Fiery Preacher

Luke 3:7-18

We don’t see too many “fire and brimstone” preachers today.  Preachers and evangelists who bring messages on judgment, hell, and repentance seem like something from a bygone era, a past century, and would not seem to fit in too many churches today.  They certainly wouldn’t be too popular with most people.  People in churches today want to only hear about God’s love, and His acceptance of themselves just the way they are.  Pastors who would give a “fire and brimstone” sermon today might even be asked to start changing their message or start looking for another job.  However, what do we find in the third chapter of Luke’s Gospel, just a few verses past the Christmas narrative?  This is the account of John the Baptist, a very important figure in the New Testament, one whose whole ministry, in addition to being the forerunner of Jesus the Messiah, was a message of repentance and judgment.  We read a similar account in Matthew 3:1-12.

Our Gospel verses for today, just days before Christmas, don't seem too Christmassy.  John the Baptist was commissioned by God from before his birth to prepare people for the coming Messiah, and that preparation included repentance and turning one’s life around in the direction towards God.  John the Baptist didn’t worry about what people thought of his messages.  He didn’t cater to people’s feelings.  He didn’t preach what the people wanted to hear, he preached what they needed to hear, and that was a message of repentance to prepare for the coming of the Messiah.  John didn’t worry about offending people, as he called out some folks in his preaching, calling them a brood of vipers, a whole nest of poisonous snakes to be avoided! (vs. 7).  If they are going to sit there smugly in their pews in church on Sunday, thinking that they are perfectly fine, that God loves them just as they are, then they need to show forth fruit of their good lives (vs. 8-9).

John the Baptist, and his message of preparing for the coming of Jesus, figures prominently during Advent, the weeks in the Church calendar prior to Christmas.  We are called as believers to have genuine repentance in our lives, a complete turning away from sin, and a commitment to live a life that bears good fruit.  John warns that those who refuse to repent, who feel that they don’t need that, there is judgment coming.  He used the image of an ax cutting down a tree and throwing it in a fire (vs. 9).  Some of the folks said to John that God wouldn’t judge them because they were descended from Abraham.  We see similar smugness today with people thinking they are free from judgment because of their heritage, their wealth, where they live, etc.  John proclaimed that was not so.  This shows the urgency of repentance and the reality of God’s impending judgment.

What are we supposed to do?  That was the question the crowds had for John the Baptist.  After they repented of their sins, what were they to do to show that they were living lives of righteousness, and were showing good fruits of repentance?  John responded by telling them to change their ways, be generous, be fair, treat others kindly (vs. 10-14).  This is not saying in any way that salvation is dependent upon our works.  Works do not save us.  Only faith does (Ephesians 2:8-9).  However, works are a sign that there is genuine faith (Ephesians 2:10).  If there isn’t any good fruit, then there is probably no root.

As our Scripture continues, John humbly acknowledged that he was not the Messiah, and pointed to the One who was mightier, the Lord Jesus (vs. 15-16).  He also warned that the Messiah was coming with judgment, as well (vs. 17).  John used the image of a farmer in his day, using a winnowing fork to separate the wheat from the chaff.  This would picture the final judgment, where God will separate the righteous for heaven from the wicked and unsafe who will face eternal punishment.

In closing, as we come to the end of the season of Advent, with Christmas just days away, we need to examine our lives, repent of all known sin, and produce fruit that reflects a transformed heart.  Believers and followers of the Lord Jesus should be striving to live in a way that honors Him, and that reflects our faith.  Knowing the reality of a coming day of judgment, we should be motivated to live faithfully for the Savior, and share the message of repentance and salvation with others.

Stinking Thinking

Philippians 4:8-9

Have you ever heard of “stinking thinking”, and have you ever been caught doing that?  Stinking thinking is having negative and bad thoughts, ones that lead to stress, anxiety, and depression. If we find that we are frequently getting stuck in a stinking thinking pattern, we need to find a way to get out, otherwise we might start to become seriously depressed.  When I was growing up, many people read Dale Carnegie’s positive thinking books and listened to Norman Vincent Peale’s talk, two positive thinking leaders.  However, they are not the only ones who have the answers.  Many centuries earlier than those two, God gave us a solution right in His Word.

As the Apostle Paul comes towards the end of his epistle to the church in Philippi, he gives them some instructions on living a victorious Christian life, such as making rejoicing a part of our daily life, and praying instead of being anxious.  Then right in the middle of the fourth and final chapter, Paul instructs us on what to center our mind and thoughts on.  We are to focus our thoughts on things that are true, noble, just, things that are pure, lovely, and of a good report.  We are to think of virtuous things, and things that are praiseworthy.  We are to think of the things that Paul taught, so things that are from the Word of God.  When we do, then God will bless us with His peace, and not those stinking thinking thoughts.

Perhaps you have heard the saying “you are what you eat”.  To some degree that is true.  However it is even more true that we are what we think.   Someone who is constantly thinking negative thoughts will be a pessimistic person.  The optimistic person will keep thoughts more in line with our Scripture verses of today.

Our thoughts control what kind of day we will have, and ultimately our life.  If we feed our mind with negative thoughts, that’s what our day will be like.  However, if we feed our mind good and positive thoughts, that is what type of day we are more likely to have, as well.

What we allow into our mind greatly impacts our thinking.  Properly programming our mind can protect us from the devil’s traps.  If we are taking into our mind a lot of things that are at odds with what the Bible says, with God wants, our mental filter for straining out impurities will be under attack.  That is why we need to be careful with what we read and look at on the Internet, what we watch on TV and with streaming, and what we listen to.  Many parents are careful with what they let their children view, but are they taking the same care with what they are feeding their minds?

Our brain is wired to strengthen what we focus on.  If we focus on the negative we see only the negative, and those thoughts will grow stronger.  However if we focus on Jesus, that will grow, and our thoughts and life will be clear.  If our thoughts are negative, or sin-filled ones that tempt us to sin, or are thoughts that try to tear ourselves or others down, we need to replace them.  It is impossible to have two opposing thoughts continually in the mind at the same time.  One of those thoughts has to go.  We must turn our thoughts away from that of the devil, and instead put it on to what is of God.

Our thoughts greatly influence our successes, our failures, and our choices.  They also affect our relationships with others and with the Lord.  Which would you rather be around - a positive, upbeat, and joyful person, or one that is always negative, discouraged, and pessimistic?  Most would prefer the former person rather than the latter one.  Also, if we have a negative outlook on life, then it follows that our view of God will shift that way, too, and our prayer life and relationship with the Lord will weaken.

In closing, bad, negative, and sinful thoughts are like weeds that need to be pulled out.  Instead, let’s plant thoughts that are true, noble, just, ones that are pure, lovely, good, virtuous, and praiseworthy.  That is the way to have a better day, and live a life that is blessed by the Lord.

Safety And Security

Psalm 61

Many people feel that these are rather frightening, scary times we live in.  Some people might wish they could just hide away from everything.  If you did have to genuinely hide from a strong, powerful, dangerous enemy, where would you go?  Is there anyone who you could turn to for help in keeping you safe?   There were several periods in David’s life where he was hunted like a hunter goes after a deer and he needed a safe and protected shelter.  He needed help, and who could he trust to turn to?  Psalm 61 gives us his answer.

When we are in trouble we need someone that we can trust who will help us.  Many have found out that these trustworthy people are few and far between.  So who can we call on?  David found that he could trust in the Lord, and so it was He whom he called upon (vs. 1-2).  No matter where he was, David knew he could call upon Yahweh, even from the ends of the earth, and He would hear and respond.

When we need to flee from danger, where can we find a safe place?  Not every place is safe and secure.  David prayed to the Lord that He would lead him to a high rock.  The area south and southwest of ancient Israel was a rocky wilderness.  These rocks held many places to hide in.  David prayed for a rock that was higher than himself.  He wanted something higher, bigger, and stronger than himself to trust in.  We have that in the Lord Jesus.  He is the Rock, the Rock of our salvation (I Corinthians 10:4; Psalm 89:26).

Another place that people, particularly in the past, used to hide in are strong towers.  In villages of the past, there were often brick or stone towers where access to higher floors were only obtained by a ladder, often a rope ladder, that was pulled up behind those seeking safety.  That way enemies from below could not get up, and they were protected.  The Lord Jesus is our strong tower, as well (vs. 3).  When we seek spiritual help from Jesus, when we hide our souls in Him, we are safe from the attacks of Satan.  When we seek refuge in His protection, Jesus is that tower around us.  He is a safe place and a strong fortress where our enemies cannot reach us.  We cannot effectively be a safe place for ourselves.

David mentions a third place of safety, however it is not one that we usually think of as a place that we can flee to, and that is shelter under some wings (vs. 4).  Have you ever seen an adult bird protect their young under their wings?  I know that a mother hen will shelter her chicks under her wings, along with many other birds, including eagles.  I have seen this first-hand with Canadian geese which are very familiar throughout Illinois, the state I live in.  No one dares bother baby goslings when adult Canadian geese are around, as they ferociously protect their babies.  God protects His children just as fiercely.  The wings of God Himself are our shield.

In the second half of the psalm, David attests his confidence that God has heard his prayers, and that he can faithfully trust in His promises (vs. 5).  He also proclaims that he will faithfully keep his vows to the Lord, and praise Him throughout his life (vs. 8).

As we close, let’s take one more look at Yahweh Misqabbi - the Lord our High Tower.  We can run safely to Him when we are overwhelmed by our circumstances.  The Lord does more than just provide a hiding place.  In the High Tower we are lifted high above the darts of temptations, trials, slander, separation, and sickness.  We are hidden in the Name of Yahweh Misqabbi, secure from all harm.  There is safety in His presence, and security in His Name!

God Sings Over You

Zephaniah 3:14-20

Most of us can say that there has been at least one time in our life when we messed things up, got into trouble of some sort or other, or made some big mistakes.  Often these mess-ups or mistakes angered some people, particularly if what we did was due to wrong or sinful behavior on our part.  It can be painful for us if the one who is angry is a loved one or someone we respect, especially if they remain angry and the relationship is damaged.  However, if or when that relationship is restored and forgiven, and we can see their smile upon us again, what joy we have!  This is the picture that we see in our Scripture today.

Our Scripture passage is taken from the Book of Zephaniah, an Old Testament prophet.  Not a whole lot is known about Zephaniah.  He ministered to the people of the Kingdom of Judah during the reign of King Josiah who reigned from 640-609 BC.  Zephaniah was a great-great grandson of King Hezekiah, so a distant relative of King Josiah.  Over the past several centuries the people of Judah had swung back and forth from faithful worship of Yahweh while under good kings, to worshiping pagan idols under the bad kings.  Yahweh was angry with the people for their spiritual unfaithfulness, particularly during the reign of King Manasseh, Josiah’s grandfather.  Because of this they were going to face judgment, some of which Zephaniah speaks of in the first 2 ½ chapters of his short book.

The people of the Kingdom of Judah had messed up badly and made some terrible mistakes in their welcome, acceptance, and worship of pagan gods, just like their sister the Kingdom of Israel had, which brought about their downfall.  Now the Prophet Zephaniah, along with his contemporaries like Jeremiah, brought God’s message of judgment.  Would the Lord ever forgive them?  Would his anger remain forever?

When we’ve made some really serious mistakes that put relationships we value at risk, when we’ve messed up badly, we aren’t likely to go around singing.  We’re more likely to cry.  Yet as our Scripture passage begins, the prophet tells the people to sing and shout for joy (vs. 14).  They can be glad because there is coming a day when the Lord will forgive them, when He will cast out the nations that He used in judgment against them (vs. 15).

Zephaniah continues his message, saying that the Lord will rejoice over His people (vs. 17).  This includes not just the people of Israel, but everyone who is in a saving relationship with Him through His Son Jesus Christ.  We have all fallen into sin at various times and need God’s forgiveness.  Zephaniah assures us that God will forgive.  He is our Father, and just as a human parent will lovingly calm and quiet a fretting and upset child, and will hold them on their lap, singing them lullabies, so the Lord God does with us, as Zephaniah testifies.

God is singing because He rejoices over His children, delights in them, and feels joy over them.  God’s love is not based on our changing moods.  His love for us never wavers.  It is steadfast, unchanging, and totally reliable.  The Lord delights in us, just as a parent singing to a newborn baby.

His love for us is stronger than anything that would try and come against us (vs. 18-20).  We need to know how big and strong God is.  No matter the size of the problem in our life or the life of a loved one, God is bigger.  Even when our catastrophes result from our own rebellion, if we are believers in His Son Jesus, God still comes to our rescue.  Whatever troubles overtake us, whatever evils, Jesus is with us.  No matter how alone we feel, our strong Savior is with us.  No matter what fears ravage us, our God assures us that He is by our side.

In closing, many of us have been brought up and taught that God is a very stern, humorless, frowning deity.  However, Zephaniah teaches us here in the middle of our Scripture passage that we have a Heavenly Father who is joyful.  We serve a God who saves us from eternal death, and then prepares a place in heaven for us to celebrate with Him for all eternity.

Preparing For Jesus

Luke 3:1-6

We are a little over half-way through the Christian season of Advent now, that period in the Christian calendar that prepares us for the holy day of Christmas, the day when we celebrate the coming of the Lord Jesus, the Messiah, into the world as our Savior.  A lot of emphasis is placed on preparing, not just preparing by decorating the house, shopping for presents, and planning menus, but preparing our hearts for the Lord Jesus.  In our Scripture today we read of an important figure in the Gospels, John the Baptist, who called people at the time to prepare for the beginning of the ministry of Jesus and the salvation that He brings to all.  Let’s look at this short passage and see its message.

This Scripture passage comes from Luke’s Gospel.  Luke was a very meticulous recorder of facts and details, and as he introduces John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus, he makes sure that he lets the readers know the historical context of when this all took place (vs. 1-2).  First, Luke says that it was in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar as emperor of the Roman Empire.  Tiberius reigned from September 17, 14 AD to March 16, 37 AD., so this would place the time sometime between September of 29 AD to September of 30 AD.  Luke also clarifies that Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea (26-36 AD).

Luke also mentions three other localized rulers - Herod Antipas who was tetrarch (something like a governor or petty king) over Galilee; his brother Philip who was tetrarch over an area north of Galilee which included parts of present-day Lebanon and Syria; and Lysanias as the tetrarch over the area around Mt. Hermon, north of Galilee.  Caiaphas was the high priest.  While his father-in-law Annas had been deposed by Rome, he was still extremely influential, almost like a co-high priest.   Luke did his homework to let everyone know when this happened, and that it wasn’t just a fairy tale or legend.

After Luke set the political and religious time-line, he turned his attention to the man who was called to prepare the way for the coming of the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ, that being John the Baptist (vs. 2-3).  John centered his ministry in and around the area of the Jordan River, east of Jerusalem, not that far from the city, as many Pharisees came from there to keep their eyes on him.  John the Baptist preached a message of repentance and baptism for the forgiveness of sins.  He knew that the Messiah’s appearance was imminent, and that people needed to prepare their hearts for Him.

Repentance is an important prerequisite for forgiveness.  It is more than just saying “I’m sorry.”  It involves a complete 180 degree change in thought, attitude, and action.  To be truly repentant one must turn their back on sin and turn towards God’s ways and His forgiveness.  When someone was baptized by John, it symbolized a public declaration of repentance and a commitment to a transformed life.

Luke continues by declaring that John the Baptist was a fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecies of a forerunner to the Messiah, one who would come and prepare the way for Him (vs. 4-6).  Luke quotes from Isaiah 40:3-4 and from Isaiah 52:10.  John the Baptist was a voice calling out in the wilderness, as that is where his ministry took place, and he called for people to prepare their lives for God, repenting of sin, as symbolized in these passages as valleys, mountains, crooked, and rough paths.

John the Baptist called for all people to repent - rich, poor, all ages, whether supposedly “good” or notorious sinners, both Jewish and Gentiles alike.  Salvation is available to all who repent and believe in the Gospel.

Just as John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus’ first coming, believers today are called to prepare their hearts and lives for Christ’s return.  Repentance is central to the Christian faith.  We need to examine our lives, repent of all known sin, and seek God’s forgiveness.  Then, as a response of God’s forgiveness, we are called to proclaim the Good News of salvation and encourage others to turn to God.

Completing His Work On You

Philippians 1:1-11

Did you ever know someone who started a project, but never completed it?  Most of us know people like that, and perhaps you are even someone with that tendency.  They might start a project in their favorite hobby, or maybe a fix-up project with the house, maybe plans to start a garden, but after a little bit they stop.  Maybe they get bored, lose their enthusiasm, or run out of needed materials, and all work stops, they just give up.  That has happened to many people.  Would that ever happen with God?  Does He ever just give up on something?  That is one of several things that the Apostle Paul speaks about in our Scripture passage today.

Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi was written by the apostle while he was imprisoned for his faith.  Despite the rough treatment he had experienced in the city, the flogging, overnight jailing, and then being run out of town, the love Paul had for the church he started there is evident.  He begins his letter to the believers in Philippi with a prayer that they receive God’s grace and peace (vs. 2).  Grace and peace are two great heritages of the Christian.  These are two things we can always have, no matter what our circumstances.  Grace is all of God’s power, all of His love, all of His beauty available for us.  It is all that God is, and offers to us.  Peace is freedom from anxiety, fear, and worry.  Grace - God at work in our life.  Peace - A sense of security and trust.  These ought to mark Christians all the time.

Paul continues on by telling the Philippians that he thanks God for them (vs. 3).  Even though he and his companion Silas were falsely arrested in that city, illegally beaten with rods, and then thrown into stocks in a prison cell (Acts 16:20-24), he remembers his time there with love for these brothers and sisters in Christ.  Paul knew that the believers there were facing persecution, just as he did while there, ending with him and his group being told to leave town.  He kept them in his prayers each day that they would remain strong in their faith, just as they had from the first day they believed (vs. 4-5).

The apostle had entrusted these believers to the Lord when he left town.  They had entrusted their souls into His hands when they accepted Jesus as Savior.  Was it all in vain because of the persecution?  Was God going to drop the ball?  Did He only carry them so far, and then quit?  Or would He think that they were just too rotten and give up on them?  Paul knew that wasn’t the case.  He was confident in the Lord, that He began a good work in the Philippians, and He would complete it fully.  He would carry it through to the end (vs. 6).  They would not be an incomplete project sitting in the back of God’s closet.

There will always be enemies who try to thwart God’s work.  We will face people who hate the faith we have, and who may come against us, and we will always have to deal with the attacks of Satan and his minions, but God is in control.  God will make all things, including our life, beautiful in His time (Ecclesiastes 3:11).  He is working all things for our good (Romans 8:28).  God does not panic.  He does not stop, but nor does He hurry.  He is always present, working in our lives.  We can remain calm trusting that God is present with us.  Even during uncertain times, God is continually working for our good.  That is why Paul could write a letter filled with such joy, even while sitting in a dark, damp, and dirty prison cell.

Our Scripture ends with the apostle Paul praying that the Philippians be filled with God’s love, knowledge, discernment, that they be sincere, be filled with righteousness, and without offense (vs. 9-11).  If we love God, and then love others, we will regularly look for ways to honor Him, and will work to do the right thing.  That is what the Philippians did, which pleased Paul, and of course, pleased God.

In closing I wish to point out that a measure of discernment is important for every Christian to have and to utilize.  A Christian without discernment is like a submarine in a harbor without radar or a periscope, or like a full jet trying to land in a dense fog without instruments or a radio.  They may have lots of good intentions, but then comes disaster!  Let us make an effort to show forth the fruits of the Spirit in our lives, and trust that no matter how much we mess up, Jesus will continue His work in us until He returns.

A Godly Home And Nation

Psalm 127

When a couple decides to marry and establish a new family they don’t usually want or even plan for an end to their marriage and family.  The same would go for when a new community is established.  No one looks for failure to happen.  Our Scripture today from the Book of Psalms gives us an answer to this problem.  Since we wish to avoid the failure of a marriage or of a city, a country, or any type of community, we can look to God’s answer in this Psalm.

Psalm 127 is one of only two psalms that King Solomon wrote that are included in the Bible.  It is also one of fifteen “Songs of Ascent”, which were a group of generally shorter psalms written to be sung by pilgrims as they traveled to Jerusalem.  Since Jerusalem has a higher elevation than its surrounding environs, the pilgrims were climbing higher, or ascending, as they journeyed to the city and the Temple.

Our psalm begins with the statement that “unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it.” (vs. 1).    The Hebrew word for “house” here is “bayit”, which can mean both a structure built and used as a dwelling, or a household, a family.  Both definitions of “house” would be fitting here.  God’s Word is telling us that if we want our family firmly established, one that will both last and get along well together, it needs to be built on Him and His Word.  The Lord Jesus needs to be a “member” of the family if it is to be well-established.

The second half of this brief psalm tells of the blessings of children, which is quite often what follows a wedding and establishing of a household or family.  Again, if we wish to see our family prosper and have the blessings of the Lord upon it, and especially if children follow, it needs to be established in the Lord.  It should be the desire and prayer of every Christian parent that their children will one day, preferably earlier in their life, that they will be saved.  A more certain way of this happening is if they are instructed and taught from an early age the truths of the Bible.  However, if within the family and household there is nothing but fighting and squabbling, if it is a dysfunctional family, that is what the child will learn.

As believers, we should have a godly desire to train our children to use their talents and gifts to do what is right, and to live by the ways of the Lord.  A parent is responsible for the direction of their children.  A child, like an arrow, is incapable of directing himself (vs 4).  It is the responsibility of parents to direct the early lives of their children.  No Christian parent should ever follow the ungodly philosophy of “letting the child decide for themselves when they are older” what religious beliefs they should have, if any.  That is like wildly shooting an arrow blindly out into the air and hoping that it will hit the target.  It’s not likely to happen.  When we shoot an arrow, we aim for the bull’s eye, and that is what we should be doing with our children, aiming them for the Lord Jesus.

As for the actual structure of a house, there is nothing wrong with praying over it, whether one is moving into a brand new building, or one that has stood for decades.  Many Christians pray over each and every room of their home when they move in, and periodically afterwards, and that is a good practice to help keep Satan and his minions from getting a foothold.

A nation, city, or any other type of community will also be blessed if they are established in the Lord and the godly principles found in His Word.  If they aren’t, if they cast God’s Word behind them, they cannot expect His blessings, and their endeavors in the long-term will be in vain.  When our country took God’s Word out of our schools and in society in general, it has been a slow downward slide since then.

Unless the Lord is an active participant in all we do, our efforts will be in vain.  A relationship with God, based on obedience to His Word, must be the defining mental, emotional, and spiritual guide for every decision if the home or the nation expects to stand firm.  The Lord Himself should be the center of our home.