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.

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.

Timeout!

It frustrates me when I am watching a game on TV, and by the time I get settled in, one of the coaches calls a time out, or even worse, the referees call a time out for a media break. Well, let me take a time out during our walk through the book of Revelations. I was reading a verse today that spoke to my heart that I decided to write about it in this weeks blog. Proverbs 28:26 states: "He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered." The book of Proverbs is all about the benefits of walking in wisdom verses living as a fool. Let me define both key words in order to have a better understanding of what the writer is saying. A "fool" is one who lives their life as if there is no God (Ps. 14:1). In other words, a fool does not invite God into any decision he or she may make. They live as if they are the lone boss of their life. On the other side, "wisdom" has been described as "the voice of God." Proverbs 1:7 says, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; but fools despise wisdom and instruction."

Proverbs 28:26 simply warns the human race not to conduct their life outside of God's rulebook, the Bible. Only those who listen to God's voice, a voice that speaks through the pages of God's Holy Word, will find refuge and safety in this life. How many times have you heard this advice from the world or even from behind some pulpits? "Just listen to your heart." This verse in Proverbs commands us not to follow the desires of our heart. Our heart will only lead us astray, it will seek to remove God from His rightful place in our lives. Discipline your heart to hear the voice of God (1 Kings 19:13). Then discipline your life to obey His commands. When this verse becomes our life's goal and focus, then you will have a less stressed life. Until next time, keep walking close to Christ.

Back to the Future (Part 2)

Someone has said that true living is in who you know. I have had the experience of doing many different things in life, but some of my "dreams" have not turned out as I would have thought. I have always felt that I was at a disadvantage to most because I truly do not have any "connections" in life. We hear all the time of people getting their dream job, or getting that promotion, or called to participate in a prestigious event simply because of the person that they were friends with. A friend who made one call, and that call guaranteed action. But during those times I find myself having a pity party about my life, and bemoaning the fact that I have little to no connections with anyone of any power and authority in this life, the Holy Spirit quickly asks me one question, "If you have no one of any authority in your life, then who is Christ to you?" When hearing that question/reprimand, I repent and find comfort that Christ Jesus is enough. He opens and closes any door that no one can close or open. (Rev. 3:9)

As Jesus commissions John to write the book of Revelation to the persecuted church, He does so by clearly expressing how powerful He truly is in this world. Not only does John take Jesus seriously, but the King behind this book ought to be listened to and obeyed without delay. He is clothed as a priest, full of maturity and wisdom. His eyes are all knowing and penetrate the very hearts of men. His feet are stable, pure, and cannot be moved. His voice speaks and the whole creation trembles. His hands hold the very pastor of each church. His tongue is the very Word of God that protects the church. He is so radiant that no one dare stand upright in His presence. (1:12-20) This is the God who has commission this book of hope, comfort, and warning to all men. If you personally know this God, Jesus Christ, then your life will be less stressful than those who choose to reject His Word. Until next time, keep walking close to Christ.

Back to the Future (Part 1)

One of the most stressful questions we humans ask ourselves is, "What will my future be like?" Every civilization has tried to paint a picture of what human history will be like twenty, fifty, a hundred, or even a thousand years from now. The uncertainty of man's future has caused many ulcers to form in many stomachs. The afterlife is a subject every religion tries to answer. Most religions paint a more positive life than negative when describing man's future. Some try to ignore the future and just focus on the here and now. The Christian faith does not try to minimize the future, in fact the Bible clearly describes the future of humanity and is clear about man's final destination. The Book of Revelation has been embraced by many (and has been misunderstand and misapplied by just as many) as a book of hope, comfort, optimism, and even fear. The closer we look at this book it is clear that every man's destination will end in one of two locations: heaven or the lake of fire. Heaven is the very definition of peace and love, while Hell will be a real place whose environment is the opposite of peace and love.

In Revelation 1:1-8, we see two very important facts about humanities future: First, there is only one who is in our our past, present, and future, and He is Jesus Christ, the the subject line of human history. And the second fact is man's promise of deliverance from this sinful world. Many people read the book of Revelation, and focus on angels, wars, plagues, death, tribulation, and even heaven. But the main subject of this book is Jesus. The very first words in this book make this clear: "The Revelation of Jesus Christ..." Jesus is described as the true witness, the one who has risen from the dead, the ruler of all the earth, and the one who has died for man's sins (vs.5). It is Jesus who has not abandoned this world, but He is coming back to take back what is rightfully His, and to make all things perfect and right. His coming is as sure as His existence. It may seem that the world is too chaotic to be saved, but there is coming a day when "He is coming in the clouds and every eye will see Him..." (vs. 7) When you allow Christ to be in control of your future, then no matter what comes your way, you can rest knowing that you are in good hands; hands that guarantee a less stressful life. Until next time, keep walking close to Christ.

Who is God (Part 5)

The last description of God found in Isaiah 45 may be one the the characteristics of God that confound men the most. The God of the Bible describes Himself as a God who at times hides and at times seeks (45:15,19). Is God playing a game with man? Absolutely not! What He means by "hiding" is that God chooses to be silent at various points in history. He may chose to walk with Adam in the garden, but thousands of years pass before he speaks to Noah. He may choose to reveal Himself to Isaiah one year and then allow over 500 years to pass before we read of His birth in Bethlehem. There are deliberate times in which it may seem that God is removed or distant from creation, but the reality is that when He chooses not to speak to man, He is always watching.

Isaiah 55:6 tells us to "Seek the Lord while he may be found, call upon Him while He is near." Luke 19:10 tells us that Jesus came to seek and to save those who were lost." The God of Scripture is the only God who cares enough to find those who are lost (humanity). Other gods fend for themselves or struggle to meet their own needs, while Jehovah is all about rescuing those who are destined for hell, and bringing men into His presence. This God is one who not only has made Himself known through Scripture but one day will return to make Himself known to all the earth. He will gather those who walk by faith in the work of the cross to Himself; and those who walked according to the gods of their own mind will be cast away forever from His presence. The question is, "Have you been found by God?" If you have, then you will have a less stressed life. Until next time, keep walking close to Christ.

Who is God (Part 4)

The word "save" is used to describe many different activities in this life. You may have heard statements like: "Mom saved me a piece of cake,""The pitcher saved the game,"or "It is important to save some money for a rainy day." But what does it mean to worship a God who saves? In Isaiah 45, four times God declares another important fact about His character. He claims to be a saving God (Savior). You see all the gods of the pagans. around Israel, were gods who thought more about themselves then they did humans. So most of the time they spent all their energy protecting their own hides rather than the people who worshipped them. In fact read Isaiah 46, in which God describes the scene in which humans have to save their home made gods from the invasion of their enemies. So the concept of "a saving God" is very unique to Christianity.

When God makes this statement of Himself, it is in the context that He is the only God (45:5-6). So any hope of deliverance rest solely on this God, Jehovah. When God saves, it is eternal, permanent (45:17). One of the last statements of declaration by God is this, "Look to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other." (22) Man must focus their attention and eyesight to this God before their can be salvation. This image is clearly a reference to both the brazen serpent that Moses lifted up in the wilderness, to bring healing to the rebellious people who were being bitten by snakes; and also a clear reference to the cross that Jesus (whose name means Savior) would suffer and die upon over 500 years later (John 3:14-15). When a man, woman, boy, or girl looks and believes by faith in the cross of Jesus Christ , then and only then can they be saved. And when you choose to follow and obey the only true Savior, Jesus Christ, then this is reason enough to have a less stressed life. Until next time, keep walking close to Christ.