RELIABILITY

I Was Just Thinking About – RELIABILITY.

A subtle but major consideration for the Church today is whether or not it is guarding jealously the truths of the inspired Word of God or allowing for reinterpretations and cultural norms to reach a determination of what Scripture really means. It is an issue of that which is reliable and that which is radical thought. In October 2015, I wrote and published a book whose title is: The Twenty-First Century Church – Is It Waxing or Waning? Part of the thesis was: “Why is the Invisible Church failing to be visible? What factors are present that result in the diminishing effectiveness of the visible Church?” Has its reliability succumbed to a radicalization norm?

One of the ongoing discussions is focused on the necessity of the historic view of justification. Recently published is this thought by Ed Stetzer who serves as the Director of the Billy Graham Center at Wheaton College. A publication, SLATE (By William Saletan -   November 25, 2018), reports: “Ed Stetzer is grappling with a moral crisis…(he) is preaching the Gospel to his fellow-Christians – and – they’re not listening.” A summarizing statement about the influence of that which is occurring is: “The family values concerns of 10, 20 or 30 years ago – homosexuality, premarital sex, women in the military – have been overtaken by a different set of moral issues…social justice. A sub-heading of this article is: “Polls show that on immigration, race, and poverty, White Evangelical Protestants have surrendered moral judgment and social responsibility.”

How did this happen and why is it gaining a foothold? A conclusion drawn by the author of the article is: “White Evangelical Protestants – more than any other constituency are standing on the wrong side. The problem isn’t that they’re imposing their morality on others... What they’re imposing isn’t morality - It’s wickedness.”

What should the message of the Biblical Church be today? Jesus was clear in the primary message – John 8:31-35 – “He said to the Jews who had believed Him: If you continue in My word, you are truly My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. We are Abraham’s descendants, they answered: We have never been slaves to anyone. How can You say we will be set free? Jesus replied:  I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.  A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son belongs to it forever.  So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” I John 5:11-13 states emphatically: “God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.  Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.” This is as simple and clear-cut. This is the only true and reliable message of the Gospel. Anything other than these precise declarations are radical perversions and heresy.

When these perverted choices occur, it reminds one of the severest example of the one who betrayed Jesus Christ. When one makes choices that betray Jesus, eventually one’s life becomes one filled with sorrow. Even well-intentioned followers find that their desire to love and serve Him is frequently on a collision course with the lure of cash or other seductions. But the things we have gained at His expense ultimately and inevitably become clanging symbols of sorrow and regret. The sorrow of Judas is indicated in Mathew 27:3-5 – “Then when Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he changed his mind and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders,  saying: I have sinned by betraying innocent blood. They said: What is that to us? See to it yourself.  And throwing down the pieces of silver into the temple, he departed, and he went and hanged himself.”

An obligation for those who claim to be called by God to proclaim His Word is Second Timothy 2:14-17 (AMP), “Remind the people of these facts, and solemnly charge them in the presence of God to avoid petty controversy over words, which does no good…and ruins [the faith of those who listen. Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a workman tested by trial who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth. But avoid all irreverent babble and godless chatter with its profane, empty words, for it will lead to further ungodliness, and their teaching will spread like gangrene.”

Prayerfully – Consider These Things With Me.

PERSONAL REFELCTIONS

I Was Just Thinking About – PERSONAL REFLECTIONS.

Andrae Crouch wrote a testimony song years ago – My Tribute - that asked: How can I say thanks for the things He has done for me…?” This Thanksgiving is a very special time of reflection – so much different from a year ago. In November 2017, I had begun to have difficulty swallowing, speaking and breathing. After four incorrect diagnoses, it was determined that my condition was quite serious and after testing that I had Stage 4, Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. Because of its location, the first Doctor indicated it might require removal of my “tongue and sound box” to bring about any possibility of remedy. I readily indicated that suggestion was out of the question and I would not consent to it.

Meanwhile, we had been involved with (Keaton Barron) our Great Grandson’s issues with Leukemia. We had been making plans to fly out and be with him and the family – but – I was unable to proceed with that desire and plan. As you know, despite the treatments and Keaton’s positive acceptance of these treatments, his life ended on May 11^th 2018 shortly after his eighth birthday.

How should one cope with the issues of life as they unfold – Keaton with Leukemia and his Great Grandfather with Lymphoma. Some of the words that recurred with me are in a Hymn written by W.F. Lloyd in 1824…

My times are in thy hand;
my God, I wish them there;
my life, my friends, my soul,

I leave entirely to thy care.

My times are in thy hand,
whatever they may be;
pleasing or painful, dark or bright,
as best may seem to thee.

My times are in thy hand;
why should I doubt or fear?
My Father's hand will never cause
his child a needless tear.

Some of the Scripture verses that occurred with me included: “As your days, so shall your strength be…” (Deuteronomy 33:25); “I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and Fortress, my God in Whom I can (will) trust” (Psalm 91:2); and a phrase from Jeremiah 29:11, “I know the plans I have for you – plans for your good and not harm – that you may have a future and a hope.” There were also words from a favorite worship chorus written by Don Moen that kept coming to my weary mind…

God will make a way
Where there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see
He will make a way for me

He will be my guide
Hold me closely to His side
With love and strength for each new day
He will make a way, He will make a way.

By God’s Grace Alone, the Lord has spared my life for another year; He has allowed me to return to preach His Word on a regular basis; He is granting me His strength for each new day. How Can I Say Thanks – adequately, loudly enough to acknowledge Him and Thank Him. In June 2018, after being the recipient of chemotherapy for six months and being scanned, the Doctor joyously told me that as best he could determine – the result was that I was in “Remission”! Of course, there is a Maintenance follow up for two years.

I would be very remiss if I failed to thank all of you, many who I have not met, who prayed faithfully and regularly throughout this year. Not only am I grateful for your upholding me before God’s throne of grace and mercy, I ask that you would continue to uphold me in your prayer(s). I want to serve the Lord faithfully and wholeheartedly all my days.

Thank you – and prayerfully – consider these things with me.

GIVING THANKS

I Was Just Thinking About – GIVING THANKS.

Tomorrow, people throughout the nation will celebrate Thanksgiving Day. Foundational to Christian Faith and Practice is the application and implementation in our homes and with our families – First Thessalonians 5:18 – “Give Thanks in all circumstances – and – for everything.” As and when you PRAY at your Thanksgiving feast, will you pray generally or particularly? In 1891, August L. Storm prepared a list of items for which one should Give Thanks. The words appeared in the Swedish Salvation Army Paper, STRIDS-ROPET. Perhaps you can make use of it at your Thanksgiving Dinner.

Thanks to God for my Redeemer,
Thanks for all Thou dost provide!
Thanks for times now but a memory,
Thanks for Jesus by my side!
Thanks for pleasant, balmy springtime,
Thanks for dark and stormy fall!
Thanks for tears by now forgotten,
Thanks for peace within my soul!

Thanks for prayers that Thou hast answered,
Thanks for what Thou dost deny!
Thanks for storms that I have weathered,
Thanks for all Thou dost supply!
Thanks for pain, and thanks for pleasure,
Thanks for comfort in despair!
Thanks for grace that none can measure,
Thanks for love beyond compare!

Thanks for roses by the wayside,

Thanks for thorns their stems contain!
Thanks for home and thanks for fireside,
Thanks for hope, that sweet refrain!
Thanks for joy and thanks for sorrow,
Thanks for heavenly peace with Thee!
Thanks for hope in the tomorrow,
Thanks through all eternity!

These stanzas introduce one to the possibilities and potential for Giving Thanks as an individual and family. Perhaps you could also read together Psalm 103:1-5, 20-22,

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s…Bless the Lord, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, obeying the voice of his word! Bless the Lord, all his hosts, his ministers, who do his will! Bless the Lord, all his works, in all places of his dominion. Bless the Lord, O my soul!”

Then – a good way to conclude this Thanksgiving Worship as you gather around the dinner table would be to sing enthusiastically and with conviction – The Doxology –

Praise God from whom ALL BLESSINGS flow;

Praise Him ALL CREATURES here below.

Praise Him above YE HEAVENLY HOSTS;

PRAISE FATHER, SON AND HOLY GHOST. Amen!

Prayerfully - Consider these things with me!

Have A Joy-Filled Thanksgiving.