THE CHRISTIAN WALK AND SIN

One of the most frustrating things in the life of a Christian is to fail in his attempt to live the life of Christ.  Christ puts within the heart of each Genuine Believer the desire to live for Him in obedience.  When he fails to live up to what he believes is the standard of perfection, he can easily fall into some very serious error.

The first error is believing that once he is converted, he will no longer sin.  The beloved apostle, John, wrote in 1 John 1:8, "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us."  That was written for Believers, including John.  He uses the first person, plural because he is speaking to himself as well as other Believers.  He fully understood, in the power of the Holy Spirit, the weakness of the old nature which wars against the new nature.  We must also note that John is speaking in the present tense.  He is saying that if he were to contend that even as he was writing this letter under the direction of the Holy Spirit that he had no sin, it would make him a liar.

I might not be cognizant of any unconfessed and unrepented of sin, but I can be sure that if I genuinely seek His face, He will convict me of that sin, so that I might confess and repent of it.  So the first error I speak of is the error of believing the converted man has no sin.

The second error is becoming discouraged when that sin is realized.  Time and again men and women have shared with me their feelings of despair because they have failed.  Such individuals often feel there is no hope for them, and they sometimes give up saying, "It doesn't work.  I tried it, and all I feel is guilty."  That is exactly why John wrote the next verse, 1 John 1:9, "If we confess our sin, He is faithful to forgive our sin, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 

God understands our humanity,  Jesus was tempted, and he knows we will be tempted sorely also.  The closer to Jesus one walks, the different the temptation is.  When one is a new Believer, he might be tempted to engage in the same old sins of the flesh he indulged before his conversion.  When he fails and confesses them, he learns to hate them, and the temptations might become more subtle.  The temptation might not be an openly overt sin, but one of the heart, or mind.  Satan is simply searching for beach head from which to attack.  Prayer life and Bible Study are often where the attacks are centered.  These need be confessed and repented of as much as murder, or theft.

A third error is feeling unworthy to serve.  Self-condemnation often robs people of the great joy which accompanies serving Him.  I have know people who felt they could not be used by God because of their sinful past life.   Some ladies who have had abortions have been so overcome by guilt, they simply cannot function.  Some homosexuals and prostitutes, some felons and murderers, some terrorists feel they have crossed a line where even though God has forgiven them, they cannot be spiritual leaders in Christ's Church.  Paul wrote about this in Romans chapters seven and eight.  Romans 8:1 declares, "There is therefore, no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."    

Chapter eight of Romans is all about the freedom one should experience once sin is confessed and repented of.  We love to attach social value to our sin.  We say it is worse to kill a baby than to kill an adult.  It is worse to steal than to lie.  It is worse to commit adultery than to hate.  However, God hates all sin, and all sin grieves Him.  Through sin we quench His Spirit, but when we believe we are forgiven because we are continually confessing our sin and turning from it, there is NO condemnation.   God doesn't condemn us and Satan cannot condemn us, so Scripture seems to teach that only person who can condemn the Believer is himself.  Romans 14:22.

Now this is not license to sin.  The genuine Believer is grieved because he grieves God.  The genuine Believer hates sin, his own sin, but he rests in the secure knowledge that genuine confession brings genuine forgiveness.   

Dear Lord, Please help Your children to be energized by Your complete forgiveness.  Help us to rest in You, even as we go about the marketplace of life and are subject to the accusations leveled by the agents of our enemy and Yours.  Help us to not cringe in fear of exposure, but help us to diligently seek Your face, and to trust in Your grace, as we confess that which You bring to our mind.  Help us to discern the difference between Your conviction and the enemy's accusation.  I ask this in the blessed and holy name of Jesus, Amen.

Solo Scriptura

I want to begin this segment of "Ponderings" with a confession.  I have often failed to live up to the standards Scripture holds for a follower of Christ.  I find myself rationalizing and even justifying my sin. However, I know that I have an Advocate with the Father who convicts me and leads me in confession and repentance.  And while there can be no justification for sin, I rest in the veracity of His Word.  I often marvel that God continues to use such a weak person as I am, but I take solace in His Word that when I confess my sin, He is faith and just to forgive that sin and cleanse me from all unrighteousness.  It is upon the basis of that forgiveness and cleansing that I continue to preach, sing, write, and witness.  It has nothing to do with any inherent "goodness."

I believe the Bible is "God's Word."  It is not a book containing words about God.  It is His revelation of Himself to man.  That conviction is a faith position and what keeps me focused upon Him and His plan, even after I go through a time when I'm distracted by the world's attractions.  I pray that each Genuine Believer will learn that God's Word is sufficient for living effectively and victoriously in this and any age.

The five "Solas" of the reformation are generally affirmed by contemporary Evangelicals.  However, the effective application of these truths often seem to belie that belief.  Should genuine revival be once again experienced, the church must purposely, and deliberately, examine practice in light of these five basics all must believe in order to call herself Christian.

The foundation upon which every doctrine of the Christian faith stands is "Sola Scriptura."  While reading recently from a Catholic theologian's arguments against this doctrine, I was once again impressed that Roman Catholicism stands completely on the fallacious belief in "Apostolic Succession," which claims that each Pope is the lone extant apostle and that his utterings, ex cathedra,  have the weight of apostolic authority, co-equal with Scripture. 

Evangelicals, and until the last few years, Protestants in general, understood the fallacy of that position.  "Solo Scriptura" has, in fact, been called the formal principle of the Reformation.  They understood that the misinterpretation of Scripture and elevation of tradition gave rise to the "Dark Ages," and evangelical abandonment of this doctrine today in order to provide a "meaningful emotional experience" is no less harmful than was that of the bishops of the fourth and fifth centuries.

Secular humanism's philosophical inroads into society through mandated early childhood education has diminished the respect for Holy Scripture, and wrought an emphasis upon quantity rather than quality in contemporary churches.   The result is that competition for those with a bent toward "religion" requires more and more extensive weekly presentations in order to attract a larger and more diverse following. 

Should "Solo Scriptura," or the complete sufficiency of Scripture in order to accomplish God's plan be enough, the entire nature of evangelicalism would change dramatically.  God's purpose of "seeking and saving" a people whose bent is not toward religion by telling them the "Good News" would be sufficient.  However, few seem to believe the sufficiency of proclaiming that while all men everywhere are born the enemy of God, God has sent His Son into the world that the world might be saved, not in order to condemn the world, but in order that a world condemned already might be saved. The preponderance of Evangelicals are too immersed in the numerical church growth movement to believe that the Bible's simple plan will work today.

One man has said that Evangelicals are simply "keepers of the aquarium," shifting fish from one tank to another.  That happens when man made devices and techniques are utilized to attract people to a fellowship, with no corresponding change in one's lifestyle other than church attendance.  These church hoppers are constantly looking for the next new thing, or most entertaining group. 

Once the members are attracted, seldom is systematic Scripture study the basis for spiritual growth.  Encounter groups based more on psychology and and psychiatry are seemingly more often used than is Scripture.  In fact, personal guided Scripture study seems to have almost disappeared, even among the fundamentalist groups.

More and more "Solo Scriptura" is being replaced with extra-biblical signs and miracles which seem to supersede Scripture.  "Experiential religion" carries much more weight in many circles than does the clear teaching of God's Word.  An "it seems to me religion" is rapidly replacing the "Scripture Teaches" Christianity of days gone by.   At one time, the phrase "God said it, that settles it, whether or not I believe it," was the watchword of Christianity, but alas, I fear the situational ethics of secular humanism has obliterated this tenet.

James Montgomery Boice in his book, "Whatever Happened to The Gospel of Grace," wrote the following:

"Unfortunately, it is possible to believe that the Bible is the inerrant Word of God, the only infallible rule of faith and practice, as many if not all evangelicals claim to do, and still effectually to repudiate it because we think that it does not work today and are convinced that other things need to be brought in to accomplish what the Bible cannot do.”

My prayer is that God will raise up an army of followers who will  look to Scripture and trust God's Word to be sufficient in all matters upon which it touches.  I do not despair for I'm certain God has reserved unto Himself multitudes who have not yet bowed a knee to the prince of this world system. 

Usefulness

                   The crude arrow displayed in the photo was given to me by an Indian man when I was on a preaching mission in Mexico’s interior.  It is hand made with a flint head tied to the shaft with leather strips.  The feathers are carefully tied at the notched end and the shaft has clearly been shaped by a sharp knife.   Contemporary archers, with their precision made equipment, would find little usefulness in such an arrow.  However, for millennia, hunters and warriors have used such instruments effectively. 

Perhaps there is a lesson in this arrow for you and me.  Time and again I’m told by genuine Believers that they don’t know enough, or they’re not versed enough in Scripture, to witness.  They seem afraid their inexperience, or lack of knowledge, will harm an unbeliever and keep that one from coming to Christ.  However, God uses those of us who are inexperienced, who still have rough edges, and who have not yet become precision instruments.  He seems to delight in using the weak and those deemed foolish by this world to work His wonders and His infinite Grace. 

In 1 Corinthians 1:26ff, we’re told, “For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty;  and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are,  that no flesh should glory in His presence.  But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption—  that, as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.”

Certainly we should study, and learn, but we must not wait until we know every thing, or until we have been polished, and machined to near perfection to become useful in God’s service.  You and I are useful, if we love Him, and are willing to be used by Him.  Let your usefulness in His Kingdom’s work be utilized today. 


©                Mike Rasberry              2015

Abiding In Christ

I hear much lamenting today about the condition of Christ’s Church and consequently the world in which we live.  Though not intended as an exhaustive list; among the plethora of supposed causes these are usually included:
    •    Ineffective Government
    •    Ineffectual Parenting
    •    Purposeless Education
    •    Self-indulgent Living

At the risk of being branded simplistic, I believe the answer to the quandary can found in John’s Gospel, Chapter fifteen.  Jesus is there speaking to His followers, about whom He says in verse three, “...you are already clean...,” meaning I suppose that they are saved by faith in promise He has proclaimed.  However, He does not stop there.

Jesus, in verse four, issues a warning that should His followers not abide in Him, they will be fruitless.  Thus it is self-evident that one can be a genuine Believer while living a fruitless life.  It is also obvious that such a condition is a choice because Jesus, though not issuing a command, is seemingly warning them of the consequences of the failure to so abide.

He continues in verse five with the same theme saying that those who abide in Him will be fruitful, while those not abiding in Him can actually do nothing.  In fact, He says in verse six that one’s usefulness for Kingdom work is determined by the choice he makes in this particular matter.

If you and I are genuine Believers in Jesus Christ, we must purpose to abide in Him, thereby becoming fruitful and useful to His Kingdom work.  Such fruitfulness will result in untold numbers coming to faith in Christ, and just as those called Christian at Antioch were instruments of worldwide change, so you and I can become world changers. 

Would you purpose, with me, this day to spend time with Christ in Bible Study and Prayer, submitting your will to His and allowing Him to use you for His glory?  You can abide in Him, even as He abides in you.

©             Mike Rasberry                 2015

The Peace Jesus Leaves Within

The African Proverb reflects man’s greatest battle–to be at peace with one’s self.  The problem one faces in that battle is that the enemy is an unseen power with great influence.  He is called the prince of this world system, and while he is not omnipresent, he has untold numbers of minions to assist him in his nefarious purpose. 

Man is unable to even recognize this spiritual enemy, much less defeat him with the finite resources innate within humanity.  But, Glory to God, a resource has been provided so that man can not be cognizant of the devious workings of this enemy, but can be triumphant over them.  Jesus, the Christ, left the glories of heaven and taking upon Himself the cloak of humanity, effectively and irreparably destroyed the power of man’s enemy by paying man’s sin debt and purchasing him with the precious blood of Himself.

Jesus did more than deliver man from the clutches of this once powerful enemy, He gave man the possibility of personal peace as he travels through life’s journey.  Those who, by faith, have consciously become the Children of God by accepting Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord are also promised this great peace of John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

You and I need not fear anything this world can throw at us because, if we are His true followers, the enemy within has been defeated and Jesus Christ reigns in our hearts.  Trust Him to do what He says, He will give such peace that the world can do us no harm.



©                      Mike Rasberry               2015

Wasted Years

This morning my heart is heavy because people I love are struggling with the challenges of life, and cannot seem to trust God enough to simply let go and let Him have complete control of their lives.  They continue to act as if The Heavenly Father is not willing to lead, direct, empower, provide for, and protect them in this life.

     "Said the robin to the sparrow, 'I should really like to know
    why these anxious human beings rush about and worry so.’

    Said the sparrow to the robin, 'Friend, I think that it must be
    that they have no Heavenly Father such as cares for you and me.'"

In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus said, “Come to Me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

These for whom I grieve are not unbelievers.  Were it so, I could approach them with the truth of God’s Word, and perhaps they would be convicted of their lostness and be converted to a new life in Christ.  Rather these are those who are wasting the precious years of their lives wandering in the wilderness of doubt and fear, failing to cross over Jordan to appropriate the abundant life awaiting in the land of promised rest. 

The greatest tragedy I know is that of those who have come out of Egypt by the supernatural working of God’s Spirit, but fail to enter into His rest.  Perhaps the manna and quail of the wilderness satisfies their palate and they fear they might lose even that if they attempt to take on the giants and fortified enemies of yonder promised land.

Wally Fowler wrote a song which I believe is as appropriate for these Believers living beneath their privilege as for the unbelievers.  This is what it says: 

        Wasted years, wasted years, oh, how foolish
        As you walk on in darkness and fear
        Turn around, turn around, love is calling
        Keeps calling me from a life of wasted years.
       
        Have you wandered a lot on life's pathway
        Have you lived without love, a life of tears
        Have you searched for a great higher meaning
        Or is your life filled with long wasted years?
       
        Wasted years, wasted years, oh, how foolish
        As you walk on in darkness and fear
        Turn around, turn around, love is calling
        Keeps calling you from a life of wasted years...

Dear Friend, If you are a Genuine Believer in Jesus Christ, please stop wasting these years of your life and purpose to live out His will for your life every day.


©                 Mike Rasberry                2015

True Revival In These Days

True revival in these days might mean more a willingness to suffer reproach for the cause of the cross, than a great awakening of unbelievers who have hardened their hearts to the truth of God’s Word.

Genuine Christian Believers in The United States should not be surprised at the plethora of attacks against Indiana precipitated by the recent Religious Freedom Acts in that state.  As wannabe Bible scholars trip over themselves in vain attempts to show that Holy Scripture does not condemn homosexuality, or sodomy; celebrities and political leaders are casting ignorant aspersions on the honorable citizens of this country who understand the consequences of calling sin righteousness, and righteousness sin.

Athletic Director Pat Haden of USC stated that he would not attend the NCAA meetings in Indiana because he is the “proud parent” of a homosexual son.   One is left to wonder if he’d be proud of his son if he were a bank robber, child molester, or murderer.  The willingness to excuse, rather than mourn those imprisoned in the homosexual lifestyle, is but one more nail in the coffin of America’s greatness.

Throughout the past week I have engaged numerous individuals in discussions concerning this matter, and the vast majority seem bent on limiting religious freedom in order to empower people living the abhorrently aberrant lifestyle of homosexuality.   That homosexuality is sinful, morally degrading, and socially destructive seems beyond their ability to comprehend.  Otherwise relatively intelligent people, become inexplicably devoid of logic, and act as if the synapses within their brains are misfiring at an astronomical rate during such discussions.

This phenomena should be expected by Genuine Believers as the end of the age grows closer and closer.  Scripture indicates that men’s hearts will become hardened and they will be unable to recognize truth as the time for Christ’s return approaches.   Let then all who genuinely hold to the faith once delivered stand firm against the tide, knowing that He who purchased us with His own blood will undergird and sustain us during the harsh and terrible days which are surely to follow.  True revival in these days might mean more a willingness to suffer reproach for the cause of the cross, than a great awakening of unbelievers who have hardened their hearts to the truth of God’s Word.


©        Mike Rasberry          2015

Sinners In The Hands of An Angry God

Jonathan Edwards preached this message on July 8, 1741 in Enfield, Connecticut after having already preached it to his own Massachusetts.  History records that the Enfield church was not responding to the moving of the Holy Spirit and that the Pastor invited Edwards to preach with the hope that his congregation would be stirred to take hold of God.

The sermon’s theme, "There is nothing that keeps wicked men at any one moment out of hell, but the mere pleasure of God,”  was central to the Great Awakening and permeated the sermon in its entirety.   We are told that Edwards was interrupted several times with people crying out such questions as, “What must I do to be saved,” and “Mr Edwards, is there no hope for me?”

Beyond the central theme, Edwards put forth ten propositions to prove his theme.  I think today’s culture needs be reminded of these important issues:

    1.    There is no want of power in God to cast wicked men into hell at any moment.
    2.    They deserve to be cast into hell.
    3.    They are already under a sentence of condemnation to hell.
    4.    They are not the objects of that very same anger and wrath of God that is expressed in the       torments of hell.
    5.    The devil stands ready to fall upon them and seize them as his own, at what moment God shall permit him.
    6.    There are, in the souls of wicked men, whose hellish principles reigning that would presently kindle and flame out into hell fire if it were not for God’s restraints.
    7.    It is no security to wicked men for one moment that there are no visible means of death at hand.
    8.    Natural men’s prudence and care to preserve their own lives, or the care of others to preserve them, do not secure them a moment.
    9.    All wicked men’s pains and contrivances which they use to escape hell, while they continue to reject Christ, and so remain wicked men, do not secure them from hell one moment.
    10.    God has laid himself under no obligation, by any promise, to keep any natural man out of hell one moment.

I believe that Edward’s sermon ought be declared across the depth and breath of America during these dreadful days we are entering.  God has given us a period of mercy during which time He is calling out to sinners to come to Him, however, He is under no obligation to extend that call one moment.  Should you sense the realization within yourself that you are in need of His mercy and grace, turn to Him with He still calls, lest the time be past and you enter eternity without Him, and as the eternal subject of Satan, whose abode is the lake of fire.

PONDERING AMERICA’S RELATIONSHIP TO ISRAEL

Many Bible Students have wondered why no reference seems to exist concerning America in “End Times Prophecy.”   It just might be that America will no longer be a world power during the last days, that she lies in ruins, testament to her secularism and her rejection of God as her ultimate Sovereign.  Even now, President Obama is maneuvering to set the United States against Israel’s best interests by hinting that his administration will not back Israel when the United Nations adopts a resolution pushing for a two-state settlement of the Palestinian issue.

Such a position would severely change the dynamic America has enjoyed as the nation has historically, wholehearted supported Israel, thereby obtaining, I believe, the blessing of God as per His pronouncement in Genesis 12:3, “I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

Should America, already under the judgement of God for her blatant legalization of perverted sin according to Leviticus chapter 18, now become Israel’s antagonist; the discerning Believer should recognize the imminent destruction of America looming on the horizon.

The growing secularization of America’s universities, schools, and churches is leading to a multiculturalism which by its very nature rejects God and His Word as the absolute authority.  Since America’s stand with Israel is based upon the influence of a significant number of Bible Believers whose vociferous support has, heretofore, carried the day; how much more diluted can that voice be and still influence national policy? 

In the book of Genesis, Abraham attempted to intercede for Sodom six times.  Abraham obviously understood the nature of Sodom because he seemed to fear that very few righteous persons resided in that hell hole of a city.  Estimates of Sodom’s population range from 1200 to several thousand, but even so Abraham’s final request would have been less than 1% of the population.  I don’t know what percentage of America’s two hundred million plus citizens are genuine Believers.  Certainly it is far less than the percentage of cultural Christians.

One man has declared, “Sin that once slunk down the back alley, now parades down Main Street.”  It is worse than that.  About one hundred years ago, the Fabian Socialists infiltrated American Universities and educated generations of government school teachers.  Today, the fruits of that education system have created an environment conducive to the election of a wholly socialist President, and the abandonment of Biblical authority.  The subsequent abandonment of Israel to those inspired by the prince of this world system, Satan, might just be the straw which breaks the back of the proverbial camel.

Secularists and liberal theologs will deny this hypothesis, but those who genuinely seek to be led by the Holy Spirit of God will know that this nation’s only hope lies not in her armed forces, nor her diplomatic maneuvering, but in a revival of true religion in the hearts of genuine Believers which drives them to fall on their collective faces at the feet of Jesus, crying for mercy.  Such revival will probably precipitate such a spiritual awakening that sin will no longer be celebrated, and Biblical authority will once again be the basis of local and national governance.



©                 Mike Rasberry            2015

Rosenberg analysis of Netanyahu's speech to Joint Session of Congress

Joel C. Rosenberg gives an analysis of Benjamin Netanyahu's speech to a joint session of Congress.
Following the link below to read that analysis.  Definitely worth your time.  PM Netanyahu appears to be everything our President is NOT.   He also seems to have a very clear grasp of the danger facing this world today.

America teamed with our enemy, Russia, in the war against Nazi Germany and the result was that half of Europe was consigned to impoverished slavery for nearly half a century under the hammer and sickle of the Russian Bear.  We must recognize that just being the enemy of our enemy is not sufficient cause for embracing a sworn enemy.  The enemy of our enemy is still our enemy.

Please take the time to read the Rosenberg analysis.

Folderal

“Folderal,” a useless accessory, nonsense.  

Much of what passes for Worship these days is nothing less than “Folderal.”  Jesus, speaking to the woman at the well of Samaria in John 4:23,24 said, “But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.  God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

What is your view of worship? Is worship what happens in church on Sunday? Do you identify it with an emotional experience, spiritual thoughts, or maybe performing certain rituals?

The fact is, true worship is not defined by a place, a feeling, or a ritual. God set the standard for worship in His Word, and the standard is much higher and more rewarding than most of us ever imagine. 

God is not impressed by our performance, rather He is moved by the honest expression of response by us to His love.  He wants us to mean what we say and sing.  He wants each activity of the day to reflect such a response. 

There is a place for singing, preaching, listening, shouting, teaching, and even passing out bulletins.  It can all be true worship, but in all our doings, if we are not genuinely responding to God’s great love toward us, then we are not engaged in true worship, and it is nothing less than “Folderal.” 

You do not have to wait for Sunday to worship Him.  Jesus told that same woman in verse 21 that the hour is coming when your worship will not be confined to the central place of worship.  I think He was saying that true worship definitely can, and should, take place on Sunday in corporate worship with the body; but with the coming of the Holy Spirit to indwell each Believer true worship occurs in everything we do throughout the week.  If we begin to understand that every interaction with others, every thing we do, and every word we speak should be done as a conscious reaction to His wonderful, redeeming love, we will find ourselves worshiping Him continually and there will be less and less “Folderal” in our lives.


©                    Mike Rasberry              2015

Deliverance From The Dungeon of Despair

I believe there are untold numbers of Genuine Believers today who are struggling with despair.  They wonder why nothing is working out, and why life just seems so very difficult.  Now if everything is going well for you today, just hang on; if you live very long, you’ll face some daunting challenges.  But there are some who are really in a deep dark dungeon, and they see no way out.

Let me tell you there is light and hope for you. 

John The Baptist was a great man, yet he was in the dungeon of despair.  He had though Jesus was the one who would finally deliver the Jews, and he had testified that Jesus was the Son of God, yet John was in prison, facing an uncertain future.   He could not understand why, if Jesus was who He claimed to be, that John was going through all this trouble. 

Do you ever feel that way?  “Jesus, I believe in you, but here I am.  Why?  If You’re really God why don’t you deliver me?”

John asked that same question, and Jesus answered him in Matthew chapter 11 with these words, “...Go and show John again those things which you do hear and see: the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.” 

Jesus was saying to John, “I’m still in charge, don’t despair because things aren’t going according to your schedule, or according to your plan.  Trust me.  I have not been sidetracked from My plan which is set from eternity past.”  If you’re in despair, look to Jesus, the author and finisher of you faith.  “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Heb 11:6

Jesus will not castigate you when you come to Him and honestly admit that you have fallen into despair because of the dungeon you find yourself in.  He will comfort and encourage you.  He will empower you to face each day, trusting Him that all is going according to His plan.  You can sing with the hymn writer,  “I know what ‘ere befall me, Jesus doeth all things well.”

©                  Mike Rasberry             2015

Mastication

“Mastication” is a Greek word that means "to gnash the teeth" (and related to the Greek words for jaw and chew).  In everyday parlance it means chewing.  While looking at this word this morning I was reminded of an expression I grew up with: “I’ll chew on it awhile” meant that the person would ponder, or think, about it for a while.

When someone would want another to think about something, the common expression was, “I’ll let you chew on that for a spell.” 

I’ve been “chewing” on some things recently, that give me hope for the future, even in these days of growing official opposition to Biblical Christianity. 

Look for a moment at Isaiah 34:1-7.  1 But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, 
And He who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.  3 For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I gave Egypt for your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in your place. 4 Since you were precious in My sight, You have been honored, And I have loved you; Therefore I will give men for you, And people for your life. 5 Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your descendants from the east,   And gather you from the west;  6 I will say to the north, 'Give them up!' And to the south, 'Do not keep them back!' Bring My sons from afar, And My daughters from the ends of the earth– 7 Everyone who is called by My name, Whom I have created for My glory; I have formed him, yes, I have made him."

If you would “chew” on this for a spell, it might give you hope also.  Here Holy God declares His sovereignty over all, and lets those who are His understand that each and everyone of His have been created for His glory.  Nothing this world offers can separate us from the One Who holds us in His strong hand. 

Glory!  Glory!  Glory!

©            Mike Rasberry        2015

Truth And Godliness

Is knowing and accumulating truth enough? 

In today’s world of instant communications and the ability to google almost anything to find an answer, nearly everyone is suddenly a theologian.  In James chapter 2:18ff, the writer is telling the listener that there is more to Godliness than simply accumulating truth.  In fact, he compares those who do so with the demons.

So is James teaching that knowledge of truth is not important?  Certainly no!  He is simply explaining that truth which does not work itself out through one’s heart and thereby show itself in one’s doings is empty truth.

Now this doesn’t mean that one should not seek to expand his understanding of Biblical Truth.  Quite the contrary.  Trying to live “godly” without the basis of Biblical Truth leads to the shallow understanding permeating the contemporary church.  Without the solid basis of Biblical Truth, “I feelism” and “It seems to meism” has created mass confusion leading to a lack of Spiritual Power.

Those depending upon feelings are not intentionally trying to wreck and limit the work of Christ.  They are much like those described in the book of Judges who acted according to what was “right in their own eyes.”  They did not base their actions and lifestyles on the unchanging Word of God, but on their understanding of life.

If you and I desire true “Godliness,” we must look to The Bible, God’s Holy Word, and learn of Him, while submitting ourselves to Him as His instruments, thereby “working out” our faith in all our doings. 

©               2015              Mike Rasberry

PONDERINGS AFTER READING “THE AUSCHWITZ ESCAPE”

Satan’s attack on the people of God has taken many turns throughout history.  Beginning there in the garden shortly after creation, it continues even until this very hour.  The natural man does not see the hand of the prince of this world system at work in the Pharoahs’ genocidal harshness, or the Moabites desire to keep them from passing through their land.  The continual Philistine attacks and subjugation of God’s people is considered a natural progression of barbarism of those early days of civilization. 
Tiglath Pilesor IV and Sargon II are merely kingdom builders with highly advanced political and military skills in the eyes of anthropologists and historians.  Babylon’s unsurpassed cruelty, Persia’s military acumen, and Alexander the Great’s visionary boldness are viewed as progressions in the development of an evolving cultural awareness with absolutely no consideration of the possibility of a hand behind those great movements always moving with one though, to destroy the people of God through whom would come the promised Messiah whose heel would bruise the head of the prince of this world system.

Then as mighty Rome enveloped the civilized world, the Messiah was brought forth and Rome became the tool first to prevent His birth, then to wipe out the Jewish nation which birthed Him, and finally to discredit, discourage, and annihilate those who became joint heirs with Christ.   Unable to destroy the teachings of The Christ, this latest instrument of this world’s prince, developed a highly technical substitute for simple faith in Christ, which held a large portion of the world’s population in dark bondage for more than a millennium.  The twentieth century brought about a change in this Roman system and it moved from a quasi military system to a totally religious system, continuing to offer a substitute of religious activity for genuine faith based conversion.

The prince of this world system did not place all his hopes on victory in basket, he stirred the sons of Ishmael to develop a virulently anti Jewish faith whose primary purpose has always been the suppression of Jews, and since 1947 the extermination of them. 

Throughout Europe two competing systems, Communism and Nazism, have tried to destroy both the natural and spiritual Jews.   While Nazism was squashed, Communism continues to spread its poison through Asia and South America and seems to be making a comeback in Eastern Europe. 

The last six decades have seen a new and different attack upon the spiritual children of promise as the evil one has attacked them with the conscious numbing tactic of materialism.   Such an approach just might be the most insidious and effective tactic yet employed by the powers of darkness.  Both cultural and genuine Believers seem to have fallen under this pervasive spell even while seemingly unaware that it is robbing them of the discernment necessary to employ the power to live victoriously in this age.

That the prince of darkness operates behind translucent curtains design to obfuscate and misdirect is his greatest continuing victory.  Hitler’s evil genius is decried and bemoaned, but he had far too much influence to have drawn it from his own mind and energy.  His life epitomized one who had fallen under the spell of the prince of darkness without even realizing it.  

Today political leaders rise unaccountably to positions of prominence without experience or expertise due to their ability to influence the masses to follow them on their destructive and illogical policy paths.  These leaders are as closely aligned with the forces of evil as were those of the inquisition or the holocaust.  Yet cultural and genuine Believers are unwilling to risk the comfort of contemporary materialism to expose these people and warn the masses.

Reading the book, “The Auschwitz Escape,” has reminded me that evil triumphs when holiness is silent.   I pray God will raise up a band of people willing to risk everything in order to prevent another Auschwitz.  

©       2014               Mike Rasberry

Westboro Folks Are Wrong

The Westboro Folks are definitely WRONG in their approach to opposing homosexuality.  No one should be called names and attacked like the Westboro folks do.  What they do is degrading. 

Let me say that I believe the Bible teaches that homosexuality is gross sin, and that the open acceptance and promotion of it is the judgement of God upon a land prior to destruction of that land.  But we ought reach a hand out to those caught in the grip of this dread sin.  Certainly we ought not appear to celebrate them, but we ought also not appear to hate them.

Rather than attack individuals, Westboro would better serve the cause of Christ to use the system God has provided to change the government leadership which facilitates and empowers this sinful lifestyle.  

Conversely those professing Believers who give the impression of support of the Homosexual lifestyle by proclaiming that God loves seem also to miss the point.  The prime attribute of God is His holiness and His love is a natural outflow of that holiness.  Because He is holy and loves, He gave His only Son that men need not be enslaved by such things as homosexuality.  He loves so much that he condemns the sin all the while offering to the offender a path whereby he might not only find deliverance, but the power to overcome those tendencies in his life.

When one rejects God's proffered salvation, which by the way is offered ONLY on God's terms, and there is not negotiation; that one will suffer the consequences of that rejection.  That is why we cease not to warn in spoken and written word continually, and do not fear the lament of the populace as they decry our supposed intolerance.

So, one might ask, "Just what is this salvation which is a path to deliverance from homosexuality?"  Simply stated, it is making Jesus Christ, Lord and Savior of one's life.   Well how is that accomplished?  I believe Scripture teaches that God offers to every human being the opportunity to turn to Him and the wherewithal to accomplish that turn. (1) First one must be convicted that he, himself, is a sinner and the enemy of God.  This is not a natural thing and is accomplished through the work of God's Holy Spirit.  You can be sure, I believe, that if you see yourself in such a light it is the work of God in your life.

(2)  After recognition of one's condition, he is broken hearted over that condition.  Not because of potential consequences but because of what sin does to Holy God.  Sin caused Jesus Christ to leave the glory of heaven and suffer the indignities of the cross while paying with His totally innocent life the penalty for sin which you and I deserve.

(3)  One must, having recognized that condition and experienced contrition for sin; confess to God in prayer.  Prayer is talking with God and requires no particular formula or pattern.  It is the genuine outpouring of one's heart to God with the belief that He cares and hears.  Confession is simply saying to God that you know your unworthy sinfulness and acknowledge your inability to cure yourself, and your need of an intercessor.  By faith you confess that you believe and trust in Jesus Christ as the only way and accept Him as LORD.

(4)  These first three steps might happen in a moment and be hardly distinguishable one from the other, but the fourth step takes a life time.  It involves conversion from Sin.  At the time of salvation God has been doing a mighty work in the life of the individual.   He gives one a new heart that is bent toward Him rather than toward the world.  However, God does not destroy the pull of the world in the individual's life.  He is given a new purpose, a new direction, a new name, and a new eternal home.  He is also given a new companion, the Holy Spirit, who indwells him and provides strength, direction, companionship, comfort, courage, and whatever else is needed to accomplish God's plan for that life.   The Holy Spirit will warn the genuine Believer when he is tempted to stray from God's purposes, and He will provide the strength to turn from evil.  Should the Believer fail to listen to the warning and become caught up in sin, the Holy Spirit will continue to call to him to repent of the sin and return to God in confession. 

God allows each Believer to make choices continually, with each carrying rewards and consequences.  That is why it is a life long process of turning from sin.  

A word of caution--No one can come to the Father except the Spirit draw him.  Therefore, it is extremely important that one respond to Him when He calls because that may be the only call which comes. 

God's Judgement On America

In light of recent events, I believe Christian people need to understand what homosexuality means in light of God's Word.  At the most recent meeting between the University of Tennessee and University of Missouri basketball teams, Michael Sams, the extraordinarily talented football player who is expected to be a high NFL draft choice was honored with a standing ovation when he entered the basketball arena.  The event which precipitated the ovation was his recent public "coming out" as he proclaimed himself to be a homosexual.

That the people would applaud him rather than hang their heads in shame is testimony that the Judgement of God already rests upon America.  Homosexuality, you see, does not lead to judgement, it is judgement.  The fact that Americans in such large numbers are sympathetic to his position and that governmental leadership at the national and state level are working diligently to facilitate an environment which accommodates him and others like him who shamelessly proclaim their abominable lifestyles is proof that God has turned us over to our own devices.

How long God refrains from wreaking upon our nation the same fate he unleashed upon Sodom seems to depend upon the number of genuine Believers who continue to stand for truth and justice in our day.   The following message, "God's Judgement On America," can be accessed by clicking the link.   I pray you choose to stand for God in these days.

Learning To Lean On Jesus

This past Sunday during the AM Service I preached from Hebrews 11:21 "By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff."  The message was entitled Learning To Lean On Jesus.  It is a short history of Jacob's life in which we discovered the events which shaped his life and brought him to a place where he began to lean on Jesus for his provision, protection, and protection.  
Click on this link :Learning to Lean on Jesus to listen to the message.

The study on Colossians will be put up here soon.

An Introduction to Colossians

COLOSSIANS: ANTIDOTE TO GNOSTICISM, RITUALISM, AND LEGALISM IN ANY AGE

An Introduction

Gnosticism did not fully develop until the second century of the Church Age.  However, Gnostic type beliefs were evident during the Apostolic Age, and Paul was quick to deal with it in the Colossian Church, lest it become accepted belief.  Paul recognized that a little seemingly innocuous  error, not corrected, would blossom into full blown heresy thereby consigning generations to a false message without a path to genuine salvation in Jesus Christ alone.  

Paul uses the term “fulness” (pleroma) in 1:19 to refute gnostic belief and show that Jesus Christ was the “fulness” of God, that in Christ no other intermediaries are necessary.  The Greek word “pleroma” was a word closely associated with the embryonic gnostics of that era, and Paul used it only twice in his writings.  Here and in his letter to the church at Ephesus (Eph 1:22,23) he shows that Christ is all in all and that neither angels, nor other spirit beings are necessary for the fullness Christ offers.

Docetic Gnosticism held that Jesus was a divine being who only appeared to be human.  Ignatius early in the first century battled this heresy.  It propounded the idea that everything created is tainted, or evil, and every spiritual is good.  So, since Jesus belongs to the spiritual world, He could not have actually been truly human.  Many scholars believe John was combating this heresy when he proclaimed in John 1:14, “...the Word was made flesh...”  These Docetic Gnostics believed that Jesus did not leave footprints in the dust of Palestine, because He could not touch the created world.  Whether or not this form of Gnosticism had reached full bloom during the time of Paul, there is little doubt that he foresaw where these beginnings could lead.

The very word “Gnostic” relates to knowledge and the Gnostics believed they had fuller knowledge of spiritual things and the mysteries of life than Scripture and the Apostles doctrine provided.  Gnostics distrusted the world to such an extent that they promoted an extreme asceticism and self-abasement along with the worship of angels.  Paul seems to combat both these errors in 2:18.  Some scholars take the 2:16-18 passage to argue that Paul was primarily concerned with Jewish heresy because they had their special days and venerated angels.  These Jewish half-believers were not devoted to Christ and believed the Law remained the path to salvation.

I believe Paul was dealing with both heresies in this letter.  He commonly dealt with a multiplicity of problems when he wrote in his apostolic authority.  One thing is certain, many were offended by his teachings and warnings.   In 4:11 Paul mentions how few support him. 

Some debate has developed over the authorship of the book as scholars have looked at syntax and noted the long sentences, and the absence of many words like “so” and “but.” Some also claim that because the author did not call attention to the soon return of Christ, Paul might not be the author.   I believe those to be spurious arguments which neglect the purpose of the letter and fail to account for The Holy Spirit’s leading in the formulation of Paul’s writings.  Thereby subtly making them of little more authority than those of inspired secular writers, such as Shakespeare, Tennyson, Poe, et al.

The fact that the book begins with a salutation from Paul and was accepted by the early church as being a missive from him, is enough for me.  However, his inclusion of Timothy in the salutation and his mention of Onesimus, on whose behalf he wrote a letter to Philemon should convince the most recalcitrant skeptic.  Add to this Paul’s allusions to Christ’s return and the end times in 3:4 and 3:24, and you find a Pauline like epistle, I believe.

The theme of the missive is that Jesus Christ is unique.  It is through Him, and in Him that Genuine Believers come to rest in the assurance of salvation.  He is the fullness of the God.  Just as much God as if He were no part man, yet fully man at the same time.  Paul makes no attempt to prove the humanity of Christ because this was not an issue for these Believers.  Rather, they seemed much like the followers of Islam and the Jehovah’s Witnesses of this age in that they accepted Christ’s humanity but couldn’t accept His deity. Therefore, Paul emphasizes Christ’s sonship very early. (1:3) He continues that theme by showing Him to be a sufficient sacrifice so that sinful man could be justified before Holy God.  Christ is all one needs, and will satisfy every need of one’s existence.  Therefore, Paul argues, one might be “...filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power...” (1:9-11)

Paul wants them to understand that the worthy walk which pleases the Lord can only be accomplished by the power of Christ.  No amount of mysticism, legalism, or ritualistic ceremonies can substitute for the indwelling power of Christ in whom “...dwells all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.”  (2:9) Such a worthy walk involves relationships, and Paul gives some practical applications of the interaction of the one who walks worthily within those relationships.

If the epistle was written during Paul’s imprisonment in Rome, which I believe to be the case, its date would be between 60 and 64.  J.B. Lightfoot (1828-1889) make a very strong case for this traditional position, and I’ve seen no solid evidence to the contrary.

The occasion for the writing of Colossians was the visit of Epaphroditus to Rome to see the Apostle Paul, who was then a prisoner.  Perhaps his purpose was to seek Paul’s help in dealing with the error beginning to gain a foothold in the churches there.  Epaphroditus was probably the Pastor of the church in Colossae and possibly Laodicea as well.  Many commentators believe that Philemon lived in Colossae and it was there that he had his house church.

Colossae was located 120 miles east of Ephesus in the Lycus River Valley in ancient Phrygia, part of the Roman territory of Asia Minor.  It was one of three cities at the foot of Mount Cadmus, the others were Laodicea  and Hierapolis.  Paul had never visited the city and most speculate that Epaphroditus was the founder of the church there.  Some suggest that in Colossae’s proximity to Ephesus one might deduce it’s beginnings during the time Paul preached in Ephesus for two years on his third missionary journey (Acts 19:10).  Both the church at Laodicea and Colossae could have been founded by the same person during those days, but both were obviously closely connected (4:16).  It is conceivable that both Philemon and Epaphroditus were saved through the preaching and teaching of Paul during his ministry in Ephesus.  However, there is no concrete information to validate that, and one does well not to speculate too much where Scripture is silent.

This introduction is necessarily a compilation of information I have gleaned from gifted scholars I trust.  I make no claim that I have the knowledge to provide such background information apart from my gleanings of those works.  A professor of preaching at what was then Baptist Bible Institute in Graceville, Florida, Dr. Leroy Benefield, was wont to say, “Read widely and preach from the overflow.”  That is also my practice in writing and teaching.  Should you discover that something I’ve included was originally yours, remember, you got it somewhere.   I do affirm that the compilation is my work alone, and feel certain that others will not want to claim it.

I am...
Mike Rasberry
Because Christ Still Reigns!

COLOSSIANS: ANTIDOTE TO GNOSTICISM, RITUALISM, AND LEGALISM IN ANY AGE

We are studying Colossians for our January Bible Study at BSBC on Sunday and Wednesday Evenings during the month of January.  This is the outline for that study.  I pray it serves as a helpful tool for your study of God's Word.   I'm grateful for many whose works I've gleaned from during the course of preparing this work.


I.     Salutation (1:1-2)

A. Validation of Authority for Writing (1:1)

B. Basis of Interpersonal Relationships (1:2)

II.      Christ’s Fullness Explained  (1:3–2:7)

A. Thanksgiving and Prayer for the Colossians (1:3-14)

1. Thanksgiving  for the Colossians’ Faith (1:3-8)

2. Prayer for the Colossians’ Knowledge and Growth (1:9-14)

B. Hymn to Christ the Lord (1:15-20)

C. Affirmation of Christ the Reconciler (1:21-23)

D. Paul’s Stewardship of His Calling, and the Hidden Mystery(1:24–2:7)

1. The Purpose of Paul’s Sufferings (1:24,25)

2. The Mystery Revealed (1:26,27)

3. The End to which Paul Aspired (1:28,29)

4. Paul’s Concern about their Vulnerability to Deception (2:1-4)

5. Paul’s Admonishment to Stand Fast in The Faith (2:5-7)

III.     Denying Christ’s Fullness (2:8–3:4)

A. The Fullness of Christ More Completely Explained (2:8-15)

1. Statement against Heretics (2:8)

2. Christ’s Fullness is All One Needs  (2:9-15)

a. Christ completes us (2:9-10)

b. Christ delivered us from our Sins (2:11)

c. Christ gave us Life (2:12)

d. Christ has Vanquished Death’s Dread Hold (2:13)

e. Christ has Fulfilled our Obligations (2:14)

f. Christ Defeated our Enemy (2:15)

B. The Colossians Demonstrate Their Lack of Belief (2:16-19)

C. The Colossians Demonstrate Their Hypocrisy  (2:20–3:4)

1. Death with Christ Means Death to Human Regulations (2:20-23)

2. Resurrection with Christ Means New Perspective (3:1-4)

IV.     The Fullness of Christ Demonstrated (3:5–4:6)

A. Demonstrated Individually (3:5-17)

1. Negative: Putting off the Old Man (3:5-11)

2. Positive: Putting on the New Man (3:12-17)

B. Demonstrated in the Home (3:18–4:1)

1. Wives and Husbands (3:18-19)

2. Children and Parents (3:20-21)

3. Slaves and Masters (3:22–4:1)

C. Demonstrated in Relation to Others (4:2-6)

1. In Relation to Believers and Spiritual Leaders (4:2-4)

2. In Relation to Unbelievers (4:5-6)

V.     Final Greetings and Exhortations (4:7-18)

A. Commendation of Tychicus (4:7-9)

B. Greetings from Paul’s Co-Workers (4:10-14)

C. Greetings from Paul (4:15)

D. Exhortations (4:16-18)

©         Mike Rasberry   2014