This is an issue that I have found myself on both sides of. Right when I feel I have come to a conclusion I find I cannot commit to it. My Conscience tells me that I can just trust God and do not need to bear arms for protection. My conscience also tells me that I have the right to protect myself and those I love. If someone is hurting like my future child or wife, I will obviously step in and stop it. But what if I am in a life or death situation? Can I arm myself and protect my family then? Or do I submit to God and allow him to protect me. Or is my ability to wield a weapon God’s way of protecting me?
Luke 22:35-37
New International Version (NIV)
35 Then Jesus asked them, “When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?” “Nothing,” they answered. 36 He said to them, “But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.
Why would Jesus first send them out with nothing, and then later allow them to take a purse, a bag, and a sword? I believe Jesus wanted them to learn how to trust God without any possessions before learning to trust God with their possessions. One of these possessions was a sword. Jesus made a special point of making sure the disciples had a sword. If Jesus was a pure pacifist as I have formally believed why would he instruct the disciples to buy a sword?
It is interesting that I have such inner turmoil about a subject that Jesus did not feel the need to preach about. I believe that we can trust all things to God, but God does want us to be wise. There have been many stories of God fearing Christians who have not brought a child to a hospital because they believe God will do the healing miraculously. Often this child needlessly dies. But is it not right to trust God with everything? I believe part of trusting God is using the resources he has given us to survive and succeed in life. Depending on God often means depending on the World he created. We do this every day for food, transportation, and life in general.
I have come to the conclusion that having a gun for the protection of my family and myself is completely God supported. We can trust God with a weapon and without. But if we are without we may be hurt needlessly in the same way as a child who is not brought to the hospital. I am not saying there are no problems with owning guns either, I am just attempting to interrpret scripture. So all you Disciples of Christ out there, If you don’t have a gun, go sell your Coat and go buy one.. or something like that. I will write more about this in the future. What do you think?
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Are you living in the New Covenant or Old?
2 Corinthinians 3: 7-18
Christians today could be living ignorantly under a covenant of death. In chapter three of Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians, Paul address’s the topic of covenant change. Paul uses the well-known Old Testament story of Moses and the Ten Commandments to explain the glory of the New Covenant that Jesus Christ established. Within this passage, Paul sheds light on an interesting concept. Even today God fearing Christians could place themselves under the weight of the Old Covenant which Paul refers to as the ministry of death.
In 2 Corinthians 3: 15-16 Paul writes, “Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.” Paul clearly shows in this passage that a veil is imagery for the old covenant, and being, “Unveiled,” represents the new covenant. It is possible for Christians today to be living with a spiritual veil; resulting in condemnation, judgment, and powerlessness.
New Testament Christians have been given a counselor to lead them in ways of truth. This is the glory of the new covenant. It is promised that the Holy Spirit will be with us forever. Submitting to the spirit of almighty God is how we can walk in freedom. Freedom is not opportunity to indulge in fleshly desires. This does not give us the freedom to do whatever we want. Instead this freedom gives us the power to do what we formally could not, which is living in righteousness. True Christ won liberty is the opportunity to serve, worship, and walk beside our creator God. This gives us the greatest joy and a boldness to proclaim Gods truth and glory.
Many believers may become offended at the notion that they might not be walking in the freedom of the new covenant. They may be offended at the thought that they are being asked to turn to the Lord. This offense is one of the best signs that a person is not living under the new covenant. It is only by turning to Christ every single day that we can be transformed in ever-increasing glory.
Are you living in freedom with the spirit? Or are you living in condemnation and powerlessness? Turn to the Lord.. let the Holy Spirit lead you and enjoy the empowering freedom Christ bought for you!
Christians today could be living ignorantly under a covenant of death. In chapter three of Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians, Paul address’s the topic of covenant change. Paul uses the well-known Old Testament story of Moses and the Ten Commandments to explain the glory of the New Covenant that Jesus Christ established. Within this passage, Paul sheds light on an interesting concept. Even today God fearing Christians could place themselves under the weight of the Old Covenant which Paul refers to as the ministry of death.
In 2 Corinthians 3: 15-16 Paul writes, “Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.” Paul clearly shows in this passage that a veil is imagery for the old covenant, and being, “Unveiled,” represents the new covenant. It is possible for Christians today to be living with a spiritual veil; resulting in condemnation, judgment, and powerlessness.
New Testament Christians have been given a counselor to lead them in ways of truth. This is the glory of the new covenant. It is promised that the Holy Spirit will be with us forever. Submitting to the spirit of almighty God is how we can walk in freedom. Freedom is not opportunity to indulge in fleshly desires. This does not give us the freedom to do whatever we want. Instead this freedom gives us the power to do what we formally could not, which is living in righteousness. True Christ won liberty is the opportunity to serve, worship, and walk beside our creator God. This gives us the greatest joy and a boldness to proclaim Gods truth and glory.
Many believers may become offended at the notion that they might not be walking in the freedom of the new covenant. They may be offended at the thought that they are being asked to turn to the Lord. This offense is one of the best signs that a person is not living under the new covenant. It is only by turning to Christ every single day that we can be transformed in ever-increasing glory.
Are you living in freedom with the spirit? Or are you living in condemnation and powerlessness? Turn to the Lord.. let the Holy Spirit lead you and enjoy the empowering freedom Christ bought for you!
Friday, April 1, 2011
Are we winning the War? Do we know were in a War?
I was able to talk with 5 people in the city today about Christ. Two are already saved and i was able to encourage them in their faith. Three are yet dead in spirit. one was a 70's year old man i just met at the bus stop. He said he's made up his mind and he trusts science.. I am mourning his life, his potential, and his eternity.. may God yet have mercy on him..
Church we have work to do. We have been far to complacent here in America. We are losing a war!
We need a new attitude towards evangelism. We need to take it as seriously as it is... a WAR. The Devil is our enemy. We fight him by loving on the lost and leading them into the merciful relationship with Christ! are you doing this? Have you ever done this? We are more than conquerors!
FOR TODAY - Devastator lyrics
Send "Devastator" Ringtone to your Cell
Hell, fear me. I am the one that will bring you down.
And when you fall, feel me. You'll see my face on the battleground.
Hell, fear me. I am the one that will bring you down.
And when you fall, feel me. You'll see my face on the battleground.
Let my name be feared at the gates of hell, as I exalt the Savior.
The One that died to buy my victory, and gave me a new name.
Let my name be feared at the gates of hell, as I exalt the Savior.
In the name of the Holy One of God,
I will cast you down at the foot of the cross He hung from.
I will stand behind my Savior, as He burns your kingdom down.
And I will see you on your knees before the King of Kings.
You will lose your throne to the chosen ones. The chosen ones will rise.
Tear it to the ground! This is the army we've been waiting for.
Tear it to the ground! We will storm the gates of hell and we will...
Tear it to the ground! We stand behind the one that conquered death.
Tear it to the ground! And we will stand when there is nothing left.
Tear it to the ground! Tear it to the ground!
Justice! Justice! Justice! God, bring justice!
Justice! We will come against the bondage of hell.
Justice! And we will take back what's taken from us.
Justice! This is our right as heirs to dominion. God, bring justice!
This war will end.
I am the one that will bring you down.
And when you fall, feel me. You'll see my face on the battleground.
Hell, fear me. I am the one that will bring you down.
And when you fall, feel me. You'll see my face on the battleground.
Church we have work to do. We have been far to complacent here in America. We are losing a war!
We need a new attitude towards evangelism. We need to take it as seriously as it is... a WAR. The Devil is our enemy. We fight him by loving on the lost and leading them into the merciful relationship with Christ! are you doing this? Have you ever done this? We are more than conquerors!
FOR TODAY - Devastator lyrics
Send "Devastator" Ringtone to your Cell
Hell, fear me. I am the one that will bring you down.
And when you fall, feel me. You'll see my face on the battleground.
Hell, fear me. I am the one that will bring you down.
And when you fall, feel me. You'll see my face on the battleground.
Let my name be feared at the gates of hell, as I exalt the Savior.
The One that died to buy my victory, and gave me a new name.
Let my name be feared at the gates of hell, as I exalt the Savior.
In the name of the Holy One of God,
I will cast you down at the foot of the cross He hung from.
I will stand behind my Savior, as He burns your kingdom down.
And I will see you on your knees before the King of Kings.
You will lose your throne to the chosen ones. The chosen ones will rise.
Tear it to the ground! This is the army we've been waiting for.
Tear it to the ground! We will storm the gates of hell and we will...
Tear it to the ground! We stand behind the one that conquered death.
Tear it to the ground! And we will stand when there is nothing left.
Tear it to the ground! Tear it to the ground!
Justice! Justice! Justice! God, bring justice!
Justice! We will come against the bondage of hell.
Justice! And we will take back what's taken from us.
Justice! This is our right as heirs to dominion. God, bring justice!
This war will end.
I am the one that will bring you down.
And when you fall, feel me. You'll see my face on the battleground.
Hell, fear me. I am the one that will bring you down.
And when you fall, feel me. You'll see my face on the battleground.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
We are to be light and salt to the World..
Living in the city for the past few months I have had many encounters with people of the city. I enjoy getting into conversations with people on the bus, train, and walking on the sidewalks. Through these encounters God has taught me what being "salt and light" means in a practical everyday sense. I think God wants us to be interacting with worldly people daily.
Matthew 5:13-16 (New International Version, ©2010)
13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
As salt brings flavor to food, I believe Christians are meant to be the flavor of God to those of the world. Flavor does not sustain or give nutrients but it does make us want more of something... if its a good flavor. And the bible tells us what that good flavor is...
Galatians 5:22-23 (New International Version, ©2010)
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
When we give people a taste of this flavor their hearts are softened and they may not realize it but they are closer to the revelation of Jesus Christ. This is a simple thing that I believe All are called to do.
Being salt makes people want God, being light helps people see God.
God has taught me to be very intentional about making conversation with people everywhere I go. If find I am talking to a Christian it is good because I've have made a connection to a brother or sister in Christ. I then have an opportunity to encourage them. If the person has not found Christ yet I treat them like a future brother or sister in optomistic expectation of that. Are we called to share the gospel with every person everytime?.. God has not led me to do this. More often He just has me reveal to this person that I am a Christian. I think it can be just as fruitful to give someone a genuine interaction with a Christian that can shed light on Christ and soften hearts for future evangalism.
The most important part of everyday evangalism is to be in prayer before during and after the interaction with the person. Asking God to soften this person spiritually so my physical words can plant a seed in soft soil. God loves this and it also increases my faith and sense of purpose. I would encourage everyone to try this.. and just see what God does.
Matthew 5:13-16 (New International Version, ©2010)
13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
As salt brings flavor to food, I believe Christians are meant to be the flavor of God to those of the world. Flavor does not sustain or give nutrients but it does make us want more of something... if its a good flavor. And the bible tells us what that good flavor is...
Galatians 5:22-23 (New International Version, ©2010)
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
When we give people a taste of this flavor their hearts are softened and they may not realize it but they are closer to the revelation of Jesus Christ. This is a simple thing that I believe All are called to do.
Being salt makes people want God, being light helps people see God.
God has taught me to be very intentional about making conversation with people everywhere I go. If find I am talking to a Christian it is good because I've have made a connection to a brother or sister in Christ. I then have an opportunity to encourage them. If the person has not found Christ yet I treat them like a future brother or sister in optomistic expectation of that. Are we called to share the gospel with every person everytime?.. God has not led me to do this. More often He just has me reveal to this person that I am a Christian. I think it can be just as fruitful to give someone a genuine interaction with a Christian that can shed light on Christ and soften hearts for future evangalism.
The most important part of everyday evangalism is to be in prayer before during and after the interaction with the person. Asking God to soften this person spiritually so my physical words can plant a seed in soft soil. God loves this and it also increases my faith and sense of purpose. I would encourage everyone to try this.. and just see what God does.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Spiritual Selfishness
As Christians we shouldn't let our selves be so focused on fixing OUR sin problem that we forget about the World that needs our attention. A kind of spiritual selfishness. God will fix our many flaws in His time and in His way. Lets look towards Him and not at our failures.
I have realized that we(Christians) can often get very focused on fixing ourselves. We go up, alter call after alter call, asking for God to change us. For Him to help us become holy and righteous. But we leave and our focus is often still on our sin not our Savior who already redeemed us of that sin.
We will never live a completely sinless life until we are one with Christ in Heaven. So if we give our sin most of our attention how much will we miss? How many times will God be trying to use us and we say No i'm not ready I'm not clean yet.. How much will the world suffer while Christs hands and feet (Us) on the earth are focused on being a physician to themselves? We must get past our selves.
Colossians 1:11-12 (New International Version, ©2010)
11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, 12 and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you[a] to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.
Colossians 3:1-4 (New International Version, ©2010)
1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.
Does God want to bring us into greater righteousness and holyness? Yes, of course he does. Does he want us to remain in sin? God hates sin. But I am convinced more than anything that God wants Souls more. And if we can be his hands and feet to reach the lost ones he loves then he will be our Righteousness and He will lead us into purity. Lets take our focus off ourselves put them on our savior Jesus Christ.
I have realized that we(Christians) can often get very focused on fixing ourselves. We go up, alter call after alter call, asking for God to change us. For Him to help us become holy and righteous. But we leave and our focus is often still on our sin not our Savior who already redeemed us of that sin.
We will never live a completely sinless life until we are one with Christ in Heaven. So if we give our sin most of our attention how much will we miss? How many times will God be trying to use us and we say No i'm not ready I'm not clean yet.. How much will the world suffer while Christs hands and feet (Us) on the earth are focused on being a physician to themselves? We must get past our selves.
Colossians 1:11-12 (New International Version, ©2010)
11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, 12 and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you[a] to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.
Colossians 3:1-4 (New International Version, ©2010)
1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.
Does God want to bring us into greater righteousness and holyness? Yes, of course he does. Does he want us to remain in sin? God hates sin. But I am convinced more than anything that God wants Souls more. And if we can be his hands and feet to reach the lost ones he loves then he will be our Righteousness and He will lead us into purity. Lets take our focus off ourselves put them on our savior Jesus Christ.
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