Jam And Crackers For Every Age

"You've got to have something for the kids at every level," exclaimed a certain man as he instructed the ladies to his left and right at the lunch room table of our school's cafeteria. As a newbie to the table, I remained silent as he expressed his opinion that Churches must take special care to provide something special (entertaining and fun activities) for children and teenagers. I wanted to chime in, but, it didn't seem to me to be the right time.

While I agree that the church ought to pay particular attention to the development of our children, I do not agree that this is done primarily through activities and separate assemblies where "relevant", "creative" and "humorous" monologues are given, and where pop music is spread over the whole experience like grape jam over a pack of crackers - a tasty treat, with a lingering aftertaste and very little nutritional benefit. A steady diet of the thing referred to as "something special for the children" will leave them bloated, unhealthy and seeking something more to satisfy the insatiable cravings of their "high-maintenance" hearts.

When the central focus of "youth ministry" is the children themselves, then that ministry is destined to wreak havoc on their pliable hearts. Youth are not to be the central focus of youth ministry - God has reserved the central focus for Himself alone.

Not only is this true for youth; God, His glory and our enjoyment of Him in all of His incredible splendor is to be the central focus of ANY ministry. And this is something that ought to take place at all times and in all places, not just on Wednesday nights at 6 p.m. in the Warehouse, or the Wharf, or Hang Out, or Student Life Center or whatever it is called at your gathering place.

The Church has been negligent to emphasize the primacy of God and the enjoyment of His splendor in all things. It's approach has been materialistic. By building gyms, building nicer buildings, and equipping our sanctuaries (auditoriums or worship centers) with multi-purpose stages and state of the art media gadgetry, etc., Churches hope to attract a large crowd of both youth and adults. These things lack the sustenance necessary to maintain a vibrant, healthy body. Malnourishment will soon set in, and what started out as a vital and holy gathering will degenerate into a gathering of calf-worshipping pagans.

This same gentleman said, if we get 'em in church, they may wonder off for awhile, but they'll come back." Really? Why so sure? They can get better media and gadgetry at a Best Buy. Heck, many sports bars offer a more personal and more technically advanced media-rich environment than many churches. They need something more than gadgetry, technology, and entertaining activities.

I once heard a wise man say, "how you get them is how you'll keep them." If you get them with bigger nicer buildings, entertaining skits, and a "hee-haw" knee-slapping stage show, then that is how you'll keep them. If they come because they are enthralled with God and His splendor, then that is how you'll keep them.

If God is not central and His glory is not the thing that is most enjoyable to the Church, then she deserves to lose her children. And as long as her focus remains on "jam and crackers," they are better off if they do not "come back" at all.

Your thoughts?

Investment Uncertainty

This is long. I apologize ahead of time. I think it is worth the read though.

It has been quite awhile since the last installment of Reaching Forward Devotional. I'd like to write more, but, I typically write only when I am particularly gripped by -- "obsessing over" -- something. That is the way I learn from the Lord. He impresses upon me some thought which seizes my attention and holds it rather firmly for a considerable amount of time. In some sense, this latest topic is a continuation of the thought which seized my mind back in March or so -- contentment. You may recall that I wrote a previous devotional on the topic. Each month since has brought a continued emphasis on what it means to be content in -- but not with -- this world.

Not surprisingly, since that time life has been filtered through a lens which brings into focus such things as wealth, investments, gaudiness, haughtiness, materialism and the like. With perfect timing, the Lord has given me the desire and opportunity to immerse myself in a consideration of the life of the Apostle Paul. For me, the results of my study and teaching on this man have been earth shaking.

By the way, if I may be so bold, apart from the Lord Jesus Christ, there has never been a man whose life has been more selfless or more Christ honoring than the Apostle Paul's. Nor has there been anyone who has had more of a lasting impact on the world than “Saul of Tarsus” - the Apostle Paul. There was a man, who, rather than laboring to build a huge fortune which could be enjoyed and then handed down to the generations, poured himself out and committed himself to be "rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up for [himself] a good foundation for the future, so that [he] might take hold of that which is truly life" (I Tim 6:19).

Paul was concerned with one thing and one thing only:

24 … I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

Now that was a man who understood what it meant to take hold of that which is truly life.

Of course, the Lord Jesus, was Paul’s teacher. In an episode which occurred when Jesus was just 12 years old, his parents left Jerusalem heading for Nazareth, thinking that Jesus was traveling with relatives in the same caravan. After a day or so they became aware that He was missing. Rushing back to Jerusalem and searching for him, they finally came upon Him in the Temple, where he sat, asking questions, answering questions and amazing his hearers. Understandably, his parents were equally amazed and concerned. When they questioned Jesus, he said, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be about my Father‘s business?” On another occasion, when speaking to a young man who wanted to be His pupil, Christ said, "Foxes have dens and birds of the air have nests, but [I] have nowhere to lay my head." Christ didn’t even have his own bed! (Shame on us for thinking that we have it so bad!) There was no room in Christ’s life for the allurements of this world. He had only one priority.

Paul, as a good student, emulated His teacher in every way. He was a man who was singularly devoted to doing His Savior's business. In a letter to the church in Corinth, Greece, Paul commended himself to them as an Apostle of Christ who was "poor, yet making many rich." Of course he spoke of spiritual riches; such as being adopted into the family of God and being forgiven of all our sins, and being clothed with the life and righteousness of Christ Himself! But, Paul was poor in this world. He worked with His own hands to provide for His own needs and for the needs of others. As he said in Acts 20:

32 And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 33 I coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel. 34 You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me. 35 In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

At any rate, over the last several months these things have captivated my mind, and have led me to examine my own life, plans and pursuits. It has also caused me to step back and look at the modern Church as we know it in America. But, that will be the thrust of a future Reaching Forward Devotional. For now the focus is on us as individual Christians.

It appears that we in the modern Church have become rich and are content "WITH" this world. Rather than being like Paul and emulating the Teacher -- our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ --, we have emulated our teacher -- the world. Sadly, we rationalize, or, more likely, ignore the passages that tell us to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share.

Like the fool that Jesus warned us about in Luke 13:13-21, instead of "[laying] up for [ourselves] treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal," we have been laboring to build bigger "barns", bank accounts, homes, church buildings and the like. Like that same fool, we have rested in the uncertainty of our investments, and all the while we have ignored the fact that this very night our souls may be required of us (may the Lord be merciful to us and bring our lives into conformity with His will before he requires our souls).

Case in point, many of us followed the world into the exploding and expanding real estate boom of 2002-2005. Some folks were lucky enough to ride the boom and cash in before the bubble began to burst last year. Others were not so "fortunate." In I Timothy 6, Paul warned Christians against the dangers of putting one's hope in "uncertain riches":

"9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs...17 As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy."

Suffice it to say, Paul was right. There is only One who is a solid foundation for the future, who is a sure investment that is guaranteed to bring joy and happiness -- that which is "truly life" -- (you’ve already guessed who that is); He is Christ Jesus our Lord - the only sure foundation and that Solid Rock of whom the old hymn writer speaks:

"On Christ the solid Rock I stand, All other ground is sinking sand, All other ground is sinking sand."

So, since you know Him to be the only sure foundation, place your faith and trust in Christ alone and begin to lay up for yourself treasures in heaven. Christ's command in the following verses are piercing, serious and are not a mere suggestion. They provide us with a fitting end to this devotional.

32 Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

“Father, give me not only the desire, but also the ability to obey it!”

A Quiet Life?

I've been reading and teaching through Paul's letters to the Churches that were scattered throughout Greece, Macedonia, and Asia Minor. Lately I've found myself retracing his missionary steps and trying to get a better hold on his missionary journeys and experiences. I've read from Acts 13 to Acts 22 multiple times; read straight though at times, as well as focusing occasionally on one section or another. I have been impacted by the immensity of this man's labors. I read one commentator who said that Paul traveled approximately 6000 miles during his life time - much of it on foot! I look forward to posting some of what I've learned in the not to distant future... Lord willing.

Paul told the Thessalonians (I Thess 4:11-12) to make it their aim to live a quiet life, work with their own hands and to conduct themselves properly toward those outside the community of believers. This seems contradictory to much of what we see in American Christianity. We are loud. We demand our rights. We picket. We create political organizations. We protest the latest anti-Christian propaganda, etc. We speak publicly against cults, other religions and their gods. But, these type of activities were not Paul's usual practice. In fact, when the entire city of Ephesus riots against Paul, it is because the gospel was influencing the culture so powerfully, that those who made statues and altars to pagan deities were being put out of business. Some of Paul's friends were political officials in the region and protected him from the masses. The city clerk finally dispersed the crowd by telling them that the men they had siezed had not "blasphemed" their god's, goddesses and temples, and that there were no legal grounds for the riot. You can read about it in Acts chapter 19.

Paul and his companions were persecuted... not for being loud, boistrous protesters, but for being proclaimers of the gospel of Christ. They did it with humility, tears, from house to house and in public (Acts 20). A culture was changed by the Spirit of God. A world was turned upside down by a few men and women who poured themselves into living Christ in the world.

My buddy Bill Lollar has a great article on his blog about the explosion of the Church in India. I think you'll enjoy reading about the way they are going about the spreading of the good news of the Gospel in India. It sounds very much like the way Paul went about the same task. Here's a link:

http://thin-edge.org/2007/08/19/multiplication-of-churches-in-india-fueled-by-persecution-and-simple-structures/

Hope you enjoy it.

Tom

My brother met Bono at a Ruby Tuesday’s in Moss Point, Ms last Saturday night. Yes… Moss Point, Ms! He was sitting at a table with a bunch of relief workers. Here's a priceless line from my brother when he saw Bono, “Hey Becky [Brad’s wife], look at that guy trying to be like Bono!”

My sister in law called me as soon as they departed the restaurant... at about 9 p.m.. But, because she had been kissed on the cheek by Bono, she was so star struck she had to pass the phone to my brother. Sitting at a table for two, he overheard Bono's conversation with the Hurricane Katrinal relief workers. He said that Bono’s entire conversation around the table centered on Christ. Speaking to his fellow relief workers, Bono said, “Isn’t it great that we get to share the love of Jesus with so many people” (or words to that effect).

Here are a few of the things he related to me about the night.

A family came up for a picture. Bono held out the cross that dangled from the end of his necklace so that it might be prominent in the picture.

Bono bent over so that me might get down to eye level with another family’s young son. He asked him his name. The young boy replied, “Josh” (HA! How bout that for sovereignty!). Bono proceeded to explain the Hebrew meaning of the name Joshua! How cool!

He stepped away from the table to go to the rest room just before the meal came. When he returned, everyone had begun eating. He took his seat and asked, “Did anyone grace the meal? Do you mind if do?” He proceeded to give thanks to the Father for the food.

His phone rang. “I’m sorry, I have to take this call. This is Johnny Dep.” So, he walked outside and my brother and his wife followed. My brother, a pastor, gave him a business card and a flyer for their church, and then invited him to the next morning’s service! He saw Becky standing near Brad and asked, “You two together? No pun intended!” My brother, ever so quick, with puzzled a look on his face, said, “Huh?” “You know, U-2, get it?”, said Bono! Ha! The flyer that he signed said only, “Jesus moves” or “Jesus lives”, he couldn’t tell which. Apparently, every autograph he gave said only, "Jesus lives." How cool is that!

Bono, a guy who has nothing to prove, was living Christ in a Ruby Tuesday’s on a Saturday night in Moss Point, MS with no entourage and no media. How awesome is that! He could have been anywhere. The Casinos are only 20 minutes from that Ruby Tuesdays. Heck, he could have been relaxing with Johnny Dep in France. Instead, he chose to do Katrina relief and relax with Christ in my hurricane Katrina ravaged home town! How's that for getting out of the pulpit/pew and into the streets!

Contentment

I wrote this one a couple of months ago and am just now publishing it.

Its been more than a month since my last devotional. I’ve been thinking a good bit about the next devotional, but haven’t been moved toward writing about any particular topic. However, as of late, the Lord has been focusing my thoughts on contentedness. The other day as my son Andrew and I were building a small deck in our back yard, I began thinking about how gracious the Lord has been toward us. I don’t know that I’ve ever truly been content with our present home. I’ve always seen it as a temporary place… one that is meant to last us until we are able to live where we really want to live. Funny thing though, is that I never really knew where that ideal place was.

At any rate, I went out with my morning latte`¾ yes, latte`, I’ve been making a morning latte` since returning from several Marine Corps deployments to the Mediterranean Sea in the early 1990’s¾ and reclined on the deck that Andrew and I built. It’s not finished yet, but, it’ll support me, my latte`, my Bible, and a loyal dog or two. I opened to Hebrews 13 and began reading. It was all quite inspirational. However, my mind focused in on a verse that has been a familiar refrain as of late:

5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." F63 6 So we may boldly say: "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?"

And then in verse 14 I was reminded of something very important:

11 For the bodies of those animals, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned outside the camp. 12 Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered outside the gate. 13 Therefore let us go forth to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach. 14 For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come. 15 Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. 16 But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

These things all came together to remind me not to let my mind be captured by the things of the world¾ covetousness, discontentment with what the Lord has given me, worry about my family’s future, health, sickness or even death. These things are sinful. Sinful, because they clearly violate the commands above to be content, to be free from fear, and to be willing to suffer “outside the camp” with Christ. How fleeting are the things in this world that vie for control of our hearts!

Do you remember Mary and Martha? Mary reclined at the Lord’s feet, heard His word and was enjoying the presence of her Savior, while her sister, Martha, busied herself in preparing a meal for the Savior. Do you remember Jesus’ words to the discontented Martha? He said to her,

"Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. 42 But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her" (Luke chapter 10).

How we need to remember the one needful thing! We are not be taken up with thoughts about things that are temporary at best. Resist the temptation to let THINGS control your thinking. Focus in on the one thing that is needful. Find your own deck, take your Bible, read it, pray and ask the Lord to quiet your restless heart.

Sit at His feet with Mary and rejoice in His presence. Remember, if you belong to Christ, you seek a city that is to come, a city with foundations that cannot be shaken (Hebrews 11:10; 12:27). Be content with what you have and do not worry! If you have come to Christ in repentance and in faith, then offer God praise and thanksgiving for His great salvation and rejoice that He has made you as a joint heir along with His own dear Son… Jesus Christ our Lord, Savior and Brother!

"For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come."

God Is NOT Safe

God is not safe. Someone says, "uh... what"? Most of you are likely familiar with C.S. Lewis' classic "Chronicles of Narnia" series. Lewis' first installment in the 7 book series was The Lion The Witch and the Wardrobe. It came to the big screen in December of 2005 and was a huge success. As a fan of C.S. Lewis and his Chronicles of Narnia tales, I thought the movie was very good and remained faithful to the books central theme of redemption. In the book a Lion by the name of Aslan is the Creator and Lord over the world of Narnia. However, his kingdom has been tainted by Evil, which entered the realm of Narnia at the very dawn of its creation (that story is told in Lewis' pre-quel installment The Magician's Nephew). 4 young humans discover a magic wardrobe, the doors of which lead to the fantastical world of Narnia where there are talking creatures and mythical beings such as fawns, ferries and the like. There is also an evil Queen who presides over the cursed winter land of Narnia. "Always winter and never Christmas" in Narnia, the creatures long for deliverance from the spell and reign of the Evil Queen. Enter Aslan, the creator-King of Narnia, and Lord of the Lone Islands, who comes to rescue and restore Narnia. Getting to the point, the movie leaves out one of the most important scenes in the book. The children are reclining at the table of Mr. and Mrs. Beaver (yes, they are beavers), and are learning about Narnia, the spell its under and about Aslan - the rightful King of Narnia. They are discussing how they might rescue their friend Mr. Tumnus (one of those mythical creatures... a fawn... half man and half... uh... goat, I think). Here is the important conversation that is omitted in the movie:

Mr. Beaver: "It's no good son of Adam, no good your trying of all people, but now that Aslan is on the move..."

Lucy: "Oh yes, tell us about Aslan."Susan: "Who is Aslan?"

Mr. Beaver: "Aslan? Why don't you know? He... He's the King! He's the Lord of the whole wood [Tom's note: forest]! The word has reached us that He's come back! He's in Narnia at this moment. He'll settle the White queen alright. Now it is He, not you, that'll save Mr. Tumnus [their friend, a fawn, who is being held captive for giving aid and comfort to the enemy - the 4 children]."

Edmund: "Won't she turn him into stone too?"

Mr. Beaver: "Lord love ya' son of Adam! What a simple thing to say! Turn HIM into stone? If she can stand on her own two feet and look him in the face it'll be the most she can do - and more than I expect of her. No, no, He'll put all to rights, He will. You'll understand when you see Him!"

Susan: "But, shall we see Him?"

Mr. Beaver: "Why, daughter of Eve, that's what I've brought you here for! I'm to lead you where you shall meet Him."

Lucy: "Is He, Is He a man?"Mr. Beaver: "Aslan, a man? (laugh) Certainly not. I tell you He's the King of the wood and the Son of the Great Emperor beyond the sea! Don't you know who is the King of Beasts? Aslan is a Lion, The Lion, The Great Lion!"

Susan: "Oh, a lion? Is he, is he quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion."

Mrs. Beaver: "That you will dearie, make no mistake. If there's anyone who can appear before Aslan without their knees knocking, they're either braver than most or else just silly."

Lucy: "Then He isn't safe?"

Mr. Beaver: "Safe? Don't you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells ya? Who said anything about safe? Course He isn't safe, but, He is good. He's the King I tell ya!"

We sometimes think of God as being so much like us, that we lose our fear of Him. In fact, if we are not careful, we are more likely to fear the great leaders of the world than we are the Lord God omnipotent who reigns, not only over world leaders, but over EVERYTHING! There is a tendency within us to fashion the Lord God into some sort of tame thing. Not surprisingly, we concoct notions about God that ignore His sovereignty, His Holiness, His Majesty, His Justice, and His Judgment. Certainly it is comfortable to think of God being an "all loving God.” But, He is so much more than that. He is the Lord over a Universe whose subjects have rejected and rebelled against His Righteous, Holy, Just, and All Loving rule. Because many of these attributes of God are often overlooked, we wrongly conclude that He is not to be feared and in fact is "quite safe." But, as Mr. Beaver said, "Safe, safe, who said anything about safe!"

God is not safe. Hebrews says that "It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God." We've lost sight of the God who makes the mountains tremble at His presence and who makes prophets unravel before the full presence of His glory (Isaiah 6).

Bear with me for a moment. Too many Christians, me included, tend toward a low view of God. We think, "God understands that I'm going to make mistakes. I've made mistakes before and He has been so merciful toward me and has restored me over and over." The dangerous temptation here is to presume upon God's grace and mercy, and assume that He is going to restore me just as easily this time as He did the last. But, we are not promised such a thing in scripture. When we determine that we are going to sin in spite of the gracious threatenings and warnings from God's own mouth, and assume that God will forgive us and restore us when we've enjoyed our momentary pleasure, we tread on dangerous ground. Because we understand that God is rich in mercy, and because in the past we've repented, confessed our sin and found restoration with God, we assume that this time around will be no different. Hurling ourselves over the precipice, we plunge into our sin and its certain painful consequences. Dangerous decision! When we do this, we reveal the fact that we do not have a healthy fear of this "un-tame" God and the fearful consequences of our sin.

I know someone who at this moment has taken the plunge and is experiencing the painful result. This person is seeking repentance and cannot find it, seeking restoration, but it eludes. This person wants to have a "broken and contrite heart" as David had, but cannot muster it up. How dangerous is presumption! How dreadful a place to be. When we make similar decisions - and who among us hasn't - we do so, while forgetting the seriousness of sin. There are some very fearful passages in Scripture that warn believers about the consequences of sin. I Cor 11 tells us of those who had experienced sickness and even death because of their irreverence and sinfulness in the sharing of the Lord's Supper (communion). In Acts 5 we witness Ananias and Sapphira, who died at the feet of the Apostles upon perpetuating their lie before God. In I John 5 we read that there is a sin that leads to death. John says we are not even to pray for one who is involved in such sin. Not that all sickness, and all death experienced by Christians comes as a result or our sin, for all we need to do is remind ourselves of the story of righteous Job. But, sometimes sickness and even death come because of our sin. As I John 5:16 says:

16 If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life—to those who commit sins that do not lead to death. There is sin that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray for that.

I do not presume to understand fully what the Spirit means by this verse. But, one thing is sure, sin is a very serious thing. Here are some other scriptures which should serve as “DETOUR” signs from the Lord:

The Lord will judge his people. 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Heb 10:30-31.

and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, 29 for our God is a consuming fire. Heb 12:28-29

14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, 15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, You shall be holy, for I am holy. 17 And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, 18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. I Peter 1:14-19

11 Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. I Peter 2:11.

5 The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 6 Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion... 18 This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, 19 holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith, 20 among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme. 1 Timothy 1:5-6,18-20

7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption... Galatians 6:7-8

The scriptures above serve as gracious warnings from God. It is as if He is standing in front of us, placing Himself between us and the precipice, pointing us away from the deceptive path that leads to momentary fleeting pleasure, seemingly unending anguish, confusion, a seared conscience, many pangs and possibly even death. He stands there with outstretched arms imploring us toward the good path that leads to spiritual growth, real peace, real joy, lasting pleasure and eternal life.

If you are one who is standing on the edge of the precipice, gazing at Bathsheba (read the account of David's adulterous affair with Bathsheba in II Samuel 11-12), peering over the ledge into what looks like pleasure, but in fact is dangerously steep and jagged terrain, let these verses pierce your heart and cause you to move back from the treacherous ledge! Remember, "You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

If you are one who has already plunged down the steep embankment of momentary pleasure, you may be like the person who is seeking restoration and repentance and yet it eludes you. The promise of the Lord is sure, "A broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise" (read of David's repentance in Psalm 51). Look intently at the cross and see your Savior drinking the full cup of the wrath of God poured out on His sinless Son because of your sin... and then do you dare to embrace that which caused your Savior such great pain? No? Then submit yourself to Him, call on the "multitude of [His] tender mercies", beat your breast and cry for mercy! You say, "But, Tom, how can I be sure that He will grant my cry for mercy when I've been so wicked, so presumptuous, and when I've spurned the love and sacrifice of My Lord and Savior, and when I have hurt the very people that love me most?" Well, let me remind you, that while it is true that God Is Not Safe, it is also true that God Is Good! And because you belong to Him, and are sincerely crying out for mercy and not justice, He is an "all-Loving God" to you. And just like He forgave David, just like He forgave the immoral woman who washed His feet with her tears, just like he forgave the adulterous Samaritan woman who met him at the well, and just like He forgave the Apostle Peter who denied Him 3 times, in the same way He will forgive you!
If a repentant heart eludes you, ask Him to produce repentance in you... not because you deserve it... but because of the multitude of His tender mercies. And see if He won't rush to you and embrace you - creating in you a contrite heart, creating in you a clean heart, and cleansing you from all unrighteousness... because...



He Is Good!

May we all have a healthy fear of God and or our own vulnerability to temptation and may we take to heart these words spoken by the Lord Jesus to sorrowful, weary disciples on the eve of His crucifixion:

"Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." Matt 26:41

His by grace,

Tom

The Harlot!

There are a host of interpretations as to the identity of the great Harlot of Revelation 17 and 18. On her forehead is written the Title:

Mystery,
Babylon the Great,
The Mother of Harlots and of
The Abominations of the Earth.

I wonder if anyone would like to add that to their long list of Titles and Designations? Any volunteers? Doctor of Ministry, Doctor of Divinity. Doctor of Theology, PHD, DMin, Rev., Mr.,

Sir, "Mystery, Babylon the Great, The Mother of Harlots...". Uh. I'll pass.

Some see the Harlot as ancient Jerusalem or ancient Rome. Others see her as apostate religion riding upon political power. Some see her as the Roman Catholic Church. And others as simply the institutional Church (by institutional, I mean the machinery that includes both wheat and tares) in general. Take a look at the passage and read about her riches, her prestige in the world, her influence among political leaders, and her positive influence on the economies of the world. Sounds not unlike historic western Christianity. She is a power monger, dabbling in politics, economics and loving the praise of the world's merchants, kings and the like. She adorns herself in an array of splendid purple and scarlet. She has the choicest jewels, precious gems, gold and silver. She is rich! She audaciously says,

"I sit as queen and am no widow, and will not see sorrow (Rev 18:7)!"

She has made the world rich. Nations have gone into her and lay with her and have drank of her fornication.

If this is a picture of the Church and its condition when Christ returns it is shameful. It is easy to see how John might have "marveled with great amazement" at such a sight (Rev 17:6). She was drunk with the blood of saints and martyrs of Jesus. Of all people, SHE, SHE had persecuted the faithful followers of Jesus! If this is the Church, no wonder John was amazed.

Is there support for such a view among Theologians? Yes. A couple of years ago, I listened to a series given be several professors at Knox Theological Seminary on this very topic. It was interesting. I thought a little about it and then tabled it until recently. I've been teaching through the book of Revelation and have found my loosely held eschatological beliefs challenged at every turn. One thing I'm certain of is this, you must come to this book with a great deal of humility and respect for others whose views are different than your own. Whether there is a pre-trib, mid-trib, post-trip, or pre-wrath rapture; or whether there is a spiritual millenial kingdom, or a literal millenial kingdom is of minor significance. However, the warnings to the people of God to persevere and endure and to "come out of [the great harlot] (Rev 18:4) are not of minor significance. Whether the Harlot is the luxurious power-hungry Church, apostate Religion, or great cultures that bask in their luxury and idolatry, the message to the elect of God -- "come out from her My people" -- is not to be missed!

I am leaning toward a view that the Harlot is the institutional, rich, power loving Church that is alive at the time of Christ's return. Immediately, as a reformed Baptist, I will be scoffed at by my "fully reformed" brethren. But, that is okay. I hope that they can bear with my foolishness.

Nevertheless, it appears to me that God will judge that Romanish church with double wrath (Rev 18:6) because she has persecuted the faithful remnant of God. This Church may include every luxurious Church (not just the Roman Catholic Church) that basks in its own glory, seeks the approval of the great men of the world, and seeks to exert its dominion over the political, economic and social institutions of the world. These are churches that desire to be respected by the world. They are the ones which desire to show themselves superior to other worldviews, while seemingly caring very little for the lost. Many of them dress themselves in ornate buildings and multimillion dollar budgets. Many of its "ministers" make a huge salary, love their latest technological gadgets, and a have a very comfortable, if not luxurious existence. They live in their trendy homes in the most choice neighborhoods alongside those whose chief desire is personal affluence. They drive their fine cars. They love being in the spot light. They read the latest leadership books. They are up on the latest religious fad. Their goal is to become influencial in the world. They love the notoriety. They love the world!

Now I realize that to some degree this is me as well. There is much too much of the world and its lusts in me. God grant that I might love Him and hate the temporal allurements of this present world.

While the Reformers went along way in righting the ship, there is still a long way to go! I think Catholics and Protestants alike can be found in the Great Harlot. In fact, the passage says that she is "the mother of many harlots!" Those who ought to recognize that they are married to Christ and no other, rather prostitute themselves to the world as if they are "no widow" and are a "queen" to themselves.

How appropriate are the Lord's words to the Laodocean Church and how timely they are for the Church in general today:

14 And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God's creation. 15 I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. 17 For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. 19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. 21 The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

Are You in Church?

I have not had time to sit and put together further comments on the meaning of the Coming of Christ in John 14. But, I will soon, Lord willing. I thought I'd post a portion of one of my very first entries as a reminder to me of what I hope this blog will be. While debates about emergent and baptism are interesting, we need not forget we are brothers and are commanded to exhort and encourage one another in brotherly love. Remember, if you are in Christ today, you are in Church!

"...When I see a brother or sister who worships in another building, or as part of another denomination even, I am in the body of Christ WITH THEM. I am responsible to them. I am to love them. I am to teach them. I am to counsel them, cry with them, rejoice with them, etc. - regardless of the location. Be it a football game, a walk in the park, or whatever the scenario, I am in Church with them as we meet and speak together. We worship, encourage, pray and enjoy fellowship even though we are not at the "set hour" for such activity.This is having a huge impact on my awareness of Christ, my love for His church, and my sense of participation in the building up of His body."

...giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to share in the ineritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins." Col 2:12-14

Since we share in the inheritance with the saints in light, we should conduct ourselves in this everyday existence as if we believe it to be true. We (every redeemed sheep in God's flock) are fellow pilgims and strangers in this world - citizens of a heavenly city - one with foundations that cannot be shaken. We share an intimacy and are a community unlike any other group in this world.

"Therefore encourage one another daily, while it is still called today" (Heb 3:13).

John (the beloved Apostle, the Elder) prayed the following prayer for us many years ago:

"that you may also have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full." John 1:3,4.

Well, that is a prayer that I pray will be fulfilled in me today. What about you?

Tom