February 16, 2014

I had heard some talk about this topic but came across this article recently and thought, in light of all the events unfolding in our nation and around the world, this is certainly worth being aware of.

It has made the rounds on Facebook, but in case you haven’t heard of it please take a few minutes to read this.

The Book of Genesis says God uses the sun, moon, and stars for signs and seasons. Examples can be found throughout the Bible.

Think of how a star led the wise men to Jesus or how the sun stood still as Joshua led Israel to victory over its enemies.

Four Blood Moons

In his latest book, “Four Blood Moons: Something Is About to Change”, Pastor John Hagee lays out what he calls celestial signals. He describes how a series of blood moons in 2014 and 2015 will have great significance for Israel. 

Although single blood moons happen fairly regularly, four appearing so closely together is extremely rare.

There have only been a series of blood moons a handful of times over the past 500 years.

So what exactly is a blood moon and what is the biblical significance?

“A blood moon is when the Earth comes between the sun and the moon,” Hagee explained. “And the sun is shining through the atmosphere of the Earth and casts up on the moon a red shadow. And so the moon appears to be red.”

Such moons appear several times in scripture.

In the book of Joel, God says there will be “wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire…the sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.”

In Acts, the Apostle Peter repeats that verse from Joel. And the book of Revelation says that during the Great Tribulation, “the moon will become like blood.”

Blood moons are set to appear in April 2014, on Passover, and then again in September 2014 during the Feast of Tabernacles, or Sukkot.

The timing is the same for 2015 -- a total of four blood moons, all appearing on Jewish feast days.

“The sun and the moon and the Earth are controlled by God almighty,” Hagee said. “He is the one that is getting them in a direct alignment on a certain day at a certain time -- but each time, it’s a Passover or Sukkot.

Historic Significance

In the past, the rare appearance of four blood moons on these feast days has coincided with major events for Israel and the Jewish people.

In 1492, Spain expelled the Jews. Columbus also discovered America, which became a safe haven for the Jewish people.

“In each of these blood moons, you have something that begins in tragedy and ends in triumph,” Hagee explained.

For instance, in 1948, Israel was reborn as a nation

.

“After 2,000 years, God supernaturally brought them from 66 nations and a nation was born in a day,” Hagee noted. “That again was a supernatural something that happened following the tragedy of the Holocaust.”

In 1967, Israel won the Six-Day War and recaptured Jerusalem.

“For the first time in 2,000 years, Jerusalem and the State of Israel were together again,” Hagee said.

Nuclear Threat

The blood moons of 2014 and 2015 are poised to appear as Iran works toward nuclear weapons and Israel’s neighbors, Egypt and Syria, are in chaos.

“The only reason that Iran will not acquire a nuclear bomb will be that Israel chooses a military solution to that crisis,” Hagee told CBN News.

“I believe that if that happens, it will start a series of events that will change the course of world history,” he said. “If Israel does not, then it will still change the course of world history.”

Hagee has been warning of the Iranian nuclear threat through his work with Christians United for Israel, which he founded in 2006. It is now the largest pro-Israel organization in America, with some 1.3 million members.

He holds nights to honor Israel across the country and at San Antonio’s Cornerstone Church, where he serves as senior pastor. The first event, in 1981, drew bomb threats and vandalism from anti-Semites.

Yet Hagee continues his mission.

“If there was ever a time for the Christians of America to stiffen their spine and stand up and speak up, it’s now,” Hagee admonished. “To see evil and not call it evil is evil. Not to speak is to speak. We cannot be silent and receive God’s approval at a time like this.”

He said it’s still unclear what the coming blood moons will bring, but he is certain of one thing. “When all is said and done, the flag of Israel will be flying over the walls of the city of Jerusalem when Messiah comes, and it’s going to be forever,” he said. “And every nation that rises up in judgment against Israel God will punish and punish severely.”

For the original article, visit cbnnews.com.

February 15, 2014

"As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,”Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him. Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him." Matthew 4:18-22

Peter and his fishing buddies were called to be followers of Jesus, but did they become followers?

Pastor Kyle Idleman in his book "Not A Fan", deals with the distinct differences between being a fan of Jesus and a follower of Jesus.

Here's an excerpt:

According to a recent survey, the percentage of Americans who claim to be Christian is somewhere north of 75 percent.

Really? Three out of four people are followers of Christ?

Let's see, if the population of the United States is about 311 million and 75 percent are Christians that brings the number of Christians to somewhere in the neighborhood of 233 million. That's a lot of Christians. I don't see nearly that many Jesus fish on car bumpers. I don't know, maybe all the Darwin fish ate them. I'm just saying something about that percentage is off. Because if there really are that many Christians, then why will some 35 million people in America go to bed hungry tonight, including 13 million children? If 75 percent of Americans are Christians, then how is it possible that 40 percent of the homeless are under the age of 18? Why are there more than 120,000 children waiting to be adopted? I could keep going, and that's just in the States. The numbers don't add up. Jesus said the evidence that someone is one of his followers is love. So 233 million? The evidence just isn't there.

What's the explanation for such a discrepancy? A number of years ago I read an article about the new vegetarians. These new vegetarians don't eat meat -- most of the time. One of them explained that she was a vegetarian, but she really liked bacon. A vegetarian, by definition, is someone who doesn't eat meat. Umm, yeah, but isn't bacon a meat? Is it really accurate for her to identify herself as a vegetarian? If enough people who eat meat started calling themselves vegetarians wouldn't that throw the numbers off? The discrepancy was solved by coming up with a new term to describe vegetarians who aren't committed to abstaining from meat. They now identify themselves as "Flexitarians."

A Christian, by definition, is a follower of Christ. So, I'm thinking that what might help make sense of the 233 million number is a new word to describe people who identify themselves as Christians but have little interest in actually following the teachings of Jesus. Perhaps instead of "followers," it would be more accurate to call them "fans."

The word fan is most simply defined as, an enthusiastic admirer. And I think Jesus has a lot of fans these days. Some fans may even get dressed up for church on Sunday and make their ringtone a worship song. They like being associated with Jesus. Fans want to be close enough to Jesus to get the benefits, but not so close that it requires anything from them. They want a no-strings-attached relationship with Jesus. So a fan says, I like Jesus but don't ask me to serve the poor. I like Jesus, but I'm not going to give my money to people who are in need. I like Jesus, but don't ask me to forgive the person who hurt me. I like Jesus, but don't talk to me about money or sex that's off limits.

When Peter dropped his net and left the fishing business was he a follower or a fan?

If you answered "fan", at what point did he become a follower?

And while you're thinking about it, which are you?

February 14, 2014

"When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you. ”Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.”  John 21:15-19

It has been suggested by no less than St. Augustine that Jesus queried Peter about his love for Him three times to atone for the three times Peter had denied Him.

Who am I to argue with Augustine? Plus, it makes seems to match the gracious way God deals with those who have sinned. Sins need to be confessed to be forgiven and until they are acknowledged they cannot be repented of.

Only what gets surrendered gets blessed and only what gets confessed gets forgiven.

So grace is a theme of this story without a doubt. But there are also some powerful lessons on Godly love.

First, notice how Godly love is defined. The love Jesus required of Peter (as well as you) is "agape" which is a surrendered, sold out, and sacrificing love. "Agape" is the unconditional supernatural love that resides in the nature of God but which He longed to impart to Peter (as well as you).

Second, notice how Godly love is demonstrated. Jesus made it clear to Peter why he needed this "agape" love. Godly love is demonstrated through serving. Jesus said, “Feed my lambs” , a second time He said, "take care of my sheep" and then He said, "feed my sheep".

But there is a second way "agape" love is demonstrated. Jesus told Peter that his ultimate expression of Godly love would be in suffering for the Faith, just as Jesus' love would demonstrated by His suffering on a cross.

"Agape" is defined by sacrifice and demonstrated by suffering. It comes from God through Christ. 

Jesus had it. Peter got it.

What about you?

  

February 13, 2014

"When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”  Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!” John 21:15-19

Why did Jesus require Peter to have a quality of love was incapable of having?

Is that fair?

Jesus was asking Peter if he loved Him with a godly, passionate, pure love (agape) and Peter responded honestly that he loved Jesus with a brotherly love (phileo).

There is a big difference.

If you don't think so guys, on Valentine's Day this Friday, tell your wife you love her like a sister. See how that works for you. (Reminder: I do marriage counseling)

So back to the original question, "Why did Jesus demand from  Peter a level of love he was not able of giving?"

He probably did it for the same reason He required Peter to have a salvation he couldn't earn and to fulfill a ministry calling he was incapable of accomplishing. Jesus intended for Peter to trust Him and depend on Him for the divine ability to fulfill His will.

Do you remember this quote, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit;apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples."? John 15:5-8

As you understand this you realize what Jesus was not really asking, "Peter do you love me" but "Peter will you trust me to love you"?

Of all that can be learned from this encounter perhaps this is the most significant truth - when God calls us to love Him He is inviting us to receive His love. When He calls us to salvation He is calling us to receive His grace. When He calls us to serve Him He is calling us to be used by His Spirit.

God's call is His enabling. Whatever He calls you to do He expects to do through you. 

Give that some thought and prayer this morning.

    

      

February 12, 2014

"After breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Master, you know I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” He then asked a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Master, you know I love you.” Jesus said, “Shepherd my sheep.” Then he said it a third time: “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was upset that he asked for the third time, “Do you love me?” so he answered, “Master, you know everything there is to know. You’ve got to know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. I’m telling you the very truth now: When you were young you dressed yourself and went wherever you wished, but when you get old you’ll have to stretch out your hands while someone else dresses you and takes you where you don’t want to go.” He said this to hint at the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. And then he commanded, “Follow me.” John 21:15-19

What do you do after you have failed and you are confronted with your failure?

Do you know how to "fail forward"?

Jesus met with Peter on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. He met him there because Peter had returned to fishing after he miserably failed Christ by denying Him three times. Peter was running from his failure by returning to something he knew he was good at doing - fishing.

After the breakfast of divinely caught fish, Jesus pulled Peter aside and kindly confronted him with the cause of his failure, "Peter, do you love me (with a divine, godly love)?" 

Peter's answer was honest but insufficient, "Yes, Lord, I love you (with a warm, brotherly love)."

Jesus repeated the question and Peter gave the same response.

The third time, Jesus changed the question and lowered the bar, "Peter, do you love me (with a warm, brotherly love)?"

Peter was deeply grieved and broken because Jesus had exposed him for his lack of devoted love.

Jesus loved Peter so much that He wanted him to understand why he failed. Only when you understand your reason for failing are you able to begin turning the failure into success!

Like you and me, the cause of Peter's failure was simply because he didn't love Jesus enough. He loved Him like a friend or a brother but not like a devoted follower of the Son of God.

As Jesus revealed to Peter, when you love him better you will live for Him better!

February 11, 2014

"Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!” John 21:18-19

While Scripture does not record the actual death of Peter, here we see Jesus predicting that He would suffer and die.

The occasion for this statement is Jesus' gracious calling of Peter back into discipleship following his humiliating denial of Jesus. When Jesus called Peter, James and John the first time, it was by the Sea of Galilee. Now they stood on the shore of that same sea as Jesus calls him back into action.

With the call, Jesus clarifies the cost of the call, "but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.”

Historians record that Peter did die with his hands stretched out on a cross. But because he felt unworthy to die as his Master had died, Peter requested to be crucified upside down. On October 13, 64 AD, Jesus prophecy of Peter was fulfilled as the Romans crucified him upside down. According to the record, it took him three days to die because crucifixion killed its victims through asphyxiation and that didn't happen when he was upside down. The Romans finally beheaded him on the cross say historical accounts.

I share this to make the point that something happened in Peter's heart between the time he denied Jesus three times and the time he gladly gave his life as a martyr.

What brought on such a dramatic change that fulfilled another prophecy of Jesus, "You are Peter and on this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it."?

What happened in the heart of Peter that transformed him from one who denied Jesus to one who died for Jesus?

That is what we will explore over the next few posts.

But for today, let me ask you this. What is going on in your heart? 

Will you die to Jesus today? Will you crown Him Lord in your life and deny yourself?

As Peter discovered, if you don't die to yourself you will eventually deny Jesus.

February 10, 2014

"Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited."  Romans 12:14-16

One of the first disillusioning experiences of my ministry happened in my first meeting with fellow pastors in my area. Prior to prayer we were sharing concerns. Several of them were facing some very tough situations and asked to be supported by their brothers. Each of them were met with great empathy, compassion and heartfelt prayer.

When it came my turn to share, things had been going well with my church and my people so I shared some praises giving God glory for what He had done. To my great disappointment my praises were met with a great lack of enthusiasm. In fact, the responses ranged from indifference to resentment. Nowadays we would say it was "awkward".

I left that meeting feeling sad that my brothers in ministry could not seem to find it in their heart to share in my rejoicing. I was not sharing those things to brag, I wanted to praise God for His faithfulness. It hurt when they acted as they did. As I worked through my disappointment, I resolved that while I could do nothing to change how they responded to me, I would consciously celebrate with them whenever they shared victories. And, in the 39 years since, I have - always - every time. I did not want any other pastor to feel the disappointment I suffered that day.

For some reason, especially among pastors, there seems to be a spirit of competitiveness that exists. That spirit makes it hard to celebrate the successes of others. I have seen it happen between churches, too. Human egos can get in the way at times.

In this portion of Scripture we are reminded that God expects us to empathize with one another. When your heart is breaking, I weep with you.I share your pain and get involved in providing comfort. When you get a big win, I am to celebrate as though it happened to me!

May this be a reminder that God has not called us to compete with each other but to COMPLETE each other for His glory!

Are you competing or completing?