Be Sharp

"As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend" (Proverbs 27:17).

Fellowship with friends is a real blessing from Yahweh. I had just such an experience with my friend Steve Taylor. It was comparable to the Southwest Pastors meeting. We talked about many and various topics, encouraged each other, share a lough or two, and attended a spring training baseball game (front row seats on the first base side) for recreation.

We took time to talk about book publication and how beneficial writing classes can be. Steve is working on a book he hopes will be accepted by a national publishing house. Along with this, Wisdom & Power was discussed. Comments were made about how to improve it with pictures of authors and other illustrations, as well as increasing the readership. W&P is filling a need within the Church of God. We want it to be a real blessing to those who read it.

On a theological note we discussed Ezekiel 13 and how it applies to our day. The words spoken against the false prophets, who spoke from their own imagination, are true today for any teacher who doesn't teach God's wisdom and counsel. There are many sources of counsel, but only Yahweh's will stand in the time of storm. That storm is coming.

There was time for some technology in worship information to be shared. Steve show cased a home made rear projection screen he had put together using waxed paper. I admit I was skeptical when I first heard about it, but seeing it in use changed my mind! It functions as well as a "store bought" screen at a fraction of the cost. We should encourage Steve to share the plans and procedures with everyone.

Steve and I talked about he use of electronic devotions. Steve sends out a devotional nearly every day. Kara Taylor, Steve's daughter-in-law, helps him from time to time by creating devotions. Posting these devotions on blogs is a great way to get the message out to a wider community.

We discussed video conferencing, that is virtually free of cost, through Skype. This is the system that the University of Arizona uses for its video conferencing. Skype (a free downloadable program) allows people around the globe to see each other and talk in real time. You need a web-cam and a microphone is all. This is a great way to have Bible studies that people everywhere could be part of with a high speed internet connection.

Along this same line of discussion was CogCast. This internet radio program, organized by Wally Winner, reaches around the world. They broadcast Church of God sermons and songs. It is a great outreach we should support and promote. Many new readers for W&P have signed up through this medium. The tools we have available now give us great reach in this world for kingdom advancement.

Our final time together was "theology over breakfast". Jim Muldoon joined us and the range of topics we discussed was far ranging. The time went too quickly. The idea of sharing in Bible conferences between Lake Shore Bible Church and Church of the Open Bible came up. Perhaps we could do a spring conference at one church and a fall conference at the other. It's been a long time since we've shared in fellowship like that.

True to the proverb, Steve sharpens me, he helps me be sharp for the battle to advance the kingdom of God. Those couple of days were time well spent. I'm looking forward to the next Southwest Pastors meeting.

Blessing be on you
Chuck Jones

 

 

 

Parables

The Form of Parables

We were investigating the parable of the sower on Wednesday evening, from Luke 8. There were a couple of definitions of what a parable is: "An earthly story with a heavenly meaning", "A common story with spiritual insight", and "a fictitious story with a moral." All of these help explain what parables are. Beyond the definitions is the reason Jesus used them while he taught. His explanation comes from Isaiah 6:9, which Jesus quotes, "Seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand" (Luke 8:10). Let's consider this for a moment.

Have you ever had the experience of witnessing something and failed to grasp the impact of it? Perhaps, like me, you've heard a joke and just didn't get it. Even though all the necessary information was presented, there just didn't seem to be any point to the joke. That's the way many of Jesus' parables were received. Many people just didn't get them.

Look again at the sower parable. What Jesus said, as part of his teaching, could have been received as a report on a regular activity. A man went out to plant some seeds; he lost some on the path, some landed on stones, some among thorns, and some actually made it to the field and produced a hundredfold crop. That sort of thing happened everyday.

A question that I posed at the Bible study was, "If that's all you heard, would you gain any spiritual lesson from that by itself?" It may be difficult to consider this since we know the interpretation Jesus gave, but be honest in your meditation. I, for one, am glad Jesus explained it because I'm sure I wouldn't have come up with the same application. This is where it becomes serious (for me at least), because Jesus said "He who has ears to hear, let him hear" (Luke 8:8). Do I have, I wonder, ears to hear? I don't dwell on that too much because the disciples didn't get it either. They asked Jesus to explain it. I'm thankful he did! His explanation tells me that there are spiritual "lessons" happening all the time. Can you see them? That's what I think are "eyes to see and ears to hear".

Part of our discussion at the Bible study revolved around parables from our daily life. You may have experienced something that seems commonplace but can have an application to the gospel of the kingdom of God. These aren't the lightening bolts from the sky sort of things that jolt us to a new spiritual understanding (although they could), but activities like weeding a garden, getting some exercise, cooking a meal or going to work can be sources of parables.

What it may require is to "put your mind on things above rather than on things of the earth" (Colossians 3:2), so that you begin to have eyes to see and ears to hear.

Now for the commercial break. When this activity takes root in your life, write down what you are thinking about. I have a selfish motive for this: I'd like to put it in the Wisdom & Power magazine. This would be a way for you to serve by writing. Your experiences, and application, could bless people across the world.

Parables are a great way to teach spiritual truths. Take up the habit. Keep your eyes and ears open to common experiences that have a greater, deeper application.

Blessing be on you
Chuck Jones

 

Are you listening to www.Cogcast.org ?

 

 

Don't Envy Them

There was a cartoon in the paper recently. The panel showed a number of boys jumping off a cliff. One boy was speaking into his cell phone. He was saying, "Mom? Hi, ah, what was that you said about 'if everyone else was jumping off a cliff'? If you get this message in the next few minutes, call me."

There was a glitch in the classic argument about not doing something just because everyone else is. Following the crowd to disaster isn't always as obvious as jumping off a cliff or bridge. There are more subtle ways of doing that very thing, that can have just as disastrous consequences.

Let me highlight five justifications – excuses – that have been used and are still in use today. Maybe one of them is yours.

Here's the situation. Traffic is slow and the car-pool lane is empty. You, however, are not at the right spot to get in. The car ahead of you goes over the yellow lines. Even though this is breaking the law, the thought comes, "If they can do it, so can I". Or, "If they aren't going to follow the rules, than neither am I". Do you suppose the state trooper would accept either of these excuses?

Here is another one of those justification used to retaliate in like manner, "Everyone is getting even, besides he did it to me first!" Elementary teachers hear this all the time. The thought is that if we've been offended then we have a right to make them pay. Be mindful of whom you are learning from.

These last tactics are similar to each other in that they try to deflect or minimize the guilt. For instance, someone is guilty of fornication. When spoken to about it, their response is, "Well at least I don't drink!" This says, in effect, that one sin is worse than all others and I'm not guilty of that.

This is similar to the next justification that says; "As bad as you think my behavior is, I'm not as bad as so and so." By making a comparison between ourselves and others we come up woefully short. The behavior of others is a poor standard to guide our own. We have one example, that is Jesus.

One last example is attacking the messenger. No doubt you've had this one used on you, to deflect the guilt. When talking to someone about an offense, they shoot back, "well you're not so perfect yourself". They want to change the subject from their behavior to yours. Slick side step.

All of these excuses are used to make us feel better about our sin. We choose to live like those in the broad way of destruction. Think about the crowd you're following.

The wisdom from Proverbs tells us, "Do not let your heart envy sinners [whatever they may be doing or getting] but be zealous for the fear of Yahweh all the day. For surely there is a hereafter and your hope [in Yahweh] will not be cut off' (23:17-18). A related passage tells us, "Don't fret because of evil doers. Nor be envious of the wicked. Because there will be no prospect [anything to look forward to] for the evil man. The lamp of the wicked will be put out" (24:19-20)

When people are confronted because of bad behavior, there really is only one good reaction. That would be repentance. There is more to life than momentary gratification. We understand that there are eternal consequences involved. When you feel wronged or left out, remember the hope we have from Yahweh through Jesus.

Blessing be on you
Chuck Jones

 

Are you listening to www.Cogcast.org ?

 

 

A Promise Made

A promise made to a child shouldn't be broken. Actually no promise should be, but a child will believe you and not keeping it is what brings skepticism into a life. No doubt we have all had the experience of broken promises in our young lives that is some way affects us now, you learn not to believe. It happens, and it is a sad state of affairs when we apply it to what God has promised. We may not always keep promises, our parents may have let us down, but God will not.

If you were the victim of a broken promise, try to remember the way in which you received, believed, and looked forward to the fulfillment of that promise. That's what Jesus was indicating, I believe, when he said we should receive the kingdom as a child. Not that we should act as children, but we should believe the promises that Yahweh has made, because He will not let us down. It is a matter of integrity for Him to keep His word. Trust that what He has said will come to pass, no matter how bad things look, or how impossible His truth may be. Here are some thoughts from Pastor Steve Taylor about "childlike" faith that I found refreshing. I hope you do as well.

Never underestimate the power of simple faith. A childless old man is asked to believe in descendants too numerous to count.

"And He took him outside and said, "Now look toward the heavens, and count the stars, if you are able to count them." And He said to him, "So shall your descendants be." Then he believed in the LORD; and He reckoned it to him as righteousness." (Genesis 15:5-6)

In a way that only God could, He took Abram outside at night and used the limitless night sky to emphasis His point and promise. Literally, a starry-eyed Abram simply "believed in YAHWEH", and his simple faith was credited to him as pleasing to the Lord. Child-like, simple faith was the prized quality that appropriated the promise.

This passage is vivid in my mind. I picture Abraham standing beside God, like a young child standing next to his parent, looking up at the night sky in wonderment. In child-like innocence he simply accepts the outrageous promise that God makes because of His absolute trust In his Father.

Innocent, child-like faith is more difficult the older we get. The experiences of life can easily fill us with skepticism, pessimism, and callousness. Age and experience have a way of removing child-like innocence and simplicity.

Perhaps Abram's faith was so highly prized because it is so rare in adults. The complexities and realities of adult life had not tainted his innocent inner child, as so characteristically happens to most people.

The loss of innocent, child-like faith is to our own peril: "whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all" (Luke 18:17). Accepting that we will be privileged to rule the world together with Jesus at His return is about as outrageous as a childless old man believing that his descendants would be as numerous as the night stars. And yet we, like Abram, are asked to accept this outrageous promise in simple, child-like faith. In a way different than is commonly meant today, listen to your inner child.

Me again. Put away that skepticism, pessimism, and callousness by replacing it with trust. Don't listen to the "adult" arguments, but as Steve wrote, listen to that believing child. It's wonderful, peaceful, and easy to accept.

Blessing be on you
Chuck Jones

 

Are you listening to www.Cogcast.org ?

 

 

Are We Sure?

There was a tragic story in the Los Angeles Times this past week about a man who unknowingly killed himself. The real tragedy is, I suppose, the fact that he didn't think he was doing anything harmful. The newspaper article revealed that an eighty-two year old man, who had for many years picked and used wild mushrooms. His last trip out turned into tragedy when he mistakenly picked a variety (amanita ocreata) that has deadly toxins. He was confident that these were safe to eat and "really ate a lot of them," his wife had said.

According to the article, the toxins from these deadly fungi worked their way through the man's system and making him very sick, eventually causing a coma, liver failure, and his death.

His family told reporters, "You couldn't tell him anything because he had been lucky for eighty-two years". He had been convinced that these fungi he picked were safe because he had compared them with pictures in a reference book. However, no amount of confidence changed the nature of the toxin filled mushrooms.

My grandparents and my mother would go out and hunt for mushrooms. They limited themselves to the "Morrell" mushroom, which has a distinctive appearance. They didn't trust any other variety.

Back to the article. It made me think of how sad it was that this man cooked up a "heaping plate" of these deadly mushrooms while he was expecting no ill effects. How sad it is, too, that people today are living is such a way that can bring death to them, while not knowing it. I'm not speaking of the death we all must face, I'm thinking of the wages of sin.

People with out the salvation purchased by Jesus are "cooking" up their own demise, and they don't have to. They may be looking for all the pleasure that can get now, with no thought for Yahweh. Idols are just as toxic to the soul as poisonous mushrooms are to the body. Idols promise something good, but in the end bring spiritual destruction. Many people don't see the danger in worshiping things this world has, instead of our Great God, Yahweh.

It is as true today as it was when Jesus uttered the words, "What advantage is there is a person gains the whole world and loses his soul?"

What if this mushroom hunter had been more careful and suspicious in identifying what he picked? The story would have never been told. We also are warned to be on guard, to watch, be sober, and pay attention. What seems harmless, can be deadly, no matter how certain we are to the contrary.

It is easy to speak up when someone is about to unwittingly ingest poison. We'd want to save their life. But, I think, what is more important is saving their soul. It's a fearful thing to fall into the hand of the Living God, without the protection Jesus offers.

Consider the people you work with, live next to, or your family. How many of them are certain things are okay in their lives, but haven't confessed Jesus as Lord? We all are appointed to die once, but it's the judgment that follows which is more important. If you are secure in Christ, help others to find that same security. Don't let them be willingly ignorant of what they are doing and where it will lead.

Blessing be on you
Chuck Jones

 

Are you listening to www.Cogcast.org ?

 

 

Fellowship of the Struggle

This line came to mind as I was preparing a sermon and I thought it had some merit. The phrase says a couple of things for me, maybe you'll agree after reading this.

Starting with the "struggle" part, first I want to describe what we all know too well; life is full of struggles, especially living the life of righteousness. Jesus taught it this way: "The law and the prophets were till John; but then came the preaching of the kingdom of God, and everyone makes his way into it by force" (Luke 16:16). In broad general terms that struggle (or the use of force) is against sin; it's shedding the old man with his (or her) corrupt ways so we can put on Jesus.

We are instructed to, "...put off concerning your former conduct, the old man, which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts and be renewed in the spirit of your mind and that you put on the new man which was created according to God in true righteousness and holiness" (Ephesians 4:22-23). This applies, without exception, to everyone. However the personal specifics will be different from person to person.

Paul goes on to identify some specific matters in life that are sources for the struggle: our deceitfulness with others (don't lie), personal gratification (be angry without sinning), selfish self-centeredness (don't steal), destructive language (corrupt words), and our tendency to ignore the Holy Spirit. These categories can be broken down even further as each is applied personally. Isn't it sad to see these things displayed in any congregation? If you say "yes" to that question, get busy looking at your "old man", is he (or she) still hanging around? Are you prepared for the struggle? Shedding the old behavior doesn't happen automatically. It is a struggle and it takes force, but it isn't impossible. You've got what it takes to win. God's given us everything, by His divine power for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). We are winners, but we still must enter the battle.

Take this lopsided illustration for example. What if the Super Bowl champions were to play the Pop Warner champions? There isn't any doubt who would win, but the champions would still have to suit up for, and play the game. That's where we are in our struggle for righteousness; we've been handed a victory, but we have to suit up and get in the game. You can shed the old man regardless of the lies you've heard or the excuses you use.

Getting a handle on this struggle helps in other struggles as well, like dealing with hostile people, an alluring world, loss, or sickness.

Everyone has a story about the struggle whether it's a success or failure. Some choose to remain silent, but there's no help in that. At the least we should be vocal about our struggles with Yahweh, add to that seeking support and guidance from other strugglers and we have the fellowship of the struggle.

Fellowship describes a companion who has something in common, a co-participant (like a team member) who shares the same goal. We are all in this together, we have a common goal of standing before Jesus with joy! This type of fellowship brings together all who struggle, to share the burdens of each other with encouragement, support, and help. Some may find that opening up about their struggles is a struggle in itself. Overcoming that struggle in God's power is liberating. Someone said that a struggle shared is a struggle halved.

Don't avoid the struggle for righteousness, because regardless of your background, you have what it takes to win!

Blessing be on you
Chuck Jones

 

Are you listening to www.Cogcast.org ?

 

 

Put Your Faith Where Your Mouth Is

Last Wednesday at Bible study we talked about "visible faith" using Luke 5:17-26. I wanted to establish the fact that our faith needs to blossom beyond words. I wondered out loud if faith was a verb? I'm not an English major, but if it isn't, it should be.

Faith that is only professed can't be called "visible faith". Visible faith is what is seen in the actions of those who are living their faith. This is what James said, "What does it profit, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? But someone will say, You have faith and I have works. Show me your faith without works, and I will show you my faith by works" (James 4:14,18).

This was highlighted in our text from Luke 5. As Jesus was teaching in a crowded home, some men carried a paralyzed man to him. Access to Jesus was hindered by the crowd, so they made a hole in the roof and lowered the man down. Verse 20 declares, "When Jesus saw their faith..." Jesus saw that these men displayed visible faith.

In response to their faith Jesus pronounced forgiveness on the paralyzed man. How fantastically wonderful. The faith of those who brought the man was enough for Jesus to set the man free from the prison of guilt, shame, and sin.

Your visible faith can do the same thing. Read that again if you missed it. Yes, the same result. Consider that person, who you may have concluded is "too far gone". Do you believe Jesus can free them from whatever self-imposed prison they are bound by? Well, if not, then of course you wouldn't go to the trouble of introducing them to Jesus. But, if on the other hand, you can say, "Yes I believe the Son can set us free," then put your faith where your mouth is! Turn your invisible faith into visible faith.

The text in Luke gives us a good contrast between visible faith and words only. Let me put it into today's setting. You know someone who is "too far gone". It it possible for this individual to receive forgiveness? That's not to difficult to answer. Looking back, the Pharisees called it blasphemy. They would not have offered it, but we can. Do you?

As the account indicates, Jesus went beyond just talking, by offering proof of what he said. The Paralyzed man got up and carried his bed home. Your friend who is "too far gone" can also receive forgiveness and walk in a new kind of life. Something, perhaps, that wasn't thought possible until your faith became visible.

The record doesn't say how the men felt when they saw the man get up and walk home. I'm sure they hurried down to rejoice with him as he glorified God. You would too, wouldn't you?

Verse 26 tells us that the people who saw this work of faith said, "we have seen strange things today". That's right, your visible faith, seen by others will indeed seem strange in our world today. Amaze those who know you by putting your faith where your mouth is.

Imagine No Religion

Imagine No Religion

There was a brief article in the paper this week regarding the Freedom From Religion Foundation's billboard message. A picture accompanying the article showed the sign's message: "Imagine No Religion". The co-founder of the foundation is quoted as saying, "This message introduces the belief that our society doesn't need religion to function." The article concluded with a couple of short responses. What follows is mine.

In these sorts of discussions it always a good idea to clarify the definitions that are being use. In the King James Bible the word religion is used only a few times. One place is James 1:26-27. Here the Greek word "threskos" (translated religion) could better be translated worship or service. As religion has today, "threskos, had a double meaning. One was outward ritual the other was worship and service from the heart.

As James says, pure and undefiled religion (or worship) that is acceptable to God is to visit the orphans and widows in their trouble. And to keep separate from the world. Whether we use religion or worship, James' definition stands; "Look out for those less fortunate." I hardly think this is what the Freedom from Religion Foundation is advocating we give up.

For a modern definition, the dictionary tells us that religion is a set of institutionalized attitudes, beliefs, or practices. This may be what the Atheists are apposed to. Religion in this light carries only the trappings of piety. The practices are done wholly for show. In this case the pomp and rituals are empty and meaningless as we will see shortly.

I tend to agree with the Atheists. Hear me out before you judge me. Religion in its institutionalized facade should be allowed to die. These rituals are not the worship of Yahweh. Nor are they the service to others that Jesus championed. Consider the two great commands.

The Old Testament prophets denounced the ritual practices because they didn't affect, nor were they conceived in the heart. In fact Yahweh says, through the prophet Amos (5:21-24) that He hates and despises their sacred assemblies, He will not accept their offerings, or hear their songs. This type of religion is more concerned with controlling behavior by coercion, force and pressure rather than a change of heart. It tends to hypocrisy which is one of the Atheist's complaints.

I realize that some will find offense with this billboard message. There may be some sort of backlash from the institutionalized religious fundamentalists. Those who employ and encourage "religion" will be worried about this threat of people thinking. However, that isn't where their concern should be. They should be worried about what Yahweh, the Great and Awesome God thinks.

Those who worship Yahweh in spirit and truth know He fights for us. We can find confidence in His presence, just as Jesus did. If criticisms arise we can be bold enough to look at them and consider them honestly. There may be something we've over looked.

As I understand the end times, our real challenge will come from those who "have a form of godliness but deny its power." I'm convinced that functioning believers will find the greatest contest with those "who profess to know Yahweh but in works deny Him". I do not believe the primary trouble will come from those who say the God doesn't exist.

Let's hold fast to our faith and live it as worship to the Almighty. What Yahweh desires is truth in the heart, justice toward others with mercy. Not even the Atheists could be against that. Living the truth from the heart will silence the critics as Proverbs 16:7 says, "When a man's ways please Yahweh, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him."

Pastor Chuck

Covenant Relationship

Covenantal Relationship

Everyone is going to have to answer to God. I've said before that "all roads lead to God, but only one leads to His favorable side!" That favorable side is reserved for His "covenant people.

The word "covenant" may sound strange to us now, but at one tie it was a common word used in legal circles. Much like we use the word "contract' today. As close as that is it isn't exact, it's more like making an arrangement between two parties.

It's for this reason that I counsel an engaged couple that they are entering into a consensual relationship. Marriage is based on our connection to Jesus Christ as the head of the church (see Ephesians 5:22-33), the husband promises to love the wife [as Christ loves the church], and the wife promises to submit to the husband (in the Lord).

From the Old Testament we find covenant used in several places. God made a covenant with Abram in Genesis 15. This may have been done to help Abram know he would inherit the land.

Laben made a covenant with his future son-in-law, Jacob. This was made perhaps because neither one trusted the other (see Genesis 31:44-ff). This was, however, a covenant that God witnessed.

A covenant between two friends was made by David and Jonathan. Jonathan gave David his robe, armor, sword, belt , and bow ( 1 Samuel 18:4). It is as if David became Jonathan by this covenant. Consider this as you think about the armor of God, and marriage.

Another covenant is the one Yahweh made with Israel as He elected Israel, and they in turn accepted the terms of obedience at Sinai, after the exodus from Egypt. They were to acknowledge Yahweh as their King and Deliverer. They did for a short while.

The covenant relationship isn't meant to be simply a legal contract. Consider marriage. It's more than a contract between a man and a women that lists out all the duties of the husband and the wife. That would be impossible. The husband is to love his wife and do what is necessary for her welfare, and likewise the wife is to care for her husband. The covenant relationship of marriage is a promise made by each (or at least it should be) to learn about and care fore each other and no one else!

The "old" covenant Yahweh made with Israel, the law written in stone, was meant to bring His people into fellowship with Him as King. He wanted His people to be free to approach Him. That didn't work because the hearts of the people weren't in it. The ritual became more important than the relationship. Yahweh had to change things.

This is where the 'new' covenant comes into the picture. The Messiah would come for a new covenant. He would show the way, the truth, and the life that Yahweh is pleased with (see Isaiah 42:6 and 49:8). Actually, Jeremiah 31:31 predicts this new covenant when Yahweh's ways are written on our hearts. It's not longer a matter of ritual, but one of relationship. Yahweh is in us, filling us.

If you read Hebrews 8-9 you will read what Jeremiah said. Hebrews 9 shows the difference between the two covenants. Here we find out about the eternal redemption through Christ's blood (vs 12-14). So that those who are in a conventual relationship with Yahweh have the promise of an eternal inheritance (vs 15).

Covenants can be ignored or broken. Trust in this new covenant that Jesus sealed with his blood between you and Yahweh.