It Will Still Work, If You Work It

Growing up on a farm, you learn to use technology both old and new. Sometimes we would clean out fences that were overgrown with weeds and undergrowth. We would use chainsaws and weed-eaters. However, dad would sometimes make me use an old bush-axe or a swing-blade. It was an old piece of technology. But dad would essentially say, "It will still work, if you will work it."

When it comes to evangelism, we sometimes think we have to utilize the newest, most innovative techniques and strategies. We tend to dismiss the "old methods" as moldy, outdated and ineffective. Yet, the best way to convert people to Christ is still the simple, person-to-person Bible study approach. It still yields more long-lasting converts to Christ than attendance drives, programs, and marketing approaches. Yet few seem willing to engage in the "work" of doing personal work. Jesus said that the laborers would be few (Luke 10:2).

However, a recent "Back to the Bible campaign" of old-fashion door knocking has yielded 35 baptisms in Oklahoma City, according to an article from Christian Chronicle (July 7, 2010) (see article here). At first, some of the participants were skeptical of this approach declaring, "You watch. We won't get 10 studies in 100 square miles." Yet after the first day, church members had set up 80 Bible studies. During the campaign, organizers found that apartment dwellers (those in transitional phases in life) were much more receptive than homeowners.

These folks used a simple approach. "We give them what the Bible says and let them make up their own mind. That's really all there is to it," one participant said. Not only have many Bible studies been set up, and 35 people were baptized, but the church that organized the effort was transformed. When people see the power of the gospel working, and that evangelism can still be effective, it becomes contagious. It will change a church, which in turn, will change a community. One person said, "It has amazed us at how many people are saying, 'yes.' None of us will ever be the same."

I must confess that I have been critical in the past of old methods of evangelism like door-knocking. I thought that our efforts might be more effective in other ways. Well, it turns out that the old ways of evangelism will still work. I guess dad was right, "It will still work, if you will work it."

Finding an Amazing Treasure

A very interesting story was reported by the Associated Press on Monday (May 17, 2010). The headline reads "$20,000 Found Hidden in Estate Sale Furniture." According to the story "a furniture liquidation business found bundles of cash hidden in the back of an armoire." The store owners returned the money which was desperately needed to pay the medical bills of the armoire's original owner. It turns out that the woman's husband had hidden the money because he did not trust banking institutions.

This real-life story rings of the parables told by Jesus about the hidden treasure (Matthew 13:44). Jesus says, "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field." Jesus' instruction here emphasizes the supreme value of the kingdom of heaven. Do we see the great value in being a follower of Christ?

Sometimes we view the cost of discipleship that Jesus often discusses (Matt. 10:37-39; 19:27-29) as being a burden. This man happily gave up everything he had because of the extreme value of the treasure he had found. This man did not look at what he had to "give up" as being a sacrifice. Instead, this man sold everything because he wanted to buy something much greater! As R.T. France observes, "The disciple's 'giving up' is in the context of joy!"

Most of us would be glad to give more than we thought the armoire was worth if we knew $20,000 was secretly stashed inside. We might even "give up" many of our other possessions to raise the money to buy the armoire. Heaven is the greatest treasure of all. How can you put a price tag on eternal life? Let us joyfully give up everything that would hinder us from obtaining this heavenly treasure!

Works Cited:

France, R.T. The Gospel According to Matthew. Eerdmans: Grand Rapids, 1985. Page 229.

The Undiscovered (Underwater) Country

Our Creator is wonderfully imaginative. I was overwhelmed with a sense of awe by the majesty of the Architect of our world with the Discovery series Planet Earth several years ago. Although the producers (and commentary) was clearly from an evolutionary bias, I watched the strange and amazing creatures of our planet with an eye toward the intricate design of our wondrously intelligent and creative God.

A new movie by the producers of Planet Earth (and its movie counterpart "Earth") is making its debut April 22, 2010. The movie, Oceans, will explore the amazing marine life that exists in the depths of the oceans of our world. In an exploration of our planet, the oceans are truly an undiscovered country with new life and phenomenon continually being uncovered. According to USA Today, scientists recently discovered "hydrothermal vents" miles below the ocean's surface where life teems in the "warm, mineral-rich fluids" of the volcanic rifts despite extreme underwater pressure.

There are great treasures yet to be discovered in the deep places of our planet. Yet, there are even greater treasures to be found in the "depths" of God. It is upon these "deep places" that we must prioritize our focus.

In the book of Proverbs, "wisdom" for living your life is personified as if it were a person. Wisdom is described this way in Proverbs 8:22-27, "The Lord possessed me [wisdom] at the beginning of his work, the first of his acts of old. Ages ago I was set up, at the first, before the beginning of the earth. When there were no depths I was brought forth, when there were no springs abounding with water. Before the mountains had been shaped, before the hills, I was brought forth, before he had made the earth and its fields, or the first of the dust of the world. When he established the heavens, I was there…" (ESV).

Wisdom (personified) was set in place by God even before the depths of the oceans and the treasures that it holds. Much greater are the treasures of a life wisely lived than all the magnificent creatures that swim in the great deep. Too many people today live lives of foolishness and folly. God desire that we live wisely, "And now, O sons, listen to me: blessed are those who keep my ways. Hear instruction and be wise and do not neglect it…For whoever finds me [wisdom] finds life and obtains favor from the Lord" (Proverbs 8:32-35).

Hunger & Thirst for Righteousness

It seems that kids are born loving anything with sugar. I haven't met a kid yet who doesn't like candy. But most kids don't like to eat their vegetables. Parents train their children to eat things that are good for them. After being forced to eat certain vegetables by my parents, after a while I seemed to acquire a taste for them. Once I hated broccoli, but now I intentionally order it and often crave it. I feel so much better when I eat healthy, so now I often crave healthy food.

Jesus said that our lives will be blessed if we hunger and thirst for righteousness (Matt. 5:6). A hunger for spiritually good things doesn't seem to come naturally to most of us. Like the kid who wants to eat candy all the time, it seems we are born into this world with a desire for worldly pleasures and comforts. We don't naturally want the things that are good for us.

The Bible instructs us to "taste and see that the Lord is good" (Psalm 34:8). Like eating vegetables, we have to discipline ourselves to regularly start eating from the "bread of life" of Christ's teachings (John 6:35, 63). You may not like what God's word challenges you to do when you first start reading and studying it. But soon you will realize that it offers a better way of living that permanently gives satisfaction (John 10:10; 4:14).

If all you ever ate was sugar, you would eventually feel miserable. When you start eating healthy, it makes you feel so much better about life. Start seeking righteousness. It might seem restrictive and difficult at first, but soon you will develop a taste for it (cf. Heb. 6:5). After a while you will begin to crave the righteous things of God because it makes you feel so much better about yourself. As the Psalmist writes, "How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!" (Psalm 119:103).

Miss California and Traditional Marriage

It appears that Miss California's stand for traditional values cost her the Miss USA crown. Carrie Prejean was asked the following question during the competition: "Vermont recently became the forth state to legalize same-sex marriage. Do you think every state should follow suit? Why or why not?" This was her answer: "I think it is great that Americans are able to choose one or the other. We live in a land that you can choose same-sex marriage or opposite marriage...in my country, and in my family, I think that I believe that marriage should be between a man and a woman. No offense to anybody out there, but that is how I was raised and I think it should be between a man and a woman." (see the video clip).

Many observers and even some of the judges of the competition are saying that her answer to this question clearly cost her the crown. In a Fox News interview Carrie Prejean says that she believes that was exactly what cost her the crown. It is uncertain if this single event was the reason why she lost. However she makes a good point in the interview with Megyn Kelly, "Where is the class? Where has the integrity gone? Why am I such a bad person for stating my own opinion?"

There was a time when Americans would not approve or endorse homosexuality. Most Americans would be very outspoken against this behavior. Now the tables have turned. Political correctness screams for tolerance of all opinions and beliefs. In reality, however, the Politically Correct crowd will not tolerate beliefs opposed to their agenda. The prophecy of Isaiah has been fulfilled in America, "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil" (Isaiah 5:20). In our country today homosexual marriage is viewed as good while traditional marriage is viewed as evil.

I was surprised but pleased to learn that Miss California took this stand on national television. She says that she does not regret it but is proud to take a stand for what she believes rather than giving the politically correct response. Will you stand up for what you believe before others as well even in an increasing hostile culture?

Excitement About Your Faith is the Key to Evangelism

I am convinced that excitement is the key to evangelism. The most persuasive tool in evangelism is seeing a person who is personally excited about their faith. Someone who is going through the motions of religion will convert few (if any) true followers to Jesus Christ.

King David knew that he could not be effective for the Lord when he was weighed down with the guilt of his personal sin. He prayed to God "restore to me the joy of my salvation" (Psalm 51:12). It is only when we are joyful about our salvation that we can really persuade others of the benefit of the Christian life.

David realized that he could not convince people to obey the Lord if he himself was walking around with a sorrowful look. David asks God to restore the joy of his faith. Why? David continues, "then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners will be converted to You" (Psalm 51:13).

If we are to convert people to the Lord, we must be personal examples of joyfulness. Excitement about your personal faith and effectiveness in evangelism go hand in hand.

An Emotional Faith

It is possible to be a religious person and yet not know God. Jesus warned that on the final day many religious people would boast about their pious devotion to rites and rituals but he will say to them "I never knew you" (Matt. 7:22-23). We often quote this passage to condemn the mundane, man-made traditions of denominational worship. Sometimes this passage is quoted with a sound of arrogance, "we know God" but you don't. It is true that it is essential to keep all of God's commandments to really "know him" (1 John 2:3-6). Yet, it is just as wrong to worship God in spirit with no truth as it is to worship with all truth and no spirit.

We must examine ourselves to see if we are in the faith (2 Cor. 13:5). There is far too many lifeless, ritualistic, religious people within the church buildings of our fellowship. With a some notable exceptions, there are far too many of my brethren practicing the motions of worship with little enthusiasm or excitement about their faith. I am afraid that we have fought so many battles against falsehood that we have forgotten the truth! A constant fear of liberalism and false teaching results in a fearful faith, huddling in a corner paralyzed by inactivity. Let's not be afraid to go about doing good!

No wonder we are not more evangelistic. We have forgotten the "good-part" of the Good News! Let us pray that God will "restore unto us the joy of our salvation," and then will "sinners will be converted" (Psalm 51:12-13). Our worship and service to God is not to be just an intellectual, ritualistic exercise. We are to love God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength--our emotions are to be involved in our faith! Dare we have the kind of enthusiastic faith in our churches today that the lame man had--"walking, leaping and praising God"? (Acts 3:8).

When Things Get Under Your Skin

A poem called "The Oyster" has been floating around the Internet. It challanges us to consider the kind of attitudes we have toward life:

The Oyster

There once was an oyster whose story I tell,
who found that some sand had got into his shell.

It was only a grain, but it gave him great pain,
for oysters have feelings although they're so plain.

Now, did he berate the harsh workings of fate
that brought him to such a deplorable state?

Did he curse at the government, cry for election,
and claim that the sea should have given him protection?

No - he said to himself as he lay on a shell,
since I cannot remove it I shall try to improve it.

Now the years have rolled around, as the years always do,
and he came to his ultimate destiny, a stew.

And the small grain of sand that had bothered him so,
was a beautiful pearl all richly aglow.

Now the tale has a moral, for isn't it grand
what an oyster can do with a morsel of sand?

What couldn't we do if we'd only begin,
with some of the things that get under our skin?

Having the right attitude toward life is shown by the attitude Joseph learned to have in Genesis 39:19-21. Even after being thrown in prison for a false accusation, Joseph did not allow his poor circumstances to destroy his relationship with God. Even in prison the LORD was with Joseph. Might this have something to do with Joseph’s attitude toward life (cf. Gen. 50:20)?
We must learn the art of making lemonade when life hands us lemons.

Angels are Protecting You

Israel certainly knew all about God's protective care. God had actively guarded the nation all those years wandering through the wilderness. In a song of praise to God, Psalm 91 speaks of the care that God provides over his children:

" For you have made the LORD, my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place. No evil will befall you, nor will any plague come near your tent. For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways. They will bear you up in their hands, that you do not strike your foot against a stone" (Ps 91:9-12).

This is the very passage that Satan used in his effort to tempt Jesus to sin (Matt. 4:6). Likely because Satan certainly misused this passage in his tempting of Christ, we have often missed the wonderful promise that this verse of Scripture is making to God's children. God has promised to protect us, and he uses his angelic host to do so.

God assigns his angelic messengers to the care of his children, to guard and protect us. This is not just a promise made to Old Testament peoples, it is also a promise made to Christians. The writer of Hebrews tells us that angels are "ministering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation" (1:14).

Although the Bible does not give specifics into the activities of angels in the lives of Christians today, it is nonetheless true that angels are watching over us. How encouraging it is to know that God is using angels to protect and guard Christians today!

Grace Will Build You Up!

I received several great comments on the first lesson in the current Sunday Night series "Amazing Grace." When you begin to understand the biblical concept of grace it is overwhelming! It is transforming! It is uplifting! It is liberating! The best material that I have read on this topic is a book by Jack Cottrell called "13 Lessons on Grace." Much of my lessons in this series will be directly adapted from this book.

One additional thought on grace that was pointed out to me while at church camp is Acts 20:32. When leaving for Jerusalem, Paul tells the Ephesian elders, "I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up...." The word of God's grace is the essence of the gospel and why it is such good news. When you understand the "word of God's grace" it will build up your spirit like nothing else!

God Keeps Looking

While swimming of the South Pacific island of Saipan, Jessica Spinks lost her class ring. The 2000 graduate of Alton High School thought her ring was forever lost to the ocean waters. However, on Thursday (May 3, 2007) Spinks received a phone call that her ring had been found, according to the Associated Press article. While scuba diving off the coast the northern Mariana Islands, Greg Moretti found the lost ring.

Like a scuba diver searching for lost jewelry, our God is relentless in seeking for us when we have become lost. In our journeys through life, we often become distracted and side-tracked and we venture far from the shore. We feel alone and lost in the depths of life's waves. We often don't feel that we have the strength to swim to the shore and be found, but inwardly we desperately want to be rescued from the watery abyss.

God himself dove into the waters of this life and he began searching under every rock and crevice for those who are lost. Jesus made it his life mission to "seek and save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10). If you feel lost and alone in life's depths, know that God is searching for you. He is seeking you. He looks into your lonely room, he searches your inward hiding places, he looks under the piles of worry that you carry. Our God will not rest until he finds you. When he discovers you on the bottom of life's ocean floor, he reaches out his hand and invites you to be found. But when the light of his presence illuminates the place where you are lost, it is up to you to take his hand.

Riding the Fence

"Elijah came near to all the people and said, 'How long will you hesitate between two opinions?'"

(1 Kings 18:21).

The cry of postmodern thinking is that we must "tolerate" everything. Every "alternative lifestyle," worldview, or personal belief must be viewed as equally valid, we are told. The cardinal sin of our age is daring to offend someone else.

The result of this type of thinking is that no one seems to be courageous enough to take a stand for anything. We attempt to placate everyone and speak out of both sides of our mouth. No one seems to be confident in their beliefs or bold enough to take a firm position.

Elijah rebuked the people of Israel because they were trying to serve both the true God and the idols of Baal and Asherah. The people were trying to "ride the fence" and recognize both religions as equally valid. Yet such a position is ridiculous. There is right and there is wrong. A thing cannot be both right and wrong simultaneously.

Although postmodern Americans tend to "hesitate between two opinions" there is some indication that people are now hungering for people who are bold enough to be "straight shooters." Whether or not you agree with these people, the popularity of Dr. Phil, Bill O'Reilly, and even Rosie O'Donnell demonstrates that we long for people to stop dancing around issues and "tell it how it is."

Christians should not be crass and tactless. We must always let our "speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person" (Colossians 4:6). This is a principle that many outspoken television hosts forget. However, while we are careful to speak with compassion we must also be bold and confident in our convictions.

Get Back Up

"For a righteous man falls seven times, and rises again, but the wicked stumble in time of calamity"

(Proverbs 24:16).

Becoming a Christian does not mean that you become perfect. Having your sins forgiven does not imply that you will never struggle against temptation. Faithful Christians will continue to sin and make mistakes. But if Christians sin, what difference is there between a Christian and a person that continues to live in the world? The secret is found in the words of Proverbs 24:16. The person that continues in the world gives himself over to desires and lusts. Effectively, he doesn't fight against his own sinful desires. The Christian also sins and sometimes gives in to sinful desires. Yet, the Christian continues to wage war against these desires and battles toward eventual victory over them. The righteous man falls, just like the wicked man. The difference is, the wicked man stays down while the righteous man gets back up...time after time.

The Interview with God

I receive numerous "forward" e-mails that clutter up my inbox every week. I have a standing policy not to open forwards, otherwise I would never get anything else done. However, every once in a while there is one where the subject line catches my eye. One was recently titled "An Interview with God." A friend had sent me a link to a very inspirational presentation about God's care for his children. You may want to click on this link and check it out. It is very uplifting. Click on the picture which will take you to the site. That is...if you have the time.

Older Women Teach the Younger Women

A news report from WSYR in Syracuse reported today (4/11/07) that a 24 year old woman in Oswego County, New York attempted to kill her 13-week old fetus by ingesting "several over-the-counter and prescription medications." It seems strange that any mother would attempt to murder her own child, yet this is nothing new (cf. 2 Kings 6:28-29).

This horrific contemporary news story is just another reminder that Christians have the obligation to teach the world God's design for the home and family. Paul, by inspiration, directs that the "older women" must "encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children..." (Titus 2:3-4). Older Christian woman have a much needed ministry to fulfill in today's world: teaching God's plan for women, wives, and mothers.

God Rejoices Over You!

"The LORD your God is in your midst...He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy"

(Zephaniah 3:17).

Every time that I get to visit with my little nephew it makes me smile until my face begins to ache. Babies are such a blessing and a joy to our lives. Looking into their little innocent faces, we feel overwhelmed with a sense of joy. That's how God looks at his children, too. When we are truly converted and become like little children (Matt. 18:3), God looks over us and shouts for joy. When we are living with God each day, God can't hold in his jubilation over us! When you struggle through life but still choose to live with Him, God's smile can't be held in either.

Asleep at the Wheel

Popular sleep medications can increase your risk of "sleep driving" warn federal health officials. An article on MSN.com reported Wednesday (March 14, 2007) that popular sleep medications such as Ambien and Lunesta can cause a "complicated version of sleepwalking, but behind the wheel: Getting up in the middle of the night and going for a drive--with no memory of doing so."
It is a frightening thought to contemplate someone "asleep at the wheel" and the injury, destruction and even death that can follow. Yet, even more dangerous is to be spiritually asleep at the wheel. Too many casually "cruise" through life with little or no thought to the health of their souls. Scripture admonishes us, "so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober" (1Thes 5:2-6). Only those who are constantly vigilant and carefully keep their souls prepared will be ready for Christ's return. Let us be awake as we steer our way through life and not "fall asleep at the wheel!"

The Watchmaker

The Psalmist wrote, "Of old you founded the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands" (Ps 102:25). When we look at the wonders of the created world, we can know that God is real (Rom. 1:20)! Darline Edwards recently shared this beautiful little presentation with me called "The Watchmaker." Click on this link and check it out, your faith will be uplifted!

A Guaranteed Stock-Tip

The Dow Jones took a 416-point plunge on Tuesday (2/27/07). It was one of the 20 largest one-day declines on record. Are we on the verge of a stock market meltdown?
The physical possessions of this earth are always uncertain. You can lose everything you own in a single moment of disaster (Matt. 6:19-20). But, if you concentrate on spiritual investments, you will always receive a huge return (Matt. 19:29). If you focus on heavenly savings, you will never lose your eternal nest egg (1 Peter 1:3-5). Now that is a stock-tip that can't miss.