John 14:1-6
“In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” (John 14:2)
Where was Jesus going? To Calvary! Of course He was going to Heaven, but Calvary was where he provided a mansion for us. You see, the mansions already exist (v. 2 speaks of present tense), they are already waiting for us, and only God knows the number of them. A virtual Holy city--a city full of individual mansions, which are the proper dwelling for royalty! Jesus, in all actuality, prepared us for the mansion--He prepared a place for us in a mansion in Heaven. We must meet Him at Calvary first though before we can meet Him in Heaven; this refers us back to verse one: “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.” That is How we meet Jesus at Calvary. Until Christ died on the cross, we had no place in Heaven--no eternal life; Jesus had to go and prepare the way for us, and He is the Way; the “preparation“ is Calvary. (John 14:6).
If He goes (and He did go) he will doubtless come again to deliver us to our mansion--to take us to heaven to be with Him (v.3). The way has been prepared already. We know the way; we know that it is through Jesus that we will go to heaven and receive our mansion, because He is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father” but by Him (v. 6).
Monday, May 31, 2010
Thursday, May 27, 2010
What Will it Take?
What will it take, my friend, to bring you humbly to the Lord? It Took a nervous breakdown to bring Nebuchadnezzar to God; it took a funeral to bring Isaiah to the Lord; it took a great storm and a big fish to bring Jonah back to God, and it took poverty and despair to bring the Prodigal back to the Father. What will it take for you? What took you away from the Lord in the first place? It took an earthquake to bring a jailer to God, and it took the death of a son to bring repentance to David’s heart, what will it take for you? What does it tale for me? We all have strayed; we all have fallen away; every one of us have chased shadows and come up empty. What else has to happen before we get right with our God? It begins with a look; that leads to a further thought; it grows into a desire, and is soon fulfilled in the taking or doing. It is so subtle, this thing called sin; it creeps in slowly, but is devastating when it gets to full force; it always brings disaster in the end. As devastating as it is, it takes devastating matters to overcome it; it takes a broken heart--or a crying spirit to rectify the damage that is done by sin, sometimes it takes the death of a friend or loved one to wake us up.
What will it take for you? It took depravity for me; it took vile affections, thoughts of suicide, and a reaching the “bottom of the barrel” for me. I hope it doesn’t take the same path for you.
What will it take for you? It took depravity for me; it took vile affections, thoughts of suicide, and a reaching the “bottom of the barrel” for me. I hope it doesn’t take the same path for you.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
the Nut
The Nut!
The nut that has a hard shell surrounding its meat is protected from the elements and the prey that may desire to sift and ravage its heart. The outside, though hard and useless is often a help to the nut, a protector of its precious fruit. Hardness then is not always bad--not when it hides the fruit from evil! In our world today, we must be nuts! We must be somewhat hard on the outside, but tender and good on the inside, although the hard shell must first be cracked open to reveal its treasure. Oh what a joy the meat is when we finally crack open the hard shell!
The cares of life will often harden the sweetness of the Christian, but thank God that the Spirit dwells within, and once the shell is penetrated, the sweetness shines through in all its glory. Hardness is not necessarily justified--it would be much easier to get to the fruit if we did not have break open the shell, but it is there for a reason. Nothing comes without sacrifice; little of worth comes without work. No labor equals no fruit; it is the same in nature as it is in the spirit. It is better not to have been hardened by life, but if we are, let us concentrate on getting to the fruit; The hardness is a shield, or wall, that we feel we must put up-- a defense against the evils of man, but it is time to throw down the stronghold, and let the fruit be discovered; only then are useful to God and man.
The nut that has a hard shell surrounding its meat is protected from the elements and the prey that may desire to sift and ravage its heart. The outside, though hard and useless is often a help to the nut, a protector of its precious fruit. Hardness then is not always bad--not when it hides the fruit from evil! In our world today, we must be nuts! We must be somewhat hard on the outside, but tender and good on the inside, although the hard shell must first be cracked open to reveal its treasure. Oh what a joy the meat is when we finally crack open the hard shell!
The cares of life will often harden the sweetness of the Christian, but thank God that the Spirit dwells within, and once the shell is penetrated, the sweetness shines through in all its glory. Hardness is not necessarily justified--it would be much easier to get to the fruit if we did not have break open the shell, but it is there for a reason. Nothing comes without sacrifice; little of worth comes without work. No labor equals no fruit; it is the same in nature as it is in the spirit. It is better not to have been hardened by life, but if we are, let us concentrate on getting to the fruit; The hardness is a shield, or wall, that we feel we must put up-- a defense against the evils of man, but it is time to throw down the stronghold, and let the fruit be discovered; only then are useful to God and man.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Becoming a Disciple
“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;” (John 8:31)
The subject is discipleship. The key word is “if”. you see, it is up to you whether you become a disciple or not; discipleship is more than believing--it is following; it is obeying; it is working. The Bible says, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved…” (Acts 16:31); being saved is not the sum of discipleship, but one earmark of discipleship is seen in the verse above: “If ye continue in my Word…”, continuing in the Word of God is good evidence of discipleship.
There are six verses in the New testament that describe what it means to be a disciple, three are found in Luke, and three in John. As for now though, we must focus on this one, which may be paramount to the others, or at least lead us to practice them. Just for the record, they are: (In Luke) Luke 14: 26~Luke 14:27, and Luke 14:33 and three in John--Jn. 8:31~Jn. 13:35 and Jn 15:8. These are, however, parenthetical for now, as we want to focus on staying in the Word of God.
It is said that Michael Jordan claimed to “eat, drink, and sleep” basketball. He became great because he continued, at all times, in all ways, to focus on the game. We need this sort of tenacity concerning the Word of God. We need to eat, drink, and sleep in the Word; we need to allow it to permeate our lives in every way, and consume our thoughts and actions. Only then can we hope to be considered a true disciple. If you wish to become a disciple of Christ, this is a great place to begin, if not, that is up to you.
Isa 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
Psa 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
Psa 1:2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
Psa 1:3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
There are several other verses to that effect:
Col. 3:1-3; Phil. 4:8; Josh. 1:8, etc.
The subject is discipleship. The key word is “if”. you see, it is up to you whether you become a disciple or not; discipleship is more than believing--it is following; it is obeying; it is working. The Bible says, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved…” (Acts 16:31); being saved is not the sum of discipleship, but one earmark of discipleship is seen in the verse above: “If ye continue in my Word…”, continuing in the Word of God is good evidence of discipleship.
There are six verses in the New testament that describe what it means to be a disciple, three are found in Luke, and three in John. As for now though, we must focus on this one, which may be paramount to the others, or at least lead us to practice them. Just for the record, they are: (In Luke) Luke 14: 26~Luke 14:27, and Luke 14:33 and three in John--Jn. 8:31~Jn. 13:35 and Jn 15:8. These are, however, parenthetical for now, as we want to focus on staying in the Word of God.
It is said that Michael Jordan claimed to “eat, drink, and sleep” basketball. He became great because he continued, at all times, in all ways, to focus on the game. We need this sort of tenacity concerning the Word of God. We need to eat, drink, and sleep in the Word; we need to allow it to permeate our lives in every way, and consume our thoughts and actions. Only then can we hope to be considered a true disciple. If you wish to become a disciple of Christ, this is a great place to begin, if not, that is up to you.
Isa 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
Psa 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
Psa 1:2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
Psa 1:3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
There are several other verses to that effect:
Col. 3:1-3; Phil. 4:8; Josh. 1:8, etc.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Faith, Hope, and Charity
Faith: (Heb. 11:1)
“Seeing the unseen; doing the undoable”
Whenever the Bible speaks of faith to the Christian, it refers to the “work of faith” in our hearts, as well as a work of faith in our lives. It is speaking of a daily faith that we must walk in every day, and exercise every moment. Faith is refusing to doubt; it is walking in the assurance that God will meet all needs; defeat all obstacles; and win all our battles for us. Simplified: it is trusting in His promises.
Hope: (Rom. 11:29)
“Hope is the wish that faith delivers”
Hope is not faith; it is weaker than faith; it is not expectation, but a longing; a wishful thinking It is man’s dream apart from God’s grace. Many times we mistake hope for faith. Hope has no power; it moves no mountains--but it rides upon the wind and dissipates as a cloud; it delivers nothing. Hope only sees what faith delivers…yet we must never lose hope in the Lord, never quit dreaming.
Charity (1 Cor. 13)
“Charity is the essence of love”
Of the “big three” Charity rates the highest! Yes, even higher than faith for the Bible says “The greatest of these is charity” (1 Cor. 13:13). Charity is love’s action; it is the greatest because it gives, which is the ultimate goal of love--to give. Charity is the “giving” of love, and our God set the example--“For God so loved that He gave…” That, my friends, is the ultimate charity.
“Seeing the unseen; doing the undoable”
Whenever the Bible speaks of faith to the Christian, it refers to the “work of faith” in our hearts, as well as a work of faith in our lives. It is speaking of a daily faith that we must walk in every day, and exercise every moment. Faith is refusing to doubt; it is walking in the assurance that God will meet all needs; defeat all obstacles; and win all our battles for us. Simplified: it is trusting in His promises.
Hope: (Rom. 11:29)
“Hope is the wish that faith delivers”
Hope is not faith; it is weaker than faith; it is not expectation, but a longing; a wishful thinking It is man’s dream apart from God’s grace. Many times we mistake hope for faith. Hope has no power; it moves no mountains--but it rides upon the wind and dissipates as a cloud; it delivers nothing. Hope only sees what faith delivers…yet we must never lose hope in the Lord, never quit dreaming.
Charity (1 Cor. 13)
“Charity is the essence of love”
Of the “big three” Charity rates the highest! Yes, even higher than faith for the Bible says “The greatest of these is charity” (1 Cor. 13:13). Charity is love’s action; it is the greatest because it gives, which is the ultimate goal of love--to give. Charity is the “giving” of love, and our God set the example--“For God so loved that He gave…” That, my friends, is the ultimate charity.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Grey Areasa
Gray Areas?
Often, when we are debating an issue, someone will challenge us with “Chapter and verse please”, but there is not always a chapter and verse for things that are right. Why don’t they ask the Holy Spirit for chapter and verse? Let me say first that there are no gray areas, not really; my Bible is written in black and white, and is as plain as black and white. Nevertheless, here are seven guidelines for us to use to determine what is right and wrong when there may not seem to be an applicable verse:
Ask yourself “How does this affect me…”
1. Spiritually?
2. Mentally? (see James 1:8)
3. Morally?
4. Emotionally?
5. Ethically?
6. Physically?
7. and Socially.?
If you are honest, you will get your answer as to whether something is wrong or right, and how important it might be to you.
This is true with standards that some claim are more preference than scriptural; Many times people say that to skirt the issue, and are most likely under conviction. You cannot fight the Holy Spirit, nor argue Him away.
Often, when we are debating an issue, someone will challenge us with “Chapter and verse please”, but there is not always a chapter and verse for things that are right. Why don’t they ask the Holy Spirit for chapter and verse? Let me say first that there are no gray areas, not really; my Bible is written in black and white, and is as plain as black and white. Nevertheless, here are seven guidelines for us to use to determine what is right and wrong when there may not seem to be an applicable verse:
Ask yourself “How does this affect me…”
1. Spiritually?
2. Mentally? (see James 1:8)
3. Morally?
4. Emotionally?
5. Ethically?
6. Physically?
7. and Socially.?
If you are honest, you will get your answer as to whether something is wrong or right, and how important it might be to you.
This is true with standards that some claim are more preference than scriptural; Many times people say that to skirt the issue, and are most likely under conviction. You cannot fight the Holy Spirit, nor argue Him away.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Christian Service
Christians nowadays put a lot of emphasis on our own works. What I mean is that we feel that the busier we are running to and fro, and doing the things we do “for the Lord” is our service or worship to Him. My friends, worship is a personal thing; it is an intimate relationship between us and our Savior. Our service may show that we believe; it may exalt us to certain heights, and gain us favor and position, but many times, it is simply a dead end when it comes to worshipping our Lord. Perhaps this is why we sometimes “burn out” for the Lord, we are too busy working to worship!
“Worship” is defined as:
“1. To adore; to pay divine honors to; to reverence with supreme respect and veneration.”
2. To respect; to honor; to treat with civil reverence. Etc.
This we do in our hearts, and not in our actions. Jesus said “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” (Jn. 4:24) I believe that this is what the Lord was speaking of. The key word is “adoration”; when we truly adore someone, they consume all our thoughts all the time, yet sometimes we get so busy serving the Lord, we do not take time to adore Him! Adoration is defined thusly:
“1. To worship with profound reverence; to address with exalted thoughts, by prayer and thanksgiving; to pay divine honors to; to honor as a god or as divine.
2. To love in the highest degree; to regard with the utmost esteem, affection and respect; as, the people adore their prince.” (Definitions from Webster’s Dictionary of American English, of 1828)
We worship the Lord in our “closet” rather than in our outward acts.
“Worship” is defined as:
“1. To adore; to pay divine honors to; to reverence with supreme respect and veneration.”
2. To respect; to honor; to treat with civil reverence. Etc.
This we do in our hearts, and not in our actions. Jesus said “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” (Jn. 4:24) I believe that this is what the Lord was speaking of. The key word is “adoration”; when we truly adore someone, they consume all our thoughts all the time, yet sometimes we get so busy serving the Lord, we do not take time to adore Him! Adoration is defined thusly:
“1. To worship with profound reverence; to address with exalted thoughts, by prayer and thanksgiving; to pay divine honors to; to honor as a god or as divine.
2. To love in the highest degree; to regard with the utmost esteem, affection and respect; as, the people adore their prince.” (Definitions from Webster’s Dictionary of American English, of 1828)
We worship the Lord in our “closet” rather than in our outward acts.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Fire and Light
Spurgeon once said “There must be light as well as fire. Some preachers are all light, and no fire, and others are all fire and no light; what we want is both fire and light.” We need to light the fires of zeal under God’s children, but we also need to give them something to get excited about! The zeal is fine, but it must be accompanied by wisdom; any sermon that has the fire of God also must have the practicality of man to be effective. I speak in the both senses of this thought, the sermonizer and the hearer. The sermonizer must give practical wisdom with the encouragement of zeal, while the hearer must receive zeal, and use wisdom in applying it. Both are essential to the work of the Lord, there is no true light without fire.
Some have said “Where there is smoke, there is fire”, let not our lives be filled with smoke only, but with the fire of the Lord.
Some have said “Where there is smoke, there is fire”, let not our lives be filled with smoke only, but with the fire of the Lord.
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