Everyone is concerned about oil in the Gulf of Mexico. Instead of worrying about the oil in the water I would like to encourage you to worry about the oil in your lamp. God has a great deal to say about oil.
“And you shall command the children of Israel that they bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to cause the lamp to burn continually. In the tabernacle of meeting, outside the veil which is before the Testimony,” (Exodus 27:20-21)
In the Old Testament God commanded his people to bring precious oil for the lamp that lit the veil inside the tabernacle of meeting. The veil separated the place where God met with the High Priest from the rest of the tabernacle. The lamp literally lit the way to God. Christ tells us that we are to be lamps giving off light so that others may see the glory of God (Matt 5:15). In fact, when we see a picture of Christ in His current ministry He is adorned in the same manner as the High Priest of the Old Testament and moving among seven golden lampstands that represent the church (Rev 1:12, 13).
You see, we as the church are to light the way to God. “How,” you may ask, “do we do that?” We accomplish the task in the same way that God’s children did it in the Old Testament. We bring our precious oil to fuel the lamps. The next question you may ask would sound something like, “I don’t have any oil.” But, remember that you were anointed with the most precious oil of the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:45). In fact, when the Holy Spirit was first received He appeared above the Apostles heads as flaming tongues. The Apostles must have looked like a room full of candles.
Let us bring the precious oil which we were anointed with, (the Holy Spirit which is manifested in our good works and brotherly love,) and use it as fuel for the lamps (church) that are supposed to light the way to God.
2010-06-15
2009-03-03
The Original Bailout
Much has been said lately about economic bailouts. I am convinced economists, commentators, spectators, and politicians have said far more about this subject then either you or I can understand. What then could an uneducated Jack-In-The-Pulpit have to say that might interest you? I am so glad you asked. I want to invite you to look at the first bailout ever recorded by history. Understanding this first bailout is crucial for you to prosper during the current economic crisis.
To begin we need to categorize the American economy of the last twenty years. By way of speaking in generalities that economy presented all that one needed to thrive. All that was needed was the willingness to pick the fruit of prosperity from any of the many bearing trees that made up our Gross Domestic Product. I will go as far as to say it was a near facsimile of the Garden of Eden. Then we started to get greedy. Individuals, in mass, traded what was good for sustenance for the fruit that was just out of our reach (sub-prime mortgages on over priced properties). Next thing you know, much like Adam and Eve, the American homeowner faces the impending doom of eviction. Now we need a bailout from a wise and sovereign governing authority….. Jesus Christ. If you just said, “Jesus didn’t have anything to do with the Garden of Eden,” or, “By Jesus he means our elected officials,” you are sadly mistaken.
Let us look at the bailout as it is recorded in Genesis Chapter 3 verses 14 and 15.
To some, this looks like a curse. And, to some extent it is. However, it is in fact the first recorded bailout. In the next few verses God is going to hand Adam and Eve their eviction notice. This eviction notice is ultimately a very real and literal death sentence. You see, had they obeyed God and not been banished from the garden, they would have never died. However, here in verses 14 and 15 God shows them his plan for their future before he kicks them out of the garden to die. Look closely at what God says to the serpent in verse 15. “And I will put enmity … between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise you on the head, and you shall bruise him on the heel.”
- The seed of the serpent (what he created ): sin in the lives of Adam and Eve and their subsequent separation from God
- The seed of the woman (the only child ever born having no earthly father): our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus
- You shall bruise him on the heel (a painful but non-fatal wound): Christ’s suffering and death on the cross followed by his eternal resurrection
- He shall bruise you on the head (a fatal wound): Christ forever defeated Satan’s accusations against us when he bore our sins and punishment of death on the cross
You see, the first housing crisis had a bailout already in place before the first eviction notice was ever delivered. If God already provided for your greatest need (forgiveness of sin) will He not provide for these other matters you face during the current “crisis”? His bailout is the only one in recorded history that has completely provided for those who were in need. So many people are willing to turn to our government for help in these times of need. I urge you to turn to the Lord. He saves. He provides.
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
- From Matthew’s eyewitness account concerning Jesus of Nazareth chapter 6 verse 33 (NASB, Copyright 1995; The Lockman Foundation)
To begin we need to categorize the American economy of the last twenty years. By way of speaking in generalities that economy presented all that one needed to thrive. All that was needed was the willingness to pick the fruit of prosperity from any of the many bearing trees that made up our Gross Domestic Product. I will go as far as to say it was a near facsimile of the Garden of Eden. Then we started to get greedy. Individuals, in mass, traded what was good for sustenance for the fruit that was just out of our reach (sub-prime mortgages on over priced properties). Next thing you know, much like Adam and Eve, the American homeowner faces the impending doom of eviction. Now we need a bailout from a wise and sovereign governing authority….. Jesus Christ. If you just said, “Jesus didn’t have anything to do with the Garden of Eden,” or, “By Jesus he means our elected officials,” you are sadly mistaken.
Let us look at the bailout as it is recorded in Genesis Chapter 3 verses 14 and 15.
The LORD God said to the serpent,
"Because you have done this,
Cursed are you more than all cattle,
And more than every beast of the field;
On your belly you will go,
And dust you will eat
All the days of your life;
And I will put enmity
Between you and the woman,
And between your seed and her seed;
He shall bruise you on the head,
And you shall bruise him on the heel."
(NASB, Copyright 1995, The Lockman Foundation)
To some, this looks like a curse. And, to some extent it is. However, it is in fact the first recorded bailout. In the next few verses God is going to hand Adam and Eve their eviction notice. This eviction notice is ultimately a very real and literal death sentence. You see, had they obeyed God and not been banished from the garden, they would have never died. However, here in verses 14 and 15 God shows them his plan for their future before he kicks them out of the garden to die. Look closely at what God says to the serpent in verse 15. “And I will put enmity … between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise you on the head, and you shall bruise him on the heel.”
- The seed of the serpent (what he created ): sin in the lives of Adam and Eve and their subsequent separation from God
- The seed of the woman (the only child ever born having no earthly father): our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus
- You shall bruise him on the heel (a painful but non-fatal wound): Christ’s suffering and death on the cross followed by his eternal resurrection
- He shall bruise you on the head (a fatal wound): Christ forever defeated Satan’s accusations against us when he bore our sins and punishment of death on the cross
You see, the first housing crisis had a bailout already in place before the first eviction notice was ever delivered. If God already provided for your greatest need (forgiveness of sin) will He not provide for these other matters you face during the current “crisis”? His bailout is the only one in recorded history that has completely provided for those who were in need. So many people are willing to turn to our government for help in these times of need. I urge you to turn to the Lord. He saves. He provides.
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
- From Matthew’s eyewitness account concerning Jesus of Nazareth chapter 6 verse 33 (NASB, Copyright 1995; The Lockman Foundation)
2008-12-23
God's Message, Not Man's
1Corinthians 2:1-5
And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
(NKJV – copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.)
Paul wrote his first letter to the church at Corinth somewhere around AD 55. Satan had brought division into the church through pride. Once the fellowship of believers was divided, sin and immorality began to creep in. Rivalries, revelries, and reputations had begun to destroy the ministry of the young church.
Paul writes this letter as a simple and straightforward answer to these problems. As the letter develops, we are shown some in the congregation began placing themselves above others. Pride was the issue here. Some would make it a point to distinguish themselves by pointing out their "Christian credentials". In that day, these credentials revolved around a believer's "religious" background and which teacher they followed. Not much has changed. This division which began in the heart, soon made it to the pew rows, pulpit, and the public. Word of it reached Paul who was pasturing a church hundreds of miles away in Ephesus. This silly division led to weakness. This weakness led to sin setting up shop in the church.
The problem at Corinth began with prideful people. I urge you as followers of Christ not to fall into this trap. Paul reminds the church that he did not come to them with pride. There was no great speech or production which convicted them. They were witnessed to by the Power of God working in Paul's life thru the Holy Spirit. Our churches are to heed this advice. People are not intruduced to Christ by "great" preachers, elaborate productions, or music programs. People are led to Christ when they see the Holy Spirit full of power and working in the life of a believer.
As Paul instructs on how to remove this cancer from the Corinthian church he reminds them of the nature of the gospel. You see, the gospel is not found in prestigious preaching or pious people, but in the Power of God.
And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
(NKJV – copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.)
Paul wrote his first letter to the church at Corinth somewhere around AD 55. Satan had brought division into the church through pride. Once the fellowship of believers was divided, sin and immorality began to creep in. Rivalries, revelries, and reputations had begun to destroy the ministry of the young church.
Paul writes this letter as a simple and straightforward answer to these problems. As the letter develops, we are shown some in the congregation began placing themselves above others. Pride was the issue here. Some would make it a point to distinguish themselves by pointing out their "Christian credentials". In that day, these credentials revolved around a believer's "religious" background and which teacher they followed. Not much has changed. This division which began in the heart, soon made it to the pew rows, pulpit, and the public. Word of it reached Paul who was pasturing a church hundreds of miles away in Ephesus. This silly division led to weakness. This weakness led to sin setting up shop in the church.
The problem at Corinth began with prideful people. I urge you as followers of Christ not to fall into this trap. Paul reminds the church that he did not come to them with pride. There was no great speech or production which convicted them. They were witnessed to by the Power of God working in Paul's life thru the Holy Spirit. Our churches are to heed this advice. People are not intruduced to Christ by "great" preachers, elaborate productions, or music programs. People are led to Christ when they see the Holy Spirit full of power and working in the life of a believer.
As Paul instructs on how to remove this cancer from the Corinthian church he reminds them of the nature of the gospel. You see, the gospel is not found in prestigious preaching or pious people, but in the Power of God.
2008-12-16
Christian Pastor Admits to Lies, Theft, Adultery, and Murder
God has commanded me to live a life that He calls righteous. He also knows that I will fall short sometimes. Today is one of those “sometimes”. Before 10:00am I had already spent most of my morning acting in ways that I know are not pleasing to God. This is not a real big surprise to me. I mess up several timse a day. You and I can call these "mess ups" sin. We could also call them by their proper names, Lies, Theft, Adultery, and Murder, just to name a few.
Several years ago I decided to stop doing these things and dedicate my life to doing whatever God wants me to do. The problem is, sometimes I still do the things that I know I shouldn’t. Then, I start to get discouraged. I am supposed to be better than this, right?
What do I do after I mess up? Well, the first thing I do is believe in Christ. When I call myself “a believer” I am saying that I believe Jesus died to take away my sins. Sometimes I focus too much on God’s call for me to live a holy life and forget God’s call for me to accept His grace. This isn’t an excuse to do whatever I want. Because He has forgiven me and become a part of my life I want to do what He has instructed me to do. It is however reassurance that God loves me even though I’m not perfect.
Let me share a passage of scripture with you.
“I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.”
- From Paul’s letter to the church in Rome chapter 7 verse 15 (NIV, Copyright 1984; International Bible Society)
I find a great deal of comfort in this passage because it lets me know that Paul had a hard time being the man that God wanted him to be. Paul is a man who God loved dearly. And, God used Paul to spread the gospel to the non-Jewish world. That means that God loves and uses the work of men and women who aren’t perfect.
When Paul wrote these words in his letter to the Christians living in Rome he was instructing them concerning grace. I’m not talking about the kind of grace that means elegance and beauty. No, I will never have that. And, I don’t have much use for it to be honest. I mean mercy that I didn’t earn. That is the grace that I need. I need it every day. And thankfully, God gives it.
“Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.”
- From Paul’s second letter to the church in Thessalonica, chapter 2 verses 16 and 17. (NKJV, “Copyright 1982; Thomas Nelson Inc.)
Several years ago I decided to stop doing these things and dedicate my life to doing whatever God wants me to do. The problem is, sometimes I still do the things that I know I shouldn’t. Then, I start to get discouraged. I am supposed to be better than this, right?
What do I do after I mess up? Well, the first thing I do is believe in Christ. When I call myself “a believer” I am saying that I believe Jesus died to take away my sins. Sometimes I focus too much on God’s call for me to live a holy life and forget God’s call for me to accept His grace. This isn’t an excuse to do whatever I want. Because He has forgiven me and become a part of my life I want to do what He has instructed me to do. It is however reassurance that God loves me even though I’m not perfect.
Let me share a passage of scripture with you.
“I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.”
- From Paul’s letter to the church in Rome chapter 7 verse 15 (NIV, Copyright 1984; International Bible Society)
I find a great deal of comfort in this passage because it lets me know that Paul had a hard time being the man that God wanted him to be. Paul is a man who God loved dearly. And, God used Paul to spread the gospel to the non-Jewish world. That means that God loves and uses the work of men and women who aren’t perfect.
When Paul wrote these words in his letter to the Christians living in Rome he was instructing them concerning grace. I’m not talking about the kind of grace that means elegance and beauty. No, I will never have that. And, I don’t have much use for it to be honest. I mean mercy that I didn’t earn. That is the grace that I need. I need it every day. And thankfully, God gives it.
“Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.”
- From Paul’s second letter to the church in Thessalonica, chapter 2 verses 16 and 17. (NKJV, “Copyright 1982; Thomas Nelson Inc.)
2008-12-02
The Most Basic Order
"Follow Me!"
These are the words echoed across a place in southern Georgia known as "Sand Hill". They are the motto of the infantry. Young recruits who will someday be called soldiers are taught that this is the spirit they must adopt in order to become one who will someday stand on the forefront of our nations struggles. They are to stand before all others, lock their eyes upon the objective ahead and obey the command, "Follow me!" while issuing the same to those who will come after them.
"Follow Christ," is the simple message that has become so cluttered it is nearly lost to an entire generation. Pastors, parents, popes, politicians, and peers have all contributed to the ever increasing confusion. Many people sit in churches today that will gladly teach concerning prophesy, financial prosperity, marital compromise, or dogmatic legalism. Many of these would gladly comment on political concerns or social degradation. However, these same churches are content to allow individuals to exit through the double doors without ever being told they have a responsibility to follow Christ in body, mind, and spirit.
I have been in many environments where it would be easy to find someone willing to converse with me about how conservative fundamentalists who were chasing the unsaved away from churches. Likewise, I have stepped in churches where it would be all too easy to find someone willing to denounce liberal compromisers over their choice of music, clothes, or bible translation. In all these cases I would have been hard pressed to find someone willing to show and individual how to follow Christ on a daily basis.
In any place of worship today, one is more likely to hear, "By the way, have you seen our new family life center?" than, "You are required to forsake all and spread the gospel of Christ."
The gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John record almost twenty times when Jesus would make this simple, effective, inclusive, undefeatable, and utterly most important statement. Christians in America should learn a valuable lesson from the Infantry Soldier fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. We are called to disregard the noise and confusion of the battlefield. We should lock our eyes on the One Who Leads Us; and move with courage and boldness when He commands, "Follow Me!"
These are the words echoed across a place in southern Georgia known as "Sand Hill". They are the motto of the infantry. Young recruits who will someday be called soldiers are taught that this is the spirit they must adopt in order to become one who will someday stand on the forefront of our nations struggles. They are to stand before all others, lock their eyes upon the objective ahead and obey the command, "Follow me!" while issuing the same to those who will come after them.
"Follow Christ," is the simple message that has become so cluttered it is nearly lost to an entire generation. Pastors, parents, popes, politicians, and peers have all contributed to the ever increasing confusion. Many people sit in churches today that will gladly teach concerning prophesy, financial prosperity, marital compromise, or dogmatic legalism. Many of these would gladly comment on political concerns or social degradation. However, these same churches are content to allow individuals to exit through the double doors without ever being told they have a responsibility to follow Christ in body, mind, and spirit.
I have been in many environments where it would be easy to find someone willing to converse with me about how conservative fundamentalists who were chasing the unsaved away from churches. Likewise, I have stepped in churches where it would be all too easy to find someone willing to denounce liberal compromisers over their choice of music, clothes, or bible translation. In all these cases I would have been hard pressed to find someone willing to show and individual how to follow Christ on a daily basis.
In any place of worship today, one is more likely to hear, "By the way, have you seen our new family life center?" than, "You are required to forsake all and spread the gospel of Christ."
The gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John record almost twenty times when Jesus would make this simple, effective, inclusive, undefeatable, and utterly most important statement. Christians in America should learn a valuable lesson from the Infantry Soldier fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. We are called to disregard the noise and confusion of the battlefield. We should lock our eyes on the One Who Leads Us; and move with courage and boldness when He commands, "Follow Me!"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)