The Ungodly

Pastor said it Sunday and it opened up a train of thought for me. My daughter posted it on G+ (shared privately or I’d share the whole post):

Ungodly = anything that does not include God

I know, it sounds simplistic, but to have godliness, God must be included. Otherwise we find:

For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. (2 Timothy 3:2-5 KJV)

We do read more of what godliness isn’t”:

If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great gain. (1 Timothy 6:3-6 KJV)

There is focus on what godliness is, too:

And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 1:5-8 KJV)

I recently touched on including God in everything:

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31 KJV)

Whatever we do, do for the glory of God. That will include Him in every moment of our lives. It will help keep us close to Him, even though we know our sins can be forgiven:

And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die. (2 Samuel 12:13 KJV)

If you think that sins have value, little ones versus big ones, take a look at the list of those headed for the lake of fire in Revelation 21:8!

The Psalmist asked God to search him, and gave reasons:

Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalms 139:23-24 KJV)

God knows us. He knows our sins and He knows our godliness. He knows when we are outside His will. The way we know we are within His will is to have Him our thoughts every hour of every day – not just meeting we set up for Sunday mornings. When our very nature takes into consideration what He has in mind for mankind, for all of us.

How can we be certain we are in His will? When we can honestly confess our sins to Him and just as honestly pray, “Thy will be done.”

(If you don’t know where Agape fits in, please click on the graphic)

What Authority?

Authority is found several times in the Bible. I like its use in Luke 7:2-10:

And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die. (Luke 7:2 KJV)

Rome held authority over Israel and shared that authority with its soldiers. This soldier was responsible for one hundred men who reported to him, as well as his own household. As a man of authority, he went to authorities when he needed help:

And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant. (Luke 7:3 KJV)

Notice that he didn’t approach Jesus on his own. He went to elders of the Jews, people who were in a position of authority and asked them for help. Obviously, they knew where the real authority could be found:

And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this: For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue. (Luke 7:4-5 KJV)

The elders liked the soldier, deeming him worthy to have his request fulfilled. He had shown love for the Jewish people that was not required in his position. Perhaps, one good deed deserves another? Had he not built the synagogue would they have declined to see help?

Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof: (Luke 7:6 KJV)

Did he think of how some would view Jesus for going into a Roman’s home? Not just a gentile, but a soldier of the empire that held them in subjugation? Did he consider the ripple effect of such a visit?

Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed. For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. (Luke 7:7-8 KJV)

A man of authority, he knew the limitations of his authority – what he could and could not do. He also knew that upon hearing his words, people responded to his authority. He recognized authority in Jesus. Without spending time with Him, without being in His circle of disciples, this soldier recognized Jesus’ authority to do miracles. He counted on that authority to be accomplished simply by Jesus’ words.

When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. (Luke 7:9 KJV)

Hopefully, we know the answer to the chief priests and elders' question that came later in His ministry.

And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority? (Matthew 21:23 KJV)

How Do We Glorify God?

That’s something we should be able to explain since it appears from Friday’s CNN headline that quite a few people are not aware what that means. Here’s the link to an opinion article:  Is glorifying God a hate crime?

Of course, there is a news story with background on the situation – from a CNN news article:

Cochran self-published the book "Who Told You That You Were Naked." The GA Voice cited two passages from the book, which refers to homosexuality as unclean, inappropriate, vile and vulgar.

When his book became public, Cochran was suspended and ultimately fired by Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed.

In his opinion piece, Russell D. Moore, president of the Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, looks beyond the homosexual questions:

While many are pointing to passages in Cochran's book about sexuality, much of the furor, especially in online forums, is directed toward another passage, in which Cochran says that his life and work serve the purpose of glorifying God.

Some see this language as scary and subversive, as though Cochran were planning a theocratic takeover of the fire department and would refuse to put out fires for cohabiting couples or gay or lesbian people or atheists.

Christians understand that we exist for God’s glory. Are we doing a good job 1) of living up to His commands that He may be glorified; and 2) of explaining what that means.

That was part of the message given at Christ’s birth:

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. (Luke 2:13-14 KJV)

There are scriptures available to help us understand what we can do to glorify God:

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 KJV)

A little later, Paul advocates glorifying God in all we do:

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31 KJV)

Sounds good, right? So, what is “glory”? Strong’s defines δόξα as dignity, honor, praise, worship. That’s what we are to give, our lives lived with these characteristics simply because we love God. Our lives are to be lived consistent with Christ’s. He is our example. After He washed the disciples feet, He said:

For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. (John 13:15-17 KJV)

No, we are not required to dress as He dressed, wear our hair as He did, eat as He ate. Our tasks are to be spiritual, as He is, and keep God’s commandments:

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. (Matthew 22:37-40 KJV)

Yes – that’s a verse that I use often. I use it often to remind me that these two commandments can answer most of the questions I have when it comes to understanding what I should be doing to glorify God. I never get tired of reading it.

Religious or Serving?

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (Matthew 7:21-23 KJV)

A continuation of the “It’s complex” train of thought. Salvation sounds simple – see yesterday’s scriptures for the simplicity, and the beginning of the complexity. There’s a huge difference between religion and serving God. If that’s not clear, then one author’s words apply:

Satan has you exactly where he wants you, ignorant and undone.

The above scripture is a continuation of the Sermon on the Mount, which begins with descriptions of how we are blessed. In chapter 7, Jesus has just concluded telling us that we should be fruit inspectors:

Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. (Matthew 7:20 KJV)

Years later, Paul describes bad fruit, ending with good fruit:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV)

It appears Jesus was describing people who used religious words for show, but denied the source:

Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. (2 Timothy 3:5 KJV)

Perhaps the “form of godliness” is attending a worship service on Sunday morning. Perhaps dropping a portion of income into the offering plate. Then, believing the obligation to God fulfilled, leaving the church building and not giving it another thought for another week.

Who sat those obligations? Friends, neighbors, other church goers?The Bible tells us what God expects. Without reading it, knowing it, how can we possibly understand what He has in mind for us to do?

It’s easy to believe that worshiping together on Sunday morning fulfills an obligation. That is not the answer to the complexity of God’s service. Knowing what He intends for us to do requires being in discussions with Him. Knowing how to reach Him requires Bible study.

It requires knowing “what doth the Lord require of thee.” It requires knowing who “created the heavens and the earth”; who “sent his only begotten son”; who asked “what must I do to be saved?”; who gave the basis for all law by saying “thou shalt love.”

How can we love Him without getting to know Him?

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! (Romans 10:13-15 KJV)

Listen to His word – know what is preached is scriptural:

O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of the LORD. (Jeremiah 22:29 KJV)

The Answer Is Complex

City streets are often very complex. Salvation, not so much, as defined in the Bible.

And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. (Acts 16:30-31 KJV)

Understanding what that means is a bit more complex.

And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. (Acts 16:32-33 KJV)

The jailer had to learn background. Paul may have thought of that when he wrote:

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? (Romans 10:13-14 KJV)

That preacher is necessary because he’s called:

And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! (Romans 10:15 KJV)

It’s not a new message, but there are lies that have been told, even by some who said they were God’s called:

Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not. (John 8:43-45 KJV)

Why not believe? That’s a question we answer individually. One answer I’ve heard has to do with the Bible not being believable. I’m not going to try to change anyone’s mind on that – but if you’re interested in an interesting investigation, try J. Warner Wallace’s “Cold-Case Christianity: A Homicide Detective Investigates the Claims of the Gospels” for an excellent read.

In my opinion, trying to put living a Christian life into one answer, one verse, is absolutely impossible. The answer is very complex – and totally complete in the Bible. It takes a lot of reading with a heart open to prayer and a mind seeking to know the truth – and having faith that God will provide an answer.

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (Hebrews 11:6 KJV)

It is possible to find Him.

Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: (Isaiah 55:6 KJV)

I remember a blog I read (no longer active) where an unbeliever asked God to show her that He exists. She told how He did, and for years she witnessed to people about it. I remember innumerable services where people walked to the front of a church and witnessed about their belief, too.

Every Lord’s Day, billions of people confirm their professions of faith by attending worship services. Every day a slightly fewer number serve Him in a ministry. That’s part of that complex answer, too. None of them can give anyone else a ministry – that call comes from God.

Have you received your call? Or is the answer still too complex?

Timing

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: (Ecclesiastes 3:1 KJV)

The next seven verses count off specifics items and their opposites – born/die, plant/pluck, kill/heal, break down/build up, weep/laugh, mourn/dance, cast/gather, embrace/refrain, get/lose, keep/cast away, rend/sew, silence/speak, love/hate, war/peace. That just about covers it, doesn’t it?
We live in a world that changes. Events of time and conditions of life vary from person to person. We continually pass others as the days occur. Just as fashions change from one season to another, lives change.

The recent cut in gasoline prices gives testimony to such changes. We are certain there will be fluctuations in the future. The same goes for our personal security, both individual finances and national security. There is no way we can say, “Tomorrow will be just as today.”

We are – and can be fairly – certain that the sun will come up tomorrow. However, there will be a time when that will not occur, according to the Bible. Matthew 24:35, Mark 13:31 and Luke 21:33 echo Jesus’ words:

Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

But I like this one in Luke:

And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail. (Luke 16:17 KJV)

The chapter begins with Jesus talking with His disciples, giving them an example of an unfaithful servant who through cheating received his lord’s commendation. He follows with:

He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own? (Luke 16:10-12 KJV)

The Pharisees understood that He was describing them. They were stewards of God’s laws to the people, and they had cheated both God and the People. They were covetous, and God read their hearts:

And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him. And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God. (Luke 16:14-15 KJV)

He read their hearts and what He saw was an abomination. His laws went unchanged no matter what the Pharisees said. Then Jesus gave the example of Lazarus and the rich man. Do we believe, as the rich man did, that one rising from the grave could convince us?

And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead. (Luke 16:30-31 KJV)

He was right. One did rise from the dead, and most did not believe. Time passes, day after day. Each day one opportunity less to share His message, one less day to accept it.

Redeemed

Are you wondering why the title is “Redeemed” and the graphic a tire? It goes back over 50 years ago when my Beloved Husband was in the army and we were about 500 miles from home. Gasoline was less than $.30/gallon, but our pay was just over $200/month. We had an extra tire that we took to the pawn shop if we needed to go home before the first of the month, and it was redeemed when he was paid.

We haven’t used a pawnshop since those army days, but I remember what redeemed meant – we regained our tire when we repaid the cost. Had we not redeemed that tire, it would have been lost to us.

That process reminds me of Fanny Crosby and her hymn, “Redeemed”, which helps us do what as we’re told:

Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy; (Psalms 107:2 KJV)

Fanny certainly did – and when we sing her words, we are saying so, too:

Redeemed, how I love to proclaim it!
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed through His infinite mercy,
His child and forever I am.

Refrain:

Redeemed, redeemed,
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed, redeemed,
His child and forever I am.

We used money to redeem the tire. God used different currency, and the Bible tells us about it.

Ye are bought with a price; (1 Corinthians 7:23a KJV)

Pastor gave us a sermon one time that showed us we were the pearl that was purchased:

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. (Matthew 13:45-46 KJV)

Why else would He have paid such a great price for us?

And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; (Revelation 5:9 KJV)

When we realize this, we can praise with Zacharias:

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, (Luke 1:68 KJV)

That redemption was not for physical things such as the tire, nor was it paid for with money that fluctuates in value.

Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: (1 Peter 1:18-19 KJV)

The joy we have been given through redemption is the reason we praise and share the news that anyone can be redeemed through His infinite mercy. It’s the plan and the message:

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16 KJV)