- How Soon We Forget God
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This week, I’ve started studying the book of Judges for my morning devotions, and it is both amazing and sad to see how quickly the children of Israel turned aside from following God once Joshua died.
Once of the scariest verses for me is Judges 2:8-11, which reads:
(8) And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the LORD, died, being a hundred and ten years old. (9) And they buried him in the border of his inheritance in Timnath-heres, in the mount of Ephraim, on the north side of the hill Gaash. (10) And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel. (11) And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim:
In particular, the phrase “and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD” shows a major failing in two regards:
- that of the children themselves
- that of their parents
Oh, they knew about God, but did not have their own, useful, saving relationship with Him.
Granted, it is not always fair to blame all the ills of one generation on the previous one, but I also believe that we too often discount the lessons we teach our children by our own actions.
Not only is the above passage of scripture scary for me because of what it says historically, but because of its current applicability in today’s society. On a whole, our children are exposed to things that our parents never dreamed that we would see, while at the same time, we offer less guidance and far less restriction than our parents did at their most lax level.
In short, for a variety of good sounding reasons (or what we believe to be good sounding reasons), we have lowered the bar for our children, and consequently for our children's children. And we tend to blame it on “society today” not realizing that it is our cumulative and aggregate actions that create the society we speak of.
We fear to discipline our children out of concern that they will be emotionally scarred, and then they grow up lacking all restraint and end up scarring *us* emotionally and even physically! We want them to experience everything they can before they choose which direction they should take, not realizing that some experiences automatically impair good judgment, thereby precluding better decisions going forward.
The reason that the second generation depicted in Judges 2:10 did not know God was that their parents had, by their own poor example, failed to serve God fully. We can see from the end of Judges chapter 1, that the Israelites failed to do the one thing that God had instructed them to do – to drive out the Canaanites from the land.
Judges 1:28 And it came to pass, when Israel was strong, that they put the Canaanites to tribute, and did not utterly drive them out.
This failing of the parents led to God telling them that He would no longer drive the Canaanites out of the land, but they would end up being a snare unto them.
We are making the same mistake in the current era, and the effect is very much the same – our children are leaving the churches in droves, and they are dabbling in destructive pleasures of the world – all because we don’t want to apply discipline, and more importantly, because we are not following God as fully as we know we should.
Let us take this opportunity to learn a lesson for the history of God’s people and not only live as God has instructed us to, but also lead our families as God has instructed. God’s blessings are almost always conditional – dependent on our obedience to His will and adherence with His commandments. We should avoid any feelings of entitlements when it comes to God’s mercies and blessings, and thereby avoid teaching our children the same.
- The Problem of Wickedness
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Every now and then, I find that some of my secular reading contains a gem or two that has interesting spiritual connotations. This week, for instance, while I was perusing the May 2008 issue of Harvard Business Review, I came across a very interesting article entitled: Strategy as a Wicked Problem.
Now, I was intrigued by their use of the term "wicked" as that is generally only used in a religious context or as slang. The following except from the article outlines the definition of a "wicked" problem, as outlined by the author, John C. Camillus.
Wickedness isn’t a degree of difficulty. Wicked issues are different because traditional processes can’t resolve them, according to Horst W.J. Rittel and Melvin M. Webber, professors of design and urban planning at the University of California at Berkeley, who described them in a 1973 article in Policy Sciences magazine. A wicked problem has innumerable causes, is tough to describe, and doesn’t have a right answer, as we will see in the next section. Environmental degradation, terrorism, and poverty—these are classic examples of wicked problems. They’re the opposite of hard but ordinary problems, which people can solve in a finite time period by applying standard techniques. Not only do conventional processes fail to tackle wicked problems, but they may exacerbate situations by generating undesirable consequences.
It seems to me that this is a very apt description of wickedness in a spiritual context as well, and it brought to light the complexity of dealing with the problem of sin. Too often, we look at the sin problem as though it should have been very easy to avoid, given God's knowledge of events past, present and future. And there is a corresponding tendency to look at the plan of Salvation as outlined in the scriptures as being far too convoluted to be of any use or reasonableness.
Yet, as this article points out, mankind is learning that there are problems whose solution is not simple and concise, but complicated and verbose. These solutions require a significant investment of time, energy and dedication.
As we look at the plan that required the Son of God to live a perfect life, then die (try to wrap your head around that one) for the sins of everyone, you have to wonder just how complicated this whole sin thing is. We are told that it will be something that we study and learn more about throughout eternity.
Not every problem is simple. Not every solution can be thrown together hastily.
Some issues are simply wicked.
Thankfully, God is able to deal with even these issues.
- The Benefits of Witnessing
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We often look at witnessing as being an activity that is primarily beneficial to the recipient of the witnessing endeavor. It is, after all, their salvation that is at stake. But, there is an oft ignored benefit to the one who is doing the witnessing -- and it is a significant one.
One of the reasons that God has commissioned us to evangelize, is that doing so is a critical part of growing spiritually. In order to be an effective witness, one needs to have a close connection with God. Of the many reasons why this is true, a key reason is that in order to be a convincing proponent of anything, one must be fully immersed and knowledgeable about that thing.
We wouldn't take financial advice from someone who has problems managing their own money, nor would we take technology advice from someone whose own technology is rundown and inadequate. We would be somewhat reticent to take the word of someone who claimed who would win any particular sporting event, but couldn't display a firm grasp of the current participants or their history. In short, whatever the topic, ones ability to convince others to accept or consider something is very dependent upon ones own foundation in that subject.
This is even more true of witnessing, because we cannot *convince* anyone to accept God. That's God's job. All we do is tell of our own experiences with God -- what He has done for us and through us. And when we rely on Him to assist us in this work, it enhances our own experience, and adds to the body of evidence about His power, His goodness, and His love and mercy.
Being an effective witness entails maintaining a close relationship with God through prayer and Bible study, and being receptive to be placed into circumstances where people need spiritual assistance. When dealing with people who do not believe in God, it requires Divine strength to be able to respond both accurately and appropriately, because as a witness, how you respond is every bit a part of your message as what you have to say in the first place.
God has promised us that He will guide us in all such circumstances:
Mark 13:9-11 KJV
(9) But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them.
(10) And the gospel must first be published among all nations.
(11) But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.
John 14:26 KJV
(26) But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
1 Corinthians 2:10-13 KJV
(10) But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
(11) For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
(12) Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
(13) Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
And as we each witness, our faith is strengthened -- not just as we see people come to understand and accept the message of salvation, but was we see God working through us and giving us wisdom and understanding and strength to be to be effective witnesses.
But, it starts with having a connection with Jesus, and letting people know of our relationship. If we keep it to ourselves, we will essentially stunt our own spiritual growth. It is this aspect of witnessing that many people are unfortunately ignorant of.
Those who take that first step in faith, find that their faith is abundantly rewarded, and that subsequent steps are made easier. Those who do not, find that the way ahead looks harder and harder. We do ourselves an injustice when we do not follow the Great Commission:
Matthew 28:18-20 KJV
(18) And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
(19) Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
(20) Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
- The Purpose of Evangelism
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A couple of weeks ago, I went to a weekend seminar on Evangelism, and one of the things that was presented was that the primary purpose of Evangelism is to make more worshippers. Not just mere converts, but worshippers.
Worship is active. Very active.
There are too many people who accept religion, who believe in God, but who do nothing in particular about it. If you look at both the Old and New Testaments, true worshippers of God are extremely active. In fact, God calls for lots of activity in service to Him.
2 Chronicles 5:13
It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth forever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD;
Luke 2:20
And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
Matthew 28:19-20
(19) Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
(20) Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Luke 24:52-53
(52) And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:
(53) And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.
Vibrant worship leads to effective evangelism, which fuels the cycle all over again. The act of praising and glorifying God for what He has done, inspires us to tell others about what He has done, which is what evangelism is all about.
Vibrant Worship...
Acts 1:12 to Acts 2:4 (excerpts provided below)
(12) Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.
(13) And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.
(14) These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.
(1) And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
(2) And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
(3) And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
(4) And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Effective Evangelism...
Acts 2:5-41 (excerpts provided below)
(37) Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
(38) Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
(39) For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
(40) And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
(41) Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
Even More Worship...
Acts 2:42-47 (excerpts provided below)
(42) And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
(46) And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
(47) Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
When Jesus has returned to take His children home, and the earth is remade as in the beginning, and sin and suffering are no more, there will be no need for new converts, but we will still have worship...
- Where Is The Precious Flock?
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As parents, there are a few things we should consider when we look at what the Bible tells us about training our children in matters of spiritual significance:
- Are we taking our responsibilities as parents seriously?
- Do we make our children's spiritual education a priority?
- Are we presenting an example that is at odds with what we tell our children?
- Are we misrepresenting God to our children, and thereby impacting their salvation?
- Will we get to heaven only to find that we have made it alone?
The Bible has much to say on the importance of a spiritual upbringing, and the following presentation provides some guidance on how to be sure that you're fulfilling your parental duties in this regard:
PowerPoint 2003 format...