So I was talking to Bri about this the other day, and now i am going to attempt to put all the pieces together on paper of what I was trying to say.  Whether I accomplish that goal, you my decide…but I shall attempt none-the-less.

On the topic of conversion - we can know and assume there are a lot of “false” conversions around the country.  People who have muttered words free of understanding, guilted or scared into committments they do not comprehend, etc.  And while we cannot know the heart of a person, and their true place with God, there are evidences of conversion that we as Christians can use to guide us in that knowledge - for instance the scripture tells us “…those who abide in me will bear much fruit” (Speaking of abiding in Christ.)

Now again there are seasons (though there shouldn’t be) that we may not bear evident fruit, that the Children of God may be caught in sin, etc.  But for the most part - Christians shall be known by their love, and their fruits - and this can serve as a fairly clear guideline for speaking to those who may not have been truly saved / put their faith in Christ.

The whole point of this post is to find somewhat of an idea of what “true” faith is -

True faith is faith that justifies (frees us from sin) ANNNND sanctifies (perfects / sets apart).  Both!  That is what faith IS - at it’s core.  True faith does not simply justify and then fail to sanctify.  That is not how it works - and when we see those whose faith does not convict and perfect and sanctify, we see that that faith may not be true!  “Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase?  By no Means!  We have died to sin, how can we live in it any longer?” - (Apostle Paul, Romans)

I know this to be true in my life.  Until I was 17 I had the faith of a man who wanted to escape the fires of hell but do NOTHING in this life for the LORD.  I wanted fire-insurance - I did not have a true and salvational faith that both justifies and sanctifies.

John Piper, Pastor of Bethlehem Bible Church and writer, said “Faith delivers from hell, and the faith that delivers from hell delivers from lust”  That’s what faith IS.

This understanding helps us to put together the verses like Romans 8:30 that says all who are justified will be glorified, but those who give themselves up to impurity will be lost, (Galations 5:21) those who do not pursue holiness will not see the LORD (Hebrews 12:14) - as well as many other texts connecting obedience and a pursuit of Christ-like behavior essential to our salvation.  Why - because it is!  Faith that delivers from hell delivers from continual-sin -

This doesn’t mean we’ll be flawless.  It means that our fight will always fight.  We will not “give ourselves up” to those things, because those saved, justified, are being sanctified through Christ.

This week at our men’s group we were speaking of a variety of scripture verses, but one section we discussed was from Romans 14 - and spoke to my heart that night, and in turn felt compelled to share this evening.

“Accept him whose faith is weak, whithout passing judgement on disputable matters. One man’s faith allows him to eat everything, but another man, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. The man who eats everything must not look down on him who does not, and the man who does not eat everything must not condemn the man who does, for God has accepted him. Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.” - Romans 14:1-4

These verses came upon me with fresh eyes - convicting my heart.  How does our (I speak of Christians everyone, in the broadest sense of the word) image continue to digress into a judgemental, hypocritical, close-minded stereotype, in the face of the Word of God?  Are we furthering such lies in ignorance?  Here is what I mean -

Our purpose in Christ is to glorify him, and our time together, in fellowship, should not be disrupted by what?  Disputable matters!

Do we not see this so often?  I have seen brothers at each others throats over worship styles, preaching styles, personal convictions, denominations, etc.  Does this mean that truth is irrelevant, that we should not yearn for the truth of scripture and Christ?  No - it simply means we have absolutely no right to judge those who are convicted in different ways, ways that are not in direct opposition to the precepts of Christ.

We are to what?  Accept them!  Accept those whose faith is weak, who eat only vegetables.  Those who eat TBN and those who eat VH1.  Those who eat Rated R or PG - for these are disputable matters!  Romans continues to say

“Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.”

If we are convicted to turn away from such things as Rated R movies, secular music etc, we do so fully convinced within ourselves of such a conviction, for we are the servant of Christ - and he is our master.    I believe it is between us and God, and it  is our job personally to stick with our convictions.  This does not mean we have any right to look down upon others who do not share that conviction.

This truth is twofold, let me borrow this phrasing from my commentary, as it sums it up:

The “weak” Christian is not the master of his “strong” brother, nor is the “strong” the master of the “weak.”  God is the Master, and to him alone all believers are responsible.

He who abstains from things, does it unto the Lord - and he who does not does it unto the Lord - (Romains 14:5) - speaking in scripture of dietary restrictions.

“Therefore let us stop passing judgement on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way. I am fully convinced that no food is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean” (Romans 13-14)

How easy it is to pass judgment based on our own convictions.  I pray this truth will effect you as it has me, to shed even more light upon “living up to what we have attained” - may we continue to seek Christ first, seek our Master first, and show love in our efforts to keep one another from stumbling.

What is the beginning of wisdom? When we speak to those who are lost, or desire to speak to those who are lost - how do we guide them to the path that will lead them to salvation? How do we reach them, or convey to them there need for a savior, providing an avenue for the Holy Spirit to work?

Do we do this through entertaining plays and movies that are careful not to offend and offer only the positives of a Christian life?

Do we water down the truth of Christ for a Las Vegas style “if you need it, we have it, and if we dont’ have it, we’ll get it for you” evangelistic approach?

I can assume you’re expecting my answer to be a loud NO! - which it is, but sadly this is a commonplace, American style evangelical approach for MANY churches; a practice and style of evangelism that has seeped into many young Christians today. We are so careful not to offend, not to be awkward, or judgemental, that we are presenting a rose-colored Christ, when we should be presented a crimson-blood stained Cross, and what the Cross really is. Here’s the main point I am getting at:

What is the beginning of wisdom?

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and they who live by it grow in understanding…” - Psalms 111:10

We see that the beginning of wisdom is a FEAR of the Lord.

“The first step to wisdom is the fear of the Lord, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” - Prov 9:10

As Christians, it is ESSENTIAL that we do not turn away from teaching and evangelical efforts CENTERED upon the fear of the Lord. For additional verses speaking on the fear of the LORD,
see: Psalms 76:4,7 - Isaiah 8:12-13 - Matthew 10:28 - Luke 12:4-5 - Job 23:13-16

The reason for this is simple: the power of the fear of the Lord, in turn the non-believer realizing the NEED for a savior and the SIN in their life, as well as the CONSEQUENCE of that sin, is what can bring that person to the point in which their conscience and heart and mind are convicted and find the need to be real.

So often there are evangelical efforts centered around the “we’ll meet your needs” attitude, instead of the “you’re need is Christ!” attitude.

When we use the word of God to convict the heart of a non-believer, it is easy for them to see the need for repentance and a savior. Without showing them judgement, sin, and hell - they will not see the need for Christ. One can be happy enough in this world, that the “happiness” of Christ will bring no conviction. One can be “content” enough in this world that the “peace” of Christ will bring no conviction. But when one sees the sinfulness of their own lives, and the perfect standards of God - and the fact that they do not meet, and that one day they will have to face judgement, it provides them the reality of sin, the reality of Christ. The reality of repentance.

This is different than a “fire-and-brimstone” evangelical approach.

When you say “You need Christ, you’re going to Hell” - it makes no sense to that person. It’s illogical (and borrowing an example from “The Way of the Master” Television Program) - is like the police coming into your house and simply screaming “YOU ARE GOING TO PRISON FOR A VERY LONG TIME!!!!” - It makes no sense…and I would have a right to be offended.

BUT

If the police came in, and said “We have evidence you have stolen a car, murdered a man, committed adultry, broken the laws set forth, and YOU’RE GOING TO PRISON FOR A VERY LONG TIME!!!” then there is precident and understanding! I could clearly see the reason for the judgement, and in fact I would see the JUSTness of that judgement, for I would be guilty and a lawbreaker.

If we can use the scripture, the Ten Commandments, in our evangelical efforts to show people the Sin in their lives, then we will be spreading a true Christ, and the true reality of sin - and the need for repentance.

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For more information on evangelism, as well as tools for evangelism, please see www.thewayofthemaster.com -
“The Way of the Master” is a television program featuring evangelists Ray Comfort and Kirk Cameron, who have taken a biblical approach to spreading the Gospel in America today. It is Christ centered and Biblically centered, and I whole-heartedly endorse their program and message. Much of this post was inspired by some of their recent programs - followed by a driven look into scripture regarding fear and God.

Thought I’d briefly post about the topic of sin…specifically our ability as people of Christ to resist it’s temptations over any area in which we are attacked.

The reason for this post specifically, is drawn from the plethora of cliche’ comments I continue to hear in our media circles, from peers or those arround me regarding diret sin issues. The type of comments I mean are those that are simply conceeding sin through statements like “it’s natural” or “we’re only human” or “we can’t be perfect” - and most often these cliche’ statements lead to concession of sin in our own personal lives. (Though all three statements are true in appropriate context…it is our natural inclination to sin, we are but human and fallen, and we cannot be perfect apart from Christ due to our state)

We compare and contrast the sin lives of others - and sometimes benchmark our own by them. We rationalize by saying “they did this” or “they did that” and somehow find minor (though not peace giving) justification to our own sinful struggles.

Christians - I would beg you to consider, when comparing and contrasting, to ignore the lives of those around you (in this sense) and remember OUR STANDARD IS CHRIST - not Bill Clinton or Bill Gates

This is evident in scripture, as is our call to perfection THROUGH Christ:

“Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect” - Matt 5:48

“…by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once and for all” - Hebrews 10:25

“What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin, how can we live in it any longer?” - Romans 6:1-2

Through the sacrifice of Christ, we have DIED to sin - and we are capable of resisting the temptations that come upon us - by the power of Christ. This means we are without excuse! This may be a difficult thing to understand, if you have been brought up through society’s view of such things, but we must understand we have the power to defeat temptation in Christ. He defeated sin upon that cross, and underwent everything we could bear, and resisted. He can relate to us, and through him we CAN be perfect, for HE was perfect. In fact, we are called to be - as Matt 5:48 says above. Remember, we have a savior who has suffered and proved this possible -

“Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted” - Hebrews 2:18

“No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” 1 Cor 10:13

I just wanted to share this truth, as to help those out there not fall into a “concession” mindset. It is a simple thing to fall into - may we only compare ourselves to the example set forth by Christ!

Is there a such thing as disgruntled obedience?

Is there a such thing as bad-tempered duty?

What about petulant submission?

I would stand to reason, and in turn hope you would stand with me in agreement that all of the above are impossibilities, at least in the context in which I speak.

For I am speaking not speaking simply of human and social duty and obedience, but rather of that which God requires of his people.  I am talking about the obedience of the children of God, the saints of Christ, the elect.  Despite the seperation that exists between a human obedience and a heavenly obedience, I would say there are clearly human examples of the obedience our Holy Father requires.

For example, growing up as children in our own households there were many years of duty and obedience required by your parents, grandparents, etc.  Sometimes yes, this duty, this obedience was that of a disgruntled, angry child.  There were many days in which I was forced to make my bed despite the wretched scowl upon my face, many a nights going to bed at my all-too-early bedtime with contempt.

Examples like the above were not of reverent obedience, or respectful obedience, but rather obedience in the face of consequence.  I knew that there would be dishes to be washed if my bed was not made, or I would not be allowed to play with friends if I didn’t go to bed.  In the face of consequence, I would submit.  If there were no consequences - i would not submit.  This is NOT the obedience in which our Holy Father requires of us!  We are to be obedient in reverence, in submission not because of what would be done TO US as consequence, but what has been done FOR US, and because of WHO HE IS!

This means our attitude accompanies our obedience!  They are not seperated but rather all inclusive in the Holy definition of obedience.  We saw examples of this as children as well - learning to forgive at a young age not only with our mouth but with our meaning and our attitude.  Forgiveness of the mouth is worth nothing if not meant and expressed with our attitude.  This is evident to whom we speak to, just as it is evident in our obedience to Christ!

Some possible places in which we (and I myself) have been found guilty of such a lacking obedience:

• Gifts to the Lord with a disgruntled or selfish heart
• Actions of apparent charity and kindness to friends with a prideful spirit
• Daily prayer and/or devotions empty of heart or meaning

These are examples of actions in which obedience is often defined simply in the ACTION and not always in the ATTITUDE.  In the MOTIVE.  What good is my prayer to God when I hide impatience, or other priorities and angers in my heart?  Is that the obedience he wants from me?  What good are my finances given in contempt or out of an angry heart?  I would stand to believe they are worth nothing in the realm of Holy obedience!

Let me close by looking at a few key scriptures applicable to this post, especially regarding the above-mentioned areas of struggle:

In regards to our tithe / gifts to the Lord’s work, 2nd Corinthians 9 says:

“Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion” - and goes on to say “…for God loves a cheerful giver”

To be obedient in terms of our finances, this scripture teaches us that such obedience encompasses not so much the action itself but almost entirely focuses on the attitude.  Earlier in the book, in chapter 8,

“For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.”

Once again emphasizing the importance of the willingness of the heart and attitude, not the importance of the quantity of the gift or action itself.  A gift without the willingness to give and a cheerful spirit is therefore NOT acceptable.  Regardless of how much you give or how often you give.  It is not the obedience our King speaks of.

Finally - what encompases obedience to Christ.  It is motivated by love!

“For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ this way, we do so no longer.” - 2 Cor 5:14-16

May we strive to be obedient to our King not simply in action, or in fear of consequence, as we did as young Children with our parents wishes, but instead live our our faith with obedience driven by love; that which encompasses both heart, soul, and mind.