What Scripture Teaches Us About Government

Whether we like it or not,  government is a fact of life that people must live with. Throughout human history we can see that God has used government to help govern the affairs of mankind.  So, it is not a surprise that Scripture even references government. 

Every government is put in place by God.

• Jesus Answered [Pilate], "You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above." (John 19:11)
• "There is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God." (Romans 13:1b) 

God uses even sinful governments to accomplish His will for our good.

• "Therefore thus says the LORD of hosts: Because you have not obeyed my words, behold, I will send for all the tribes of the north, declares the LORD, and for Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and I will bring them against this land and its inhabitants, and against all these surrounding nations. I will devote them to destruction, and make them a horror, a hissing, and an everlasting desolation." (Jeremiah 25:8-9)
• God even used the government to oppress Jesus Christ.  "Truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you [God] anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place." (Acts 4:27-28)

We ought to pray for those who govern us whether or not we agree with them.

• "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way." (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

We should honor and submit to those who govern us. (Biblical honor)

• "Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor." (1 Peter 2:13-17; also consider Romans 13:1-4)

All human government will eventually end and Jesus Christ will reign over everyone forever.

• "Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. … From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords." (Revelation 19:11, 15-16)

In Times of Uncertainty

Every person has times of uncertainty and nobody can plan on when those times will come.  It is during those moments that we can sit perplexed and even confused because there appear to be no good options.  At times, I believe the only answer is to sit still and listen to the voice of God and to lean upon His promises. Christians are blessed with the true Comforter (called the Holy Spirit of God) who is always at work within us.  It is the reason that Christ told His disciples that he needed to leave--in order that the Comforter would come and the Comforter would do amazing works within them.  Sadly enough, we often exchange and forfeit the comfort that God provides over something that is meaningless and provides no measure of hope at all.  We can seek comfort in things that God never intended and they are always short lived. 

Consider these 10 verses in times of uncertain: 

1. Philippians 4:6-7,  "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
2. 1 Peter 5:7, " Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you."
3.  Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
4. Psalm 55:22, "Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved."
5. Hebrews 11:6, "And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him."
6. John 14:26, "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you."
7. Proverbs 3:24-26, "If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Do not be afraid of sudden terror or of the ruin of the wicked, when it comes, for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught."
8. Psalm 91:1-2, "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."
9. Psalm 46:10, "Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” 
10. Psalm 62:6, "He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be shaken."

Write one of these verses down and claim God's promises today!  Let's rest in the fact that God loves us the most and is in control of all our situations--even when we don't know the next move.

Are We Peaceful or Peacemakers?

When I looked for the word "peacemaker" on Google Images all that I received were images of revolver handguns.  I'm afraid that might be the way that many people feel that peace is brought about--by completely annihilating another individual.  That is certainly not what Christ was thinking when He said in Matthew 5:9, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God." 

Many people consider themselves peaceful people.  After all, they get along with most everyone and they love almost all people.  They hate war and they don't even allow a naughty dog to frustrate them.  Most everyone loves peace.  At times in our lives peace is disrupted, and we may do all we can possibly do to restore that peace--especially in our families.  Striving to just tolerate a poor situation can wear you down after a while.  Relationships that are not peaceful cause us to not want to spend time in the presence of that person. 

It is important to note three things about peace:

1. God has made peace possible through the work of Jesus Christ.  Romans 5:1 says, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."  Christ has made it possible to live at peace with God because God has declared us righteous based on the work of Christ.  When God sees us, He sees us dressed in the righteousness of His Son. 
2. Secondly, Paul says about Christ, "For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility," (Philippians 2:14).  Once again, only because Christ died in our place and has forgiven us, is it possible for us to enjoy sweet relationships with even our enemies.  
3. Thirdly, Christ is not asking us in Matthew 5:9 just to be peaceful people.  He says, blessed are the "peacemakers."  There is a difference.  Christ expects his children to work to bring about peace around them.  This may mean in our homes, work place, or even our churches.  The blessed person works to bring about healthy relationship amongst people who are at odds with one another. 

Living as a peacemaker is a rewarding life to live.  Others will see us as "the sons of God" because it characterizes God Himself.  We begin to look and act like our own Heavenly Father.  Let's pray that God would give us unsettled hearts for relationships that are not healthy and to serve as a healing balm for His glory.

Are They Really Saved?

The term Christian is used very loosely today.  Some would even say that we are a Christian nation, but there is not much evidence any longer to convict us of that fact.  If we were to ask people that we encounter if they were a Christian many would say yes.  However, when nothing that they do looks "Christian" in nature then the evidence would suggest that they do not really understand who Christ is and thence they do not really know Him.  Christ says that, "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me" (John 10:27).  If Christ's own children don't listen to His voice or follow Him then what evidence is there that they belong to Him?  It could be better asked, "do they having a saving faith"?  Scripture tells us that, "even the demons believe and tremble" (James 2:19).  Many throughout history have acknowledged the person of Jesus Christ and some would even say that He is the Son of God, but they never counted on Christ alone for the salvation from their sins.

Scripture often uses two words that speak about coming to Jesus Christ.  They appear to be repeated often, consistently, and both are necessary.  We are to repent (Mt. 4:16-17) of our sins and to believe (Jn. 3:16) in Jesus Christ for His work on the cross for our sin.  I believe that Christians grow into a knowledge of their salvation (2 Pet. 3:18) and they are to "work out their salvation with fear and trembling," which means they ought to live out their faith before God.  It is possible to be sorry for our sins but not believe in Jesus Christ alone as the only way for forgiveness of sins.  Some may even strive to be a better person and never accept the free gift of salvation that Christ alone can give.  As well, some can say that they believe Christ died on the cross and they can even believe that He loves them and yet never repent of their sinful condition. 

It is my firm conviction from Scripture that both are necessary for salvation. They work in tandem with one another.   I'm careful crediting salvation to everyone who says "I'm a Christian" without seeing a sensitivity towards sin or the Fruit of the Spirit growing from their Christ-centered life.  Being made in the image of God allows even non-Christians to do good things and love others but it is not proof of their Christian faith.  While it is impossible to truly know another person's heart, repentance of sin and trust in Jesus Christ alone for the work that He accomplished on the cross of Calvary is the only means of salvation.  In fact, genuine Christians continue to live a life or repentance (Mt. 6:12; 1 Jn. 1:9) and trust in Christ (1 Cor. 13:13).   It is the Christian's lifestyle and not just a moment in time. 

Christ Himself assures us that on the day of reckoning, when He judges the world, many will claim that they knew Him but they really did not (Mt. 7:21-23).  There may have been a "head" connection but there was never a "heart" connection.  As result, they will be cast into hell for failure of coming to Him as their personal Savior.  We cannot preach a Gospel that fails to include repentance or a gospel that leaves out the work of Jesus Christ alone for our sin and salvation.  Both are needed and necessary.

10 Character Traits of Healthy Growing Churches

One of my favorite authors, Thom Rainer, reports on the trends and traits of healthy growing churches.  He asks, “what might your church look like 10 years from now if we implement these 10 traits today?” Please take a few moments to read and consider.

“I am not a prophet.  Please don’t stone me if I get one of these ten traits wrong.  And while there is a good bit of subjectivity in this article, I think I am basing my projections on clear and evident trends.  So, what if we could look into the future ten years from now, and see the characteristics of the healthiest churches in America? Would you be willing to make changes now?  Take a look.”

1  They have the same pastor they did ten years ago. Pastors, the greenest grass may be the church you serve right now. Church members, quit nitpicking and complaining to pastors so much that they can’t wait to leave.

2  The pastor, staff, and church members have a decade of calling to the local community. They are not just called to the church; they are called to the community the church is intended to serve. They would have loved and served the community for ten years.

3  The church will be as diverse as the community. Look at your demographics now and the projected demographics ten years from now. How diverse is your church?

4  The church will have responded to its international mission field in its own backyard for ten years. The world is coming to America. What is your church doing to reach different people groups in your community? Try sponsoring an ESL (English as a Second Language) class. Watch the world come to you.

5  The church will have had a consistent and strategic outward focus for a decade. The leadership of the church consistently and persistently leads the congregation in outwardly focused ministries and evangelism.

6  All new members the past ten years will have attended a new members’ class. They will thus not only have information about the church; they will have heard expectations of how they are to serve, minister, and give in the church.

7  The church will have seen the cultural changes of the decade as opportunities rather than threats. Rather than ranting every time culture takes a shift away from Christianity, these churches will have used the changes as opportunities to share the gospel and minister.

8  At least 80 percent of the worship attendance will have moved to a small group over the decade. For ten years, leadership in the church will have been highly intentional about moving people to small groups. As a result, assimilation will be at an all-time high.

9  At least 50 percent of the attendance will have invited at least four people to church each year. Over ten years, a church of 200 in attendance will thus have invited 4,000 people or families to church.

10. Every year for ten years these churches will have become more joyous and fun. Church bullies, curmudgeons, control freaks, and critics will not like 



 

Stretching the Truth--or Lying?

Is there really such a thing as a "little white lie"?  Many times we exaggerate and misrepresent the truth in order to establish our point, or to win an argument.  At times we may even lie to protect ourselves or to make ourselves look good.  Some might suggest that deception is acceptable and even needed if a greater good can be brought about.  Is fudging a resume or being generous on one's time sheet that big of a deal--most people do it?  However, when one begins to dabble with stretching the truth they often lose sight of the offense that it is to God, and even towards others.  A non-Christian may think that this is an over reaction or taking things too far, but just how much does God love truth?  It is one of his attributes and we are told that God cannot lie (John 14:6; Numbers 23:19).

Telling the truth can be very difficult at times because it can incriminate us for not following through, or doing the right thing when we said we would do it.  Christians are told to speak truth one to another (Ephesians 4:25) and not to twist the truth.  Most parents would expect the truth from their children, but then the truth can become an option for themselves depending on their situation.  Wouldn't it be better to tell someone the truth and then in humility ask their forgiveness in order to make things right?  As hard as telling the truth may be at times, it always brings about God's best.

People should not have to guess whether or not we are telling them the truth.  There should be no need to "promise" or "swear to God" that what we are saying is the truth.  Christ simply says to let your "yes be yes" and your "no be no" (Matthew 5:37).  For a Christian, we should speak from a sincere heart and know that we are honoring Christ with every thought, word, and deed (Matthew 12:36; Romans 14:12).  Christians should be known for telling the truth and in following through on their words because it is Christ-like.

Stretching the truth (lying) can be a real temptation for Christians.  Looking for loopholes to escape what we have actually said instead of owning up to our guilt is not all that uncommon.  Integrity matters in our daily walk as it says a great deal about our relationship to Christ.  When it comes to truthfulness, Christians should stand head and shoulders above the world because they represent Christ.  Indeed, the truth may cost someone their job or even divide friends, but God is always honored in doing the right thing.

Reflections of Dad

Psalms 103:13, "As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him;"

Many of us have various reflections of our fathers while we were growing up. Not all of the memories are glamorous and some of us even carry some painful memories.  We could all probably recall times when dad "blew his top" and times when dad was the "comedian" of the family.  Some dads just did better than other dads--for various reasons. Although we certainly know that dad was not perfect, God allowed us to have the father that He knew we needed.  Many fathers worked with the best skill set that was passed along to them by their fathers.  By God's grace, some fathers really fulfilled the role of father that God called them to--despite their humble beginnings in life.

I lost my father at an early age due to pancreatic cancer (he was only 45).  During my adult life I've not been blessed to have a father to consult with on big life decisions or to just hear the words, "good job son."  However, it doesn't mean I'm not thankful for a father who worked tirelessly in a very physical maintenance job to provide for his family.  My father would have been considered an average man and he had very little high school education.  He was not a pillar of our church and some might say he was a little rough around the edges.  I would say he was definitely a man's man.  Hard work, firm hand shake, keeping his word, and staying away from girly things characterized him pretty well.  Dad showed love by telling us that he loved us and by working hard to take care of us.  As I think about it, dad may not have been even an average guy compared to some men--but he was my dad and he taught me some valuable things for this life.

I'd like to say only a couple of things about dads and this special Father's Day Weekend.  Pray for your dads and be thankful for them.  They lead up front, experience some tough pressure, and they drop the ball at times.  Remember they love you and that they may not always demonstrate the love in their hearts that they have for you in the way that they would like to show that love to you.  Please know that many of us dads wish we had the deluxe tool set passed along to us in order to be a better dad--it doesn't mean we won't try and make use of what we have.  Please forgive us (don't excuse us) as we fail to be the best example that Christ wants us to be for you.  Lastly, let us know when we could do better but also please let us know if we might be doing something right.  It is our goal not to fail at being a good father.

Billy Graham once said, "A good father is one of the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed, and yet one of the MOST VALUABLE assets in our society."