Do you recognize the difference between “One World” charity and Christian Charity? It’s easy. Listen for the name of Jesus. Look for the glorification of the God who made us. In the One World approach, you’ll hear nothing about God. But you’ll hear a whole lot about how good man can be when he does good things.
Tag Archives: Evangelism
“Jesus Stuff” or “Jesus’ Stuff”.
We serve the Lord Jesus as His people. But how shall we serve Him? What shall we do and what kind of people shall we be?
You have heard many speak of what is called a “Wealth” doctrine (teaching). In this doctrine we are supposed to experience happiness, joy, an increase of our worldly wealth, health in our bodies, and peace among our family and friends. Some believe that if Jesus is the Lord of a congregation, we will see great harmony and peace among the people. And, we understand by this doctrine that if one follows Jesus there will be a sure footed nature to his life. I can’t see it like that.
With all that I read and all I experience I have a different view of what it’s like to serve Jesus. As I embrace His Lordship in my life I find many circumstances where I have to chose to lose. The happiness those people speak of is not that of laughing and a permafrost smile. Often it’s a furrowed forehead and a grim bend to my mouth. I find that giving becomes the purpose of my income. Had I remained in the world I would gather all I could to spend it on what I want. But the money now belongs to Jesus. And my soul continually looks to His face to determine what to do with it. My body wears out just like the unbeliever’s. Old age takes over and ravages the youth I once was. Sickness is still part of my personal experience. But I embrace these things as part of the gift of life God has ordained in this place of testing. And, if I look at any serious congregation of “saints” I find constant turmoil regarding the direction and intended use of resources.
Yet in these things is a great peace, joy and health. For those who follow Jesus don’t rely on the things and measuring sticks of this world. Our eyes, mind, and body are set toward the Lord of Life. We never take our eyes off His leading.
Let the people of this “wealth” doctrine say what they will. Let them chase after all the things the world loves. It’s ok with me. They would not listen to me if I told them they were wrong. And If they won’t look into these things on their own, they sure won’t hear my words.
There are two scriptures that come to mind regarding this post. One finds it’s anchor in the nature of Jesus’ approach to the things of this world:
18 When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the other side of the lake. 19 Then a teacher of the law came to him and said, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.”
20 Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” (Matthew 8)
And:
4 You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us? 6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:
“God opposes the proud
but shows favor to the humble.” (James 4)
What you do about this post is up to you. Perhaps you agree. Then scream out your agreement from every possible vantage point. Perhaps you disagree. Then keep on going in the direction you’re headed. I didn’t post this to gain friends. I posted this to uphold the words of He who can not lie. The way of Jesus’ people must be walked upon a narrow path. With every step we take we set the next foot exactly with the guidance of Jesus. And He has marked it out clearly enough in His word. And even if a man can’t read, there is the Spirit of God, which is given to us, to guide each moment’s decisions.
Chase after everything worldly if you wish. But you should be aware that there is a moment of consequence coming. God is Holy and will call every man to account for every step, word, and intent. Why would you risk eternal separation from the God of Life? There is a cost to following Jesus. If you look at your life and find that the only difference between you and the world around you is that you hang out with a bunch of people who listen to “Jesus stuff” on Sunday, you might do well to consider your future.
By His Grace.
Each New Day
Embracing a new day means opportunity. We have a chance to think a million thoughts. We have the chance to do thousands of things. We get to experience this “place of testing” once again. And we are allowed one more moment to look hard for the God who created us.
Embracing the end of our new day means we have opportunity. We have a chance to look back at the important thoughts we had. We have the result of thousands of things we did. We sum up our experience in this “Place of Testing”. And we are allowed to look back over our shoulder to see if the God who made us was located by us.
These days will end. We all die. And we have the promise, by He who cannot lie, that Jesus will return to gather His people to Himself. I tell you a truth. There will be a day of deep regret for most. They did not consider Jesus worthy of their million thoughts. They did not do the things God demands of all men. Their experience of this “Place of Testing” was numbed by materialism, pride, drugs, and all manner of pleasure seeking. And they will find the God who made them without preparation for that monumental Appearance.
If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner? It’s your day. Do as you please. But there is One who owns every day. And you are treading on His turf. Consider with a sober mind.
By His Grace.
The Closing Net
As we see events closing in on the world, which are forcing them into the valley of decision, we also see people living their lives as though nothing were happening. I’m amazed to watch this happening as God foretold. He said that He would send all manner of difficulties upon man that they would have a chance to turn to Him. But He said that they would never forsake the work of their hands. God is absolutely true, wise, eternal, Holy, and able to direct the paths of men into His will.
Where do you stand in relation to God? If you’ve accepted His salvation in Christ Jesus and are actively listening to be willingly led by God’s will, then good. But if you’re ignoring the signs of this age, you’re in for a horrible surprise shortly. Can’t you feel the net close in around you? haven’t you heard of the horrors abroad? Don’t you see the rulers gather together to plot their own kingdoms? Why doesn’t the rising cost of living cause you alarm? And this is just the beginning.
You have heard people warn of the end of the world. And you’ve heard others laugh at such talk. And yet you do nothing regarding your relationship to the One who made you. Your only concern is that you survive. How long will you be able to survive? And what does survival in the body you now inhabit mean? That you get to live a few more minutes than the majority of those who will appear at the throne of God with you?
Look around. It’s here. The end is quickly becoming apparent.
By His Grace.
The Place of Shadows.
He prepares a table for His people in the midst of their enemies.
What we are and what we have belongs to Jesus. This is not eternity, though we float under His gaze. This is the place of shadows. What we see, hear, taste, feel, and think are but shadows of what is True. There is a place of Truth. And to that place we all will enter. Right now we live in a place of testing. Do you love God and His things? Or are you taken in by all the shadows. Do you love the world more than you love God? If so, you will be horribly disappointed when you appear before Him.
Repent of all things ungodly and seek His lovely face while you live in this place of shadows. If you wait till death it will be too late to prove your allegiance.
By His Grace.
Vain Superstitions
We are not called to frolic in the guestimations of the world regarding the Holiness of God. We are called to join with Him in implementing His will among men. While men make guesses regarding end times, the “Way”, the nature of Jesus’ salvation and glorification, God remains steady and sure. He does not shift or change according to the limited understanding of man’s wicked contrivings regarding Holy. God is. And it is enough for us to live by the faith He gives each one of us.
Cease your constant wandering and rest. It is God who works His will in His people. Do not be swayed by all kinds of foolish words with which man builds his kingdoms. They speculate about what is true. It is God’s domain to KNOW what is true. The one who follows Jesus will lay aside all this foolishness and pick up what is absolute. God is willing to share wisdom to anyone who will ask. And He will share this vast resource without judgment of any man’s history or bend toward wickedness. Only, let us not give in to believing all the short sighted superstitions the world begs us to endure. Hold firmly to Jesus and the truth He reveals.
Let those who will chase after vain knowledge; knowledge that is puffed up by the mind and wicked heart of man. It is not the lot of Christians to cave to the foolish of the world around them who do not know the Lord of Glory.
By His Grace.
Words From There 