Are We Too Busy?
Even though we in the church are suppose to work toward a Sabbath rest; we're just as bad, maybe worse, at over scheduling. It seems the more we strive to be Christ-like, the more we develop a very unChrist-like characteristic: busyness! Here is another thought provoking question, "Did Jesus rush around through His week?" Now stop and think. You would never think of Jesus as a busy person. In Scripture He never seems hurried or concerned about getting a lot done. I can hear the corporate consultants now as they speak to Jesus, "You'd get a lot more done if you had more than twelve assistants. You really need to attend that council meeting in Capernaum if you want to make head way with the Pharisees! Why are you still here in Galilee? You're ministry would be so much bigger if you would move to Jerusalem." If this thought is striking a cord with you, and you are feeling a bit overwhelmed because of "busyness," then I encourage you to take a moment and ask God to show you where you are too busy; then adjust your calendar accordingly! Seven Views On Apostasy From Hebrews 6:1-6
On Wednesday evenings at Victory Church I'm teaching through the Book of Jude. Jude exhorts us as believers to "contend for the faith!" One of the reasons to "contend for the faith" is because apostasy exists. Therefore, I've been studying on apostasy in Scripture and came across once again this great passage in Hebrews 6:1-12. I have been mediating on this passage of Scripture all week. I have spent time praying over it, reading a variety of commentaries on it, wrestling with it, and doing word studies through the passage. I'm mentally exhausted, but spiritually revived! Let me explain. I was raised Southern Baptist, educated at an Independent Baptist College, and ordained a Free Will Baptist. Twenty-six years ago, when I felt the Lord calling me into ministry, I had to make a decision on which denomination I was going to spend the rest of my life serving. Yes, you guessed it! It all came down to this passage of Scripture and others like it. Well, I made my choice. I could not reason away what I was discovering in this particular passage, therefore, I identified with the Armenian group, the Free Will Baptist. And with no regrets I might add! I was reading this week in the Randall House Commentary by Dr. Stanley Outlaw. Dr Outlaw shares seven different views on Hebrews 6:1-6:
(The seventh view is the one I seem to believe fits the best within the context of the Scripture. Therefore, this is the view for which I adhere.) Many have asked me through the years about the "unpardonable sin" the sin of unbelief, the sin against the Holy Spirit. I believe the sin against the Holy Spirit can be committed by both unsaved people - who constantly and willfully reject the obvious truth of the Gospel, and by saved people who also constantly and willfully turn their back on Christ to the point of final apostasy. One final thought: You may be wondering if you have committed apostasy. Well, just the fact you are questioning, pondering, and thinking about your relationship with God is a sure sign you have not committed apostasy. Once you do, there is no coming back. Why? Because those who commit apostasy:
Apostasy is a willful decision, and a deliberate choice, an abandonment to the things of God which are made with your own conscious. God's Ways Are Not Our Ways
Rarely does God do something exactly as we think He will. Our problem is that we try to second-guess God, saying, “Oh, now I know what God is planning to do!” Moses experienced this as he learned how God was going to deliver the Hebrews out of Egypt. God told him He would harden Pharaoh's heart. Yet, the result was not what Moses anticipated. Rather than allowing the Hebrews to leave, Pharaoh increased their hardship. Rather than becoming a hero among the Hebrews, Moses was despised by them for bringing greater suffering. Moses returned to the Lord and asked, “Lord, why have You brought trouble on this people? Why is it You have sent me?” (Exodus 5:22). Much of the frustration we experience as Christians has nothing to do with what God does or doesn't do. It has everything to do, rather, with the false assumptions we make about how we think God will and should act. Have you ever done the will of God and then things seemed to become worse? Moses completely misunderstood what the results of His obedience to God would be. When things did not turn out as he anticipated, Moses became discouraged. God had told Moses what to do, but He had not told Moses what the consequences would be. It is foolish to attempt to do God's work using your own “common sense.” God does not eliminate your common sense, He consecrates it. He gives you His wisdom so you can understand His ways. As you look back on God's activity in your life, you will recognize the supreme wisdom in how He has led you. As you look forward to what God may do, be careful you do not try to predict what He will do next. You may find yourself completely off the mark. A Faith Worth Passing Down
In 2 Timothy 1:3-7, Paul writes to Timothy about faith worth passing down, namely, that which is based on the truth of God's Word. It is the confident conviction that God is who He says He is and will do everything He says He will do. The apostle notes that the younger man's sincere faith did not materialize out of thin air, but in fact was evident in his lineage (vs.5). There are many ways to hand down a rich legacy of faith to the next generation: 1. SHARE BASIC BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES Kids must be taught the proper attitude about money (Ps. 24:1), how needs are fulfilled (Phil. 4:19), and direction in life (Pro.3:5-6). 2. MODEL THROUGH LIFESTYLE How we live - with transparency, peace, and persistence or fear, doubt, and frustration - sends a loud message about whether God can be trusted. 3. SERVE GOD BY SERVING OTHERS If we act on our faith, we show it is real (James 2:26). 4. PRAY AND PRAISE Children won't forget hearing us speak their names in prayer. And when we praise them for trusting the Lord, they will be motivated to do so again. QUESTIONS TO PONDER:
Strive To Be An Encourager
But I considered it necessary to send you Epaphroditus—my brother, co-worker, and fellow soldier, as well as your messenger and minister to my need. . . (Philippians 2:25) Some people know just what to say and do to encourage others who are going through difficult times. Their words give strength to those who are discouraged and comfort to those who are grieving. These people are sensitive to God's voice. They are not self-centered or unaware of the struggles of those around them. They are the ones we immediately seek when we enter a crisis. They are welcome visitors when we are in distress, for their presence sustains us. Scripture testifies of many whom God enabled to encourage others.
Paul experienced trials throughout his life, but God sustained him by placing Godly friends around him who provided support in practical and sacrificial ways. God wants to develop you into the kind of friend who can strengthen others. The words you share and the things you do can bring comfort and encouragement to your family, your friends, your neighbors, and your coworkers. Think of someone in your circle of influence and search for a way to encourage them this week. |
