Ingrown churches

Many of our churches are focused on one personality. One pastor occupies the pulpit on Sundays and Wednesdays. We hear one perspective. While I understand the need for unity of command and a pastor who jealously guards his pulpit, this can become a problem. Diptrophes would not allow others to speak in his church and the Apostle John rebuked him for it (3Jo 1:9-10). The early church was less closed and less ingrown. John was preventing the evolution of a cult by demanding cross-pollination. Our churches should not be focused on a personality, but on the truth. We should all be familiar enough with the Scriptures that we can critically evaluate each message and correct any false teaching (Act 17:11). This might help our churches become more outwardly focused and less defensive.

How to spot a Christian

The truth about who you are is not what you believe about yourself, or even what you say about yourself. It is what you do. “Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.” (1Jo 2:6) If you believe you are a Christian and you say you are a disciple you should live like Jesus did. The distinguishing characteristic of Jesus’ life was love. (1Jo 2:8) Therefore the church should be distinguished not only by what she believes and says, but more important, by what she does. Lord, show me how to love and lead your people into incarnational service so that we might reveal your glory to those who seek you.

The grace of suffering

Peter concludes his first letter with the assurance that suffering is a part of God’s grace (1Pe 5:12). Suffering makes us stronger. It gives us an opportunity to share in the ministry of Christ. It proves our faith. Trials indicate God’s confidence in us. Just as He did with Job, occasionally God says, “Have you considered my servant ______ (insert your name here).” He presents us as his champions, confident that we will prevail. We have the promise that “after we have suffered for a little while, He will perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish” us. (1Pe 5:10). God grant you strength to endure the grace of suffering.

Captured by the enemy

“Abstain from fleshly lusts (worldly desires) which wage war against the soul.” (1Pe 2:11) I have often seen the ravages sustained by a heart captured by the world. I have seen men captured by materialism, immorality, ambition and competition. Women are deceived into living hollow lives when the world convinces them that external beauty is most important. (1Pe 3:3-4) Neglecting their inner beauty, in search of love, they go to great lengths to modify their external appearance. Hair, make up, jewellery, clothing, surgery, anorexia, bulimia, death. Beware of the world’s values. They lure you into a trap that results in captivity and estrangement from the kingdom that Christ desires for you. Avoid becoming a prisoner of the world rather than free in Christ.

Salvation appreciation

It is good to remember the fate from which Jesus saved us. What would your life look like without the grace of Christ? We lose the sense of relief, joy and resolve that we first experienced in Christ. The less we appreciate what he has done for us, the less we will be motivated to do for others. Peter reminds us of the magnitude of our salvation in 1Peter 1:1-12. Then he reminds us that this great salvation should result in sincere and fervent love for others (1Pe 1:22). Lord, restore to me the joy of my salvation and let your love flow through me to those around me.

Get a grip

Fatigue is a fact of life. Hence the Scriptures’ constant encouragement to endure. “Take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees.” (Heb 12:12 NLT) The key to endurance is to rest and re-grip. The only way to be defeated in the Christian life is to quit. God allows time for rest, seasons of refreshment, reorienting. Take advantage of them. Then get another grip and drive on. “Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen. It is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.” (Heb 11:1,6)

Grace abuse

For a believer, there are not many acts more heinous than “grace abuse.” Grace abuse is the presumption of forgiveness with full intention of continuing in sin. Paul anticipated this problem and asked, “should we go on sinning that grace will abound?” His answer, “May it never be!” (Rom 6:1-2) The author of Hebrews tells us that if we deliberately continue in sin after receiving the knowledge of the truth there is no longer a sacrifice for those sins. (Heb 10:26) We have trampled on God’s Son and insulted the Holy Spirit. (Heb 10:26-29) We have used our blood-bought freedom as a covering for evil (1Pe 2:16). Does this mean the believer loses his salvation? I think not. I think he faces the earthly consequences of his sin even unto death (1Jo 5:17, 1Co 5:5). I think he loses heavenly reward due to his poor stewardship of God’s gifts (1Co 3:15) Christian, repent! There is much at stake. Don’t be satisfied to be saved “as through fire.” Rather, be diligent to make certain of your calling and election so that the entrance to the kingdom will be abundantly supplied to you. (2Pe 1:10-11)