The Relevant Pastor Is Moving!

Hey everyone.  I'm going to be moving this site over to a different CMS system.  Blogger has been awesome, but it's time for a more professional site.  I'll be building the site over the next month and when it's finished I'll let everyone know!  Thanks for reading!

How To Impress Your Boss!

Have you ever wanted to impress your boss?  Here's one, sure fire, way to make sure your boss knows your serious about your work.  Here it is: Serve with excellence.

Photo by Kumar Appaiah

In his letter to Titus, the Apostle Paul gives some very important instructions to those who find themselves subject to masters. If you're an employee, you have a master—your boss. If you're a boss, you have a master—God. So here's what Paul says:

9 Slaves must always obey their masters and do their best to please them. They must not talk back 10 or steal, but must show themselves to be entirely trustworthy and good. Then they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive in every way. -Titus 2:9-10

If you want to impress your boss, do what he/she asks of you! (Unless it is outside Biblical boundaries.)  Serve without getting angry or gossipping, don't steal from the office, and show yourself trustworthy. Then you'll be a person that's pretty hard to come by these days. More than that, by doing these things, you demonstrate your faithfulness to God because, ultimately, you're serving Him! And people will see Him working through you. Be aware, doing things with excellence makes those who don't, angry. You will probably undergo some persecution for honoring God in your work. Don't worry, your blessed. Jesus says so in Matthew 5:11-12.

Do everything with excellence, without complaining, and do what your asked, that will impress any boss! And God honors that!

Understanding Our Roles In Church Community: Young Men

Young men have a great responsibility when it comes to leading in the church community. Notice this isn't just for "pastors" or "leaders" in the church. This is for all young men who believe and are part of the Church. Here's what the Apostle Paul says in his letter to Titus:

6 Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled.7 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness8 and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. -Titus 2:6-8 NLT

Photo by Rennett Stowe

Paul knows that young men have a tendency to react quickly, courageously, and often maliciously to certain situations. That's why he begins with the exhortation for young men to be self-controlled. Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit. Therefore, in order to become more self-controlled, we must live in the power of the Spirit. When we live in the power of the Spirit the next part comes naturally (or supernaturally, rather!)

Young men are called to be an example of good. Not worldly good, rather, the goodness of God.  That is, the grace of God demonstrated on the cross.  We're called to demonstrate God's goodness to others by the way we live! We are to teach with integrity, seriousness (seriousness is a lacking attribute that plagues young men), and soundness of speech that can't be condemned.

Why so serious?  Because the decisions we make, reflect the gods or God we serve. The small "g" gods are the gods that send us to Hell—selfishness, pride, and greed. The capital "G" God is our great God who saves us from Hell through faith in His son Jesus. Therefore, if our decisions look like Hell, we'll drive people away from the one true God and they may never experience the grace of God through faith. At the end of the day, the only thing we're taking to heaven is people.

As young men in today's world, we're facing more selfishness, pride, and greed than we've ever faced in all of human history. They take the form of distractions, unfaithfulness, and consumerism. Today, between video games, the internet, and wal-mart, young men face a slew of "easy" decisions. Easy decisions are not necessarily (actually, hardly ever) good decisions. Paul encourages us to be examples of goodness and truth.  We are to be Jesus to a world that is lost in selfishness, pride, and greed! We must live out truth (God's Word) and live in the Spirit so the Gospel we preach—Jesus and Him crucified—is realized in all its power!

Many young men are trading the truth of God for a lie.  Don't fall into the temptations of more, infidelity, and laziness.  Instead, let's rise up and stand for Jesus with all that we have.  Let's take Him at His Word and serve Him faithfully so those who oppose us may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us!

Young men, let's reject passivity and accept responsibility!

Understanding Our Roles In Church Community: Older Women

Older women have a great responsibility in the church community!  See what Paul writes to Titus below:

3 Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.4 Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children,5 to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. -Titus 2:3-5 NIV

Photo by 23am.com

Older women have the honor to teach the word of God through serving.  This is not to be taken lightly.  Our savior, Jesus, came not be served but to serve.  Just like Him, all people are called to serve.  Older women, however, have a special calling to serve younger women by urging or teaching them to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands.

Being "subject" to a husband does not mean the wife becomes a slave to the husband, it simply means a wife honors her husband by serving when and where she can, and in the day of Titus it was at home!  In Titus' day,as well as today, women who stay home have a powerful impact on their children and on their spouse.  They are able to care for the home—the place of safety and provision for the family, instruct children in godly ways, and spend time with God and lead others to do the same.   Today, older women who work do so to honor their family and are busy, as Paul states, to help provide for the needs of their family.

Older women hold a powerful tool—their testimony.  Paul encourages them to use their testimony to teach the importance of purity and honor by not slandering other people.  Our world teaches women to slander one another and gossip about each other and certain situations in which others find themselves.  Paul encourages the older women to set the example and use their testimony to teach about the grace of God by abstaining from gossip and helping others through tough times.

When there are no godly, older women to teach the younger women, the family, and eventually society, crumbles.  Older women are so important to the family of the Church.  Older women serve by teaching and demonstrating how to love their families and those within the Church by teaching from their testimony and serving with the gifts God has given them.

Older women are the teachers of the testimony of the cross!

Understanding Our Roles In Church Community: Older Men

It's interesting that the Apostle Paul writes to Titus about the different roles people play in the church family or community.  The first group Paul mentions is the older men.  Here's what he says:

Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely. They must have sound faith and be filled with love and patience. -Titus 2:2

Photo by liber

It's interesting that Paul tells Titus to teach older men to exercise self-control and to be filled with love and patience. The other characteristics of being worthy of respect, living wisely, and having sound faith make sense. But self-control, love and patience?

Paul knew that men (no matter what age) have an issue with being self-controlled period.  That's why he explains to Titus that it is extremely important that the older men be taught (not reminded) to be self-controlled, filled with love and patience.

Think about this:  If you're a guy, when someone cuts you off in traffic, what's your natural response?  It's probably not thinking "Oh, he/she must have an important place to be in a short time..."  Usually it's flip them the bird and tailgate them until you or they exit the highway, right?  Some women are that way but not too many.  Women are more naturally caring and concerned.  Men react first and ask questions later.

That's why Paul stressed that older men, especially, must practice self-control because it's so easy to lose our witness for Jesus when we're in the middle of cussing someone out on the highway.  (Or more importantly our witness to the little ears that may be in our cars with us...)

Throughout a lifetime, older men are taught by the world to react first and ask questions later.  Paul reminds and implores older men to practice self-control by living out our responses in love and patience. All of which are the Spirit's working in our lives.

Essentially, Paul is saying, "Older men, live by the Spirit! Other's spiritual lives depend on it!"

Lying With Our Lives...

Ok, guys, I didn't say lying with our wives so don't get so worked up...  In Titus the Apostle Paul gives a good warning to believers who don't really believe.  Check this out:

15 Everything is pure to those whose hearts are pure. But nothing is pure to those who are corrupt and unbelieving, because their minds and consciences are corrupted. 16 Such people claim they know God, but they deny him by the way they live. They are detestable and disobedient, worthless for doing anything good.  -Titus 1:15-16 NLT

Have you ever found yourself saying one thing and doing another?  Yeah, that's the whole struggle with the Christian life.  Jesus says one thing and we really, really want to pursue the exact opposite.  The Apostle Paul also struggled with that...  Check out Romans 7:14-25.  That's the danger in saying we believe in something or in our case someone.

If we say we believe something our lives should reflect what we believe. For instance, if we believe that debt is bad, we'll do everything in our power to get rid of debt. That means getting another job, selling the stuff that put us in debt, and deciding ahead of time to live within our means. Often times, though, this doesn't translate in our faith.  We say we believe in Jesus but we do the exact opposite of what he calls us to do.

Even worse, we put hidden expectations on those around us to act a certain way even when we ourselves aren't living out the very thing we expect of others.  That's what Paul was warning against in his letter to Titus.

Paul makes it clear that those who claim they know God, but they deny him by the way they live are detestable, disobedient, and worthless.  Ouch!  That hurts because we've all been there.

Are you there today?  If so, what do you need to do to allow God to make your heart pure?  Repent? Ask forgiveness from someone? Ask Jesus to take full control?

If you've been there, what have you done to get past this hypocritical position? (Encourage us by commenting below!)

It's time for us to stop lying with our lives and start living in the power of the Spirit!

How To Become A Solid Rock In Times Of Trouble!

In Romans 5, the Apostle Paul gives us guidance and encouragment when it comes to handling problems in our lives.  In fact, the Apostle Paul tells us to rejoice in these times...

3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.  -Romans 5:3-5 NLT

It seems out of touch that we should rejoice in times of trouble.  However, Paul is right.  When we rejoice, we trust that God is working out something in our lives that will bring about good.  If you've ever experienced a troubling time, and approached it from this biblical view, you know that Paul's words are true.

When we approach life's struggles with rejoicing and faith in God (He'll never leave us nor forsake us), the result is rock solid lives laid on the foundation of Jesus, built with the tools of endurance, character, and hope!  So that when the winds of life's troubles beat against our lives, we won't be swayed, rather, we'll outlast the storms and deliver the hope we have to those whose live's have been destroyed.

So how do we become a solid rock in times of trouble?  Rejoice!

Hey God, Do What We Want!

Since Genesis chapter 3, it's been tough for us to give God the honor he deserves.  Actually, let me re-phrase that—It's been impossible to honor God rightly.  Sin has certainly tainted every aspect of our humanity.  God has been laying on my heart, one area, in particular, where we usually don't honor God rightly—prayer.

© Carl Durocher | Dreamstime.com

Prayer is simply communication with God.  Through Jesus' sacrifice for us on the cross, we are able to pray directly to God by the Spirit of God.  In fact, it is the Spirit who speaks for us when we don't know what to say!

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. -Romans 8:26 NIV

Sometimes, though, our prayer times can become more self-focused than God focused.  Actually, I would say most of the time our prayers are self focused rather than God focused.  For instance, how many times have we prayed for God to reveal His will to us?  How many times have been consumed by begging God to meet our financial needs?  How many times have we asked God to deliver us from a situation of stress and give us his blessing?

All of those things are good and fine to ask and God cares about those things, but when they become the sole focus of our prayers, then our prayers become self-focused and God is left to do our bidding.

There's a situation like this in the Old Testament in 1 Samuel 8.  Grab your Bible and open it to 1 Samuel 8 and read that chapter.  I'll be here when you get back.

Notice the Israelites want a new form of Government.  They want what everyone else has—a King.  Israel wanted to be just like their neighbors; to experience what their neighbors experienced. (Sound familiar?)  Up until this point Israel was ruled by judges.  Many judges were corrupt, but Samuel was one true judge that God hand-picked to serve Him.  The people went directly to Samuel and demanded he anoint a King to rule them because of the corruption of other judges (Two of which happened to be Samuel's sons.) The people used the excuse of a bad government to overthrow God's plan.  The people didn't trust that God would hold His own judges accountable.  In other words, the people used this opportunity to ask God for something they wanted.  Under worldly influence, they became self-focused.

It's interesting what God says in response to Samuel bringing this petition before Him.

"Do everything they say to you," the Lord replied, "for it is me they are rejecting, not you.  They don't want me to be their king any longer.  Ever since I brought them from Egypt they have continually abandoned me and followed other gods.  And now they are giving you the same treatment.  Do as they ask, but solemnly warn them about the way a  king will reign over them." -1 Samuel 8:7-9 NLT

God is willing to give the people what they want; however, He warns the people of the experience of a human King's rule.  (1 Samuel 8:10-18)  Amazingly, the people refuse God's warning with this statement: "Even so, we still want a king.  We want to be like the nations around us.  Our king will judge us and lead us into battle."  Little did they know that God's warning would prove powerfully true.  In fact, if time travel were possible, their grandchildren would probably travel back and smack sense into them.  Evil kings plagued the people of Israel and quenched the blessing of God.  There were some good kings, but most were greedy.

So why do I share this story?  Because we often ask for things that are outside of God's plan, blessing, and purpose for our lives.  They are often driven by the question, "Why me, God?"  "Why am I experiencing this financial burden?  Why am I stressed out to the point of depression?"  Whatever the "why" question is, most of the time, it drives our prayers.  Essentially we say, "Hey God!  Do what we want!"

Instead, we should pray with God at the center.  When we focus on Him and His Word and listen to His Spirit, He is responsible to lead us.  When God is leading, he will always provide.  It won't always be easy or comfortable or nice but the sense of peace he will give us through His Spirit will abound much.

When our prayers are self-focused, God might just give us what we ask and let us experience the pain of the consequence.  God won't leave us, but He will certainly use those situations to grow us!  Instead let's pray asking, "Dear God, how can I serve you?"  The question is dangerous, but a Christian can't live life without asking it daily.  The result might be as simple as saying goodbye to a habit or as radical as departing a job, a community, or best friends for the sake of the Gospel.

The experience of following God is one that few people have enjoyed.  Most people reject God and exchange his blessing for a human, self-focused curse.  God wants us to walk in His will, he wants us to tell him our needs, but it must come from a heart of humility and honor.  Not a heart clouded by false gods and idolatry.

How will you pray differently today?

This Memorial Day...

As we move toward Memorial Day Weekend, I want to challenge you to look back on your life and remember and say thanks for the times of God's blessing and direction. The Israelites were commanded to do so after God delivered them from the iron fist of the Egyptians. We should do so as well.

We've all experienced tough times at school, work, and in our families. It's easy to recall those memories. But can you specifically recall a time when God delivered you from one of those tough situations? It's easy to forget that God's hand often guides us through tough times and gives us victory at the right time. I'm sure the Israelites were anxious and even scared as the Egyptians pursued them to the Red Sea. After God provided deliverance at the Red Sea the Israelites knew their God cared about them and had their best in mind!

The same is true for us. As we go through tough times, remember that God is going to provide a deliverance. That is, if we ask Him for it! We must take time and remember those situations and say thanks to Him for what He's done for us. It wasn't too long after the amazing deliverance at the Red Sea when Israelites fell prey to fear again. Only this time, a whole generation had to pass away because of their disbelief in God. All except for two: Joshua and Caleb. Joshua and Caleb believed God for the victory in tough situations and they had to wait quite a long time to experience God's blessing. But when God blessed them by delivering them into the promised land, it was worth the wait!

So this Memorial Day weekend. Be sure to say thanks to a veteran or active duty soldier. But most of all, be sure to say thanks to God. Only He can deliver us from the ultimate and final tough situation—Hell. Praise God from whom all blessings flow. And just as the Israelites were commanded to do at Passover each year, let's remember and say thanks to God for all He's done in our lives!

What I'm Reading This Easter Weekend...

He Was Wounded for Our Transgressions

13 Behold, my servant shall act wisely;

he shall be high and lifted up,

and shall be exalted.

14 As many were astonished at you—

his appearance was so marred, beyond human semblance,

and his form beyond that of the children of mankind—

15 so shall he sprinkle many nations;

kings shall shut their mouths because of him;

for that which has not been told them they see,

and that which they have not heard they understand.

© Daniel Loncarevic | Dreamstime.com

Isaiah 53

1 Who has believed what he has heard from us?

And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?

2 For he grew up before him like a young plant,

and like a root out of dry ground;

he had no form or majesty that we should look at him,

and no beauty that we should desire him.

3 He was despised and rejected by men;

a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief;

and as one from whom men hide their faces

he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

4 Surely he has borne our griefs

and carried our sorrows;

yet we esteemed him stricken,

smitten by God, and afflicted.

5 But he was wounded for our transgressions;

he was crushed for our iniquities;

upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,

and with his stripes we are healed.

6 All we like sheep have gone astray;

we have turned—every one—to his own way;

and the Lord has laid on him

the iniquity of us all.

7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted,

yet he opened not his mouth;

like a lamb that is led to the slaughter,

and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent,

so he opened not his mouth.

8 By oppression and judgment he was taken away;

and as for his generation, who considered

that he was cut off out of the land of the living,

stricken for the transgression of my people?

9 And they made his grave with the wicked

and with a rich man in his death,

although he had done no violence,

and there was no deceit in his mouth.

10 Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him;

he has put him to grief;

when his soul makest an offering for guilt,

he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days;

the will of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.

11 Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied;

by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant,

make many to be accounted righteous,

and he shall bear their iniquities.

12 Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many,

and he shall divide the spoil with the strong,

because he poured out his soul to death

and was numbered with the transgressors;

yet he bore the sin of many,

and makes intercession for the transgressors.

-Isaiah 52:13-53:1-12

It's Too Late To Apologize

"It's too late to apologize..."  the  famous line of the song "Apologize" by the band One Republic, made even better by the sound of producer Timbaland in the background trying to sing "eh, eh, ehhhhh," brings to mind a powerful image.  This past weekend I preached from Revelation 3:14-22 where Jesus tells the church at Laodicea to be either hot or cold but not lukewarm because He'll spew lukewarm Christians out of His mouth.  As I thought about that image (which we demonstrated using a water balloon launcher and gum balls) the song "Apologize" came to my mind.   I began to think:  "How many people are going to try to apologize while they are flying through the air after being spit out of Jesus' mouth."  I certainly don't want to find myself in that position and I'm sure you don't either.  So what can we do so we don't here Jesus sing the line "It's too late to apologize... It's too late?"

© Michael Kempf | Dreamstime.com

We read John 14:15 and do what it says.  If we love Jesus then we will do what He says.  We'll live out what the words He spoke in all four gospels.  Not easy, but the reward is worth it.

It is a simple answer I know.

Not very in depth.

That's because following Jesus isn't rocket science.

Following Jesus is obedience.  

This week, as we remember everything Jesus did for us,

let's live out His truth so people know we belong to Him.

(Known by our love because of His love!)

Let's not find ourselves flying through the air with Jesus humming the melody:
"It's too late to apologize..."

Instead, let's join the chorus of the faithful singing the Foo Fighters famous song:

"There Goes My Hero!"

Let's put Jesus first, at the center of our lives.

Deadliest Catch And The Church

"You watch that crab fishing show don't you!"  I heard that many times this past weekend after the band opened our church service with Bon Jovi's hit "Wanted Dead Or Alive."  To answer your question, YES, I do watch Deadliest Catch.  It is one of my favorite shows!  However, it's not the reason we opened our worship celebration with it's theme song last Sunday.   

© Gator | Dreamstime.com

 
There are two reasons why we use popular, secular songs at New Life:


1. So people far from God can connect to His church.  Whether you know it or not, all people have common ground:  We're all sinners in need a savior.  Where can we hear about the savior?  At church!  The church is God's plan for reaching and discipling the nations.  So how do we connect someone far from God to His church?  By providing opportunities for them to find common ground between what they're familiar with and God.  Since God created the world and everything in it, we can use the world to glorify God.  PLEASE NOTE:  WE CANNOT USE SIN TO GLORIFY GOD.  What the world intends for evil God can use to save lives! (Genesis 50:20)  I don't know if Bon Jovi intended his song for evil, but I know that, last weekend, God used it for good! 

P.S. The Church is people.  When I say: we provide opportunities for people far from God to connect with His church, I mean for His people (those of you who have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior) to invite friends to an experience where they won't be alienated by people doing things that seem out of touch with reality.  The church only works when we reach out to those around us in the power of God.  At New Life, we seek to provide opportunities so people far from God can connect with Him by providing opportunities for you to invite friends to a fun, loving, and life-changing environment.  The world can provide the fun and even the love, but it can't provide real life-change for this life and the next!  Only God can do that.

2. So all of us will remember that God wants us to have a faith that's alive!  Every week, as the Worship Pastor, I look for songs that will help people remember the message preached on Sunday.  This week, Pastor Chris's message was titled "Dead Or Alive" from Revelation 3:1-7.  What better way to help people connect with his message than open with a tune many people are familiar with!  When people sing the chorus of "Wanted Dead or Alive" they'll most likely remember, "Hey we did this in church!" Hopefully, this will lead them to remember that God wants us to have a faith that is alive, not dead.  In two weeks we'll be learning that God wants us to have faith that is ether dead or alive.  He can't stand those on the fence.  In fact, the Bible says He spits them out of His mouth.  How far can God spit?  Join us on April 17th for a demonstration.

We had an awesome service on Sunday! God moved powerfully and it is so exciting to see Him do great things in the lives of people!  I am so blessed to be able to serve at New Life and I can't wait for what God has in store for us.  The best is yet to come!

5 Simple Ways To Read God's Word Daily

Life is crazy.  There is no doubt about it!  From raising kids to a 40 hour work week and overtime, there isn't much time to read God's word.  Getting God's word into our hearts may not be as you think.  Here are five simple ways to read God's word daily.

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1. Keep Bible verses in your car.  Whether you print them out or purchase memory verse cards at your local Christian book store keep Bible verses in your car.  When you're stopped at a red light or stuck in traffic, pull them out and read them.

2. Go to YouVersion.com and set up a Bible reading plan that fits your schedule.  In the morning while drinking coffee reading the latests on your favorite news site pop over to YouVersion.com and read your daily verses.  YouVersion has many translations for you to choose from and keeps track and even rewards you with badges when you accomplish goals!  

3. YouVersion.com mobile app.  Download the Bible app if you have a smartphone and use YouVersion on your phone!  The mobile app is fully functional and you can take it anywhere you can take your phone! They even have offline Bible's available if you are traveling on planes or lose signal.

4. Take a compact New Testament Bible in your lunch.  When you're on your lunchbreak read your Bible!  You may need to also pack a magnifying glass to read the text!

5. For those of you with more time available get a One Year Bible and read the daily readings.  The one year Bible is a chronologically based reading plan.

If you want to get the most out of your Bible reading, go to YouVersion or google "Bible Reading Plans"! Plans help keep Bible reading meaningful and transformational!

To Hell With God's Word?

There's nothing Satan would love to do more than hide the Bible in Hell or at least a discussion about Hell.  After all, if the Bible is hidden, people will never know God's plan and the gospel that frees them from Hell's grip.  And so, we find ourselves in a very serious discussion over the past weeks as to whether or not Hell is really the final destination for those who reject God.  In essence, Satan is trying to hide the Bible in the discussion of Hell and whether or not a loving God would really allow people to suffer there forever.  Satan is trying to hide God's word by teaching us to step outside of God's Word to understand God.  (P.S. Satan has been doing this for a long time!)  The problem is, that's never worked historically and it won't work now.  But many seem to be saying:  To Hell with God's Word.   

Really?

© Robby Fazio | Dreamstime.com

Here is what God's Word has to say about Hell, eternity, and Itself:

The Rich Man and Lazarus


19 "There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. 20 And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, 21 who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's side.t The rich man also died and was buried, 23 and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. 24 And he called out, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame. '25 But Abraham said, 'Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. 26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.' 27 And he said, 'Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father's house—28 for I have five brotherst—so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.' 29 But Abraham said, 'They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them. '30 And he said, 'No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent. '31 He said to him, 'If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.'" -Luke 16:19-31 ESV


Judgment Before the Great White Throne


11 Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. 12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. 13 And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. 14 Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. 15 And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. -Revelation 20:11-15 ESV


18 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. -Revelation 22:18-19 ESV




8 The grass withers, the flower fades,
but the word of our God will stand forever. -Isaiah 40:8 ESV

So how can one be saved from Hell?  By recognizing our need for a savior because of our sinfulness.  We can't save ourselves from Hell only God can save us!  That is the hope of the gospel!  We don't have to experience Hell when we put our faith and trust in the only Savior—Jesus.  And according to God's word, there is no better (or other) time to make that decision than right here, right now. 

By Grace Through Faith


1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.  -Ephesians 2:1-10 ESV

Why Am I Here and What Should I Do?

Do you ever find yourself asking "Why am I here?"  I used to ask that question, often.  Probably more often than people think a Pastor should.  Pastors are the ones who are supposed to be leading and teaching people why they are here and what to do with their lives while they are here, right?  Actually, Jesus is the one who teaches ALL of us why we're here and what we should do while we're here.  Recently, God used a book to help me find a FINAL answer to these questions.  It's not magical or mystical.  In fact, it's something many of us already know and others of us are just discovering for the first time.

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The answer is simple but radical.

We're here to enjoy God's grace and extend His glory.

David Platt, the author of the book Radical: Taking Back Your Faith From The American Dream, lays out a simple and complete answer to the question: Why are we here?  Of course, Rick Warren has also written a best-selling book about why we're here and what to do while we're here (The Purpose Driven Life), but Platt's simple and direct answer helped me understand that our purpose isn't as complex as many people assume.  In fact, knowing the will of God for your life is as easy as picking up your Bible.

Jesus said this:   My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. -John 10:10 NLT  We're here to know God and enjoy His grace through His son Jesus.  Jesus came to this earth to give us life now and forever.  He came because we were stuck in sin without hope of salvation.  Have you ever felt that way?  Like you are just stuck and can't move on?  Jesus came to set you free!  He came that we may have a rich and satisfying life.  In other words, He came so we could believe in Him, receive salvation and enjoy God's grace!

Jesus also said this:  Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. -Matthew 28:19 NLT  While we're here, we're to GO and lead other people to enjoy God's grace through Jesus!  We're here to help those like we once were—lost in darkness—to help them find the light, Jesus, and enjoy God's grace now and forever.  We can't save ourselves or anyone else from darkness (sin). Only God can.  When we lead people to Jesus and they put their faith in Him, it's not our power that saves them, it's God's.  It's His glory, not ours.  That's what it means to extend God's glory!

It's not rocket science.  If it were, only a few would understand what it takes to enjoy God's grace.  But God didn't want a few to enjoy Him, He wants all of us to enjoy His grace and extend His glory by leading others to enjoy His grace!  It's like a circle.  Once one of us is saved and enjoys God's grace, we're to extend His glory everywhere we go by leading those around us to enjoy His grace through faith in Jesus.  No matter where you live, work, or play we are to enjoy God's grace and extend His glory and lead others to do the same.

So if you find yourself asking the question: Why am I here and what should I do while I'm here?  The answer is: We're here to enjoy God's grace and extend His glory.  

Feeling Abandoned by God?

Have you ever felt abandoned by someone?  What about God?  If you're feeling abandoned by God, it's time to look inside your heart.

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Certainly, people abandon each other all the time.  Unfortunately, that's human nature.  We'd like to think people are dedicated to relationships but our culture makes clear that relational abandonment is not only common but expected.  So what about God?  Does God abandon us?

The answer is no, God doesn't abandon us.  God is not like us.  However, there are two factors that can make us feel abandoned by God.  Both of which are heart issues:

1. We have not, truly, believed in Jesus and have not received the Holy Spirit.
2. God hasn't abandoned us, we've abandoned Him.

God makes this promise to those who call upon Him: For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."-Romans 10:13 ESV  If you call on the name of Jesus and put your faith and trust in Him, you will be saved!  It really is that easy.  Living it is a different story.  That is why God gives us His Holy Spirit: But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." -Acts 1:8  So when we believe in Jesus, God gives us His Spirit to lead us into understanding the ways of God.  We surrender our will to His will.  It's all about Him, not us!  Understanding this truth is the first step to healing the abandoned heart.

If Jesus is your Savior and you still feel abandoned, it's time to look deeper into your heart.  Look at this verse from 2 Chronicles 30

10 So the couriers went from city to city through the country of Ephraim and Manasseh, and as far as Zebulun, but they laughed them to scorn and mocked them. 11 However, some men of Asher, of Manasseh, and of Zebulun humbled themselves and came to Jerusalem. 12 The hand of God was also on Judah to give them one heart to do what the king and the princes commanded by the word of the Lord. -2 Chronicles 30:10-12 ESV

In this short snippet of a larger story, King Hezekiah  sent messengers (couriers) out to all the cities in the Kingdom.  His purpose was to bring people back to Jerusalem that they might celebrate the passover. (A party remembering God's grace that saved them from slavery in Egypt.)  As you read in the story, only a few humbled themselves and went to Jerusalem.  The rest mocked, laughed and scorned them.

Notice, though, what God does for those who listen to His message.  God put His hand on His people and gave them one heart. (Blessing and unity.)  In other words, God aligned the people with His heart because it was done according to His word.  So, if you're a believer and find yourself feeling abandoned by God, humble yourself and pray because God never abandons us, we abandon, laugh, scorn, and sometimes mock Him.  (This happens, a lot, when He calls us to do something we really don't want to do or when something tragic happens that we have no control over...)  He is still God and He is still in control.

Be encouraged because whether you're a believer or not: He is actually not far from each one of us and, once found, will never leave us forsake us! (Acts 17:27b and Hebrews 13:5b)  We must make sure, if we put our faith in Him, we don't forsake Him even when we don't understand!  Even if we have abandoned God, He is still near to us.  All we have to do is call on His powerful name! (Acts 1:8)


If we feel abandoned by God, it's because our hearts aren't aligned with His.

God never abandons us! 

Speak Up! Living Together Before Marriage

In our world, silence implies agreement.  In this series we're discussing issues about which many Christians are silent.  Often times, we're confused as to what Jesus actually stated regarding these important spiritual issues. Since many Christians are silent, the world assumes we agree with its ideas and actions.  However,  the name Christian means believer in (or follower of) Jesus Christ and His teachings, so we must ask the question: Was Jesus silent about living together before marriage?

Copyright Greater Things Productions

Though Jesus never formally addresses "living together", He does make clear that we are not to be led into temptation.  In the Lord's prayer Jesus teaches us to pray these words: "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil."  The simple point is this:  Living together before marriage leads to lustful temptation.  Some people say they are stronger than "the temptation" but look what Jesus has to say about lust:

29 So if your eye—even your good eye—causes you to lust, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30 And if your hand—even your stronger hand—causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. -Matthew 5:29-30 NLT

Lust is just as addictive as cocaine, maybe even more so (because it can remain hidden)!  Jesus knows when we're tempted to lust, we are more likely to give in because it's so easy to hide.  That's why He makes it clear to pray for God's strength against temptation and not put ourselves in situations where we'll be tempted in this way.

Living together before marriage automatically puts people into a tempting situation.  No matter how hard you try, most people can't live together and not give into the temptation of lust.  So why put ourselves in those situations?  (The need to save money is not a valid option.)

The writer of Hebrews makes this point:

4 Give honor to marriage, and remain faithful to one another in marriage. God will surely judge people who are immoral and those who commit adultery. -Hebrews 13:4 NLT

Giving horor to marriage means staying pure for your spouse and honoring that person before and during marriage.  Before marriage means honoring God and your future spouse by not leading them into temptation.  During marriage means not committing adultery, which Jesus says happens when we give in to the lustful thoughts in our mind.

Since the beginning God made men and women so they could be joined together as one in Him.

24 This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one. -Genesis 2:24 NLT

God created sex.  He created sex to be enjoyed between a husband and a wife.  He did not create it for couples who don't want to commit to each other in case they find "something better."

Living together automatically invites temptation to fulfill lustful desires. Jesus was clear about not being led into temptation and not giving in to lust.  Honor your marriage bed by keeping it pure before and during marriage.  In our culture, it's becoming rare for people to not live together before marriage.

There is forgiveness, grace, and power to walk out of a tempting situation in the name of Jesus!  If you find yourself in this position right now, consider the words of the Apostle Paul to Timothy: 22 Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. -2 Timothy 2:22

If you're a follower of Jesus and your reading this and stuck in a "living together" situation, consider what Paul says to Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:16: 16 Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you. People are watching us.  People, young in their faith, may see us do things Jesus told us not to do and think it's permissible leading them to a path that ends in spiritual destruction. Also, remember, the world is watching.  If we remain silent about living together before marriage the world will assume we agree with its premise that living together is OK.  Jesus didn't and we don't.  

Speak Up! Homosexuality

In our world, silence implies agreement.  In this series we're discussing issues about which many Christians are silent.  Often times, we're confused as to what Jesus actually stated regarding these important spiritual issues. Since many Christians are silent, the world assumes we agree with its ideas and actions.  However,  the name Christian means believer in (or follower of) Jesus Christ and His teachings, so we must ask the question: Was Jesus silent, as many Christians seem, about homosexuality?

Copyright Greater Things Productions

The answer is no.  Jesus wasn't silent about homosexuality.  It's true He never directly condemns homosexuality, but He makes it clear that homosexuality is not God's design.  Here's what Jesus said in Matthew 19:4:

And He answered and said to them, “Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’ “and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh?’”-Matthew 19:4

Jesus made it very clear that God made us male and female and for that reason a man is joined to his wife (female).  God designed sexual intimacy to occur only between a man and a woman and only within the boundaries of marriage.  God never intended or designed marriage and sexual intimacy to occur between two men or two women.

Furthermore, Jesus was bound to, upheld, and fulfilled God's law from the Old Testament. God's law strictly prohibited homosexuality. (Lev. 18:22; 20:13; Deut. 23:17)  Here is what Jesus said:

"Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose." -Matthew 5:17 NLT

Because Jesus came to fulfill the law and the prophets, He could not, nor would He, speak against the law or the prophets.  Therefore, Jesus was not silent about homosexuality and upholds the truth of His Father's design for sexuality:  Only between a man and woman.

This does not leave room, though, for the superiority complex.  Just because some of us don't struggle with the sin of homosexuality, we do struggle with other sins.  Only Jesus was, is, and always will be able to live without sin.  For those of us who've put our faith and trust in Jesus, His death on the cross paid for all of our sins, including those for whom homosexuality is a struggle.  Jesus said the greatest commandment was to love God with everything and love your neighbor as yourself.

Don't hold the truth of God over someone's head waiting to dump it all over them.  Instead, teach the truth of God through love, relationship, and compassion.  Jesus did it that way for us.  In fact, He gave His life for us.  No matter what our sin struggle is, Jesus desires for us to put our faith in Him, live by God's truth, free from sin, and follow Him daily.

The Apostle Paul summarizes this best in 1 Corinthians 6:9-11:

9 Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, 10 or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God. 11 Some of you were once like that. But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. -1 Corinthians 6:9-11 NLT

The hope of the gospel is for everyone!  There is forgiveness and restoration in Christ, for all! Though Jesus was against homosexuality, He was not against the person struggling with homosexuality.  He died for that person, just like he died for everyone stuck in sin.

We must speak up and stand for truth but never without love!  We all struggle with sin, so let's help each other overcome sin by living through the power of the cross and the grace of our savior, Jesus!

For more on God's design for sexuality, go here!

Speak Up! Was Jesus Really Silent About These Issues?

I used to have a professor who'd say "Silence implies agreement." Speaking in temporal (human) terms, he's right.  The world views silence as agreement.  When we don't speak up, the world is free to move in the direction it wants to go.  But why don't we speak up?  We don't speak up because we've been taught since pre-school not to offend anyone with our own ideas or beliefs.  Instead, we remain silent hoping someone else will speak out against the resulting issues.  However, when we don't speak up, the world views silence as agreement and moves further and further away from it's Creator's design.  This issue is certainly one that needs to be fixed, but it's not the purpose of this post.

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[Speak Up! Blog Series Part 1 of 4]

In our world, because silence implies agreement, I fear we view Jesus through the same lens.  If Jesus is silent on an issue, He must agree with it.  Here are three specific issues that our world (and some Christians) would argue Jesus was silent or not clear about:  Homosexuality, living together, and tithing.

It might surprise some of us but Jesus was not silent on any of these issues. Over the next few days we'll be discussing these issues in depth.  In fact, we're going to have a special guest blogger about one of the toughest issues for Christians.  Through this series we'll see, many times, the real problem is we pick and choose what to believe and opt for silence (or gray area) when it's convenient for us.

Speak up! Because in our world, silence implies agreement. Not so with God.*

*21 While you did all this, I remained silent,
and you thought I didn’t care. But now I will rebuke you,
listing all my charges against you. -Psalm 50:21 NLT 

Video Message!

Here is my message about The ONE Thing That Truly Matters from February 13, 2011!

When Times Are Tough

Times are tough right now.  There is no doubt about it.  However, there is no better time than now to stand and declare to a hurting world: OUR GOD IS A REGUE AND STRENGTH, ALWAYS READY TO HELP IN TIMES OF TROUBLE!

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Whether we find ourselves in good times or bad, God's Word broadcasts the character of God.  One of God's main attributes is hero.  His desire is to save us, even from ourselves!  Below is a passage from Psalm 46:1-11.  For me, this passage has been solid ground during the earthquakes of life and a declaration of God's presence and power during both good times and bad.

Psalm 46
God Protects His People
1 God is our protection and our strength. He always helps in times of trouble.


2
So we will not be afraid even if the earth shakes,
or the mountains fall into the sea,


3
even if the oceans roar and foam,
or the mountains shake at the raging sea.


4
There is a river that brings joy to the city of God,
the holy place where God Most High lives.


5
God is in that city, and so it will not be shaken.
God will help her at dawn.


6
Nations tremble and kingdoms shake.
God shouts and the earth crumbles.


7
The Lord All-Powerful is with us;
the God of Jacob is our defender.


8
Come and see what the Lord has done,
the amazing things he has done on the earth.


9
He stops wars everywhere on the earth.
He breaks all bows and spears
and burns up the chariots with fire. 10 God says, “Be still and know that I am God.I will be praised in all the nations; I will be praised throughout the earth.” 11 The Lord All-Powerful is with us;the God of Jacob is our defender.

Weekend Highlights: What We Need To Know!

Here are some highlights from the message this past weekend at New Life.  The video will be available tomorrow and will be posted on this blog and on New Life's media page.

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"The ONE Thing That Truly Matters!"


The Definition of Worldly Success: To make oneself financially stable fulfilling ones own wants and desires.

Many times, we seek success for excess. The world teaches us that success is based on how much "stuff" we acquire.  To acquire "stuff" we need money.  Thus, the real culprit of worldly success is the pursuit of wealth.  When we're wealthy we're seen as successful because we can provide for anything we want!

The next best!  We've all experienced the worldly expectation of success because it's been pounded into our hearts.  If it was only pounded into our minds we could overcome it with our hearts, but because the world has pounded it into our hearts it is extremely hard to overcome.  The world teaches us that we aren't successful until we have the best and the next best.  In order to have the best and next best, we need money.  (Again, the pursuit of wealth.)


We need money to:

1. Buy the best.
2. Maintain the best.
3. Upgrade to the next best.

Jesus knew that the pursuit of wealth or worldly success would be the biggest roadblock to following Him. Here is what He said:

13 Then someone called from the crowd, “Teacher, please tell my brother to divide our father’s estate with me.” 14 Jesus replied, “Friend, who made me a judge over you to decide such things as that?” 15 Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.” 16 Then he told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. 17 He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’ 18 Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. 19 And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”’ 20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’ 21 “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.” -Luke 12:13-21 NLT

Jesus makes it abundantly clear that we can't serve God and money.  We have to choose.  Since people are eternal and they will live life in one of two places, Heaven or Hell, what is most important:  Stuff or a relationship with God?  Jesus makes it clear what's important:

STUFF DOESN'T MATTER.  GOD DOES!


Psalm 50:10-12 tells us God owns everything and His resources are endless.  Everything we have is given to us by God (James 1:17).  He allows us to use His stuff while we're here on the earth.  We will take nothing except other people to heaven with us when we die.  We must use the stuff He has given us for His purposes and His glory.  Not our own.

So where are you at today?  Are you focusing on your stuff or on God?

Either you (with God's help) will will rule your stuff or your stuff will rule you.

Remember: STUFF DOESN'T MATTER.  GOD DOES!

Weekend Preview

This weekend at New Life, we are continuing our series "Stories Of The Kingdom: The Power Of One!"  This series has a powerful message:  God cares about us!  The series is based on the parables of Jesus in Luke 15.  This weekend we are moving into the second part of the series discussing what our response must be to God's searching for us!

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This weekend I am preaching a message on "The ONE Thing That Truly Matters"!  We are going to take a look at some of the things we think matter when it comes to living our lives here and now.  We're going to be challenged by God's Word and we'll see what God has to say about what truly matters here, now, and forever.

Saddle up and get on down to church Sunday.  No matter where you are, find a great church and go!  Don't put it off.

I will post the message up here next week.  You can also watch this message and past messages by myself and Dr. Chris Marshall on New Life's media page here.

See you Sunday!

How To Hear God's Voice! Part 3

There are many people who have written on this subject. I am not going to say anything they haven't already said, with great wisdom.  Before we get started I wanted to list one person in particular who has the clout to talk about hearing from God and acting on what God says. His name is Bill Hybels, Pastor of Willow Creek Church in the Chicago area. Bill wrote a book called The Power of a Whisper. He has waited 30+ years to write the book so that He could back it up. Check it out here.

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[Part 3 of 3]


Test what you've heard with the Word.


God never speaks outside the boundaries of His Word.  God has limited Himself by His Word.  When Jesus was being tempted in Matthew 4:1-11 he said the phrase "It is written..."  Jesus, being fully man and fully God was limited to the Word of God.  God has voluntarily limited Himself to His Word.  In other words, God will never tell us to do something that steps outside the boundaries of His written Word.

When God speaks to us, we must test it with His Word.  We must make sure when God whispers to us (as mentioned in part 2) to test the whisper with His Word.  We must differentiate between self and God.  Sometimes it can be hard but if we want something bad enough, we can believe God is leading us to act on something when that is not the case at all.

If there's ever a doubt about the response to a whisper being outside the limits of God's Word, don't act.  Seek guidance from a Pastor or trusted friend who is a step ahead of you in their Christian walk.  Why a step ahead?  So they can impart their experiences, knowledge, and wisdom to you.  Remember, God also whispers through other people!  God will never lead you to hurt someone or sin against Him in anyway.  Many people have done stupid things in the name of God.  Trust me, those people will get what they deserve.  The wisdom of God will lead us to test what we've heard with the Word.

Some things don't need testing.  Let's say your out working in your yard and you see a neighbor who needs help.  You don't need to grab your Bible and see if you can find a passage to confirm helping your neighbor.  "Love your neighbor as yourself" will suffice.  Some things are common sense spiritually.


When there's a question: Test what we've heard with the Word!


To Recap:  God is always speaking.  When we hear Him, we must respond.  After all, that is what listening means!  God speaks through Sinai experiences (sometimes) and whispers (most often)!  Test what you've heard with the Word!

How To Hear God's Voice! Part 2

There are many people who have written on this subject. I am not going to say anything they haven't already said, with great wisdom.  Before we get started I wanted to list one person in particular who has the clout to talk about hearing from God and acting on what God says. His name is Bill Hybels, Pastor of Willow Creek Church in the Chicago area. Bill wrote a book called The Power of a Whisper. He has waited 30+ years to write the book so that He could back it up. Check it out here.

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[Part 2 of 3]


God speaks to people in different ways.

1. The Sinai Experience: 

9 Then the Lord said to Moses, “I will come to you in a thick cloud, Moses, so the people themselves can hear me when I speak with you.  -Exodus 19:9 NLT

Sometimes God speaks audibly.  Not often, but sometimes.  If God does speak audibly, it's always for the sake of those listening.  In the Sinai Experience, God spoke audibly to Moses in order to give Him the law for the people.  He spoke audibly so the people would hear and know the Lord is God!  His purpose was for the people.  That they would be filled with awe and trust in His name and His laws (Since God's laws were put in place for our good).  When God speaks audibly His purpose is always for those listening—to respond with action to His words.

2. The Whispers:

In the book of 1 Kings chapter 19 we see one particular way God spoke to a very important prophet named Elijah.  Elijah had just won a great contest between 450 prophets of Baal and the LORD (You can read about it in 1 Kings 18).  The end result proved Baal a false god.  God accomplished an incredible victory through Elijah.  Yet, after the contest, Elijah fled out of fear for his life because one person wanted to kill him.   He had just overtaken 450 prophets of Baal but fled due to one person's threat. (How often do we do that?) That's where we pick up the story.  Elijah fled to a cave where God spoke to him.  Here is the conversation:

11 “Go out and stand before me on the mountain,” the Lord told him. And as Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper.  13 When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.  And a voice said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”  -1 Kings 19:11-13 NLT

God chose to speak to Elijah through a gentle whisper.  Many people expect the God of the universe to speak powerfully (like He did to Moses):  A blast of wind, a powerful earthquake, or a firestorm.  But God chose to speak through a whisper.  This begs the question: What is a whisper?

A whisper can be an insight God gives us from His Word that challenges us and those around us to act accordingly.  A whisper can be a prompting of our hearts, by the Holy Spirit, in a situation where God wants us to step in and act on His behalf (By the way, that is what the church must do for a lost world!).  A whisper can be a thought God puts in our minds, through prayer, that leads us in a new direction for our lives!  A whisper can even be God speaking through someone else in a conversation, blog, or other type of communication.  

When necessary, God will speak to us like He spoke to Moses, in a cloud on top of a mountain.  Most times, though, God will speak through whispers. 

To Recap:  God is always speaking.  When we hear Him, we must respond.  After all, that is what listening means!  God speaks through Sinai experiences (sometimes) and whispers (most often)!

Part 3 to follow.

How To Hear God's Voice! Part 1

There are many people who have written on this subject.  I am not going to say anything they haven't already said, with great wisdom.  Before we get started I wanted to list one person in particular who has the clout to talk about hearing from God and acting on what God says.  His name is Bill Hybels, Pastor of Willow Creek Church in the Chicago area.  Bill wrote a book called The Power of a Whisper.  He has waited 30+ years to write the book so that He could back it up.  Check it out here.

© Francois Etienne Du Plessis | Dreamstime.com

There are three things we must understand if we want to hear the voice of God.

[Part 1 of 3]

God speaks when we listen.  Listening is much different than hearing.  Listening means we hear with anticipation to act.  God is always speaking.  Our inability to hear results from our inability to listen.  Jesus said: "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me." -John 10:27 NLT  Two things get in the way of our ability to listen.  Sin and busy-ness.  

1. If we have sin in our lives that we haven't confessed to Jesus, we must confess it.  Confession is the first step to hearing God's voice.  We can't hear a holy God when we, ourselves, are bound by unholy sin.  In other words we can't hear holy, when we're unholy!  The only way to rid ourselves of sin is to confess and repent.  To confess means to tell Jesus what we've done.  To repent means to turn 180 degrees away from sin and walk towards God.  That's the first step to listening.

2. The second thing is busy-ness.  Psalm 46:10 says "Be still, and know that I am God!"  Notice where the comma is in that sentence.  "Be still, and know that I am God!"  We must be still before Him and expect Him to speak.  Since God is always speaking, we must make time to hear and listen.  If we can't sit down for 10 minutes a day and spend time listening for His voice, we'll never hear Him speak!

To recap: God speaks when we listen.  In order to listen, we must confess our sin and make time to hear from Him.

Parts 2 and 3 to follow.