Don’t Be Law-less

When we are sharing the Gospel we must include the Law in our conversations. Our listeners need to see their guilt, their helplessness, their depth of sin, their opposition to God, and their only solution in Christ Jesus. They also need to know the consequences of their sin, but we will leave that for another post.

 

The Law and it’s Purpose

 

1) GUILT: “The law applies to those to whom it was given, for its purpose is to keep people from having excuses, and to show that the entire world is guilty before God.” (Romans 3:19)

 

2) HELPLESSNESS: “For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are.” (Romans 3:20)

 

3) ANTI-GOD: “Everyone who sins is breaking God’s law, for all sin is contrary to the law of God.” (1 John 3:4)

 

4) SIN-FILLED: “Well then, am I suggesting that the law of God is sinful? Of course not! In fact, it was the law that showed me my sin.”(Romans 7:7a)

 

5) SOLUTION: “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.” (Galatians 3:24)

 

Do not make the mistake of sharing a squeaky-clean Gospel – merely saying that Jesus died for our sin is not enough. People need to know what sin is, accept their guilt, learn the consequences, recognize their inability to do anything about it, and acknowledge that Jesus is their only solution for their sin problem. I have seen data that shows that when we omit this information, 80% to 90% of people who received Jesus eventually reject Him and return to their sinful ways.

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Can You Handle This?

“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)

 

When you are in the midst of a trial, have you ever heard someone say, “God won’t give you more than you can handle!” You want to smack them, don’t you. The truth of the matter is that quaint expression is not in the Bible. People think it is, and they will quote 1 Corinthians 10:13 as their proof text, but they’re only presenting half of the passage, “God…will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able,” and they omit the second part.

 

But There’s a But

 

And an important but it is. The rest of the verse reads,

“But will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”

 

Who makes a way to escape? God makes the way to escape and if God didn’t make the way to escape, we would not be able to handle the temptation. Therefore, a more accurate rewording of the passage would be,

“God won’t give you more than HE can handle!”

 

What Would Paul Say

 

The Apostle Paul would never have uttered, “God won’t give me more than I can handle!” How can we be so sure? Because he said this instead:

 

“And (God) said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”

(2 Corinthians 12:9-10)

 

And again Paul comforts us,

“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

 

If we were able to handle trials and temptations in our flesh, Jesus would not have told us to deny ourselves and pick up our crosses. (Luke 9:23). And did our Savior ever say, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; YOU have overcome the world.”

No! He declared that He has overcome the world! (John 16:33)

 

Fact: God wants humility and desires that we present ourselves as empty vessels. King David understood the principle, for he wrote:

“But I am poor and needy: make haste unto me, O God: thou art my help and my deliverer; O Lord, make no tarrying.” (Psalm 70:5)

 

So let us abandon this foolishness that God won’t give us stuff we can’t handle. That notion is ridiculous and contrary to Scripture. When we find ourselves in a trial or a temptation, look to God for He alone has provided the escape!

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A Promise For Whom?

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

(2 Chronicles 7:14)

 

If you move in Judeo/Christian circles you have heard this verse quoted by pastors, politicians, and proselytes more than a few times, especially in times of regional tragedy or national sorrow. Although an encouraging portion of Scripture that strikes a harmonious chord with all true believers, let us be mindful that it is primarily a directive and an admonition from God.

 

A Promise to Israel

 

Cite the verse or post it on social media, and it won’t be very long before some imperious theologian, qualified or amateur, chimes in that the verse is contextually a promise for Israel and not for the United States or any other nation. Well, we can’t argue the point; it is a conditional promise that God made to Israel.

Here’s the entire account in the New Living Translation:

 

“So Solomon finished the Temple of the LORD, as well as the royal palace. He completed everything he had planned to do in the construction of the Temple and the palace. Then one night the LORD appeared to Solomon and said, “I have heard your prayer and have chosen this Temple as the place for making sacrifices. At times I might shut up the heavens so that no rain falls, or command grasshoppers to devour your crops, or send plagues among you.”

 

God continues:

 

“Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. My eyes will be open and my ears attentive to every prayer made in this place. For I have chosen this Temple and set it apart to be holy—a place where my name will be honored forever. I will always watch over it, for it is dear to my heart. As for you, if you faithfully follow me as David your father did, obeying all my commands, decrees, and regulations, then I will establish the throne of your dynasty. For I made this covenant with your father.”

 

God’s final warning:

 

“But if you or your descendants abandon me and disobey the decrees and commands I have given you, and if you serve and worship other gods, then I will uproot the people from this land that I have given them. I will reject this Temple that I have made holy to honor my name. I will make it an object of mockery and ridicule among the nations. And though this Temple is impressive now, all who pass by will be appalled. They will ask, ‘Why did the LORD do such terrible things to this land and to this Temple?’ And the answer will be, ‘Because his people abandoned the LORD, the God of their ancestors, who brought them out of Egypt, and they worshiped other gods instead and bowed down to them. That is why he has brought all these disasters on them.’” (2 Chronicles 7:12-22)

 

For the Church or Not?

Clearly, both contextually and historically, these words of God were for Israel. So the question then becomes, is God’s wise counsel and warning applicable to us today, and more specifically, are they applicable to the Church? The answer is, of course they are.

 

First Things First

 

When God said to King David, “One of your descendants will always rule over Israel,” it was a ‘now-fulfilled,’ prophetic reference to our Messiah, Jesus Christ. Because Jesus is the integral part of this equation, and because Christians are grafted into the vine that is Israel, the verse applies to the church. There is no question about it: if Christians, as in the warning to Israel, abandon their namesake Christ Jesus, and disobey His decrees and commands, we will be uprooted and rejected. 

 

“But some of these branches from Abraham’s tree—some of the people of Israel—have been broken off. And you Gentiles, who were branches from a wild olive tree, have been grafted in. So now you also receive the blessing God has promised Abraham and his children, sharing in the rich nourishment from the root of God’s special olive tree.”

(Romans 11:17, NLT)

 

Healing for Israel Only?

 

No one in the body argues that if believers anywhere or at anytime, humble themselves, and pray, and seek God’s face, and turn from their wicked ways, that God will hear those prayers, and forgive their sin. The issue with some folks is the implication found in the final portion, ‘that God will heal their land.’ 

 

Let’s back up. What does God mean when He says that He will heal their land, and what’s wrong with the land that it needs healing to begin with?

 

For starters, God cursed the land back in Genesis because of Adam’s dirty deed, but arguably that is not what’s being referred to here. However, and as it pertains to our scriptural reference, God said, “If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people,” (2 Chronicles 7:13).

In other words, on occasion and for varied reasons known and unknown, God allows turmoil, and God-allowed turmoil is not unique to Israel. Therefore, when God says He will heal the land, and when Christians apply His promise to the land they happen to be most closely associated with, it is a proper application. No one is saying anything more than that and certainly no Christian I associate with is suggesting that the United States is somehow replacing Israel as the apple of God’s eye. That notion, along with replacement theology in general, is a sick interpretation of the Bible (a discussion for another time, perhaps).  

 

Simply put, and as it pertains to the Vine of American, if folks who are called by His name, get off their high horses and humble themselves, if they would pray and seek God’s face, His guidance, His equipping, and His power, and if they repent from their wicked ways, then God will hear us; He will forgive us, and the turmoil of the land will be healed. Take note: the agnostics, the atheists, and the followers of false gods and idols don’t have to do anything! The admonition is to the church alone. If we would just start acting like the church, that is to say, in a God-prescribed manner, the promise will come to pass.

 

And the Naysayers Say…

 

“It’ll never happen!”

 

And of course they cite Biblical prophecy that God’s wrath is ultimately going to be poured out on America and the rest of the world. I get that and cannot dispute the prophetic and specific inevitability of those words. However there is another element that cannot be disputed: we do not know God’s timetable; we do not know the day or the hour of Christ’s return, and nowhere in the Bible is it suggested that we should abandon every good work and wait for His return. The mere thought of that is absurd and dare I say, blasphemous. God would never have us reject our Christian duty! Never!

 

So with that, let us humble ourselves, and pray, and seek His face, and turn from our wicked ways, and see what God will do! To ignore God’s warning is to reject God Himself.

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Identification, Restoration, and Condemnation

“Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.” (Romans 2:1)

 

Many Christians use Romans 2:1 as a proof text to outlaw judging others, however that is not a proper rendering of the verse. What this portion of Scripture does is warn us that we are never to judge someone condemningly, that is to hell, and it outlines the dire consequences if we do.

 

There are two reasons why we cannot condemn others: only God has that authority and we once were in sin, and by God’s mercy and grace, He saved us. Therefore we cannot ever declare to an active sinner, “You are going to hell,” because we are not omniscient (like God) and we don’t know if the sinner in question will receive the grace of God, as we once did.

 

What can we judge?

 

Essentially there two permissible types of judgement: judging for the purpose of identification and judging for the purpose of restoration. When we judge to identify, we might say or observe that a person is drunk, or a person is gossiping, and wisely determine that we should stay away from that kind of activity. And when we judge to restore, we’re looking for the opportunity to assist that person who is involved in sin, hoping that such help will ultimately lead to repentance. We will know which to do, identify or restore, by the working of the Holy Spirit.

“Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.” (2 Corinthians 7:9-10)

 

Can we mention Hell?

 

The short answer is yes. While we can never point a finger in a sinner’s face and declare, “You’re going to Hell!” it is proper, in the context of a restorative conversation, to tell a person that “The wages of sin is death (hell); but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

 

What about the log in our eye?

 

Jesus teaches…

 

“Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?” (Matthew 7:3)

 

Sinful human beings, Christian and non-Christian, are very good at deflecting light. If we are in bondage to sin, the easiest way to hide it is to put the spot light on someone else. Jesus calls that hypocrisy. But having said that, if a drunk is telling you that you’re drinking too much, maybe you should listen.

 

“Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” (Matthew 7:1-2)

 

Once again, Matthew 7:1-2 is not a proof text for ‘not ever’ judging others, but rather an admonition against judging folks condemningly or hypocritically. I would add that the verse also implies that if you judge someone well, that is to say for the purpose of identification and/or restoration, God will judge you favorably.

 

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Your Fruitless Friends

“(Jesus) spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down…And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.” (Luke 13:6-9)

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Our first reaction to fruitlessness in a Christian is to cut him or her down, but have you ever stopped to consider that this brother or sister in the faith just might be your responsibility?

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Three Things to Consider

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1) Do you know this person?

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It’s amazing how quick we can be to notice a lack of productivity or spiritual growth in a person we just met. I have done it to others and I have had it done to me and it’s shameful, arrogant behavior. Having said that, is this a friend, a close acquaintance, or a family member? If so, the Bible reminds us, “[I]f a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” (Galatians 6:1)

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2) Have you dug around them?

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What have you been doing this past year? You prayed for them? Have you attempted to dig into deeper conversations? Have you removed stones and thorns, loosened the soil, and exposed their roots so they could better receive nutrients?

For whatever the reason, many Christians reject this type of work. Don’t you be one of them. Remember: it’s not about how you feel and it’s not about growing fruit – it’s about honoring and pleasing God with our submission and obedience. If there be blessings or fruit as a result, they are byproducts of spiritual compliance.

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3) What are you spreading?

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Cultivating the soil is not enough. Just as plants need nutrients to grow, so do Christians. The best thing for plants is manure, but not so with people. Keep your manure to yourself and spread liberally prayer, the Word of God, encouragement, and correction when needed. While I don’t believe you can pray too much, be aware of applying too much Bible, especially in the beginning.  If you’re in prayer you’ll know how much fertilizer to use and when to use it.

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After One Year

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If you don’t see fruit, should you cut the person down?

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The short answer is no. This person, as with the fig tree in the parable, does not belong to you. In due time the Lord will deal with them. But having said that, if you’ve been in prayer and in His Word, the Lord likely show you something about this individual that will guide you in how you should proceed. The truth of the matter is that if this person has allowed you to pour into to them for a year, they are probably maturing in their faith and the fruit will be evident.

So the next time you notice a Christian without fruit, don’t be so quick to assign blame without first asking yourself, “Have I done my part?”

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“But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.” (James 1:25)

 

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Follow God, not Bill Hybels

In Bill Hybels opening talk at this year’s Global Leadership Summit (GLS), he listed 10 Rules of Respect, adding that they are great words for leaders to live by. Really?

The first thing that jumped off the page is that Hybels makes no mention of God or Bible Scripture. Does Bill Hybels actually believe that he can say it better than God?   I’m absolutely sure that he cannot.

PROOF

 

Here are Hybels ’10 rules’ followed by Bible Scripture. You decide who said it better.

1) Hybels: “Set the example of how to differ with others without demonizing them.”

GOD: “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” (Ephesians 4:29)

2) Hybels: “Model how to have spirited conversations without drawing blood”

GOD: “Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” (Colossians 4:6)

3) Hybels: “Never interrupt others who are talking and do not dominate the conversation.”

GOD: “Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.” (Proverbs 19:20

4) Hybels: “Limit your volume level and refuse to use incendiary or belittling words that are guaranteed to derail a discussion.”

GOD: “He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.” (Proverbs 13:3)

5) Hybels: “Set the example of being courteous in word and deed

GOD: “And whatsoever ye do, in word or in deed, [do] all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:17)

6) Hybels:”Never stereotype.”

GOD: “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.” (John 7:24)

7) Hybels: “Apologize immediately when wrong instead of denying or doubling down.”

GOD: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

8) Hybels: “Form opinions carefully and stay open minded if better information comes along.”

GOD: “He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.” (Proverbs 18:13)

9) Hybels: “Show up when you say you’re going to show up and do what you say you’ll do.”

GOD: “If a man vow a vow unto the Lord, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth.” (Numbers 30:2)

10) Hybels: “Set rules of respect for everyone in the organization and enforce them relentlessly.”

GOD: “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” (Matthew 7:12)

 

To make matters worse, every year Hybels adds a bevy of popular speakers who are typically outside the realm of the church. You won’t hear God or Bible Scripture from them either.

Here’s this years list:

1) Sheryl Sandberg, COO at Facebook, woman’s rights activist, believes abortion is ‘comprehensive family planning.’
2) Laszlo Bock, Sr. VP Google,“All it takes is a belief that people are fundamentally good.”
3) Fredrik Härén, business creativity expert, “I am rooted in the world!”
4) Bryan Stevenson, black activist, lawyer, BLM supporter “If you tell a lie, you’re not just a liar. If you take something that doesn’t belong to you, you’re not just a thief. And even if you kill someone, you’re not just a killer.”
5) Marcus Anthony Lemonis, CEO Camping World, “We are all entitled to our own opinion. Here is mine. I am my own man, with my own belief system.”
6) Juliet Funt, daughter of Allen Funt (Candid Camera), “Our teachings have impacted some of the top brands in the world including Nike, P&G, Wells Fargo, Hershey’s and Hyatt. We’ve enabled them to feel fueled, focused, and ready to create the spectacular.”
7) Marcus Buckingham, author, “Talent is the multiplier. The more energy and attention you invest in it, the greater the yield. The time you spend with your best is, quite simply, your most productive time…Spend the most time with your best people.”
8) Angela Duckworth, professor of psychology, author of “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance.” Says grit is the key to success in work and life.

In Conclusion

Simply put, the Church does not need the likes of Bill Hybels or the Global Leadership Summit, but you know what?

GOD SAID IT BEST

“[T]he whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.” (1 John 5:19)

“[D]o not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God…. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.” (Romans 12:2, 9)

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world — the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life — is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” (1 John 2:15-17)

“Jesus answered, ‘My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.” (John 18:36)

“Friendship with the world is enmity to God.” (James 4:4)

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