The Church

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THE TEMPLE OF THE LORD

(Ephesians 2:19-22) Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.  In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.  And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

I was reading this verse last week during our worldwide prayer for the church.  I was intrigued by the idea that all the true Christians across the entire earth are built into a living temple, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus as the chief cornerstone.  Construction of this temple began on the day of Pentecost.  Since then, each new brother or sister who enters the kingdom of God is filled with the Holy Spirit, and they become a part of this temple.

Imagine the earth with a worldwide temple full of prayers and worship rising toward heaven.  What an awesome image, with every born-again Christian across the whole earth having a part in the prayers and worship being sent to our Father in heaven. 

In this fallen world, we know that the enemy must be working to interfere with this glorious work of the temple of Christ.  I believe his main weapon is to keep Christians at odds with each other.  I’m not referring to those who suffer under false doctrines, the enemy has no problem with them; but to those of us who have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, we are to love all people. We are to love and be in unity with those who are of the family of God.

We are of the same building, and we are filled with the power of Jesus to love and bear witness of his love to the world. Yet, if we are at odds with each other, the walls begin to crumble, and our power is hindered.  In Psalm 133:1 David reminds us, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”

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EVERYDAY CHRISTIANITY 2

 (Colossians 4:2-6) Devote yourself to prayer, being watchful and thankful.  And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.  Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.  Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.  Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Last week we looked at this passage from Colossians, and I focused on verse two which is about devoting ourselves to prayer.  Let’s continue by looking at verses three and four.

And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.  Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.

The mystery of Christ is simply the Gospel message of what Jesus did for our salvation.  It is the most beautiful message ever heard by mankind.  Sharing this message requires presenting it with the recipient in mind and always being attuned to the Holy Spirits guidance.  Paul is asking the Colossians to pray that God would open opportunities for sharing, and that he would do it clearly.

We are still called to this prayer today.  We pray for those we know who are sharing the Gospel message – our pastors, missionaries, and evangelist.  As the Colossians did for Paul, we pray that the Lord will open doors for them to share, and that they will be able to share the Gospel clearly.  We also pray for their safety.

Next week let’s look at verses 5 and 6.  We’ll talk about Paul’s instructions for us, as we share the mystery of Christ.

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GOD DOES NOT ABANDON US

(Hebrews 13:5) Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

When we go through a time of struggle, does God abandon us?  For example, a struggle can be with our faith, our situation, or our emotions.  There are many things we can struggle with in our walk with God.  I recently struggled through an emotional stretch.  At times, I couldn’t even feel the presence of God.  I eventually discovered, God was there all the time.  He was just waiting for the right time to help me.

As an object lesson on what I went through, I have a kitten story to share.  It helped me understand God’s timing, and why he sometimes delays his intervention.

I have three kittens growing up in my garage.  They are very cute, and their antics are quite entertaining.  They have now reached the time of introduction to the backyard.  While exploring the backyard, they have discovered trees. They’ve discovered that climbing trees is easy; getting down is much more problematic.  Two of them have worked that out, but the third one got scared and needed to be rescued.  Her first three climbs ended in a rescue mission.  However, on the fourth climb, I just pulled up a chair and watched her struggle.

She made at least a half dozen attempts, moved forward then backed up.  Finally, she made it.  Since then, I’ve seen her do another tree and come down all on her own.  The lesson has been learned.

 I think in my case, God pulled up a chair and watched.  He was right there to save me, but he wanted me to learn how to handle the situation.  I gained a great deal from the experience.  The best part was that I recognized God did not abandon me; he just gave me time to learn.

God never leaves us or forsakes us. He is always there.  However, he might just wait in the background giving us time to learn.

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FELLOWSHIP

(Acts 2:42) They devoted themselves to the Apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

Last week, I talked about the wisdom of having friends and God’s recognition that man should not be alone.  To continue that thought, I want to talk about the value of fellowship.  From the very beginning of Christianity followers of Jesus have met together to strengthen and encourage each other.

Due to the need to travel over the last two months, I’ve often missed Sunday morning fellowship at my church.  Also, with my wife being away, I’ve spent a lot of time alone.  Being alone with very limited fellowship has caused a noticeable change in me.  I’m more self-focused, resulting in being less compassionate toward others.  This change has also dampened my relationship with the Lord.  The lesson here is that I need fellowship.

  I think that being surrounded by a family of believers offers what we all need, “fellowship”.  I am reminded from last week that we were not created to be alone.  This encouragement found in Hebrews chapter 10 say it clearly.   (Hebrews 10:24&25) And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Meeting together includes, going out for coffee, visiting family, Bible study, prayer meetings, and church services.  Anytime we come together with other believers constitutes fellowship.  Fellowship is a vital part of a successful Christian life.  I’m grateful to the Holy Spirit for reminding me of this truth.

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OUR LIFE COACH

(John 14:25&26) All this I have spoken while I was still with you.  But the Advocate, The Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

Jesus died on the cross to be an atonement for the sins of the world.  This includes all sins past, present, and future.  I became a recipient of his great sacrifice when I surrendered to him and put my trust in him.  At that moment, The Father forgave all my sins: past, present, and future; and He sent the Holy Spirit to indwell me and become my teacher.

Since that beautiful experience of salvation, the Holy Spirit has led me on the path of righteousness.  When I falter, he corrects me; and I repent.  There were times when I resisted, but he never gave up on me.  He was training me to become more like Jesus.  I will still be in training till my last breath.

Justification means that our sins are forgiven. That happens when we receive salvation.  Sanctification is the training that happens throughout the rest of our time here in this world.  The Holy Spirit seals us to identify us as God’s children, and he then takes on the task of our sanctification.  You might say he is our life coach.

There have been times when the Holy Spirit has tasked me with going to someone I have sinned against and asked for their forgiveness.  Difficult as that was, It always produced good fruit for them and me.  Over the years, the Holy Spirit has trained me in what to do when I faulter.  I have learned to first go to the Father and repent and then ask the offended person or persons for forgiveness.  

I believe complete righteousness happens after we leave our physical body.  Until then, we will wrestle with our sinful nature and the temptation from the devil.  God loves us, and he has provided us with the Holy Spirit to teach and guide us through this life till we go home to him.

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THE DANGER OF THE UNSAVED WORLD

(Ephesians 4:17-19) So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking.  They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.  Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.

Isn’t it interesting that the world around the Ephesian Christians sounds like the present-day world?  Think about the words “futility of their thinking”.  In our times there seems to be frequent opportunity to form the question, “what were they thinking”?  As you read through today’s scripture, I think you’ll find that the Apostle Paul clarifies why the thinking of the world of today is illogical. 

Paul wanted the Ephesians to be careful to not fall into the darkened understanding and separation from the life of God that was going on all around them.  The world has definitely not changed regarding its spiritual condition.  Therefore, Paul’s warning is as significant for God’s children today, as it was in his day.

The common statement, “we are in the world, but not of the world,”2 is relevant.  We are members of God’s eternal kingdom, and no longer of this fallen world.  We are the redeemed, so therefore, we need to allow the Holy Spirit to lead us into living as Jesus taught us.  Jesus said that we are salt and light to the world around us.  So not living as the unsaved world is paramount.  We cannot be salt and light for our neighbors, if we are living the same life as those who live in darkness.

2 see Jesus’ prayer in John Chapter 17

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 TO OBEY

(1 John 2:3-6) We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands.  Who ever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person.  But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them.  This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.

When you think about the word obey, what comes to mind?  Do you cringe or perhaps get defensive?  These are normal reactions from us humans.  We don’t like someone telling us what to do. In order for us to want to obey God’s commands, a relationship of love and trust must develop.  I found this truth to be very helpful while working with children.  First, build a relationship with them, and then classroom control will be much easier.   We are much more likely to obey God’s commands, if we first enter into a relationship with him.

John tells us that if a person says they know God, but they don’t do what he commands that person is a liar.  I had an exchange with a young man once that illustrates this truth.  I asked him how he was doing with the Lord.  His response was that he was doing great with the Lord.  I knew that he was intimidating others to gain what he wanted from them, and he was selling drugs.  I therefore knew that he was lying about his relationship with the Lord.  At least I knew how to pray for him.

What are God’s commands? Jesus gave us a simple answer to this question and that is to love God and to love others.  Obeying these simple commands is not that simple because it requires us to surrender our will to God.  We give God the center place in our lives, and he teaches us how to love others.  That is not easy, but it is the best way to navigate this life.

 When we let go and put our trust in God, life becomes so much sweeter.  That’s why the song says, “Trust and obey – for there’s no other way – to be happy in Jesus – than to trust and obey.” *

*Song: Trust and Obey – written by John Sammis

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OUR WORTH IN GOD

(1Peter 1:3-5) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!  By his great mercy he gave us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, that is, into an inheritance imperishable, undefiled, and unfading.  It is reserved in heaven for you, who by God’s power are protected through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

I am a common person.  I am not of wide renown, but just one of billions of people who are currently walking the earth.  My distinctions are that I’m a male of considerable age who has led an average life. That is my earthly existence. 

The one distinction I didn’t mention is that I am a Christian, a believer in and follower of Jesus Christ.  I am a child of the living God sealed with his Holy Spirit.  I have been granted eternal life through the redemptive action of Jesus Christ the Son of God.  I have an inheritance from God my Father reserved for me in heaven.  This distinction is not exclusive; it is offered to all who will receive him.

(1 Peter 2:9) But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own, so that you may proclaim the virtues of the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

Our worth as the common people of the earth may say we are of little consequence, but in contrast we are of great worth to God. Christians are God’s children, a people of his own, destined to live with him in his eternal kingdom.

Knowing our true worth, let us walk with confidence as we negotiate this new year, and let us proclaim the virtues of the one who called us out of darkness into his marvelous light.  

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LEADING THE PERFECT LIFE

(Psalm 119: 1-4) Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the lord. Blessed are those who keep his statues and seek him with all their heart – they do no wrong but follow his ways.  You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed.

Ah, living the perfect unreproachable life.  Can you imagine being perfect in all your ways?  You would have to follow all God’s decrees, do no wrong, and therefore have no regrets.  Well, the Bible says that none of us have achieved this distinction.  We have all fallen short of the glory of God.

There are a couple of factors that stand in the way of the perfect life.  We are born with a sinful, rebellious nature, and we have an enemy that constantly works at tempting us to sin.  Even when we come to God and find his love for us, we still fight the tendency to go our own way.  The Apostle Paul sums up this dilemma in Romans 7:21-25, So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me.  For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me.  What a wretched man I am!  Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?  Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!

In Psalm 119 verses 5-8, the Psalmist, like Paul, laments over his failure to follow God’s decrees.  Don’t all of us who love the Lord desire to be righteous in his eyes?  In Jesus, God made a way.  Jesus took our sins and the punishment for those sins upon himself.  Through the righteousness of Jesus, we now stand righteous in the eyes of God. Since we could not accomplish perfection on our own, Jesus did it for us.

As long as we are here on earth, the perfect life will allude us, but the time will come when all will be set right. For all who remain in Jesus, the perfect life will be ours forever.  As we enter this season of Christ’s advent, let us celebrate deep in our hearts the true reason for the Christmas season.  We have been reconciled to our creator; and through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, we are perfect in his eyes.           

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SHARING THE GOSPEL

(Romans 10:14) How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in?  And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?  And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?

I was taught the Bible throughout my childhood.  Sunday school teachers and pastors taught me the Gospel of Jesus Christ and offered me the opportunity to receive salvation.  As a child of the 1950’s, even in public school, I heard the words of the Bible and prayed to God.  I said the sinners pray several times, and I was confirmed in the Lutheran Church. You might say I was well schooled in the Christian faith.

After the Navy, I settled into family life and soon started attending church because it was the right thing to do.  When the pastor asked if I would teach the High School Sunday school class, I said yes.  It wasn’t long until I became the youth director and leader of the high school youth group.

The teaching from pastors and Sunday school teachers of my childhood gave me a firm foundation of Biblical knowledge. They encouraged me, and they lived the faith before me.  The seeds were planted, and they began to take root.  Stubborn as I was, I finally surrendered my life to the Lord and began to live fully for him. The faithfulness of those who came before me led me to the calling God had always intended for me. 

Sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ in both word and deed is God’s will for all his children. We share the good news and leave the rest to God.  He is faithful, and his timing is perfect.  (1Corinthians 3:6 NKJV, I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.)  We partner with God to bring salvation to the world.

 I’m reminded of this old-time hymn which seems to define our part quite clearly, “trust and obey, for there is no other way, to be happy in Jesus, then to trust and obey.”

 (Lyrics are from the hymn “Trust and Obey” written by John H. Sammis in 1887)