ALMOST... BUT NOT QUITE
Almost is an interesting word that we tend to use with a wide degree of versatility. We sometimes use it when we are delaying something, when we are not quite ready to commit.
But there are certain words that can't be used with almost, like almost pregnant. That doesn't really work. The word almost doesn't work when it comes to sports either. A football team cannot claim that they almost won a bowl game.
Another word that doesn't fit with almost is Christian. Either you are a Christian, or you are not a Christian. You may be well on your way to becoming a Christian. You may be looking into the claims of Christ and investigating them. But that doesn't make you a Christian. Either you are or are not a believer.
The Bible talks about a man that I like to call the Almost Christian, because as the apostle Paul presented the Gospel to him, he said, "You almost persuade me to become a Christian" (Acts 26:28 NKJV). Almost. He was close, but not close enough.
What distinguishes a Christian from a non-Christian or a pseudo-Christian? Our initial thought would be that what you believe determines whether or not you are a Christian. And there is truth to that. But did you know that you can believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that the Bible is the Word of God and not necessarily be a Christian? The Bible says, "Even the demons believe – and tremble!" (James 2:19). Just because I believe the Bible is true and just because I believe Jesus is the Son of God doesn't mean I am a Christian. Intellectual assent isn't all there is. It includes that, but there is more.
It also might surprise you to know that you can pray ritually, keep the Ten Commandments to the best of your ability, attend church on a regular basis, and be baptized and not necessarily be a Christian. If you are a Christian, you ought to do those things. But you can do those things and not necessarily be a Christian. You might be an Almost Christian.
Then what does a person need to do to be a Christian?
First, we must recognize our dier need for Christ. The Bible teaches that prior to becoming a Christian, every person is spiritually blind: "The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God" (2 Corinthians 4:4).
The next step is to turn from darkness to light. Only God can open our eyes. But only we can turn from darkness to light. God won't do it for you. He has given you a free will. It is up to you to respond and decide. You have to turn from darkness to light. The Bible tells us, "The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light" (Romans 13:12).
The problem is there are a lot of people who are trying to live in two worlds. They know what is true. They effectively believe it is true. But they have not turned from darkness to light. And they are Almost Christians.
A person can become a Christian in a flash. It can happen so fast it probably cannot even be measured in human time. Yet some people mistakenly believe they are in the process of converting to Christianity. Either you are a Christian or you are not. You are either converted or you are not.
You cannot live in two worlds. You need to have your eyes opened. But then you need to turn from darkness to light. Make sure you know with certainty where you stand with God. Don't be an Almost Christian.
Sunday at Gatetree
Sunday I will focus on why a person can not lose their salvation in Christ once they have become a true Christian. "iTrust" will answer any questions you may have regarding "once saved, always saved." It is a part of our current series "iTruths for an iPod Generation." If you can join us in person, we would enjoy getting to meet you.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
ON THE OFFENSE
This morning I read this passage of Scripture “Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.” (Ephesians 6:17)
During the Korean War, a unit known as Baker Company was separated from the regiment, and enemy forces were advancing on them. For several hours, no word came from Baker Company. Finally, radio contact was made, and when asked for a report of their situation, Baker Company replied: "The enemy is to the east of us. The enemy is to the west of us. The enemy is to the south of us. The enemy is to the north of us." Then, after a brief pause, the voice continued, "And this time, we're not going to let them escape."
It seems that way in the life of the believer. The enemy is at every turn. Yet some Christians don't realize that the Christian life is not a playground, but a battleground. They are oblivious to the fact that a war is raging. And in this war, they are either winning or losing.
In a battle, it's always better to be an aggressor rather than of a defender, because the defender is simply waiting for the enemy's next attack, hoping he will survive. If we, as believers, are always defending, then the devil is in the superior position. But if we are attacking, then we are in the superior position. When the apostle Paul wrote about the armor of God in Ephesians 6, he mentioned one offensive weapon: "the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (v. 17).
Make no mistake about it: there is authority and power in the Word of God. God's Word sticks. God's Word breaks through. God's Word impacts. When the enemy has you surrounded, keep him on the defensive with the Word of God.
This Sunday at Gatetree
Our current message series, "iTruths for an iPod Generation" has been one of the most well-received series ever. This Sunday I will focus on why it is important to grow in wisdom and understanding of Scripture. I am calling the message "iGrow." If you're in the Gatetree area, I invite you to join in with us. You'll be glad you did!
This morning I read this passage of Scripture “Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.” (Ephesians 6:17)
During the Korean War, a unit known as Baker Company was separated from the regiment, and enemy forces were advancing on them. For several hours, no word came from Baker Company. Finally, radio contact was made, and when asked for a report of their situation, Baker Company replied: "The enemy is to the east of us. The enemy is to the west of us. The enemy is to the south of us. The enemy is to the north of us." Then, after a brief pause, the voice continued, "And this time, we're not going to let them escape."
It seems that way in the life of the believer. The enemy is at every turn. Yet some Christians don't realize that the Christian life is not a playground, but a battleground. They are oblivious to the fact that a war is raging. And in this war, they are either winning or losing.
In a battle, it's always better to be an aggressor rather than of a defender, because the defender is simply waiting for the enemy's next attack, hoping he will survive. If we, as believers, are always defending, then the devil is in the superior position. But if we are attacking, then we are in the superior position. When the apostle Paul wrote about the armor of God in Ephesians 6, he mentioned one offensive weapon: "the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (v. 17).
Make no mistake about it: there is authority and power in the Word of God. God's Word sticks. God's Word breaks through. God's Word impacts. When the enemy has you surrounded, keep him on the defensive with the Word of God.
This Sunday at Gatetree
Our current message series, "iTruths for an iPod Generation" has been one of the most well-received series ever. This Sunday I will focus on why it is important to grow in wisdom and understanding of Scripture. I am calling the message "iGrow." If you're in the Gatetree area, I invite you to join in with us. You'll be glad you did!
ON THE OFFENSE
This morning I read this passage of Scripture “Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.” (Ephesians 6:17)
During the Korean War, a unit known as Baker Company was separated from the regiment, and enemy forces were advancing on them. For several hours, no word came from Baker Company. Finally, radio contact was made, and when asked for a report of their situation, Baker Company replied: "The enemy is to the east of us. The enemy is to the west of us. The enemy is to the south of us. The enemy is to the north of us." Then, after a brief pause, the voice continued, "And this time, we're not going to let them escape."
This morning I read this passage of Scripture “Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.” (Ephesians 6:17)
During the Korean War, a unit known as Baker Company was separated from the regiment, and enemy forces were advancing on them. For several hours, no word came from Baker Company. Finally, radio contact was made, and when asked for a report of their situation, Baker Company replied: "The enemy is to the east of us. The enemy is to the west of us. The enemy is to the south of us. The enemy is to the north of us." Then, after a brief pause, the voice continued, "And this time, we're not going to let them escape."
It seems that way in the life of the believer. The enemy is at every turn. Yet some Christians don't realize that the Christian life is not a playground, but a battleground. They are oblivious to the fact that a war is raging. And in this war, they are either winning or losing.
In a battle, it's always better to be an aggressor rather than of a defender, because the defender is simply waiting for the enemy's next attack, hoping he will survive. If we, as believers, are always defending, then the devil is in the superior position. But if we are attacking, then we are in the superior position. When the apostle Paul wrote about the armor of God in Ephesians 6, he mentioned one offensive weapon: "the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (v. 17).
Make no mistake about it: there is authority and power in the Word of God. God's Word sticks. God's Word breaks through. God's Word impacts. When the enemy has you surrounded, keep him on the defensive with the Word of God.
This Sunday at Gatetree
Monday, February 09, 2009
P.H.E.P.H.
There is a Latin phrase “Post Hoc Ergo Proptor Hoc” that means “after this, because of this,” or “what is happening is the result of what has happened.” That pretty much sums up why there is sin in the world and why people get hurt.
The answer lies in both our greatest blessing and our worst curse: our capacity to make choices. God has given us a free will. Made in God's image, He has given us the freedom to decide how we will act and the ability to make moral choices. This is one asset that sets us apart from animals, but it also is the source of so much pain in our world. People, and that includes all of us, often make selfish, self-centered and evil choices. Whenever that happens, people get hurt.
Sin is ultimately selfishness. I want to do what I want, not what God tells me to do. Unfortunately, sin always hurts others, not just ourselves.
God could have eliminated all evil from our world by simply removing our ability to choose it. He could have made us puppets on strings that He pulls. By taking away our ability to choose it, evil would vanish. But God doesn't want us to be puppets. He wants to be loved and obeyed by creatures who voluntarily choose to do so. Love is not genuine if there is no other option.
The Bible explains the root of evil: "This is the crisis we're in: God's light streamed into the world, but men and women everywhere ran for the darkness ... because they were not really interested in pleasing God" (John 3:19, Message Translation). We're far more interested in pleasing ourselves.
In a world of free choices, God's will is rarely done! Doing our own will is much more common. Instead of blaming God when hurts come into your life, blame the real source—this world and the evil one who rules it.
In heaven, God's will is done perfectly. That's why there is no sorrow, pain or evil there. But this is earth, a fallen, imperfect place. We must choose to do God's will everyday. It isn't automatic. This is why Jesus told us to pray, "Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven."
There are many other questions that race through our minds during dark days. But the answers will not come from economists, politicians, or anyone else for that matter. We must look to God and His Word.
We were made for a relationship with God, but He waits for us to choose Him. He is ready to comfort, guide and direct us through our grief. But it's your choice.
This Sunday at Gatetree
We will continue in our message series iTruths for an iPod Generation on Sunday February 15 and I will present a message titled "iJoin," focusing on why it is biblical and essential to have a church family. I hope to see you then.
There is a Latin phrase “Post Hoc Ergo Proptor Hoc” that means “after this, because of this,” or “what is happening is the result of what has happened.” That pretty much sums up why there is sin in the world and why people get hurt.
The answer lies in both our greatest blessing and our worst curse: our capacity to make choices. God has given us a free will. Made in God's image, He has given us the freedom to decide how we will act and the ability to make moral choices. This is one asset that sets us apart from animals, but it also is the source of so much pain in our world. People, and that includes all of us, often make selfish, self-centered and evil choices. Whenever that happens, people get hurt.
Sin is ultimately selfishness. I want to do what I want, not what God tells me to do. Unfortunately, sin always hurts others, not just ourselves.
God could have eliminated all evil from our world by simply removing our ability to choose it. He could have made us puppets on strings that He pulls. By taking away our ability to choose it, evil would vanish. But God doesn't want us to be puppets. He wants to be loved and obeyed by creatures who voluntarily choose to do so. Love is not genuine if there is no other option.
The Bible explains the root of evil: "This is the crisis we're in: God's light streamed into the world, but men and women everywhere ran for the darkness ... because they were not really interested in pleasing God" (John 3:19, Message Translation). We're far more interested in pleasing ourselves.
In a world of free choices, God's will is rarely done! Doing our own will is much more common. Instead of blaming God when hurts come into your life, blame the real source—this world and the evil one who rules it.
In heaven, God's will is done perfectly. That's why there is no sorrow, pain or evil there. But this is earth, a fallen, imperfect place. We must choose to do God's will everyday. It isn't automatic. This is why Jesus told us to pray, "Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven."
There are many other questions that race through our minds during dark days. But the answers will not come from economists, politicians, or anyone else for that matter. We must look to God and His Word.
We were made for a relationship with God, but He waits for us to choose Him. He is ready to comfort, guide and direct us through our grief. But it's your choice.
This Sunday at Gatetree
We will continue in our message series iTruths for an iPod Generation on Sunday February 15 and I will present a message titled "iJoin," focusing on why it is biblical and essential to have a church family. I hope to see you then.
Monday, February 02, 2009
WHY?
Once again I was asked, “Why is God making me go through all of this? What did I do to deserve this kind of pain?” Have you ever wondered that thought or asked that question?
God tells us in the Book of James (1:2-4) that we can count it all joy when we go through trials and tribulations. He isn’t saying we have to be happy when we suffer a loss. Rather, we can have confidence that a just and loving and merciful Father is working everything out for my good His perfect will.
Have we anchored our hope in the circumstances that surround us? Or have we anchored our hope on nothing less that Jesus' blood and righteousness?
When my Dad died, I quickly discovered how easy it was to become angry with God. I had heard other people voice their anger in tough situations, but I never thought I would.
But slowly … very slowly … I began to realize that my perspective was limited, that I’d placed my hope in an answer to prayer that I insisted was best rather than trusting in the character of God to answer the prayer as He saw best.
I’d hung my hope in the wrong place – until God reminded me that I serve a God of hope, and His hope will not disappoint.
That is what we have to cling to no matter our circumstances. If, for a single moment, we think God isn't in control, then we've lost our focus; and we're making judgments without all the facts.
God is working all things – even the hardest of things – for our good. Put your hope where it belongs: in Jesus. Don’t hope in circumstances, but in the God who holds your future in his hands.
And pray this: “God to pull my eyes from my situation and keep them focused on You. Please fill me with hope and faith.”
This weekend at Gatetree
I will continue with this theme on Sunday February 8, when I preach the message iHurt as a part of the current message series iTruths for an iPod Generation. This is one message you won’t want to miss—if not for you then for someone who is hurting right now.
If you’re in the area, we would be delighted for you to spend your Sunday with us at Gatetree. I hope to see you then.
Once again I was asked, “Why is God making me go through all of this? What did I do to deserve this kind of pain?” Have you ever wondered that thought or asked that question?
God tells us in the Book of James (1:2-4) that we can count it all joy when we go through trials and tribulations. He isn’t saying we have to be happy when we suffer a loss. Rather, we can have confidence that a just and loving and merciful Father is working everything out for my good His perfect will.
Have we anchored our hope in the circumstances that surround us? Or have we anchored our hope on nothing less that Jesus' blood and righteousness?
When my Dad died, I quickly discovered how easy it was to become angry with God. I had heard other people voice their anger in tough situations, but I never thought I would.
But slowly … very slowly … I began to realize that my perspective was limited, that I’d placed my hope in an answer to prayer that I insisted was best rather than trusting in the character of God to answer the prayer as He saw best.
I’d hung my hope in the wrong place – until God reminded me that I serve a God of hope, and His hope will not disappoint.
That is what we have to cling to no matter our circumstances. If, for a single moment, we think God isn't in control, then we've lost our focus; and we're making judgments without all the facts.
God is working all things – even the hardest of things – for our good. Put your hope where it belongs: in Jesus. Don’t hope in circumstances, but in the God who holds your future in his hands.
And pray this: “God to pull my eyes from my situation and keep them focused on You. Please fill me with hope and faith.”
This weekend at Gatetree
I will continue with this theme on Sunday February 8, when I preach the message iHurt as a part of the current message series iTruths for an iPod Generation. This is one message you won’t want to miss—if not for you then for someone who is hurting right now.
If you’re in the area, we would be delighted for you to spend your Sunday with us at Gatetree. I hope to see you then.
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