Same Master, Different Views, and Different Methods

Luk 9:49 And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us.

Luk 9:50 And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.

Today, I sit amazed, rather dismayed, at the sectionalism in Christianity. Nowhere do you sectionalism more than in the realms of salvation teaching and church worship services. Yesterday marked the anniversary of the reformation and since that day, when Martin Luther nailed a discourse of thought provoking statements the church has splintered over how a person receives salvation, and how a church service should flow, or what it should contain. Surely, the church reads the first letter to the Corinthians and understands that this is unacceptable. Yet, this is the way of man, not the way of God, the way of man.

So I have a few questions, as I look to extend my hand of fellowship to those claiming to be brothers.

1. No matter how they proclaim one receives salvation, do they promote in their teachings a life devoted to the savior, free of manmade traditions?
   
2. Do they then declare a list of what of holy and unholy standards that do not appear in God's word, thus frustrating the believers and stunting the growth they desire?
   
3. Do they criticize the methods or songs of worship of other churches?
   
4. Do they pursue the lost sheep, willing to go out to the reaches of a community to retrieve one, as Christ taught us to leave the ninety-nine?
   

You see in these simple questions, I can determine where to fellowship. The place where I can grow and mature as a believer. (I challenge you to determine your questions) First, if they teach a lifestyle of service and repentance (confessing and forsaking sin, not paying money, and magical prayers). While also removing traditions that hinder spiritual growth or acceptance of lost sheep, because in Hebrews we are clearly taught to leave the doctrine of salvation, baptism, and laying on of hands, when we desire to mature as disciples. Anyone frustrated over their salvation cannot move on to maturity, and thus is not being equipped by the teachers, as they were commanded. Next, we are commanded to not sit in the seat of the scornful, or stand in the way of sinners. Sermon after sermon, lesson after lesson, there is an attack on those who teach people to follow Christ as genuine believers, because they use the wrong translation, musical instruments, song writers, hymnal, chorus book, or lean to the side of human responsibility or God's sovereign grace, is not fulfilling the command of Christ, written above. Finally, are they obedient in the commands to go into the community and witness to the world? Are they who go into the highways, and byways compelling them to come?

I honestly believe that when we learn to focus on what God leads us to perform, and we stop trying to fix the other churches around us, the world will desire Christ. Some respond to hellfire brimstone teachings, others do not. Hence the verses, "And of some have compassion, making a difference: and others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh" (Jude 22-23). I hope you see now that each church has a role, and if they teach a true gospel lifestyle, a confident trust in the saving grace of God, that is extended to mankind, made possible by Christ's sacrifice. They teach believers have actions that prove a life of devotion to Christ (a consistent removal of sin, and greater devotion in study to God, and service to others) that is clearly seen in God's word, then we do not have to walk with them, but we should not forbid them, rather pray for God to work mighty through them.

One last thought, do remember as long as former lost men fight against their innate sin nature, and as long as they lead churches, there will never be a perfect church.

Saul, King of Manipulation

32 And David said to Saul, "Let no man's heart fail because of him. Your servant will go and fight with this Philistine."
33 And Saul said to David, "You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him, for you are but a youth, and he has been a man of war from his youth."
34 But David said to Saul, "Your servant used to keep sheep for his father. And when there came a lion, or a bear, and took a lamb from the flock,
35 I went after him and struck him and delivered it out of his mouth. And if he arose against me, I caught him by his beard and struck him and killed him.
36 Your servant has struck down both lions and bears, and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God."
37 And David said, "The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine." And Saul said to David, "Go, and the Lord be with you!"
38 Then Saul clothed David with his armor. He put a helmet of bronze on his head and clothed him with a coat of mail,
39 and David strapped his sword over his armor. And he tried in vain to go, for he had not tested them. Then David said to Saul, "I cannot go with these, for I have not tested them." So David put them off.

1 Sam 17:32-39 (ESV)

When most preachers and teachers cover these verses, the focus is on David: his faith, his courage, and his wisdom. I want to briefly focus on Saul, King of Israel, King of Good Intentions, or is he simply the King of Manipulation? Did he have David's best interest at heart in offering David his battle armor? Did David convince Saul he could defeat Goliath?

Personally, I believe the situation was a win-win situation for King Saul, at least in his mind. Dressing David in his armor could accomplish three things. First, if David died in battle, Saul could deny sending him into battle. Second, if David one in battle and remained in full armor, some might think the king defeated Goliath, surely everyone knew his armor. Finally, if David won and was revealed to be David, he sent a champion out in a greater manner than other kings. He allowed his champion the best armor in the land, his.

In the previous chapter, we learned that David had become Saul's armor bearer. He had full access to the king's armor when he was present for service to the king. When David arrived, despite his brave speech, it is reasonable that he should reenter the service of the king. Therefore, it would be reasonable that should David die in battle to claim he took the armor unknown to the king. You can almost hear the speech, let us remember David, the impetuous youth, who with the best intentions took without permission the king's armor and sword, and died in valiant effort before Israel and Goliath. In this case, Saul would save face for sending a youth of no apparent skill against a seasoned warrior-giant.

Likewise, in the other two scenarios, Saul saves face. In one, he becomes the savior of Israel. In the last, he becomes the savior of Israel. "Thank you, Thank you, when no man stepped forward, I knew that I must take action, when the shepherd boy spoke, I knew I must take action. Normally, a king would not fight in one-on-one combat, but I knew I must take action. Today, the power of the Philistines broke. Tomorrow brings ultimate defeat for the Philistines!" Oh, the mighty speech Saul might have given. On the other hand, Perhaps this speech, "I knew the boy could win, I have spent many a day with this young man, heard his stories, trained him, and as my armor bearer made him strong, courageous, and ready for the challenge!"

However, God received the glory and the newly anointed future king began to grow in influence. Mark the moment of David's rise in the eyes of the people, the peak of his favor with Saul, and the beginning of a period of persecution, that prepared a shepherd for the throne.

A Leadership Analysis from A Tale of Three Kings: A Study in Brokenness by Gene Edwards

Many people speak of natural leaders being born for the times of their identification, but history shows that leaders are not born as often as created. Even those who are natural born leaders possessing that certain something that causes others to follow are God created. However, not everyone who has ever led an organization, nation, team, or playground qualifies as a good leader. More importantly, for the Christian, not every good leader is a righteous leader capable of leading God's people. A Tale of Three Kings: A Study in Brokenness by Gene Edwards draws on the interaction of King Saul and David, and King David and King Absalom, the son of David who temporarily overthrew his father. This tale intends to ensure that good leaders learn how to become righteous leaders capable of leading the people of God. It is for this reason that each leader is examined against two factors: the greatest secular leadership model in the world, the United States (US) Army's be, know, do, and the manual that holds the answers for all leaders, the Bible. Each king's presentation for examination is in the order of his first or only reign.

King Saul

King Saul is the first king of Israel. Saul, chosen by God to be an instrument of chastisement for Israel's rejection of God's theocratic reign over the nation using judges, is the king of appearance. Samuel prophesied of his reign, in warning to the nation, prior to his selection for coronation. According to scripture, Saul begins his reign in humility, but soon rises in power to accomplish mighty deeds for himself. Saul teaches fledgling leaders what the world says a leader should be, what a leader should know, and what a leader does.

Be

Throughout part one of the narrative drama presented by Gene Edwards, King Saul is what a worldly leader should be. Saul, as known from scripture and as presented, is a powerful leader who on more than once occasion is among the prophets. Saul is a warrior capable of leading an army into battle. He stands taller than anyone does. Saul is the premier leader. Leaders are powerful and display their unbroken power. Saul is authoritative, dealing out rewards and punishments as he determines. Saul is determined to reach the goals he established. Saul is the face of his organization and he does not share his glory with those who serve him. Saul is the epitome of when in charge be in charge. Saul is the leader modeled after the world. He is what a leader of the world receives instruction to become.

Know

The first thing a leader must know is who they are to be, in the eyes of those they lead. Israel stated to Samuel that they wanted a leader just like all the other nations, so God granted them their wish, Saul. Accordingly, Saul looked to other nations and became a great king. From these kingdoms, Saul knew what he should appear to be as king. Saul knew that kings must have the blessings of deity, so he sacrificed and sat among the prophets. Saul knew that potential rising stars in government were a threat to his kingdom. Saul knew that God, due to his overly decisive nature, had determined that another king would arise to take his place. Saul knew that such a threat needs elimination. Saul knew that great kings do not live in the shadows of a servant, even a general of their army. Saul knew that David held God's blessing and that he might be the one prophesied to replace the king. Through knowledge comes action.

Do

Saul was a good leader as the world defines good leaders. His actions accepted as the prerogatives of any king. He held powerful generals who won victories over mighty armies, to include the destruction of Goliath, the Philistine warrior of Gath. Saul had earned the right to take the sons and daughters if Israel as servants. Saul had earned the right to take portions of the fields as tax, and to conscript men into military service. These were the actions of mighty kings. Saul had the right to persecute a general who seemed to be stealing the people away from the king, no matter how loyal the servant remained. Saul was a mighty warrior, so no javelin thrown was to destroy but put the young upstart David in his place. Saul, the mighty warrior king, had the right to be moody and have whomever he wanted, play the harp for him, even a general, like the upstart David. When near the end of his reign it was fitting that Saul, pursue the fleeing traitorous general.

Scriptural Leadership

Saul was a leader of the world but not a godly leader. As Gene Edward begins the story with the possibilities of two destinies, it is easy to see that Saul is the destiny of exterior power. While many of his leadership qualities are admirable qualities of decisiveness, authoritativeness, determination, protectiveness, and knowledge, they remain exterior qualities. This is the point that Edwards determines to make by presenting Saul bearing the exterior power of God and not accepting the power that transform the interior and build the character required to lead the people of God. The interior power denied by Saul is the very power that transformed the shepherd David into the mighty king of Israel.

David

David is the one figure who transcends both parts of the tale. David is the youngest son of Jessie, who tends his father sheep. David is the young one called from the field to appear before the prophet Samuel for anointing as the next king of Israel. David will reveal the interior power of God and the effect it can have on a leader.

 

Be

David through suffering realizes that as king he is to be a servant to God, and to serve the people of Israel. David understands the humility of the servant from a life of servitude as a shepherd, a musician in the royal courts, and as a military leader under the authority of a crazed king. David demonstrates differing aspects of leadership from Saul. David demonstrates self-control, compassion, loyalty, repentance, and a desire for God. Therefore, David teaches Christian that a leader is to be a controlled person, who is compassionate with their followers, loyal to all, able to admit mistakes, and one who seeks after God.

Know

David learned the aspects of leadership through an intimate relationship with God born through struggles. David learned early as a shepherd the need for communicating with God by forced loneliness on the hillsides of Bethlehem, keep watch over the sheep. David learned the power of God's deliverance through the killing of predators intent on killing the sheep. David learned the compassion to lead people in the tender manners of God, by leading and caring for the sheep of his father. David learned to wait on God to deliver on those hillsides. David the loyalty needed to perform the duties assigned while serving his father. David recorded these lessons in the Psalms. David knew that God was a God worthy of worship and One Who performed righteously among men. David knew he was to emulate God before humanity.

Do

Therefore, David performed the tasks assigned by King Saul wisely. David played for the crazed king when asked, ducked thrown javelins, and remained loyal even while being pursued for execution. David never refused to play, heaved a well-aimed javelin in return, or took the life of the king, even when presented with opportunity. David knew the Lord, David behaved accordingly. David knew God's power to deliver so David prayed for deliverance, and waited on God to deliver. David demonstrates humility, performing according to his knowledge of God. David remained loyal to the king's son, loyal to his men, loyal to the king, but more importantly loyal to the plan of God for his life. David does what godly leaders do; they seek God's will.

Scriptural Leadership

David's portrayal as the suffering servant who God transforms by the roles he plays in life. David, as Edwards reveals, handles these situations because he trusts in God, not because he is weak. David as a warrior, the slayer of Goliath, could have returned a killing javelin to Saul numerous times. David's restraint is born from the learned trust of God. David's compassion, humility, and temperance, as painted by Edwards, are traits that godly leaders possess. David had no need for vengeance because to God alone does vengeance belong. Even in the latter years of his reign, when Absalom revolts against his father, David remains calm and quietly leaves the palace trusting God to restore him or take him home. Spiritual leaders who follow David have a quite strength born from an intimate relationship with God.

Absalom

Absalom, the eldest son of David, the one everyone expects to be king is a good-looking man endued with wisdom. He however utilizes his strengths in rebellion against God's plan for Israel.

Be

Absalom, as presented, demonstrates a few expectations people hold for leaders. Saul taught the reader leaders are to be strong, determined, powerful people. David added to these qualities the aspects of following God, brave, humble, compassionate, and loyal. Absalom demonstrates that leaders need be charismatic and wise in their ability to handle the troubles of the people. Absalom learned well the need for wisdom growing in the home of the king.

Know

Absalom learned early that people respect power, looks, and wisdom. He knew that he was born with two of those aspects. He knew the power he naturally held as the eldest son of the king. He knew the way people looked at him, and how he reminded them of his father, the king. Absalom knew that wisdom came from putting knowledge to practice. Absalom knew that righteousness and fairness belonged to everyone, even the king. Absalom knew of his father's mistake and saw God's forgiveness. Absalom felt he knew that his father mishandled his punishment for avenging the wrong of sister by a half brother. Absalom knew how to get back at his father.

Do

The presentation of Absalom is one of knowledge lifting a person up in pride. It is the picture of one under authority perceiving injustice and rising against that injustice. Absalom did rebel without a plan; it was not the mindless actions of rage. As Edwards reminds, Absalom used his natural gifts of influence as the king's son, his looks, and acquired wisdom from watching his father hold court to win the people from David. Absalom did that which is the right of any upcoming star in leadership; he took from someone who he felt was no longer capable of leading properly. In many ways, he performed one of the first hostile takeovers in history.

Scriptural Leadership

Absalom once again demonstrates traits admired by the world and Christians. He is young, vibrant, charismatic, wise, and influential. However, he represents the exterior power with no interior development. Absalom does not see the mercy his father gave to him by not requiring his life or that he live in a city of refuge. Instead, Absalom embodies the idea that those who want recognition in life must claim that power for themselves, no matter who is hurt. Absalom did sell out his own father. Christian leaders may be charismatic, the need be wise, and they must have influence, but they must allow God to grant their recognition or they will impose their will against God's will.

Personal Reflection

As an educator and leader, the need for dynamic leadership is paramount. One can chose to develop this through exterior skill developments or one can allow God to transform the inner person. As for this educator, both paths have been followed, and the temptation to return javelins as not always been resisted. The amount of suffering required to kill pride can lead to the near insurmountable desire to rebel against God's plan, exercise some aspect of admirable leadership in a worldly manner and grasp early that which one is not ready to possess. For a man of action the waiting on God's timing is the most stressful event on earth. However, through this tale understanding arises that this time of learning humility afford the leader the strength and patience to bear the trials to come.

References

Edwards, G. (1980), A tale of three kings: a study in brokenness, Tyndale House Publishers, Wheaton, Illinois

 

Life without a plan?

Luke 14:25-35 And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them, If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace. So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple. Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned? It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

 

Nothing in this life or the eternal life works itself out. Each needs approaching with a steadfast determination to accomplish something. I am amazed at how many people live all or a portion of their lives without a plan. God has shown me recently that in order to succeed here I must have a plan that leads me to that success. I cannot sit on a pew and say in ten years I want to be where God wants me and expect that to occur. The verses above are clear that God does not want us to start a journey, be on a journey, or finish a journey without having a plan. Jesus was clear in this passage to those who were physically following Him about how determined that must be to be a true follower. He was saying, "You want to follow me as Savior, then you need to think about how hard it will be, what it is going to cost you, and be prepared to complete the journey, or else stay on the porch." Your life needs thought out so that you do not lose. How will you be a success for God? What is your plan for success in…

Money? The Bible says owe no man.

Memorization? Thy Word have I hid in my heart.

Marriage? They two shall be one

Parenting? Train your child

Work? Do all things as unto the Lord

Daniel purposed in his heart not defile himself. He planned and decided on a course of action. What is your plan?

The View From Behind Home Plate

I have become the half-time enemy and half-time friend of all baseball coaches and players, a villain in blue, an umpire. I am in my second season as an official for the recreation league in my county. I do this for a few reasons: to pay for my mission trip to the Dominican Republic, I love baseball, and because I learn so much about baseball, life, and God.

Over the last few days I have become aware of a trend. I normally can tell who will strikeout, provided the pitcher throws enough strikes, and who will hit the ball into play. I can tell by the look in the kids eyes. Every kid has a mixture of fear and excitement coming to the plate. The step from the on deck circle and begin that walk to the box. As the approach something happens. The hitters loose their excitement and become very somber and determined in the eye. You can tell they are talking to themselves and preparing for the at bat. The others have a look of dread, fearful hope, or apathy. 90% if the time the outcome is determined before the guy steps in. Even if a hitter should strikeout they leave with a certain look that says you got me this time but now I know how to get you. It is something inside that makes the difference. Having been a former player and current coach I know that the something is confidence and experience. There is no shame in striking out and there is no way that if you stay in there and keep swinging at strikes that you are going to strikeout every time. Any pitch that enters the zone can be hit. You get three chances and it only takes one. Confidence.

Now, what does this teach me about God? Well I am according to the Bible indwelt with the Holy Spirit of God. I have an internal resource that created the universe and controls the outcome. I will step up to the plate of life and trials will be hurled straight at me. I will turn towards them and try to send them back but sometimes I will miss. Strike one. Here it comes again. Strike two. Here it comes again. Strike three. Man, I failed, that curve took me by surprise. Ok, here we go again, Lord, I know the curve is coming because that is what took me out last time. Here it comes. Foul ball, strike one. Ok, Lord, I got a piece of it. Please, help me get it next time. Ok whatever come this time I am going to hit this one. Perhaps, I did.

You see, I can turn inside my head and talk with God. He can help me be a person of courage and strength. I need not fear men or what they can deliver my way. Yeah, they may get me this time, but life recycles. God stays with me. So like Daniel, as I step into the box, I determine I will not strikeout, and with God's divine guidance, I will put the situations I face into play. Confidence in God.

Well, Are You?

13 Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:
14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

John 4:13-14 (KJV)

1 Then Jacob went on his journey, and came into the land of the people of the east. 2 And he looked, and behold a well in the field, and, lo, there were three flocks of sheep lying by it; for out of that well they watered the flocks: and a great stone was upon the well's mouth. 3 And thither were all the flocks gathered: and they rolled the stone from the well's mouth, and watered the sheep, and put the stone again upon the well's mouth in his place. 4 And Jacob said unto them, My brethren, whence be ye? And they said, Of Haran are we. 5 And he said unto them, Know ye Laban the son of Nahor? And they said, We know him. 6 And he said unto them, Is he well? And they said, He is well: and, behold, Rachel his daughter cometh with the sheep. 7 And he said, Lo, it is yet high day, neither is it time that the cattle should be gathered together: water ye the sheep, and go and feed them. 8 And they said, We cannot, until all the flocks be gathered together, and till they roll the stone from the well's mouth; then we water the sheep.

9 And while he yet spake with them, Rachel came with her father's sheep: for she kept them. 10 And it came to pass, when Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban his mother's brother, and the sheep of Laban his mother's brother, that Jacob went near, and rolled the stone from the well's mouth, and watered the flock of Laban his mother's brother.

Gen 29:1-10 (KJV)

Ok, we have two stories that occur by a well. In the first, listed second we find that a stone is over the well. This was done so that the sun did not dry up the well, or so that pollutants did not get in the well and poison the water, or that the well did not fill with dust and become shallow or nasty. All of these reasons were a good one to wait until evening when all the flocks were gathered. In the second story, listed first, Jesus is speaking to a woman at a well. He compares the physical well to His followers, a.k.a., Christians.

So, why write about these two facts? I want to ask you a question and myself a question. Are we spoiled, shallow, or just dried up by the world? Before I can answer this question I need to determine how effectively I have been at guarding my life against the influences of the world (Satan's philosophical playground). If I have not thought it necessary to guard against this influence then chances are my flowing water is cloudy in the ethics bucket, or speech bucket, or internet bucket, or movie bucket, or TV show bucket. It could be worse it could be a mud pie of these things. Now I do not want to drink these last two analogies and chances are you do not want to drink them either. Therefore, why did I allow this to happen? Because I like to push the envelope of acceptability and walk up against sin with the narrowest of margins that still says to the outside observer, "See I am separated from the world." However, what is the cost for this way of thinking? I could be clearer, deeper, and not so thirsty.

Ok, one example from my struggles. CSI, I really like this show, is not a good show to watch for me and likely not for others. It is entertaining and I know it is about the scientist who catch the bad guys, and that is great. However, with each piece of evidence I get to visualize a murder, rape, beating, shooting, stabbing, poisoning, or freak accident, over and over again. I am placing violence in my well. How can my water supply not be affected? Just a thought from me, what do you think?

Care for little ones

Matt 18:1-6 (KJV)

At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?
2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,
3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.

6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

 

When we observe a small child do we think of greatness? Do we see a kindergarten age child as a symbol of greatness? Of course, we do not see such a small child as a symbol of greatness. We see presidents, congressmen, millionaires, maybe pastors, and other big church leaders as great in our society. The apostles likewise looked at their society, the measures of a man, and were prompted to ask for quantifiable standards by which they could measure greatness in the coming kingdom. Jesus answer was simple, see this child, view yourself the same.

 

Children by and large have no rights, and their personal expectations are generally disregarded. How many children even as teens have a say in where they live or go to school. Their personal preferences may increase with age but they are not all fulfilled. This is why they struggle with authority. As the progress in growth they learn to evaluate and analyze their surroundings, make determinations, and select a mentality towards various events, places, and people. Then comes the struggle between authority, who may not have the same view or opinion, and the child. The child does not have the authority to carry out their plan and must capitulate to the adult.

 

We have evaluated our world, made our plans, and determined how things should be only to be confronted with God's reality. Often this brings conflict because we will not humble ourselves, like a child. So we begin to humble ourselves on a regular basis only to have someone tells us we are not right? I mean we are doing the best we can, or at least think we can? Even if the person is right and is not gentle to us little children we will kick, scream, or pout. Remember at this point we are talking about adults.

 

So, now for verse 6 and what I really want to address. "These little ones" in the Greek means anyone of lesser dignity. This is the Senior Pastor to Junior Pastor, Pastor to Flock, Sunday School Teacher to Class, School Teacher to Class, Upper Classman to Lower, etc… You get the idea. We are to exercise great care to not offend (entice to sin) someone who looks up to us or at least whose care we have been given. How scary is this warning now? Therefore, we must take great care to encourage and not discourage, find meeker ways to address problems, to demonstrate love and care. I am amazed how we forget that the goodness of God leads us to repentance. You would think that we had to feel the fires of hell first and then we can repent by the way we see problems handled. Instead we are convinced of hell, sin, and our just reward, but shown mercy, love, and God's kindness in our lives. Then we understand and cling in love, not fear (it is not perfect, and is not from God), to our Lord. Why then do we jump down a teen's throat? We as adults cannot handle this internal conflict without bad attitudes. Perhaps we all need to consider our actions before people. I do not know about you but that millstone thing does not sound fun.

FAITH

Jam 2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

 

This seems so simple and yet it is one of the hardest things to grasp in the Christian life. My actions declare my faith. So what do I tell people when I am not speaking to them about Christ? Here are just a few thoughts I have on this subject.

1. I cannot say that I am a man of faith without being a man of action. You will never believe or receive my confession of faith if my life does not demonstrate that faith. You have faith and I have actions. I can say but what do you see? I have faith in the Prince of Peace as I act angry and worried? I have faith God is compassionate and kind as I am hateful, hurtful, and rude? I have faith that God can supply all my needs as I complain about not having enough or tell everyone about my woes? Faith is not a vocal confession but a lifestyle.
   
2. My faith comes out whether I want it to be displayed or not. I get into a stressful situation and default into worry and self-reliance. What does that say I believe about God? People of faith rest in God. Sure they may pray and even weep but their initial worry (concern) is God directed not inwardly directed.
   
3. Faith is the evidence of things not seen. My actions tell you what I think deep within my heart. If I am a forgiving person, then I know forgiveness and believe that God forgives. If I tithe without thought it is an indicator I believe God can do more for my life on 90% than I can do with 100% of the 100% He gave to me.
   

I would love to see comments on some of the things you see as demonstrations of your faith. I have confessed some of my faults. You can give some of your positives or just things you think of as you read this.

From Score International

BIGNESS IS NOT BAD

Some people do not like a BIG church!  At what point is a church TOO big?  Can you have too many volunteers to work at the church?  Did you ever hear your pastor put a cap on the number of people who came out for visitation?  Do you think the church ever had too many people bring too many turkeys for the homeless Thanksgiving meal?  Did your pastor ever instruct the parking attendants to send people down the street to another church when your church parking lot was full?  Did the ushers ever give your offering back when the plates were full?  On Thanksgiving Day, did you reach your limit?  Does your company turn away business or do they hire "more workers"?  Do we really practice discipleship or do we want to restrict the number of followers?  Have you ever thought 5,000 worshippers are ENOUGH?  Then why do we keep adding more services in our mega churches?  Were you ever in a church when….too many people got saved?

 

Just thinking…..

 

WE NEED MORE MEN

Five years ago, 20 men went to the Dominican Republic to do missions through baseball.  People were saved and participating men were spiritually touched.  A year later, 45 men went, followed by 90 men on the third year.  Last year, 163 men went on the same outreach.  This year was another year of fantastic growth as 256 people traveled to do missions work in the Dominican during our Baseball Outreach.

 

Would you believe there are some people who feel this ministry has become "too big"?  A few have said that we are taking too many people.

 

I have been asked to answer the question, at what point is "too many"?

 

Here are a few thoughts:

 

First of all, Jesus said that "the harvest is great and the workers are few".  Then, Jesus commanded believers to pray that MORE (not less) workers would be called to go.  Therefore, I am compelled to follow Jesus, obey His word, and pray for MORE, many MORE, workers to go and do the work to gather His harvest.

 

Secondly, organization is the key!  This year we organized our 256 people into five different groups.  We placed leaders in each group and sent these groups to five different locations.  By doing so, we were able to ACCOMPLISH FIVE TIMES the amount of work that we did five years ago with only 20 men.

 

Thirdly, we can impact many more Americans by engaging them in being on mission with God.  We also see our group pray, cry, fellowship, confess, and receive Christ.  We sing, shout, and see God work corporately in our lives.  We experience renewal and revival.  This must be shared by MORE men.  Is it right for anyone to LIMIT what God is obviously doing?  Shame on us who think so.

 

The Dominican Baseball Outreach has become a HUGE ministry.  The devil attacks what God ordains.  Some critics even suggest it is a money-making effort by SCORE.  (For those I suggest, GET AN AUDIT and see the FACTS).  The truth is that many men come free!  Thanks to spiritual men who give scholarships, we bring a lot of minor league players who cannot afford to pay.

 

Next year, our goal is to have more than 300 men!  We plan to grow, and grow, and grow until we reach every soul.  We want to evangelize the entire Dominican Republic and we need your help.  Don't listen to anyone BUT Jesus.  He said in Luke 10:2 that the "harvest is huge and we do not have enough workers."  Then he told us to pray for God to send us MORE workers.

 

Let's choose to listen and obey Him.  Bring MORE!

'til the nets are full,

Ron Bishop
Executive Director

The Law: Living or Dead?

Gal 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

Gal 2:17 But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.

Gal 2:18 For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.

Gal 2:19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.

Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Gal 2:21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

 

Am I crucified with Christ, by the law? This is a hard question to answer on a daily basis. Often I find that I am alive and well to the law. I am trying through some merit of my own strength to meet the demands of the law. I even create new laws to help me live within boundaries that stifle my life and the joy that a spirit filled life brings. I then try to impose those on others. Those are good days compared to the ones when I meet someone who has a stricter definition of what is righteous. So whether being imposed upon or imposing, I find a lot of the times my actions are one of rule keeping rather than faith living. I have never been able to obey the law and I know that I cannot be justified by the law so why do I pursue the aspects of the law so fervently? Why do I return to that which has never been able to perfect the conscience of the believer?

The law stated that I must die. I have sinned many times in my life. I will not enumerate those sins here in this writing. Accordingly, in the most God-honoring act of obedience known to man Christ died on the cross, and I enjoy the benefits of that act of obedience. This is why I am able to be dead through the law, and now live to God. However, does Christ live in me? Is my life in the flesh a reflection of faith in the Son of God? I have thought about this often and I am not sure of all the truth these verses hold. I am inclined to think, today at least, that this means I am to live in a demonstration of confidence in Christ, and not in a demonstration of meeting the expected norms of my culture. Let me see if I can expand this thought?

Jesus, did things that the religious culture of His day deemed sin. The priests declared that He was a sinner for healing on the Sabbath. The priests said His followers were sinners for plucking corn on the Sabbath day. In fact, they were consistently finding new definitions of how He was wrong. Through an overzealous attempt to live righteous lives, they failed to be righteous, for the just live by faith. So, I ask myself (and by proxy of writing, you) this question: Am I confident my actions are in line with God and His guidance for my life? I know that they may be against the desires of some friends and loved ones but are my actions in line with Christ? Am I living as Christ would have me live or am I living as man would have me live?

I am not saying take your uniforms off and go to work/school in a wrong manner. I am not advocating disobedience to parents (Christ was subject to His until about the age of 30). Christ only did that which was against the norm when the norm limited His worship of God. Laws of our land, work, and school generally do not limit our worship of God. Work itself can be a form of worship. My purpose here is to ask questions like: Is what I am listening to, watching, reading, and wearing, in line with God's direction for my life? Am I living in the spirit of Christ's command "Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.
For he that is not against us is on our part."?

 

The challenge: I need to let go of my perceptions and preferences in order that someone else might grow in their walk with Christ.

Does the Lord hear me today?

Psa 4:1 Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.

Psa 4:2 O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? how long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? Selah.

Psa 4:3 But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him.

Psa 4:4 Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.

Psa 4:5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.

 

Today I want to focus on verse three. I wonder what there is in my life that gives me assurance that God will hear me when I call unto Him. The verse says that the godly are set apart for Him and it implies that those are the ones He hears. I know that the 10 commandments are God's perfect law. So how did I stack up today against that perfect standard? I guess I could ask myself these questions and answer them honestly?

1. Was God first in my life all day today? Well, I watched a TV show this morning before I read my Bible and then I know I got upset for my own selfish reasons today. I asked for forgiveness each time, but it would have been nice to not have had to ask for forgiveness.
   
2. Did I worship someone religious icon today? Religious icon? Yeah, you know my personal forms of worship. My musical preference, dress style, or other general preference while thinking wrong of someone for not preferring that which I prefer. My icons of worship. Perhaps, I should just thank God for music to listen to, clothes to wear, and all the other things I enjoy and not worry about others.
   
3. Did I use the Lord's name in vain? As a curse word, no. Did I always call on Him in sincerity and with a depth of truth belonging to His person?
   
4. Did I honor my father and mother? They raised me to work hard and do my best in all that I perform. Did I honor them today?
   
5. Did I murder someone? You know that person on the road driving real slow that you want to hurt? I know just in my mind, but is it not the heart that defiles?
   
6. Did I commit adultery? Did I look with lust on a person of the opposite sex? It is natural, to sinful man. It is not an option for the Christian.
   
7. Did I steal? Not even someone's reputation with gossip?
   
8. Did I lie? Even a little white one?
   
9. Did I covet? Someone else's work schedule, car, bank account, or anything else you can think of?
   

So now that I have communed with my heart (yikes) and discovered how my day went will I stand in awe and sin no more? Here is the test of righteousness and godliness: make the answers to these questions less negative day by day and be repentant for the positive ones. Praise God for the Holy Spirit who gave us victory in some of these questions and beg for forgiveness for the others.

This is how David knew the Lord would hear him. This is how he knew he was set apart. You inventoried his days and made confession and praise to God a routine of his life. My challenge is to become like David.

Lord and Savior?

Luk 2:10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

Luk 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

Luk 2:12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

 

Phi 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Phi 2:9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

Phi 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

Phi 2:11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

 

Have ever noticed that Lord is used far more often in connection with Jesus than Savior? Even here in Philippians the one thing that everyone will do is profess Jesus as the Lord. Notice that not everyone will pronounce Jesus as Savior. This is because Jesus is Lord over everyone and Savior to those who believe.

Jesus is our Lord and the Lord of the world. One day He will sit upon His earthly throne in Jerusalem and every knee will bow before Him. Every mouth will pour forth the words of confession, Jesus is Lord. Everyone will acknowledge that He had every right to command their lives and to demand worship and obedience. Only those who practiced such things will be able to call Him Savior. A good servant is obedient to his master. Ever notice how often the Bible says that a bad servant is sent to the place of fire and a good servant will enter into rest? Ever notice how often the Bible says that if we love God and Jesus we will obey them? Ever notice how obedience is paid to a Lord? Ever notice how often the Bible says the righteous (obedient or striving to be obedient) are the ones who serve God and enter into rest?

This is why I believe a person who truly accepts Jesus as Savior will accept His Lordship. How can we continue any longer in sin after having been delivered? How can we say we are connected to the perfect vine and produce thorns of sin? Did Jesus not say in the Sermon on the Mount that the fig tree produces the fruit and a thorn bush produces thorns and neither can produce the other's product? Does this not mean that no matter how you dress a thorn bush up to look and grow like a fig tree in the end it is still a thorn bush? Surely one only need look close enough to see this. Is this why the Bible also says, "You shall know them by their fruit"?

Will we be perfect? No, but we will not have a lifestyle of disobedient sin. If Jesus is truly Lord we will endure hardships and perceived injustices, losses, financial reversals, and all manner of hardships, and still serve God. We will be like those of Hebrews 10 who joyful accepted the plundering of their lives and did not shrink back like the children of perdition. So I guess the only question that remains to be asked is this: is Jesus your Lord?

Playing with the paper

1Pe 3:1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;

1Pe 3:2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.

1Pe 3:3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;

1Pe 3:4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

Each year as Christmas nears I think back to my oldest daughter's first and second Christmas. Nearly fourteen years ago this young girl (nearly young woman) was a toddler beginning to experience life. The first year we had to teach her how to open a gift. We guided her through the process, but the second year she had it down. Year three she was on auto-pilot.

The first Christmas, we went all out. We bought every gift we could afford and then a few more for good measure. This was our baby and we wanted her life to be filled with all kinds of wonderful things and trinkets. When Christmas came she was so overwhelmed with all those bows. Bows, and paper, and ribbons, and bows! Here look at this neat toy we bought you. No, give me that bow and take this other neat gift. Year two was only slightly better.

Then year three came and she knew under all the glitz and glamour, there was something more important. So it is with church.

Far too often we are like my daughter as a toddler or one of the wives described in the passage above. We are caught up in the exterior wrappings of our faith and forget the God of our faith. We come to church for all kinds of reasons. We have a great Sunday school class that enjoys close fellowship. We have a passionate preacher. We have the most enjoyable music. We have a beautiful building. We have, we have, and we have. Some do not come to church because they feel the opposite about the above mentioned things. I pray you church has all or most of the positives. I also pray that you realize they are worthless without the presence of God. There is more to these blessings. These blessings are only the bows, and paper, and ribbons, and bows! Is our Heavenly Father trying to get us to give up the bow for the real present? Only you can answer that in your life. Do you have a concern for the hidden man of the heart?

In a few days, we will give gifts once again to a nearly 16-year old. The paper will be removed in short order and the gift will be the important thing. One day, she may even become more like her father, and just want the gift unwrapped because I can hardly wait. I remember feeling that way in church. I cannot wait for the singing to be over and the preaching to begin. I love to sing but to hear from God and His perfect Word is for more a got to have it item.

So I close and ask, are you playing with the paper, or enjoying the gift?

My Shield

Psa 3:1 Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.

Psa 3:2 Many there be
which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.

Psa 3:3 But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.

Psa 3:4 I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.

Psa 3:5 I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.

Psa 3:6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.

Psa 3:7 Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.

Psa 3:8 Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.

 

Ever have one of those days that seem to stretch into one of those weeks, months, or years? It is inevitable that hard times will come to us at some point in life. There are two primary reasons for those times. The first is chastisement. The second is persecution from the father of lies. Satan under authority of God is sent to try our lives. If you do not believe this, then read the book of Job. It is this second idea that I wish to address in this writing.

Often it will seem that persons or circumstances are stacked against us. They are pressing in and bringing us trouble. They surround us and their numbers are multiplying. It is at these times that we will feel it is time to surrender or that there is no help. This is the voice of Satan telling you that God is not there for you. Do not listen to the father of lies. Hold fast your faith with a good conscience. In this passage God gives us some real quantifiable aspects upon which to anchor this hope.

Number one, God is your shield. I remember as a young child being so afraid of the baseball that I could hardly stand in the batter's box without trembling so uncontrollably that I could not hit. The pitcher would start his windup and I would start moving my feet back. My father, earthly that is, decided to help me with this problem (I would never endorse this training method). He put me in the box and promised that everything would be alright. I had a helmet on and he could throw the ball anywhere he wanted. He went to the mound, he began his windup, I stood firm, he let the ball go, and he hit me in the helmet and knocked me down. He then stood the six-year old me on my feet and laughed. He said, "See the helmet works and you are alright. I told I could throw it anywhere I wanted. Now since you are ok I want to you to remember this, the protection works, and no you face will throw the ball this hard." From that time I had confidence, because I knew the helmet worked. It was my shield. Now I know I just compared God to a helmet, and He is far better. What I am saying is God is my shield. I step up in life and I face down troubles day in and day out. Many look like wild pitches ready to take my head off, but my Father (heavenly one) is there to protect me and give me strength.

Next, God is my glory. There is a verse that says the glory of an old man is his gray hair, and the glory of the young man is a strong body. When God is our glory we do not have to be strong or wise. We can rest in the Lord.

Next, He lifts up our heads. No need to walk head down in defeat. These things cannot remove our eternal life. They cannot remove our God's love. They cannot remove anything in our lives without God's approval. So hold your head up.

Finally, God hears you. Let Him know how you feel. Let him know what is going on in your life. He knows but He still wants to hear your prayers. It does you good to vent to the only one who can change anything in this universe.

So relax, rest, and know God is behind you. Trials will come and they are never pleasant but God can do mighty works through your life.

Concentrating on the Fundamentals

Psa 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

Psa 1:2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

Psa 1:3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Psa 1:4 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.

Psa 1:5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

Psa 1:6 For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

 

As you know from the last blog I recently went to the Dominican Republic on a baseball outreach (short-term mission trip). While there we everyday normal guys got to mingle with some not so normal everyday guys. These were professional baseball players and while they turned out to be as normal in their Christian life as any one else they are still professional baseball players. Therefore, as a high school coach I picked their brains for ideas and stories for the boys. One player told of his time with Alex Rodriguez while playing for the Texas Rangers. It was this player's rookie season and he tells us that Alex taught him about visualizing the fundamentals.

He said Alex had a nightly routine where he would take imaginary batting practice and talk to himself as he swung the "bat." He would coach himself through each fundamental movement of a textbook swing. When asked why he did this Alex responded that your brain is like a computer you program and the body does what the computer tells it to do. Alex asked this player if he had ever been out in a mall and ran into someone you know you know but you cannot think of their name, but then a few days latter the name comes to your mind. That is because you have not placed the name into the brain enough for it to come back immediately. Well when I hit my mind does not have to reach deep to know how to hit properly because I keep it near the front by repeating the steps to a perfect swing every night.

As I was thinking about God's word this morning and this passage this story returned to my mind. You see we are consistently putting things in our mind. We take in everything around us: sights, sounds, smells, and touches. We store these for memories both good and bad. You are in a food joint and music is playing. This music is not godly but you are having a good time with friends, the food is good, the service is good, the music may be stored as good because it is background and you did not tell your mind the music is bad but the other stuff is good. Therefore, we must be alert to not allowing the counsel of the ungodly, the way of sinners, or the sounds of the scornful to piggy back into our minds on good thoughts. Every heard a prayer gossip request but forgot to remind yourself that it was more gossip than prayer request? That is the idea here. Often we do not create this block because we do not realize we need to block these parasites.

That brings me to point number two: If we meditate day and night, like "A-Rod's" routine, on God's word we will recognize the song because our conscience will be assaulted. Then we can block that as the counsel or way of the ungodly. God's word will be foremost and not some random wolf thoughts in sheepskin memories.

When we do this we are promised to be blessed by God. If a professional baseball player can use this mental exercise to play a game and be better, should we do any less as Christians dealing with eternal matters?

Visualize God's way today!

The Dominican Republic Report

Last week I had a special opportunity to travel to the Dominican Republic with Score International on a short term mission trip. The trip was designed around the Dominican's love for baseball. You need not travel far within a community to see either the face of a Dominican player like Albert Pujols on a poster or to see a group of kids playing a pick up game (sometimes using makeshift equipment). The trip also offered opportunities for visiting with local orphans and some site seeing. Conducting ministry can be spiritually draining so the trip also involved morning devotions and evening worship services. Here is my experience.

Pre-Trip: Some wonderful friends who love Christ made this trip possible. Many people contributed financially to this trip and I am not aware of all of them. Therefore, I just want to say thank you and I know God will bless you for your part in the events of last week. Many students and Sunday School members helped gather flip-flops and toothpaste for the orphans. You will have rewards in heaven for your true Christianity.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008:

I left home at 2:30 in the morning for a 6 AM flight to Miami, Florida. While at the gate in Raleigh International I noticed a group of men wearing baseball caps and shirts. As we were about to board I did not get an opportunity to visit with them or to ask where they were headed. I had a good idea so I waited until we landed in Miami.

In Miami I ran into one the men and asked if they were headed to the Dominican. Ed Naylor told me they were in fact headed to the Dominican and introduced me to their group leader, Kenny Dickerson. I recognized Kenny as an umpire we had last year at a game in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. We had spoken about this very trip and it was real neat to meet up with him. I was traveling alone so they asked me to tag along with their group. God is great, especially since I was nervous about meeting people. These guys would keep an eye on me the whole trip. They are a bunch of awesome men who love Christ. What impressed me most about the group was the fact that it included two teenage boys, John and Zac. I pray these young men never lose their love for Christ and people.

Fast forward about four hours and we are in the Dominican arriving at our hotel. When we arrived we discovered to the Tony (a member of the Rocky Mount guys) did not have a room for whatever reason. Since I had been traveling alone, I was supposed to be accompanied by Michael Shelton (Brazil messed up his passport) who did not get to come, Tony became my roommate. He is an awesome man with a very large heart for Christ, his family, and kids. So off we go to get settled in. We had to learn how to work the lights in the room (they kept shutting off after a minute), unpack, and get ready for dinner.

After dinner, we had an awesome worship service, and then were divided into our teams. Before we were placed in our teams we were visited by the Minster of Sports for the Dominican Republic. He thanked us for bringing the news of Jesus Christ to his country and baseball to the kids. When he finished speaking; we were divided up and I was placed in "Group 4-Infield" under the leadership of Aaron Ledesma. Aaron is a former major league player and current coach in the Yankees organization. He is also a man very conscience of God's power in a person's life. This was evident from our conversation in the airport but also in the way he would lead in prayer beginning that night.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008.

Breakfast was served at 6AM and the morning devotion was given at 7AM. By 8AM we were on busses headed to our different locations. My group was off to a neighborhood in Santo Domingo. I soon discovered that each day we would share testimonies to help us get to know one another. Through this I was able to discover many men and coaches who love Jesus, love baseball, and have every day struggles like all people. The reason I say this is because many were team owners, college coaches, and major league players. These are the men who have "arrived" from a human perspective and I guess I was a little star struck. However, these men were so humble and honest about their walks with God and the pressures of being in the "upper levels." They shared how they cope by having their own email circles and team Bible studies.

An hour later, we were arrived to a baseball field that was a glorified sandlot field. On the field waiting for us was the Minister of Sports and about 500 kids, coaches, and parents. We conducted clinics for the outfield, infield, pitchers, catchers, and hitters. They kids were divided into these five groups and rotated every 20-30 minutes. We even had an umpire clinic with us that day for the coaches and would be adult umpires. Following the clinics all these people piled into one set of stands, and the earth in front of the stands, to hear a local missionary preach a gospel message. I did not understand all that he said but I looked into these kids faces and I saw God working. I cannot explain it but I saw God at work. In the end about 200 came forward to receive a decision paper and to make a public profession of Christ. The day could have ended there but it is not over.

We returned in time for lunch and then at 2PM I went to Ninos de Cristos, an orphanage in La Romana. Here we were able to give to these children the shoes collected and the other gifts we brought. We spent two hours playing and spending time with kids ranging from 16-years old to infants. At 18 the girls and boys are forced to leave the orphanage and begin a life. Until recently this has been very hard since most lack a good education. Thanks to the Pujols Family Foundation these children have an education space and better materials to begin their adult life better prepared. When it came time to leave I am not sure who wanted us to stay more, the kids or us.

The evening brought another wonderful service and we left exhausted but pumped for the next day.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Another round of early morning breakfast and devotions, and then it was off to San Cristobal (2 hours away). It was drizzling so we did not know if we would get to conduct a clinic that day. However, when you drive that far the weather can change. We had a great set of clinics for about 200 kids. Another missionary spoke and we had close to 60 kids come forward to make a public profession for Christ.

Since we traveled so far we missed lunch and the opportunity to go sight seeing that day. I was really hungry that night and made a poor choice on food selection. I did not know it right away.

Friday, November 21, 2008

I lay in bed, when I could, suffering from food poisoning. The sickness subsided long enough to get help after the morning devotion (which I got to hear-while seeing one of the doctors on the trip) and to make the evening service feeling weak and tired. That night we heard the testimony of Tony Fernandez, Dominican Short Stop, who played 18 years in the majors. What a powerful testimony.

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Still not eating but feeling better. We went to our final devotions, and then headed to San Pedro de Marcois for a rally. There were about 8,000 people there. When all was said and done, every little league team received new equipment, all received the message of Christ, and about 1,000 made public professions for Christ.

All that was left to do now was go back to the hotel, grab my bags, and head to the airport.

Sunday, November 23, 2008

2:00 AM –I arrived home.

The Bible’s Introduction: Genesis 1:1-2

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the spirit of God moved upon the waters.

This simple introduction by God through Moses gives us some deep truths in foreshadowing. This statement is simple in that allows us to see the introduction to the story between God and man. It is meant not to tell us how God came to exist or to explain to us the details of creation but to summarize that which would be filled in throughout chapter 1 and chapter 2 of Genesis.

In the beginning…

    This is the start of all things. Prior to this introduction nothing of our material world existed. This is to include the vastness of space that houses our world. All things that we see have an originating point. This is the very reason for the scientist inability to calculate the age of space without using infinite math. They can only go so far back before they get the old "E" on the calculator. They admit that through the use of real math they reach a point of singularity when using the expansion rate of the universe that would determine the universe to be far younger (billions of years younger) than they claim. So as the universe has a point of singularity so does all life on this planet. A human comes from two cells, a plant from one seed, and so forth and so on; one can trace all life to a single moment.

    Furthermore, this is the start of all we need to know to make it through our lives. In this one moment of time God set into motion all the laws of the universe that establishes order and reason to our lives. He established the laws of nuclear fusion to allow us to have heat and light. He established the law of gravity so that we might adhere to the planet that allows for life. He established through these the orbital paths of our galaxy, our planet, and our moon to allow life to exist on the celestial rock we call earth.

    This begging covers a space of time, about seven days to be exact. It also states that this time period was in one instance as well. In the instant that God brought the material into existence the beginning was established. Then God took a few days and shaped that material into the things we see and take for granted one a regular basis.

In the beginning God….

    God was before the beginning. In fact without God there would be no beginning. Therefore since God existed before the beginning and is the cause for the beginning then we must conclude that God exists outside the beginning and outside of time as we know time. This is the primary reason that God calls Himself as the "I AM". It speaks of His eternal state of being present at any moment in time. This is why the original language did not express the elementary statement of faith as "God was in the beginning." This would tie God to time and would compromise the fundamental truth of God's immutability (unchanging nature).

    In the beginning God is also the primary statement of faith. The Bible authors never try to explain where God came from or how He came to be the creator of all that we know. They simply state that God is and leave you. It amazes me that we struggle over this concept since almost all stories have this aspect contained within their pages. There seems to always be a character that we have no background details to help us understand them. We are simply to accept that they are and move on to those details that will be revealed latter. Is it any wonder then that Paul, would write nearly 4,500 years latter that those who wish to please God must believe that He is.

….God….

    So who is this God that we are to accept at face value? The original language first reveals God as the Elohym. It is a Hebrew word meaning a plural intensive body of rulers that are singular in nature and purpose. If the meaning had stopped at a plural body of rulers then a proper translation would have been gods rather than God. However, since the singular nature is also expressed to lends to us the understanding that these members of the "godhead" (as other writers would express this unique union in latter passages of scripture) are of one kind and cannot be distinguished apart. This is not to say that they do not have unique characteristics and roles but in the purest of essence they are one. The same is seen in all of nature (because that which is created reflects that which created it). There are many humans and each of unique, just like everyone else, but in the end we are human and can by and large receive body parts one from another. This is due to the fact we are of one kind, the human race. Therefore, to this extent the godhead is a separate from humans as humans are separate from dogs. However, there is more to this expression and that is the singular of purpose. Here is where humans fail to be one and this is why we say there is perfect harmony in the godhead.

    The loss of understanding by early man after the flood of all the details contained within the wording of Elohym (remember this is a revelation from God to Moses) would account for the numerous gods of mythology. However, it was never meant to be twisted in such a manner but to instruct us toward a understanding of the trinity and thus the acceptance of Jesus of Nazareth as the Christ when the time was appointed for His first advent on earth. Furthermore, it makes us open to the work of the Spirit of God in our lives. Therefore, to the Christian the understanding of the godhead being the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit finds its seeds of understanding in Elohym.

    Augustine once wrote:

It is not easy to find a name that will suitably express so great excellence, unless it is better to speak in this way: The Trinity, one God, of whom are all things, through whom are all things, in whom are all things.(1) Thus the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and each of these by Himself, is God, and at the same time they are all one God; and each of them by Himself is a complete substance, and yet they are all one substance. The Father is not the Son nor the Holy Spirit; the Son is not the Father nor the Holy Spirit; the Holy Spirit is not the Father nor the Son: but the Father is only Father, the Son is only Son, and the Holy Spirit is only Holy Spirit. To all three belong the same eternity, the same unchangeableness, the same majesty, the same power. In the Father is unity, in the Son equality, in the Holy Spirit the harmony of unity and equality; and these three attributes are all one because of the Father, all equal because of the Son, and all harmonious because of the Holy Spirit.

In the beginning God created…

    So here comes the simple statement that the all-powerful (omnipotent), all-knowing (omniscience), ever-present (omnipresent) godhead created this world. For this reason when the scripture gives credit to the Father, the statement is true. When the scriptures give Jesus the credit for creation the scriptures are true, and equally true of the Holy Spirit. For all members of the godhead had their part in the act of calling into existence this masterpiece we call the universe.

In the beginning God created the heavens….

    Heavens in a plural sense; did you catch that in the verse? I know we understand all that that implies since we have Paul's account of the man being caught up into the third heaven, the abode of God. Did Moses, understand this truth? He must have because the original word for heavens gives a three-level meaning. It speaks of the atmosphere, that beyond the atmosphere where stars exist (space), and the abode of God.

…and the earth.

Well there is not a lot to be said here. We know where we live. But as God tells of the original state of the earth I believe you will find a planet vastly different than the current world in which we live today. I am not speaking about the absence of technology and buildings but of the very atmosphere and overall landscape.

So all this came to me yesterday morning drinking coffee and eating breakfast. I began reading Genesis and I could not get past verse 1. I hope you will begin reading this book that sets the stage for the entire Bible. I also hope God allows you to move through it faster than I am being allowed to move. Now that I have blogged perhaps God will allow me to move to verse two. One parting question before I go? Do you think Moses was told creation or did he have a vision of creation? I would love to hear your responses.

 

Not so good a friend….

So the title of the blog page is my thoughts based upon my observations. So here is another thought lesson from observing my dog Blondie.

Recently another dog moved in next door to us. She brought with her a family of course but I am focusing this lesson on the behavior of the dogs. She moves in next door and turn what was a minor annoyance to me and a medium annoyance to Angela into a nightmare. Blondie is what we call a digger. Until now she has only dug small holes to burry things like her tennis ball, chew toys, bones, and a flower pot. Now with another digger next door, she and her friend are digging her out of the yard. The other dog is much larger than Blondie so the smaller dog goes under. This has caused Blondie to be chained, locked in the garage, and tonight shocked. Yes shocked, I am purchasing an electric fence and installing it to stop this undesired behavior.

So those are the facts. Here is the observations:

#1—The other dog is not a good friend

#2—Blondie is going with her nature

#3—Trouble is usually created or enhanced with help

#4—People are like dogs

In the Bible there is a story where one of David's sons commits an immoral act against his half-sister Tamar. Amnon had a sinful desire in his heart to be immoral with Tamar but this was enhanced into rape when his "friend" helped him plan the event.

Our moral: Be careful who pick as your friends. If your friend does not enhance you towards good then they are not really a good friend. People like dogs will act upon our darkest natures, so pick friends who counter that nature.

A New Era Begins

The Lord has blessed Berean Baptist Church with an awesome group of singles. This group is growing and growing. They are growing spiritually and numerically. It is the numerical growth that has brought our new era into existence. What began in the living room of a house has outgrown that house, a bigger house, and now the Singles Center. Last night we held our first Bible study in the chapel located within Berean Baptist Church. May I say with a little bit of bias that it was an amazing night? It was an amazing night!

We still had dinner in the Singles Center and people were able to just freely mingle and eat they wonderful dinner Megan and Adrianne made for them. Then about 10 minutes to 7 everyone began making their way to the chapel. Here are some of things that made it great.

The Music:

We were able to see the slides for our songs no matter where we sat in the study. The singers were not blocking the screens nor did they have to turn around to see the words to the songs. We were able to have more instruments (I must say I liked having a bass guitar). The instruments did not overpower the singers because we got to use microphones for the first time. We got to learn the trials and tribulations of battery checks on those microphones (mid-singing one the leaders failed). We learned where amplified instruments have to be in order to prevent feedback. It was great and everyone just laughed as we all learned together.

The Preaching:

It was awesome having that back screen instead of turning to read quotes. It was awesome being able to see everyone's smiling faces. Then I had one comment from someone out in the chairs, "I really liked you having a mic on during the preaching. Whenever someone talked around me I could still hear you and the message. It was great."

"It was different but really great." That was the common feedback from last night. "Let's outgrow this one as well," was another common quote from last night. The Lord has truly blessed this group of Christians. If you have not seen one of these studies I invite you to come worship God with us.

A Biblical “Easter”

I cannot imagine what the world would do if a church today stood up and celebrated the resurrection of Christ in correspondence with the Jewish Passover. This would be a novel concept considering that Easter as we know it was established in 325AD and was a conscientious decision to separate Christianity from Judaism. So if we went back to a true biblical Easter this year when would it have occurred in 2008? The answer would by based upon the Jewish Passover of April 3, 2008. Since resurrection occurs three days later the proper celebration time would be Sunday the 6^th of April. OK…so how do we get to this dating for Easter. Let us examine a few facts.

First: Christianity cannot be separated from its parent religion Judaism. While some principles of Judaism have vanished in Christianity it still remains the foundation of our faith. Christianity is based upon Jesus Christ and His fulfillment of Judaism.

Second: The resurrection is tied to the Jewish Passover (14 Nissan) and a particular day. When holidays are tied to a day the date changes (the fourth Thursday of November, is Thanksgiving regardless of the date). However, when a holiday is tied to a date the day changes (December 25^th is Christmas whether it is Saturday or Wednesday). Our Easter is tied to a day while Passover is tied to a date. Easter occurs on the first Sunday following the first full moon, following the spring solstice of March 21^st (a pagan holiday), thus making the date change from year to year.

Third: Calendar differences between the Jewish year and our calendar exist. The Jewish calendar of the Bible was based upon a 360 day year. Our year is based upon 365 days. We must trust our Jewish brothers who have compensated for the difference and thus base what I will call "Resurrection Day" on their adjustments. Admittedly this will cause a shifting of dates in our current dating process, but does not eliminate the truth of the principle being discussed.

So let us look at Christ's resurrection and how this could affect our holiday. As we answer these questions hopefully we will gain understanding:

    When was Jesus crucified?

    Is there a "Good Friday"?

    What is a "High Sabbath"?

    How did the normal Sabbath work?

Jesus was crucified prior to the beginning of the Passover. The timing of the Passover being a floating day occurred in the year of the crucifixion on a Thursday. According to Jewish customs the Passover would begin at approximately 6PM Thursday (Sundown) and end as a "High Sabbath" at 6PM Friday (Sundown). However, the normal Sabbath would begin at 6PM Friday and end 6PM Saturday. Also in accordance with the customs of the day, any event occurring in portion on a day was considered "that day". This is true of something at 7AM or something at 4PM. Therefore, Christ could be removed from the cross and buried between 3PM (the 9^th hour) and 6PM, and be considered in the grave Thursday (Day). Thus to fulfill His own prophecy of fulfilling the sign of Jonah (3 days and nights in the whale being equal to His time in the earth) Christ would have been in the grave, in addition to Thursday (Day), Thursday (Night), Friday (Day), Friday (Night), Saturday (Day), and Saturday (Night). This would also account for the women arriving at day break on this first day of the week (Sunday) to anoint the body. Thus, we get the tradition of Sunday as the day, but in truth it should be tied to the date not the day.

So how about the year 2009 in a biblical sense? Passover Wednesday April 8, 2009. Resurrection Day would be Saturday April 11, 2009.

And our traditional dating will be Sunday April 12^th. I guess that is not too far from each other. Anyways, this is something just to ponder and be informed about as we separate Biblical truth from the traditions of men.

Have a great day, and remember in the end the most important thing is that Jesus arose and because of that God forgives sin.