"Status quo" is defined as "the existing state of affairs at a particular time." There is no one more revolutionary than Jesus Christ. Revolutionaries are only seen as rebels by those who benefit from the status quo. God had given the Jews His law so man might know the character, nature, and righteous statutes of his Creator. But man became enamored with the law itself and the feeble attempt to keep it. The focus became the effort of man, not the glory of God. Suddenly there were religious experts who were trained to interpret this law and feverishly police and punish anyone who transgressed. Profiteers saw and seized opportunities for monetary benefits for themselves and the organization, not to mention status and position among leaders of the community.
Jesus came on the scene and said, "You have heard it said...but I say unto you..." Instead of quoting ancient rabbis or deferring to the status quo position, Jesus turned everything upside down. Did God make a mistake with the writing of the original law and Jesus had to come to set everything right? NO! The law was and is perfect. But the law did not have the power to save. A vain attempt at keeping the law delivered to Moses would not atone for sins committed. Jesus revealed the law was a schoolmaster to lead us to Himself. The law provided ample proof that no man could ever keep God's standards (even though Jesus did, being God made flesh). It proved our sinfulness. The law stops every mouth. There is none who is good but God. The law points us to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross and His resurrection. It is by placing our faith in Jesus that we can be cleansed of our sin and made righteous, justified by His blood. God is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. We can have peace and reconciliation with God not through self-effort, but by grace through faith in Jesus.
I believe that God desires a revolution in His church today. I'm not talking about the overthrow of "the system" or a hostile takeover. It takes more than being fed-up with the status quo to start a revolution. Spiritual revolution occurs not through the addition of something new, but returning to the fundamentals. One of the many definitions of "revolution" is "a procedure or course, as if in a circuit, back to a starting point." I believe we make a big mistake to say the starting point was the church in Acts. The infant church in Acts didn't have a church to attempt to model itself after and we would be silly to try to do that ourselves. Our best would only be an attempt at emulation. The starting point is the person of Jesus Christ, the Head of the Body of Christ which is His church. We are taught and led by the Holy Spirit, indwelt and baptized with Him. If we try to simply do what has been done we find ourselves with the Pharisees, trying to follow an external set of standards.
The question is, are you willing to allow God to change the way you think? Are you satisfied with your personal status quo Christianity? I have found I must admit I am dissatisfied before I am willing to change. Case in point, since returning to the trade changes to my personal time with God have been forced upon me. I am usually on the job site by around 6am. I set my alarm for 4:50am for a little while. I came to the realization I was completely dissatisfied by the quality or quantity of prayer, Bible reading, and reflection. So I set my alarm for 4am and have been pleased with the change. When you start feeling comfortable, status quo for you is now defined. Personally, I am sick of the status quo. The status quo doesn't amount to what it should. When I am comfortable, laziness and lameness are not far away. I want to go into undefined territory with my Savior, going to a level I never have before. Believe me, setting your alarm clock for 4am is not a magic formula for drawing close to God. We all have our own spiritual race to run and we will always be our primary hindrance.
Today at work I mused over this concept of the Jesus Revolution. Little fear of God and great fear of man will always prevent spiritual revolution. Spiritual revolution doesn't put you in charge, but God. But there have been many men and women compelled by the Holy Spirit who were not afraid to break out of the status quo. Luther and Calvin are two great examples of men who were in high regard in the Catholic church but saw descrepancies between status quo church teachings and the scriptures. They chose to stick to the scriptures and were convinced in their own minds through the Holy Spirit. Are you willing to throw aside the dogma of your religious affiliation, not to become your own man, but to be solely God's man? You don't need to leave your church or start a new denomination to be a part of the Jesus Revolution. That would line up more with the Pharisee point of view. It's not a matter of geography, style, or flavor. It's the substance of your heart that God looks at. You can worship in a prison, park, jobsite, or an office just the same. Are you willing to follow Jesus no matter the cost? Start a Jesus Revolution right where you are right now. I'm thinking that's just what we need.
04 January 2010
02 January 2010
Looking to the Future...
As I look forward to 2010 I wonder if it will hold as many twists and turns that 2009 proved to have. The last year saw me resign from a full-time ministry position to spend 60 days in Australia separated from my family. But it wasn't terrible because God was with me the whole time. He provided a job in my trade a day after my return from Australia that is enabling me to work towards the ultimate goal of immigrating to Australia.
I just watched a bit of "Patton" this evening, the outspoken, gregarious, opinionated, and amazing four-star general who saw action in both World Wars. There was a line that caught my attention as he described what he felt was his destiny: "I've always felt that I was destined for some great achievement, what I don't know." I feel I've spent a lot of time "not knowing" this last year. I didn't know where I'd be going in Australia, where I'd be staying, who I'd be staying with, where I'd be preaching, how the bills would be paid, what I would be doing upon my return, and on and on! But I say with great pleasure and joy that God knew right well, and He provided abundantly beyond what I could have asked for or thought. Instead of focusing on what I don't know, it's good to look to the God who knows all and can do anything He wants concerning me, my family, and the gifts, ministry, and calling I am steward of.
I played some football today with some brothers from church and if you've ever seen me on the field, it's more likely that you've heard me as well! As a quarterback I'm like Patton back there, barking signals, issuing orders, motivating my teammates by strong words, minus any "colorful" language. People either loved Patton or hated him, and I'm sure that I amuse some as much as irritate others. But you know, leading a ministry cannot be done by barking orders and storming through strongholds of the enemy with tanks and footsoldiers. It was God who said through the prophet, "...Not by might, not by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts." (Zech. 4:6) God does not need generals who are in it for the glory. He desires leaders who will take the lowest place and put their back to the work. He wants men and women who are willing to gut through the wilderness, tribulation, and trials when prayers seem to be unheard and vision becomes dim. He wants people to trust Him though they can't see a foot in front of their face.
I have no clue what this year holds for me and my family concerning ministry here or in Australia. But I'm going to stick with what I know: I have been called as a preacher and apostle to go to Australia for the glory of God; I have been provided a job to work towards that end; and God is in heaven and I am here on earth. Time is short, and we must work while it is still day because the night is coming when no one can work. Visas, government, immigration, home selling and buying, none of these are obstacles for God: only opportunities for Him to prove Himself faithful again and again. Let God be true and every man a liar. None of this is about me. I'm not the center of anything - I exist for the glory and praise of God, to make His name famous throughout the earth. I want to be better at that.
I just watched a bit of "Patton" this evening, the outspoken, gregarious, opinionated, and amazing four-star general who saw action in both World Wars. There was a line that caught my attention as he described what he felt was his destiny: "I've always felt that I was destined for some great achievement, what I don't know." I feel I've spent a lot of time "not knowing" this last year. I didn't know where I'd be going in Australia, where I'd be staying, who I'd be staying with, where I'd be preaching, how the bills would be paid, what I would be doing upon my return, and on and on! But I say with great pleasure and joy that God knew right well, and He provided abundantly beyond what I could have asked for or thought. Instead of focusing on what I don't know, it's good to look to the God who knows all and can do anything He wants concerning me, my family, and the gifts, ministry, and calling I am steward of.
I played some football today with some brothers from church and if you've ever seen me on the field, it's more likely that you've heard me as well! As a quarterback I'm like Patton back there, barking signals, issuing orders, motivating my teammates by strong words, minus any "colorful" language. People either loved Patton or hated him, and I'm sure that I amuse some as much as irritate others. But you know, leading a ministry cannot be done by barking orders and storming through strongholds of the enemy with tanks and footsoldiers. It was God who said through the prophet, "...Not by might, not by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts." (Zech. 4:6) God does not need generals who are in it for the glory. He desires leaders who will take the lowest place and put their back to the work. He wants men and women who are willing to gut through the wilderness, tribulation, and trials when prayers seem to be unheard and vision becomes dim. He wants people to trust Him though they can't see a foot in front of their face.
I have no clue what this year holds for me and my family concerning ministry here or in Australia. But I'm going to stick with what I know: I have been called as a preacher and apostle to go to Australia for the glory of God; I have been provided a job to work towards that end; and God is in heaven and I am here on earth. Time is short, and we must work while it is still day because the night is coming when no one can work. Visas, government, immigration, home selling and buying, none of these are obstacles for God: only opportunities for Him to prove Himself faithful again and again. Let God be true and every man a liar. None of this is about me. I'm not the center of anything - I exist for the glory and praise of God, to make His name famous throughout the earth. I want to be better at that.
31 December 2009
Resolute in God
As the New Year begins, many people make resolutions on changes they will make in their lives. I believe if you have the constitution and willpower to actually keep your resolutions, it's likely you do not need to make them! With how most people live, instead of saying you have made a "New Year's resolution," you might as well say "I wish." There is a lot we all wish we could change about ourselves. Trouble is, it takes a new calender year to inspire us to work for one change we desire or know we need. And when the resolution has no impact except guilt because we haven't done our part, we sigh, shrug our shoulders and say to ourselves, "There's always next year..." The devil would love for us to wait a year between efforts at change for the better.
Last night I had an interesting conversation about New Year's resolutions. People were discussing how the New Year is a great opportunity for personal reflection upon the last year. This is a very healthy response which should not be reserved for one day out of the year! We must see our deficiencies before we will aim higher. We can be very content in our failing, not even holding ourselves accountable for falling short of our low expectations!
The thing we must understand about changing ourselves is that we cannot do it! It takes help from without to change within. Why do you think support groups are so key for those recovering from substance abuse? The trouble is the support group can become a substitute for the substance: remove the support group and often the substance resumes the previous hold. I am convinced that God is the only one who can truly change a person. He changes our attitudes, hearts, desires, the way we think, and the things we desire to think about! Our God has the capacity to transform us into a new creation. There is no need for us to wait a year for this change: He can do it in an instant when we ask humbly according to His perfect will.
I'm sure David did not wait years between his prayer in Psalm 139:23-24: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; [24] And see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." It is good for us to always be continually reviewing our conduct and attitudes. But the LORD is the one who searches our hearts. He finds things to change that we didn't even know were there. The great thing is instead of heaping upon ourselves condemnation, we receive grace, mercy, and communion with God. Instead of making resolutions trusting an arm of flesh, let us cry out to the One who is steadfast and immovable, all-powerful and wise. If there is any good change to be made in us God must be the Author and Finisher. When God begins a good work He is faithful to complete it every time.
Last night I had an interesting conversation about New Year's resolutions. People were discussing how the New Year is a great opportunity for personal reflection upon the last year. This is a very healthy response which should not be reserved for one day out of the year! We must see our deficiencies before we will aim higher. We can be very content in our failing, not even holding ourselves accountable for falling short of our low expectations!
The thing we must understand about changing ourselves is that we cannot do it! It takes help from without to change within. Why do you think support groups are so key for those recovering from substance abuse? The trouble is the support group can become a substitute for the substance: remove the support group and often the substance resumes the previous hold. I am convinced that God is the only one who can truly change a person. He changes our attitudes, hearts, desires, the way we think, and the things we desire to think about! Our God has the capacity to transform us into a new creation. There is no need for us to wait a year for this change: He can do it in an instant when we ask humbly according to His perfect will.
I'm sure David did not wait years between his prayer in Psalm 139:23-24: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; [24] And see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." It is good for us to always be continually reviewing our conduct and attitudes. But the LORD is the one who searches our hearts. He finds things to change that we didn't even know were there. The great thing is instead of heaping upon ourselves condemnation, we receive grace, mercy, and communion with God. Instead of making resolutions trusting an arm of flesh, let us cry out to the One who is steadfast and immovable, all-powerful and wise. If there is any good change to be made in us God must be the Author and Finisher. When God begins a good work He is faithful to complete it every time.
29 December 2009
Give All to God
A great temptation we will face as believers is to keep what should be given to God for ourselves. A perfect example of this is found in Acts chapter 5 when Ananias and Sapphira kept back part of the price of the land. Under the guise of bringing the full purchase price, Ananias laid a part of the total price at the feet of the apostles. Acts 5:3-5 reads, "But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? [4] While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God." [5] Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things."
God has granted all people talents and resources. As followers of Christ we have the privilege of being led by the Holy Spirit. Ananias was not influenced by God to give but by Satan. There are any number of reasons why he lied and gave part instead of all, but none of those reasons make it right. He paid for his sin with his life and great fear fell upon the people who heard of this. Today as I was working wrapping duct, the phrase kept ringing in my head: "While it remained, was it not your own?" God has given us stewardship of earthly things for a little while. The earth will pass away. We have control over what we buy, sell, how we give, and what we keep for ourselves. How we conduct ourselves will bring consequences to our lives, good or bad.
I wonder: if Ananias could do it over again, would he give all to God or keep all for himself? There is no middle ground. As Gladys Aylward says, "God does not need our bits and pieces." He wants all of us. It is the lie of Satan for us to think it is o.k. to pretend to give all the glory to God but keep a little to stroke our egos. It is not right to cast our burdens upon Christ but reserve a few to justify worrying or feeling sorry for ourselves. Jesus did not give part of Himself on the cross. I believe it is impossible for us to give all to God. But what is impossible for us is possible with God, for all things are possible for them who believe.
Being a steward of the mysteries of the Gospel is a daunting, sober responsibility. Let him who think he stands take heed lest he fall. As the song says my heart shouts, "I surrender all...all to thee my blessed Savior, I surrender all." LORD, please make that a reality. I cannot do this thing. I am no better than Ananias. I renounce all the times I have kept back part for myself when I should have given all. I praise you for Your faithfulness, O God, for you are able to accomplish what concerns me today and always.
God has granted all people talents and resources. As followers of Christ we have the privilege of being led by the Holy Spirit. Ananias was not influenced by God to give but by Satan. There are any number of reasons why he lied and gave part instead of all, but none of those reasons make it right. He paid for his sin with his life and great fear fell upon the people who heard of this. Today as I was working wrapping duct, the phrase kept ringing in my head: "While it remained, was it not your own?" God has given us stewardship of earthly things for a little while. The earth will pass away. We have control over what we buy, sell, how we give, and what we keep for ourselves. How we conduct ourselves will bring consequences to our lives, good or bad.
I wonder: if Ananias could do it over again, would he give all to God or keep all for himself? There is no middle ground. As Gladys Aylward says, "God does not need our bits and pieces." He wants all of us. It is the lie of Satan for us to think it is o.k. to pretend to give all the glory to God but keep a little to stroke our egos. It is not right to cast our burdens upon Christ but reserve a few to justify worrying or feeling sorry for ourselves. Jesus did not give part of Himself on the cross. I believe it is impossible for us to give all to God. But what is impossible for us is possible with God, for all things are possible for them who believe.
Being a steward of the mysteries of the Gospel is a daunting, sober responsibility. Let him who think he stands take heed lest he fall. As the song says my heart shouts, "I surrender all...all to thee my blessed Savior, I surrender all." LORD, please make that a reality. I cannot do this thing. I am no better than Ananias. I renounce all the times I have kept back part for myself when I should have given all. I praise you for Your faithfulness, O God, for you are able to accomplish what concerns me today and always.
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