What a week! It's been a busy and crazy one...my beloved Skins decided to take the night off Monday (at least it was just a Monday Night Football game and only about a billion people watched it...especially all the Steelers fans in our church!!), then Tuesday night offered a lesson in history and if you read Tuesday's Blog you will know the night didn't turn out as I had hoped. Even so, I am confident that God is control, and I assure you that I will be praying for President Obama, his family, and our country. It is an incredible testimony to the U.S. that we finally elected a black man as president (not to pat ourselves on the back too much) after all that transpired in our history. I thought that both Obama and McCain did great in their speeches to try to bring voters back to a single focus. If you want an excellent read about responding when "your guy" didn't win, check our Dr. Al Mohler's blog from yesterday (he's the president of Southern Seminary).
All that being said, it really ties in well with the overall topic from today's passage, Romans 3:1-20. We have all, at one time or another, had to submit to the authority of someone else. Perhaps it was a parent, an employer, a school system or the government (we all must to some extent). We don't always like the rules or regulations that we are submitting to, though if we are going to live in the U.S., we must follow the laws of this country. If we are going to work for a particular company, we must follow the Employee Handbook of that company. And Paul is sharing with us here that if we want to be a Christ follower, a Christian, then we must place ourselves under (the very meaning of submission) the leadership and guidance of God. Paul emphasizes, though, that this is not just following the Law, or The Ten Commandments...these commandments bring us the "knowledge of sin."
Paul does share that "...we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law...", so if we never truly place ourselves under the Law, we can't really get a full knowledge and understanding of sin. We fool ourselves into believing that we're "pretty good," or as they would say in Biblical times, that we are righteous just because we may think that we follow the 10 Commandments. To correct this thought, Paul quotes from Psalm 14, sharing that "there is none righteous, not even one...". WOW! Not my sweet grandma? Not even one! Not my cute little daughter? Not even one! Not my PASTOR?!?! Not even one!
We'll stop at this point for today, but not to worry, the fact that NONE of us are righteous is not the end of the story! For today, though, consider a few things: 1. Have I submitted my life to God's leadership through His son, Jesus? 2. Have I acknowledged that I am not righteous (or good?) 3. Have I been led to believe that if I just live by the Commandments everything will be alright? Consider these points today, and tomorrow we will build on this thought process...it is going somewhere, and the destination is incredible!
Have a blessed day!
In Him,
PJ
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Vote Well!
Romans 13:1 is a verse that can speak to all of us today in America: "Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God." NASB
This truth is one that can help calm any fear or anxiety over what is going to happen at the polls today...God already knows the outcome of every election (He doesn't even have to worry about any "hanging CHADs"!). Not only does He know the outcome, He is allowing every election to occur. This is hard to comprehend so many times as we see individuals who openly and unashamedly stand for the very things that God is against to be elected into positions of power. But...Paul assures us here in Romans that God is not surprised by the outcome of any election. He is not walking around Heaven today with his candidate button on, "hoping" that everything turns out okay. No, God already knows that things are going to turn out just as He has allowed them to turn out.
As for me...I will be going to vote this afternoon with Annette and Brian (he registered with ACORN!), and I can just tell you that Annette and I both will be voting for individuals from both major parties. We have, and will continue, to base our votes on the most important issue that could ever be considered: the value of a human life. We will vote for the dog catcher, mayor, congressman or presidential candidate who also cares about a human life, whether born or unborn! I've had great discussions with many people whom I love who disagree with me on this matter, but I must vote as the Lord leads me to.
Today, as you go to vote, think about why you are voting for whomever you choose. As you consider the reasons, I'm sure they all come down to wanting to vote for the person whom you believe will help you and your family out the most...it's a quality of life issue at its core. I challenge you today, then, to consider the quality of all life, especially the life that cannot speak or fend for itself!
Now, I respectfully remove myself from my personal soapbox and will stay up too late tonight to hear who it is God has allowed to hold the highest elected office in our GREAT country (as well as the other many important positions being decided).
Have a blessed day!
In Christ,
PJ
This truth is one that can help calm any fear or anxiety over what is going to happen at the polls today...God already knows the outcome of every election (He doesn't even have to worry about any "hanging CHADs"!). Not only does He know the outcome, He is allowing every election to occur. This is hard to comprehend so many times as we see individuals who openly and unashamedly stand for the very things that God is against to be elected into positions of power. But...Paul assures us here in Romans that God is not surprised by the outcome of any election. He is not walking around Heaven today with his candidate button on, "hoping" that everything turns out okay. No, God already knows that things are going to turn out just as He has allowed them to turn out.
As for me...I will be going to vote this afternoon with Annette and Brian (he registered with ACORN!), and I can just tell you that Annette and I both will be voting for individuals from both major parties. We have, and will continue, to base our votes on the most important issue that could ever be considered: the value of a human life. We will vote for the dog catcher, mayor, congressman or presidential candidate who also cares about a human life, whether born or unborn! I've had great discussions with many people whom I love who disagree with me on this matter, but I must vote as the Lord leads me to.
Today, as you go to vote, think about why you are voting for whomever you choose. As you consider the reasons, I'm sure they all come down to wanting to vote for the person whom you believe will help you and your family out the most...it's a quality of life issue at its core. I challenge you today, then, to consider the quality of all life, especially the life that cannot speak or fend for itself!
Now, I respectfully remove myself from my personal soapbox and will stay up too late tonight to hear who it is God has allowed to hold the highest elected office in our GREAT country (as well as the other many important positions being decided).
Have a blessed day!
In Christ,
PJ
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Hypocrisy and the Christian...
Today we will look at Romans 2:17-29. Yesterday, Paul was speaking against those who we would consider "Moralists," meaning they lived as "good" people, doing what was moral, but never giving their lives over to God as Christ Followers. In today's passage, Paul was speaking against the Jewish believer who thought that their "Jewishness" (not a real theological term) made them "better" than the Gentile believers (those like you and I who are not of Jewish descent, though very welcome into a relationship with God through Jesus). Paul tells them that they are nothing more than a hypocrite!
Let me share with you that the excuse I hear more often than any other for why people are not ready to become Christ Followers (a Christian) is because they view all professing Christians as hypocrites. Because someone who either was a Christian or even claimed to be one treated them terribly, folks are ready to write off what a true Christian is forever. Man does that really get me fired up! If I were to develop this same attitude (I pray I NEVER do!), then I would need to just stop showing up to the church building every morning...especially on Sundays, because I "feel" let down all the time by people. If you are basing your perception of what a Christian should or should not be on anything other than God's Word and the example given us through Jesus' earthly living, YOU WILL BE DISAPPOINTED! Maybe not right away, maybe not next month, but eventually, humans will be humans, we will sin, and you will be let down. If you're foolish enough to believe that the born again believer never sins, you will quickly learn otherwise...not because I say so, but because it's what God's Word tells us, too.
One of Paul's lessons through this passage, I believe, is that it's not about saying the right thing, but then doing whatever else you want to do. It's not about doing the right thing, while, at the same time, saying what ever you choose about or judging others. Being a true Christian means living for Christ inwardly, walking the walk outwardly, and seeking praise not from men, but instead from God. If you need to be reminded about some of what we shouldn't be involved in, check Monday's passage, especially 1:28-32.
Are you walking with Christ today? Are you plugged in to a Bible believing, Bible teaching local church? If not, why...I can tell you it is absolutely God's desire that you be plugged in, learning more about Him, sharing life together with those who share the same love of God. If you need help finding a strong church, drop me a note and let me know, I'd be glad to do some research for you and your family.
Meet you here tomorrow!
In Christ,
PJ
Let me share with you that the excuse I hear more often than any other for why people are not ready to become Christ Followers (a Christian) is because they view all professing Christians as hypocrites. Because someone who either was a Christian or even claimed to be one treated them terribly, folks are ready to write off what a true Christian is forever. Man does that really get me fired up! If I were to develop this same attitude (I pray I NEVER do!), then I would need to just stop showing up to the church building every morning...especially on Sundays, because I "feel" let down all the time by people. If you are basing your perception of what a Christian should or should not be on anything other than God's Word and the example given us through Jesus' earthly living, YOU WILL BE DISAPPOINTED! Maybe not right away, maybe not next month, but eventually, humans will be humans, we will sin, and you will be let down. If you're foolish enough to believe that the born again believer never sins, you will quickly learn otherwise...not because I say so, but because it's what God's Word tells us, too.
One of Paul's lessons through this passage, I believe, is that it's not about saying the right thing, but then doing whatever else you want to do. It's not about doing the right thing, while, at the same time, saying what ever you choose about or judging others. Being a true Christian means living for Christ inwardly, walking the walk outwardly, and seeking praise not from men, but instead from God. If you need to be reminded about some of what we shouldn't be involved in, check Monday's passage, especially 1:28-32.
Are you walking with Christ today? Are you plugged in to a Bible believing, Bible teaching local church? If not, why...I can tell you it is absolutely God's desire that you be plugged in, learning more about Him, sharing life together with those who share the same love of God. If you need help finding a strong church, drop me a note and let me know, I'd be glad to do some research for you and your family.
Meet you here tomorrow!
In Christ,
PJ
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
The "Moral" Life...
Today we're looking at Romans 2:1-16, and again, it's a hard-hitting lesson from Paul. He continues with another "therefore," picking up from the end of chapter 1 (remember, when Paul wrote this, it was a letter without chapter and verse breaks), and nailing us with the fact that we have no excuse to pass judgement on one another. Paul is saying that there are certainly those people who are blatantly living in obvious sin and openly defying God's Word and not caring at all. But there are also people who like to pass judgement on others when we are in need of dealing with other types of sin in our own lives. Luke 6:41 comes to mind: "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?"
Now, is Paul, or am I, suggesting that whatever anyone wants to do is their prerogative? That the sin in another person's life is none of my business? Well, yes and no. It's not my job as a Pastor, or yours as a Christ follower, to be the "Sin Police," but at the same time, it is my job to share with as many as possible what God's Word says about sin. The job of a physician is to diagnose illness, to offer cures/treatment, and to also share with their patients how to stay healthy to begin with. As Christians, we have the same spiritual responsibilities. Paul is sharing in this passage that there are many "illnesses" that we are all struggling with, and he is also sharing the cure, that is to follow Jesus and His Word.
There are many folks that I come in contact with during the week, even many in the church on Sunday morning, who are very "moral" people. We are not called by God, however, to simply live a moral life. We are called to live a holy life, meaning we are to strive to live the life that Christ demonstrated for us. Does this mean that after we give control of our life to Christ that we will stop sinning? NO! But it does mean that as we allow Him to control our life, He will direct us away from many things that may currently be in our lives. He will re-direct our paths, He will show us many areas of life in a new light...His light. This is not a fun, comfortable position to put yourself in, as the world sees it. But, when we allow Him to control our life, and we truly seek His ways over our own, what the world sees as uncomfortable and puzzling is instead realized by the Christian to be complete comfort and security.
What part are you playing today? Jury...Judge...or are you a Witness? Have you ever given control of your life over to Jesus Christ, allowing Him to be Lord of your life? Is there a "missing link" in your life? Talk to God today...acknowledge that you are a sinner, that you desire to turn away from those sins, and that you are trusting Jesus today with your life. Give Jesus control of your heart and trust in His death as payment for your sins. Anyone reading this who ever wants to talk more, please contact me anytime!
Until tomorrow, have a blessed day!
In Christ,
PJ
Now, is Paul, or am I, suggesting that whatever anyone wants to do is their prerogative? That the sin in another person's life is none of my business? Well, yes and no. It's not my job as a Pastor, or yours as a Christ follower, to be the "Sin Police," but at the same time, it is my job to share with as many as possible what God's Word says about sin. The job of a physician is to diagnose illness, to offer cures/treatment, and to also share with their patients how to stay healthy to begin with. As Christians, we have the same spiritual responsibilities. Paul is sharing in this passage that there are many "illnesses" that we are all struggling with, and he is also sharing the cure, that is to follow Jesus and His Word.
There are many folks that I come in contact with during the week, even many in the church on Sunday morning, who are very "moral" people. We are not called by God, however, to simply live a moral life. We are called to live a holy life, meaning we are to strive to live the life that Christ demonstrated for us. Does this mean that after we give control of our life to Christ that we will stop sinning? NO! But it does mean that as we allow Him to control our life, He will direct us away from many things that may currently be in our lives. He will re-direct our paths, He will show us many areas of life in a new light...His light. This is not a fun, comfortable position to put yourself in, as the world sees it. But, when we allow Him to control our life, and we truly seek His ways over our own, what the world sees as uncomfortable and puzzling is instead realized by the Christian to be complete comfort and security.
What part are you playing today? Jury...Judge...or are you a Witness? Have you ever given control of your life over to Jesus Christ, allowing Him to be Lord of your life? Is there a "missing link" in your life? Talk to God today...acknowledge that you are a sinner, that you desire to turn away from those sins, and that you are trusting Jesus today with your life. Give Jesus control of your heart and trust in His death as payment for your sins. Anyone reading this who ever wants to talk more, please contact me anytime!
Until tomorrow, have a blessed day!
In Christ,
PJ
Monday, October 27, 2008
Back on Track...
WOW...finally, I think I'm getting back on track after being out of town for several days (had a GREAT time at my 20th H.S. Reunion!) and coming back for a crazy (in a good way) week in the office. So, today we will look at Romans 1:24-32.
This passage begins with a "therefore," which means we need to look back and see, within the context, what it is "there for." Paul has just finished explaining how people know that there is a God down deep inside. He can be seen in creation by "His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, [which] have been clearly seen..." But, he continues, "they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, ...and their foolish heart was darkened." Then, "therefore," He said "fine, if you really want to live to just please yourself, that is, your flesh, then I will allow you to choose to do so." This choice led (and still leads to today) to men and women treating their bodies, physically and emotionally, in ways that God did not intend for them to be treated.
As a parent, it's very hard to allow your child to do something that you know is not the right thing to do...to let them follow through with a decision that you already know the outcome of, one which is certain to cause them pain. But, there comes a point when we have to let them "learn the hard way." A self-professing "hard head," I have been party to many of these decisions myself, and it's only by God's grace that I am still around today to even be sharing this with you. But, I know many of you who are reading this, also, and that you have made a few of these decisions as well, and are still around today for a reason. As difficult as it is for me as a parent, I can only imagine how this felt to a Holy, loving God, who allowed Himself to step back and let His creation utilize their free will.
Read through verses 28-31, and pray about which of those specific sins may be in your life and need to be dealt with. This passage is most often quoted in regards of what God has said about homosexuality in verses 26-27, but the entire passage should be a sobering wake-up call to all of us to deal with sin, no matter what it is, in our own lives.
Have a blessed week, and I'll meet you here tomorrow!
PJ
This passage begins with a "therefore," which means we need to look back and see, within the context, what it is "there for." Paul has just finished explaining how people know that there is a God down deep inside. He can be seen in creation by "His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, [which] have been clearly seen..." But, he continues, "they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, ...and their foolish heart was darkened." Then, "therefore," He said "fine, if you really want to live to just please yourself, that is, your flesh, then I will allow you to choose to do so." This choice led (and still leads to today) to men and women treating their bodies, physically and emotionally, in ways that God did not intend for them to be treated.
As a parent, it's very hard to allow your child to do something that you know is not the right thing to do...to let them follow through with a decision that you already know the outcome of, one which is certain to cause them pain. But, there comes a point when we have to let them "learn the hard way." A self-professing "hard head," I have been party to many of these decisions myself, and it's only by God's grace that I am still around today to even be sharing this with you. But, I know many of you who are reading this, also, and that you have made a few of these decisions as well, and are still around today for a reason. As difficult as it is for me as a parent, I can only imagine how this felt to a Holy, loving God, who allowed Himself to step back and let His creation utilize their free will.
Read through verses 28-31, and pray about which of those specific sins may be in your life and need to be dealt with. This passage is most often quoted in regards of what God has said about homosexuality in verses 26-27, but the entire passage should be a sobering wake-up call to all of us to deal with sin, no matter what it is, in our own lives.
Have a blessed week, and I'll meet you here tomorrow!
PJ
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