadelphia. These two are the only churches found in John's seven letters that only hear a good report from Jesus. There is nothing negative to be said about these two churches. These churches were not perfect, but rather they were walking with Christ so closely, that they were doing everything that God has called the New Testament church to do in a lost and hostile world.

Yet take a closer look at both churches and their environment of ministry. Both congregations are experiencing great persecution and even death. It is said of Smyrna that these believers are suffering, some are in prison, and some will even be killed for the faith (2:10). In Philadelphia, the believers here are poor, weak, and under great pressure from Jewish persecution (3:8-9). Walking close to Christ will in fact bring more opposition your way and my way. But there is no amount of persecution and suffering that can over shadow the love and faithfulness of the churches one, true, and only foundation - Jesus Christ. As I heard from the lips of one persecuted Christian church leader from Somalia, "You may kill me once, but you will never touch me again, for I belong to Jesus Christ." This should give us great incentive to continue faithfully in the work that God as called us to. Until next time, continue walking closely with Christ.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Back to the Future (Part 4)

Do you like awards, trophies, medals, certificates of appreciation, or gifts? I have never met anyone who would say no to that question. In fact, it seems that deep in the human spirit, there rest an overwhelming desire to be recognized and even honored. In fact, humans beings in general are always striving for their "fifteen minutes of fame." Shows like "Fear Factor", "Survivor", and yes even "Toddlers and Tiaras". Usually, when someone takes their own life, it is not after they won a million dollars on a game show, or sign a contract with a record deal after a you-tube video went viral, or even after staring on a reality TV show. Suicide rates are highest among those who are lonely, bullied, and even those who are overlooked for a moment of honor.

When we look at Scripture we see that Christians should not seek honor and recognition for the attention alone (Matthew 23), but that does not mean we have nothing to work for in this life.
Jesus and Paul speak often of awards that will be given to God's children at the end of this age. This promise is clearly seen in Revelations 2 & 3 at the end of each letter to the church, Jesus concludes by reminding His persecuted children of the awards that will be theirs when they overcome this life through their faithfulness to Jesus Christ. Here are the awards: access to the tree of life (2:7), crown of life (2:10), manna and a new name (2:17), authority over the nations (2:26), permanent name (3:5), permanent residence in New Jerusalem (3:12), to reign with Jesus (3:21). Jesus Himself has personally promised to honor and award those in heaven who are faithful to the very end of their life here on earth. And if you look closely at each award, they all speak to the same priceless honor - "Eternal salvation and life with Jesus in a new heaven and new earth." When you think about the greatness of this award, then our outlook on this life as Christians should take on more purpose and less stress. Until next time, keep walking close to Christ.

Monday, December 5, 2011

Back to the Future (Part 3)

It is often that we hear the following statement said of many people we know, "So and so over came ___________." (a particular obstacle in one's life) We can fill in the blank with a variety of situations: alcohol addiction, cancer, depression, loss of job, debt... It is a wonderful feeling to be able to celebrate with those who were facing such great, negative odds in life, only to come out of the other side as victors, as overcomers. The same idea can be clearly seen in the pages of Scripture, in Revelation chapters 2 & 3. In each letter that John is commanded to write to the seven different churches is Asia Minor, Jesus uses these words when speaking to each church, "He who overcomes." (2:7,11,17,26:3:5,12,21)

First, to better understand those who overcome, we must define the overcomers in the eyes of God. 1 John 5:4 gives us that definition, "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith." Simply, those who overcome the world are those who know and acknowledge Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Second, what is the hardship that a Christian must overcome? The quick answer would be sin and death that all men are bound to in this life. Yet the seven letters were sent to churches, distinct body of believers who overcame the persecution of their faith in Christ. They overcame the assault of false teachers and doctrine upon their congregations. They overcame the desires of the fresh with the spiritual desires of the Spirit of God. It is the true believer that will overcome the spiritual attack of one's faith and growth in this life. The overcomers are those who stand firm in the spiritual battle against the wicked assault of the enemy. The overcomers are those who stand under the blood of the Lamb in the face of mounting opposition. Are you an overcomer? An overcomer will not have an easy life on earth, but it will be less stressful as you stand with Christ. Until next time, keep walking close to Christ.