Speak Plainly!

1 Corinthians 2:1-12 KJV; Speak plainly so that others can understand; not with the wisdom of the world; but, from the heart as the Spirit would lead you.

We Don't Go To God; He Comes To Us

Genesis 11:1-9 KJV

God's Handiwork

Psalm 19:1-6 KJV

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.

Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.

There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.

Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,

Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.

His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.

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It is a very rare evening or morning that I do not look to the heavens to see the beauty of God's handiwork. This morning the almost full moon lights up the clouds in magnificent splendor.

Take the time to look around and see and enjoy the beauty of God's handiwork in the heavens and on earth! If you live in the city where you can see neither the moon nor the stars because of the artificial light or the air pollution look around and see the awesome creative ability of God in his people.

God's creation declares his glory. We can see it more clearly when we take the time to look for it; when we take the time to look outside of ourselves.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Declare His Glory

Psalm 19::1-3

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.

Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.

There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.

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The heavens and the earth declare the glory of God. May all God's people do the same!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

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.

Let The Words Of Our Lips Glorify God

PSALM 19 KJV

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.

Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.

There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.

Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,

Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.

His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.

The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.

The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.

The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.

More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.

Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.

Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.

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There is no place that God is not. He is "...above all, and through all, and in you all." (Eph 4:6)

He sees all things. He knows all things. It is truly good and right for us to declare the glory of the Lord even as the heavens and all the rest of his creation declares his glory.

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer. (Psalm 19:14)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Ask How You Can Serve Others

And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way?

But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest.

And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.

                                                                                 (Mark 9:33-35 KJV)

Who is more important? Who is more highly esteemed? Whether we like it or not; whether we're willing to fully acknowledge it or not there is a class system in the country; even in the whole world. Some people are put up on pedestals and others are ignored so completely that the world barely acknowledges their presence.  

St. James wrote:

"My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.

For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;

And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:

Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?

Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?"                                                                                           (James 2:1-5)

The actor or the sports star is more highly esteemed than the janitor or even the doctor or nurse.  Many people who live in fine houses and wear expensive name brand clothes look down on those who live in ordinary homes and who dress for comfort and work. The politician for some really strange reason often thinks that they are more important than the security guards and the others that protect them. They forget that they are servants of the people and it's not the other way around. And, the people... so many people want the government to serve them; to give them everything that they want. 

In his inaugural speech, President John F. Kennedy said:  “And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.” What happened to that idea? Of course, not everyone was thrilled with that idea of his. He barely got the popular vote and he was assassinated during his term in office.

So many seem to have either forgotten, never heard, or just don't care that Jesus said "If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all." Not everyone is willing to serve others and so the class system will live on. We can put all the laws on the books that we want. But, the law will not change the hearts of men. It may change a few as it will force them to conform to the rule of law. But, even as the people are forced to conform to the law, the hearts of many will only be hardened.  

Service to others is born out of love not the law. Christ died on that cross because he loves us. He willingly went to the cross for our sakes so that we might reconciled to our Father in heaven and to one another. 

"For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Speak Gently And Walk Away From Those Who Will Not

"Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.

He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot."

                                                                                    (Prov 9:6-7 KJV)

There appears to be an awful lot of division in the world today. There are still the major conflicts between countries; but, there is also an immense amount of division between individuals who have differing opinions. 

These differing opinions often become quite hostile as each side attempts to shut down the voice of the other. This shouting will not change minds. Gentle deliberate speech will have a greater effect than berating those whose opinions differ than ours.

We must allow freedom of speech on every side. However, we do not have to accept those who stir up riots. It is not only illegal; it is totally unbiblical to cause harm to others for our own purposes. As Christians, we do not get to conduct ourselves in a way that hurts others (in word or deed) simply because we disagree with them. We are to be living in peace with one another. 

St. Paul's epistle to Titus tells us what we are to do when someone refuses to listen. We do not get angry or nasty. 

He wrote: "As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned."  (Titus 3:10-11)

Yes, we must speak the truth. But, we must make every effort to do it in love and if they refuse to listen, then move on. There are others who need to hear the truth; others who may hear and repent and follow in The Way. Speak the truth loudly if you must; but, speak it with kindness, with a heart motivated to help not harm. I guarantee you that name calling will not prove fruitful. It will only cause more division.

When Jesus sent the twelve out to share the Good News of the Kingdom he gave them these instructions. "And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves."  (Matt 10:14-16)

If Jesus told us to walk away from those who refuse to hear the truth and the Good News of the Kingdom, I am not sure why we would think that hanging around those who do not and will not listen to matters regarding this world would be a fruitful thing to do. If they only attack you and will not give you an opportunity to speak; shake the dust off your feet and move on to someone who will listen. Move away from those who, with malice, would inflict their opinions on others. To do otherwise, only incurs more division and strife.  Yes, speak what you know to be the truth. We are fortunate that in these United States we have the freedom to speak freely. But, if you would like to be heard, speak it gently and speak it in love.

"A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger." (Prov 15:1)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Gracious Speech

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." Col 4:6

Each morning, I spend a few minutes reading the news online. I don't usually turn on the television because I do not like to start my day listening to commentators who do not know how to be gracious or to speak with integrity. I do not like to start my day listening to any politician or their supporters who season their speech with way too much salt and who have no clue what the words tact or graciousness mean. All of those accusations without an iota of evidence is really becoming wearisome. Many reporters forget that in this country we are innocent until proven guilty. According to scripture there needs to be witnesses in order to convict. There is so much bad news, both in content and in presentation, that I have find it needful to not read or listen to very much of it.

Each morning as I read the news, I stumble across at least a few errors in grammar, spelling, facts, etc.. Because of these errors false information is often given. I know and confess that I make an awful lot of grammatical and spelling errors in these daily blogs that I write. I am also not always the most tactful. I do not have an editor. I write like I speak and consequently mistakes are made. I am not a professional writer. I spend very little time in writing these blogs as they are a hobby. I do not make a living writing these blogs. However, I do believe that professional reporters and editors who are paid to communicate the news to us ought to actually edit what they are writing before they print it so that the news is communicated to us accurately and without attempts to get us to worship their gods as they try to shove their personal bias' down our throats.

Communicating properly is a gift that is greatly needed in our news media, indeed in the world. Yes, a little salt in the news is a good thing. But, a little more graciousness would help others to hear and understand more clearly.    

May God help us all to be a bit more gracious when we open our mouths or place our fingers on a keyboard in attempts to communicate ideas or facts.

God's Peace - Pr. J

P.S. Just wondering how many grammatical errors I just made..

Freedom Of Religion; To Proclaim the Gospel Peaceably

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."  (First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution)

Can you believe it? I am not starting the blog on this Independence Day with scripture. Instead, I want us to think a little bit about the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution today.

Anyone who has heard more than a couple of my sermons has already figured out that I am a proponent of the separation of church and state. Of course, I would like for all people to be followers of Jesus. But, I do not believe that the government should meddle in anyone's religious faith so long as that faith does not bring harm to other's outside of one's faith. When people are harmed; then, it is indeed the government's (law enforcement's) job to step in and stop the abuse. But; history has shown us over and over again that when the state gets involved in the establishment of religion, the church will eventually relinquish its authority over to the state zealots; to kings, to princes, to dictators. Christ will no longer have the last word in the visible church; the state will. Therefore; as Christians, we need to be alert so that we are not freely turning our freedom to worship over to the control of the state. There is a time for peaceful demonstration. We do also have freedom of speech which; unless used will eventually disappear simply by general consensus.

We, in this country, under the constitution, have a right to exercise our faith; no matter who we are. Of course, I am a Christian and I would have that all people come to Jesus. However, as a citizen (and as a Christian) I cannot persecute those of different faiths whether they be Muslin, Jews, Wiccan, or even Satanists. Yes, these and many more groups consider themselves to be religious orders whether I or anyone else likes it or not. The constitution guarantees all religious groups the free exercise of their religions. However, if any religious groups or members thereof actively seek to harm others than the state must step in, not because of anyone's specific religious beliefs; but, because they break the rule of law. The constitution does not give Christians or anyone else the right to trample on the rights of others, whether we agree with them or not.

The first amendment guarantees the rights of all persons to freely exercise their religion. Included in this first amendment is the right of free speech. Christians need to understand that we do have the right to put a voice to our faith. Congress cannot establish any laws that would restrict proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom. Let us not take this freedom lightly and use that freedom to God's glory. So, the question I would like you to consider today is this: 

How many of these freedoms: the freedom to exercise our faith; the freedom to proclaim our faith; the freedom to assemble peaceably have diminished over the years in this country simply because we, as Christians, have not taken advantage of these freedoms? We cannot blame the state for us losing ground when we haven't been willing to stand up, step out, and freely proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom of God through Jesus the Christ.

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (Gal 5:1 NIV)

May your celebration of this Independence Day be a safe one; keep your hearts and minds focused on the one who lived and died and lives for you, Jesus Christ our Lord.

God's Peace - Pr. J