Growing Through 1 & 2 Peter

For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.--1 Peter 4:6

The Mormon interpretation of this verse teaches that an individual can receive his or her salvation even after they are dead. That's why living Mormons go to great lengths to ascertain the genealogy of their families. The Mormons gather in their temples to perform specific rituals on behalf of dead, non-believing relatives. This particular doctrine devised by the Latter Day Saints allows the dead relative to escape "spirit prison" and move on to one of three kingdoms in the Mormon heaven. 

For there has already been enough time spent in doing what the pagans choose to do: carrying on in unrestrained behavior, evil desires, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and lawless idolatry. So they are surprised that you don't plunge with them into the same flood  of wild living--and they slander you. They will give an account to the One who stands ready to judge the living and the dead.--1 Peter 4:3-5

The context demonstrates that Peter first focused on the living, breathing evil people who were busy slandering his Jewish-Christian friends. Peter promised that these unrestrained, wild people would have an appointment with God's judgment (Hebrews 9:27). He went on to explain that those who had already died had had the truth preached to them when they were alive. So--Mormonism's doctrine of salvation for the dead that has provided millions of Mormons a false hope of salvation in the hereafter is heresy.

Earlier in his letter, Peter wrote: "[Jesus] also went and made a proclamation to the spirits in prison" (1 Peter 3:19). It is a struggle to determine exactly what's meant by this statement. Yet, it is clear that the text doesn't say that the spirits had an opportunity to accept the Christ's gospel and escape God's judgment. AND--the text clearly doesn't support the Mormon notion that someone can save a dead, unbelieving relative from sin by being baptized for that family member.

The right time to get right with God is right now!

For God says,“At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.” Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation.--2 Corinthians 6:2

Don't delay the decision to become a disciple of Jesus Christ! He is coming back. Are you ready for his return?

But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.--2 Peter 3:8-9

Growing Through James

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.--James 1:5

This verse is regularly cited by the Latter Day Saints to substantiate the practice of praying to God in order to validate the Book of Mormon and, subsequently, Mormonism. When a Mormon "elder" visits your doorstep, he will challenge you to pray about the Book of Mormon and "ask God if it's true." They offer the promise that you can have an inner assurance that the Book of Mormon is true if you simply pray to God about it. They call this assurance "the burning in the bosom."

The Mormon beliefs of presidential hopeful, Mitt Romney, has recently created quite a stir. The media's attention to his religious background has many people asking, "Is Mormonism true?"

No! Mormonism isn't true.

Mormonism contradicts the nature of God. 

• They believe in a plurality of gods and teach that "as man is, God once was; as God is, man may become." For Christians, Jesus is the self-existent creator of all things (Colossians 1:15-20). For Mormons, he is the spirit brother of Lucifer having been conceived through the Father's sexual intercourse with Mary.

Mormons are confused about the authority of Scripture.

• They don't believe that the Bible is the infallible revelation of God. Instead, the Book of Mormon is "the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion."

Mormonism compromises the way of salvation.

• Instead of standing before God in a robe of righteousness given to us through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ (Romans 3:21-22), Mormons teach that they will appear before the Father dressed in an apron made of fig leaves holding good works in their hands--waiting for their appointed place in one of three heavens.

So, not to take anything away from Mr. Romney's political aspirations, but the doctrinal inclinations of Mormonism exclude it from rightly being called Christian. To know the truth, you don't need to experience a burning bosom--you need to experience Jesus Christ. After all, he claimed to be the only way!

Growing Through Hebrews

IS THERE SOMETHING MORE?

It's a common question—is this life all there is? Because even when life is going well, there's still a nagging void—one that can't be filled with possessions, people, or popularity. We sense that something, or someone, has called us to something more—to a journey of faith. The book of Hebrews emphasizes this faith-journey:

And so this is still a live promise. It wasn't canceled at the time of Joshua; otherwise, God wouldn't keep renewing the appointment for "today." The promise of "arrival" and "rest" is still there for God's people. God himself is at rest. And at the end of the journey we'll surely rest with God. So let's keep at it and eventually arrive at the place of rest, not drop out through some sort of disobedience.--Hebrews 4:8-11 (MSG)

As Christians, we faithfully "keep at it" in order to live a life that's pleasing to God. One day our faith-journey will come to an end and we will "eventually arrive at the place of rest." Nothing feels better than crawling into a warm, cozy bed after a long, hard day's work. So what will it feel like to enter God's rest after a hard life's work?


Jesus' followers will enjoy the realities and rewards of heaven. We will truly experience something more! Our lives in heaven will include rest and relaxation (Hebrews 4:1-11). I think it is hard to appreciate heaven as a place of rest because we have such a tough time finding rest now. Don't you think it's odd that throughout our lives we work hard to make time for rest? No wonder so many of us are asking, "Is there something more?"


If you're searching for something more, the best place to find it is in the body of Christ--the local church. All of us need a good community of explorers to assist us on our faith-journey. For those of you living in Fluvanna County/central Virginia, Lake Christian Church meets on Sundays at 10:30a--and we welcome all upward thinking travel companions who long for something more--who are looking for something better:

But they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.--Hebrews 11:16

In his book, Heaven, Randy Alcorn writes (p. 20):

To long for Christ is to long for Heaven, for that is where we will be with him. God's people are "longing for a better country" (Hebrews 11:16). We cannot set our eyes on Christ without setting our eyes on Heaven, and we cannot set our eyes on Heaven with setting our eyes on Christ. Still, it is not only Christ but "things above" we are to set our minds on.

Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand.--Colossians 3:1

Growing Through Titus

The effectiveness of Lake Christian Church isn't measured by what goes on at the worship service on Sunday morning, but by what goes on in the lives of the members throughout the week. Our faith is meant to impact every area of life! As it says in Titus 2:10, we "must show ourselves to be entirely trustworthy and good. Then they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive in every way."

In the book God's Message for a Growing Church, the author challenges the complacent Christian by pointing out the fact that we live in a culture that expects the church of Christ to keep quiet about matters of faith. People in the world don't care if we get together on Sunday and talk about Jesus Christ. But they don't want our faith to permeate other areas of society:

• In the schoolhouse, educators say, "Morals are meant to be taught at home. Spiritual values can be taught in the church. But in the schools, we demand value-free instruction."
• In the White House, politicians say, "I'm personally against abortion, but I refuse to impose my personal values on my constituents. After all, people should be able to choose what they want."
• In the trading house, brokers say, "Don't try to mix business and ethics."
• In the courthouse, lawyers say, "It's legal to celebrate Christmas in the home, but a creche on public property violates the principle of the separation of church and state."

Even some Christians prefer it that way. Show up on Sunday for a sip of juice and a sermon--then do what you want the rest of the week. But is that all there is to being a believer?

We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God.--Titus 2:12

You're expected to devoted to Jesus Christ and make him the Lord of everything! Your faith is a new way of living! No area of your life should be untouched by Jesus Christ. The unbelievers of the world may not like it, but that's the truth.

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.--Titus 1:15

Growing Through 2 Timothy

All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that every man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.--2 Timothy 3:16-17

What exactly does "inspired" mean? The Bible claims something very specific when it says it is inspired. When you pick up a Bible, you hold the actual words of God in your hands.

The Bible's Source Is God

This is the only instance in the entire Bible where the word translated "inspired" ever shows up. It means "God-breathed"--as if each and every word came directly from the mouth of God. Inspiration means the Bible--all of it--is God's word speaking to us.

The Bible Is Given Through Men

Even though the inspired word is really God's word, God used people to compose the Bible. Each writer used his own point of view to communicate God's word. The Lord used different people with their unique personalities, life experiences, and vocabularies to write the different books of the Bible.

The Bible Is True

One person asked, "Since people wrote the Bible and people can be wrong, does this mean parts of the Bible might be wrong?" In a word, no. Since the ultimate source of Scripture is God, then the Bible cannot be wrong.

The Bible, then, is all of what God wanted to reveal to us. It should teach us, guide us, correct our errors, and train us up to become men and women pleasing to God.

Growing Through 1 Timothy

Here's an old joke for you:

• Do you know why ministers' children misbehave?
• Because they spend most of their time with the children of elders and deacons.

Over the last two months, I've talked to some elders representing three different churches. Each conversation had one thing in common: They were frustrated with one or more ministers on the paid staff of their respective congregations.

Most church of Christ elders long for their minister/paid staff to be like Timothy:

Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you.--1 Timothy 4:14

We all want the church's minister to live up to his or her potential! But let me get straight to the point. If leaders want their ministers to be like Timothy, then those same leaders should try to be like Paul. At Lake Christian Church, our elders and deacons sign a letter of intent that simply states that they are committed to a Pauline pattern of leadership:

• Model to the People
• They intend to lead by example just as Paul modeled the kind of ministry he desired in others--2 Timothy 3:10
• Mainstay to the Paid Staff
• They intend to establish a partnership with their ministers, looking out for their interests as well as providing tangible guidelines--1 Timothy 1:2
• Mentor to Potential Leaders
• They intend to be connected to other men in the church in order to influence and inspire them--2 Timothy 2:2

In Eugene Peterson's Message, he offered this insight from 2 Chronicles 10:7--

If you will be a servant to this people, be considerate of their needs and respond with compassion, work things out with them, they'll end up doing anything for you.

Would you like to serve with a minister who would "do anything for you"? Then be considerate of his or her needs. Consistently make positive assumptions about them so you'll respond with compassion. Remember, Jesus worked things out with Peter. Barnabas worked things out with Paul. And Paul worked things out with Timothy.

So, who's your Timothy?

Growing Through Colossians

Editor's note: We'd like to apologize for the inconsistency in publishing new posts. But, our chief blogger has experienced an inordinate number of personal setbacks this year! So, now that he's back on his feet, we'll continue our journey through the Bible as we grow through Colossians:

Extreme self-denial, worship of angels, seeking spiritual visions, and the punctilious observation of religious festivals characterize the Christians in the Colossian church. To counteract the false teachings circulating through the Christian community, the apostle Paul pens a letter, challenging them to renew their commitment to Jesus Christ:

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.--Colossians 3:1-2

Paul was battling the erroneous teachings of Gnosticism (the belief that salvation is found through hidden knowledge and that matter is evil). Today, we face a form of Gnosticism known as the New Age Movement (NAM). Adherents to NAM generally believe that knowledge is subjectively constructed  and socially determined. New Agers insist that truth isn't universal to all human beings but, instead, varies according to what "works." Subsequently, moral values become individualized.

The ideas of NAM are widely disseminated through television (Oprah Winfrey Network) and movies (Avatar). The NAM influence has even infiltrated today's church as evidenced in the writings of Rob Bell (Love Wins)--pastor of Mars Hill Bible Church in Grandville, Michigan--and Elaine Pagels (The Gnostic Gospels)--professor of religion at Princeton University.

So, to the 1st-century Christian in Colosse being misled by Gnosticism and to the 21st-century Christian in Fluvanna being unduly influenced by the New Age Movement, Paul's message is clear:

Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation--if you continue in your faith...--Colossians 1:21-23

Please join us this Sunday as Lake Christian Church's discipleship minister, Chris Long, unpacks the teachings of Paul's letter to the Colossians in his sermon:

God's 4G Network

Growing Through Acts (2)

"The whole congregation of believers was united as one--one heart, one mind! They didn't even claim ownership of their own possessions. No one said, "That's mine; you can't have it." They shared everything. The apostles gave powerful witness to the resurrection of the Master Jesus, and grace was on all of them. And so it turned out that not a person among them was needy. Those who owned fields or houses sold them and brought the price of the sale to the apostles and made an offering of it. The apostles then distributed it according to each person's need."--Acts 4:32-35 (MSG)

One heart plus one mind equals more generosity!
The early church shared everything. Do we live up to that standard? A few years ago the Fluvanna Review published the story of a local girl's unique birthday party. She asked her guests to bring a gift, but not for her. She asked them to bring a gift for the Fluvanna County Animal Shelter! Her generosity made a difference for homeless animals. Now that's sharing.

"They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing..."--2 Corinthians 8:4

One heart plus one mind equals more love!
Christians are called to a life of sincere love. Show someone that you really love them. Send them a card. Invite them over for pizza and a movie. Go the extra mile for them!

"Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them..."--Romans 12:9

One heart plus one mind equals more service!
Lake Christian Church regularly conducts the PLACE Ministry workshop to help believers find a place of service. Not just any place, but a specific place of service that connects one's passion to ministry. Remember, when you're faithful in your service, you are doing it for Jesus (Colossians 3:23).

"God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another."--1 Peter 4:10

One heart plus one mind equals more growth!

Unity in the church fosters spiritual growth for the individual and numerical growth for the congregation. In the beginning of Acts 4, we're told "the number of believers now totaled about 5,000 men, not counting women and children" (v. 4). The church's significant numerical growth was a direct result of unified commitment to Jesus Christ. Then, at the end of Acts 4, we learn that Barnabas "sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles" (v. 37). His cheerful giving is evidence of his spiritual growth.

"As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ."--2 Corinthians 9:13

Growing Through Acts

"If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. Don't complain."--Maya Angelou

Will Bowen, a Kansas City minister and author of A Complaint Free World, recognized there was far too much complaining in the world. He proposes that word choice determines thought choice, which determines emotions and actions. Bowen believes if you can eliminate complaining, you will experience more happiness.

So what exactly is a complaint?
 
For me, any negative description of an event, person, or issue is a complaint. Gossiping is pretty easy to define. Criticizing is too. Discussing facts is okay. Complaining is not to be confused with informing someone of a mistake or deficiency so that it can be put right. And to refrain from complaining doesn’t mean you have to put up with bad quality or behavior. There's no complaint in telling the server your coffee is cold and needs to be heated up -- just stick to the facts -- which are neutral. “How dare you serve me cold coffee?” That’s complaining.

The church has had to deal with its fair share of complainers. Look at what happened in the very first church:

But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers...--Acts 6:1

The church was dealing with growing pains, making it difficult for the leaders to minister to everybody. This situation could have created an even greater rift between the Greek and Hebrew believers, but the apostles dealt with the difficulty with wisdom and grace. Satan didn't get a foothold in the fellowship!

Lake Christian Church, like all growing churches, has occasionally had to face a serious problem that presented the members with a number of challenges. But those challenges gave the leaders a chance to examine ministry and make essential changes.

In Acts 6, the apostles realized they created the problem themselves. Instead of praying and teaching, they got caught up in the secondary task of running a food program. They were trying to do too much. Even today, church leaders get so busy with secondary tasks that they fall short in the areas of prayer and study. They fail to "keep the main thing the main thing." As a result, the church becomes spiritually anemic making it easy for even more problems to develop. (Do you think we'll ever hear a church member complain that his or her minister doesn't pray and study enough?)

It is valuable to remember that complaining isn't an attractive attribute in anyone!

It's better to live alone in the desert than with a quarrelsome, complaining wife.--Proverbs 21:19

Note: The message on the book of Acts will be on Sunday, August 7 at 10:30a.

Growing Through John

Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me." The disciples saw Jesus do many other miraculous signs in addition to the ones recorded in this book. But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name.--John 20:29-31

John emphasizes belief in his Gospel. He makes close to 100 references to believing in Jesus Christ. Even though you and I can't see Christ perform miracles, we do have John's record of those miracles, so we don't need to "see" Jesus in order to believe. After all, faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ (Romans 10:17).

In his commentary on the book of John, Warren W. Wiersbe writes: "Faith in His miracles should lead to faith in His Word, and this leads to personal faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord. Jesus Himself pointed out that faith in His works (miracles) was but the first step toward faith in the Word of God (John 5:36-40). The sinner must 'hear' the Word if he is to be saved..."

At Lake Christian Church, we are growing together through God's Word! That's why we diligently search the Scriptures daily to discover: 

The Works of Jesus Christ

"I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father."--John 14:12

The Words of Jesus Christ

"I tell you the truth, those how listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life."--John 5:24

The Walk of Jesus Christ

Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.--1 John 2:6 (NIV)

By depending on the power of Holy Spirit (Hebrews 4:12), we believe in Jesus Christ and walk as he walked. To learn to live as he lived, read the book of John this week. See Jesus performing miracles. Hear Jesus speaking life-changing words. See Jesus living a perfect life. I hope and pray you believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.

Growing Through Luke

“Why can’t you decide for yourselves what is right? When you are on the way to court with your accuser, try to settle the matter before you get there. Otherwise, your accuser may drag you before the judge, who will hand you over to an officer, who will throw you into prison. And if that happens, you won’t be free again until you have paid the very last penny.”--Luke 12:57-59 (NLT)

No church can do what God called it to do if the people are caught up in conflict. The same goes for your work and your family. Do you know what's crazy about conflict? It usually starts with something insignificant.

Consider the infamous feud between the Hatfields and McCoys. In 12 years it claimed the lives of twelve people: three Hatfields, seven McCoys, and two bystanders. The conflict started over the ownership of a hog. Even though both sides hated each other, I'm sure neither Hatfield nor McCoy believed a hog was worth more than the lives of their children.

Jesus offered some sage advice about dealing with difficult people:

Realize that you can be the one who's wrong.

To paraphrase Jesus' words: "On the way to court try to patch things up with the difficult person, because when you stand before an impartial judge, he may decide that you are the one who is wrong." Whenever we disagree with someone, it's only natural to believe that we're in the right. After all, no one would hang on to an opinion that they thought was wrong. It doesn't matter how right you think you may be, realize that you can be the one who's wrong from time to time.

Realize that you can be the one who offers to reconcile.

It isn't easy to "turn the other cheek," but I have found that most people are willing to resolve a conflict and put it in the past regardless of who's at fault. However, there is the occasional difficult person who'd "rather fight than switch." When a Christian brother or sister takes a step toward reconciliation, the other person will usually take a step too.

Realize that you can be the one who doesn't make matters worse!

Hey! If it is you who is the difficult person, then this will be an impossible task! Difficult people think they have to have the last word. Difficult people think they have to return an insult. Are you a difficult person? Be honest. How do you react when someone cuts you off in traffic? Difficult people keep things stirred up much longer than necessary. In last week's reading, Jesus challenged his followers: "You must have the qualities of salt among yourselves and live in peace with each other" (Mark 9:50b) This means you realize that you can be the one who doesn't make matters worse. You might not be able to make the situation better, but as a follower of Jesus, you certainly don't have to make it worse.

Jesus dealt with difficult people. But in those dealings, he never compromised the truth and he never stopped loving them: "Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34a). It isn't always easy, but it is possible to live in peace.

Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.--Romans 12:17-18

Growing Through Mark

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMERICA!

Mark is the shortest book of the four gospels. It gives us a clear, concise picture of Jesus' service and sacrifice. Jesus constantly serves others throughout the book of Mark--even to the point of death (Mark 15:37).

Chapter 8 in Mark's gospel presents a pivotal event. In verse 29, Peter makes the good confession: "You are the Christ." That faith-response is a statement that each and every one of us is expected to make if we intend to become a Christian:

For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved.--Romans 10:10

The key verses (Mark 10:43-45) in Mark's gospel provide an unequivocal challenge to all who read them! In his 1989 Inaugural Address, George Herbert Walker Bush, the 41st President of the United States of America, stated:

We meet on democracy's front porch, a good place to talk at neighbors and as friends. For this is a day when our nation is made whole, when our differences, for a moment are suspended.

And as my first act as President is a prayer. I ask you to bow your heads:

Heavenly Father, we bow our heads and thank You for Your love. Accept our thanks for the peace that yields this day and the shared faith that makes its continuance likely. Make us strong to do Your work, willing to heed and hear Your will, and write on our hearts these words: "Use power to help people." For we are given power not to advance our own purposes, nor to make a great show in the world, nor a name. There is but one just use of power, and it is to serve people. Help us remember it, Lord. Amen.

Lake Christian Church's ongoing goal to serve the world is reinforced by Christ's words in Mark 10. Let's remember the high price that was paid to gain our freedom--both our national freedom and our spiritual freedom--as we celebrate Independence Day! 

"But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”--Mark 10:43-45 

Growing Through Matthew

Scripture Twisting

Matthew 14:6-12--⁶ But at a birthday party for Herod, Herodias’s daughter performed a dance that greatly pleased him, ⁷ so he promised with a vow to give her anything she wanted. ⁸ At her mother’s urging, the girl said, “I want the head of John the Baptist on a tray!” ⁹ Then the king regretted what he had said; but because of the vow he had made in front of his guests, he issued the necessary orders. ¹⁰ So John was beheaded in the prison, ¹¹ and his head was brought on a tray and given to the girl, who took it to her mother. ¹² Later, John’s disciples came for his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus what had happened.

Jehovah's Witnesses teach that it is wrong to celebrate birthdays and holidays. They use this passage to mislead people into believing that birthday celebrations are pagan events because Herod killed John the Baptist at such a party. A person can only draw such a conclusion from the text if they employ poor hermeneutics. Jehovah's Witnesses are notorious for twisting Scriptures!

About the only thing we can say regarding this passage is that it's unwise to make rash promises. Absolutely nothing in the context leads us to think that we should not celebrate someone's birthday. (By the way, I turn 50 on August 10th!)

Paul, in 1 Corinthians 8, was inspired by the Holy Spirit to teach Christians that eating meat offered to idols was not wrong as long as doing so didn't cause another Christian to stumble. We glean from Paul's instructions to the Corinthian Christian Church that Jesus' followers are permitted to participate in birthday parties and holiday festivities as long as no one is harmed (Colossians 2:16).

Growing Together Through the Bible

I'M BACK! 

Due to hip replacement surgery in March and an untimely, painful hip dislocation in May, I have been out-of-commission for a few months. I have had to focus my energy on priority ministry items. Consequently, the Growing Together blog had to be put on the back burner.

Lake Christian Church concludes the journey through the Old Testament on Sunday, June 26th. Hopefully, you have read all the OT books beginning with Genesis and ending with Malachi. It has been an exciting faith-adventure!

LCC's Old Testament sermons are available online.

Before we open the pages of Matthew's gospel, we need to ask an important question:

"What about the four centuries without a prophet?"

The time period between the Old & New Testaments takes place between 430 BC and AD 25. This period without a prophet's message from God permitted the Old Testament to be preserved. Scribes copied the Law and the writings of the major/minor prophets. The office of scribe was valuable because, in addition to copying God's Word, they collected and protected what we now know as the Old Testament.

The writings were studied, applied, and shared (Ezra 7:10) with the people--even people living outside the Jewish community. In addition, synagogues were built throughout the known world to serve as educational centers where people gathered to learn the Word of God.

After Ezra's day, strict regulations were enacted concerning how scribes copied the Law and prophetic writings. Special inks were developed to write God's Word on animal skins. Not only that, scribes were expected to speak the words aloud as they copied them. Without the benefit of today's computers and copiers, God's Word was reproduced with uncanny accuracy!

We can grow together through the Bible because it is God's Word--authoritative and reliable!

Growing Through 1 & 2 Kings

But Rehoboam rejected the advice the elders gave him and consulted the young men who had grown up with him and were serving him.--1 Kings 12:8

Rehoboam failed to follow good counsel and rashly rejected the elders' ideas. How ironic that the son of the wisest man on earth would not take the advice of his dad's proverbs which underscore the importance of hearing and heeding the good advice or good counsel:

• Proverbs 11:14--For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure.
• Proverbs 15:22--Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.
• Proverbs 24:6--For waging war you need guidance, and for victory many advisers.

Rehoboam listened to his buddies rather than to wise advisers--with disastrous consequences! God has provided you with a variety of sources for obtaining wisdom to assist with the decisions you must make. Sure, like Rehoboam, you can reject help so you can proudly proclaim, "I did it my way!" Or, you can use your Bible, the leading of the Holy Spirit, church leaders, and the sage counsel of older brothers and sisters in Christ to help you in your decision-making process.

It wasn't just Rehoboam that rejected the resources God provided for holy living. There were other kings who lived in opposition to the will of God. For example:

Amon was twenty-two years old when he became king...he did evil in the eyes of the Lord, as his father Manasseh had done.--2 Kings 21:19-20

Real revival didn't happen in the kingdoms until the people returned to the ultimate resource for living: The Book of the Law. God's Word is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12) and has the power to restore faith and change lives!

Hilkiah the high priest said..."I have found the Book of the Law in the temple of the Lord." ...When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his robes. [He said]..."Great is the Lord's anger that burns against us because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book; they have not acted in accordance with all that is written there concerning us."--2 Kings 22:8; 11; 13

Don't neglect God's Word! Read it every day. Let it restore your faith and revive your life.

Growing Through 2 Samuel

The book of 2 Samuel begins where the book of 1 Samuel ends. Saul is gone, so the people of Judah give their allegiance to King David. However, the northern tribes give their allegiance to King Ishbosheth (Saul's youngest son). David rules in Hebron for over 7 years before all Israel acknowledges him as their king. He reigns in Jerusalem for 33 years. As you read 2 Samuel, you'll learn about...

David, the Shepherd

Then all the tribes of Israel went to David at Hebron and told him, "We are your own flesh and blood. In the past, when Saul was our king, you were the one who really led the forces of Israel. And the Lord told you, 'You will be the shepherd of My people Israel. You will be Israel's leader.'"--2 Samuel 5:1-2

The northern and southern tribes of Israel unite under the leadership of David. He leads the people to shift from tribal independence to national unity. David, a man after God's own heart, brings the ark to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6). God affirms the fact that one of David's distant descendants would always reign on his throne--realized in the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 2:30-31).

David, the Scopophiliac

Late one afternoon, after his midday rest, David got out of bed and was walking on the roof of the palace. As he looked out over the city, he noticed a woman of unusual beauty taking a bath. He sent someone to find out who she was...--2 Samuel 11:2-3

At the peak of his influence, David abandons his principles and commits adultery with his neighbor's wife, Bathsheba. One sin leads to another as his morals continue to erode. From this point on David's life spins out-of-control. God is displeased!

David, the Sniper

So the Lord sent Nathan the prophet to tell David..."Why, then, have you despised the word of the Lord and done this horrible deed?--2 Samuel 12:1; 12:9

The prophet Nathan confronts David about his sins--adultery and murder! David had his neighbor killed. While he didn't actually "pull the trigger," he was solely responsible for the plan that led to the death of Uriah. David's elaborate murder plot was a feeble attempt to cover up his adultery. God sends Nathan the prophet who utters the infamous biblical phrase: "You are the man!"

David, the Statistician

But after he had taken the census, David's conscience began to bother him. And he said to the Lord, "I have sinned greatly by taking this census. Please forgive my guilt, Lord, for doing this foolish thing."--2 Samuel 24:10

By taking the census, David chose to walk by sight rather than faith. He expected to know the extent of his resources. Instead of placing his trust in the Lord, he put his trust in people, horses, and chariots. We live in an age of statistics. Numbers! Numbers! This is all some churches live for! Instead of focusing on quality of ministry, they focus on quantity of ministry. Far too many church leaders become obsessed with how many butts are in the seats and how many bucks are in the plate.

Here's the life lesson for today's church from 2 Samuel 24: Instead of counting numbers, may God give us numbers that count! After all, the Lord said to Zerubbabel (Zechariah 4:6):

"It is not by force nor by strength, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of Heaven's Armies."

Growing Through 1 Samuel

Saul then said to his attendants, "Find a woman who is a medium, so I may go and inquire of her." "There is one in Endor," they said. So Saul disguised himself, putting on other clothes, and at night he and two men went to the woman. "Consult a spirit for me," he said, "and bring up for me the one I name."--1 Samuel 28:7-8

 There are some people who use 1 Samuel 28:5-20 as justification for practicing the occult practice of seances. However, the Bible clearly states that any attempt to contact the spirit-world or communicate with the dead is strictly forbidden (Leviticus 19:31; Deuteronomy 18:10-12). The punishment for ignoring God in this matter could be severe.

Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord; he did not keep the word of the Lord and even consulted a medium for guidance, and did not inquire of the Lord. So the Lord put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse.--1 Chronicles 10:13-14

Saul's disobedience resulted in death!

Years ago I had the unique opportunity to spend time with a former spiritualist medium, Ben Alexander, the founder of Exposing Satan's Power Ministries. A ministry dedicated to fighting the cults and the occult. Ben became fascinated with the occult at an early age. His involvement in Spiritualism became more and more profound, until he was fully practicing as a trance medium, believing that he was contacting the dead for beneficial purposes. However, his life in the occult ultimately brought him face to face with a demon! An experience that was so frightening (reminiscent of the witch at Endor's experience in 1 Samuel 28:12)--that Ben immediately reevaluated his occultic practices. Soon afterward, a friend led Ben to Christ through the power of "the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (Ephesians 6:17).

Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that we aren't in a battle against flesh and blood, but "against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Until the return of Christ, we are living in enemy territory (Romans 8:20; 1 Peter 5:8). By getting involved with witchcraft, Ouija boards, horoscopes (1 Samuel 15:23), and other demonic practices--we make ourselves vulnerable to a dark world whose dangers should never be underestimated.

Growing Through Judges

And Jephthah made a vow to the Lord. He said, "If you give me victory over the Ammonites, I will give to the Lord whatever comes out of my house to meet me when I return in triumph. I will sacrifice it as a burnt offering" (Judges 11:30-31).

Jephthah made a vow to God as he headed out to battle. He was trying to bargain with the Lord. Jephthah promised to sacrifice to God whatever came out of his house when he got back home to Mizpah.

Israelites were permitted to make vows as long as they followed the laws given by God that governed vows (Deuteronomy 23:21-23). If a person made a vow, then the Lord expected him or her to keep it (Ecclesiastes 5:1-6).

When Jephthah returned home to Mizpah, his daughter came out to meet him, playing on the tambourine and dancing for joy. She was his one and only child; he had no other sons or daughters (Judges 11:34).

Nowhere in the text are we told that Jephthah actually killed his one and only child. But one vital lesson we can learn from this account is that if we want our promises to be taken seriously we must be willing to do what we say we will do (Matthew 5:33-37). More importantly, we better make sure we don't make a vow that's too painful to keep!

Growing Through Joshua

So the Israelites did as Joshua commanded them. They took twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, as the Lord had told Joshua; and they carried them over with them to their camp where they put them down. Joshua set up the twelve stones that had been in the middle of the Jordan at the spot where the priests who carried the ark of the covenant had stood...--Joshua 4:8-9

To gain the full significance of these verses, consider Romans 6:1-5 from The Message:

So what do we do? Keep on sinning so God can keep on forgiving? I should hope not! If we've left the country where sin is sovereign, how can we still live in our old house there? Or didn't you realize we packed up and left there for good? That is what happened in baptism. When we went under the water, we left the old country of sin behind; when we came up out of the water, we entered into the new country of grace—a new life in a new land!That's what baptism into the life of Jesus means. When we are lowered into the water, it is like the burial of Jesus; when we are raised up out of the water, it is like the resurrection of Jesus. Each of us is raised into a light-filled world by our Father so that we can see where we're going in our new grace-sovereign country.

Now when did we die to sin? "All of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death" (Romans 6:3). You see, Christ died for you and me--and that is the picture we see here in the book of Joshua. Twelve stones were put into the water of death. Those twelve stones were put into the Jordan to ultimately proclaim the death of Jesus Christ. And the twelve stones taken out of the Jordan and moved to the west bank represent the resurrection of Christ.

When you're baptized, you make a personal identification with Jesus Christ--with his death, with his burial, and with his resurrection. It is only in the measure that we are identified with him that we can enjoy all the spiritual blessings afforded to us.

Now, when the Israelites crossed over the river, they became citizens of a new land. When you become a Christian, you become a citizen of a new land--heaven:

Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ...--Philippians 1:27

What God did for the children of Israel he did for their benefit, your benefit, and mine. He did it that all the people of the earth might know that the hand of the Lord is powerful (Joshua 4:24). Not only that, he did it so all the people throughout all the world would have the opportunity to be his "chosen people."

Have you been baptized into Jesus Christ?

Growing Through Deuteronomy

Editor's Note: This week's post is extremely late due to technical difficulties...sorry.

What does the Lord your God require of you? He requires only that you fear the Lord your God, and live in a way that pleases Him, and love Him and serve Him with all your heart and soul.--Deuteronomy 10:12

The book of Deuteronomy takes place in the final weeks of Moses' life. It has been 40 years since the Israelites made their exodus from Egypt. A new generation is poised on the east side of the Jordan River ready to cross over and enter the new land of promise.

The theme of Deuteronomy is obedience as this new generation receives their final instructions from the Lord. Moses reminds the people of God's character and reviews for them how God honors obedience to his commandments and punishes disobedience. After all, disobedience brings consequences so Moses recounts the Israelite's history of stubbornness (Deut. 9:27) and rebellion (Deut. 1:26).

Deuteronomy teaches us that God is absolute truth and that a holy, happy life is one lived by his standards. Life without the Lord's standards becomes anti-holy and is characterized by unhappiness and emptiness (Deut. 30:19).

God's Word is the foundation for true freedom and real satisfaction. God is the standard. As a Christian, you are called to be holy as he is holy. Not only that, you are love him "with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength" (Deut. 6:5).

Join us this Sunday at 10:30a as we continue growing together through the fifth book of the Bible--Deuteronomy. Remember, read and review God's Word regularly--it will guide your steps.

Growing Through Numbers

There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us. A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.--1 Corinthians 12:4-7

In the 34th chapter of Numbers, we learn that God set the boundaries for the land that each tribe inherited: "When you come into the land of Canaan, which I am giving you as your special possession, these will be the boundaries" (Numbers 34:2). Some land faced the wilderness (Numbers 34:3), and some of it was beside the Mediterranean Sea (Numbers 34:6). Some tribes received property in the mountains (Numbers 34:7). The tribes accepted and enjoyed the land that God gave to them.

God used human leaders to help define the boundaries of where each tribe would reside. In a similar fashion, God uses human leaders in the church to help define the boundaries of where each Christian will serve:

Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God's people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.--Ephesians 4:11-12

What a privilege it is to help people claim their gift from God! That's why PLACE Ministry is so vital to the health and welfare of LCC. It is a process to help God's people discover their place in the church. In other words, to accept their assignment from God. Unfortunately, church members are sometimes tempted to complain about their gift (1 Corinthians 12:12-27) rather than enjoy it.

As you read Numbers 34 this week, note how the tribes accepted their assignments without complaint. What about you? Have you accepted your gift from God without complaining or coveting what others possess?

When tempted to fuss about what God has assigned to you, it is important to remember that "God has put each part just where he wants it" (1 Corinthians 12:18).

Revisiting Exodus

Then Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, gave this order to the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah: "When you help the Hebrew women as they gave birth, watch as they deliver. If the baby is a boy, kill him; if it is a girl, let her live." But because the midwives feared God, they refused to obey the king's orders. They allowed the boys to live, too.--Exodus 1:15-17

These courageous women, Shiphrah and Puah, revered God. They were "pro-choice." They made the choice to obey God and not man (Acts 4:19)! They obviously understood that murder was wrong. On Sunday, Ron Schneider, Executive Director of the Pregnancy Centers of Central Virginia, visited LCC to inform us of the vital ministry of the centers. He reminded us that children are a gift from God and that abortion is wrong!

Lake Christian Church is pro-life! We are honored to support the ministry of the Pregnancy Centers of Central Virginia. They offer a variety of services:

• 24 hour helpline for immediate help
• Reliable free pregnancy testing with immediate results
• Confidential counseling with someone who cares about you
• Limited medical services including ultrasound
• Information about all of your options, including abortion, adoption and parenting of your baby
• Information about how to continue your job or education
• Resources and Referrals to help you on your way
• Confidential and caring post-abortion counseling

A fascinating resource was recommended in the sermon. Check it out--Unplanned: The Dramatic True Story of a Former Planned Parenthood Leader's Journey Across the Life Line.

Growing Through Leviticus

Have you ever thought of personal holiness--being like Jesus Christ--as the most important thing in the world?

Most people today are looking for happiness, not holiness--including many professed Christians. They don't want Jesus to influence their character, but they certainly expect him to solve their problems. Eight times in the Bible, God said, "Be holy, because I am holy."

"He that sees the beauty of holiness, or true moral good, sees the greatest and most important thing in the world."--Jonathan Edwards

Leviticus challenges the believer to appreciate holiness and apply it to his or her daily life. Leviticus uses the word "holy" 91 times! As you read the book of Leviticus this week, you'll discover several significant themes that are connected to holiness: a holy God, a holy priesthood, a holy people, a holy land, and a holy Savior.

Since tattoos have become so popular, you'll be interested to read Leviticus 19:28: "Do not cut your bodies for the dead, and do not mark your skin with tattoos.  I am the Lord."

Some Christians make this an issue of holiness and believe that tattoos "disgrace the temple of the Holy Spirit." They twist Leviticus 19:28 to prove their point. As with any other Bible verse, the historical context must be considered. In biblical times, the Egyptians often marked their bodies to show allegiance to a particular deity. This is relevant to this verse. God makes it very clear that he forbids his chosen people, the Israelites who had been enslaved in Egypt, to be identified with any make-believe gods (Exodus 20:2-3).

People today get tattoos for artistic reasons or as permanent reminders to a significant life-event, not as a means of expressing devotion to a false god. For instance, one young man at Lake Christian Church wears a tattoo on his arm that he designed as a tribute to his infant son who passed away. It's important to remember that the Bible doesn't address getting tattoos as a personal expression. (For some interesting insights on the subject of "Heart Art" check out Sacred Ink.)

Note to teens: While getting a tattoo is an individual choice rather than a moral decision, you should respect the wishes of your parents and practice patience and use wisdom when it comes to "getting some ink done." Tattoos are permanent markings unless you undergo the painful, expensive procedure to remove them. Take this to the bank--you'll feel a lot different about tattoos when that cute butterfly on your 18-year-old abdomen looks like a pterodactyl when your abs turn 48.

Growing Through Exodus

After reading Exodus this week, you may find yourself asking the question:

"Are miracles possible?"

A 17-year-old high school junior named Julia prayed for her older brother to be healed when he developed cancer. He died after only eight months of treatments. The teen's prayers for a miracle apparently went unanswered--leaving her with the question: "Are miracles possible?"

Exodus describes many miracles, but does that mean they are real? Could there be reasonable scientific, naturalistic explanations for the events the Bible calls miracles as many skeptics would have us believe? Consider the Israelites's escape through the Red Sea (Exodus 14:15-31). Some scholars have suggested that most of the exodus narrative is fabricated. Scholarly skeptics reject the Bible's claim that the Red Sea actually parted. (Note: I'm not recommending this book!)

Are you aware that nine different books of the Bible explicitly claim or clearly assume that the Red Sea miraculously split apart for the escaping Israelites?

1. Exodus
2. Deuteronomy
3. Joshua
4. Psalms
5. Isaiah
6. Acts
7. 1 Corinthians
8. Hebrews

To accept a naturalistic explanation of a biblical miracle requires one to assume that the writers of eight other books in the Bible got it wrong. It demonstrates unwarranted pride, crediting us modern readers of the Bible with a better grasp of biblical events than the actual eyewitnesses who recorded the events!

Unfortunately, Julia became biased against miracles due to her personal disappointment--BUT the reality of miracles isn't determined by the fact that the miracle she prayed for never happened. Whether an event is a real miracle or not must be determined by the strength of the evidence surrounding the event. Case in point, if Julia the junior questions the resurrection of Jesus Christ, she is required to investigate the Bible's record on the subject--look at what other historical documents from that time period say--and consider all alternative explanations of Jesus' resurrection.

God might choose to provide a miracle when we ask for it. Then again, he might not. But please remember, the Bible assures us that we can trust God to work in our lives.

Brian's Truth #78--

We have every reason to believe that our God is a miracle-working God!

Growing Through Genesis

God had only one prohibition in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:3)--eating from one forbidden tree. By choosing to ignore God's authority, Adam and Eve disobeyed their Creator (Genesis 3:6). The devastating results of their rebellious choice are experienced by each of us every day--sin introduced disease and death into the world (Romans 5:12).

"Sin will keep you from God's Word, or God's Word will keep you from sin."

That's how Adam and Eve fell--they ignored God's instructions (Genesis 3:1-7). They exchanged almost all the blessings God had given them for a piece of fruit! What was at stake wasn't just getting more knowledge, but Eve and Adam's relationship with their Maker. The same is at stake for us! No matter what the devil tempts us with (1 Peter 5:8)--spiritual death is waiting for all who disobey God (Romans 6:23).

But instead of destroying Adam and Eve, God started a course of action to restore his relationship with humankind. God's course of action came with a high price tag. The cost? The life of his Son! Jesus Christ paid the debt of sin in full, so the believer can receive eternal life by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Life Lessons from Genesis

• God created you and knows you better than you know yourself
• God created you in his image
• God uses people like you and me--the imperfect, the failures, the flawed--to accomplish his will
• God takes sin seriously, and those who reject his word will experience his condemnation
• God is all-powerful and is able to turn your tragedies into triumphs