Misunderstanding God's Word - Part 1 of Four 

We as Christians should take God's Word into our hearts daily so we can call upon scriptures in times of stress and temptation just as Jesus did in the wilderness when Satan tempted Him. But, there are times we twist and shape scriptures incorrectly to meet our need at the time.

 “Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us. (2 Timothy 3:16-17 MSG) The Holy Scriptures are God’s Divine Revelation to us but it can be dangerous when used incorrectly. Over the next three columns we are going to explore some favorite scriptures that we have heard preached, taught and quoted for years but interpreted  (maybe not on purpose) to fit our topic or occasion.

I would like to begin this series of columns by stating that I believe that the Bible was written by nearly 40 authors, divinely inspired over a period of 1500 years. The Bible is consistent and does not contradict itself. The Bible has stood the test over the years by many who would attack it’s truthfulness and integrity but the Holy Word has stood the test.

 So let’s get started on our quest of Biblical interpretation and as we do let’s consider that when we fall into the temptation to misuse or manipulate God’s Word we run the risk of leading others astray.

How many times have you heard, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” (Matthew 18:20 ESV) This Scripture has been used to open a Bible studies, Prayer Meetings and I’ll confess I used it once in topical sermon. In each case the verse was taken out of context to fit the situation. “Where two or more are are gathered, Jesus says He’ll be there. It’s a great promise. But let’s be fair anytime you sit down to your quite, worship, have fellowship or any Christian gathering we can rest assured the spiritual presence will be there. In Matthew 28:20 the promise even extends to “the end of the age”

If we go back into Matthew Chapter 18 we see a specific tone to these words. Jesus wasn’t talking about a prayer meeting or a Bible study. The topic was Church Discipline. Jesus was teaching his disciples and those who followed him how to handle sin and conflict. This discourse immediately follows the parable of the lost sheep which addresses how we should restore someone who has gone astray. Then uses the parable of the unmerciful servant who would not forgive a debt after he had been forgiven a debt He could not pay. Jesus paints a beautiful picture of how we should address those who have gone astray (discipline) and forgive (grace) those who have wronged us.

So here is an example of Christ teaching of how we should not ignore interpersonal sin and conflict and in contrast be committed to developing and maintaining healthy, wholesome (fully reconciled) relationships. Interesting, all this time I thought Jesus was talking about a prayer meeting. Maybe you did too. Join me next week as we explore how Christians should discipline their brother and sisters. In addition, we us m Blog as a Discussion Board during this series. God bless and remember, “Nothing that happens to you is a surprise to God.”

In Times of Need - Return to the Cross

Many time God just wants us to LISTEN. Yes, prayer is the foundation of our Christian lives. But to many prayer is speaking to God. Crying out to Him, pleading our case, or asking for strength. For many years I have experienced times when God will tell me "Get Up...Wake up because there are things that you need to here and I do not want you distracted." Most of the time it falls when I have had very little sleep and it is always around the time frame of 3:00am. Why? Only God knows but I wake up clear minded and I know my Father wants to speak to me. Maybe, I hope, you have experienced times like these. If you have I would love to hear from you. This morning was one of those times. I had troubles on my mind regarding a particular course I am taking at Liberty University. called, "History of Life". It is more of a science class than it is a biblical  case. But in short it compares science to the Bible's account to creation. Creation vs. Evolution. With it comes many theories and scientific terms which my old mind has a hard time grasping. But nonetheless, it is a required course and the first two weeks have not been easy or successful for me.

As I sought God's voice this morning and meditated on the scriptures Romans 5:8 jumped off the page. "God demonstrated His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." As I meditated (Still listening) I found my answer for my struggles, "Return to the Cross". God assured me that during this time of struggle I must "Return to the Cross". Some inquired of me once, "Why are you going to school at such an old age?" My reply, "God told me to."

This verse confirms that even when I was a sinner lost and dying God loved me. I began to reflect on the profound love of my Savior's love and the terrible struggles, pain that he endured to may the ultimate sacrifice of the entire world. His arms on the cross were stretched out as to say universality, "Whosoever may come." So just as His grace extended to me for salvation. His strength extends to me during this time that I struggle with this course. When He told me to return to school for His ministry He never promised that there would not be struggles and stress. He assured me that he would be with me during these times but I had to return to the cross, Pray and have faith.

So I would stay to you this morning at 5:11am. If you are struggling with sin, work, family or many of the problems that can come about in our society. "Return to the Cross". God has a wonderful plan for our live but we cannot rely on ourselves. He gave Paul struggles, as he carried God's word he had suffering, pain, hunger and hardship but each time He "Returned to the Cross." But is we read Paul gives us the answer for his struggles and pain, "But it was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God, who raised the dead." (2 Corinthians 1:9)

Yes, I have seen the posting on Facebook, "If God Gets You To It, He will get you through it." For this statement to give us strength we must, "Return to the Cross" and not rely upon ourselves and be thankful to God for His presence in all things so that we do not have to rely on "ourselves".

So, this was my Father's advice this morning regarding a simple issue of a difficult academic challenge. BIG to me but nothing to God if I rely totally on Him. Got issues "Return to the Cross."

 

Answering The Call of Christ

              I know many residents and visitors to Palestine enjoy our downtown area, the array of different types of shops, antique stores, specialty stores and the historic architecture. Walking the sidewalks takes me back to days past. The “Boutique Tree” located at 202 W. Oak (across the street from L&L Shoe Store) is one of those businesses. It specializes in carrying an array of handmade items furniture, collectibles with all proceeds going to a non-profit organization called “Refuge of Light”. Barbara Pettit, Manager of the “Boutique Tree” shared “We want to get the word out to the surrounding area, that we are here, our purpose and what the customer will be supporting when they shop with us. We offer gift items, crafts and women’s accessories; necklaces, scarfs, handbags all donated and handcrafted by local artist. The purpose for the “Boutique Tree” is a special one. “Refuge of Light is a nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing a long term safe home that provides physical, mental, and spiritual healing in an effort to overcome the brutalization of modern day slavery, called ‘sex trafficking’ in the lives of victimized girls under the age of 18 years within the United States.” Jay Abernathy, pastor of First Baptist Church in Palestine serves on the Board of Directors for Refuge of Light and encourages our community to shop there, “The Boutique Tree and the Grounds for Justice coffee shop in Tyler are wonderful, well-operated business that provide a way for many to directly support the ministry while finding a quality deal. Each time I go into the store I am amazed at the handcrafts, fair trade and quality items they have available.”
             Many would say or think, “This couldn’t go on in our area.” But the reality is it does. Human trafficking is the second largest and fastest growing criminal activity in the world. Human trafficking or slavery generates $32 billion annually, worldwide (The International Labor Office). Statistics show that within the United States there is anywhere from 100,000 to 300,000 individuals sexually trafficked, yearly (U.S. Department of Justice). Tragically, there are only a handful of shelters with less than 300 total beds in the entire United States for domestic minor victims.
The majority of these victims are young girls that have fallen prey to the commercial sex industry at the hands of perpetrators known as pimps and johns.
             Jay continued, “Refuge of Light is the result of several people obediently listening to the call of Christ to set free the oppressed. It has been one of those ministries that we know without a doubt we are doing a work Jesus would do. As others, my involvement began with a broken heart for victims of human trafficking.”
            Barbara Pettit explained briefly how the process works, “Once the girls have been safely placed in the care of the ROL. Their new lives begin. The shelters work with each child to develop a plan based on their specific circumstances. Jay stated, “We couldn’t be where we are today without the cooperative efforts of many churches, businesses, and believers in our area. From the organization of our board, volunteers and donors we represent a large cross-section of our area of the state and congregations.”
            As Christians we are called to help the sick, the poor and those who are in need. We can help by shopping at affiliated business, hosting fund raising events, becoming a volunteer or making a donation. You can learn more at, http://refugeoflight.org, or Facebook pages- Refuge of Light and Boutique Tree-benefiting Refuge of Light.

Evangelism and Social Action - Meeting the Needs of the People

Evangelism and Social Action are two separate ministries of the church. Both are vital to our answering the “Great Commission” You cannot eliminate one for they “complete” the calling of the Body of Christ. For example, Matthew 3:1 tells of John the Baptist, “In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, “Repent because the kingdom of heaven has come near!” (HCSB) Evangelism comes from the Greek word, “euangelion” meaning to announce the good news. At Pentecost after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit Peter stood and preached the good news. In Acts 2:38, Peter gives what we today might call “an invitation” when he said, “Repent and be baptized, each of you in the name of Jesus Christ.” (HCSB)

            Jesus did not send the disciples out just to proclaim the gospel, they were to heal the sick and care for the people. Jesus was concerned about the spiritual and physical well-being of believers and unbelievers. “Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way.” (Matthew 15:32 NIV)  Social Action puts Christians in the midst of non-believers. If we are share Christ with a family who has not food, would not God command us to care of their physical needs first?

            When social action is missing the evangelism is hindered and the message of Christ is compromised. “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matthew 9:36 NIV) The Body of Christ is called to minister to the people through Evangelism and Social Action. Both are a vital part of that ministry. One cannot be effective without the other and we must allow the Holy Spirit to direct us in their application. 

A Call To Missions

The “Great Commission” was not the Great Suggestion.  As believers we are all called to be a missionary. The last words that Jesus said to the 11 disciples are recorded in the Book of Matthew, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” (Matthew 28:18-19 HCSB)

The “Calling” for Paul Jones, Pastor of Court Drive Church of Christ has be a lifelong commitment. Paul was born in South Africa and was led to Christ in 1974 by a missionary from the United States. After serving 5 years in the South African. Air Force God called him into missions. Attending Bible College in South African in what he calls his “Missional” calling. From South Africa his missional calling for Christ took him to Russia, Saipan and the Ukraine. In 1999 he felt his calling leading him to the United States. He moved to White Hall, Arkansas. During his time there God expanded the local churches outreach in the local community and to Zimbabwe and Guyana. Paul witnessed as God richly blessed the church membership and those who heard the Good News.

In 2002 his missional journey took him to Lafayette, Louisiana to the Riverside Church. The local work was so rewarding and grew at such an outrageous pace both in the United States and foreign mission field that the church made two trips to India, two to Russia, three to Mexico and four trips to Zimbabwe. The work in Zimbabwe was so welcomed that their focus remained there.

In 2006, God led him to Palestine where as pastor of Court Drive Church of Christ. Form this base congregation a medical clinic has been built in Plumtree, Zimbabwe, 17 new congregations have been established. Paul says that “The missional call that burns deep within me is the motivation and drive that empowers me to fulfill the Great Commission.  Paul quotes a past instructor, Les Massey, who said, “Paul, being a disciple is only part of God’s plan. Making disciples that make disciples that is Gods calling. In Paul’s 30 years of ministry he has lived out those words. He has led 5 missionary trips and 18 evangelical/medical mission trips with local doctors and nurses back to South Africa. These mission trips are non-denominational in nature. Anyone wishing to serve Christ on the South African mission field is encourage to contact the church office. 903-729-0196

Paul lives each day with the calling that God gave him many years ago. Each one of us are called to be missionaries. It might not be within our ability to attend a mission trip to foreign soil but we can live out the Great Commission here in Palestine. Act 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, (Palestine) in all Judea (Anderson County) and Samaria (Texas), and to the ends of the earth (Prayers).” (emphasis added)These words tell us to reach outside the walls of our church and think “lateral”. To “Go” not to “Come and See” that is our commission. So the next time you see your co-worker, friends, cashiers or the stranger on the street, ask them a simple question, “Do you have a church home?” The Holy Spirit will take over from there. Trust me.

Powerless Without God

My entire life I have thought of myself as a problem solver. I thought I was good at solving other people's problems but always drew a blank when it came to my own. It wasn't until I realized that I was powerless. I had no great wisdom or strength. As far as other people's problems I may or may not have given them the correct advise. It wasn't until I was faced with the fact that everything that I am, any strength that I do have comes from God. Chapter 2 Corinthians 4:7 tells me and any believer that we "Are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves (NLT)

Yes, God can work through you but only when you get out of the way. Often we think that God only chooses people with extraordinary gifts or talents to be His representatives. That is a lie we tell ourselves. God takes humble people like you and I and if we turn ourselves over to Him and His service, He will work glorious things in our lives.

The more we give of ourselves, the more the Word shines out to others from us.

If you are like me those thoughts come into her head like, I am not worthy, I can't do it, I don't have enough knowledge for the Father's service. Remember those thoughts are not from our Father. I once thought that God could not use me because of my past. I think that I gave Paul a run for his money when it came to "who was the worst sinner." But God assured me that my "adequacy" is from Him. (2 Corinthians 3:5) I had to give up to self, empty myself and let the Spirit move within me. That when I felt the strength.

So friend place your faith in Him and praise and rejoice as He does a wonderful work for His Glory within you and through you. Just turn in your rags and He will give you riches. As we read the story of Jeremiah's calling, "the Lord came to me, I chose you before I formed you in the womb, I set you apart, before you were born I appointed you a prophet to the nations." (Jeremiah 1:4-5 HCSB) Remember how Jeremiah responded, in the same manner as we do sometimes, "Oh no, not me! I can't do this....I am not a good speaker or teacher. I am too old. (that was always my favorite line) But God called Jeremiah anyway and said, "Do not be afraid, I will be with you." So go out today my friend with the confidence that God will give you the strength and whatever else you need to do His work. Our strength does not come from ourselves it comes form Him.

1 Chronicles 29:12 (HCSB)

  ^"Riches and honor come from You, and You are the ruler of everything. Power and might are in Your hand, and it is in Your hand to make great and to give strength to all."