Christmas is just a few days away! Are you ready? If you have been celebrating Advent you are more ready than most. Our mind, heart and spirit are focused on something right now: Santa Clause, gifts and parties or Christ child in the manger. If you have been faithful in your observance of Advent, you are likely more focused on the latter.
The next few days will be a whirlwind of activity and fun. Don't let the pace of the season overwhelm you! Finish Advent strong and make the "main thing" the "main thing!" The only way to keep Christ at the center of your celebrations is to prioritize rightly and Advent greatly helps all efforts to do so.
James
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Great Advent Idea For Children AND Adults Alike!
Advent concludes soon! I hope you have enjoyed your preparation for Christmas this year! One of the ways we celebrate Advent with our son is through the use of an Advent calendar. Each day we read about one of the animals or people associated with the Nativity and place their "piece" on the calendar. My description may leave a lot to be desired so I will post a picture here. This is a great tool for teaching your children about the circumstances and events surrounding the coming of Christ. It has been a great reminder for Kim and I as well!
James
James
Watch The Surprise Ending of This Video!
This is a very cool video. I hope it will brighten your day a bit...I promise it will surprise you!
James
James
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Why Did Sandy Hook Happen?
"And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.
(Ephesians 2:1-3 ESV)
Why did 26 people lose their life at the hands of a madman on Friday? The reason was not mental illness. Adam Lanza was certainly mentally ill but there are millions of mentally ill people who never kill a single person much less walk into a school and kill a classroom full of first graders. The reason had little to do with Lanza's background or upbringing for there are a multitude of kids brought up in far worse conditions who never embrace crime or murder. So why did this man walk into a school and kill 26 people?
The Sandy Hook shooter did what he did for the same reason anyone commits any sin; Adam Lanza was totally depraved. Apart from a relationship with Christ, human beings are totally depraved and capable of all kinds of sin including unthinkable evil. Hitler, Stalin, Mao, the killing fields of Cambodia and the Sandy Hook school shooting all happened because the men behind these mass murders lived out their depravity in the most evil of ways. Why would they choose to do so? The better question might be, why don't more choose to do so? Thankfully, by God's grace, few actually do to live out their depravity in such an unthinkable way.
We live in the midst of a real spiritual battle and the consequences of this war are all around us. Satan is seeking to devour people and is accomplishing this task at an alarming rate. The Bible clearly teaches (Ephesians 2) that a person who does not know Christ is a slave to sin and a follower of the "prince of the power of the air" (Satan). Satan and demonic powers are at work in and through such persons. As believers in Christ this should grieve our heart and literally bring us to our knees in prayer for both those separated from God and those whom they hurt.
There is a huge part of the population who do not believe in God much less a devil, demons or even evil; whether one believes in such or not is beside the point. Scripture is clear, we live in a world filled with demons, powers, principalities and even a Satan who find purpose in opposing God's plans for mankind. These are the ones Christians battle against through prayer, testimony and faith in Christ. The world may look for answers outside of the spiritual realm but we know better.
Join me in prayer for the families of Sandy Hook today...
James
(Ephesians 2:1-3 ESV)
Why did 26 people lose their life at the hands of a madman on Friday? The reason was not mental illness. Adam Lanza was certainly mentally ill but there are millions of mentally ill people who never kill a single person much less walk into a school and kill a classroom full of first graders. The reason had little to do with Lanza's background or upbringing for there are a multitude of kids brought up in far worse conditions who never embrace crime or murder. So why did this man walk into a school and kill 26 people?
The Sandy Hook shooter did what he did for the same reason anyone commits any sin; Adam Lanza was totally depraved. Apart from a relationship with Christ, human beings are totally depraved and capable of all kinds of sin including unthinkable evil. Hitler, Stalin, Mao, the killing fields of Cambodia and the Sandy Hook school shooting all happened because the men behind these mass murders lived out their depravity in the most evil of ways. Why would they choose to do so? The better question might be, why don't more choose to do so? Thankfully, by God's grace, few actually do to live out their depravity in such an unthinkable way.
We live in the midst of a real spiritual battle and the consequences of this war are all around us. Satan is seeking to devour people and is accomplishing this task at an alarming rate. The Bible clearly teaches (Ephesians 2) that a person who does not know Christ is a slave to sin and a follower of the "prince of the power of the air" (Satan). Satan and demonic powers are at work in and through such persons. As believers in Christ this should grieve our heart and literally bring us to our knees in prayer for both those separated from God and those whom they hurt.
There is a huge part of the population who do not believe in God much less a devil, demons or even evil; whether one believes in such or not is beside the point. Scripture is clear, we live in a world filled with demons, powers, principalities and even a Satan who find purpose in opposing God's plans for mankind. These are the ones Christians battle against through prayer, testimony and faith in Christ. The world may look for answers outside of the spiritual realm but we know better.
Join me in prayer for the families of Sandy Hook today...
James
Thursday, December 13, 2012
How Do You Forgive When You Don't Feel Like Doing So?
How in the world can we forgive someone we do not want to forgive? We just do not always want to forgive those who have hurt us. But, we know from Scripture it is always God's will for us to forgive those who have hurt us. When our emotions fail to agree with the revealed will of God, we are left looking for a path to obedience. How can we obey God's command to forgive when our heart refuses to cooperate?
First we must accept the idea that forgiveness is not contingent upon our emotions. If we wait until we feel like offering forgiveness we may not do so! We should never entertain the idea a specific emotion is necessary for a right action to occur. If we are going to live our life God's way there will be times when our emotions are in conflict with what we know to be God's will for our life. If a man follows his heart he will often find himself in places he never intended nor wanted to go!
Forgiveness is a choice we make by an act of our will. We know we should forgive so we choose to do so. When we are not in emotional agreement with this decision we pray for grace and power to do what we know to do. I have counseled folks on occasion to pray something like this, "God I want to forgive and I choose to forgive but I do not feel like forgiving. So Jesus, I ask you to make me willing to be willing to forgive. I ask you to do the forgiving through me and make forgiveness a reality even while I don't feel like doing so." I like a prayer such as this because it recognizes our desire to please God and dependence upon Him to do so. Such a prayer also recognizes the truth of our current situation; we don't feel like forgiving the one who has wronged us!
If you are struggling to forgive someone go to God and ask Him to make it possible for you to do what you know you should do...forgive. God can and will give you the grace and power to follow His will for your life.
James
First we must accept the idea that forgiveness is not contingent upon our emotions. If we wait until we feel like offering forgiveness we may not do so! We should never entertain the idea a specific emotion is necessary for a right action to occur. If we are going to live our life God's way there will be times when our emotions are in conflict with what we know to be God's will for our life. If a man follows his heart he will often find himself in places he never intended nor wanted to go!
Forgiveness is a choice we make by an act of our will. We know we should forgive so we choose to do so. When we are not in emotional agreement with this decision we pray for grace and power to do what we know to do. I have counseled folks on occasion to pray something like this, "God I want to forgive and I choose to forgive but I do not feel like forgiving. So Jesus, I ask you to make me willing to be willing to forgive. I ask you to do the forgiving through me and make forgiveness a reality even while I don't feel like doing so." I like a prayer such as this because it recognizes our desire to please God and dependence upon Him to do so. Such a prayer also recognizes the truth of our current situation; we don't feel like forgiving the one who has wronged us!
If you are struggling to forgive someone go to God and ask Him to make it possible for you to do what you know you should do...forgive. God can and will give you the grace and power to follow His will for your life.
James
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Relax...God's Got This!
The cost of following Christ is...everything. When we enter relationship with God we do so by placing faith in Jesus for our salvation and giving the whole of who we are to God. This means our decisions are contingent upon His will for us. Translation: Our life is in God's hands.
When we give our life to Christ we acknowledge His complete control of our existence. This opens up a whole new world of opportunities for us! God wants what is best for us and has a plan to see our life become better than we could ever imagine. As we submit to Christ we can be assured of His blessing.
Rest in God's intentions for you today. God loves you more than you could ever imagine and His plans for you are incomprehensible. Trust the King of Kings and relax. Your life has been given to God and He is both in charge and responsible for what you will become.
James
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Is Drinking Alcohol a Sin?
The holidays are a time when people often partake of alcoholic beverages. As a Baptist pastor, I am often asked whether it is a sin to drink alcohol. Over the years, this issue has been bombarded, especially in the Baptist church, with unscriptural and therefore unchristian responses. There are reasons to avoid and even abstain from alcohol but our reasons for doing so must be scriptural.
Some have simply pronounced alcohol consumption of any kind to be sin. This idea emerged years ago during temperance movements. Folks saw the destructive evidence of alcohol in homes where one or both adults were addicted to alcohol and deemed the problem to be the drink instead of the sinful nature which led to abuse of the drink. While this idea became doctrine in many protestant churches it is not rooted in scripture. Tradition and prejudice, regardless of how well intentioned, never produce the real and lasting change realized in a relationship with Christ.
Some have looked at scripture and pronounced the "wine" of the Bible to be in reality what we today call grape juice. These folks simply cannot believe Jesus would ever turn water into the "sinful" liquid called wine. However, upon closer examination of the text in the original language it is apparent Christ actually turned water into real wine. The Greek word used for wine in the story of the wedding at Canaan (where Jesus turned the water into wine) is "oinos" which is the common Greek term for alcoholic wine. In fact, when Paul wrote in Ephesians 5:18, "do not be drunk on wine" he uses the same Greek word, "oinos" for "wine." To deny these linguistic facts is to deny the veracity and inerrancy of the Biblical text. Alcohol itself is not inherently evil.
It is interesting however to note that the use of alcohol in the ancient world was much different than its use in the 21st century. Wine was never consumed undiluted and to do so was considered barbaric in ancient culture. Wine was diluted anywhere from 2-1 to 20-1 parts water to wine. The reason for this could have been to disinfect the water of the day or lessen the effect of the alcohol in the drink itself. To consume what we today call hard liquor or beer, often referred to in Scripture as "strong drink,' was always looked down upon by the Jewish people. So to make a blanket statement that all consumption of alcohol is biblically "ok" would be as dishonest as the person who says alcohol itself is inherently sinful or evil.
So what is the answer? Is it right or wrong to have a beer with your pizza? Judging from what we have seen in the Biblical text, one might make an argument it is ok to have a drink which contains alcohol if done so in moderation. However, let's press a little further into the Bible and see what is prudent and best for our life and witness.
The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 6:12, all things are permissible but not all things are profitable. If Jesus really did turn water into wine then one must admit it is permissible to order a glass of wine with a good steak. However, is it profitable? Is it the best choice for a Christian in 21st century America? Romans 14 tells us we should be mindful of the conscience and weakness of others when making this decision. Some people are addicted to alcohol and my consumption could be a source of trouble for these folks. If such a person were to see me consume a beer, he or she may be more tempted to do so. Of course there is the question of how alcohol affects my own mind and will. If drinking alcohol lowers my inhibitions and makes me more likely to commit sin then it is wrong for me to have a drink. And what of my primary purpose here on earth? How does alcohol promote or inhibit my ability to glorify God and give witness for Him? Finally, how does our culture view alcohol? Right or wrong, if a sizable number of non-christians believe consumption of alcohol is a sin,drinking alcohol could hurt my witness for Christ.
The decision to abstain from alcohol, at least in certain situations, is a good one but it must be made for the right reasons. If we say alcohol is inherently evil we do injustice to God's word and even our own decision not to drink. Scripture does not teach total abstinence from alcohol but it does strongly prohibit excess and drunkenness. According to Romans 14 scripture also encourages us to do what is right for our witness, spiritual growth and edification of others. If you choose to drink you should choose to do so with these points in mind. Above all, in all we do, we should seek to glorify God and lead others to do the same. Abstaining from alcohol, at least in circumstances where it is prudent to do so, is a small sacrifice on our part for a closer relationship with Christ and better witness before others!
James
Some have simply pronounced alcohol consumption of any kind to be sin. This idea emerged years ago during temperance movements. Folks saw the destructive evidence of alcohol in homes where one or both adults were addicted to alcohol and deemed the problem to be the drink instead of the sinful nature which led to abuse of the drink. While this idea became doctrine in many protestant churches it is not rooted in scripture. Tradition and prejudice, regardless of how well intentioned, never produce the real and lasting change realized in a relationship with Christ.
Some have looked at scripture and pronounced the "wine" of the Bible to be in reality what we today call grape juice. These folks simply cannot believe Jesus would ever turn water into the "sinful" liquid called wine. However, upon closer examination of the text in the original language it is apparent Christ actually turned water into real wine. The Greek word used for wine in the story of the wedding at Canaan (where Jesus turned the water into wine) is "oinos" which is the common Greek term for alcoholic wine. In fact, when Paul wrote in Ephesians 5:18, "do not be drunk on wine" he uses the same Greek word, "oinos" for "wine." To deny these linguistic facts is to deny the veracity and inerrancy of the Biblical text. Alcohol itself is not inherently evil.
It is interesting however to note that the use of alcohol in the ancient world was much different than its use in the 21st century. Wine was never consumed undiluted and to do so was considered barbaric in ancient culture. Wine was diluted anywhere from 2-1 to 20-1 parts water to wine. The reason for this could have been to disinfect the water of the day or lessen the effect of the alcohol in the drink itself. To consume what we today call hard liquor or beer, often referred to in Scripture as "strong drink,' was always looked down upon by the Jewish people. So to make a blanket statement that all consumption of alcohol is biblically "ok" would be as dishonest as the person who says alcohol itself is inherently sinful or evil.
So what is the answer? Is it right or wrong to have a beer with your pizza? Judging from what we have seen in the Biblical text, one might make an argument it is ok to have a drink which contains alcohol if done so in moderation. However, let's press a little further into the Bible and see what is prudent and best for our life and witness.
The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 6:12, all things are permissible but not all things are profitable. If Jesus really did turn water into wine then one must admit it is permissible to order a glass of wine with a good steak. However, is it profitable? Is it the best choice for a Christian in 21st century America? Romans 14 tells us we should be mindful of the conscience and weakness of others when making this decision. Some people are addicted to alcohol and my consumption could be a source of trouble for these folks. If such a person were to see me consume a beer, he or she may be more tempted to do so. Of course there is the question of how alcohol affects my own mind and will. If drinking alcohol lowers my inhibitions and makes me more likely to commit sin then it is wrong for me to have a drink. And what of my primary purpose here on earth? How does alcohol promote or inhibit my ability to glorify God and give witness for Him? Finally, how does our culture view alcohol? Right or wrong, if a sizable number of non-christians believe consumption of alcohol is a sin,drinking alcohol could hurt my witness for Christ.
The decision to abstain from alcohol, at least in certain situations, is a good one but it must be made for the right reasons. If we say alcohol is inherently evil we do injustice to God's word and even our own decision not to drink. Scripture does not teach total abstinence from alcohol but it does strongly prohibit excess and drunkenness. According to Romans 14 scripture also encourages us to do what is right for our witness, spiritual growth and edification of others. If you choose to drink you should choose to do so with these points in mind. Above all, in all we do, we should seek to glorify God and lead others to do the same. Abstaining from alcohol, at least in circumstances where it is prudent to do so, is a small sacrifice on our part for a closer relationship with Christ and better witness before others!
James
Monday, December 10, 2012
Is it Ever Right to Withhold Forgiveness?
Can God forgive our sins against Him and we not forgive others their sins against us? Jesus said our sins would be forgiven in proportion to how we forgive others; so the idea of forgiveness is very important! God expects us to forgive when wronged; our forgiveness from God seems contingent upon such. If we cannot forgive others their trespasses against us we are not the kind of person who can receive the forgiveness God gives through Jesus Christ (Matthew 6:14-15). The real question is how can someone who has received the forgiveness of God NOT offer forgiveness to others when wronged? Whatever wrong we have suffered pales in comparison to our rebellious acts against God.
Often forgiveness is difficult to give. Forgiveness involves a decision on our part to absolve someone the consequences of an action or word which has in some way caused us pain. The pain is real and often very deep. Often there is a desire to hold onto what we perceive is our "right" to seek some sort of comeuppance for the one who wronged us. Such a desire is real and part of our fallen human nature. If we deny such feelings we can never really deal with them nor arrive at a place where we can overcome them. Admit the pain and the feelings which come with them! Then take the hurt feelings to God and ask Him to help you move beyond them so the pain ceases to have power in your life. If you choose to hold onto your pain and harbor un-forgiveness you cripple yourself. The control and power un-forgiveness seems to give is really a mirage. You have, in such instances, become a slave to your emotions and ceded control of your life to that part of yourself which is most primal and depraved. As Scripture teaches, "Sin is crouching at your door and it seeks to master you." If you hold on to un-forgiveness because of the pain someone has caused in your life, sin has become your master.
If you are a believer in Christ, God is ready to help you forgive those who have hurt you. (Forgiveness does not always mean life goes on as though the "thing" or "word" which hurt you never happened. If someone slaps you in the face you may forgive them but you will not put yourself in the situation to be slapped again!) You can give your pain to Christ, genuinely forgive others for what they have done and pray for those who have hurt you. Sometimes we forgive even while we hurt. In such instances we trust God for the ability to forgive when we don't feel like doing so. In such cases we simply trust God is in process of healing us.
Is it ever right to withhold forgiveness? Absolutely not. Sometimes it isn't easy and there are times when it even seems impossible to do but through Christ we can and should forgive.
Forgive and be free!
James
Often forgiveness is difficult to give. Forgiveness involves a decision on our part to absolve someone the consequences of an action or word which has in some way caused us pain. The pain is real and often very deep. Often there is a desire to hold onto what we perceive is our "right" to seek some sort of comeuppance for the one who wronged us. Such a desire is real and part of our fallen human nature. If we deny such feelings we can never really deal with them nor arrive at a place where we can overcome them. Admit the pain and the feelings which come with them! Then take the hurt feelings to God and ask Him to help you move beyond them so the pain ceases to have power in your life. If you choose to hold onto your pain and harbor un-forgiveness you cripple yourself. The control and power un-forgiveness seems to give is really a mirage. You have, in such instances, become a slave to your emotions and ceded control of your life to that part of yourself which is most primal and depraved. As Scripture teaches, "Sin is crouching at your door and it seeks to master you." If you hold on to un-forgiveness because of the pain someone has caused in your life, sin has become your master.
If you are a believer in Christ, God is ready to help you forgive those who have hurt you. (Forgiveness does not always mean life goes on as though the "thing" or "word" which hurt you never happened. If someone slaps you in the face you may forgive them but you will not put yourself in the situation to be slapped again!) You can give your pain to Christ, genuinely forgive others for what they have done and pray for those who have hurt you. Sometimes we forgive even while we hurt. In such instances we trust God for the ability to forgive when we don't feel like doing so. In such cases we simply trust God is in process of healing us.
Is it ever right to withhold forgiveness? Absolutely not. Sometimes it isn't easy and there are times when it even seems impossible to do but through Christ we can and should forgive.
Forgive and be free!
James
Thursday, December 6, 2012
How to Celebrate Advent: Part 1
How are you celebrating Advent today? Have you spent time with God in prayer? Have you read the story of the birth of Christ in Luke? Have you considered how incredible it is that God came to earth to live as a man? There are a myriad of ways to enjoy Advent. Here are a few...
First, if you have not downloaded the "Youversion" app on your iPhone or android then do it! There are quite a few Advent reading/devotional plans there to help guide your observance of Advent this year.
Second, commit yourself to Scripture memory during the Advent season and see what God does with your mind and heart as you prepare for Christmas. I am going to list some verses on the blog over the next few weeks that I am going to memorize; I encourage you to do so with me. Today we will begin memorizing Isaiah 7:14, "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." Isn't it fantastic to think Isaiah lived over 600 years before Christ and yet knew what the Messiah's name would be! The birth, life and ministry of Jesus was planned by God long before Joseph and Mary made their journey to Bethlehem!
If you will commit to memorizing Scripture related to the incarnation of Christ I promise your Christmas will never be the same!
Advent is all about Spiritual preparation for our celebration ahead! Don't miss out!
James
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Come Thou Long Expected Jesus
This is a very cool video depicting the history of the Gospel from Genesis to the incarnation. Very cool and artistic opportunity for meditation this Advent season!
Advent: What is it and Why Celebrate it?
Advent is an interesting time of year for protestants. Growing up Baptist I had very little experience with the idea of preparation for Christmas outside of wish lists for Santa and decorating the tree. The idea there could be spiritual preparation for the events of December 25th never occurred to me. Advent is spiritual preparation and something every Christian should be intimately familiar with if only to bring sanity to the month of December!
Advent is a time to reflect upon God's love, grace and mercy given to us through the manger. God, Almighty God, set aside the glory of Heaven to come to earth and be born a baby so we might be delivered from sin and the hopelessness which comes with it! THIS should be the focus of December not gifts, parties, food or Santa Claus. Christ is truly the reason for the season but He will rarely occupy His rightful place of priority if we fail to participate in the ancient celebration of Advent.
Advent begins four Sundays prior to Christmas and concludes on Christmas Eve. Do not miss out on the opportunity to make this Christmas the best ever by making Advent a part of your celebration! Take time each day during these four weeks to pray, thank God for His incarnation (birth into our world) and meditate upon what Christ did by leaving Heaven for a manger. And find a good church with whom to celebrate Advent! Join with other believers and worship the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the great and mighty God, who came to earth in order to save us from our sins.
Do not let Christmas sneak up on you this year! Don't miss out on the celebration Christmas is supposed to be! Participate in Advent and enjoy Christ our Savior!
James
Advent is a time to reflect upon God's love, grace and mercy given to us through the manger. God, Almighty God, set aside the glory of Heaven to come to earth and be born a baby so we might be delivered from sin and the hopelessness which comes with it! THIS should be the focus of December not gifts, parties, food or Santa Claus. Christ is truly the reason for the season but He will rarely occupy His rightful place of priority if we fail to participate in the ancient celebration of Advent.
Advent begins four Sundays prior to Christmas and concludes on Christmas Eve. Do not miss out on the opportunity to make this Christmas the best ever by making Advent a part of your celebration! Take time each day during these four weeks to pray, thank God for His incarnation (birth into our world) and meditate upon what Christ did by leaving Heaven for a manger. And find a good church with whom to celebrate Advent! Join with other believers and worship the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the great and mighty God, who came to earth in order to save us from our sins.
Do not let Christmas sneak up on you this year! Don't miss out on the celebration Christmas is supposed to be! Participate in Advent and enjoy Christ our Savior!
James
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Advent via Facebook: Something With Which to Start The Season
A little something to kick start the Advent season...
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