Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Chinese Tamales

Several weeks ago after our Hispanic church service ended, some of the members invited my family to eat at a nearby Chinese buffet. Of course we said yes, because I've never met a buffet that I didn't like!

This Chinese buffet was unique. Because it was located in a Hispanic neighborhood, there were tamales, tacos, and other Spanish food alongside the egg rolls and sweet and sour chicken. There were somewhere near 500 Hispanics in the restaurant enjoying the amazing food, and if I had not known better, I would have thought that I was in Latin America.

The scene reminded me once more that not only does God send us to go to all the world, He is sending the world to us! May we be faithful to share the Gospel.

Monday, September 26, 2011

Which Way Are You Running?

Several years ago I watched a soccer game in which one of the players skillfully stole the ball from the opposing team. With speed and precision, he maneuvered the ball down the field, and no one stopped him. Then, he kicked the ball into the goal! The problem was that he had run in the wrong direction and had delivered a point to the opposing team.

When temptation approaches us, the Bible instructs us to run, but we must be careful about the direction in which we run. Joseph fled away from Potiphar's wife when she tried to seduce him rather than running into her arms (Gen. 39:12).

The next time that temptation rears its ugly head in your life, run! But we sure to run away instead of running toward temptation. Flee immorality. Every other sin that a man commits is outside the body, but the immoral man sins against his own body. (1 Cor. 6:18)

 

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Why Do the Wicked Prosper?

The author of Psalm 73 explained that at one point in his life, his feet almost had slipped from the righteous way because he had become envious of the wicked who were prosperous. His bitterness caused him to be like a beast toward God (73:22).

The author complained that their bodies were fat with excess food, while the godly sometimes had too little to eat (73:4). They oppressed others (73:8). They were even so bold as to set themselves against God (73:9).

When the author considered these inequities he began to despair, and he was not the only one. He wrote concerning the thoughts of God's people, "How can God know? Is there knowledge in the Most High?" Behold, these are the wicked; always at ease, they increase in riches. All in vain have I kept my heart clean and washed my hands in innocence" (73:11-13). In other words, they wondered where the benefit was of serving God if they were going to suffer while the wicked prospered.

The final portion of the psalm, however, places things into perspective. Even though it may seem like the wicked prosper, they will fall to ruin in the end (73:18). Just as one wakes from a dream and its content fades away like a phantom, so will be the wicked in their destruction (73:20). On the other hand, God guides the godly, and He is their refuge (73:24, 28).

Christian, next time you find yourself envying the prosperity of the wicked, remember their fate and continue on the path of righteousness. Jesus's way is the best and only way! My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever (73:26).

Monday, September 12, 2011

A Biblical Definition of the Word "Trespass"

Recently, as I was picking up my children from school, I noticed something interesting. Although parking was available only ten feet away, one person decided to park in the fire lane, right under the "do not park here" sign. I snapped a picture of the scene because it perfectly defines the biblical word "trespass."

"Trespass" means to know exactly what God expects of us, exactly where the line is that He has drawn in the sand, but to willfully and deliberately step over the line. The truth of the matter is that often we are not ignorant of God's will - - usually we know exactly what God expects of us, but we choose to ignore His words.

Thankfully, Jesus will forgive us of our deliberate sins if we repent and turn to Him! In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace (Ephesians 1:7).

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

The Purpose of Ecclesiastes


1.  Solomon's intention in writing the Book of Ecclesiastes was to teach knowledge and write words of truth correctly (12:9-10).

2.  Solomon explained that the words of wise men are like goads that prod a person in the write direction. These words come from the one true Shepherd (12:11).

3.  Solomon warned that their is no end to the production of books, and that excessive devotion to books is wearying to the body (12:12).

4.  Solomon revealed what is important in life: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil (12:13b-14). 

Monday, August 29, 2011

Fruit Loops on the Floor

Recently, one of my children decided to help my wife and I prepare breakfast without our knowledge. He took the cereal box out of the pantry and removed the milk from the refrigerator. But instead of emptying the contents into his bowl, they ended up on the floor in a soggy, sticky pile. 

Often, instead of trusting patiently in the LORD, we try to help Him out by doing things our way. Instead of helping, we mess things up because of our lack of wisdom concerning what we really need. God doesn't need our help! He is never later or early, and never wrong. May we learn to trust in His perfect timing and plan so that our fruit-loop actions don't end up on the floors of our lives in a big, sticky mess.

1 I waited patiently for the LORD; And He inclined to me and heard my cry. 2 He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay, And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm. 34 How blessed is the man who has made the LORD his trust, And has not turned to the proud, nor to those who lapse into falsehood. 5And Your thoughts toward us;
There is none to compare with You. If I would declare and speak of them, They would be too numerous to count.
He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; Many will see and fear And will trust in the LORD. Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders which You have done, (Psalm 40:1-5)

Friday, August 26, 2011

A Short Commentary on Psalm 134: Greetings of Night Watchers


• There were people who served in the Temple day and night.This psalm is addressed to the ones who served in the Temple at night (v. 1). Now these are the singers, heads of fathers' households of the Levites, who lived in the chambers of the temple free from other service; for they were engaged in their work day and night (1 Chron. 9:33).

• The servants should praise the LORD in His sanctuary (v. 2). 1 Timothy 2:8 may be a reference to this verse: Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension.

• Verse 3 ends with a blessing for the servants: May the LORD bless you from Zion, He who made heaven and earth.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Incredible Hulk #458

In the Fall of 1997, I was certain that God's plan for my life was to marry my girlfriend Glenda. Because I was an avid comic book reader at the time, I got the bright idea of proposing to her in a comic book, and it worked! In the letters page of Incredible Hulk #458, you will find my marriage proposal to her. I am still overjoyed that she said yes 13 years later!

I was so excited that my letter was published that I showed everyone and their grandmother multiple times. Then it hit me . . . why wasn't this excited about sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others? Eternal life means deliverance from an eternity in the Hell that we deserve, so it is something to get excited about!

May we be more eager and excited about sharing Christ's incomparable Gospel with others!

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Jim Cymbala

Today in a special chapel service at Mid-America, we had the privilege to hear Jim Cymbala preach. He is the pastor of the Brooklyn Tabernacle and has been an encouragement to numerous believers. 


One of the points in his message is that pastors should not only preach the Word and be sensitive to the Holy Spirit, but honestly, genuinely love the people. Love for the brethren is an essential part of any ministry, and people know if love is being faked. May we learn to truly love others with the love of Christ so that we may make a different for His glory and for His kingdom! 

7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8 The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love. (1 John 4:7-8)

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Lino

On Sunday at Nueva Vida (the Hispanic church where I pastor), one of the passages that we examined contains Jesus' words: And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me (Luke 9:23).

After the service, a relatively new attender named Lino shared with me that some years ago he had become a believer in Jesus. Lino had rejected his sins, received forgiveness, believed that Jesus died and rose again, and had trust in Him as the Boss of His life (Rom. 10:9). 

"But there is something that I have never done," said Lino. "I know that baptism does not save a person, but in Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus commanded believers to receive baptism  as a testimony to the world that we truly are believers. Jesus said, 'Follow Me,' and I want to follow His command to be baptized!"

Simply put, to follow Jesus means: 1) complete obedience and 2) immediate obedience. Anything other than immediate obedience is disobedience.

Perhaps you are like Lino - - you know the truth of Christ, but you have not yet acted upon it. What are you waiting for? Like Lino, say yes to Him today!

Monday, August 22, 2011

Car Inspection :(

Today was the dreaded day that I loathe more than almost any other in the year: car inspection day. When the letter comes in the mail instructing me that my renewal sticker must be purchased soon, I lay it on the kitchen counter and intend to have the vehicle examined the following day. When the following day arrives, I put the task off until tomorrow . . . and then the next tomorrow. I follow this pattern until I absolutely can wait no longer. 

Today's car inspection line was moderately long, and I was relieved when it finally was my turn. After several minutes of turning on the windshield wipers, pushing down on the emergency brake, and flipping on both turn signals, the inspector examined the computer system and the output of the exhaust. My relief when the test was over was short-lived because my vehicle failed - - the left brake light was not functioning! I grumbled all the way home, replaced the small bulb, and returned to the inspection place to receive my "pass" paper only to wait in a longer line. The whole ordeal took all of two hours. Although I loathe the car inspection process, I understand it's necessity. Vehicles that are not functioning properly could cause accidents that may injure or kill someone.

As believers, we must inspect our lives much more regularly than once a year. We must determine whether or not we are bearing spiritual fruit not because works save us, but because godly spiritual fruit is an evidence that we truly are believers and that we are walking closely with the Lord.

Some things to search for are: a true love for God, a love for others, a healthy prayer life, an eagerness to gather together with fellow believers in church services, and obedience to the Lord's commands in Scripture. This list contains only a few things that we should examine, but it is a good place to start. Is it time for a spiritual inspection? If so, don't put it off - - today is the day!

43 For there is no good tree which produces bad fruit, nor, on the other hand, a bad tree which produces good fruit. 44 For each tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they pick grapes from a briar bush. 45 The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart. (Luke 6:43-45)

Friday, August 19, 2011

Suffering

Yesterday in chapel at Mid-America, Adam Dooley preached. He is the pastor at Dauphin Way Baptist Church in Mobile, Alabama. For the foreseeable future, he will be living in Memphis because his son Carson is a patient at St. Jude. Caron has leukemia.

Adam preached a sermon entitled "The Uninvited Guest of Suffering" and explained how although unpleasant, God can use the suffering in our lives to bring Him glory and help us to become more like Him. Below are some of the major points of the sermon:

1. Suffering for Christ is a Privilege (Philippians 1:29)

2. Suffering Can Help Us to Know Christ Better (Phil. 3:10)
3. Knowing Christ is the Reward of Our Suffering (Phil. 3:11)

4. Sometimes God Brings Things into Our Lives That are the Opposite of What We Want to Help us to Let Go of Things that Hinder Us from Serving Him (Phil. 3:13)

5. Suffering Brings about Unexpected Partnerships (Phil. 1:3-4)

6. God's Strength is Perfected in Our Weakness (Phil. 1:12)

7. Suffering Causes Us to Put Our Priorities in Perspective (Phil. 1:12)

8. Suffering in a Godly Manner Causes Others to Learn to Imitate Us (Phil. 3:17)

9. Suffering for Christ Can Bring Unexplainable Peace (Phil. 4:6-7)

Thank you, Adam, for teaching us about this important subject that you presently are living!


Thursday, August 18, 2011

Birthday

Once again my birthday has rolled around. I remember when it was an exciting thing to add another year to my age. Now it seems that the birthdays come quicker every year, and a few wrinkles have begun to appear as my hairline continues to move farther and farther away from my forehead.

Actually, I celebrate two birthdays each year. When I was 12 years old, I realized for the first time that I was a sinner who never could do enough good things to wipe away my guilt or please God. Even though I deserve His wrath, God the Father sent His perfect Son Jesus to be our sacrifice. Jesus lived a perfect life and died on a cross to forgive our sins. On the third day, He arose again! The moment that I trusted in Jesus marks my spiritual birthday because He gave me eternal life.

True peace and forgiveness is as simple as ABC:

A: Admit that you are a sinner and ask Jesus for forgiveness
B: Believe that Jesus died and rose again on the third day
C: Confess Jesus as your Lord (Master/Boss)

If you've never trusted in Jesus, you can do so right now. If you have questions about how to become an authentic follower of Jesus, posts your questions or thoughts on the comments section of this post.

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23) 

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.  (Romans 6:23)  

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.  But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9)

 

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

The Servant/Arm of the LORD in Isaiah 53:1


           In order to capture the full significance of Isaiah 53:1, one must remember the message of Isaiah 49-52: “God has promised to deliver his people from their alienation from him so that they can indeed become his servants to the world. Now [in Isaiah 52:13-3:12] he tells the means by which he proposes to effect that deliverance.”[1]

           In Isaiah 52:13 God claims the Servant as His own, introducing a section that describes aspects of both the Servant’s ministry as well as the response of those who witness His work. The pronouns “He,” “His,” and “Him” appear regularly through 52:13-15,[2] directing the reader back to their antecedent, the Servant. The prophet declares in verse 15 that a mystery will be revealed to the nations. This theme appeared earlier in Isaiah in passages such as 49:2 and 50:6, in which “images of the servant are linked with the themes of hiddenness and seeing.”[3] The verse explains that the Arm of the LORD is the revelation to be disclosed. No masculine pronouns appear in 53:1 because the Arm of the LORD is substituted for Him,[4] but thereafter the pronouns occur with great frequency once more (vv. 2-12). This indicates afresh that the Arm of the LORD is God’s Servant, and His mission is the soteric redemption of Jew and Gentile alike.

            The Isaiah 53:1 attestation of the Arm of the LORD, because of its position in the fourth Servant Song of Isaiah, is one of the most important texts of the Arm motif. The verse is rhetorical in nature, marking the twenty-sixth passage in which Isaiah made use of rhetorical questions.[5] Interestingly enough, the questions begin directly after the usage of Arm of the LORD in Isaiah 40:11 and terminate with the employment of Arm of the LORD in 53:1, as if the unveiling of the Servant provides the answer to all inquiries in Isaiah 40-53.

 “The message of Isaiah 52:7-12 is put into effect” in Isaiah 53:1.[6] David J. A. Clines rightly noted that verse 1b, like verse 1a, contains “a rhetorical question expecting a negative answer.”[7] In other words, not only must the Arm of the LORD be revealed, He also would be disclosed in an unexpected way that would startle the observers.
       
     The surprise of the audience stems from two factors. The Israelites, first, were cognizant that the Arm of the LORD was the instrument by which God expressed His militaristic might. The working of God’s Arm against the Egyptians at the Red Sea (Ex. 15:16; Deut. 4:34; 5:15; etc.) had left a lasting impression on the people of God. Second, in chapters previous to Isaiah 51:4-8 the prophet employs the Arm as the Conqueror of the enemies of Israel.[8] To Israel’s astonishment, therefore, the Arm of the LORD “would [not] rend the heathen,”[9] but would seek to redeem them (cf. Isa. 52:10-53:15).


[1] Oswalt, The Book of Isaiah: Chapters 40-66, 382.
[2] According to the pericope: 1) “He will be high and lifted up”; 2) “His appearancewas marred more than any man”; 3) “His form [was marred] more than the sons of man”; 4) “He will sprinkle many nations”; and 5) “Kings will shut their mouths on account of Him.” The prophet Isaiah employed multiple masculine pronouns throughout this section so that his audience immediately would realize that he was continuing his discussion regarding the Servant. This deliberate device insured that there would be no question that Isaiah 53 refers to the kingly, yet suffering Messiah whom the LORD promised to send in order to provide atonement for the people’s sin.
[3] Robert P. Carroll, “Blindsight and the Vision Thing,” in Writing and Reading the Scroll of Isaiah: Studies of an Interpretive Tradition, vol. 1, ed. Craig C. Broyles, et al., Supplements to Vetus Testamentum, vol. 70, no. 1, ed. J. A. Emerton, et al. (Leiden: Brill, 1997), 88.
[4] זְרוֹעַ is a feminine noun, but this does not mean that the arm is feminine. In languages such as Hebrew, the gender of the noun is not always a case of masculinity or femininity: “It is important to understand that feminine nouns (grammatical gender) do notrefer only to feminine things (natural gender) or masculine nouns only to masculine things. . . . What the gender of a Hebrew noun indicates is the pattern of inflection it will usually follow.” Gary D. Pratico and Miles V. van Pelt, Basics of Biblical Hebrew Grammar (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2001), 29. זְרוֹע is a good example of this pattern, for although it is feminine in Hebrew, its Greek equivalent (bracivwn) is masculine. The Bible recognizes both זְרוֹע and bracivwn (cf. John 12:38) as messianic, demonstrating that זְרוֹע possesses a grammatical rather than a natural gender.
[5] Kenneth J. Kuntz, “Rhetorical Questions in Deutero-Isaiah,” in Writing and Reading the Scroll of Isaiah: Studies of an Interpretive Tradition, vol. 1, ed. Craig C. Broyles, et al., Supplements to Vetus Testamentum, vol. 70, no. 1, ed. J. A. Emerton, et al. ( Leiden: Brill, 1997), 126. Kuntz provided a beneficial list of all passage between Isa. 40:12 and 53:1 which employ interrogative texts: Isa. 40:12-14,18,21,25,28; 41:2,4,26; 42:19,24; 43:13; 44:7-8; 45:9,11,21; 46:5; 48:14; 49:15,24; 50:1-2,9; and 53:1.
[6] N. T. Wright, “The Servant and Jesus: The Relevance of the Colloquy for the Current Quest for Jesus,” in Jesus and the Suffering Servant, ed. William H. Bellinger Jr., and William R. Farmer (Harrisburg, PA: Trinity, 1998), 293. “The arm of [the LORD] . . . is revealed according to Isa. 53:1, in and through the work of [His] Servant.”
[7] David J. A. Clines, I, He, We, and They: A Literary Approach to Isaiah 53, Journal for the Study of the Old Testament Supplement Series, vol. 1, ed. David J. A. Clines, et al. (Sheffield: University of Sheffield, 1976), 15.
[8] In Isa. 30:30 the LORD strikes at Assyria with His Arm; the target at which God directs His Arm in Isa. 48:14 is the Chaldeans.
[9] George A. F. Knight, Servant Theology: A Commentary on the Book of Isaiah 40-55, in the International Theological Commentary, ed. George A. F. Knight and Fredrick Carlson Holmgren (Edinburgh: Handsel, 1984), 169.