Beloved, We are Now Children of God

Of all the words used to describe the Christian’s relationship with God, perhaps the most beloved is “child.” It is instinctive, for those of us who are not without natural affection (Rom. 1:31, 2 Tim. 3:3), to smile at children, reach out to them, and show love toward these new members of our society. For the vast majority, childhood is a time of love, frivolity, innocence, and learning. These qualities make childhood endearing, and among our most cherished memories as adults. It is also what makes us desire a happy childhood for those now experiencing such years, and what makes us lament the tragedy of a childhood gone wrong. Certainly the fact that some do not have affectionate memories regarding childhood testifies to the truth that childhood ought to be a time of love and affection, not pain and sorrow.

Childhood is also a time when new members of society learn the rules of living: how to stay safe, how to obey the law, how to work, how to learn, how to mature. Good parents will guide children through these lessons, and instruct them so that they do not make fatal mistakes. However, good parents will also allow children to make some (non-fatal) mistakes for themselves so that they may learn from their errors. At times, it is necessary for parents to discipline children to teach them the error of their ways (Prov. 22:15). Excellent parents will bring up their children “in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4). Such are the circumstances surrounding a healthy parent/child relationship.

If children obey their parents and honor their fathers and mothers (Eph. 6:1-2), then their lives will be well, and they will grow up ready to face the challenges of adulthood. Such children may expect to live long and fruitful lives (Eph. 6:3). However, children that do not obey their parents, and do not honor their fathers and mothers are aweariness to them, and may expect their lives to be cut short (Prov. 30:17). In adulthood, properly reared children will know a relationship with their parents that they have not experienced in their fledgling years. They will come to know father and mother as beloved friends, and hopefully, brothers and sisters in the Lord. Such is the reward for both parent and child in a godly family.

Having these thoughts in mind regarding earthly families, these truths are magnified infinitely when considered in relationship to our heavenly family, and specifically, our heavenly Father. While on this earth, we must consider our relationship to God to be one of childhood. It is our duty here to be safe, obey God’s law, learn, grow, and mature. God gives us His word to guide us in this process, and even sends chastening our way to aid us in learning from our mistakes (Heb.12:5-11). However, this is all for our benefit, so that we may grow to the point where we may escape the corruptions that are in the world through lust, and be ready to become partakers of the divine nature (2 Pet.1:4).

Like having an earthly father that loves and cares for us, having a heavenly Father who loves and cares for us as His children is comforting. Such is not an imaginative invention of a metaphysical father from earthly fathers as Freud suggested. The notions of God as our all loving Father and we as His children together persisting in a loving relationship based upon the truths of the gospel–these notions are not the kinds of relationships that lustful men would develop given their own resources. We see what wicked men do to families; such does not reflect the love and relationship building efforts of a true father. Such a standard of fatherhood comes not from the natural world, but from beyond—from the Father of lights who gives every good and perfect gifts (James 1:17), and from the Father of spirits who provides perfect guidance for our path as living beings (Heb.12:9). The relationship of God the Father with His children is such that they may–through His only begotten Son Jesus Christ–have the abundant life (John 10:10).

When looking upon our earthly families and the joys that we may experience through them when these families are being conducted according to God’s truths, we see but a dim reflection of the great joy and contentment that will obtain because we are children of God.

Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called children of God; and such we are. For this cause the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we children of God, and it is not yet made manifest what we shall be. We know that, if he shall be manifested, we shall be like him; for we shall see him even as he is. And every one that hath this hope set on him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. (1 John 3:1-3)

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Contentment

The great malady that affects so many people today is a lack of real contentment. Now, contentment is the quiet acceptance of unchangeable circumstances and conditions of life that we receive naturally and a willingness to change [i.e. use our free-moral-agency] those conditions and circumstance that are themselves under our power to change.

The lack of contentment therefore in many cases is caused by our own unwillingness to change that which we are capable of changing. There are many people who could make their lives better by increasing their degree of contentment with life changes and modifications that will not do so. To these people we urgently suggest that they examine the reasons for their unhappiness and discontent and come to a radically new decision – put forth an all out effort to change the situations that are causing you discontent. The individual who suffers from unhappiness and lacks contentment may be able to become contented with their life through a change in relationship with their Creator [i.e. God].

The concept that a change in man’s relationship with God will give them a sense of contentment is grounded, not only in common sense but also in the teachings if the Bible [i.e. God’s instructions to mankind]. Please observe the following Biblical information in this regard:

1.  GOD KNOWS WHAT MAN IS AND WHAT HE NEEDS:

God is the Creator, not only of mankind but of man’s environment – Genesis 1:1-3, “1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 And the earth was waste and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep: and the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the water.

God created man, Genesis Gen 2:21-24, “21 And Jehovah God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof: 22 and the rib, which Jehovah God had taken from the man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. 23 And the man said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. 24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” ASV

2.  GOD PROVIDED EVERYTHING FOR MAN SO THAT MAN MIGHT BE CONTENT:

Even though God made man perfect, man was given the ability to choose between good and evil. This human quality was given to man so that man might voluntarily choose to obey God, thus glorifying him. Man has always possessed the ability to choose to serve God or to reject God, this quality is necessary for man’s very survival. Someone may say, “Why, then did God make us so that we could commit sin?”  Thisis a good question but simple to answer from God’s perspective, if God had created man to automatically [i.e. robot fashion] to obey him, what glory would that have been? If man had been made like a robot his responses to God’s instruction would have been automatic – Since God made man with “free-will”, man has the ability to individually submit self to the instruction of God thereby glorifying God – cf. 1 Peter 4:11, “if any man speaketh, (speaking) as it were oracles of God; if any man ministereth, (ministering) as of the strength which God supplieth: that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, whose is the glory and the dominion for ever and ever. Amen. “ASV

Indeed, God has provided everythingman needs to survive this world and eventually go to heaven if man chooses correctly with his innate ability. Please observe the following Biblical references: 2 Peter 1:3-4, “3 seeing that his divine power hath granted unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that called us by his own glory and virtue; 4 whereby he hath granted unto us his precious and exceeding great promises; that through these ye may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world by lust.” ASV

3.  MAN IS UNABLE OF HIMSELF TO FORMULATE A PROCESS THAT WILL SAVE HIM FROM HIS SINS:

Now, sin is a transgression of Divine Law – Sin is a failure to comply with Divine instruction – sin is a missing of the mark [i.e. pattern] set by God, etc. Man may know what God’s instructions for his well being are by seeking His guidance via the Written Word of instruction [i.e. the Bible]. Jeremiah 10:23, “O Jehovah, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.” ASV Since man cannot know without God telling him, man must go to God’s Book and seek knowledge and wisdom about surviving happily this life [i.e. physical death].

Many people today are wandering from place to place, from relationship to relationship, from church to church, seeking peace and security. Only God is able to give this to us, we must seek wisdom from above [i.e. from God’s Book] so that we might gain that which we so need in our life here, contentment” [i.e. peace]. Notice carefully the wording of the following passage from the Bible; Philippians 4:7-9, “7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9 The things which ye both learned and received and heard and saw in me, these things do: and the God of peace shall be with you.” ASV

4.  EVERYONE WILL EVENTUALLY DIE OR BE CHANGED FROM MORTAL TO IMMORTAL:

That this statement is true cannot be denied by the student of the Bible, for the following passages say that death is sure; 1 Corinthians 15:50-57, “50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. 51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We all shall not sleep, but we shall all be changed , 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 But when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 O death, where is thy victory? O death, where is thy sting? 56 The sting of death is sin; and the power of sin is the law: 57 but thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” ASV

5.  WE WANT TO BE CAREFUL THAT NO ONE DECEIVES US, LEADING US INTO A FALSE WAY.

The powers of evil will go to great lengths to turn the honest and honorable seeker of truth to a false doctrinal concept and cause one to follow error instead of follow the truth ––

Matthew 24:23-24, “23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is the Christ, or, Here; believe (it) not.24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.” ASV

Mark 13:22, “22 for there shall arise false Christs and false prophets, and shall show signs and wonders, that they may lead astray, if possible, the elect.” ASV

CONSIDER THIS: With seriousness the person seeking heaven must be careful about dealing with those that would teach them about righteousness. Many are misguided and are spiritually blinded, for this reason one must seek truth that comes from God’s Written Word properly interpreted. One ought to seek out a good, word for word translation of the Holy Scriptures so that they will know what the Bible teaches and not what some person thinks it teaches.

Matt 15:12-14, “12 Then came the disciples, and said unto him, Knows thou that the Pharisees were offended, when they heard this saying? 13 but he answered and said, every plant which my heavenly Father planted not, shall be rooted up. 14 Let them alone: they are blind guides. And if the blind guide the blind, both shall fall into a pit.” ASV

Honest truth seekers, be careful to check your sources – John 8:32, “and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Indeed, all men seek contentment, [i.e. peace].

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Your Church Fellowship and Relationship

Come Early, Be Loud, Stay Late, and Wear Orange

Are you getting the most out of your relationship with God and with His children? Many times I have heard Christians complain that they feel as if some members of their local congregation view them as outsiders. Perhaps, in many cases this is not far from the truth, but it has been my experience that the majority of the time it is only perception. It seems that all too often that those making such complaints are the ones who are perpetually five minutes late for services; who then sit in the back and rush out the door as soon as they can when church services are over. It is not surprising that they feel left out and not a part of the church family. The wise king of Israel wrote, “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother…” (Pro 18:24) Do you want Christian friends that are closer than family? Then seek to be a friend to your church family!

When Mack Brown became head coach of the Texas Longhorns football team in 1998, he took over a team that had been dormant for more than a decade. Texas was one of the winningest football programs in NCAA history, yet the fan base was not energized and was frustrated with mediocrity. One of the first things coach Brown did was to try and energized the fans and get them excited about Texas football once again, so he envisioned a new motto, “Come Early, Be Loud, Stay Late, and Wear Orange…” Brethren, with that motto in mind, let me suggest to you, several ways to improve your Christian fellowship:

 

Come Early!

Be at worship or Bible study every time the door is open. Be at every service of the church Sunday morning Bible class and worship, Sunday evening worship, and Wednesday evening Bible study. Don’t forget also to be there for VBS, Lectureships, Gospel Meetings and fellowship dinners… Do not willfully forsake ANY assembling of the local congregation. (Heb 10:24-25). When the elders have set a time for an assembling of the congregation – be there if you are physically able. This is part of fulfilling the command of Hebrews 13:17, “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves…”

Be early for services. Try to show up at least 15 minutes early every time the congregation is to meet. This is a wonderful time for fellowship and an opportunity to spend some one-on-one time with fellow Christians. The preacher and the elders are usually among those who arrive early for services, along with the usher and those preparing the Lord’s Supper. Before services is a good time to get to know your elders or the preacher and good opportunity to ask questions or simply to be involved in greeting those who come later or any visitors that may arrive early.  Do you want to be part of the family? Come early, peruse the tract rack, read the bulletin, greet visitors, talk to the elders or preacher, or just have a few minutes to relax before worship and get your heart and mind ready to worship. “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD…” (Psa 122:1)

Be Loud!

At a football game a loud and boisterous crowd is participating with the home team in the game. They do not get on the field and play the game, but they do have an impact! Crowd noise can affect the players on the field causing penalties for delay of game, false start, etc. In the worship assembly, we also must each participate with those leading in worship. When we sing out, we teach, admonish and encourage one another. (Col 3:16; Eph 5:19). When prayers are led we participate by praying alongside. When God’s Word is preached, we participate by searching the Scriptures along with the preacher. (Acts 17:11) The sound of turning pages is a great encouragement to preachers and perhaps an “Amen” once in a while would be too. When the Lord’s Supper is taken we “commune” with Our Lord and with one another. Inherent in the word “communion” is the idea of “joint-participation or fellowship.” (1 Cor 10:16-17)

Sit together. Don’t just sit in the same spot on the same pew, with the same people each time – you may get to know those around your normal pew without getting to know anyone else. I know that we are creatures of habit and that sitting in the same spot is a comfortable habit, (guilty as charged… JWM) but it may be limiting your opportunities for fellowship.

Stay Late!

As in the case of coming early, staying late is a prime opportunity for drawing closer to our church family. It is a beautiful thing when Christians are so close with one another that they delay departing from one another as long as possible. Friendships are strengthened as we converse with one another. Joseph Swain penned these words in 1792, “How sweet, how heavenly is the sight, When those that love the Lord,  In one another’s peace delight, And so fulfill His Word…!”

Wear Orange?

Burnt Orange! OK, I know that the color you wear when you are gathered together with the church has no bearing on anything at all. But the idea encompassed here is that in wearing your team’s colors you show your love and support for the team! As Christian we show our love and support for Christ and His Church in a number of ways. E.g. – In our preference for being with our fellow Christians. (Rom 12:10) – In our joint participation in worship. (1 Cor 10:16-17) –  In our daily living. (Mat 5:16) – In our evangelistic efforts. (Mat 28:19-20) – In the love that we show to one another. “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another…” (John 13:34-35) When we support and encourage one another by wearing the Lord’s “colors” we will get more out of our worship and we will strengthen our sense of “belonging” with regard to Christ and with regard to our church family!

May we each seek ways to strengthen our bonds of love with one another. Do you see your brother or sister in Christ looking lost and lonely? Reach out to them and speak a kind word and look for ways to involve them in your life. Seek them out and encourage them and you just might find you have a new friend “that sticketh closer than a brother…” (Pro 18:24)

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What is the Purpose of Fasting?

Jesus said, “Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.” (Matt. 6:16) The hypocrites which included the Pharisees, were claiming that by fasting, it showed their profound righteousness and godliness, but it really demonstrated their poverty in these spiritual qualities. They were putting on a show to gain favor with others, but Jesus showed them for what they really were . . . hypocrites. Jesus goes on and says, “But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.” (Matt. 6:17-18) Jesus takes the issue of fasting and puts it entirely in the private, personal realm. So, when and if his disciples fasted, they were to do it in secret. Thus, in the public eye, there was not to be any indication they were fasting. They were to keep themselves washed, normally clothed and they were not to disfigure their faces as the hypocrites do. You see, it was common for those fasting in ancient times to wear sackcloth and put ashes on their heads. So, their tears and sweat would mingle with the ashes to disfigure their faces. This lead to the sad countenance, together with their audible mourning and rough clothing, would make it very apparent to all that they were fasting. So, if they were fasting, they were seen as being spiritual giants which was the intended impression.

Now, instances of fasting are found in the history of most heathen people and in the Bible. Does God command us to fast today? Is it to be observed as a religious rite? The word fast or fasting occurs 14 times in the Old Testament and 30 times in the New Testament. In the Old Testament, Israel fasted when there was a famine, war, pestilence or death. We read of Christ, Cornelius, the saints fasting, not to mention Zaccheus who fasted twice each week. Generally, fasting during these times was on the second and fifth days of the week and lasted through the day, beginning at sunset of the preceding day. Now, did Christ institute any fasting days for the church? No. And there is no direction by the Divine or apostles to continue to observe regular fasting. Yet, the Pharisees criticized Jesus and his disciples because they did not fast as much as the Pharisees. They asked Jesus, “. . . Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink? And he said unto them, Can ye make the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.(Lk. 5:33-35). From this passage we learn that: Fasting was inconsistent with the joy which should characterize the disciples while the Lord was with them. Now, an occasion would come when, because of grief over his leaving, they would fast which was evidence of their attitude of the mind and disposition of heart. Jesus kept trying to show the Pharisees that the old patch of Jewish practices should be affixed to the new garment of Christianity (Lk. 5:36-39). Thus, Christ removed fasting from the public realm and classified it as a matter of private devotion. He taught that it is to be observed, if at all, in private without revealing to others and was for the good of one’s own soul. But, it is not a command nor are there penalties for those who do or do not wish to partake in fasting. However, while some may see fasting as a blessings, others do not. But if one is to fast, it should be done for the glory of God. You know, on the sermon on the mount, Jesus gave instructions to the disciples on how to give, how to pray and how to fast, just as if they were of equal obligation. Yet, while prayer and giving are seen as items of public worship and fasting is not, it reveals that fasting be used in the area of private devotions and be restricted to such usage. But make no mistake, fasting does have an important part in the life of the disciple as Jesus indicated. Fasting that is done to the glory of God is rewarded by which its chief purpose is to strengthen us in times of trial and adversary, on all occasions of sorrow and grief, and to turn around attention away from the desires of the flesh to the nourishment of the soul. Therefore, fasting, properly engaged in, can be a source of great spiritual blessing, a discipline of the will and an exercise producing great inward strength, and power.

All of us on occasion, should with firmness, put out of our hearts every illusion of worldly desire, and fleshly appetite, and with prayer and fasting, draw near to God and claim his support and guidance in life. Such an experience would make us all infinitely stronger, richer in faith, and vastly better equipped to live the Christian life. Therefore, in view of the fact that neither time nor manner of observance is given for fasting, we must conclude that these are matters to be determined in each instance, and by each person participating.

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We Are Dead

We are dead… live like it!

Following the presidential election this week I have become concerned for the spiritual state of our nation, especially with the church in America and where our hearts are. As I was listening to a popular local radio personality mutter on melancholically about his future it made me think of the numerous social statuses posted by fellow Christians late Tuesday and early Wednesday.

Now I love our country and I pray for our country. I am concerned about our freedoms and for the economic outlook of our nation. I want there to be an environment that is conducive to achieving success in this life. But I fear many of our brethren, let alone the world, have lost sight of the real goal.

Colossians 3:1-4 has some sobering, yet foundational, thoughts for you and I to consider:

  1. If you are a Christian you need to have your eyes on eternity! Many Christians have forgotten the big picture. We can’t see the proverbial forest for the trees. Paul uses the idea of looking at “the upward things” and not on “the lower.” In Philippians 4:13 he writes “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Have we forgotten that Jesus said you should, “lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Matthew 6:20)? “Setting our sights on the realities of heaven means striving to put heaven’s priorities into daily practice.”[1]
  2. We need to be spiritually minded! In order to have our eyes set on the upward things we need to remember that it matters what we think about. We are responsible for our thoughts and the instruction here is to keep our thoughts on heaven. Paul is not saying here that we should never think about earthly things but that we not forget to keep those things in perspective! “He must be heavenly-minded here on earth and so help to make earth like heaven.”[2] “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful” (Colossians 3:15). “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).
  3. We have died! As Christians we are dead to this world and its worries. What lies behind the cold dead eyes of the deceased? Far too many Christians still have some old life left in them! “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?  Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?” (Romans 6:1-2). So we each need to be challenged with the words of Paul to the Colossian brethren to, “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you:” (Colossians 3:5).
  4. We have eternal life in Christ! Our eternal existence as Christians is hidden (concealed and safe) with Christ in God. “So we may boldly say: ‘The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?’” (Hebrews 13:6). This is the proper frame of mind for those who are dead in Christ. A prerequisite to our verse earlier in Philippians 4:7 is, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;” (v. 6).
  5. When Jesus comes, nothing else will matter! And really isn’t that all that matters?

“Seek first (above all else, especially, unendingly) the kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33). Be obedient to the will of the Lord, worship faithfully with the church, study diligently the word, pray unceasingly, live righteously at home, abide godly with your neighbors, work heartily and patiently and you shall be blessed! We are dead…Live like it!

Be faithful [Tim]

[1] Life Application Study Bible: New King James Version. Carol Stream, Ill: Tyndale House Publishers, 2006.

[2] Robertson, A. T., and Wesley J. Perschbacher. Word Pictures of the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 2004.

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