The Vision of God, Prophet, and Man

What God Sees

When God wanted the prophet Samuel to anoint a new king for Israel, He told him to go to the house of Jesse, who had several sons. (cf. 1 Samuel 16:1) When Samuel arrived, he was very impressed with Jesse’s oldest son, Eliab. Eliab was a fine young man, tall and handsome and Samuel though God has surely chosen him for the job. But Samuel was mistaken.

God's vision sees beyond that of prophet, priest, and man.

God’s vision sees beyond that of prophet, priest, and man.

God taught Samuel, saying, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)

Following this discussion, God chose David, Jesse’s youngest son, who, at that time, was much smaller and less impressive than his brothers. Now, in fairness, David grew up, he got bigger, stronger, and became a mighty warrior in his own right. But that wasn’t why God picked him. David had internal qualities that God desired in the leader of His people.

Over the years, other kings would come to the throne of Israel. As they ruled, God judged each one of them. But God never judged them based on their economic successes, their tax policies, their military victories, or how well they made deals with other nations. Rather, throughout the Old Testament God looked at their hearts to see whether they kept His commandments, or whether they did not.

In the New Testament, when the apostle Peter is called by Got to preach to the household of Cornelius, Peter, moved by the circumstances in which he found himself, rightly declared, “I perceive that God is no respecter of persons, but in every nation He accepts those who fear Him and work righteousness.” (Acts 10:34-35)

When God looks at a man, God sees the heart and soul of the man. When God looks at men who have hearts of faith and righteousness, God is pleased with what He sees. When God looks at men who have hearts of sin and unbelief, God is unhappy with what He ses.

Notice the words of Scripture concerning the discernment and wisdom of God in such matters: “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.” (Hebrews 4:12-13)

The point of this is twofold.

Firstly, in trying to please the One to whom we must give an account, we should remember what God sees when He looks at us. When God looks at a man, He does not look at the man’s nationality, his bank account, his height, his skin color, his eye color, his hair, or his property. When God looks at a man He sees the heart, and He judges the heart.

This reality should compel those who want to be pleasing to God to be most mindful of the right things. Men waste a lot of time trying to fulfill “the lust of the flesh,” and “the lust of the eyes,” striving for health, beauty and wealth. But we should remember, “while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” (1 Timothy 4:8; ESV) Likewise, we are urged not to trust in riches, but to trust in God, not to lay up physical treasures, but to seek for spiritual treasures that cannot be taken away. (cf. 1 Timothy 6:17; Matthew 6:19-21)

You aren’t going to get to heaven working for those things that please men; you need to work for those things that please God.

Secondly, as we mature spiritually, we need to try to see the world the way God sees it.

Though we cannot discern the heart the way God does, Jesus taught His followers, “Do not judge according to appearances, but judge with a righteous judgment.” (John 8:24). When we make judgments about people, we should not do so according to their wealth, their power, their looks, or any of their other physical attributes. That was the way that Samuel wanted to judge Eliab and God reproved him for it. God wanted Samuel to learn to look deeper, and so should we. Men have a soul and it’s the soul that matters above all other things.

In life we are called upon to make many decisions about individuals around us, and as we do so, we should always strive to remember that what matters is not what men see, but rather what God sees when He looks at a man.

 

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Backbiting

Backbiting

Most Christians look into their mirrors and like what they see. They see an individual who has never committed murder or rape. They see a person who is trying to do good and believes in God. But what happens when we peel back the curtain and look even deeper? Is it possible that our mirrors have become fogged over to everyday sins?

Are you guilty of Backbiting?

Are you guilty of Backbiting?

When we consider sin we often mentally picture the “big” sins—and yet, we don’t find this delineation in the Bible. Instead we learn that sin (big or little) separates us from God (Isaiah 59:2). God cannot be holy and have anything to do with sin. So while we may not have ever committed murder or rape, what about something just as sinful—like backbiting? How many times has that person in the mirror talked about someone behind his/her back, not giving second thought to the fact that you are gossiping or back-biting?

Stepping on toes from the pulpit is not nearly as common today as it was in decades gone by. Preachers, worried about their jobs, are not as quick to point out sins that might affect a large proportion of their church family. Even though we may not discuss it much, it doesn’t change the fact that back-biting is very prevalent and still very sinful.

Here’s what I intend on teaching my children about backbiting.

I had a humbling experience that I’m not proud of that I want to share in hopes that you learn from my mistake. Several years ago I talked to a friend and his wife who lived out of state on my cell phone. After hanging up I put the phone away and continued to talk about this family. I didn’t say mean or unkind words, but I talked never-the-less. Imagine my horror when I discovered that my phone had dialed them back and they had been listening to my entire conversation. The problem was not that my phone dialed without me knowing—the problem was me. I shouldn’t have been talking about these people behind their backs. It was a lesson I will not soon forget.

One of the hardest things you will ever learn is to keep your mouth shut. There will be times in your life that you want to pick up the phone and express your frustration or your anger over something that someone has done to you. Let me strongly encourage you to grow in maturity and leave the phone alone. Learn to go to the person you feel has wronged you rather than talking about them behind his/her back. I promise you this will save you a great deal of heartache in the future.

The Bible is crystal clear when it comes to backbiting. Webster’s dictionary defines backbiting as saying mean or spiteful things about someone else. Sometimes people use the word slandering when discussing this topic. In essence, what you are doing is corrupting someone’s name and character behind his/her back. It is a form of gossiping, and the Bible condemns such behavior, even for preachers and elders. In Proverbs 25:23 we read, “The north wind brings forth rain,
and a backbiting tongue an angry countenance” (see also James 4:11-12).

In Paul’s second letter to the Christians in Corinth he noted “For I fear lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I wish, and that I shall be found by you such as you do not wish; lest there be contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, backbitings, whisperings, conceits, tumults; (2 Corinthians 12:20; see also Romans 16:17-18). In Proverbs 16:28 we read “A perverse man sows strife, and a whisperer separates the best of friends.”

I have two instructions for you when it comes to this sin. First, when someone comes to you with gossip or is backbiting, take the backbiter to the one they are talking about, and do not receive their comments. Instead, encourage them to discuss their problems with the one they are upset with. Do not promote backbiting by receiving it! Second, do not say things behind someone’s back that you would not say to his/her face. The way to end backbiting and gossiping is to never let it leave your lips—that will end it.

In Proverbs 6, Solomon lists 6 things that the Lord hates, seven of which are an abomination unto Him. The last thing on that list is one who sows discord among brethren (Proverbs 6:19). Look at Psalm 15—a psalm about who can dwell on God’s holy hill. In that list, the Psalmist specially mentions, “He who does not backbite with his tongue,” (Psalm 15:3). God formed you with a tongue for a reason. Do not forget how you should use your tongue. Never forget what Jesus said: “For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Love,

Dad

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ESCUELA BIBLICA

5 RAZONES DEL PORQUE NECESITO IR A UNA ESCUELA BIBLICA 
 
Algunos hermanos han alegado y al presente continúan haciéndolo para impedir que hermanos de buen corazón puedan prepararse en una escuela bíblica. La argumentación parece tan sin sentido muchas veces, ya que si ese no es el caso entonces no se puede utilizar ningún libro, ni tampoco entrar a buscar material en páginas web de reconocidos defensores de este sector porque sería lo mismo… recibir instrucción a eso se le llama inconsistencia. En fin la verdad del asunto es que si hay abundante evidencia en la Biblia que nos autoriza  a servir en las escuelas bíblicas. Cristo dijo: “Venid en pos de mí y os haré que seáis pescadores de hombres.” (Mr.1:17). Interesante la manera como el Señor conjuga el verbo ser a futuro; es decir que estos hombres a los que estaba llamando los iba a preparar por un periodo de tiempo, los iba a instruir, los iba a educar para que luego ellos hicieran el trabajo por si solos. Basta dar un vistazo a Hechos 2, 3, 4, 5, 10 para observar que tan bien había Pedro (particularmente en este caso) aprendido a pescar hombres. El Señor Jesús sabía lo que hacia, a quienes el llamó fueron estudiantes fieles (a excepción de Judas) que estuvieron incluso dispuestos a dar su vida por lo que habían aprendido. Así de necesario puede ser un entrenamiento. Samuel en el A.T dirigía una escuela de profetas (1Sam 19:20) y Pablo al casi final de su vida manda a Timoteo a encargar hombres fieles, idóneos para enseñar también a otros (2Tim.2:2).  Aquí 5 razones que yo espero puedan conversarle a usted a poder buscar un entrenamiento serio en una escuela bíblica seria.

Una Escuela Biblica: Solamente es el inicio de lo que es una vida de estudio intenso y progresivo.

Una Escuela Biblica: Solamente es el inicio de lo que es una vida de estudio intenso y progresivo.

  1. Instrucción: Por supuesto que esto es uno de los más grandes beneficios de asistir a una escuela de predicación seria. Nosotros mismos podemos hacer un gran trabajo pero interpretar ciertos versículos, los métodos de investigación, los recursos para realizar esa investigación la formación y presentación de la investigación realizada con por citar algunos cosas que son muy difícil de aprender de un libro solamente o peor aún por uno mismo. La instrucción de calidad en lugares donde hombres fieles han pasado su vida detrás de esto y han peleado largas batallas puede ser de gran influencia para  que muchos puedan hacer lo mismo. Ellos debieron  de haber adquirido el conocimiento de alguien más y ahora usted en una escuela lo adquiere para luego pasarlo a alguien más y la cadena sigue. Sin duda alguna en este sentido debemos de considerarnos como recipientes, como un baso que es llenado de agua, luego alguien bebe y sigue llenando para seguir vaciando, somos simples recipientes y cada cristiano del Nuevo Testamento debería de considerarse a sí mismo como un recipiente que contiene el evangelio, el mensaje de salvación y que debe de ser transmitido a otros. La instrucción bíblica brindada en las escuelas de predicación, colegios o universidades de la Iglesia de Cristo que son serías hará que nosotros podamos instruir a la Iglesia; por donde caminar y que lugares no pisar en este camino hacia el cielo.  2Tim 2:15 un obrero que use bien la palabra de verdad, que no tenga de que avergonzarse, para poder salvarse a sí mismo y a los que escuchan (2Tim. 4:16).
  2. Convicción: En realidad el objetivo de las escuelas de predicación sanas no es hacer un lavado de cerebro a sus estudiantes o participantes, ni tampoco hacer que ellos prediquen a como la escuela lo hace, de hecho hay escuelas de predicación donde los instructores están en desacuerdo y enseñan diferente en ciertos puntos doctrinales (que no son puntos de salvación o condenación) y que no traen tanta repercusión al final de la ecuación. El objetivo más bien es ayudar a cada estudiante a ver objetivamente a ampliar sus métodos de investigación, a exponerlo a las diferentes corrientes de pensamiento y luego es responsabilidad del estudiante llegar a una convicción propia. Esta parte es extremadamente importante, note las palabras del apóstol Pablo:“Conociendo, pues, el temor del Señor, persuadimos a los hombres; pero a Dios le es manifiesto lo que somos; y espero que también lo sea a vuestras conciencias” (2Co.5:11). Amado lector no existe tragedia más grande que un maestro que no esté convencido así mismo, definitivamente las personas lo sabrán y la convicción en un ministro es más que necesaria, es trascendental. ¡No podemos enseñar lo que no sabemos y mucho menos  lo que no creemos!. 
  3. Protección: La protección más visible es quizás la de la falsa doctrina. Muy especialmente en nuestros países centroamericanos la corriente más fuerte es la pentecostal y sus ramificaciones. Es fácil ver una película o encender la radio pentecostal e incluso tomar un libro y ser influenciado por alguna parte a creer, practicar e incluso enseñar falsa doctrina. En una escuela de predicación “seria” hay una preparación intensa para que los estudiantes se mantengan alejados de estas corrientes y que protejan a otros.
  4. Interacción: No siempre todo será color de rosa cuando uno trabaja con la hermandad. Recuerdo que en mi tiempo de escuela había un sistema de castigo para estudiantes que incumplieran las reglas internas de la escuela llamado; “deméritos” el instructor encargado era el decano de estudiantes y el hermano realizaba muy bien su trabajo ( y vaya que si lo hacia). Una de sus responsabilidades era asegurarse que los estudiantes encargados de la limpieza hicieran bien su trabajo y si no un demérito espera a los estudiantes a cargo la mañana siguiente. Realmente estuve muy enfadado por una semana con el hermano decano de estudiantes por haberme premiado con un demerito al encontrar un papelito insignificante detrás del basurero (tuve que disculparme con el hermano más tarde por haberme enojado con él y  por supuesto él ni siquiera lo sabía). Todo era parte del entrenamiento, lo mismo con los demás estudiantes, cada año hay uno que otro choque, solamente piense un grupo de desconocidos de Lunes a Viernes de 8 a 4 por 2 años puede que irrite a alguno y puede que alguno me irrite a mí, pero este ambiente de convivencia prepara a cualquiera  para enfrentarse a la realidad en las respectivas congregaciones. Definitivamente uno aprende a interactuar con todos, al final se construyen relaciones que van a perdurar por años con aquellos hermanos que recibieron la misma; instrucción, protección, y con quienes convivimos por dos años en un mismo salón de clases. Se convierten en nuestros colegas de trabajo, hermanos espirituales y hasta nuestro trapo de lagrimas por las experiencias vividas juntos en la escuela y por la confianza plena que lleguemos a tener en estos hermanos, porque les he conocido. Sin lugar a dudas la escuela fueron los dos mejores años de mi vida y recomiendo a cualquiera que diga que no necesita ir a una escuela para predicar, quizás a la escuela no vayas solamente para aprender a predicar sino a aprender como ser un siervo, como interactuar y a ganar una familia muy cercana…yo espero que si usted tiene esta oportunidad  en algún moment de su vida no la pierda y no la desaproveche.  
  5. Especialización: Esto no acaba aquí. Solamente es el inicio de lo que es una vida de estudio intenso y progresivo, la verdad de Dios no cambia  y no ha cambiado en dos mil años, pero nosotros si vamos creciendo y vamos aprendiendo más cada día y este proceso no termina hasta que bajemos al sepulcro no importa cuantos años tenga de predicar el proceso no se detiene. Pero la escuela Bíblica realmente sienta una base para nuestra carrera. Cada evangelista debería ser un especialista en  el sagrado libro, debería al menos estar informado de todos los temas tocantes a la biblia y la vida espiritual. Realmente es bastante y toma una vida entera profundizar. La escuela es la base más firme para comenzar a hacer eso. Uno de los peligros más grandes de cualquier estudiante graduado es pensar que ya tiene toda la información necesaria para su ministerio… déjeme decirle no es así siempre habrá más que aprender. Nosotros los especialistas en cirugías espirituales debemos de estar preparados para cualquier tipo de operación espiritual que haya que hacer incluso cuando es tiempo de operar a uno mismo.

El Señor ascendió al cielo (He.1:9) sabiendo que había preparado un grupo de hombres que llevarían a cabo el trabajo encargado. Ellos fueron a todas partes del mundo llevando este mensaje, pescando tal como había sido prometido en el entrenamiento, fueron resucitando muertos espirituales  principalmente y el Espíritu Santo  confirmando la obra de ellos. Todos y cada uno de ellos partieron de este mundo con un gran legado espiritual y unos cuantos plasmaron ese legado en forma escrita; la biblia, pero todo comenzó cuando ellos no se negaron al llamado para ser entrenados la primera vez que escucharon la voz del Señor. Es probable que como ellos usted también necesite dejarlo todo e ir al entrenamiento para ser pescador de hombres. ¡Gracias sean dadas a Dios por cada escuela bíblica y sus operarios que han abandonado sus propias vidas para preparar obreros fieles.!

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The Book of John and Obedience

The Book of John and Obedience

My personal Bible studies are currently centered in the book of John.  This great New Testament book tells us the story of Jesus from the Apostle John’s perspective.  Unlike the other three accounts of Jesus’ ministry, John is a more intimate view.  The first twelve chapters of John focus on Jesus public life and the miracles that He did.  They culminate with Jesus’ raising Lazarus from the dead.  John gets very personal with Jesus in chapters 13-21 focusing on Jesus’ final words to the disciples before recounting His betrayal, trial, crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection.

The book of John demonstrates obedience.

The book of John demonstrates obedience.

The book of John also focuses on Jesus’ teaching to a degree Matthew, Mark and Luke do not.  John’s focus on the teachings of Jesus is all designed to emphasize his conclusion in John 20:30-31: “And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.”  John makes clear connections between Jesus’ miracles, His Identity, and the blessing of life through Him.  It is only the Son of God—who is God Himself—who can truly give life.

However, as amazing as the story of Jesus is in the book of John, life only comes to those who believe in Jesus truly.  This is not the kind of belief that does not confess Jesus as the Son of God (John 12:42); that is, life is not granted to those who love the praise of men more than they love the praise of God (John 12:43), but life is granted to those whose faith obeys fully as John 3:36 shows: “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him” (ESV).  John does not conceive of a faith that does not obey.  God bless you, and I love you.

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Respect for Each Other

Respect for Each Other

Our nation has changed in so many ways, and this is so evident in the respect we have for each other. This is reflected in the way we sometimes speak to others. Since the words which come from our lips show what is in our hearts, to solve the problem we need to change the way we see each other. Jesus said, “For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks” (Matt. 12:34). The way we talk to each other should be that which edifies and builds up, and imparts “…grace to the hearers” (Eph. 4:29). How should we regard others as we speak with them? How do we show our respect for them?

Do your behaviors and words show respect?

Do your behaviors and words show respect?

Paul’s instruction to young Timothy illustrates the attitude of respect which should characterize each of us. Evidently, Timothy was faced with rebuking older men who were Christians and needed to make changes in their lives. Paul said, “Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father” (1 Tim. 5:1). The Greek word for “rebuke” in this passage literally means “to pound, to flatten, to strike with blows.” There is never a time for young men to look at older individuals and treat with disdain. Yet, so often in our day the respect for those who are older no longer exists.

Look at how the Holy Spirit of God described for this young man to deal with those older men in his world. There is never a time for harsh words from arrogant hearts to berate anyone. Paul told this young man to speak to those older as he would his own father.

Paul then turned his attention to the way Timothy was to speak to those near his own age or even younger. How should young men treat their peers? Deal with them as you would deal with your own brother. The term “brotherly love” says so much about the respect we must have for each other (Rom. 12:10; Heb. 13:1; 2 Pet. 1:7).

How should Timothy treat older women? Paul says he should have the same respect he gives his own mother (1 Tim. 5:2). That special place mothers have in our hearts reflects the attitude we need to have toward all older women.

Finally, Paul discusses the respect young men should have toward young women. They should be treated as sisters with all purity. Barnes’ commentary says it this way, “He was therefore to guard his heart with more than common vigilance in such circumstances and was to indulge in no word, or look or action which could be by any possibility construed as manifesting an improper state of feeling.”

Take time to apply these principles to every relationship and the respect we should have for each other. Respect everyone, older and younger, with the dignity God sees in them. It might not change the world, but it will change yours!

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