In Matthew 5:10-12 we read: "Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad..." Now you may ask, "Bro. Troy, how in the world can I live a less stressed life if I am being persecuted?" Well, it is possible, if and only if you are walking close with Christ. The rejoicing we read is not from the pain but rather from the rewards and testimony that suffering will bring. Jesus is not saying that suffering will follow a believers all their life. Jesus' life, for the most part, was positive; yet one of the signs of being a child of God is persecution. When one walks in meekness, humility, and righteousness, the world will attack; but the stress is minimal when we hold on to God's promise that He would never leave us alone.
In these verses Jesus gives us three characteristics of a genuine Christian. First, they will experience various persecution. Jesus told His disciples that the world would war against them (John 15:18-ff) because of their obedience to follow Him. If your persecution is a result of a big mouth, than this is not godly persecution. The persecution Jesus is talking about comes when one stays firmly on the path of righteousness. Second, a genuine Christian carries an eternal promise. Heaven, is waiting for those who are faithful to the end. Remember, heaven is not the end game, it is only the beginning to life. Third, a genuine Christian will experience a new posture. When facing persecution, the world would say cry, but Jesus says, use this event as a time to rejoice. The word "rejoice" in the Greek is "chairo" which literal means "to leap for joy". Why? Because it is a sign of our authentic relationship with God, as well as it proves our loyalty to Jesus' standards of Kingdom living. So when the Father approves your walk, then your life will be less stressful. Until next time, keep walking close to Christ.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
Having A Kingdom Attitude 7
We find another pearl for those who seek to live a less stressful life on this earth in Matthew 5:9: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." Approved by God are those who have received the ultimate peace of God (salvation, sons of God), and now live to share that peace with those around them. It is not natural to promote peace. The Bible states that sin has made us enemies with God (Rom. 5:10), and our natural tendency is to war and fight (James 4:1-ff). You see, Jesus is the author of peace, the Prince of Peace; and this blessing is only to those who have received His peace and now live to promote that peace (Is. 52:7). Being a peacemaker does not mean being a coward or giving in to everyone and everything. A peacemaker is one whose strength is under control. This may mean holding our tongue or defending truth over wickedness. Peacemaking is a divine work. God is the author, Christians are to be His promoters. Let's see what it looks like to be a peace promoter.
In the book of Acts, we meet a peacemaker, named Barnabas. Barnabas was a Jew, a Levite, a leader in the early church. In fact the apostle Paul was his apprentice. When you study this man you find that in every situation we read his name we learn something about peacemaking. First, he had made peace with God (Acts. 11:22-24). He was saved, full of the Holy Spirit, full of faith. Second, he led others to make peace with God (Acts 13:1-2). He is described as God's spokesman, a teacher of God's Word. Third, he helped others make peace with others (Acts. 9:25-ff; 1344-ff). Whether it was with Paul and the early church or a fight between the Jews and Gentiles, he was always seeking a peaceful unity. Fourth, Barnabas always endeavored to speak the truth in love. He would not compromise His mission (Acts. 13:46-37), his worship of God (Acts 14:11-ff), or God's Word (Acts 15:1-2). Lastly, as a peacemaker his actions promoted encouragement in the Body of Christ. His very name means "Encouragement" (Acts 4:36). So whether it was helping others, preaching, or giving a weaker brother a second chance, he was all about promoting God's Word as well as lifting up his fellow man. Barnabas' example teaches us what we ought to be doing daily as Christians. If we promote God's peace with our fellow man, don't you think you will have a less stressed life? Well, until next time keep walking close to Christ.
In the book of Acts, we meet a peacemaker, named Barnabas. Barnabas was a Jew, a Levite, a leader in the early church. In fact the apostle Paul was his apprentice. When you study this man you find that in every situation we read his name we learn something about peacemaking. First, he had made peace with God (Acts. 11:22-24). He was saved, full of the Holy Spirit, full of faith. Second, he led others to make peace with God (Acts 13:1-2). He is described as God's spokesman, a teacher of God's Word. Third, he helped others make peace with others (Acts. 9:25-ff; 1344-ff). Whether it was with Paul and the early church or a fight between the Jews and Gentiles, he was always seeking a peaceful unity. Fourth, Barnabas always endeavored to speak the truth in love. He would not compromise His mission (Acts. 13:46-37), his worship of God (Acts 14:11-ff), or God's Word (Acts 15:1-2). Lastly, as a peacemaker his actions promoted encouragement in the Body of Christ. His very name means "Encouragement" (Acts 4:36). So whether it was helping others, preaching, or giving a weaker brother a second chance, he was all about promoting God's Word as well as lifting up his fellow man. Barnabas' example teaches us what we ought to be doing daily as Christians. If we promote God's peace with our fellow man, don't you think you will have a less stressed life? Well, until next time keep walking close to Christ.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Having a Kingdom Attitude 6
The sixth Beatitude say: "Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God." Approved by God are those who have a pure heart. What does it mean to have a pure heart? The word pure in the Greek means clean from pollution, clean from the guilt of sin; sincere and upright. Just in the very definition we see that a pure heart is not what a human can do on their own, but rather what Christ has done and is doing for us. Christ is conforming us to His standard, the standard of holiness. Man, naturally has a wicked heart (Jer. 17:9), and needs a heart transplant - a pure heart (Ez. 11:10, Ps. 51:10). When God gives us His heart, it is kept pure as we walk after the Spirit of Righteousness (2 Tim. 2:22).
Our illustration for this beatitude comes from Luke 19:1-10. In the story of Zaccheus, we are introduced to one of the "worse" figures is society. To a Jew, if anyone is filthy and on their way to hell, the tax collectors were in front of the line. By his encounter with Jesus we see three actions one must take in order to have a pure heart. First, you must seek Jesus. Zaccheus could have made many excuse and even had a valid obstacle (his height) from seeing Jesus, and yet he kept persistent despite personal obstacles and reputation (19:3-4). Second, you must obey Jesus (19:5-6). When Jesus spoke, he quickly followed. He did not question or falter, he received Jesus into his house quickly and with great happiness. Third, you must be possessed by Jesus (19:7-8). After listening to Jesus, we see that Zaccheus purposed to living right. He could not make this change on his own, he was now possessed by Christ. And the way you can know that you are possessed by Christ is the willingness and joy you have to give up your money and possession in order to help others. You see, purity of heart is not only seen in one's faith but also in one's works (James 2:1-ff). When we have Jesus controlling our lives, it is His desire to make us like Him every day. When we walk with a pure heart, then we will truly have a less stressed life. Until next time, keep walking close to Christ.
Our illustration for this beatitude comes from Luke 19:1-10. In the story of Zaccheus, we are introduced to one of the "worse" figures is society. To a Jew, if anyone is filthy and on their way to hell, the tax collectors were in front of the line. By his encounter with Jesus we see three actions one must take in order to have a pure heart. First, you must seek Jesus. Zaccheus could have made many excuse and even had a valid obstacle (his height) from seeing Jesus, and yet he kept persistent despite personal obstacles and reputation (19:3-4). Second, you must obey Jesus (19:5-6). When Jesus spoke, he quickly followed. He did not question or falter, he received Jesus into his house quickly and with great happiness. Third, you must be possessed by Jesus (19:7-8). After listening to Jesus, we see that Zaccheus purposed to living right. He could not make this change on his own, he was now possessed by Christ. And the way you can know that you are possessed by Christ is the willingness and joy you have to give up your money and possession in order to help others. You see, purity of heart is not only seen in one's faith but also in one's works (James 2:1-ff). When we have Jesus controlling our lives, it is His desire to make us like Him every day. When we walk with a pure heart, then we will truly have a less stressed life. Until next time, keep walking close to Christ.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Having a Kingdom Attitude 5
We come to the fifth Beatitude in Matthew 5:7 - "Blessed are the merciful for they shall receive mercy." A popular Roman philosopher called mercy "the disease of the soul." In Roman culture, it was a supreme sign of weakness to show mercy; so you can image the looks on the disciple's faces when they heard that God's blessing is directed connected with mercy. The word "mercy" means charitable acts; it is compassion toward those who have a real need. The residents of the Kingdom are not takers but givers. One who practices mercy not only will have less stress but will also reflect a personal relationship with Christ. For you see, mercy is the very heart of God (Ps. 106:45).
Let us look at several passages in Scripture that will give us a better illustration of what mercy says to we live and do it. In Matt. 18:21-ff, we see that mercy tells others "I forgive you!" These are hard words, and yet they are possible, only by God's strength, to be said to those who have hurt you in the past. When we forgive, it is an act of mercy, and an act that will reduce our stress. In Luke 10:30-37, mercy said, "I love you!" It was the Samaritan who had mercy on the Jewish traveler, beat up and left for dead. In John 8:1-11, we read that mercy says to others, "God's grace is for you!" In this story, it was mercy that said, "I do not condemn you" and it was grace that said, "Go, and sin no more." Have you experience God's grace? If not, all you have to do is cry out for His mercy and forgiveness of sin today? Lastly, in Luke 16:19-ff, we see that mercy says to others, "God is the final Judge!" The rich man showed no mercy to Lazarus on this earth, and yet roles were reversed when both died. We are commanded to show mercy to all men. We are not asked to debate it, analyze it, or dissect it; we are to simply give mercy to all men no matter their behavior toward us. This act can only be done with God's Spirit, and it is the behavior of every resident in heaven. Well, until next time, keep walking close to Christ.
Let us look at several passages in Scripture that will give us a better illustration of what mercy says to we live and do it. In Matt. 18:21-ff, we see that mercy tells others "I forgive you!" These are hard words, and yet they are possible, only by God's strength, to be said to those who have hurt you in the past. When we forgive, it is an act of mercy, and an act that will reduce our stress. In Luke 10:30-37, mercy said, "I love you!" It was the Samaritan who had mercy on the Jewish traveler, beat up and left for dead. In John 8:1-11, we read that mercy says to others, "God's grace is for you!" In this story, it was mercy that said, "I do not condemn you" and it was grace that said, "Go, and sin no more." Have you experience God's grace? If not, all you have to do is cry out for His mercy and forgiveness of sin today? Lastly, in Luke 16:19-ff, we see that mercy says to others, "God is the final Judge!" The rich man showed no mercy to Lazarus on this earth, and yet roles were reversed when both died. We are commanded to show mercy to all men. We are not asked to debate it, analyze it, or dissect it; we are to simply give mercy to all men no matter their behavior toward us. This act can only be done with God's Spirit, and it is the behavior of every resident in heaven. Well, until next time, keep walking close to Christ.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Having a Kingdom Attitude 4
Having a Kingdom Attitude means having a less stressed life than those who walk by their own set of rules. Matthew 5:6 gives us another principle for how a Christian is to live in this world - "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be filled." When we look at both words "hunger" and "thirst" in the Greek, they describe the extreme of both situations. Hunger means starving to the point of death, and thirst means to be dry or completely parched. Those who have the Kingdom mindset realize that without God's righteousness and obedience to His way, the end result is death. So, a true believer will do all they can to feast and live on God's righteousness alone.
We find an example to this verse in John 6:22-71. Jesus has just finished feeding at least five thousand people. The next day a large crowd makes their way to Jesus, they want to follow Him. As we look closely we see that following Jesus does not mean that you truly hunger and thirst for His righteousness. The people are clearly coming for a magic show not to be true followers of Christ. So, what does it mean to hunger and thirst for righteousness? First, we need to put aside our physical desires (6:22-40). Physical desire by their own definition seek to satisfy self or the flesh. Physical desires try to bring Jesus down to our level. Second, we need to recognize and submit to God's work in our life (6:41-51). God alone calls people to Himself and that work is only accomplished through Jesus Christ. Lastly, we must come to the point in our lives in which we recognize and confess that Christ is all we need. Even when you don't understand the cost, just follow Christ's way. Submit the the Holy Spirit's control even when you can't see the next move. John Piper's famous quote sums this up: "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied with Him." When we are completely satisfied with Christ Jesus, then our life will be less stressful. Until next time, keep walking close to Christ.
We find an example to this verse in John 6:22-71. Jesus has just finished feeding at least five thousand people. The next day a large crowd makes their way to Jesus, they want to follow Him. As we look closely we see that following Jesus does not mean that you truly hunger and thirst for His righteousness. The people are clearly coming for a magic show not to be true followers of Christ. So, what does it mean to hunger and thirst for righteousness? First, we need to put aside our physical desires (6:22-40). Physical desire by their own definition seek to satisfy self or the flesh. Physical desires try to bring Jesus down to our level. Second, we need to recognize and submit to God's work in our life (6:41-51). God alone calls people to Himself and that work is only accomplished through Jesus Christ. Lastly, we must come to the point in our lives in which we recognize and confess that Christ is all we need. Even when you don't understand the cost, just follow Christ's way. Submit the the Holy Spirit's control even when you can't see the next move. John Piper's famous quote sums this up: "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied with Him." When we are completely satisfied with Christ Jesus, then our life will be less stressful. Until next time, keep walking close to Christ.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Having a Kingdom Attitude 3
Today we are continuing our journey through the Beatitudes and will focus our attention on Matthew 5:5 that reads, "Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth." The teaching of Jesus emphasis a new way of living for those who call themselves followers of Christ. The attitudes laid out in each verse describe the attitude of the residents of heaven. So when we carry a "Kingdom Attitude" as a Christian, you can guarantee yourself "a less stressed life".
What does it mean to be meek? Most associate the work "meek" with "weak", but this is not the Bible's definition of meekness. In the Greek, the word "meek" means mild, gentle, a soft disposition. Meekness is an inward grace of the soul and is a quality that only God can give. This word was used by the Greeks when describing a horse that had been broken. So in other words, meekness is "power under God"; more importantly, "power under God's control". Meekness is simply letting the Holy Spirit lead your life. Often, we as Christians act more like a bull than we do a horse that has been broken. The bull is stubborn and does not want to be ridden, so he bucks anyone who tries to control him. A horse that has been broken can be calm and gentle until called upon to ride into battle or race. The same is with the Christian when we allow God's power (the Holy Spirit), to led us. Our example from Scripture is John 1:19-37 when we look at the life of John the Baptist. His meek attitude was a reflection of an inward quality that followed three principles: First, he realized who he truly was in Christ. He knew his job was not about exalting his ministry, but rather exalting His Savior. Second, he accepted the position Christ had called him to. Unlike uncle Rico in Napoleon Dynamite, John the Baptist was content to be who God had called him to be. He was content with second place. And third, John recognized and pointed others to Christ. A meek heart is the heart of Christ and it is also a heart that seeks to point people to Christ and not self. There is one thing I am sure, if you allow the Holy Spirit of God to control your life, your life will be less stressful than those trying to do things their own way. Well until next time, keep walking close to Christ.
What does it mean to be meek? Most associate the work "meek" with "weak", but this is not the Bible's definition of meekness. In the Greek, the word "meek" means mild, gentle, a soft disposition. Meekness is an inward grace of the soul and is a quality that only God can give. This word was used by the Greeks when describing a horse that had been broken. So in other words, meekness is "power under God"; more importantly, "power under God's control". Meekness is simply letting the Holy Spirit lead your life. Often, we as Christians act more like a bull than we do a horse that has been broken. The bull is stubborn and does not want to be ridden, so he bucks anyone who tries to control him. A horse that has been broken can be calm and gentle until called upon to ride into battle or race. The same is with the Christian when we allow God's power (the Holy Spirit), to led us. Our example from Scripture is John 1:19-37 when we look at the life of John the Baptist. His meek attitude was a reflection of an inward quality that followed three principles: First, he realized who he truly was in Christ. He knew his job was not about exalting his ministry, but rather exalting His Savior. Second, he accepted the position Christ had called him to. Unlike uncle Rico in Napoleon Dynamite, John the Baptist was content to be who God had called him to be. He was content with second place. And third, John recognized and pointed others to Christ. A meek heart is the heart of Christ and it is also a heart that seeks to point people to Christ and not self. There is one thing I am sure, if you allow the Holy Spirit of God to control your life, your life will be less stressful than those trying to do things their own way. Well until next time, keep walking close to Christ.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Having a Kingdom Attitude 2
We are looking now at the Beatitudes found in Matthew 5:3-12, and pointing out that these characteristics describe the attitude of the residents of heaven. When we carry a "Kingdom Attitude" as a Christian, you can guarantee yourself "a less stressed life". Today let us look at the second characteristic: "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." At first glance you might think that if you cry then God may be happy with you, but this is not the case. It is not about outward tears, it is about inward humility about your position before God. The word for mourn in the Greek is "pentheo" which speaks of the most severe sorrow that a person can have, usually dealing with a death of a loved one. This mourning that Jesus is speaking of is a personal recognition, brokenness, and acceptance of personal sin in one's life. Note, when we truly humble ourselves before God, then we will have true grief over sin and as a result, receive true comfort from God through His Holy Spirit.
One lady in Scripture illustrates this verse very well. In Luke 7:36-50, we read of a notoriously sinful woman who disturbs a party for Jesus in order to seek forgiveness of her sins. Note the three things this woman did to express true Godly sorrow over her sins. First, she eliminated all hindrances (36-37). She knew how awful she was and she also knew how wicked everyone thought her to be, and yet she set aside her pride to fall before the feet of Jesus. She did not care what people thought of her, all that mattered was what Jesus thought of her. Second, she got as close as she could to the Word (38, 44-46). She came broken hearted, in humility, in gratitude and embraced the Word made flesh. Third, she humbled herself and prayed (38,47-50). It is on her knees that she found forgiveness for her sin. Notice these wonderful words that brought true life into this woman's stressful, sinful life: "Your sins are forgiven." "Your faith has saved you." "Go in peace." Wow! Those are wonderful words of life. We must have a humble heart before we are saved, and this heart must continue to beat throughout our Christian life. If this is the case in your life, then your life will be one of gratitude for the mercy and forgiveness of God. Until next time, keep walking closely with Christ.
One lady in Scripture illustrates this verse very well. In Luke 7:36-50, we read of a notoriously sinful woman who disturbs a party for Jesus in order to seek forgiveness of her sins. Note the three things this woman did to express true Godly sorrow over her sins. First, she eliminated all hindrances (36-37). She knew how awful she was and she also knew how wicked everyone thought her to be, and yet she set aside her pride to fall before the feet of Jesus. She did not care what people thought of her, all that mattered was what Jesus thought of her. Second, she got as close as she could to the Word (38, 44-46). She came broken hearted, in humility, in gratitude and embraced the Word made flesh. Third, she humbled herself and prayed (38,47-50). It is on her knees that she found forgiveness for her sin. Notice these wonderful words that brought true life into this woman's stressful, sinful life: "Your sins are forgiven." "Your faith has saved you." "Go in peace." Wow! Those are wonderful words of life. We must have a humble heart before we are saved, and this heart must continue to beat throughout our Christian life. If this is the case in your life, then your life will be one of gratitude for the mercy and forgiveness of God. Until next time, keep walking closely with Christ.
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