Spit; Spoke; And The Man Heard

And again, departing from the coasts of Tyre and Sidon, he came unto the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the coasts of Decapolis.

And they bring unto him one that was deaf, and had an impediment in his speech; and they beseech him to put his hand upon him.

And he took him aside from the multitude, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spit, and touched his tongue;

And looking up to heaven, he sighed, and saith unto him, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened.

And straightway his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spake plain. 

                                                                                 (Mark 7:31-35 KJV)

He spit and spoke and the man was healed!

I often remind everyone that it is imperative for faith to grow that we hear the word of God. We need to attend worship and Bible studies as often as we can. If we cannot be with others because we are home bound for otherwise unavailable for whatever reason then we should read the scriptures aloud to ourselves. I have often reminded you (and myself) that: "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Rom 10:17)

So last night I was in an online Bible Study with that beloved theologian Dr. James Nestingen who led the study on the lessons for this Sunday. As he read and then discussed this lesson from the Gospel of Mark, I could not help but smile as my head heard how Jesus spit and spoke and the man was healed; because as I heard those words my mind translated those words to water and the Word. I could not help but smile as it came to me that Jesus used both water and the Word to heal the deaf man. No, I'm not attempting to turn this into a comparison with Baptism or a major theological discussion. It just struck me as very interesting (even odd) that he would spit; that he would use this form of water, to bring about healing of this man. Knowing Jesus, I am pretty sure that he did not have to use any form of physical substance to heal the deaf man. He did not even need to put his fingers in the man's ears. All he had to do was say it or maybe even think it because after all the deaf man could not hear the words until after he was healed. But, he did use them for whatever his reason was. I do not know that what Jesus did and continues to do is because of his love of all people.

I have been told too many times that it is difficult to understand the Bible so they have given up trying to understand it. Some parts of it are really boring. Those genealogies can be pretty boring. But, the truth is that is that it can be very interesting and enlightening for those who have ears to hear. There will be times when you will be smiling a lot. Just consider what would you might do if you were sick and someone came along and spit before they laid their hands on you for healing. I am not sure if you'd be smiling if someone tried that. But, it's definitely worth a smile. Or, how would you react if your pastor told you to "Get behind me, Satan!" (Mark 8:33) I'm pretty sure you'd be quickly conspiring to get rid of him or her. Oh, yes, Jesus was a character. He was pretty radical in the things he said and did. I often wonder how many Christians would put up with him if he walked the earth today as he did 2000 years ago.

Do not put off hearing the Word of God. Get to worship! Join a Bible Study! If you cannot get there in person there are a lot of live resources online. Relax! Enjoy! Live life! Hear the Word of God!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

The Fake Lights Would Destroy Hope

Psalm 16:1-9 KJV

Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust.

O my soul, thou hast said unto the Lord, Thou art my Lord: my goodness extendeth not to thee;

But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight.

Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god: their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips.

The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot.

The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.

I will bless the Lord, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.

I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.

+++

In these dark days it can be difficult to have hope. I have found myself reminding myself that I need to pray for the safety of multitude of civilians of many nations that have been left behind in Afghanistan. I have to remind myself because to tell you the truth I find that I have fallen into the trap of having little hope that they will all or even the majority be able to get out of Afghanistan safely.

Yet, without hope we cannot move forward to secure their escape. Hope keeps us moving and doing.  Hope will not leave us destitute and depressed. Hope will lead us to action. 

Our hope is misplaced when we it is based on any one or group of persons in government leadership.  They are not our saviors. There is only one savior. His name is Jesus. In him our hope must lie.

The world can be a very dark place. But, a light has come into the world. Sadly, too many prefer the dark and will not come into the marvelous light of Christ.

Years ago, I had a vision that I will never forget while at a Renewel In Missouri Conference. That vision was of a candle with a great light surrounded by a circle of smaller candles with very dim lights. One would think that those smaller candles were attracted to the great light. But, no. The candles with dim lights were surrounding the great light in the attempt to put it out so that their own lights could shine. So goes the world today. Egos of so many world leaders as well as others attempt to outshine the rest. They do not listen to the counsel of God. They are guided and guide others by a false light that is not of Christ but of their own imaginations. 

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. (2 Cor 11:13-14)

We can never put out the light of Christ even as many who profess to be Christians; profess to love; profess to care; try as they might to snuff out the light of Christ so that their own fake lights might shine.

Again... there is only one light that can be trusted. That light is the light that has come into the world for the sake of all of humankind. His name is Jesus the Christ. In him alone our hope must lie.

Let us pray: Lord God, have mercy upon us. Have mercy on all who are in harms way in Afghanistan and around the world. Have mercy on us filling us with faith, hope, and love through the power of the Holy Spirit in the name of Jesus the Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

It All Glorifies God

It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.

I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.

And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)

How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.

For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.

And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. 

                                                                                                           (2 Cor 12:1-10 KJV)

Thanks be to God for both the awesome experience of visions in the heavenly realms as well as the suffering that we endure for Christ's sake in this world.

St. Paul said that he knew a man who visited the heavenly realms. Whether it was physically or spiritually as in a vision he was not sure. He claims it was not him who had this glorious experience and he would be a fool to claim otherwise. However, as this event is related it revealed to us the awesome things that God can do and how He can speak to us in anyway He chooses. In the telling of this event the glory of God is revealed to us. 

St. Paul's personal  experience of God's glory was experienced in some sort of infirmity which called a "thorn in his flesh." His experience of God's glory was found in trusting that God was with him in his infirmity, in persecutions, and in distresses for Christ's sake for when he was weakened God helped him through and made him strong to endure all things. It is not we; but, the abiding presence of Christ in us that gives us strength resulting in giving glory to God.

Therefore we take pleasure in our weaknesses because our ability to overcome by the power of the Spirit of Christ glorifies our Father in heaven and to Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Only One Light Of Salvation

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:

And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.

We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

                                                                                      (1 John 4:1-6 KJV)

There are many spirits; but, only one true God. We must be careful which one we are listening to and following. 

The One will lead you into the light of his presence. The others will lead you into the darkness. Everything may look all well and good; but, be careful. Discern carefully the spirits. They are not all looking out for you. As St. Paul wrote to the Corinthians: "And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light." (2 Cor 11:14)

There is only one God who was willing to give his life for you. All others ask you to give them our lives. Jesus the Christ is our light and our salvation. Worship him and him alone!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

To Be Persecuted And Die

And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid. And he took again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should happen unto him,

Saying, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests, and unto the scribes; and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the Gentiles:

And they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon him, and shall kill him: and the third day he shall rise again.

                                                                                   (Mark 10:32-34 KJV)

They knew that going into Jerusalem could be dangerous. Jesus let them know that where they were going would lead to his persecution and death. They were afraid; but, they followed him anyway.

They followed him to Jerusalem; but, when it came to his arrest some fled, some kept their distance in order not to be arrested themselves. 

On this sixth Sunday in Lent we are reminded that following Jesus to the cross can be a fearful thing. Those who follow him will be persecuted. In Matthew, Mark, and Luke we hear Jesus telling us that to follow him we must deny ourselves and take up our cross. In order to save our lives we must lose it. 

"And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.

And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him.

But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.

And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it. 

                                                                                       (Mark 8:31-35)

Peter objected to the very thought that Jesus would die. He loved Jesus. In return for wanting Jesus to continue to live in this world and to save this world according to Peter's will, Jesus called him Satan. Whenever I hear or read that verse, I cannot help but smile when I consider what the reaction would be if I called someone Satan when they reject the will of God. I do not think it would be good! 

Even as Jesus was persecuted, his followers will be persecuted. In order to follow Jesus he tells us that we must take up our cross, deny our own will, and follow in his footsteps.

May God grant us the wisdom and courage to follow in his way.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Take Up Your Cross And Follow

"And they answered, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others, One of the prophets.

And he saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Peter answereth and saith unto him, Thou art the Christ.

And he charged them that they should tell no man of him.

And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.

And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him.

But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.

And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.

For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"

                                                                            (Mark 8:28-36 KJV)

No... no... no... We cannot and should not have to endure death. We should have to endure trials. We should not have to struggle! 

Yet, we do. We do and we will. God's will for Jesus was not to have a life of ease. He was destined for death; to die so that we might live. Life is a struggle and if you think that it should not or will not be one then you probably are following a false god down a very wrong path. 

These false gods would have us strive to gain the worldly things and in the process we may, as Jesus said, lose our souls.

Life is not easy so you may as well take up your cross and follow Jesus and when you do know that the Christ is with you on the journey. That road, although it may feel like death is drawing near leads to life everlasting. That is the will of God for you. 

As St. Paul drew closely to his own earthly death he wrote these words to his fellow missionary and evangelist Timothy:

"I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:"

                                                                                        (2 Tim 1-7)

St. Paul took up his cross and followed Jesus. He endured afflictions even as he continued the work of an evangelist. He finished his course when he was executed for his faith in Christ. 

He was willing to give up a life of luxury in this world and reside as a prisoner of the government so that he could proclaim the Gospel according to the will of God. He was willing to give up his body. But, he was not willing to give up his soul as he entrusted it to the love of God in Christ Jesus.

God help us to endure all afflictions and fight the good fight of truth found in Jesus the Christ.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Blinded By The Light

At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me.

And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.

But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;

Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,

To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. 

                                                                                      (Acts 26:13-18 KJV)

Blinded by the light as he met the ascended Jesus on the road to Damascus, Paul was sent by Jesus himself to open the eyes of all who could not see Jesus; to turn them from darkness to the light of Christ. 

His testimony to King Agrippa was compelling. It was so compelling that the king would have set him free had Paul not requested to make an appeal before Caesar. Paul's intention by appealing to Caesar was not to be found not guilty. It was so that even Caesar might hear the truth about Jesus and would see the light. 

As Paul was blinded by the light his eyes were opened so that he could see the truth who is Jesus the Christ. 

May God open the eyes of all people by the power of the Holy Spirit that all might step out of the darkness into the marvelous light of Jesus the Christ.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Betrayal

"Rise up, let us go; lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand.

And immediately, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders.

And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely.

And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him.

And they laid their hands on him, and took him."

                                                                                   (Mark 14:42-46 KJV)

It was time to wake up and face reality. Jesus' betrayer was at hand and he wanted those who were with him to actually be with him when he faced his betrayer. Jesus did not run and hide from his betrayer. He did not hide from those who would take him to his death. He faced them. He went willingly to his death for the sake of the world.

In the Gospels Matthew, Mark, and Luke we hear Jesus warn us that he would be put to death and that those who would be his disciples; those who would receive eternal life in the presence of God, must also be willing to follow him even to death.

"And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.

And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him.

But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.

And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it." 

                                                                                   (Mark 8:31-35)

Do not fear what man might do to you. Face the betrayers. Face those who would  befriend you and kiss you on the cheek in order to betray you. Rather, trust that the Lord will work all things for the good of those who believe and trust in him.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

The Kingdom Of God At Hand

Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. (Mark 1:14-15 KJV)

The good news, the gospel, is this: "The kingdom of God has come near." It has come near for you. It is at hand. It is not some far away place. It is at hand!

We pray, "Thy Kingdom come... Thy will be done... on earth as it is in heaven." What does this mean for us? The Kingdom of God is at hand and it can be seen as we reach out, with the love of God, in the will of God, to love and serve our neighbors. Notice that immediately after Jesus is baptized and then is tempted by Satan, he begins his ministry proclaiming this good news of the Kingdom. He goes out to call others into life (ministry) with him; proclaiming the good news and then as a member of that kingdom (as chief member) he goes out and heals the sick and drives out impure spirits so that others might live life. 

Jesus proclaimed the Kingdom of God and then he proceeded to show us God's will for our lives in that kingdom as he reached out to make whole the people he encountered; to give them life; to help them live life on earth as it is in heaven.

May you live life in the Kingdom of God, even today. May His will be done on earth, even as it is in heaven.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Wilderness Follows Baptism

"And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.

And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him:

And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

And immediately the spirit driveth him into the wilderness.And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him." 

                                                                                 (Mark 1:9-13 KJV)

Immediately following his baptism; immediately after being anointed by the Holy Spirit, Jesus is sent by that same Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan. He is there for forty days.

During my years of public ministry this is what I have observed: following baptism or affirmation of baptism by people of consenting age; they often disappear into the wilderness, sometimes never to return. A few will return after a time for special holy days once or twice a year. Sometimes they will come for someone else's baptism or maybe for a wedding or funeral. Thanks be to God that there will be a few who never leave! I have tried to warn them all prior to receiving the Sacrament of Baptism that with the anointing of the Holy Spirit in Baptism they will also be tested by Satan. The devil will not be happy that they have received this sacred gift from God. But, my warnings usually fall on deaf ears; ears that do not hear. They simply do not get that becoming a child of God is about more than getting to heaven when they die. The devil gets it; but, we do not.

We are anointed at our baptisms with the Holy Spirit for very good reasons. One being; that we will need the Spirit with us as we journey through the wilderness.  We will need the Holy Spirit to remind us when to say no to temptations and to reveal to us when temptations are upon us. 

It would also do us well to remember that it was the Spirit that sent Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted in the first place. The journey through the wilderness; the temptations that will come; are the Spirit's way of preparing us for our entire life's journey as children of God; for our ministry as followers of Jesus. Remember, that Jesus' ministry did not begin until after he was baptized and after he was tempted in the wilderness.

Baptism is not just a mere ritual by which we gain entrance into the church. Do not take it lightly. As we become children of God, we are called to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. That will include journeying through the wilderness; being tempted by Satan; ministering to others; actually worshiping, loving, and serving our Father in heaven, doing His will. 

But, do not fear for you have been anointed by the Holy Spirit. God will be with you on your journey.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Tempted

 

"Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;

And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.

Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him."

                                                                                       (Matt 4:8-11 KJV)

When Jesus was tempted by Satan; when Satan promised Jesus that he would give him all the kingdoms of the world if he would only worship him, Jesus said no. Yet, why is it that although we profess to worship the one true God we still often seek ownership of things of this world; not because we need them to live; but, because we seek the glory of them for ourselves?

We are tempted and often succumb to those temptations. There is nothing in this world that can compare to the glory of Jesus. So why is it then that when we are promised by false prophets and politicians that they will give us this or that we all to often listen and follow them?

"No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?" 

                                                                                            (Matt 6:24-25)

Life is more than the material things we seek and cling to in this world. Money, diverse forms of property, godless gain, prestigious status; none of these things will bring you peace. You might think that money will buy you happiness; but, it does not bring you peace. Only the love of God can do that. All things in this world are temporary; but, the love of God in Christ Jesus is eternal. The Kingdom of God is eternal. The Kingdom of God is peace. Seek that which will bring you eternal peace; not, those things that will rot away. Seek first the Kingdom.

"Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

But godliness with contentment is great gain.

For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." 

                                                                                            (1 Tim 6:5-10)

There is only one God, worship Him alone! Trust in Him above all others!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Live Life In The Kingdom

After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1:14-15 NIV)

The good news, the gospel that Jesus proclaimed, is this: "The kingdom of God has come near." It has come near for you. It is at hand. It is not some far away place. It is at hand!

We pray, "Thy Kingdom come... Thy will be done... on earth as it is in heaven." What does this mean for us? The Kingdom of God is at hand and it can be seen as we reach out, with the love of God, in the will of God, to love and serve our neighbors and to love and serve our God. 

Following his baptism by John and temptations by Satan, Jesus began his ministry proclaiming this good news of the Kingdom. He goes out to call others into life (into service) with him; proclaiming the good news and then as a member of that kingdom (as chief member) he goes out and heals the sick and drives out impure spirits so that others might live life.

Jesus proclaimed the Kingdom of God and then he proceeded to show us God's will for our lives in that kingdom as he reached out to make whole the people he encountered; to give them life; to help them live life on earth as it is in heaven.

May you live life in the Kingdom of God, even today. May His will be done on earth, even as it is in heaven.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Get Behind Me, Satan!

He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.

But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”
                                                                                                                     (Mark 8:31-33 NIV)

I am pretty sure that if I told anyone to "get behind me, Satan!" it would cause a bit of a ruckus. I once told an elder, in regards to his universalist beliefs and teachings within the church, "anyone who believes that is going to hell." Yup, if you guessed that he left the congregation, you would be correct. He left. But, he is no longer teaching (at least not around me) that everyone is saved no matter what they believe. He probably still believes it. I do not believe his mind has been changed; but, he now has a much smaller audience to repeat that lie to.

Not everyone appreciates the truth. Peter did not want to hear that Jesus was going to be killed. He rebuked Jesus for predicting and for accepting his own execution. Jesus turned around and rebuked Peter in front of the rest of the disciples. "Get behind me, Satan!" If that were said by any one of us that would probably be the end of any possible positive relationship between us and the person we spoke to. It would most probably even cause dissension within the community. But, not so with Peter. Peter handled the rebuke. He heard the truth and he did not turn his back on Jesus because he was uncomfortable with the truth. He did not leave the community of followers.

The truth is we often reject the truth. We reject the will of God. We often consider human concerns even when it comes to the visible church, the church building, before we consider the will of God. Even though we pray so often "Thy will be done" we don't always mean it. His will meant the death of Peter's and our beloved Jesus. His will might mean death to us and especially to our egos and our wills.

We must be cautious that we are not doing the will of the evil one by promulgating lies. Following Jesus is not a picnic in the park. There will be trials. There will be temptations. There will be refining. But, he will be with you as you walk that path; as you follow in his footsteps.

Let us always speak the truth whether we are comfortable with the truth or not. We are not saved by any good works that we think we do. We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus the Christ who lived, who died, and who lives again for us.  

God's Peace - Pr. J  

SIN

Not everyone wants to hear the truth. They will rally against Christian truth-tellers. They will accuse them of being unchristian-like. No one likes to hear that what they do is a sin. Well, Jesus was a truth-teller. He did not condone sin as some would have us believe. He was not a pushover as some would have us think.

Remember the money changer's tables in the temple that he turned over and then drove those making a profit in God's house out of the temple with a whip? (Matt 21:12; Mark 11:15; John 2:14-15) How meek and mild does that sound?

If you think your pastor or teacher is acting in a manner not befitting a Christian because they call a sin a sin; think again, please. When was the last time one of them actually told you to "get behind me Satan" because you rejected the word and will of God? (Matt 16:21-23; Mark 8:31-38) I can just imagine the reaction if I said that to someone. I confess. I am a wimp. I have thought it. I have even implied it. But, never actually had the courage to use those words (except with a person or two very close to me).

And... please, don't bother using the story of the woman who had been brought before him accused of adultery. No, he did not condemn her. But, he not only confronted her with her sins when he told her to go and sin no more; he confronted the sins of the Scribes and Pharisees when he told them that the one who was without sin should cast the first stone. No one cast that first stone. (John 8:1-11) We are all sinners. That doesn't make sin something to be ignored. Jesus did not ignore it. We ought not ignore it in ourselves or anyone else.

Jesus did not ignore sin. He was tough on sin. In fact, he was so tough on sin that he was willing to hang on that cross for us so that sin would have no power over us. (1 Cor 15:56, 57) Bearing the sins of the world; now, that takes courage! (Rom 5:7-9) Jesus was and is no pushover and he does not call his followers to be, either. He spoke the truth. He lived the truth. He is the truth.

Jesus died for our sins; that is true. St. Paul wrote to the church: "What then are we to say? Should we continue in sin in order that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin go on living in it?  Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? (Rom 6:1-3) 

Let us all remember that before one accuses someone of being unchristian-like in order to justify their own sins; it would behoove them to read their Bible thoroughly so that they would get to know who Jesus really was and is and not just the verses that person might think justifies their own actions. Justification comes only through Jesus' death on the cross for you. It does not come by excusing yourself by pretending that sin is not a sin.

May God grant that we should acknowledge our sins and live so that we might glorify his holy name.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Happy Birthday USMC & Martin Luther!

Marine Corps Birthday Party; Palm Coast, FL, 2016

Today, my husband and I celebrate two birthdays.

For 46 years, since my husband first joined the United States Marine Corps, we have been observing the birth of United States Marine Corps. Even though he is retired, we still continue to celebrate this birthday in some way with other Marines and their families.

Today, even as I honor my husband and the birth of the United States Marine Corps today, I thank God for the birth of another mighty warrior, Martin Luther. His battle was against the devil and all of Satan's minions.. It was against the false teachings that the devil had introduced to the church at the time. There remains false teachings in the church on earth today. Let down your guard and the devil sneaks them right back in. The battle continues; the battle against forces that would dilute or change the word of God to the harm of all whom God has called; to the harm of all who unknowingly follow false teachers and prophets.

There is a battle being waged in two kingdoms: in this world and in the spiritual realms. Although the battles are waged in different kingdoms and are waged in very different manners; they are not totally separate, for the devil has chosen to bring the spiritual battle to the world around us in order to destroy our love for and our faith in the one true God; in order to destroy our love for humankind. Each of us must choose his battle or if he or she will even fight. May God be with, protect, and bless each and every warrior.

Happy Birthday!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

For Christ Or Anti-Christ?

"Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters." (Matt 12:30 NIV)

A friend of mine had hung a poster in her classroom at a juvenile correction facility that read: "If you're not part of the solution, you are part of the problem." Jesus said if you are not with him then you are against him. Logic would tell us that if we are not with Jesus then we are the anti-Christ. 

Those who are with him; those who abide in him and he in them actually gather people into the Body of Christ. They are the fishers of men that Jesus promised to make of those who would follow him. (Matt 4:19) So, what about those who are in the habit of attempting (and sometimes succeed) to scatter those who would follow Jesus; of dividing them; or separating them from one another and from the whole Body of Christ? Are they not those who are against Jesus?

Jesus made the statement regarding being with or against him after healing a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute.
     All the people were astonished and said, “Could this be the Son of David?”
     But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, “It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons.”
     Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand. If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand?"           (Matt 12:23-26)

Indeed, every city or household, every visible church on earth divided against itself is going to have a very rough time standing, if it can. Eventually, if we continue to choose to be against Christ; if we choose to continue to divide and scatter; families, churches, communities, entire kingdoms will fall.

Consider then if you are with Christ or against him. Are you gathering or dividing and scattering?

May we always abide in Christ and he in us that as servants of the most high God we might be part of the solution and not part of the problem. May God use us as instruments of his gathering so that all people might abide in the peace and unity that comes with knowing and being for Jesus Christ, our Lord.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Get Behind Me, Satan!

Take up your cross and follow Jesus.

Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.
                                                                                                              (Matt 16:23-24 NIV)

I've only not been able to restrain my tongue, a couple of times, from telling someone "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block that cares more about the world than the Kingdom of God." I have to confess there have been numerous occasions when the words were at the tip of my tongue and I thought better of it. So, very often I witness personal desires and will being pursued way before any concern of what God would want is even considered. God's will usually takes a back seat to ours.

Peter was more concerned about having his friend around. He and the other disciples were looking for a different kind of savior. They wanted a savior and a king that would rule the Roman empire. They wanted, with him, to rule the world. They wanted Jesus to hang around and be their friend.

Jesus had other plans. He was going to save the world by dying. He was going to save the world by being the scapegoat for us. If he were not to be the sacrificial lamb; as was his Father's will, the world, in no way, could be saved. His concerns were the concerns of God. Peter's was more concerned with losing a friend.

When we compromise God's will in order for us to be able to live comfortably or even luxuriously in this world; we become stumbling blocks. Our focus is not on doing God's will; but, on doing our own or the will of others when our aim is merely to please others or ourselves. 

Jesus called Peter a stumbling block because his own desires were keeping him from seeing and acknowledging God's good will for humankind. In the church on earth, we see this often. Personal agendas become stumbling blocks to evangelism and church growth. They would distract us from the real mission of proclaiming the Kingdom of God through the sacrifice on the cross by Jesus for all who would believe.

May God help us to follow in the footsteps of Jesus no matter what cross we might have to bear.

God's Peace - Pr. J