Showing posts with label Luke. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Luke. Show all posts

Why Do We Give?

Posted by Randy | Labels: , , , , , , , , , | Posted On Saturday, October 4, 2014 at 9:50 PM

I shared in a message on October 5, 2014, the importance of generosity in our lives. But there's so much more that could be said. So, below is a longer list of reasons why giving is good for us. See what you think...
The Apostle Paul: “I do want you to experience the blessing that issues from generosity.” (Philippians 4:17 Message)

1. Giving is good for us because it proves what is really important to us. That which you value most in life is that which you can never give away. It’s easy to give away stuff that doesn’t matter to us. But what happens when it is important to us.
I've played a little bridge and 42. Sometimes, in playing a hand of bridge or 42, someone is winning all the tricks. At first it’s easy to throw off cards or dominoes because you know you can’t win with them. But as your opponent keeps winning it becomes harder and harder to throw off. Finally, you get down to the last two or three and it gets really hard to decide which to throw off, knowing that one of them may be the very one to stop your opponent. Eventually you get down to that last one, that given all you know, offers you the best            chance to stop your opponent and save your game.

What’s that last thing in your life that you would hold onto until the very end? Whatever that is, that is your real god. Is it the Lord God, or something or someone else?

The Bible tells us the First Commandment, from Genesis 20:3, is: “You must not have any other gods except me.” God tells us this because He knows no other god can ultimately save us. Every other god offers promises but never ultimately fulfills them.

Money is not a bad thing, and we need it to operate in this world, but money will not save you. Yet, many, many folks seemed to have placed it at the top of their lists.

Jack Benny, the comedian who always acted the part of a miser, told of the time he was held up. The robber stuck a gun to his back and said, “Your money or your life.” After a long pause the robber repeated his threat to which Benny replied, “I’m thinking, I’m thinking!”

Jack Benny was, of course, kidding, but a lot of folks aren’t. God is telling you and me that He will not tolerate money being your god, work being your god, pleasure being your god, or even family. When you put family ahead of God, you have made it an idol. And the truth is, you and your family will suffer if that is the case because we weren’t created to live that way—we’re misusing the product. It doesn’t mean family and work aren’t important, but what is most important? What will you hold until the very end—that has the power to save you?

If you can’t give financially to God’s work, God can’t be very high on your list, can He? God doesn’t ask for everything He’s given you, but He does ask and expect a tithe, which is 10%. If God is first, He should receive His 10% first. We all know we can make room for those things that really matter to us, so is God first in your life? If He is, among other things, your checkbook and credit card statement should show it.

Proverbs 3:9 (Message): “Honor GOD with everything you own; give him the first and the best.”

Does God get His 10% first, or only if there’s anything left after everything else you want and need to do. Don’t misunderstand me—God wants you to have food, clothing and shelter. But, do we have too much food, or too expensive food, like eating out too often? Do we have more clothing and things than we really need? Is our home reasonable, or did we build or buy or rent too much home?

To be faithful in this area should require sacrifice on our parts, but then we always sacrifice for those things that matter most to us. And lest we forget, God sacrificed His Son on the cross for us, so He certainly understands sacrifice.

If you have recently become a believer, you may be stuck with some choices you made earlier in your life. God knows where you are, and while He understands, He still wants your life to express your priorities. The question for you is what can you do, now and in the near future, to move your life in the right direction?

If you’ve been an active, practicing believer for a while, and your life and finances do not demonstrate God as first in your life, you will have more to answer for. So, are you making adjustments in your life that are allowing you to move in that direction? God honors our efforts to move in the right direction so that every area of our life reflects His priority in our lives.

I might add that I heard a recent survey that indicated that 95% of people who tithe did it cold turkey, without working up to it. At Gateway we offer the 90-Tithing Challenge, because God says in Malachi 3 that in this one circumstance we can test the LORD. If He says you can, then so do we - consider giving it a try.

C.S. Lewis said, “Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you will get neither.”

2. Giving is good for us because it demonstrates our obedience.
Malachi 3:10 (NLT): “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse…”

There are many other passages in the Old Testament that demonstrate that God expects us to give the tithe, a tenth of our income. And in the New Testament Jesus affirms it as the norm, though he really sets a higher standard. I could go on here, but the Scriptures are clear here.

3. Giving is good for us because it is an expression of thanks to God.
Psalm 116:12 (NLT): “What can I offer the LORD for all he has done for me?”

We have life, family, a place to live and places to work. We have talents and gifts. When we failed Him and turned from Him, He remained faithful to us. He sent us Son to teach us and love us and die for us. Through him we have forgiveness of our sins and eternal salvation. And we have the Holy Spirit at work in our lives, to remind us God is always with us and He is working in our lives to change us into the very image and likeness of Jesus himself. God has prepared an eternal home for each of us who believe Him and put our faith and trust in Him.

Frankly, you and I can’t outgive God and we can’t thank God enough. But, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try, and continue to do so on a regular basis. Through our worship, our prayers, our service, our gifts, and our witness we express our thanks to God.

4. Giving is good for us because it teaches us dependence on God.

How many of us ever do anything that depends on God in order for it to be a success? Many never do and wonder why they never experience God’s miracles.

But when Moses led the Hebrews out of Egypt into the wilderness, they quickly discovered they could not survive without God’s help. There were way too many of them to survive on what they could find out there. But each morning they found enough manna—a bread-like substance—for that day. If they gathered more than they needed, it spoiled by the next day. The only exception was the day before the Sabbath, when they were allowed to collect two days worth of manna, since they were not to work on the Sabbath. In these cases, the manna never spoiled on the Sabbath. (Exodus 16)

What did the Hebrews learn from this—absolute dependence on God. And a few thousand years later, God wants nothing less from us. When Jesus taught his disciples to pray, he taught them to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread.” (Matthew 6:11—part of the Lord’s Prayer) In other words, “Lord, give us what we need for today.” Yet, how many of us depend on God for what we need today?

When we give the tithe, it’s not necessarily easy. For some it becomes a real sacrifice, and we sometimes wonder, “How in the world will this work out.” And frankly, we often don’t know. But it is precisely at that point that God can really begin to work in our life. Because when we can’t do it ourselves, but we are attempting to do what God wants us to do, then we have to put it in His hands and trust Him. And it is amazing how it always seems to work out.

In my own life in the mid to late 1980s, I attended seminary, while making only thirteen thousand dollars a year by working in a church part-time. But I tithed. And…I paid for my seminary education, which cost well over twenty thousand dollars, bought my first Macintosh computer, married Susan and bought her a small diamond ring, and paid for all our living expenses, without incurring any debt! I honestly don’t know how that happened, except that it was the hand of God leading us and providing for us.

When we give, when we tithe, we are placing ourselves at God’s mercy. We have to depend on Him, and it will mean that we may not always get what we want, but we will always have what we need. I promise you that God has given every one of us enough to tithe—depend on it!

5. Giving is good for us because it teaches us how to be content.

Philippians 4:11-13 (NLT): “Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”

Paul was content. Did he have lots of things—apparently not. In fact, he indicates there were times he went without. All of this from a man who probably had a very privileged upbringing, who was used to having everything he wanted.

People tend to think that having more money, more things, living in the right house, having the right job, etc. will make them happy. Happiness is just around the corner, and if we can just find the right thing, we’ll have it. 

But Paul said he was happy, regardless of what he had or didn’t have. His happiness, his contentment was based on Christ, not on anything in this world. And once that was settled, Paul discovered he really didn’t need very much.

We get the idea that we need a great deal, when it actually turns out we want a great deal. And there is a big difference between our true needs and our wants. One survey showed that 82% of Americans believe “most of us buy and consume far more than we need.”

Giving helps to keep everything in perspective, because it reminds us we aren’t putting our trust in money and things, but in the Lord. So, we can give easily and freely because those are not things that bring ultimate happiness and contentment into our lives.

6. Giving is good for us because it is a way God blesses us and brings us His joy.
Scripture is full of promises here:

Malachi 3:10 (NLT): “'Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,’ says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, 'I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!’”

Proverbs 3:9-10 (NLT): “Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine.”

Jesus: “'Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.’” (Luke 6:38 NLT)

This doesn’t mean God necessarily blesses us financially when we give (as some like to promise). It means, simply, that we are blessed and filled with joy. Giving gives me some of the greatest joys of living. I can’t tell you how God will bless you in giving, but I guarantee He does.

One caution, however: if you are giving in order to receive, don’t expect blessings. God blesses giving done for the right reasons. There’s no guarantee you will be blessed when you give simply to receive. Your attitude is the key here.

7. Giving is good for us because it is a way we provide a living for pastors and staff God has called to ministry.

This is certainly a little awkward to talk about and I won’t spend much time here, but if I am going to be faithful to the Bible, I have to mention this. In the Old Testament, the Levites were the Hebrew tribe set apart by God to lead the spiritual affairs of the nation, not unlike pastors and church staff today.

The LORD said to Aaron, the first high priest, “'As for the tribe of Levi, your relatives, I will compensate them for their service in the Tabernacle. Instead of an allotment of land, I will give them the tithes from the entire land of Israel.’” (Numbers 18:21 NLT) 
However, those who serve as pastors and staff are not exempt from tithing.
Numbers 18:25-26 (NLT): “The LORD also told Moses, 'Give these instructions to the Levites: When you receive from the people of Israel the tithes I have assigned as your allotment, give a tenth of the tithes you receive—a tithe of the tithe—to the LORD as a sacred offering.’”
Susan and I have tithed and given offerings beyond the tithe our entire married life, and we've been grateful God has allowed us to give back a portion of what He first gave us.

8. Giving is good for us because it provides the resources to share and spread the Gospel.

Paul thanked the Philippians for helping him when he needed it as he spread the Gospel (Philippians 4:14).

The church is the only institution that exists for the sake of its non-members. We aren’t a club, but a mission, and Jesus gave us our mission to make disciples. And as in giving, it is in the actual giving of ourselves in mission and ministry that we are blessed and fulfilled.

But, it takes financial resources to accomplish this, and in calling for the tithe, God provided the resources needed to share and spread the Gospel. Your gifts make ministry with our children possible, touching hundreds of children and youth in an ongoing basis regularly.

But folks, that can only be the starting point because we know that by the time youth reach high school the majority of them are not involved in any church. That means fewer youth who have had Jesus Christ help shape their values and who can forward to eternity with him. We need to be asking ourselves, “What will it take to minister to hundreds more children and youth?”

We know that probably two-thirds of the adults in our area have either no church home or are not active in their church. Jesus Christ cares about those folks, and he wants us to help make them disciples. People are hurting in this world more than ever more, and we know Jesus Christ has answers. 

People are hurting in this world more than ever, and we know Jesus Christ doesn't just have answers—he is the answer! How do we effectively reach out to people struggling with losses through death and divorce, people struggling with illness and family issues, and much more? We need to be helping people locally, but also in missions to other places and countries, to share the Gospel in word and deed.

All of this requires resources—staff, materials, facilities, and more. When you and I give, we are providing the resources to make these things, and more, possible. God wants us to be obedient and gratefully join Jesus Christ in his mission to the people of this world that he died for.

Oswald Smith said, “It’s not how much of my money will I give to God, but how much of God’s money will I keep for myself.”

God blesses us to give, to be generous people. I hope you think on this and talk with God and see where He leads you. You might just discover that God's ways bring more blessings than you imagined!

Following Jesus in 2012...and Beyond!

Posted by Randy | Labels: , , , , , , , , | Posted On Thursday, January 5, 2012 at 11:25 AM

As we begin 2012, my greatest hope and aim for you and me is to grow closer to Christ. I am absolutely convinced that he is the way to a purpose-filled abundant life. As I was reading the Life Journal readings this morning (Jan. 5), Jesus gave his invitation to Levi, the tax collector, that he gives to all of us, "'Follow me and be my disciple.'" (Luke 5:27)


I really do want to follow Jesus and be his disciple. But if I'm honest, I also realize there are times when, no matter what I say, I don't really feel like doing what it takes to follow him. Maybe I'm lazy, or tired, or distracted. Maybe I'm a little ashamed of where I'm at in that moment and really don't want to get any closer to Jesus and let him see what I've been doing (though, of course, there really is no hiding from him - but it feels like I can sometimes).


The truth is, if my spiritual journey to follow Jesus is dependent on how I feel, I'm not going very far. No matter how well-intentioned I may be, my feelings are up and down. Some folks are less driven by their feelings than others, but I'm not one of them. And the reality is, even if we're pretty strong in relying on our "thinking" over our "feeling," we all get tripped up here sooner or later.


That's why I understand that there are a couple of necessities to making changes in my behavior, changes in my practices, to help me better follow Jesus. Quite simply, they are time and accountability.


By time, I mean that it takes time to build something new into our lives. Call it a habit or a practice or a discipline or whatever, but it doesn't become an ongoing reality in my life just because I decided this morning or at the start of this new year to begin something new. Whether it's exercise or reading or a spiritual discipline, it takes time to make it a part of us.


And the time period we often see mentioned in the Bible is 40 days. Yesterday's Life Journal reading in Luke 4:2 told about Jesus going into the wilderness for 40 days. We see the number 40 all through the pages of the Bible, including 40 days it rained in the time of Noah (Genesis 7:17), 40 days Moses was on Mount Sinai with God (Exodus 24:18), 40 days the spies were in the land of Canaan (Numbers 13:25), 40 days of fasting by Moses and Elijah, 40 days of probation given to the Ninevites after Jonah's warning (Jonah 3:4), and the 40 days Christ remained on the earth after his crucifixion and before his ascension (Acts 1:3). The number 40 is also found in reference to years, as in the period of wandering by the Israelites and several other examples. The number 40 is typically related to a time of testing, probation or being tried. And at the end of that time comes a period or item of blessing.


God works through 40 days, and so my encouragement and my challenge to you is to stay with your discipline, your new practice, etc., for 40 days.


But, it's easy to let up or make an excuse for one day, that becomes two days, that then becomes three days and then a week and before you know it, you're either racked with guilt or you've moved on and chalked it up to one more "resolution" that didn't make it. That's why accountability is so critical. Unless we're accountable to someone else, many of us can come up with plenty of excuses for why we let something slip.


That's one of the reasons why I think Jesus was so specific in one of his statements: "'For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.'" (Matthew 18:20 NLT2, italics added) Why two or three? Why not 8-10? Or more? Does that mean he's not there with me all the time, or that's he's not with my family or our church? Of course he is, but the key here is that when we gather as two or three, we can't hide from each other. Two or three is the ideal setting for accountability. I don't have to talk in a group of 8-10, and certainly not in a group of 20 or more, but when there are only two or three of us, there's no hiding, no holding back, without someone noticing. And that's where accountability occurs - when I can't hide. 


It's why I believe God has led us to make our Life2Life ministry and training so important. And why I believe we need to train one thousand or more of us over three years (we're about six months into that time frame) to grow ourselves and grow our influence for Christ across the Bay Area and around the world! You can click on the link to learn more and sign up for the training or if you are new in the Christian faith, have someone come alongside you and walk with you and help you on this journey.


If we're going to get closer to Christ this year, we have to make some changes in our lives, and that takes time - like 40 days. And we need to have someone alongside us to hold us accountable, and likewise, so we can hold them accountable, too. We're in this together! See what God can do in you and through you this year!

Membership Update - Dedicated to Reaching Others (September 2010)

Posted by Randy | Labels: , , , , , , , , , | Posted On Thursday, September 23, 2010 at 4:44 PM

Late last Spring I began a Membership Series for our Gateway members (and anyone else) that is intended to help us grow and become more and more like Jesus Christ. I'm using a tool that we at Gateway call the GUIDE (which is a part of our Membership Covenant). It's an acronym that both describes what a "fully devoted follower of Christ" looks like, and at the same time lists biblical disciplines and practices that God has given us to guide us in our spiritual journey. You can read more about the GUIDE in my May Update.

This month I turn to the "D" of GUIDE, which stands for: "Dedicated to Reaching Others." We understand this to mean that "I will seek opportunities to develop relationships with everyday people, recognizing my role as an ambassador to the life-changing message of Jesus Christ."

As you probably know, "Reach" is an important part of our church's DNA, and has been from our very beginning. It's a part of Jesus' own mission: "And I, the Son of Man, have to come to seek and save those ... who are lost." (Luke 19:10 NLT) Every ONE matters to Jesus. No one is beyond his love or his desire to develop a relationship with them.

In the Great Commission Jesus told us, "Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19 NLT) The Apostle Paul wrote:

"So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, 'Come back to God!' For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ." (2 Corinthians 5:20-21 NLT2)

Paul says reaching others is what Christ followers do. It's not up to some of us. It is a fundamental part of what it means to be a Christ follower - period!

But before you start sweating that out and wondering if that means we're supposed to all head out to the street corners and stand on our soap boxes, hear me out. That may be true for a few of us, but notice that our statement above says, "I will seek opportunities to develop relationships..." Reaching others is almost always done best and most effectively and most naturally through relationships. Most often it's relationships we already have, though Christ followers also seek to develop new relationships to share the life-changing message and love of Jesus Christ. It means looking at those around us to see whom we can become more intentional about growing our relationship and, at the right time, sharing our story of our journey with Jesus Christ.

Think about it - an ambassador represents his or her homeland to others. Paul tells us we are Christ's ambassadors, so we represent Jesus Christ and the hope and joy and life-changing love he offers us to others. God often uses us as the "go-between" to help one of our existing friends or relatives get to know our best friend and brother Jesus Christ. We aren't responsible for their relationship with Christ, but we are responsible for looking for natural opportunities to make introductions and even walk alongside our two friends as they get to know each other better.

Our dedication to reach others begins with wherever that person is in their relationship with Christ. From no relationship to a relationship that has slipped, to a relationship that is growing. A significant part of this dedication is coming alongside others in what I would call a mentoring relationship, regardless of where they are on their journey. Mentoring is simply being intentional about sharing with another person or persons about our journeys with Christ. It's an intentional decision to reach out to another, but it invariably becomes a two-way street as God's Spirit works in and through both of us to grow both of us. We may think it's all about the other person, but God has designed this act and process of reaching out to others, of being ambassadors for Christ, as a growth opportunity for both of us. We are always blessed as we allow Christ to use us to reach others, and, in fact, there are some blessings God has reserved for us that we will never experience unless we do reach out to others.

Ultimately, this dedication to reaching others isn't a program or something we do only when the church is making a push. God intends this to be a part of our lifestyle as Christ followers. He intends it to be a natural part of the culture of any church, and we certainly want that here at Gateway. We offer opportunities for you to invite a friend, including regular events such as our Sunday services, and special outreach events, such as Ladies Night Out or our recent Date Night or our regular Bring-A-Friend Sundays (the next one is October 24!). 

I know many of us have some feelings of insecurity or even fear about reaching out to others - I certainly do, and I have to work on it! Yet, Christ wants to use us, and God has already been working in the person we feel led to reach. Even if the results don't seem to go anywhere in our first tries, God is using us to plant seeds. Sometimes we see the fruit of our efforts, and sometimes others do - and we reap the harvest that others planted before us. 

But nothing happens if we do nothing. That's why this begins with us dedicating ourselves to this journey - of allowing God to work in and through us to make the choice to be Christ's ambassador to reach out to the relationships around us. After all, in Christ we represent the one and only way to help people live forever in heaven with Jesus. There's no more important work or task in our lives, because nothing else we do can affect the eternity of another like this. God has given you and me the greatest opportunity there is - to be a part of His life-changing plan to save lives and change the world!

Angels - Part 6: Fallen and Deceptive Angels

Posted by Randy | Labels: , , , , , , , , , | Posted On Friday, September 17, 2010 at 12:01 AM

Today I'm wrapping these posts on angels looking at fallen angels, sometimes called demons, and their leader, Satan.

The biblical story about Satan, or the devil, is not clear. The Bible does not set out to tell that story. Many of our ideas about Satan and his dark angels come from popular folk lore or classic literary works such as Dante's Inferno or Faust. Isaiah 14:12-15 (NLT2) seems to give the best picture of what happened, if, in fact, it refers to Satan and not Israel, as some have suggested:

“How you are fallen from heaven, O shining star, son of the morning! You have been thrown down to the earth, you who destroyed the nations of the world. For you said to yourself, ‘I will ascend to heaven and set my throne above God’s stars. I will preside on the mountain of the gods far away in the north. I will climb to the highest heavens and be like the Most High.’ Instead, you will be brought down to the place of the dead, down to its lowest depths.”

Jesus said, “‘…I saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning! Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions (sometimes symbols for the devil and his demons) and crush them. Nothing will injure you.’” (Luke 10:18-19 NLT2)

We don’t know for sure where Satan came from, though he was probably a cherubim and possibly the highest of all the angels; he fell to earth at God’s bidding due to his sin, and continues as a superhuman opponent of God and his people. Demons appear to be angels who followed him and fell with him. It appears about one-third of the angels fell with Satan, according to Revelation 12:3-4. The name Satan in Hebrew means “adversary.” His other well-known name is the devil, which means “accuser” or “deceiver.” It is his title, but it really describes what he does. In fact, lies and deception are his primary instrument in human lives. Scripture also offers several other names for him:
  • the Wicked or Evil One (Matthew 6:13) 
  • the Enemy (Matthew 13:25, 28, 39) 
  • Murderer (John 8:44) 
  • Deceiver (Revelation 20:10) 
  • Beelzebub (Matthew 9:34, 12:24) 
  • Belial, or Beliar, “worthless one” (2 Corinthians 6:15) 
  • Ruler of this World (John 12:31) 
  • Prince of this World (John 12:31) 
  • Prince of the Power of the Air (Ephesians 2:2, 6:12) 
  • the Great Dragon (Revelation 12:9) 
  • the Ancient Serpent (Revelation 12:9) 
  • Abaddon, Apollyon, the Destroyer (Revelation 9:11) 
  • the Tempter (Matthew 4:3) 
  • Father of Lies (John 8:44)

There is certainly a great deal of interest in angels these days. An incredible number of books have been written about them in recent years. Yet, not all are written from a Christian perspective. But, if we’re talking about angels they must be God’s good angels, right? Not necessarily, for notice there are evil or fallen or dark angels. People are claiming to be told by angels to write books about angels, to seek your angel, etc., but this doesn't fit with the ministry God has given angels.

Certainly this interest in angels indicates a spiritual hunger in our land today, and that is positive. Yet, not all angels are answers to spiritual hunger. Angels can deceive us, even when they are not trying to do so. John of Revelation describes a dazzling appearance of the resurrected, glorified Christ (Revelation 1:14-17). John worships him. Yet, at the end of the book we again see John falling down to worship, but this time it is an angel, who objects to him doing so and tells him to worship God (Revelation 22:8-9). If John could be unintentionally fooled, how easy is it for us to be fooled. So, how do we recognize the wrong kinds of angels? Here are some suggestions:

  • Are angels identified by non-biblical names? In the Bible only two angel names appear: Michael and Gabriel. 
  • Are the angels given an extrabiblical description? In other words, what do they look like? The Bible is very minimal about angelic descriptions because the emphasis is on the message. Angels do not draw attention to themselves but to their message from God. Too much detail means the angel has become the focus of the appearance rather than the message, and that is not biblical. 
  • Are the angels performing roles beyond what the Bible reveals about them? Many of the claims of modern-day angels far exceed the biblical norms. 
  • Are angels sources of additional information beyond the teaching of the Bible? For instance, the Book of Mormon includes revelation to Joseph Smith by an angel. Much of this new revelation contradicts the Bible. Paul himself wrote, “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned” (Galatians 1:8). 
  • Are the angels in any way proclaiming another gospel, another way to heaven, a “revised” form of Christianity? In the Book of Mormon this is certainly true. We must be careful.
I hope these posts have helped clarify what we know about angels (and what we don't know). They are certainly beautiful creations of God, serving Him constantly and faithfully (except those who are fallen). Someday we will enjoy God's creation alongside the angels, and I'm sure that will be an amazing and glorious time. And the stories they can tell, since they have seen just about everything!

Angels - Part 4: the Ministry of Angels

Posted by Randy | Labels: , , , , , , , , , | Posted On Wednesday, September 15, 2010 at 12:01 AM

I'm continuing my postings on angels, related to a series we've been offering at Gateway on Heaven. I began on Sunday offering an overview of angels. On Monday we looked at what we know about the origin and nature of angels. On Tuesday I listed the various kinds of Bibles as found in the Bible. And today, Part 4, we're looking at the ministry of angels, again as detailed in the Bible.

Angels minister in both heaven and earth, but what are some of the specifics that they do? We’ll look at their ministry in three areas: in relation to God, in relation to Christ, in relation to Christ followers.

In Relation to God: 
Angels’ primary ministry seems to be that of worship and praise of God (Isaiah 6; Revelation 4:6-11). Much, if not all, of this praise is in the form of song. Angels serve God and His purposes and are His messengers. Angels seem to carry out certain aspects of God’s government, including controlling nature (Revelation 7:1, 16:3, 16:8-9) and guiding nations. Angels protect God’s people, delivering them from wicked works (Psalm 34:7; Isaiah 63:9). God uses angels to execute His judgments, as in the case of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:1, 12-13), or bringing plaques on Egypt (Psalm 78:43, 49), or destroying many Assyrians in answer to Hezekiah’s prayer (2 Kings 19:35).

In Relation to Christ: 
While all that was said about God above would apply to Christ, there appear to be some special ministries of angels in relation to Christ. Angels predicted his birth (Luke 1:26-28) and announced his birth to the shepherds (2:8-15). They protected Christ as an infant when they warned his parents to flee to Egypt to escape Herod’s wrath (Matthew 2:13-15). They strengthened him after Satan’s temptation (Matthew 4:11). Angels announced Christ’s resurrection. Once he was resurrected the angels worshiped and served him. Angels have predicted his return (Acts 1:11). Angels will accompany Christ when he returns (Matthew 25:31).

In Relation to Christ Followers: 
Angels minister to Christ followers as signs of God’s love. They are “sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation” (Hebrews 1:14). God uses angels to reveal His will to people. They guide people, as in the case of the angel who told Joseph to take Mary as his wife and virgin-born son as his own (Matthew 1:20-21). On a few occasions the Bible shows angels providing for the physical needs, such as food, of people (Hagar and her son, Genesis 21:17-20). Angels protect people from physical danger, as in the three youth in the fiery furnace (Daniel 6:20-23) or when Israel’s king sent an army to capture Elisha at Dothan and an army of angels protected Elisha (2 Kings 6:16). Angels encourage, as in the case when an angel freed the apostles from prison and then encouraged them to continue preaching (Acts 5:19-20). Angels are sometimes agents in answering prayers.

An important distinction, however, is necessary. The ministry of angels is “primarily external and physical, whereas the ministry of the Holy spirit is internal and spiritual. Angels minister for us; the Holy Spirit minister in us (John 14:16-17; Hebrews 1:13-14). They guard our bodies and pathway; He guards our spirits and guides us in the right way. They may be agents to answer prayer, but He is the Prompter and Director of our prayers (Romans 8:26-27; Jude 20).”

What Angels Do Not Do: 
Though we’ve looked at many of the things angels do, we need to also say a few words about what angels do not do (from Angels: Dark and Light, Gary Kinnaman, pp. 78-80):



  • Good angels never try to change Scripture. Messages of angels never change or contradict the Bible. 
  • Good angels refuse to be worshipped. Good angels can be respected, but never worshipped. Neither are they objects of prayer. They may help God answer prayer, but nowhere in the Bible do we see any suggestion that we are to pray to anyone but God. Good angels always point people back to God, never to themselves. 
  • No one in the Bible ever initiates conversation with an angel. Pay particular attention to this. People may talk to angels, but angels always talk first. Some new age authors suggest you are to call on your angels like calling on a friend on the telephone. Good angels are always there, but they don’t answer our calls—only God does that! 
  • Angels are not omnipotent, omniscient, or omnipresent. They are not all-powerful, though they are very powerful. They are not all-knowing, though they are very intelligent. They are not everywhere at once, though they can be at any one place immediately. 
  • Angels do not violate the free will of humans. Angels play an important role in the purposes of God and affairs of people, but they do not control people or violate their free will.
Join me tomorrow as we look at the organization of angels and a little more about how they work in our world today.

    Angels - Part 2: Origin and Nature

    Posted by Randy | Labels: , , , , , , , , , | Posted On Monday, September 13, 2010 at 12:01 AM

    Today I'm continuing my postings on angels, related to a series we've been offering at Gateway on Heaven. I began yesterday with an overview of angels. Today I'll take a little deeper in the origin and nature of angels.

    In Genesis chapter one's account of creation there is no mention of the creation of angels. We don’t know if angels were created before the universe or while it was being created, though there are some indications in scripture that it was probably before (Job 38:4-7). We can definitely affirm angels were created by God (Psalm 148:2-5, Colossians 1:16) for everything that exists was/is created by God. They were created as angels, not as people who went on to become angels. Interestingly, while angels and stars in the Old Testament are not the same, they are often used in parallel or are closely associated with one another. In Isaiah (14:12-15) and Revelation (9:1-2), as well as in Luke (10:18-19), there are allusions to angels, including Satan, where the word "star" is used.

    Angels were created for God’s purposes. They primarily glorify Him and serve Him, doing His will in many matters (Hebrews 1:7). Angels were created good, for God said everything He created was good (Genesis 1:31).

    Since angels are creatures (i.e., they are created by God) they can only be in one place at a time—they are not omnipresent, though they are immediately present. They are primarily spirit in nature and are subject to time (Daniel 10:10-14). Angels have greater power than human beings (2 Peter 2:11) and can even control some aspects of nature (Revelation 7:1, 16:8-9), but they are not omnipotent. They are sometimes taxed to accomplish their duties, such as the ongoing struggle with evil angels (Revelation 12:7). Yet, all angelic actions and power are due to God’s choice, His assignment. Angels are not all-knowing—omniscient. They do not know when Christ will return (Matthew 24:36) and are amazed and interested to learn more of the wonders of salvation (1 Peter 1:11-12). Angels are not perfectly holy, for some turned from God’s will and fell into the bondage of sin (Isaiah 14:12; Revelation 12:3-4).

    Angels are intelligent and have emotions. Scripture shows them expressing joy at God’s creation (Job 38:7) and the salvation of a repentant sinner (Luke 15:10). Angels also have a will of their own. While they were created to do the will of God, many chose to go against His will and followed Lucifer, or Satan.

    Scripture describes angels as “ministering spirits” (Hebrew 1:14) and therefore being spiritual beings, or without material, fleshy bodies. Yet, they cannot be in more than one place at a time. Scripture really gives no insight into what form their “bodies” do take. It appears that angels are without sex. From Matthew 22:28-30 we know that they do not reproduce and are not a race. They are generally referred to in the masculine sense in the Bible, but that may be more a limitation of human speech than anything else. When they do appear in the Bible they generally take on the form of a man (Genesis 18:2, 22). Angels are immortal, never ceasing to exist or dying (Luke 20:36).

    Angels are normally invisible (Colossians 1:16). Yet, they do appear on occasion. The Bible gives many examples of angels appearing in dreams and visions. But, on occasion they also appear to our natural sight. Sometimes they are recognized as angels (Daniel 8:15-17; Matthew 28:1-7), and sometimes they are not recognized, at least not right away (Numbers 22:23, 31; Judges 6:11-12, 21-22, Hebrews 13:2).

    Generally, when angels do appear to people, they appear as men. Abraham entertained three men in the plains of Mamre (Genesis 18:1-8). He did everything with them that you or I would do in the presence of another person, including talking and eating. But, they were angels. Mark and Luke describe the angels at the empty tomb in male terms (Mark 16:5; Luke 24:4). Only in Zechariah 5:9 do we see angels in the form of women.

    Sometimes angels may appear similar to men, but have some strange or different aspect about them. In chapter 10 of Daniel an angel is described that resembles a man, but many other special attributes. The angel that appeared to the two Marys at the empty tomb frightened them because “His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow” (Matthew 28:3).

    There are also examples of angels appearing as unusual living creatures, with Revelation describing one with many eyes, faces resembling a lion, a calf, a man and an eagle, and six wings.

    When humans are confronted by angels their reactions vary. Mary became agitated when Gabriel announced the news of the Christ to her (Luke 1). Zacharias was afraid when the angel appeared to him in the temple (Luke 1:12), as were the shepherds who received the message of Christ’s birth while tending their flocks out in the fields (Luke 2:9). Yet, others, such as Joseph, seem to give no special reaction to the presence of an angel.

    Most artwork depicts angels as having wings. Certainly the Bible shows that some angels have wings. Both seraphim (Isaiah 6) and cherubim (Ezekiel 1:5-8) are shown to have multiple wings. There are also references to angels “flying” (Daniel 9:21; Revelation 14:6-7). Yet, many angel passages say nothing of wings, and in those where angels take on human form there is certainly no mention of wings. The question of all angels having wings is really up in the air.

    What about the spiritual state of angels? Well, we know they were created holy by God, but some chose to rebel against God. Scripture shows Satan to be the leader of the rebellion, which apparently began with evil thoughts of pride from unexplained origins led him to try to overthrow God (Isaiah 14:12-17). When Satan failed he took a great number of angels with him. From that point on there is no further mention of angels “changing sides.” It seems they became set in their spiritual states. Those who fell seem to have no option for redemption for Jesus says they are consigned to the lake of fire (Matthew 25:41). Since then, these two groups of angels have been at war, both on the spiritual plane, the world plane and the individual plane.

    One other note about angel’s nature relates to a survey Gary Kinnaman did of people who claimed to have had angelic encounters. While this information is not directly from the Bible, it generally seems to be consistent with biblical norms. In his accounts of what seemed to be good angels, by tests that I will mention later, angels are “almost always very tall, usually around ten feet. They are bright, glowing white, often with a slight bluish tint. Their faces are indescribable, so their gender is unrecognizable. They are usually dressed in a full-length robe and frequently girded with a belt or sash of gold.” (Angels Dark and Light, p. 52) Unless they appear as humans, their appearance often seems transparent. Their appearance always seems to be very brief. Communication with angels is usually in terms of speech as we know it, but virtually always some form of direct communication. In most reports the angels do not have wings. When we look at the Bible we notice many of the same general features. By that I don’t mean the details, but rather that descriptions of angels in the Bible, when they are not appearing as humans, are vague. The emphasis is never on the angel’s appearance, but on the angel’s message. For example, when Gabriel appears to Zechariah and later Mary in Luke 1, his appearance is completely left out. Nothing is mentioned, which would seem to indicate the message clouded out the messenger.

    Tomorrow I'll look at the position of angels and the different types of angels.

    Pride and Humility

    Posted by Randy | Labels: , , , , , | Posted On Monday, January 18, 2010 at 7:59 AM

    In today's Life Journal reading from Luke 18, Jesus tells the story of a Pharisee who exalted all his "holy" habits and actions. He made claims about the sins he had not committed and how he fasted twice a week and tithed a tenth of his income. All very noble...but it seems his biggest reason for doing it was for show. To look good before others.

    At the same time a tax collector, whose lifestyle was despised by the Jews, stood before God and humbly declared his sinfulness and sought God's mercy. He was open and honest with God about his struggles, his lifestyle, and his regrets.

    In telling this story, Jesus concludes with this: "I tell you, this sinner (referring to the tax collector), not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." (vs. 14)

    I have to admit I have found myself in the Pharisees shoes before. Proud of my accomplishments, my position, I may not have bragged about them a lot, but I felt very self-satisfied and was quick to accept the praises of others.

    But it seems that the longer I travel this journey, the more I experience God "breaking" me. He shows me how self-seeking my attitude can be. He convicts my heart of pride. And He works very little in my life. In fact, whatever outward accomplishments I gained were all I gained because I sure did not have the applause of heaven nor its power in my life.

    These days I'm becoming more and more aware that my talents and abilities - the things that in the past earned me the applause of men - are woefully inadequate for doing real works for God. The more I know, the more I know I don't know. I'm discovering there is really very little that I actually do myself that has eternal significance. Yet, when I feel over my head, when I call out to God for help and rely on Him, He does greater things through me than I ever did on my best day. The more I step aside and offer myself to God, the more He does in and through me. He uses the talents and abilities that He gave me for His purposes, not mine. There's no room for pride - it's all actually very humbling.

    I still battle pride. I think my pride is a way I try to compensate for my own insecurities. But, more and more I'm trying to simply trust God and allow Him to do His will in and through me, and then be sure to give Him all the glory for whatever good occurs. Maybe that's why this story from Luke resonates so much with me. I really want to be more like the tax collector than the Pharisee. I want to be humble and trust in God's strength rather than mine. I want Him to get any glory that is due. I know how easy it is for me to fall back into "Pharisee" mode.

    I don't know if you battle this same struggle, but my sense from Scriptures is that a lot of us do. On this Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, it's important for me - a white male - to see my proper place in God's plans. It's important for me to not look down on anyone, regardless of their race, place of origin, job, economic status, etc. I have no special place as a white male, as a pastor, as an American, etc. I am who I am simply by the grace of God, and if I do any lasting, meaningful work, it is Christ in me that causes and accomplishes this. To God be the glory!

    Neutrality isn't as safe as I thought

    Posted by Randy | Labels: , , , , | Posted On Monday, January 11, 2010 at 7:05 AM

    There have been times in my Christian journey when I really didn't want to put myself out. I really didn't want to go the whole way. What Christ was asking of me seemed a little extreme. And so, I admit, I backed off. I didn't do anything to oppose Christ, but I didn't help, either. It seemed to me that neutrality was a safe place.

    But then I read in today's Life Journal readings, from Luke 11:23, these words of Jesus: "'Anyone who isn't with me opposes me, and anyone who isn't working with me is actually working against me.'"

    In the verses just before this verse Jesus is talking about Satan. Suddenly, as I read verse 23 I felt convicted. I realized that opposing Jesus is obviously working on Satan's behalf. But in this verse it struck me that doing nothing for Jesus is also working on Satan's behalf. Satan doesn't have to get us to do evil to thwart God's plans - getting us to do nothing is also effective.

    Doing nothing isn't helping to build the Kingdom of God. In addition, doing nothing becomes a witness to others, an encouragement to others, to do nothing. Working for the Kingdom requires effort. It causes us many times to take a stand. It's seldom the easiest way to go. If Satan can simply keep me from serving Jesus, from doing good things, then he is accomplishing his purposes.

    That's why Jesus said that if we aren't with him, we're opposing him. There is no neutrality in the battle between heaven and hell. Neutrality stands on the side of hell, for Satan is just as pleased with us doing nothing as he is if we actively oppose the Kingdom.

    This is a scary thought to me because many times I like to think that I can be neutral about certain issues within the Christian journey. Who or what am I hurting if I take no stand at all? Yet, Jesus tells me taking no stand is a dangerous place to be. What do you think?

    Sometimes I "think" too highly of myself

    Posted by Randy | Labels: , , , , , , , , | Posted On Tuesday, January 5, 2010 at 7:14 AM

    Sometimes a single word changes the whole meaning of a sentence. I've found that when I read quickly, I sometimes miss that one word because I already think I know what I'm going to read.

    This morning as I was reading my Life Journal reading in Luke 5, a word jumped out at me for the first time. I've read this passage many times, but it never struck me. Maybe you'll just laugh at what I missed, because you've always seen it, but it struck home with me this morning.

    Luke 5:31:32 (NLT): "Jesus answered them, 'Healthy people don't need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent." (emphasis added)
    The word I had missed many times before was "think." Jesus isn't saying that he didn't come for the righteous - he's saying he didn't come for those who "think" they are righteous. Those who think they've got their act together. Those who don't believe they are doing anything wrong. They're the ones who believe Jesus came for everyone else, but certainly not for them because they are righteous - they are living rightly. Or so they think...

    The Bible says all have sinned. The Apostle Paul, paraphrasing from Psalm 14, says, "…'No one is righteous - not even one.'" (Romans 3:10) That is, none of us can claim "right-standing" with God based on our own efforts or merits. To claim righteousness is to claim that I'm making no mistakes, I'm doing nothing to hurt my relationship with God. My thoughts and actions are always pure and on track. And Paul says none of us can make this claim. Only God can.

    But the Pharisees believed that in keeping the letter of the law, in keeping the appearance of the law (but not the heart of the law) they were righteous. Their pride would be their downfall. Unfortunately, the Pharisees haven't been the only ones whose pride would be their downfall.

    In my insecurity, I try to come across better than I am. I shrink from admitting any faults or failings. I have nurtured this belief that by seeking to live this great life, by showing no faults, people will see me as someone special, righteous (though we probably wouldn't use that word). It's how I get people to like me, respect me, look up to me.

    But what I'm really doing is trying to compensate for my own shortcomings. And in the process, I "think" I'm righteous, when I really am not. I'm living in pride. And as long as I live that way, Jesus won't break into our lives.

    Jesus said, "'God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.'" (Matthew 5:3). He said, "…'I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.'" (Matthew 18:3-4; italics added)

    At Christmas we celebrated that Jesus was born in the most humble of circumstances - to a peasant couple, in a stable or cave, and visited by outcast shepherds at first. And he will still only enter into our lives when we humbly submit ourselves to him. Jesus came for those who are willing to admit they are sick, but there's little he can do for those who "think" they are righteous, who have no need for him.

    This passage really struck me this morning, and then an earlier verse in Luke 5 brought it home: "But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer." (Luke 5:16) Even the Son of God knew his need for God, and often spent time with God. Wow! How much more do I need that? How much more do I need to be humble and admit my sickness, my sinfulness, my pride, my self-centeredness? How much more do I need to spend time with God? Because it's then that the "doctor," the Great Physician, is welcomed into my life to bring healing. And even to bring His righteousness into my life.

    By humbly accepting Jesus into my life, and daily recalling (or confessing) all the ways I fail to be in right-standing (righteous) with God on my own, He lets me in on his ticket - He awards me righteousness out of his grace, which I can receive only by faith.

    So, to sum it all up, the doctor is in...

    Jesus' Spirit is the Difference Between Moralistic Religion and a Relationship of Freedom

    Posted by Randy | Labels: , , , , , , , , , | Posted On Saturday, October 24, 2009 at 12:01 AM

    Today's reading takes us through Acts 19-20. Paul is on his third missionary journey and he comes to Ephesus, where he found several believers. However, their belief and knowledge was incomplete. They had received only the baptism of John and not baptism in the name and power of Jesus.

    The "John" being referred to here is John the Baptist, the older cousin of Jesus. John began his ministry before Jesus, calling people to repentance. The word "repentance" means to change your mind, to turn around and go in a different direction. It's important to understand that repentance is not simply changing your mind, but changing it so that you actually act and go in a different direction.

    John baptized those who sought to repent and change their lives. Their repentance was to turn away from sin and turn to God, but it was a human endeavor. It was, "give it your best shot," "try your hardest," etc. Even John knew that what he was doing was only an intermediate step. John explained it this way: "...'I baptize you with water; but someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.'" (Luke 3:16 NLT2) John knew something more was coming, but it wasn't in his power to give it.

    Jesus told his followers he would need to leave so that the Holy Spirit could come and live in them. After Jesus' death and resurrection, just before he ascended into heaven, he promised that his followers would soon receive the Holy Spirit: "'But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.'" (Acts 1:8, italics added)

    In Acts 2 we read of the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. The coming of the Spirit brought the presence and power of Jesus Christ into the lives of his followers. No longer would a person have to try to repent and do better on their own, in their own power. Now, the Holy Spirit came to live in those who received Christ into their lives to empower them and transform them increasingly into the image and likeness of Jesus himself. "...the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image." (2 Corinthians 3:18)

    What Paul discovered in Ephesus were believers who were trying to live good, moral lives in their own power. They were moving in the right direction, but without the power of Jesus Christ living in them through the Holy Spirit, they were still enslaved to sin. This is still often the case in the church today. Good hearted people are sorry for their sins and turn away from sin, trying to do better on their own. But they get worn out and feel like failures, because eventually they realize they never can live up to the standards Jesus set for us. They have not completely sold themselves out to Jesus Christ. They have been trapped in a moralistic religion rather than a relationship of freedom.

    Through a life committed to Jesus (not just to trying to repent and turn away from sin), the power of sin is broken, and his Spirit begins to work in us as we profess our faith in Christ so that not only is the guilt of past sins taken away, but the power of sin is reduced in our lives. The love of God begins to replace the self-centered sin-filled nature that we're all born into. This is why Jesus is not simply a great moral teacher. As Jesus said, "'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.'" (John 14:6) There is no Christianity apart from Jesus, and there is no genuine, lasting life change unless we commit our lives to Jesus Christ, trust him with our whole hearts, and welcome his Holy Spirit to come and live within us to guide and teach and empower us.

    As the Ephesian believers understood the difference between their baptism by John, and the baptism of Jesus, the Holy Spirit entered their lives and gave them the gift of tongues and prophecy. (As we look through Acts, we find that this is one of only three conversions that specifically mentions the receiving of the gift of tongues - seven others do not expressly state this.) From that day forward, as they cooperated with the working of the Holy Spirit in their lives, they began to be transformed increasingly into the image and likeness of Jesus himself - the goal for all Christ followers.

    The Power to Witness

    Posted by Randy | Labels: , , , , , | Posted On Monday, October 12, 2009 at 12:01 AM

    Today we turn to the Book of Acts, looking at chapter 1. Scholars tells us that originally the Gospel of Luke and Acts were one book, written by Luke, a doctor (and most likely a Gentile, or non-Jew) who traveled some with the Apostle Paul. As in his gospel, Luke is writing this to "Theophilus." This name literally means "lover of God," and may be the actual name of an individual, or a more general letter to those who love God.

    Luke writes Acts to show us the growth of Christianity from a few dozen followers of Jesus after his death to a movement that within thirty years had reached Rome, the center of the western world. He shows us that God's hand was involved in every step of this expansion, through the Holy Spirit, and he will show us the coming of the Holy Spirit almost immediately, in chapter 2. He shows us that Christianity spread, in spite of all kinds of hardships and persecutions. It spread, even converting some of its worst enemies into its biggest advocates.

    In Jesus' last appearance to the disciples, he gives them this promise: "'But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere - in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.'" (1:8 - italics added) Jesus says his followers are to be his witnesses, through the power of the Holy Spirit.

    To be a "witness" is to be one who observes something and testifies to others. This is really the basic calling of every Christ follower - to be a witness for Christ; to share the Good News of who Jesus is and what he has done. But, as a witness, while we should tell what we know, even more important is what we've experienced.

    It seems like many times when Christ followers hear they are called by Jesus to "go and make disciples" or be his "witnesses," they freeze or think that, surely, Jesus is talking to the "trained professionals." He couldn't be talking to me, could he? Yet, a witness is simply someone who recounts their own experience. What is your experience of Jesus? There's a simple and basic formula to telling your witness or story: (1) what was my life like before I met Christ? (2) How did I meet Christ? (3) How has my life changed since I met Christ? Notice, there are no deep theological explanations - it's just telling my story. That's what Jesus desires for us to do.

    But, he doesn't leave us to witness all by ourselves. He tells us we will receive the power to witness through the Holy Spirit - Christ's living presence with every Christ follower. When I become a Christ follower, his Spirit comes to live within me, to guide me, to encourage me, to convict me (when I make the wrong choices), and to empower me to do God's will, even when I don't think I can. He empowers me to be His witness, but I have to act on this by faith. I have to believe that He is working in me and will use my witness to affect the lives of others.

    In fact, this is one of the greatest privileges you or I have - to be used by God to open the door of eternity for another human being. It's one of the few things we can do here on earth that lives on forever, that has eternal implications. I may think I am just telling my story, but, the truth is, much more is going on. The Holy Spirit is empowering my telling, and He is empowering the hearing of my story, my witness, in the heart and mind of the listener. He is coordinating my witness with the witness of others, working to give that person every opportunity to accept Christ into his or her own life. I may not see the results of this - I may be just one witness in a string of witnesses - but my witness will not be wasted, for God is empowering it and using it. And with God, all things are possible!

    So, you and I need to take seriously Jesus' expectation to be his witness. We are never saved for ourselves but always for the sake of others. How will the Holy Spirit use you today to be His witness? Are you looking for opportunities? Are you listing for leadings of the Holy Spirit? Today God just might use you to change another person's eternity!


    The Value of All Scripture

    Posted by Randy | Labels: , , , , , , , , , | Posted On Sunday, October 11, 2009 at 12:01 AM

    As we finish Luke, chapter 24 tells us the story of Easter and the resurrection. In Jesus' resurrection we discover there is hope for life after death. And, if Jesus can come back from the dead, as he said he would, he can do anything - he's worthy of our faith and trust!

    But it also intrigues me that twice in this chapter Jesus points out to his followers that all that happened to him had been prophesied in what we call the Old Testament. To the two men who were walking to the village of Emmaus, the risen Jesus said, "'You foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures. Wasn't it clearly predicted that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his glory?' Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself." (vss. 25-27, NLT)

    Then, later that evening, after Jesus' two followers had hurried back to the rest of the disciples in Jerusalem, Jesus was suddenly in their midst. They had a hard time believing it was really him, and again he reminded them that all that was happening had been predicted: "…'When I was with you before, I told you that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled.' Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. And he said, 'Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day.'" (vss. 44-46, NLT)

    Jesus is reminding us of something that Paul told to Timothy a few decades later: "All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17, NLT)

    All Scripture is inspired and valuable - Paul and Jesus affirmed this. Sometimes we think only the New Testament has much value in reading. After all, parts of the Old Testament are tedious, with all these "begats" and laws and strange poetry. But Jesus went to great lengths to show his followers that Scripture really isn't simply disparate parts, written over a period of hundreds of years, by different authors. It is a connected whole, authored by the Holy Spirit through human writers, telling us of God and His plans and purposes. And those plans and purposes find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus himself. All of Scripture leads to Jesus, one way or another. God can (and does) speak to us through Leviticus and Ruth and Lamentations and Obadiah as well as Luke and Romans and John.

    The New Testament is very important, for it tells us about the years Jesus walked here on earth, and about his first followers and their experiences and adventures and revelations from God. But "all scripture is inspired by God and is useful..." This month we're focusing on New Testament readings, but let me challenge you, if you haven't made it a practice of also reading in the Old Testament to find a reading plan that leads you to this rich revelation from God. You can certainly use the Life Journal reading plan that we use at Gateway, but there are many others out there. All Scripture points us to Jesus and the love of God, so let's give God every opportunity to speak.
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