Temptation rears its ugly head in many ways. Pastors of large churches must resist the temptation to compromise biblical teaching in the effort to keep the seats full and the people giving so that they can support their huge buildings and large staffs. Pastors of smaller congregations must resist the temptation to make the teaching more about them and the ways that they can manipulate the congregation. Paul’s teaching is simple but very clear – do not let anyone CAPTURE you with empty words. You will not be able to make any excuses when you stand before the Lord including, “because my pastor said so.” It is the job of each of us to engage ourselves in the Word and learn how to, with the help of the Holy Spirit, discern the Truth of the Gospel as it pertains to our lives. Take some responsibility for this in your life and walk with God in His Word.
6And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. 7Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. 8Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. 9For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. 10So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority. (Colossians 2:6-10 NLT)
Temptation rears its ugly head in many ways. Pastors of large churches must resist the temptation to compromise biblical teaching in the effort to keep the seats full and the people giving so that they can support their huge buildings and large staffs. Pastors of smaller congregations must resist the temptation to make the teaching more about them and the ways that they can manipulate the congregation. Paul’s teaching is simple but very clear – do not let anyone CAPTURE you with empty words. You will not be able to make any excuses when you stand before the Lord including, “because my pastor said so.” It is the job of each of us to engage ourselves in the Word and learn how to, with the help of the Holy Spirit, discern the Truth of the Gospel as it pertains to our lives. Take some responsibility for this in your life and walk with God in His Word.
0 Comments
35When Jesus heard what had happened, he found the man and asked, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” 36The man answered, “Who is he, sir? I want to believe in him.” 37“You have seen him,” Jesus said, “and he is speaking to you!” 38“Yes, Lord, I believe!” the man said. And he worshiped Jesus. 39Then Jesus told him, “I entered this world to render judgment—to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind.” 40Some Pharisees who were standing nearby heard him and asked, “Are you saying we’re blind?” 41“If you were blind, you wouldn’t be guilty,” Jesus replied. “But you remain guilty because you claim you can see.
A simple question, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” A not-so-simple answer, “Who is he, sir? I WANT to believe in him.” Often as a pastor I get these questions in reverse order. Folks talk to me at a point in their lives when they are broken and ready to believe in something bigger than themselves – bigger than their problems. Folks are ready to believe and then they want to know, “Who is he?” If you have spent any time listening to my preaching or teaching then you know my answer – I can tell you ABOUT Jesus; but only YOU and JESUS can build your relationship. So if Jesus asked you this question today, how would YOU respond? 4The Lord gave me this message: 5“I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.” 6“O Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!” 7The Lord replied, “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. 8And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken!” 9Then the Lord reached out and touched my mouth and said, “Look, I have put my words in your mouth! 10Today I appoint you to stand up against nations and kingdoms. Some you must uproot and tear down, destroy and overthrow. Others you must build up and plant.”
These words from the Prophet Jeremiah, Chapter 1 (NLT) speak volumes to us all today living on the other side of the cross. The Word does indeed abide within us in the form of the Holy Spirit and we ALL do indeed have a calling in this life – some to create and some to tear down. These are powerful words that serve as an equally powerful reminder that each and every one of us – believer and non-believer alike – will be used by God for His plan and His purpose. The believer has the distinct advantage, however, of exploring his or her calling WITH our Lord as we live in relationship with Him. That is amazing and wonderful and powerful and I pray that each and every one of you is exploring your specific calling with your creator. You may indeed be surprised at what He has in store for YOU! 37But despite all the miraculous signs Jesus had done, most of the people still did not believe in him. 38This is exactly what Isaiah the prophet had predicted: “Lord, who has believed our message? To whom has the Lord revealed his powerful arm?” 39But the people couldn’t believe, for as Isaiah also said, 40“The Lord has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts—so that their eyes cannot see, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to me and have me heal them.” (John 12:37-40 NLT)
So from this reading, is it we who shut out God - or does God close the eyes of some people? The scripture reads, "But the people couldn't believe..." not 'wouldn't believe.' Interesting. Why would God blind some people and harden their hearts? The question boils down to this... Why is creation such that not all who come to know the name of Jesus will believe in the Messiah? To answer this let me ask more questions... Do you force the people closest to you to love you? Do you threaten them and attempt to control them, or do you allow them the choice? I can't answer that, but you can; and if you are forcing, or are forced, into "loving" someone, well, you know as well as I that is not real, healthy, agape love. It can't be - because the foundation of healthy relationship and healthy love is choice. Let me ask you one more question... If you love God, WHY do you love God? Is it out of fear? Is it because of what you believe He will do for you? Those are both unhealthy, immature reasons to love. God is the creator of the universe and He loves you simply because you are a part of it. Love God just because He is God and His desire is to draw you to Himself - of your own choice - with no other expectation. |
AuthorPastor Brian is the senior pastor of Churchtown Church of God and regularly shares his thoughts & insight here - he invites you to join in the discussion of life & faith! Archives
January 2022
Categories |