A Believer’s Attitude Toward Evil – Part One

July 26, 2011

Eddie Evil, Love, Obedience, Persecution Leave a comment

The following is adapted from “The Cross of Christ,” by John R. W. Stott

     I could not resist sharing this with whomever visit this page.  It is rich and “right-on.”  The same could be said for the entire book!  I enthusiastically commend it to the reader!

  • Does the cross of Christ commit us to a non-violent acceptance of all violence?
  • Does it invalidate the process of criminal justice and the so-called just war?
  • Does it prohibit the use of every kind of force, so that it would incompatible for a Christian to be a soldier, police officer, magistrate or prison officer?

We turn to Romans 12 and 13 for our answers.  Our answers to these questions do not come from the wisdom of humanity for there is a buffet selection of answers presented there and one is left confused.  Our authority is from God’s very Word!

The first eleven chapters have seen Paul unpack God’s mercy both in giving his Son to die for us and in how he has graced us with full salvation by that death.  With that said, what should be our response?

  1. Present our bodies to God — a living sacrifice.  With renewed minds we are to discern and do his will (12:1-2).
  2. Be level-headed in our thinking about ourselves; not flattering nor despising ourselves (12:3)
  3. Love each other, using God-given gifts to serve each other and living together in harmony and humility (12:4-13, 15-16)
  4. Bless our persecutors and do good to our enemies.

So when God’s mercies envelop us, it will transform our relationships:  we obey God, understand ourselves, love one another and serve our enemies.  Reflect on the life of Christ Jesus in all these areas!

The focus of the next several posts will be concerning the fourth relationship.  We assume there will be opposition from non-believers.  The cross is a stumbling-block to unbelievers for it is an offer of salvation that involves no aspect of human effort and is simply and undeserved gift.  The command to love God and neighbor leaves no room for self-love (that’s a tough one!).  The call to take up our cross seems threatening.  All of these arouse opposition from the unbelieving world to Christ and His Gospel.

You have people who persecute you (Romans 12:14), who do “evil” to you (Romans 12:17), who may even be labeled an “enemy” (Romans 12:20).

What should our attitude be?   ….next time.

Majesty…Father Almighty…Maker….Saviour

June 16, 2011

Eddie Adoration, Cleasing from Guilt, Commitment, Genuine Christianity, God as Creator, God as Father, God is Sovereign, God's Power, Intimacy with God, Obedience, Purity, Purpose, Savior, Service, Sins, Truth, Will of God, Worship Leave a comment

The following are excerpts from chapter 23, “The Open Secret”, in  The Knowledge of the Holy, by A.W. Tozer

“But the God we must see is not the utilitarian God who is having such a run of popularity today, whose chief claim to men’s attention is His ability to bring them success in their various undertakings and who for that reason is being cajoled and flattered by everyone who wants a favor.  The God we must learn to know is the Majesty in the heavens, God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, the only wise God our Saviour.

“Knowledge of such a Being cannot be gained by study alone.  It comes by a wisdom the natural man knows nothing of, neither can know, because it is spiritually discerned.  To know God is at once the easiest and the most difficult thing in the world.  It is easy because the knowledge is not won by hard mental toil, but is something freely given”…”But this knowledge is difficult because there are conditions to be met and the obstinate nature of  fallen man does not take kindly to them.”

See the the chapter for the details of the conditions to which Tozer refers.  I present the introductory statements with these conditions which “as taught by the Bible and repeated through the centuries by the holiest, sweetest saints the world has ever known:”

  1. We must forsake our sins.  The belief that a holy God cannot be known by men of confirmed evil lives is not new to the Christian religion.
  2. There must be an utter committal of the whole life to Christ in faith.  This is what it means to “believe in Christ.”
  3. There must be a reckoning of ourselves to have died unto sin and to be alive unto God in Christ Jesus, followed by a throwing open of the entire personality to the inflow of the Holy Spirit.
  4. We must boldly repudiate the cheap values of the fallen world and become completely detached in spirit from everything that unbelieving men set their hearts upon, allowing ourselves on the simplest enjoyments of nature which God has bestowed alike upon the just and the unjust.
  5. We must practice the art of long and loving meditation upon the majesty of God.  This will take some effort, for the concept of majesty has all but disappeared from the human race.

Tozer closes the chapter and book with this statement:  “There is a glorified Man on the right hand of the Majesty in heaven faithfully representing us there.  We are left for a season among men; let us faithfully represent Him here.” 

Oh, Father, with the time I have remaining here, let me faithfully represent you!

 

A Minister: Sober, Suffering and Serving

July 26, 2010

Eddie Commitment, God is Sovereign, God's Word, Happiness, Obedience, Persecution, Perspective, Purpose, Service, Strength, Truth Leave a comment

As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
(2 Timothy 4:5 ESV)

Second Timothy is part of what is called the Pastoral Epistles (1 Timothy, 2 Timothy and Titus).  Although it may be considered books to be read just for the preacher/pastor, one mest remember that all scripture is given to all of us and there will be some principles that we all can get from the teachings within these books.

Let’s begin considering the admonition Paul makes to Timothy to be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

Consider ”sober-minded.”  The basic meaning is clear-headed.  It is an imperative.  Thus, we are commanded to be clear-headed.  The NIV translates it “keep your head in all situations.”  This subject could be elaborated on totally by itself, but think of how important it is that we remain clear-headed as we go through our daily lives.  We must have the mind of Christ in all things.  Keep His perspective on our situations, lest we get discouraged and overwhelmed.  Recently I had so many things building up on me, projects to complete, that I began to get foggy in my thinking and discouraged.  I contacted some close people to pray for me and that same day I became clear-headed and got the right perspective on all that needed to be accomplished.  Remember Romans 12:2.  We must be transformed in our *mind* so that we can be sober-minded.  We must make it a point to be in the Word daily so that we can see life’s situations through the eyes of Christ.

The next command is to endure suffering; another imperative.  We are commanded to endure affliction, suffering, evil.  Now remain sober-minded about this command!  We cannot do this in our own strength.  We must let God fight our battles and trust Him to get us through.

Then, do the work of an evangelist.  This is very much directed toward the pastor and his ongoing ministry.  But there is an application to all believers.  We should be ready to share the good news of Jesus Christ at every opportunity.  That is within the scope of the Great Commission and other Biblical teachings.

Finally, fulfill your ministry.  Dear reader, as Paul was commanding Timothy to fulfill his ministry, you and I have a ministry.  We have a purpose ordained and directed by God.  Maybe you have never considered it, but please do.  Consider the talents and gifts God has given you.  The greatest sense of fulfillment in our life is when we are seeking to fulfill our life’s potential for the One who gave us life.  He must be central in our life.  Our purpose must be coincident with His purpose. Purpose in your heart to fulfill your ministry.  Whatever line of work you are in, God has put you there, equipped you to minister — to serve Him.  Have you given that work to Him?  Have you declared, “Lord this work I am doing, I am doing for you!”  ?

Be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

Great is the LORD! He is Most Worthy of Praise!

July 24, 2010

Eddie God as Creator, God is Sovereign, God's Power, Honor, Intimacy with God, Obedience, Perspective, Praise & Thankfulness, Protection, Purpose, Rescue, Salvation, Service, Sins, Truth, Worship Leave a comment

During the last two months I have meditated on five passages of Scripture.  Three centered around Scripture itself (Psalm 1; Psalm 19 and 2 Timothy 3:1-4:8).  Two focuses on God Himself (Psalm 145 and Isaiah 40).  Next week I have one more meditation from 2 Timothy 4:5-8, but otherwise I will be summarizing the lessons learned and impacts received in this series.  In this post, I want to summarize what I have learned in Psalm 145.  Read Psalm 145 and then reflect with me.  Please go back to previous posts and meditate with me the truths from God’s word about Scripture and Himself from these focus passages.

  • Psalm 145
    • Because of God’s greatness, our praise should be the richest that we can offer.
    • Meditation upon God’s greatness should raise the awareness of my sinfulness and my helplessness while at the same time knowing God is there and delights to help me.  I can turn to Him for forgiveness and deliverance.
    • God is the amazing Great I AM.  He is gracious and merciful; slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.  He is good to all and His mercy covers all that he has made.  And to think He wants to be with me for eternity!
    • Nature’s sounds may very well be the praise lifted up to the Most High God!  The praise of His saints, those who have accepted His Son as Lord of glory and salvation, should share with others the glory and power of God and His mighty deeds.
    • I’ve been reminded of the importance of calling upon the Lord in full honesty about myself and my circumstances.  Noting areas that are my fault. I’m also reminded about my fear and love of God.  Reverencing Him and living an obedient life.
    • I should praise Him for Who He is, not only for what He has done!

1 I will exalt you, my God and King,
and praise your name forever and ever.
2 I will praise you every day;
yes, I will praise you forever.
3 Great is the LORD! He is most worthy of praise!
No one can measure his greatness. (Psalm 145:1-3, NLT)

No Greater Help…No Greater Love

July 12, 2010

Eddie Brokenness, Comfort, Encouragement, Hope, Obedience, Promises, Protection, Rescue, Sins, Strength Leave a comment

[14] The LORD upholds all who are falling
and raises up all who are bowed down.
[15] The eyes of all look to you,
and you give them their food in due season.
[16] You open your hand;
you satisfy the desire of every living thing.
[17] The LORD is righteous in all his ways
and kind in all his works.
[18] The LORD is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.
[19] He fulfills the desire of those who fear him;
he also hears their cry and saves them.  (Psalm 145:14-19 ESV)

If you are downtrodden, discouraged, deserted, depressed, or disheartened (and the like), please read this selection of scripture over and over an apply it to your situation.

  • The Lord will uphold you if you are falling.
  • If you are bowed down, He will raise you up.
  • Look to Him He will supply all your needs.
  • He is kind in all He does for you.
  • He is near to those who call on Him in truthfulness.
  • He will satisfy those who take Him seriously.
  • He preserves all who love Him.

Please don’t miss the importance of calling upon the Lord in complete truthfulness and honesty about yourself and about your circumstances.  Own up to those areas that are your fault.  When Scripture talks of fearing the Lord (v. 19), it means reverence and awe.  If you have reverence and awe for someone, we tend to take seriously what they say (what are Hollywood personalities such activists?)  Let me ask you about your love for God.  (Jesus said if you love me obey me – John 14:15).

There is no help greater by no one who loves you more than our Lord!

The 20 Characteristics of a Worm

June 18, 2010

Eddie Commitment, Last Days, Obedience, Purity, Service, Sins Leave a comment


1 But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.
2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful,
proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,
3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control,
brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited,
lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of
godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.
6 They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain
control over weak-willed women, who are loaded down with sins
and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, 7 always learning
but never able to acknowledge the truth. (2 Timothy 3:1-7)

The 20 Characteristics of a Worm – not a biology lesson but a
warning on human behavior.  Paul writes Timothy in this second
letter alerting him to some of the traits that will be found
to be prominent in many people in the “last days.”  Numbers 1-19
are listed in verses 2 through 5.  Number 20 is in verse 7.

We should meditate on this list and take the the following steps:

1) Are any of these traits showing up in our life?  Get rid of them!
2) Do we see them appearing in the lives of our spouse or children?
Lovingly talk with them about it, showing them this passage as
to what God thinks about it.
3) Are our children dating or hanging out with friends who display
these characteristics?  Point this out to them verse 5.  If
they won’t follow God’s instructions, loving be a parent at
that point (Ephesians 6:4).

“That I May Honor You!”

March 4, 2009

Eddie Honor, Obedience, Purity Leave a comment

   Teach me your ways, O Lord,  that I may live according to your truth!
   Grant me purity of heart,  so that I may honor you.  Psalm 86:11

The Psalmist has two desires in this passage:  (1) to live his life according to God’s truth and (2) to honor the Lord.

In order for me to be able to live my life according to God’s truth, this passage instructs me to put myself in the position to be taught the ways of the Lord.  How do I do that?  These came quickly to mind as I meditated on this passage: 

  • Bible studies
  • Corporate worship
  • Private, quiet times with the Lord
  • Simply putting the right things in my mind through what I read, view and listen to.

honor01What of honoring the Lord?  As I thought of honoring someone, it is like assigning value to them.  Much like an heirloom in the family.  To another person it may just seem like an old piece of furniture or object.  But I’ve assigned value to it because it has been in my family for many, many years.  I show honor to that object.   The best way for me to show honor to my Lord is when I have purity of heart.  There can be nothing else that is singularly more important to me than Him.  “Lord, like the Psalmist, grant me purity of heart, that I may honor you in my life, my thoughts, my speech, my all!  Amen.”

Joy in Doing God’s Will

February 16, 2009

Eddie Joy, Obedience 1 Comment

“ I take joy in doing your will, my God, for your instructions are written on my heart.” - Psalm 40:8

There are many things that can give me joy – I mean deep down when even circumstances surrounding my life may be very trying.  I think of when I just sit back and watch my grandchildren.  Noticing how they explore something new or interact with each other.  It really brings me joy.  Oh, and when they run up to me with open arms to offer a hug and kiss!  I would have joy in that experience even if my life were crumbling around me.  california-high-sierra

However, there is no greater joy than that which is experienced when I have don what the Lord has instructe me to do!  Those instructions which have come from His Word to my heart, framed by experience over the years.  That is premiere joy!  It is the opportunity to show my love to Him in obedience!

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