Suffer
Suffering is an inevitable aspect of life. If you haven’t suffered yet you one day will, it’s just a matter of time. It has recently hit me that so much of the New Testament talks about this topic of suffering but so many don’t realize that because we are taught not to. For those who have been life-time church-goers you know how the story usually goes; live for Jesus and your life will be all smiles. But inevitably suffering still comes.
The bible teaches us that we are to be prepared to suffer and that when suffering comes we are to suffer well, we are to suffer joyfully. Listen to what Jesus says: “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:11-12)
Jesus is teaching that we are blessed when we suffer on account of his name; we are blessed when others hate us and say wicked things about us. He says we are to be glad. You might ask, why be glad? Because, your reward in heaven is great! Elsewhere in the New Testament, Paul, tells us that we are to always be rejoicing, in all things we are to give thanks (Philippians 4:4-7). Paul wrote that while in prison.
So this suffering brings up the question; where is Jesus in all of this? I have never really had to face suffering. I have experienced death in the family only a few times. I remember that it was hard for a time but I was either really young or just not really close enough to the person to be greatly effected by it. However, I know that the day will come when suffering really hits me hard. Something will happen to someone who is dearly close to me. What will I do? What will you do?
You will only suffer well if Jesus is truly first in your life. If he isn’t it is likely that you will only become angry or bitter, you might even turn against God, even question His existence. But if Jesus is first then you understand the greater reward. You understand that this life is so short and that beyond it eternity awaits you. Is Jesus your satisfaction?
Foot in Mouth Disease
James 3:5-6 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
On October 8, 1871 at about eight-thirty in the evening a lantern in Mrs. O’Leary’s barn presumably kicked over by her cow ignited the great Chicago fire. Before it could be contained, 17,500 buildings were destroyed, 300 people died and 125,000 others were left homeless. It only takes a spark to get a fire going.
We are in a critical time in the life of our church. We are perched on the brink of an incredible harvest, God has blessed us and will continue to do so but we must do our part to preserve unity. A word wrongly spoken or a misrepresentation can start a flame that can devastate a church.
Can anyone out there say amen to this? If you have anything relevant to say in regards to this topic share it with us won’t you. Fore warned is fore armed.
Pastor Dan (Psalm 34:8)
For the sake of the soul
You are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord. -1 Corinthians 5:5
This is an extremely powerful section of scripture. To most it may seem very harsh and it might even be that many would just pass over it as if it had no relevance to our day. But the full authority of scripture tells us that this verse is still relevant and that there might be situations in our modern church that call for these kind of drastic measures.
What is Paul saying?
We have to get a bit of background to properly understand what it is that Paul means by handing this person over to Satan. Paul is writing his letter to the church at Corinth. If you were to read through the letter in one sitting you would discover that it is one that is largely filled with rebuke. Well this is one of those rebukes. There was a man that was in the church at Corinth who “had his father’s wife” (1 Corinthians 5:1). Most speculate that this wasn’t the man’s mother but rather his step-mother. Either way the situation is disgustingly sinful. What makes the situation even more grotesque is the fact that the Corinthian church is “arrogant” when they ought to be “mourning” over this grievous sin. Thus we have Paul’s command that this man must be removed from the church at Corinth.
Drastic measures
It stands to be true that sometimes drastic situations call for drastic measures. This instance in 1 Corinthians is one of those instances. I am certain that the decision Paul made was not a whimsical one. You can hear the anguish in his voice as he says that there ought to be mourning over this sin. I am sure that Paul spent hours in prayer asking God what was to be done.
Pastor’s have been entrusted with a job that can be extremely difficult at times. We have been given the responsibility to “shepherd the flock of God” (1 Peter 5:2). Sometimes this task is horribly hard and involves going so far as to removing someone from the church for a time. We must protect the sheep from the wolves.
Recent experience
This is an experience that I have recently had to go through along with one of the other pastor’s at LCF. We had a person attending church who was adamant about persisting in their sin. It seemed that their purpose for being at church was to distract and tear down other’s who were actually there to grow in Jesus. We talked with this person numerous times explaining to them their need for repentance and a change of heart. We gave them temporary detention twice, removing them from the group for a month. But the person would return and every time with no change of heart. Finally it came to the point where we decided this person couldn’t be at LCF anymore. Thus we told them that they were not welcome until something truly changed in their heart.
It has now been nearly a year since the removal of this person. And I am hear to tell you that God is faithful. This person is in a stage of absolute brokenness. This person’s life has essentially gone as far down as it possibly could and now this person is crying out for help and showing a need, and even a longing for God! This person wants a change and no longer wants to be a slave to sin.
The reward of rebuke
I know that many didn’t understand why it was that we “kicked” this person out of church. The common thought was “we’re a church and I thought we allowed sinners to come in”. This is true, we are in the business of being with sinful people and growing in sanctification together with them. But something drastic needed to happen. Over much, much prayer we came to the decision to rebuke and remove this person the way we did. The blessing is that we are now beginning to see fruit. We are seeing the effect of “handing someone over to Satan so that their flesh may be destroyed.” Though it was difficult salvation is the long-term result.
I tell you this story because I want you to see that what the Bible says is true and sometimes the most loving thing we can do is to rebuke someone in such a way that allows them to hit rock bottom. Because in the end it might result in their eternal salvation! So hold fast to the word of God and know that He is faithful. We are continuing to pray for this person and I invite you to join me so that we might continue to see a heart seeking for God.
May God continue to enrich your life with His glory.
Mike
More Than a Haircut
I was cruising through the auditorium on my way to my office the other day, when I was stopped by a sister from our church. She proceeded to tell me of an interesting experience she had at the hair salon. You see, she had been going to a certain hairstylist for quite some time, but was considering changing. That is, until her last appointment. The hair stylist began to tell her of the difficulties she was facing in life and the emptiness she feels inside. The gal from our church then shared the Lord with her…and in so doing, realized that she wasn’t going to switch hair stylists.
Hearing this story blessed my socks off, because that’s exactly what Jesus meant when He said, ‘You are the salt of the earth…You are the light of the world.’ (Matthew 5:13-14). When we gather for the various worship services and fellowship meetings here at Lighthouse, we get built up in our faith. We get refueled and reinvigorated. Our purpose and identity comes into greater focus. We’re reminded of who we are in Christ. But then we’re shaken out of the facility like salt into our culture. We take the light of Jesus into the marketplace.
Don’t get me wrong. I totally understand our consumer mentality. We desire the best goods and service for the money we pay. But the greater over-arching narrative of our cultural interaction shouldn’t be what we take from it, but what we bring to it. We are ambassadors sent by our King into culture to let people know of His eternal Kingdom.
I commend this dear sister for realizing that there’s a bigger story going on at the hair salon than haircuts and manicures.
Greg
What Makes the Difference?
I had the privilege this past Sunday to be in the services at Taproot in Des Moines Washington. This is the church that our former youth pastor Danny Braga replanted in the greater Seattle area and it is also where my son lives. They have been at it now for three years and God is blessing and they are seeing people come to Jesus as well as seeing the faith of many reinvigorated after years of living in dead orthodoxy.
Why? I would pose this as a question for discussion this week. What kept the church small and lifeless and why is it now a thriving community of believers? Anyone have any thoughts on the matter? Here is some food for thought from the word.
Matthew 16:13-18 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Revelation 3:8 I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.
The Joy of Obedience
It seems like people frequently approach obedience with a negative attitude. We often think of obedience as something we have to do rather than something we should long for. When viewed through an unbiblical perspective, obedience seems like a burden. But, the biblical concept of obedience is always focused on joy. In fact, every command of God is given to ensure our future joy, not to limit it! Let’s explore this idea a bit:
- Jesus directly connected obedience with full joy in our lives. John 15:10-11 says, “If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”
- Obedience flows out of love for God. John 14:23-24, “23Jesus replied, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. 24He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.
- God’s commands are NEVER a burden. 1 John 5:3, “This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome…”
- Obedience is a means by which God prospers us. Joshua 1:8, “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”
One final thought, the opposite of these statements is true – disobedience is burdensome, results in loss of blessing, represents lack of love for God, and results in a decreased joy. Every time the enemy tries to lie to you and tell you that disobeying God’s clear commands will result in joy, recognize it for the lie that it is. Full and true joy can only be found when we are right in the middle of God’s will for us!
Jesus is Lord
Col 2:6-7 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
What does it mean to have Jesus as Lord? Well our passage tells us plainly what it means. Just as a tree gains strength and health from its root system going deep in the soil so let the roots of your faith go deep into Him. This means living your life in full view of His and imitating His every move. It means that you really have no right to your own life because your life belongs to Him now.
2 Cor 5:15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.
Question: How should a day in our life look if Jesus is Lord?
Dan Marks
In His Presence
For you make him most blessed forever; you make him glad with the joy of your presence. –Psalm 21:6
It’s so easy to find our joy in stuff. We do it every day but yet seemingly we remain unsatisfied. I just recently read that some 45 percent of Americans are unsatisfied with their jobs. I find this amazing considering the current economic situation that we find ourselves in. You would think that people would just be pleased to work right now. But dissatisfaction still persists. People still go about day by day looking for joy in things that will never provide the joy that they are looking for. Not even a steady paycheck can bring someone complete satisfaction.
The Psalmist puts it so well here in Psalm 21:6. For you make him most blessed forever; you make him glad with the joy of your presence. King David here has come to the understanding that only in the strength of the LORD can he rejoice. No doubt David was a man who was rich to the standards of the world. He had the money, the house, the girls, and the fame yet he says that his joy was being in the presence of God. We know that later in David’s life he tried to find his joy elsewhere; the beautiful, naked Bathsheba bathing on a roof. But we also know that his life was turned to misery for a time after that situation until God was put back in David’s place of joy.
The question for us to ask here is what gives us the most joy? Is it our hobbies, our spouse, our kids, our toys, or is it the only true and living God that we most delight in? Does the presence of the LORD bring you delight or is He just what you do on Sunday like every “good Christian”? Delight yourself in God! He is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.
It’s A Wonderful Life
My favorite movie of all time is “It’s A Wonderful Life” Republic pictures 1946 starring Jimmy Stewart. It takes place in the town of Bedford Falls New York. George is the executive secretary of the building and loan, and lends money to help people build there own homes. Through an evil circumstance he finds the building and loan has lost or misplaced 8,000.
He considers taking his own life but just in the nick of time an angel appears and the story unfolds from there. The angels in his effort to win his wings shows George what life would be like if he had never been born, needless to say George had made quite a difference in the lives of many people.
I have always loved this film because it speaks to the simple truth that no matter who you are your life can be a blessing to others and that no life is insignificant. We all impact the world around us to one extent or another. Oswald Chambers reminds us that “a river reaches places which it’s source never knew”. You just never know where goodness flows when you release it.
John 7:37-38 If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.” The living water takes the form of how we speak and act towards each other, the kind of care we have for each other. It is reflected in our benevolence and unselfishness and so on. Listen to Paul’s heart as he shares about his own lifestyle.
2 Cor 6:3-10 We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich ; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.
You don’t have to have a special gift or talent to live an impacting life, just do good and seek the good of others, you will find this to be a rewarding and blessed way to live or truly a wonderful life. “Remember, no man is a failure who has friends”
What is Thanksgiving?
What is Thanksgiving, is it a four-day weekend, is it a day to feast on turkey and ham, or is it the day before what retailers call black Friday? What is thanksgiving, (first,second,third) it’s a:
1. Day to Remember God’s Goodness.
Thanksgiving is a day to remember God’s goodness in every area of your life, it’s a day to remember He’s never failed, He’s never faltered, or He’s never forsaken you. Christ says in Matthew 10:29-31, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.”
2. Day to Remember God’s Grace.
Thanksgiving is not only a day to remember God’s goodness, it’s a day to remember God’s grace, He’s helped you through every storm, He’s helped you through every sorrow, and He’s helped you through every adverse situation in life. Stop listening to Satan whose always telling you, you’ll never make it, remember Genesis 18:4, “Is there anything too hard for the Lord?”, “O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever.” (Psalm 136:2)
3. Day to Remember God’s Guidance.
Thanksgiving is not only a day to remember God’s grace and goodness, it’s a day to remember God’s guidance in every difficulty, disappointment, and decision you’ve made in life. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thine ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
“O give thanks unto the Lord.” (Psalm 136:1)