The Gospel of Jesus Christ is unlike anything that world has ever seen. When the Gospel was presented by Jesus, it was not accompanied by an advertising campaign. Unlike many other pagan religions of the time, it was not sexually driven or marked by drug use. It was not forwarded by political influence, nor advanced through military prowess by Christ's disciples. The Gospel did not hold promises for financial gain, nor boasted promises of fame, acceptance, and power. It was quite the opposite: Jesus said that all who repented and trusted in Him would be forgiven of their sins and inherit eternal life - with the understanding they were choosing a life of humility, servitude, rejection, being hated, misunderstood, persecuted, tortured, imprisoned, and even murdered. The world must marvel that Jesus had any followers at all. But those who have left all to follow Christ understand that a relationship with Him is the most real thing they have ever experienced in this life and know we will be perfected in the life to come. A true follower of Jesus can't imagine not following Him. When we become one with Christ, to separate ourselves from Him is unthinkable.
What drives business, politics, science, medicine, prostitution, fashion, professional sports, music, entertainment, technology, and every other industry imaginable? Money! It was never intended by God that the Gospel become industrialized and institutionalized as well. The Gospel must never be a vehicle for financial profit. There is a difference between earning a living and making a profit. It is right that pastors, preachers, and other staff members at churches are paid for their time so they can be dedicated to laboring in the Word, prayer, and doctrine. But it would never do for preachers to become rich by preaching for this is not according to the model of Christ. This sends the wrong message to the world when pastors live in million-dollar mansions, have private jets, drive Rolls-Royces, buy a single toilet for $23,000 and claim tax-exempt status.
Jesus never told His disciples they could not have nice things, even expensive things. But one thing Jesus never did - though all things are made by Him and for Him in heaven and earth - was make a vulgar display of His wealth. He could have used riches to "further" the Gospel, but He didn't. Riches appeal to the flesh. Our flesh must be crucified with Christ so we can spiritually live with Him. Jesus says in Matthew 6:19-21, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; [20] but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. [21] For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." If the great desire of our heart is to build an empire of this world, to leave an earthly legacy, than our hearts are not under the authority of Christ.
The fact remains we Christians are called to deny ourselves, take up our crosses daily, and follow Jesus. I must care for God and others more than myself. To go even further, in the Sermon on the Mount Jesus says I ought to take no thought for my life because He is able to provide for all that I need. Instead of trusting a portfolio or retirement investments which can evaporate in an instant, He wants me to trust Him. This does not mean that I can be a poor steward of my resources, to the contrary: I ought to be a good steward of all that I have that it might bring glory to His name. I should be careful that my lifestyle not make a bad reflection upon my Savior. Pastors with great wealth who flaunt it have the potential to stumble people both inside and out of the church. That is why we must be Holy-Spirit led in our personal lifestyles. The other day I found a watch I really liked and even received a great discount. But after thinking it over I did not have a peace about buying that watch because people might get the wrong impression about me. Is it o.k. for a Christian to have a luxury watch? Of course! But I'm sure God told me that though I wanted that watch, He didn't want me to have it. In that position we are left with a choice: honor God with obedience and deny ourselves, or push ahead with what we want, risk offending people, and be disciplined by God for my disobedience. Why drive a wedge between someone and Christ because of a watch I wear on my wrist? It's too great a risk to take.
It is good to examine our lifestyles and see if we fully honor God. We know that drinking alcohol can be a stumbling block, and money poses even a greater threat. Jesus says in Luke 16:13, "No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon." The word "mammon" means "wealth." It is interesting that God and wealth can be opposed to one another. We ought to serve God with our wealth, for it is all from Him and for His glory. Money, wealth, and things ought never be our master. Funny how we think we are in control when it can be money which masters us! Instead of being caught up in thinking of dollars and cents, it only makes sense to seek Christ in our financial decisions. When we deny ourselves we fulfill our calling as Christ's followers. We will not be without a reward!
28 August 2010
25 August 2010
Systems and Significance
On every jobsite I work, many systems comprise every project. The electricians run wires and connect circuits; iron workers build the steel structure, pipe fitters weld steam, chilled water, and heating pipes; plumbers connect condensate drains and domestic hot and cold water; roofers install flashing, insulation, and drainage; sheet metals workers hang air-conditioning ducts. On and on it goes, from the architects to geologists, structural engineers to the inspectors, beyond the range and scope any one person can fully grasp. I insulate mechanical equipment and very few people in the entire construction industry outside our profession have any concept of how to perform the work. Yet for all this complexity, manpower, training, and experience, a state-of-the art building which costs a billion dollars and takes years to complete is NOTHING compared to the complexity of the systems which make up a living human body.
Take a chiller system, for instance. A chiller cools water which flows through pumps which force the water through the supply pipe and circulates the water back to the chiller through the return line. Branch lines take the water to fan coils through which the water continually circulates and cools the air. This cool air is blown through ducts which supplies conditioned air balanced to a particular space. I am oversimplifying this, of course, but the fact remains that this system of cooling water to cool air is beyond crude when compared to the circulatory system which enables blood to be pumped through the body. Ducts are not alive, nor are chillers able to support themselves with energy and nutrients. The circulatory system operates at a microscopic level, delivering oxygenated blood to every cell and remove carbon dioxide in addition to amino acids, nutrients, and many other necessities to support life. Did you know that the heart of a human being beats and the flow of blood begins four to five weeks after conception? Unthinkable!
No system is without a design. No design can occur without thought, intelligence, planning, and purpose. We see these incredibly complex designs at work in the human body, animals, and the ecosystems in nature. Laws do not randomly occur: they are designed and enacted. When I see an air conditioning duct I realize it the product of engineering by men because air conditioning is desired. The metal serves the purpose of a conduit to move the air from one place to another with the size of pipe pre-determined by an engineer. I insulate the duct to keep it cool or warm as it moves from one place to another. Only a fool would suggest that the fan coil just happened to create itself or the air became cool through random chance. Yet even after people live in a body for years and appreciate the ability to see, feel, smell, speak, hear, think, touch, and laugh, they have the audacity to suggest that the systems of their body must have just occurred over time. In doing so they deny their Creator of praise and reject the purpose for which they were created: to glorify God with their lives.
Paul noticed this tendency to deny God even in his day: Romans 1:18-21 says, "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, [19] because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. [20] For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, [21] because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened." Man can make an artificial hip or heart but they cannot compare to the original. They will always be artificial, without the longevity or perfection of the original. God created the standard. Man is amazed by the clarity of High Definition television, but the only reason people can tell the difference is because God created an eye which can discern even the smallest improvements in clarity. The eye God created remains the standard. No lens created by man in the last thousand years is as good as the lens God made back in 4000BC to this day!
Because we and all things have been created by God for God, we exist for His pleasure and His glory. Since our finite minds cannot comprehend the awesome infinity of love, power, glory, and might that is God, He has revealed Himself in the creation of systems found human bodies, animals, plants, and nature. No system of government spontaneously becomes ordered by an explosion, and no system of earth became functional through the combustion of gas and abundance of energy. God has a purpose for us, and we find our purpose in Him!
Take a chiller system, for instance. A chiller cools water which flows through pumps which force the water through the supply pipe and circulates the water back to the chiller through the return line. Branch lines take the water to fan coils through which the water continually circulates and cools the air. This cool air is blown through ducts which supplies conditioned air balanced to a particular space. I am oversimplifying this, of course, but the fact remains that this system of cooling water to cool air is beyond crude when compared to the circulatory system which enables blood to be pumped through the body. Ducts are not alive, nor are chillers able to support themselves with energy and nutrients. The circulatory system operates at a microscopic level, delivering oxygenated blood to every cell and remove carbon dioxide in addition to amino acids, nutrients, and many other necessities to support life. Did you know that the heart of a human being beats and the flow of blood begins four to five weeks after conception? Unthinkable!
No system is without a design. No design can occur without thought, intelligence, planning, and purpose. We see these incredibly complex designs at work in the human body, animals, and the ecosystems in nature. Laws do not randomly occur: they are designed and enacted. When I see an air conditioning duct I realize it the product of engineering by men because air conditioning is desired. The metal serves the purpose of a conduit to move the air from one place to another with the size of pipe pre-determined by an engineer. I insulate the duct to keep it cool or warm as it moves from one place to another. Only a fool would suggest that the fan coil just happened to create itself or the air became cool through random chance. Yet even after people live in a body for years and appreciate the ability to see, feel, smell, speak, hear, think, touch, and laugh, they have the audacity to suggest that the systems of their body must have just occurred over time. In doing so they deny their Creator of praise and reject the purpose for which they were created: to glorify God with their lives.
Paul noticed this tendency to deny God even in his day: Romans 1:18-21 says, "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, [19] because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. [20] For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, [21] because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened." Man can make an artificial hip or heart but they cannot compare to the original. They will always be artificial, without the longevity or perfection of the original. God created the standard. Man is amazed by the clarity of High Definition television, but the only reason people can tell the difference is because God created an eye which can discern even the smallest improvements in clarity. The eye God created remains the standard. No lens created by man in the last thousand years is as good as the lens God made back in 4000BC to this day!
Because we and all things have been created by God for God, we exist for His pleasure and His glory. Since our finite minds cannot comprehend the awesome infinity of love, power, glory, and might that is God, He has revealed Himself in the creation of systems found human bodies, animals, plants, and nature. No system of government spontaneously becomes ordered by an explosion, and no system of earth became functional through the combustion of gas and abundance of energy. God has a purpose for us, and we find our purpose in Him!
22 August 2010
Access Untold
A discussion with a friend today reminded me of a truth in a way I've never before considered. Recently having been married to an officer in the Navy, he showed me his identification which allows him access to military bases, medical care, the commissary, and other areas restricted to military personnel. He told me about what it's like to drive through the gate with the decal of an officer on the windshield. "The guards really snap to attention," he said. I had seen this before when I golf with my father-in-law, who retired from naval service as a chief warrant officer. Like my friend, I was afforded privileges and access because of my affiliation with a man who earned those benefits through years of service. The treatment of the driver of my father-in-law's vehicle and my truck without a decal is very different!
As great as it is to receive benefits on earth due to birth or marital status, how much greater are the blessings we receive when we join with Christ in faith. When we repent and trust in Jesus as Savior and LORD, we are given something far more valuable than a military identification card, a sticker on the windshield, a salute, respect, or access to a golf course: we obtain a glorious entrance into eternal rest where we will rule and reign with Jesus Christ. My granddad on my dad's side died several years ago and was laid to rest in the military cemetery in Pt. Loma. A Pearl Harbor survivor and salty sailor to the end, the playing of taps was accompanied with a three volley salute over his casket. It was a very moving, sober, and filled with respect. Yet as honorable as the military treated my granddad in death, I assure you a far greater blessing is an eternity of life in God's presence! The honor afforded my granddad is hardly worth mentioning over the glory he was ushered into by God's grace in the heavenlies.
It is good to consider who Jesus is and what He has granted us by His mercy, grace, love, and faithfulness. How we can easily say, "Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace." What a wonder it is that we can be partakers of Christ's heavenly glory though we are undeserving of any favor or benefit. While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Another beautiful aspect is we need not wait for heaven to enter into His holy presence, for He has granted the Holy Spirit to all who are born again through faith. We have access into His throne room of grace and He intercedes on our behalf continually before the Father. What a Savior! What a KING! Have you considered His goodness today? Access to heaven and God! What can compare with that?
As great as it is to receive benefits on earth due to birth or marital status, how much greater are the blessings we receive when we join with Christ in faith. When we repent and trust in Jesus as Savior and LORD, we are given something far more valuable than a military identification card, a sticker on the windshield, a salute, respect, or access to a golf course: we obtain a glorious entrance into eternal rest where we will rule and reign with Jesus Christ. My granddad on my dad's side died several years ago and was laid to rest in the military cemetery in Pt. Loma. A Pearl Harbor survivor and salty sailor to the end, the playing of taps was accompanied with a three volley salute over his casket. It was a very moving, sober, and filled with respect. Yet as honorable as the military treated my granddad in death, I assure you a far greater blessing is an eternity of life in God's presence! The honor afforded my granddad is hardly worth mentioning over the glory he was ushered into by God's grace in the heavenlies.
It is good to consider who Jesus is and what He has granted us by His mercy, grace, love, and faithfulness. How we can easily say, "Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace." What a wonder it is that we can be partakers of Christ's heavenly glory though we are undeserving of any favor or benefit. While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Another beautiful aspect is we need not wait for heaven to enter into His holy presence, for He has granted the Holy Spirit to all who are born again through faith. We have access into His throne room of grace and He intercedes on our behalf continually before the Father. What a Savior! What a KING! Have you considered His goodness today? Access to heaven and God! What can compare with that?
Praise God for His faithfulness!
I have been working at Farwest Insulation for almost 10 months while waiting for a door to open for ministry in Australia on a full-time basis with my family. In addition to saving money for moving expenses, working in the construction field has given me opportunities to share my faith with others. I am very excited to report that one of my co-workers I have shared with prayed with my brother to receive Christ last week! It is nothing that I have done, but God has answered the prayers of His people to save the lost. Since I have started working at this shop our superintendent has made a decision for Christ and the LORD has begun a great work in him and his family.
God is amazing, doing more than we can imagine at all times. He has redeemed and made fruitful the sowing of seed for His glory here when I would have chosen to be elsewhere. This again proves the wisdom and providential hand of God. God's care for the salvation of souls on every continent is great, and He allows us by His grace to make a difference wherever we are. You need not travel a mile before you pass great needs in your own family and neighborhood. Wherever you are and whatever you do, do all for the glory of God. God's desire is that all would be saved. May our lives be a force for God as His plan for our lives unfolds. Instead of longing for the future to come, a loose quotation from "Kung Fu Panda" is appropriate to set our perspective right: "Today is a gift from God - that is why it is called the present." May every day be lived to the full for God's honor, glory, and praise for He is worthy.
God is amazing, doing more than we can imagine at all times. He has redeemed and made fruitful the sowing of seed for His glory here when I would have chosen to be elsewhere. This again proves the wisdom and providential hand of God. God's care for the salvation of souls on every continent is great, and He allows us by His grace to make a difference wherever we are. You need not travel a mile before you pass great needs in your own family and neighborhood. Wherever you are and whatever you do, do all for the glory of God. God's desire is that all would be saved. May our lives be a force for God as His plan for our lives unfolds. Instead of longing for the future to come, a loose quotation from "Kung Fu Panda" is appropriate to set our perspective right: "Today is a gift from God - that is why it is called the present." May every day be lived to the full for God's honor, glory, and praise for He is worthy.
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