January 25, 2018

"Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire."  Revelation 20:11-15

What you believe about eternity will have a profound influence on how you live your life today!

Even if you aren't conscious of it, your view of eternity factors in your value system and behavior.

If you are one who believes life ends at death and there is no afterlife you will be motivated to pack in as many sensual experiences as you can ever day. You will be guided by the "eat, drink and be happy for tomorrow we may die" value system. And if this life is all there is, why not!?

Should you believe in some version of universal salvation that, too, will guide your values and priorities. For instance, if you believe that we are all essentially good people and God is a good and loving God Who would never send anyone to hell that will guide your moral code. Or, you may hold the belief that Jesus died on the cross to provide salvation so we are all saved and Heaven is assured. That will influence how you behave. Maybe you are of the belief that Heaven is gained through a merit system and if your good deeds outweigh your misdeeds you will earn you way to Heaven. If that is your belief then it will frame your moral code accordingly.

But if you are a Bible-believing follower of Christ you will understand you are sinful by nature and morally depraved. Not only are you unable to save yourself but you are uninterested in doing so. Until the Holy Spirit of God moves in your spirit to convict you of your sin and call you to Himself, you will remain spiritually separated from God. Until you confess your sinfulness and repent of your sins you will not know Jesus as your Savior. But from the moment you accept Jesus as Savior and enter into a spiritual relationship with God, your values, desires and priorities immediately undergo a radical change! You know that your name is written in Heaven and you have eternal life. Once you begin following Jesus you start living with eternity in mind. You understand that you are accountable to God and that you will have to be judged on your "permanent record". Because of the blood of Jesus and the grace of God, your "permanent record" will not keep you out of Heaven but it will determine your reward once you get there.

Your earthly actions get eternal traction! What you did yesterday, the decision you are making today and what you eventually do tomorrow will be recorded in Heaven!

Today will you order your life with the end in mind? Will you live with eternity's values in view? 

This Is Going On Your Permanent Record!

"And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire." Revelation 20:12-15

This may date me but I remember back in my school days having a teacher remind me about my "permanent record".

It went something like this, "You know, Bradley, (I hated when they call me that) this will go on your permanent record so do your best!"

While it is hard for a kid to get his mind around a permanent record it sounded ominous and it motivated me to do my best.

I don't know if that ever happened to you and I doubt if it still happens. But as I became more familiar with the Bible I came to understand that there actually IS a "permanent record" as revealed in the Revelation of John.

In his vision John is shown two books that will be opened in Heaven before the throne. Everything that every person had done during their earthly life is recorded in one book. Think of it EVERYTHING you have done in your life is in the book. How does that make you feel? Those things you did when no one was looking and you were sure no one knew are all in your permanent record. There could be some awkward moments before that throne on that day.

Twice it says in these verses that what they had done during their life is recorded in that book and each will be judged based on that permanent record.

You can't do anything about what is already recorded in your book but you can, by the grace of God through Jesus Christ and in the power of the Holy Spirit make sure your future record is much more pleasing to God.

So, my teachers were right! They were more right than they even knew! There is a permanent record. That permanent record is in Heaven. What you did yesterday is recorded there. What you have done thus far today is in that book. What you do the rest of the day will be in that book!

How then should you live today in light of your permanent record?

What if you mindfully stopped prior to each decision you will make today and ask yourself, "Do I want this on my permanent record?" If your answer is "no" then don't do it!

January 23, 2018

Well known pastor, speaker and author, Francis Chan, speculates on what could be facing believers and the Church in the coming years:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOZi0hNJ2vA

The Church of Jesus Christ was launched just a few months after His crucifixion. When the Holy Spirit fell upon the 120 in the upper Room, they were locked away uncertain of their future. It wasn’t as if they were playing defense, they were actually stalling because God had told them to “tarry in Jerusalem until they were endued with power by the Holy Spirit”. So, they did!“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” Acts 2:42-47

I want to point to the Early Church as the example of how we should play when it is under pressure and the game is on the line. They went on offense and played to win!

1) They leaned on God – “When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them tongues as of fire distributing themselves, and they rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance.” Acts 2:1-4

2) They learned of God - “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching” – Acts 2:42

3) They lifted up God – “and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles” Acts 2:43

4) They loved like God – “All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.” Acts 2:44-45

5) They lived godly – “Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.” Acts 2:45-46

6) They led others to God – “And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” Acts 2:47

These 120 believers, though they were under heavy opposition and attack by the religious establishment AND the Roman government, refused to play defense. Instead they launched an offensive of Spirit-filled love, obedience, fellowship and sacrifice.

How did it work?

Some historians speculate that as many as half of the city of Jerusalem became followers of Jesus Christ!

Because these emboldened believers were “clutch” under pressure, we are still in the game! But now the ball is in our court. It is up to you and me and our churches to decide how we are going to respond down the stretch as the pressure and opposition rises against us.

Are you game?

January 22, 2018

"Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth." I Corinthians 13:6

The problem with sin is that it complicates life. It complicates life because it confuses your understanding of truth. When the line gets blurred between truth and lies, life gets tough in a hurry.

That is exactly what happened with Adam and Eve and it has become the story of humanity. It is essentially the story of history.

So, fast forward to your marriage and our truth for the day reminds us that love is directly and intricately connected with truth. The question then becomes, "What is truth?"

Truth is a Person!

Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by me." When Jesus made that statement He was not saying He is a concept or a system of beliefs, He IS TRUTH! Truth starts and ends in HIM! If you want to know truth you must know Him! Nothing is true apart from Him! So, when this verse says that love rejoices in truth it makes a lot of sense when you understand that truth is not a thing it is a Person! Isn't it much easier to love a person? Especially when that Person is Jesus! Want love in your marriage? Get Jesus! Want truth in your marriage? Get Jesus!

Truth is Purity!

Because truth is a Person and that Person is Jesus, you need to get Jesus. In order to get Jesus you must repent of sin and renounce it in your life. You must cleanse your heart and mind of moral impurity. I John 1:8-9 affirms this: "If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." That's what I am talking about! Get rid of the impurity of sin and receive the purity of His righteousness. And righteousness is "rightness". Also, back up a couple of verses to I John 1:7 and it sheds more truth on truth: "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin." "Walk in the light". What is light but truth? As you walk in truth you walk in purity!

Truth Is Power!

When you have Jesus you have purity. When you have Jesus and purity you will have power. The power of truth! The power of holiness! The power of rightness!

Love rejoices in truth! Make that "truth" with a capital "T"!

January 21, 2018

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:36-40

I am proudly, purposefully, and passionately pro-life!

I am pro-life because I am pro-God and God is life! He is the beginning of life and at the end of life and everywhere in between! Where He is there is life and where He is not allowed there is death. I know that because I was once spiritually dead but through faith in Jesus Christ I have been made alive and given abundant life!

Loving God is demonstrated by keeping His commands and the commandments are wrapped up in this one Great Commandment! So, if I love God I will measure my choices, values and principles against this standard. There is no way I can reconcile abortion with the Great Commandment.

What do you think would happen to the abortion rate if every woman finding herself in a crisis pregnancy would factor the Great Commandment into her decision-making?

Is ending a pregnancy pleasing to God? Is it consistent with loving Him with all your heart and all your soul and all your mind?

What about the second part of the commandment? How does ending a pregnancy square with loving others as yourself? Is ending an innocent life consistent with the way you love yourself? Love requires you to desire the best for others. Can you honestly make a case for terminating a life being the best course of action for it?

Does having an abortion cause you to love yourself more? Can you end an innocent life and feel better about yourself as a person?

Abortion is a social issue, I could debate it on that basis. It is also a moral issue that could be argued from that perspective. And abortion is an emotional issue but emotional arguments usually don't end well. It has become a political issue and arguing politics is a tough win. But essentially abortion is a spiritual issue so I let God's Word speak to it and the Great Commandment summarizes the Word as well as any other Scripture passage. When the question of abortion is set against the answer of God's Word truth becomes evident.

Why not let God's Word do your talking?

Why not let God's Word guide your decisions?

January 20, 2018

"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:21

Abortion has been a poison to our American culture and cancer to our collective soul. You just cannot senselessly murder cand a half million unborn babies every year for 44 years without it taking a toll.

In my previous post I mentioned just six reasons you should oppose abortion and there are easily a dozen others.

So, what can we pro-life advocates do to oppose this evil, destructive and divisive practice?

In my message Sunday I will mention four things believers can do that will oppose the toxic spread of this vile practice.

1) Care for your soul

The battle against abortion is essentially a spiritual battle and can only be won with spiritual weapons and resources.

If you have miscarried a child, if you have lost an infant to death or if you chose to have an abortion you might find comfort in knowing the soul of your child is in heaven with Jesus.

By the grace of God through Jesus Christ, you can see your child again or meet your child for the first time IF you care for your soul. If trust Jesus to be your Savior for the forgiveness of your sins and if you then walk in obedient fellowship with Him, your soul will be ready for an eternity in heaven.

2) Contribute prayer and financial support to pro-life causes

When was the last time you prayed for the ministry of the Choice Pregnancy Center? It is on the front lines of the battle for life!

Today you will have the opportunity to take a baby bottle home with you and fill it with spare change or bills to raise money for this vital ministry.

3) Continue supporting pro-life candidates

I don't know about you but I would never knowingly vote for a political candidate who is pro-choice. Any candidate who is not outspoken in his support for life does not deserve my vote!

Do your research and inform yourself on this vital moral issue before you go to the polls this Fall!

4) Challenge their lies with truth

The pro-choice abortion movement is driven by lies and distortions. It has powerful political people pushing it because it is a giga-billion dollar industry trading of the souls of the most innocent among us.

You will have very little success in changing any of their opinions. They have hardened their hearts and closed up the minds to any moral appeals.

But person by person, friend by friend, family member by family member you can use your influence to confront them with the awful truth about abortion and perhaps change some minds.

Watch this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xWQHhqOAcg

Don't become weary in the task of doing right. Don't be overcome by the predominance of evil in our society. Overcome evil by doing the right thing every day every time!

You won't save everyone but you make save a few!

January 19, 2018

Some might ask, if over a billion unborn souls have been sent to heaven by abortion, why should we oppose it so fervently?

Before I answer that let me say this, "We should not worry as much over the souls of the unborn as we should over the soul of America."

Here are several reasons why:

1) Abortion grieves the heart of God

Abortion preys on the innocent and defenseless which goes against the plan of God.

Abortionists make life and death decisions that are to be reserved only for God.

When you combine those factors with the act of taking advantage of young women at a very vulnerable time that grieves God! 

2) Abortion is murder

We believe that life begins at conception because the Bible says so and science affirms it. So abortion stops a beating heart.

Abortion is a direct violation of the sixth commandment, "Thou shall not kill (murder)". And to do this vile act purely to make large amounts of money makes it even more reviling. And if those atrocities are not heinous enough body parts from aborted babies are harvested for sale.

3) Abortion has ushered in a culture of death

Since we started down this slippery moral and ethical slope in 1973, we have seen a discernible decline in respect for life. 

When unborn children begin to be seen as nothing more than an inconvenience that need to be disposed of it's not long until elderly people, the chronically ill or the terminally ill become targets of euthanasia or "assisted suicide".

4) Abortion is based on lies

In order to be able to justify an act as cruel as an abortion you have to lie and delude yourself. You must tell yourself, "It is my body! No one can tell me what to do with my body!"

The truth is there are many laws that tell you what you can or cannot do with your body. So that is a bogus argument.

Also, the Bible says your body is "the temple of the Holy Spirit" so it belongs to God not you.

To make the "it's my body" argument seem more logical you have to also believe the lie that it isn't really a baby it is just a fetus - an nonviable tissue mass.

Once you believe a couple of lies you can convince yourself of others!

5) Abortion is bad policy

One of the reasons that Abortion has remained such a contentious and controversial issue is because it became law not from debate in the Congress and then votes by the House and then the Senate but it was legislated from the bench by an activist court.

It is controversial because the court twisted and tortured the 10th and 14th Amendments into saying some things they don't say in order to get the ruling they wanted from a judge they picked.

6) Abortion harms women

There is ample medical and scientific data proving the long-term risks of an abortion. Quoting statistics and numbers can make your eyes glaze over but they are plentiful on the internet.

Abortions can cause infertility for women making future pregnancies difficult.

Breast cancer, cervical cancer and uterine cancer have been traced to abortions.

Beyond the considerable physical risks caused by cancer are the emotional and psychological problems suffered by women who have had an abortion.

So, if you care about souls you MUST care about the considerable damage to the body, the soul, the mind and the spirit of a woman who chooses an abortion.

If you are pro-life you are pro-soul!