Monthly Archives: October 2011

Demon-Casting, Satan-bruising, Conquering-Crushing Christianity

16 Sunday Oct 2011

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Power-our society feeds on it. Power-some churches make it into a doctrine. I think you would agree that contemporary society is on a quest for power. Few would argue that. But what happens when the evangelical church follows that path?
It was a question I asked myself years ago and again today. Why are charismatics fixated with power? Why do many charismatic church’s continue to exalt doctrinal concepts such as reigning, conquering and power over following, giving, and humility? Why is there a drive to make disciples into demon-casting, Satan-bruising, conquering-crushing children of God? This is power religion and that’s not the mission of the church!
The evangelical church must leave power behind; it must speak less self-confidently and begin declaring its confidence in God’s sovereign grace. There must be a recovery of the riches of mysteries that have been finally revealed in the living and written Word, no doubt. But until the Gospel is clearly known again in our ungodly culture (true evangelism), we must put every other pursuit, every other distraction, every other interest or fascination in check.
Sorry, the emphasis is not on signs and wonders (a form of power religion), but it’s about what the Apostle Paul declared as a testimony of his life, “I resolved to know nothing among you except Christ and him crucified.”

Faith Without Works is Dead: Inward Emptiness (Part 1)

10 Monday Oct 2011

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I look forward to Saturday mornings as I meet with several veterans for Bible study. It’s a small group of 5-6 veterans and they are excited and hungry for the Word of God. What a privilege it is to be part of what God is doing in their lives. We are currently studying the book of James. Here are my notes from yesterday’s session.

This passage found in Matthew gives us yet further understanding of what James is trying to pound into his readers from our section of study today (James 2:14-26). Matthew says, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter” (Mat. 7:21).

Years ago while on active duty a co-worker played a practical April Fools joke on me. He gave me a Pepsi can. On the outside it looked authentic enough, logo colors, printing, etc. It had not been opened. But the unusual thing about it was that it was empty. Looked real on the outside but empty on the inside. The appearance on the outside did not correspond with the inside. We had our laughs and found out later my co-worker had pricked the can and emptied out it’s contents.

I use this story to illustrate what James means by “faith without works is dead”. Therein lies the problem James 2:14-16 and the Matthew passage are describing about the Christian who does not apply his faith into a practical lifestyle–the result:inward emptiness.

Then James begins to move through the rest of our scripture texts supporting this theme of “faith without works is dead”. He mentions clothing and feeding our brother and sister, vs.15-17; that even the demons believe vs.19-20; and the actions of Abraham as an example vs. 22-23.

The idea of practical theology really emerges through theses texts. James pounds home the idea that faith without works is dead. As a seminary professor of mine used to say, “You have to put faith on your feet”, i.e. faith is known only when it is shown through your works.

The Consequences of Ideas: Understanding the Concepts that Shaped Our World

04 Tuesday Oct 2011

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“The greater our familiarity with the ideas that have shaped our culture over the centuries, the greater our ability to understand–and influence–that culture for Christ. From ancient Greek thinkers like Plato and Aristotle to Christian philosophers like Augustine and Aquinas to the molders of modern thought such as Kant and Nietzsche, R. C. Sproul traces the contours of Western philosophy throughout history and demonstrates the massive consequences these ideas have had on world events, theology, the arts, and culture–as well as in our everyday lives“–back cover flap.

You will not be disappointed. This is vintage Sproul, accurate, cogent, and just plain insightful. There are very few authors  who can take difficult concepts and ideas and make sense of them for his audience–a must read!

180 Video

03 Monday Oct 2011

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Ray Comfort, evangelist and author, addresses the holocaust of abortion in this insightful and dramatic video. His gift of evangelism through his teaching has over the years made me stop, think, and DO something about the killing of innocent babies. Thanks Ray for glorifying our Master through your ministry!

Actions of the Rich in Faith (Not Famous)

02 Sunday Oct 2011

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Chapel Service Message:

Text: James 2:5-12;Theme: Putting mercy into practice; Setting: Chapel/Veterans

1. What does rich in faith mean?

2:5. Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith -

This verse is about character. James so lovingly points out that God does not favor a person because of their worldly wealth and riches or influence, but on the richness of faith found in the heart and how it is expressed in a person’s life.

2:5. and heirs of the kingdom, which He promised to those who love Him?

-God’s kingdom is the reward and promise to those who love Him. No matter what social standing (rich or poor)a person may have achieved in his earthly life or what riches he has accumulated, if his heart is not loving, he not guaranteed an inheritance

-heirs of the kingdom – No longer should a person, who is a Christian, be striving for earthly possessions and status. Instead they are to learn and take comfort in the fact that Christ has prepared for them a Kingdom that is everlasting and theirs by a holy salvation. This kingdom is one that comes by the way of the Cross. This kingdom embraces all creeds, languages and ages of this present world.

It is filled with those who have humbled themselves before the Father, listened to the wooing of the Spirit and accepted Christ for themselves. They are truly the ones who are ‘rich in faith.’

Q: Are you rich in faith?

2. How do we know we are Rich In Faith?

2:13. For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. –

Christians are judged according to the new law of liberty, the Law of Christ (See Romans 14:10; 2 Cor 5:10 and Rom 2:16).We must speak and justify our faith through works – the topic that James is next leading his letter into. Our words, our deeds and our attitudes will be judged!

We are now to be as ones who love. We are to love our neighbor. Our words are to reflect our faith and our walk before Christ. We are no longer slaves to the law, but find freedom in fulfilling it through the power of the Holy Spirit indwelling within us. We now delight to fulfill Christ’s teaching and commands because love is the new law, (See John 14:15; John 15:17; 1 Cor. 13:5-7).

Mercy is the evidence of unconditional love. This is how we know we are rich in faith. It is that part of your spiritual life that overflows into individuals and community. It always triumphs over judgment. It overlooks faults and deals graciously with people. The Word of God speaks highly of mercy, and implores believers to exercise it liberally.

Proverbs 3:3 says, “ Bind mercy to your heart and your neck and find favor and high esteem in the sight of men and God”.

When we live in obedience to God’s Word we are able to live a life that reflects mercy and shows no favoritism whether in word, action or attitude. We need to continually be basing the out working of our faith on love and reflecting the grace and mercy given to us by Christ, the One who shows no partiality.

Let us all go and do likewise!