The Sting of Criticism

 When we moved to Texas, I took a break from writing and focused on home and family. I wouldn't have been capable of balancing a 'career' and family at the same time. My family was my career. I know plenty of women that do this, but that wasn't my calling in life. 

In truth, raising kids and taking care of home was not my only reason. God needed to do some serious work on me. I arrived in Texas pretty beat up emotionally and spiritually. I wanted desperately to serve God, but my ego needed to get over itself (a safe way of saying, hey, I had way too much pride and I needed to turn from it). So, it seemed fitting to take a break away from readers and writers and all that comes with that, and simply learn about God.

You know what I learned? God loves me. Simple, isn't it?

But in all the criticism that comes when you are an author, or any person putting herself out there, you can miss a very important fact expressed in a simple children's song: Jesus Loves Me.

Did I get over my ego? Nope. Did I get over the hurt? Yes. While I have been a student of the Bible since childhood, I still need to remember that I am a child of God. I still need to take the time to adore God in truth, to pray in sincerity, and to live with complete abandonment. 

I have picked up writing again (as you can see). I still fear what people say when I shouldn't. I still feel the sting of criticism. I still battle with the need to be approved. But I know where to go to regain my stability and my courage and my strength. I have to remind myself of His love and mercy and pleasure in me. I have to remind myself that He is my audience, and it is His Holy Spirit that will speak to the hearts of my readers, not my words. My battle with pride is certainly my thorn in the flesh. But God's grace is sufficient. To Him be all honor, and glory, and praise. Forever and ever, Amen!

Thomas Perry

 Thomas Perry lived in Wales in the 1600's, an ordinary man with an extra-ordinary faith.

In Wales, like in England, the Church of England (Episcopal Church) ruled, yet without truth. King Charles I sat on the throne, believed he "received [his] power from God and thus could not be deposed." (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_I_of_England) He waged a war against any and all who opposed this.

Thomas Perry dreamt one night of two places, one of hell and one of heaven. He wanted to go to heaven but was told he could not until he ate the bread of life. The dream impacted him and when he was able, he visited the parish church, listened to the Episcopal minister, and "became a little more moral as to his outward conduct." (History of the Welsh Baptists, p. 44)

A seemingly random meeting of an old woman on the way to a Baptist meeting brought him to hear a sermon preached on the bread of life. He spoke to the preacher, learned that the bread of life was Jesus Christ and only through Him could he go to heaven. Thomas Parry was then converted.

This preacher that led Thomas Parry to faith revealed an important truth which would later depict Thomas' life:

. . . described the tribulation that he must expect to meet with on his way there; and that it was to continue only for a short time, in comparison with that eternity to which he was hastening. (History of the Welsh Baptists, p. 44)

Thomas Parry's life exhibited boldness in the face of persecutions from both King Charles I and King Charles II.

Men of faith, like Thomas Parry, encourage me to take a stand. The prevailing wisdom of many leaders in Christendom today tell us to bend under the winds of compromise. They claim that a civilized approach to Christianity is to acknowledge others faith journeys as just as viable ways to live as that of a person who bases his salvation on faith alone.

Not true.

As Thomas Parry discovered, there is only one bread of life, there is only one way to salvation. He was warned what it would cost him to chose to partake of this bread, and he, having desired a heavenly home, accepted the cost as a momentary time of suffering.

The Apostle Paul, while writing to the Philippians from prison, said:

"But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;" Philippians 1:12 (KJV)

Paul recognized that God continued to work even when he suffered. He willingly suffered so that others might be encouraged, so that the rulers of the time would have opportunity to hear, so that the Gospel of Christ would be proclaimed.

During the 17th century many suffered persecution but that did not stop the spread of Truth.

Today many scoff at those who take a stand and continue to share the one and only true Gospel message: the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ for the redemption of man. Many who put themselves under the umbrella of Christendom place upon their followers a heavy yoke of works oriented faith and then mock those who say that salvation comes only through faith . . . not through baptism, not through the receiving of the sacraments, not based on how good you are and whether you feed the poor or work to save the environment.

How does this apply to me?

Thomas Parry was said to have "in the name of his God . . . hoisted up his banners." (History of the Welsh Baptists, p. 43) He refreshed the souls and bodies of those fellow Christians, fellow ministers of the cross, who suffered affliction for their faith.

I care not to be praised by the lofty members of Christian publishing. I don't desire to be an acclaimed novelist like the author of The Shack. There is nothing wrong with praise or acclamation, and if God chooses for this to happen, so be it.

But I would rather be recognized as someone who upheld the Gospel message, exhorted believers to stand fast in the faith, and refreshed the souls and bodies of those who "stand in the fray. "

How's Your Worship?

 "Ye offer polluted bread upon mine altar; and ye say, Wherein have we polluted thee? In that ye say, The table of the LORD is contemptible." Malachi 1:7

Read Malachi 1; Nehemiah 13.
The priests in Israel lost their passion. They grudgingly offered sacrifices, knowingly placing imperfect animals upon the altar.

The offering of sacrifices was a form of worship. We don't offer animal sacrifices anymore, but we do worship on many different levels. In your daily life (which we are to offer as a sacrifice) are you doing your best for the Lord? 

• When you pray, do you fall asleep or let your mind wander?
• When you read the Bible, do you scan the words instead of allowing the Holy Spirit to speak to you?
• When you sing do you make a joyful noise, presenting to God your very best?
• When you serve in your church, do you give 100% effort?
• When you are at work, are you honoring God (acknowledging that He is the one that provided the job) and giving your 100%?
• When you fellowship with friends and family, do you remember that God tells us to 'minister' to one another, and therefore reflect this in your communication?

The list is endless in the ways that we 'offer sacrifices' to God.

I must not offer my sacrifices grudgingly, as the priests did, with only a half-hearted attempt to please God. Rather, I must pour my all on the altar with the very best that I can give—with a passion bent on meeting the passion God has for me.

In what ways are you offering sacrifices of worship to God?

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Romans 12:1

The Journey

 "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:

Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." Matthew 7:13-14

Read Revelations 21:1-8; Isaiah 66:17-66:2.

When I lived in British Columbia, Canada my favorite escape was to the mountains surrounding the Lower Mainland, particularly the Golden Ears.

In Golden Ears Park two falls, The Upper Falls, and The Lower Falls, became my favorite destination. A broad, well maintained path led to the Lower Falls, a nice relaxing hike. However, the real treasure existed beyond this path, up a narrow, rocky, crooked trail to the Upper Falls.

When you step from the woods onto the rocks overlooking the Upper Falls such beauty surrounds you that not even the most skilled painter could capture it. A mountain river runs through a broad valley encircled by majestic mountains: a picture of Heaven. The trek up the slippery and steep trail is worth the effort for the beauty you behold.

This place, at the top of the Upper Falls, became my resting place.

Do you see the parallels of the Christian life? Every person sets out on a journey. Many people travel along the same road, but only a few choose to take the narrow path that leads to Heaven. There are plenty of wonderful sights to see on the broad road. You won't get lonely, because there are many to keep you company. But if you stay on that road, you will not be able to see the majesty of Heaven.

To take the path off the main trail requires effort. You'll likely stumble along the way. You might get scraped. You'll probably sweat. You might be poked and scratched by tree branches. You might even fall into poison ivy. But when you arrive, and you burst forth from this world into the next, you will find the hurt is gone for the beauty and find your resting place waiting for you.

The Christian meets up with dangers on his journey. He'll tire at times. He'll fall at times. He'll wonder if it is all worth it. But when his journey ends, and he crosses the river into Celestial Place, he'll find his effort rewarded beyond what his mind could have imagined.

The Work of My Hands

 "And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it." Psalm 90:17

Read Matthew 13:3-30.

Heavenly Father, please establish the work of my hands, first to the raising of my family and the running of my household, and second to my writing ministry, for Your glory and honor and praise.

I have nothing to be afraid of. I need only to trust Him.

The success of my ministry is not dependent upon me. I merely have to obey and trust Him to do the rest. He is the one who gives the increase.

Lord I worry about letting people down. Forgive me. Help me to remember this is Yours, not mine.

This isn't about me; it isn't about making a name for myself or lifting myself up, or the church or the Pastor; It is about doing the work of a laborer.

The laborer is not the one that made the crop grow. God did it. The laborer is merely there to do His bidding.

Some work to prepare the soil. A labor of faithful obedience by hands that may never see the fruit of their work.

Others work to sow the seeds, ensuring the Word falls on good soil. These laborers might never see the harvest, but what wondrous glory if they do.

The work of others is to fertilize and water, ensuring the plants get enough and that the soil around each plant is healthy. Such a laborer must be regular and consistent. Even these might not see the harvest, but they will rejoice if they are blessed with such opportunity.

Then comes the harvest and what a joy it is to bring in the fruit, but it must be done in a timely manner.

Each of these workers have a part in the harvest, but it is God who gives the increase.

It is God who gives the strength to the ones who prepare the ground.

It is God who gives the seeds to the sowers.

It is God who provides the water and the fertilizers to the husbandmen.

It is God's soil.

It is God who makes the crops produce their fruit.

The harvest belongs to God.

We merely labor. We merely obey.

If we do not do our part in preparing the soil, in sowing the seed, in watering and fertilizing, and in gathering, then we have no part in the glory of the harvest. We fail to be fruitful.

Each part is important; they are dependent upon each other.

If the soil is not prepared, the seed may not take root.

If the seed is not sown, there is nothing to water and fertilize.

If the crop is not watered and nourished it will not grow.

If the harvest is not gathered, the fruit will turn to waste.

We may not always know what our part is, but we must do the work given us to do.

Lord, help me not to weary in the tasks You've given me. I pray this in my Precious Lord Jesus Christ's name, Amen.

"And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." Matthew 28:18-20

Do You See God's Heart?

 I Timothy 2:3-4

“For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.”

II Peter 3:9

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

I have been reading Isaiah and Jeremiah of late. The desire of God for Israel to turn from their way of life to Him struck my heart. He pleads with them for He desires that they experience good.

Isaiah 1:18

“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”

Jeremiah 29:11-13

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search me with all your heart.”

He wanted them to turn to Him so that they would not have to endure judgment; so that they would not have to receive the curses He spoke of in Deuteronomy 28:15-68. He sent prophets to remind them of His ways, to tell them how they were to come to Him, to let them know of His love for them AND of His righteousness and judgments.

Jeremiah 13:15-16

“Hear ye, and give ear; be not proud: for the LORD hath spoken. Give glory to the LORD your God, before he cause darkness, and before your feet stumble upon the dark mountains, and, while ye look for light, he turn it into the shadow of death, and make it gross darkness. But if ye will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret places for your pride; and mine eye shall weep sore, and run down with tears, because the LORD’s flock is carried away captive.”

Can you see God’s heart? How He loved Israel? How He wanted them to repent before the judgment came?

But Israel rejected God.

Jeremiah 13:25,27

“This is thy lot, the portion of thy measures from me, saith the LORD; because thou hast forgotten me, and trusted in falsehood. . . . I have seen thine adulteries, and thy neighing, the lewdness of thy whoredom, and thine abominations on the hills in the fields. . . .”

Jeremiah 19:15

“. . . because they have hardened their necks, that they might not hear my words.”

We see in the prophets the heart of God. We see how He wants to bless, not curse, but He is a righteous and holy God. At some point He will exact judgment. Indeed, the character of God is revealed through His dealings with Israel.

The time came when God needed to judge. Israel lost her opportunity to turn to Him.

Isaiah 29:10

“For the LORD hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: . . .”

Read Romans 11.

There comes a time, and it may be several, in a person’s life when he is given the opportunity to call upon the Lord. This is what God wants. He revealed Himself for this purpose, to draw all men to Him (Romans 1:19-20). Consider Cornelius who cried out to God, and God sent him Peter (Acts 10); consider the Ethiopian eunuch who sought to know the truth and God sent him Philip (Acts 8). God desires that all men everywhere come to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 3:9

“And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by all things in Jesus Christ:”

But, this opportunity to hear the Gospel, to call upon the Lord will not last forever. Judgment will come (see Revelation 20:11-15). In each person’s life there comes a time that, should the person reject Christ as his savior, God will reject him. Though, even on one's death bed, a person may turn to God, and God will forgive and save (see the thief Luke 23:39-43).

II Timothy 2:12

“. . . If we deny him, he also will deny us:”

And there is coming a time when those who rejected God will receive their judgment.

II Thessalonians 2:10-12
“And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” (emphasis put on by me).

We who have the Gospel message do not know the hearts of individuals. We do not know who will reject Christ, and who will receive Him (God, however, does). We therefore must do all we can to share the clear message of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ for the redemption from sin to every person with whom God gives us opportunity.

A Christian who silences someone who seeks to share the Gospel brings sorrow to God--those who lay a stumbling block for Christians who have a burden for lost soul--by saying things like “only those who are of the elect will be drawn to the irresistible grace of God,” or “You will offend them by telling them they are sinners, therefore just tell them they can get to Heaven by believing." My friend, God’s Word says He wishes none to perish; He calls ambassadors, such as the Apostle Paul, to make ALL men see.

We see in His dealings with Israel that He gives people opportunity to turn from their ways and follow Him, but the people chose not to, the people reject Him, and according to His holiness, His righteousness, His judgment must come.

On an individual basis, we don’t know when a person's life will end. For the world, we do not know when that opportunity to hear the Gospel will be removed. But we do know a person can be saved today.

II Corinthians 6:2

“For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold now is the day of salvation.”

Isaiah 49:8

“Thus saith the LORD, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee, . . .”

Clearly, God wants us to go and tell the people of the salvation He provides through faith in Jesus Christ for the salvation of our souls, before it is too late.

As a writer, I have a responsibility to ignore the naysayers of this world, who tell me I shouldn't boldly give the Gospel Message. I must press on and "do the work of an evangelist" using my computer's keyboard, the instrument God has given me to "Preach the Word;" and "be instant in season, out of season;". (II Timothy 3:2-5).

What about you? Are you listening to the naysayers of the world or to God's Holy Word?

"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the word, and preach the gospel to every creature." Mark 16:15

Saul

 "And Saul, yet breathing out threatening and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord . . ."

Acts 9:1

Read Acts 9:1-30

Saul sought to destroy the young church at Jerusalem. He hated this new religion that came to existence because of a man who “showed up” the Pharisees. So he obtained letters from the high priest to take to Damascus. He intended to round up those nasty Christ-followers and bring them to Jerusalem for punishment.

But he never completed his mission. The Lord, Jesus Christ, halted him in his tracks. A frightening experience of blinding light from Heaven, a voice only he could hear, and then conviction drove hate far from his heart.

Then this murderer of Christians, this man who watched the good saint Stephen stoned, converted to a deep faith that Jesus was indeed the Messiah, the Son of God. He entered the city of Damascus a blind man. But God had prepared the way for him. God spoke to Ananias in a vision.

Can you imagine the fear Ananias experienced? “Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: and here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.” (Acts 9:13)

Ananias trusted the Lord and obeyed. Now, because of the conversion of an angry, hate-filled man, and because of another who trusted the words of the Lord, the Gospel was preached to the Gentiles.

Yes, it is possible, God could have raised another, but God chose Saul (later known as Paul). “But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.” (Acts 9:15)

I have heard stories, and I have met people whose lives were full of wickedness before they turned their hearts over to the Lord. People you wouldn’t want to meet on the street. Individuals most people would consider a bane on society, not worthy to receive a second chance. Yet, God gave it to them.

I am so grateful to my God Who is willing to stop a murderer or a hardened criminal on his mission and to turn him from his ways, enabling him to follow Christ.

"This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief." I Timothy 1:15

How We Live Our Faith

 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23

Read Romans 13-15:21

Darlene says:

I can't put up with all your legalism. You tell me I shouldn't do this and that and the other thing, then tell me that all I have to do to be saved is believe? Hogwash.

Sarah says:

I am saved by faith, not by works. When I saw the wretchedness of my life, how utterly wicked I was, I hated myself. Then I learned that Jesus died for my sins. That because of His great love for me, He paid the price for my wickedness. I am forgiven. God bought me from that horrible task-master of sin, and now I am owned by Him. How could I not desire to do what pleases Him?

Derek says:

In Christ, I have the freedom to live how I want . . . I'm not going to lose my salvation, so hey, I'm going to that party, drink myself to oblivion, maybe even try some drugs. I've got my fire insurance, and I'm going to live life to the fullest.

Three different people with three different perspectives.

I often hear people spew out the word "legalism" at those who sincerely desire a close walk with the Lord. I have heard those who adhere to certain "guidelines to living" spew out "liberal" at those who apply the principles of Scripture differently to their lives. Often when a person condemns another for his walk, that person does not understand the motivations behind the other's actions. Sometimes, pride enters and causes divisions. 

We cannot speak for every person, We can only speak for ourselves, our own faith. Some live by certain precepts and principles that they believe are founded upon Scripture. Not everyone will apply these precepts and principles for life the same way as another. One’s preference for one thing will not be another’s.

I love the Lord because of what He did for me by paying the price for my sin. I moved from being a slave to sin to being His slave. I owe it to Him to live fully yielded to Him and not to sin. I am motivated not by a desire to earn my way to heaven, but a desire to please my Lord and Savior.

Paul gave us an example of how to live. By grace I am saved. Not by law. I can say, as Paul did, "All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any." I Corinthians 6:12

Those who avoid certain things live a certain way, because they believe to live otherwise might cause them to break fellowship with God (not that they would lose their salvation, but that they would not have the closeness with God that they desire). If I go out of my way to make them feel uncomfortable by how I live around them, then I am guilty of not loving my brother.

"But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ." I Corinthians 8:12

Paul desired not to hinder the Gospel of Christ. He saw that how he lived affected others' ability to come to salvation. Legalism will hinder a person seeking Christ; on the other hand, liberalism can prevent another from seeing their need for Christ.

How we live out our faith should be governed by two things:

1. a desire to please, honor, and glorify our Savior "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." I Corinthians 10:31
2. a desire to not bring offense "Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved." I Corinthians 10:32-33

So, while I might feel I have the freedom of Derek (and cannot lose my salvation because of how I live), I might live as Sarah (for God's glory) and pray that the fruits of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance - Gal 5:22-23) in my life might keep Darlene from denying the faith.

To God be all glory, and honor, and praise, forever and ever, amen.

”Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:1-2

Heretic or True Believer?

 Julia settled on the cushions beside Uncle Montanus and tucked her sandaled feet under her robe. A scowl marred her uncle's face. Of late, it seemed more present than the smiles he used to give her when she was a child. She sighed and picked at lint upon her clothing.

She had been very young when he was once the priest of the pagan cult of Cybele. She didn't remember much, but she did remember the anger. When he was saved by Christ their entire household was saved, and he zealously followed the teachings of Christ. 

Julia's mother swept into the room, a bright blue sash wrapped around her cream tunic and bangles tinkled upon her wrists. The scent of lavender drifting into the room with her. "Montanus, please do not brood so." Julia's mother settled on the cushions on the other side of her brother. "The village of Pepuza is safe, as is Arclabau. You are here to ensure it is so."

"All of Phrygia rolls with the false doctrines." He groused, yet took his sister's hand and patted it, warm affection apparent in his eyes. "Those who seek to grip our church in false doctrines, in lies…" he slashed his hand in front of him, "Cannot my people see that to believe these is to condemn one to eternal death?"

A servant girl came in carrying a tray of grapes and olives. She set it before Uncle Montanus, nodded and backed out of the room. Julia sighed again. "Uncle, can we thank the Lord for our food and eat. I am starved."

He scowled at her, though the corner of his mouth tilted up. "Let us pray then." He took her hand and Mother's then began, "Oh Gracious Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus Christ, and Holy Spirit all one, thank you for providing our needs, for saving our souls, and for giving us life. May we serve You as faithfully as You have protected and provided for us. In Your Son's Holy Name we ask this."

He picked up the tray and handed it first to Mother and then to Julia before helping himself to a cluster of grapes.

"How can I impress upon my people the need to have faith for salvation. They'd rather have the act of baptism. Why can they not see that only by grace are we saved, through faith, as the Apostle Paul taught us? Why do they add to it by saying one must be baptized to be saved?" He tossed a grape into his mouth, chewed, swallowed and tossed the rest of the cluster on the tray. "I speak and say thus, then someone who deems himself greater than I, who has somehow fooled the people into believing he has the authority of God even as an apostle, contradicts me, and poof! The person is condemned to damnation."

"Really, Uncle. Do you think that is true? Do you really think that of Flavius Justinus," Julia paused, her mind running over the men she'd seen her uncle argue with. "And what of Hermas? Is he really teaching false doctrines?"

Uncle Montanus whipped around at her, his face as red as a fireball. "Justin Martyr demands baptism for the washing away of sin. Nothing but the blood of Christ can do this." He tilted his head, then patted her hand as though to apologize for his anger. "Flavius travels in a philosopher's robe, not in robes of righteousness. He thinks of Christianity only in terms of philosophy, not in terms of a personal relationship with our Lord God. How can he even be taken seriously when he has no faith, just philosophy? How can saving faith come from the work of baptism he promotes? It is a ritual, not a surrendering of all to our Lord and Savior."

Julia frowned. She did understand this. Did not the Apostle Paul warn of this in his letter to the Colossians? Did he not say, "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ."? 

Mother shook her head. "Montanus, I'm not sure that Flavius believes a person is only saved by baptism."

Uncle jumped to his feet and pointed a finger at Mother. "That is what he wishes you to think, to doubt." 

Julia stood as well, but she didn't know why, just felt the stress of the moment, the fear of the anger of her uncle. She never wanted to see him upset. But he was so passionate, so quick to insist on truth.

"And even if you choose not these men to confront," Uncle Montanus began to pace, "Even the apostle John warned of antichrists amongst us. There are those that present God as unreachable, and Christ as an emanated being. Don't get me started on those that believe that evil must be overcome by indulging it! What foolishness!"

He stopped and his cheek twitched. "Ritualism." He spat the word out as though it were a poor tasting fruit. "Not to mention these men who believe only certain chosen ones can teach. That is not at all what the Scriptures say. And it feels at times that the Holy Spirit has left us, there is such a great lack of...of..." he shook his finger in the air, "Spirituality." He growled and then moaned as though he were mourning a great loss. "I choose to be a mortal enemy to philosophy and religion. Only in Christ, do I stand."

Mother reached for Uncle's robe. "Calm down, Brother. We do not have the power to change the hearts of men. That is the work of the Holy Spirit." She tugged on his robe, and he turned to her. "Please, come sit. We'll pray. Yes, there are many enemies of the true Gospel. But let's not become as them in our behavior. Please." She patted the cushion beside her. "Come sit again. We will call on those who believe as we do to pray and fast and spread the truth through the preaching of the true Gospel."

Julia took a deep breath. Her uncle nodded to the gentle urgings of Mother. He'd settle, but he was much burdened.

The Apostle Paul warned, that was true, but it was up to them, to the church, to hold to the truth. "Yes, Uncle. Send out messengers, and let's bring our church together for prayer and fasting. I am sure Maximilia and Priscilla will help." The two prominent women were great supports of Uncle. "You have already begun a great work, and the Holy Spirit has brought you great success."

He shook his head. "It is the least of what I can do. I must do more." He pulled Mother and Julia to their feet. "Come, we'll call the believers together and fast and pray." He paused, as though deep in thought. Then with a thrust of his fist in the air, he said, "We must fast and pray or we'll lose this battle. God be with us. Oh, Holy Spirit, lead us." He waved his hands and marched to the door. "Come! Come! We must hurry."

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Montanus was a leader of a group of believers in Asia Minor who resisted the teachings of many who drifted from the original teachings of the Apostles. He was and continues to be reproached as a heretic, even though he fought for baptism only by immersion, purity of communion, holiness of life, church discipline, trinitarian theology, the complete Word of God, and premillennial eschatology. Charges have been brought against him by those who claim Catholic, Anglican, or Lutheran views on early church history. According to some historians, these charges cannot be proved.

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Bibliography:

Hammett, Doug. The History of Baptists. Emmaus, Pa, Challenge Press, 2004.

Jarrel, W.A. Baptist Church Perpetuity. Dallas, Texas, The Baptist Standard Bearer Inc., 1894.

Trampled

 Perhaps my favorite memories in childhood come from my time with cows. I think in part because working cattle required the whole family to be involved. And in recent years, working cattle meant my husband and kids (including son-in-law) work together.

Often, stress infused these times, but working together took that stress and produced great memories.

For example, one time my dad, my sister, and I were loading calves into the truck. As usual, I took the position behind the calves to drive them up the loading ramp. All but a few calves loaded, then something spooked them. One turned around. Then another. And before I realized the danger, the calves not only pushed me down the ramp, but at the end of the chute, I stumbled, fell to the ground, tucked my head, and held my breath while the entire truckload of calves leapt over me and back into the holding pen. 

Thinking how upset Dad would be for my mistake of letting the calves come back out of the truck, I jumped to my feet and began to send the calves up the chute. Then I stopped and realized no one was saying anything or doing anything. I looked up and there stood my dad and my sister on the bottom rung of the corral fence. When they caught my eye, they both burst out laughing and talking. Apparently, I gave them quite a scare. I think I may have smiled right back at them.

Funny about that event. It made me realize that my dad might actually like me more than his cattle. Kinda puts a bit of bounce in my step at the thought.

Have Mercy, Part II

 "Have mercy upon me, O God, according to they lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions." Psalm 51:1

Mercy - to be favorably inclined toward someone not deserving it.

This illustrates David's humility. he beseeches the Almighty God to bend low to David and show him, who is inferior, kindness he doesn't deserve by blotting out his transgressions.

God did not remove the consequences of David's sin (II Samuel 12), but He did forgive David. "...The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die. Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die." (II Samuel 12:13-14) All that God said would happen to David did. His sins were forgiven, but he still had to live through the consequences.

David accepted it, even when he had to run from Absalom. He didn't resist what happened because He knew it was God's judgment on him.

Just as he trusted God to make him king, David trusted God through the consequences of his sin.

God did have mercy on David. He did put away David's sin and would not let him die.

David didn't wallow in his sin and forsake God. He still loved God. He still pleased God, and we know this because of God's testimony of David in Acts 13:22 ("I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart").

Lord, help me to be as humble as David, receiving what You give me, both mercy and consequence. Help me to not make excuses or lash out in anger or continue in sin or count You unjust.

Have Mercy

 "Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions." Psalm 51:1

In Psalm 51, David shares his earnest request with God. "Blot out my transgressions." David acknowledges and is troubled by his sin. Knowing God's desire for truth and that God can make him know wisdom, David begs for not only the removal of sin, but for God to change his sorrow to joy and gladness. David needed God to restore the fellowship he once knew and the result would be David's praise and desire to teach others about God's ways.

Shame brought David to his knees. His love for God made him plead for mercy and forgiveness. His commitment to God gave him the desire to serve by telling others. And he submits to God's good pleasure.

"For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom." Psalm 51:3-6

Lord, I know that but for the shed blood of Christ, I would be no good. Even as I live daily, I am split between what my human desires are and what I desire in the spirit You made alive when You saved me. Thank you, for Your abundant mercy that is new every morning. Thank you that Christ's blood covers it all. Help me to never forget what You have done for me. My life is Yours. Do with it what You will.

Condemnation

 Luke 23:40 "...Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?" This said by one of the thieves that hung on the cross with Jesus to the other thief.

Condemnation/Krima (Greek) - a decision for or against a crime. Often used in reference to damnation:

Matthew 23:14 "Woe unto you scribes and Pharisees, hyprocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation."

Or judgment.

Matthew 7:2 "For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged..."

Krisis (Greek), translated as condemnation, infers a decision often made by a tribunal. It implies justice and even divine law.

John 3:19 "And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil."

Romans 8:1 "There is now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."

"Condemnation" in the above verse is the Greek word "katakrima" and it means an adverse sentence or verdict.

Today, we often throw around "Do not judge" and neglect the actual meaning. Yes, we shouldn't judge, meaning to sentence a person, counting their action a crime.

However, we do need to use discernment. 

Hebrews 5:14 "But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil."

Discern here is the Greek word "diakrisis". Did you notice that the last part of this word is the same as above in reference to the justice executed by a tribunal? The root of this word, however, is "diakrino"--a verb which means to separate, withdraw from. "Diakrisis" means an inclination to critically think.

We need to think critically about what is good and what is evil. If we go around, not judging (aka not discerning) we are unable to separate or withdraw from evil because we aren't evaluating.

Note that discernment here relates to actions. Judging is directed toward a person.

When a person uses discernment and then separates himself from those who do evil, his actions can convict others. That is when those from which he separates cry, "Judgmental Pharisee!"

The fact is, as Christians we need to live separate from the world. No, I don't mean we live in colonies and never interact with other people. However we should not partake in the things the world does that God calls evil, and should take care to not yoke ourselves to those who do things contrary to Scripture.

This is a hard truth. Are you prepared to let go of the world, the things your 'flesh' enjoys, in order to live a victorious life in Christ? We have victory already when we believe in Christ to salvation. We'll not lose our position as God's children. However, we can, through Christ, live free from the bondage of the world, of sin, of the flesh. That separation from the world enables us to live free from bondage. We can live after the Spirit, who will never call us to live contrary to the Bible, God's Holy Word.

And the key here, is to live after the Spirit. The fruit (note: not plural) is:

"...love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance..." Galatians 5:22

If we are living after the Holy Spirit, i.e., if we are Spirit-controlled, we will exhibit all of the above list because it IS the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

The only person's opinion you need to concern yourself with is God's. Are you, at the moment you feel judged, living after the Spirit and exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit? God knows and time with Him will help you to know and to walk in confidence of His leading.

Nothing Secret

 "For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid that shall not be known and come abroad." Luke 8:17

In this era of technology this verse takes on a new meaning. Jesus said this after explaining the meaning of the parable of the sower to his disciples. In context, this verse is about receiving the word of God and sharing it. Interesting though, the manifesting of that 'secret' and that 'hidden thing' is not directly connected to the disciples...it implies the hand of God.

Years ago, the media raise the question of Mitt Romney's faith. His life made known to all.

Donald Trump’s life has also been laid bare before the media. And even what was hidden in Biden’s family has been made known. How much more will be made known to us about those we rub shoulders with on the Day of Judgment (Revelations 20:12)?

We must understand that God is in control. "...the powers that be are ordained of God." Romans 13:1b. God does have a plan.

Throughout history we can see the rise and fall of empires. In those empires existed people of faith. In the western world in particular, we can find born again believers. Not a century has passed that true Christians have not experienced some persecution. So it has been and will be in the 21st century.

I confess that as a parent I tend to worry whether my children (who are now adults) are ready to suffer. We do so much to protect them when they are young, shelter them from the world and from harm, with the intent of grounding them in a Biblical worldview.

We often talk about their faith being what will take them through those times. Yet, I’ve known people who made a profession of faith at one time and later encountered great difficulty. Then these people walked away from God, or created a new god based on what they want to believe. My heart mourns for them.

How then, should we walk in times of testing? What will the world see when we are stripped of all that we’ve thought of ourselves and perhaps even of God?

At the moments of deepest hurt, of greatest fear, of tremendous loss, we make choices. Those choices reveal (are “made manifest”) the depth (or lack thereof) of our love and faith in God. Do we love Him more than ‘these’? Do we love Him more than our comfort, more than our sense of justice, more than our pride, more than are need to be seen as worth something?

In times of testing, we may fail. But God promises to pick us up. "The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand." Psalm 37:23-24.

That is a promise we can cling to…but again, we must choose to do so.

On one hand, I want to keep 'bad' from touching my family. On the other hand, I realize that during the 'bad' God reveals Himself like no other time. Enduring hardship has far greater rewards than creating a false sense of security in riches and government or any of man's devices to make a perfect world free from suffering. But the choice is ours. Are we willing to see past the pain to the God who works through the pain?

I am so grateful for the value God has placed on me - value enough to sacrifice Himself for me. Does my life ‘manifest’ this to others? Is it ‘come abroad’?

A few faithful believe in the One True God, as He presents Himself in Scripture. Many people who claim to be Christians have developed their own god (just as the Mormon religion has - and please understand Mormonism is NOT Christianity) and those people pick and chose what they want to believe from the Bible. In essence, they have left God for a god of their own choosing--they've chosen lies instead of truth.

So what does this mean? The opportunity to be counted worthy to suffer for Christ is increasing. Acts 5:41 "And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name."

Some day each one of us will be faced with making a stand either for or against what we profess to believe. In that day, our secret doubts or secret faith will be made manifest. We will either be ready to face death (literally or figuratively) for our faith in Christ, or our lack of faith will be revealed.

Paul encouraged the Corinthians to watch, stand fast in the faith, be a man (be brave), and be strong. (I Corinthians 16:13).

How then, do we strengthen our faith?

• Choose to believe that the Bible is the final authority on all of life and search it for the answers to our questions (II Timothy 3:16-17).
• Choose to believe that the Bible is God speaking to us, and read and study it for the purpose of knowing Him better (John 5:39).
• Choose to pray without ceasing (I Thessalonians 5:17).
• Choose to serve God by serving others (Galatians 5:13; Colossians 3:24).
• Choose to attend church - do not forsake the assembling of yourselves with other believers (Hebrews 10:25).
• Choose to stand fast against all opposition, whether from within or from without, setting your mind on things above and not on the things of this earth (I Thessalonians 3:8; Colossians 3:2).

We will be known by our words and actions and steadfast faith, and by how willing we are to suffer for the truth.

Is your faith manifested before others?

”Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.” James 2:18