What More Are You Doing Than Others?

Mt 5:43-47

What a sobering question.  Jesus asked, "What more are you doing than others" while He was teaching a lesson on the high standard of loving our enemies.  He used the practical workings of the Law of Moses when He said, "eye for an eye..." Mt 5:38 In contrast to that He said, "love your enemies..." Mt 5:44  Wow, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.  That makes the question He asked even more sobering!  Remember, Jesus exemplified this teaching when He was on the cross. Lk 23:34  We must follow Jesus and imitate Him.  What should we do more than others, love our enemies and pray for those who persecute you.  This is essential to show our resemblance of our Father who gives to the righteous and unrighteous. Mt 5:45

Some say and think this is impossible for a human to accomplish.  It may be extremely hard, but not impossible.  Jesus makes it possible.  He does so by not just saying it, but by living it.  Paul says a similar thing when he writes the Romans and is instructing them to behave like Christians. Rom 12:17-21

In verse 46, Jesus said that even tax collectors love the ones who love them.  These tax collectors were commonly known for theft.  If a thief can love those who love them what praise is found in this kind of love?  NONE!  Listen to me now, a Christian should have a love that distinguishes them from sinners! Lk 6:32,33  Jesus asked, "What more are you doing than others?"  The answer He is looking for is,  "Loving others like the example you gave, my Lord."  Instead, we are trying to love others, like sinners.  A Christians love should distinguish them from sinners.   I once read about a father teaching his son about being a gentleman and said, "My son, speak kindly to everyone, even those who do not speak kindly to you.  You must remember to show courtesy to others not because they are gentlemen, but because you are one."   Jesus wants us to love, do good for, and lend to our enemies while expecting nothing in return. Lk 6:35  We must love our enemies not because of who they are, but because of who we are, Christians.

This question Jesus asked teaches that Christianity is of little value if it doesn't make us better than those in the world.  At their baptism, a Christian is raised up to walk in the newness of life (Rom 6:3,4) not the oldness of life.  At their baptism, a Christian has buried their old self and put on a new self. Col 3:7-10  This newness of life and new self is harder than memorizing book, chapter, and verse of God's Word.  It is hard to do!  The Pharisees were Law abiding men.  They tithed down to the mustard seed.  All of this wasn't sufficient.  Jesus said, our righteousness must surpass that of the Pharisees. Mt 5:20  If we memorize the entire Bible and give all we got at tithe and offering time but fail to love our enemies we are no different than the world.  

Jesus asked, "what more are you doing than others?"  Jesus is our standard not other people or denominations.  It's a shame that Jehovah's Witnesses circulate literature filled with error, we should circulate more to preach the truth.  If a Mormon can give ten percent to support error, we should give more to support the truth.  If a denomination can meet to worship in error for three hours, we should meet to worship for four hours in truth.  I know, now I have gotten personal.  Jesus asked, "What more are you doing than others?"  

Don't be caught up in the trap of being average!  Most people are satisfied when they have accomplished what is considered average.  Jesus didn't call us to be average!  The average was "eye for an eye" but Jesus demands more.  He demands love and not to resist an person who is evil. Mt 5:39  The average was "thou shall not kill"  but Jesus demands more.   He demands us to love our brothers. 1Jn 3:15; 4:20  The average says that "one faith is as good as another" but Jesus says worship can be in vain. Mt 15:9  One more, the average is "drink but don't get drunk" but God's Word says abstain forms of evil. 1Th 5:22  These examples vividly show that Jesus demands that we excel beyond average.  We were not called to be average.  We were called to be Christians!  We are called to follow Jesus' example even in suffering. 1Pe 2:21  Jesus leads us to the Father.  Jesus leads us home. Jn 14:6  

Jesus asked, "What more are you doing than others?"  May we never measure what we are doing to anyone other than Jesus.  Today, are we willing to love and pray for our enemies?  Are we willing to answer the call to go beyond average?  Are we ready to be a Christian?  Are we ready to follow Jesus?

WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED?

We must hear the Word of God:  Rom 10:17; Acts 4:4

We must believe or have faith:   Heb 11:6; Acts 16:31

We must repent of our sins:  Lk 13:3; Acts 17:30

We must confess Christ before others:  Mt 10:32; Acts 8:37

We must be immersed into Christ (baptized) Mk 16:16; Acts 2:38

We must be faithful:   Rev 2:10; Acts 14:22   

Is He Your Shepherd?

Ps 23:1

This psalm is often referred to as "The Shepherd's Psalm" and that is pretty accurate.  The beautiful relationships that are commonly depicted in the Bible are God as the father to His children and God as the shepherd of His flock.  Obviously, this is the latter of the two.  We will focus in the former part of the main text today.  To think that God in Christ is deeply concerned about me as a person gives me great purpose and enormous meaning to my short sojourn on this planet.  I hope it has the same affect on you.  We often get too focused on the valleys of life and forget that God is the same God in the valley as He is on the Mountain.  That is a wonderful song performed by Harold and Elsie Goins.  

In this particular psalm, David is speaking not as a shepherd, though he was one, but as a sheep or one of the flock.  David has his own life experiences as a shepherd from a youth (1Sa 16:19) and who better to know the importance of the shepherd than he?  After all, David knew firsthand that the lot in life of any sheep depended on the man who owned that sheep.  That is why David is quick to boast aloud, "The Lord is my shepherd..."   Are you quick to tell others that?  Do you tell others that the Lord is you owner, manager, caregiver, and sustainer?  I pray you do my friends.  It is a staggering fact that Christ, through whom such an enormous universe was created, desires to call himself my shepherd and invites me into his fold to be one of his sheep.  He said, "I am the good shepherd..." Jn 10:1-14 If the Lord is our shepherd we should know about His character and understand His ability, shouldn't we?

God has brought us into being and He alone should know best how to care for and understand us.  It is no accident that God has decided to call us sheep.  We, mankind, are just like sheep.  We are timid, fearful, stupid, stubborn, and we have bad habits.  We will do things that we know will kill us and cause years of suffering later in life!  Yet, with all these bad characteristics, Jesus loves us (Jn 13:34),  bought us with his blood (Mt 26:28), calls us by his name (Acts 4:12), and is the doorway to the best pasture (Jn 10:9). If those characteristics do not stir up desire to be a sheep in His fold, I am not sure what will.  This entire psalm goes on to recount how the Good Shepherd spares no pain for the welfare of his sheep.  I read a story from a shepherd in which he tells about how a neighboring shepherd kept his flock.  The man said that his neighbor should not have been allowed to be a shepherd as his flock was sickly, thin, weak, and riddled with disease and parasites.  He said the neighbors flock frequently lined up along the fence to his fold and stared at his flock, the relationship he had with his flock, and the pastures he provided for his flock.  

How many people in the world are hurting and do not know what it is like to be under the care of the Good Shepherd Jesus?  They are under the rule of a tyrant.  Their shepherd is a liar and a murderer. Jn 8:44  He desires to destroy the souls of the sheep by snatching away the things that are good for the sheep. Mt 13:19  Those who belong to him are lined up along the fence of our fold and are staring at us and our shepherd.  The problem is we are not sharing with them how to enter our fold.  We are satisfied that we are in the fold and not concerned with anything but ourselves.  

You know every shepherd has to mark his sheep.  Shepherds usually cut a distinctive mark in the ear of their sheep so others will be able to identify the owner of that sheep from a distance.  Even in the ancient times slaves had their ears pierced by their owners so for life they were marked to belong to that house.   I love how the plan of salvation comes into play here.  Do we believe that our Good Shepherd laid down his life for his sheep and have the faith that he can raise us up to eternal life?  If so, we must conform ourselves to his rules because our ways are contrary to his.  That is repentance.  Out of love for our shepherd do we confess him to others?  He washes us clean as we are baptized in the likeness of his death burial and resurrection.  Finally, we are to live a life that is according to his teachings and commands.  That my friends, is being in the fold of the Good Shepherd.  

Then we are to be marked by our shepherd.  The mark we are to have is love and unity.  Jn 17:22-26  If we do not have that mark, we are not going to be easily  identified from a distance as one of Jesus sheep!  No matter what we claim to believe or we we say.  Mt 7:20-22  I read that the marking of the sheep is painful to both parties involved.  Jesus tells us to deny ourself, take up our cross daily, and follow him in Lk 9:23Jesus is their shepherd somehow grants them the benefits of his care. Many think they do not have to submit to Jesus' management without paying the price of forfeiting their foolish and fickle way of leading their own lives.  WE CAN'T HAVE IT BOTH WAYS!  Either we belong or we don't.  

We must search our hearts and motives.  Ask yourself, "Do I carry the mark of unity and love of my shepherd?  Do I belong to Him according to how he says I must belong?  Do I understand He owns me because He paid for me with his blood?  Do I respond to His authority and acknowledge His ownership?   Do I find freedom and fulfillment with His care?  Do I have a sense of purpose and contentment to be under His direction?"  If so, we most assuredly can shout aloud, "THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD!"   I don't know about you, but I am thrilled to belong to Him.  It is that belonging that gets me through the many ups and downs of life because the Lord is my shepherd.  Today, tell someone about your Good Shepherd.

WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED?

We must hear the Word of God:  Rom 10:17; Acts 4:4

We must believe or have faith:   Heb 11:6; Acts 16:31

We must repent of our sins:  Lk 13:3; Acts 17:30

We must confess Christ before others:  Mt 10:32; Acts 8:37

We must be immersed into Christ (baptized) Mk 16:16; Acts 2:38

We must be faithful:   Rev 2:10; Acts 14:22        

What kind of people should Christians be?

2Pe 3:11

This question is asked in the view of the day of the Lord.  2Pe 10-13  These verses should be very sobering.  Be honest, who knows when a thief is coming?  How many people get robbed and say, "I should have seen this coming!"  In reference to seeing this day coming Peter asks what kind of people we ought to be.  Here are a few things that may be of help in determining what kind of people we ought to be.

First and foremost, since we temporarily live in a place that will be burned up and seek another place for eternal habitation we should live a life of preparation.  We must be ready to go on to the place we desire to spend eternity.  Again, I have adopted that saying of, "There will be no one surprised they are in Heaven, but there will be a lot of people surprised they are in Hell."  Notice in verse 12 Peter says we are to be "looking for... the coming of the day of God."  We should be looking for, preparing for, and desiring this day.  The question is, however, what kind of people ought we to be?  Let's enumerate some of things we ought to be.

We ought to be steadfast people.  Steadfastness is one of the conditions of success in all we endeavor.   A business owner who opens shop at his own whim and not at the same time everyday will not be successful, he will be bankrupt!  Will a tree that is moved  around weekly produce good fruit?  Doubtful!  The same with a Christian who is not steadfast and fellowships on their own whim.  A Christian that gets hot and then gets cold, attends sometimes, and not steadfast will not produce good fruit!  The early Christians were steadfast.  Acts 2:42  Paul was steadfast.  Phi 3:13,14  The Corinthians were exhorted to be steadfast.  1Co 15:58  We, as Christians, ought to be steadfast.

We ought to be prayerful people.  I read this great illustration that is very applicable here.  "A preacher, who was observing a man on the road breaking giant stones and kneeling to get at his work better, said, 'Ah, I wish I could break the stony hearts as easily as you are breaking those giant stones.'  The man replied, 'Perhaps sir, you should start working on your knees!'"  Maybe we all need to pray more.  I read a book and did a study called "The Sweet Hour of Prayer" taught by Don DeWelt.  What a smart man!   In that study he said, "Some of the greatest lies are sang on Sunday mornings."  He asked, "How many people sing the song 'Sweet Hour of Prayer' having never prayed for an hour?"  We have a great thing in prayer, yet we never tap into its power.  Prayer displays a trust, submission, and union with God.  Christ even gave us a model prayer.  How many people can recite it, but never ask to be protected from the evil one, supplied with their daily bread, or be not lead into temptation?  We need to let our requests be known to God in thanksgiving. Phi 4:6  We need to be devoted to prayer in the same manner. Col 4:2  We, as Christians, ought to be prayerful.

We ought to be forgiving people.  I ask you this, do flowers stop giving off scent when they are stepped on?  NO!  Paul commands us to forgive. Eph 4:32  If we desire to have our sins forgiven we must forgive others, as Jesus taught.  Mt 6:14,15  How important do those verses make forgiving others?  I am fearful for many according to what Jesus says in Mt 18:21-35.  Notice, when the servant who was forgiven failed to forgive others he had all that he owed thrown back onto him!  Today, people feel safe by saying, "I forgive but I don't forget."  Be careful my friends!!  We. as Christians, ought to be forgiving.

We ought to be soul winning people.  If we are to be Christ-like, this is demanded because Jesus himself said that is why he came.  Lk 19:10  Soul winning is a mark of wisdom. Pr 11:30  Some person won your soul to Christ.  What someone did for you, you should do for others.  Mt 7:12  We need to do more knocking on doors and less knocking on each other!  We, as Christian, ought to be soul winners. 

We ought to be happy people.  There are to many mean muggin' Christians.  A little girl asked he grandmother, "Grammy, is that mule a Christian?"  The grandmother chuckled and said, "No, dear, why do you ask?"  To which the girl replied, "Oh, just because his face is so long."   Unfortunately, that is how many look at Christians.  We should rejoice in the Lord.  Phi 4:4  God wants His people to be happy and "made full with joy." Jn 15:11  Nothing on earth can smile!  Diamonds a precious and beautiful, but can't smile.  They can flash light, but not a smile.  Flowers can give off a beautiful fragrance, but not give a smile.  We, as Christians, ought to be happy.

We ought to be sacrificial people.  Christianity as we know it began with a sacrifice. Jn 3:16   Jesus laid down his life as a sacrifice for mankind.  Jn 10:11  Many early Christians died for their faith.  The apostle Paul is a great example.  2Ti 4:6-8 

Finally, we ought to be exemplary people.  I love the old sayings, "I would rather see a sermon than hear one any day."   "I would rather one walk with me than tell me the way."  "Fine counsel is confusing, but an example is always clear."  I could do this all day, but the truth is i love the last one.  "Our works preach our faith." Jas 2:18  Jesus said we are known by our fruits not what we say. Mt 7:20  Peter said the way we live and the things we do, or living a Christian life, is an effective sermon.  1Pe 3:1,2  We, as Christians, ought to be examples.

Today, are you ready to be the people we ought to be?  Are you ready to be steadfast, prayerful, forgiving, a soul winner, happy, sacrificial, and an example.  Are you ready to live the life we ought to be living?  Are you ready to be a Christian?  

WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED?

We must hear the Word of God:  Rom 10:17; Acts 4:4

We must believe or have faith:   Heb 11:6; Acts 16:31

We must repent of our sins:  Lk 13:3; Acts 17:30

We must confess Christ before others:  Mt 10:32; Acts 8:37

We must be immersed into Christ (baptized) Mk 16:16; Acts 2:38

We must be faithful:   Rev 2:10; Acts 14:22      

God Is A Jealous God

Ex 34:14; Dt 4:24

Wow, what a week!  I have been so blessed to serve God this week.  I had a great meeting with someone about the PA Preaching In The Mountains Family Camp this week.  I got to spend time with a great Evangelist this week that is in a revival near me for a couple of days.  To top it all off, I sat in a hospital for a very long time waiting on the Lord's timing so a dear sister in Christ could deliver her first child.  That wait was very long and tedious but well worth it.  Wow, to stand there (outside the room) and listen to that baby boy take his first breath and let out a cry!  GOD IS GOOD!  While I was waiting in that hospital I had the opportunity to get plenty of study time in and was thinking about the above verses.

This adjective jealous occurs in the Old Testament six times.  It refers directly to the attributes of God's justice and holiness, as He is the sole object of human worship, according to Mr. Vine.  It means an ardent zeal, jealous.  This shows, in a most expressive manner, what love God has for His people.  He is jealous for our fidelity because He desires us to have an incomparable happiness that can only be obtained if we have a relationship with Him through His son.  God feels for us like we do when we first fall in love in High School.   You remember that feeling, don't you?  You can't do anything but think about that person.  You call them and when you're done you spend thirty minutes saying, "You hang up first."   That feeling is how God loves us!  I thought, what are some things that makes a person in that kind of relationship mad?  Here are some things I came up with...

We do not like to be "cheated" on!  God does not like to be cheated on, or two timed, either!  We do things that show others we are "taken" or we are "set apart" from those that are single and not in a relationship.  In High School, we often give someone a class ring, a necklace, or a letterman jacket.  As we grow older we give engagement rings.  Finally, we give a wedding ring.  I always say there are four rings in a relationship.  First is the class ring, then the engagement ring,  then the wedding, and the final ring is suffering!  Haha, my wife doesn't like that joke! These rings are sign that we are taken.  Unfortunately, sometimes people will wear several other people's rings!    

There are signs that we are in a relationship with God too.  Obedience is a sign of a relationship with God.  We are to obey God's Word as it sanctifies us, or sets us apart, from the world.  Jn 17:17  Baptism is another sign we are in a relationship with God.  I know this kind of falls under the obedience category, but I read somewhere that a Muslim is not considered an infidel when they read a tract or even the Bible for that matter.  They are not considered an infidel until they are immersed into Christ.  The problem is the church is sneaking out at night with the world.  The church is two timing in their relationship with God!  Jas 4:4  We aren't sanctified by the Word because we do not obey it.  We treat the Word of God like a buffet.  We want to pick and choose which parts we want to submit to and disregard the rest.  That is cheating on God with the world!   Sure we will wear the ring of baptism but forget that ring of obedience.  We say, "Well, I'm not that bad.  Tommy is bad.  That guy is a hypocrite!"  Remember, we are to imitate God. Eph 5:1  We should compare our lives to Jesus and not Tommy!

In a relationship we don't like to be stood up.  I remember one time I had a friend that was all excited that he finally got this girl to go on a date with him.  He was all pumped up.  He left to go meet her and she didn't show up.  He called her and never got an answer.  She decided to go out with her friends instead of him! He went from pumped up to stood up and then to let down!  She later told him she thought she would have more fun with her friends and could always reschedule with him.  How many times have we stood up God for our friends?  We say, "I never miss, this one time will be OK.  I can reschedule with God for next week!"   We fall victim for the things of this world.  1Jn 2:16  We lust after the things of this world and stand God up when He wants us to meet with Him around His table and commune with Him. We often find out the grass is greener on the other side of the fence because it is filled with manure! We often stand up God because we was sneaking out with the world the night before.  We often stand up God on the Lord's Day because we are too busy sneaking out with the world!  

     

Apostasy is possible.  God desires us to fellowship with Him through his son. 1Jn 1:3  Many people, unfortunately, have moved away from God.  It will be worse for those who do not repent of apostasy than those who never submitted to God. 2Pe 2:20-21  Far too often when a person dumps another person they may realize it was a mistake but never returns to that person out of fear of rejection.  People who move away from God feel the same.  They feel they never can return to God or He will not forgive them, but that is nonsense!  Look at what Simon was told by Peter in Acts 8:18-23   We must repent if we moved away from God.  We must confess to Him in prayer and He is faithful to forgive. 1Jn 1:9  God is still driving and has His arm across the back of the seat.  The question is, will get in, let Him drive, and slide over next to Him?

Today, understand that God is a jealous God.  Not because He is insecure, but because he has a love for us that is expressed with an ardent zeal for us to have a relationship with Him.  We must be obedient in that relationship and make sure we don't cheat on Him with the world.  We must not stand Him up and meet with Him around His table.  We sneak out with the world and eventually dump Him and get out of His truck.  When we realize that we made a mistake dumping God and want back in His truck to snuggle next to Him all we need to is repent and confess to Him in prayer.  I am honored to serve a God that is jealous and desires nothing but the best for me.  I am proud to in a relationship with Him. I hope you are too!

WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED?

We must hear the Word of God:  Rom 10:17; Acts 4:4

We must believe or have faith:   Heb 11:6; Acts 16:31

We must repent of our sins:  Lk 13:3; Acts 17:30

We must confess Christ before others:  Mt 10:32; Acts 8:37

We must be immersed into Christ (baptized) Mk 16:16; Acts 2:38

We must be faithful:   Rev 2:10; Acts 14:22      

     

Now You're Ready

2Ti 3:10-17

Parents have a way of making sure their children are properly equipped to handle the ups and downs of life.  I am reminded of the movie "A Christmas Story" and how Mrs. Parker dresses her youngest Randy for school.  She just may have over done it a little but that boy would not be cold on his way to school.  God doesn't leave us in the cold either.  He didn't just send His son to redeem mankind from their sins.  He followed that up with sending a helper. Jn 14:16,17  I always say God reveals himself in at least three ways.  His power in nature. Rom 1:20 His person in Jesus Christ. Jn 3:16  His purpose in the written Word. 1Ti 2:3,4  His written Word also prepares us to face the world as well.  Consider the main scripture above.

These verses start out with a list of ten things that Young Timothy can relate to.  I read somewhere that one commentator said this was like a checklist for Timothy to reflect on.  I don't know about that stuff but I do believe this part of the Word of God is aimed at strengthening the young Evangelist.  It is made to inspire Timothy in vv 10-14, then it is to instruct him vv15-17.  You could even say it is to soberize (is that a word?  IT IS NOW!) him of a coming judgment in vv 4:1-5.  

Some people may struggle to find the ten things listed, did you?  There are the seven in verse 10 that are to display an active obedience.  The next two are a result of that active obedience.  The Word of God in no way tries to hide that Christians will have sufferings and persecutions.  Many try to sugar coat  this aspect, but the apostle Paul ever did that.  The last one is a great comfort.  If  an obedient and active faith brings struggles and persecutions why would anyone desire that?  The answer in verse 11, because God will rescue us just as He did the apostle Paul!

Verse 12 tells us if our lives are absent of persecution we are obviously NOT living that godly life that the Paul is talking about.  I always say if you are not having any type of persecution in your Christian walk you are not doing it right!!  Remember, persecution and sufferings are not the goal, they are a result and God will rescue us from them in His way!  B.W. Johnson said that persecution is inseparable from Christianity.  Maybe if the Church didn't look so much like the world it would have more persecution?  The Church in the 21st century wants their cake and to be able to eat it too.  We are ignorant of the idea of "through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God." Acts 14:22  I am in now way saying we are to be looking for persecution, but it must be expected Mt 10:22   Jesus knew this would be too much for some people.  He said if the persecution and suffering is to much for you, you are not worthy of him. Mt 10:38,39

In verse 13 Paul warns Timothy of false teachers that will arise and go from bad to worse.  In my mind this is a result of the desire to not experience persecution and sufferings.  People will often take the way of the least resistance.  Unfortunately, that way may not lead you where those who are in it with you claim it is leading.  

Timothy has a great advantage in verse 14.  It is true of all men who have the good fortune to come from godly homes, that the teaching and example of Christian parents is a priceless advantage; but such parents always teach their children that the authority is not in themselves but in the Word of the Lord.  

Verse 15 mentions Timothy learning from his childhood.  Jewish children were to be taught the Law at all times.  Dt 11:19  It was believed that if you taught them when they were young, they will hold onto it when they are old.  Pr 22:6  I read a Jewish maxim that said, "...the Jewish child receives the law from his mother's milk."  The purpose of this was to have wisdom that leads to salvation.  Remember, wisdom is the proper application of knowledge.  That salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ.  

This verse explains what "faith in Jesus Christ" truly means.  Many teach a "believe and receive" doctrine today.  This verse says nothing like that.  This verse says "faith in Jesus Christ" is an adherence to Christ's teachings, not a mere mental assertion.  Timothy is not told to simply think on Christ, but he is told to live out what he has been taught.  That my friends, is having faith.  Those who refuse to be baptized into Christ (Gal 3:27) for the remission of sin  and the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38) refuse Christ's teachings.  Mk 16:16    They refuse to be baptized into Christ and thus making them outside of Christ.  Some argue that one baptism is as good as another and you do not need to be baptized for remission of sin and the gift of the Holy Spirit.  If you were baptized to "join" a church you're good.  Well, the Bible speaks of one baptism (Eph 4:5) and Paul didn't allow another baptism in Ephesus (Acts 19:1-5)  The one baptism of Ephpreceded by belief and repentance.  

I stand convinced from that Word of God because verse 16 tells me the Word is inspired by God.  That is why Timothy is to have a faith that adheres to Christ's teachings because they are by God's authority.  Christ was given his authority from God! Mt 28:18  If the Church is to prosper it must be taught the Word of God.  It must be reproofed by the Word of God.  It must be corrected by the Word of God.  It must be trained by the Word of God.  Where the Word of God is taught and obeyed faith abounds and where the Word of God is not taught and obeyed immorality abounds.  

The last verse tells us why we must be taught, reproofed, corrected, and trained by this God inspired Word.  So that we will be "thoroughly equipped." 2Ti 3:17 NIV  I personally prefer the NIV translation here as opposed to NASB.  The Word of God thoroughly equips us to do God's work and that is saving souls.  God doesn't send us out into the world blind and helpless.  He has given us a way back to Him through Jesus Christ.  He has given us a helper in the Holy Spirit.  He has also equipped us with all we need to know and accomplish His will in our lives in His written Word.  

Today, will you submit and obey God's Word?  Will you teach others from God's Word?  God gives us His Word so we are ready and equipped to do His work.  God doesn't give us jobs we can handle; He makes us able to handle the jobs He calls us to!  Don't pray for God to remove mountains in your life.  Pray for God to  give you strength to climb those mountains! Have a red letter day.

WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED?

We must hear the Word of God:  Rom 10:17; Acts 4:4

We must believe or have faith:   Heb 11:6; Acts 16:31

We must repent of our sins:  Lk 13:3; Acts 17:30

We must confess Christ before others:  Mt 10:32; Acts 8:37

We must be immersed into Christ (baptized) Mk 16:16; Acts 2:38

We must be faithful:   Rev 2:10; Acts 14:22      

The Christian Call

Titus 2:11-15

When I thought of the "Christian Call" the first thing I thought of was a person sitting in an office making an evangelistic call to another person.  Hey, why not?  We have "Television Evangelists" why can't we have "Telephone Evangelists?" (Sarcasm Included) That is not the "call" I am talking about.  I am talking about the call of showing and living Christianity.  I first want to communicate that our call as Christians is first and foremost to "seek his kingdom and his righteousness." Mt 6:33  Then, we must continue Christ's work of seeking the lost (Lk 19:10) as he commanded. Mt 28:18-20  That being said, now we can look at how we are called to act as Christians.

The first thing that must be noted is that verse 11 says God's grace is for all mankind.  This quickly pulls the carpet out from under the belief that a certain elect group of people will be saved.  You see, God desires all mankind to be saved (1Ti 2:3,4), but not all mankind will desire God to save them.  God's love, mercy, and grace is for all, unfortunately, not all will accept.  God's nature is seen in Christ, beginning with his humble birth in Jerusalem and his final sacrifice of love at Calvary.

The apostle gives a negative and a positive in verse 12.  He says we must "deny ungodliness and worldly desires" while we "live righteously, sensibly, and godly."  This truly makes sense because if we are to remove something useless and do not fill it with something productive we will eventually fill it with useless things again.  For example, if we are to clean out a corner of our garage because it is a cluttered mess and we do not put something there and leave it as an open space, chances are, we will just clutter it up again.  The same goes for a life cluttered with worldly desires and ungodliness.  When we attempt to remove those deeds of clutter and do not fill it with something productive like righteous, sensible, and godly deeds, that old clutter will return!

The question is, how do we fill our lives with righteous, sensible, and godly deeds?  The answer to that my friends, is the "Christian Call."  We are called to the things listed in the first paragraph while we employ verse 13.  We see here two different advents in these few verses.  The first, verse 11, is in the past. It is God's grace that was seen in the earthly life of our Lord Jesus.  The second, verse 13, is in the future.  It is when Jesus returns.  We, Christians, are to be looking for that great moment and living in such a way that says we are in a covenant relationship with God through the blood of his son.  All the rules of living that are listed earlier in this chapter are meaningless without a relationship between Christ and his followers on earth who are to be walking as he commanded and expecting his glorious return.  That is the christian call!  Having a relationship with God through Jesus and anticipating his return.  

Verse 14 emphasizes the need for our salvation and it is tied to the fact that Christ's crucifixion frees us from the guilt of our past sins.  The crucifixion is seen in different aspects in scripture.  It is seen as a sacrifice with Christ as a scapegoat (1Pe 1:18,19), a war with Christ as the mighty warrior who has defeated Satan and his power (1Co 15:54-57), and a ransom paid (1Co 6:20) just to name a few.  What glorious thing God has done for mankind in the form of Jesus Christ and the sacrifice he made on the cross.  Through that sacrifice we are redeemed from every lawless deed and purified as to now be zealous good deeds.  The Christian call is to be zealous for good deeds as we seek first his kingdom and the lost.

Titus is told to "speak, exhort, and reprove."  I love this because I see this as a progressive nature to how we are to preach Christ crucified.  Some people will respond to you speaking to them about Christ.  Others will need exhorted, or to urge, advise, or admonish earnestly and urgently, in order for them to respond to Christ.  Still, some will refuse to respond and they will need to be reproved.  That merely means we must prove to them again God's love through Christ's sacrifice.  Unfortunately, some still will not respond but the Word of God is a seed and it takes time to grow.  Remember, we are looked at according to our efforts and not our successes.  1Co 3:5-9

Today, will you answer the "Christian Call" of seeking first his kingdom and righteousness, the call of seeking the lost, the call of being zealous for good deeds, and the call of sharing Christ crucified?

WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED?

We must hear the Word of God:  Rom 10:17; Acts 4:4

We must believe or have faith:   Heb 11:6; Acts 16:31

We must repent of our sins:  Lk 13:3; Acts 17:30

We must confess Christ before others:  Mt 10:32; Acts 8:37

We must be immersed into Christ (baptized) Mk 16:16; Acts 2:38

We must be faithful:   Rev 2:10; Acts 14:22           

The Man With Many Hats

I remember a man in my past that was very influential to me.  I had studied the Word of God with this man many times and I always made sure to listen when he spoke.  I didn't always agree with what he said, but I dearly loved his passion and zeal.  This man had a saying that he told us every Lord's Day when the men gathered to pray before the service.  He would say, "Men, we are a small congregation.  In a small congregation you must wear several different hats and often at the same time.  Make sure you have them all on and get ready to serve today."  As I read Nehemiah, I can't help but notice that "hat wearing" ability in him.

Max Lucado describes Nehemiah like this, "You can find the tenderness of Abraham Lincoln, The fire of General George Patton, and the savvy of Winston Churchill all in one man.  Nehemiah."

When we first read Nehemiah he is wearing the hat of a prayer warrior. Neh 1:4   Here is where we see the "Lincoln" in Nehemiah.  He is overwhelmed with compassion on people that are oppressed and vulnerable.  It must be noted here that before Nehemiah prayed for materials to rebuild the wall he first prayed for forgiveness.  Neh 1:5-11   Leaders who make a difference pray with burdened compassion because they know God alone can mend shattered lives and heal broken hearts.  The greatest leaders are those with compassion.  

Next we see Nehemiah wearing the cup-bearer hat.  He is serving the King Artaxerxes.  This is where we see him ask for the lumber, after he asked for forgiveness from God. Neh 2:8   

Nehemiah trades in his royal hat and puts on a hard hat.  We see him as the inspector in Neh 2:13,15   As usual, when someone tries to work for the Lord and accomplish His Will according to His Word they are faced with mockers.  Neh 2:19   We too, must expect this as well. Far too many leaders are discouraged because they are mocked and despised for trying to be obedient.  This type of persecution should be expected.  2Ti 3:12   When we want to be used by God we must understand that often times that comes with assuming the weight of a burden.  God's Word commands us to "bear one another's burdens" in Gal 6:2  The wall gets finished and the glory is given to God. Neh 6:15,16  

After the wall is built Nehemiah takes off the hard hat and puts on the cup-bearer hat again.  He was gone for 12 years and many bad things happened while he was gone.  Neh 13:6,7  

When he returns he hangs up the cup-bearer hat and put on a house cleaning hat.  Neh 13:8,9  Nehemiah returns to find the wall was strong, but the people were weak.  Faith was forgotten and discipline was a cuss word.  

He finally puts on one last hat.  He takes off the house cleaning hat and puts on a teacher's hat.  Nehemiah restores the things in the Word of God.  He restores tithes. Neh 13:10-12  He then restores the Sabbath.  Neh 13:15-17,22  Finally, he removed mixed marriages.  Nehemiah was not what you would call typical and didn't remove remove mixed marriages in a typical way. Neh 13:25

Nehemiah was great man.  He was not great because he was successful in restoration.  He was great because he knew his success depended upon the Almighty God.  While Nehemiah kept changing hats, he continually had on his servant's hat.  The measure of a person's greatness is not according to how many serve them, but in how many they serve!

Today, will you put on several hats and serve those who are in need?  May we be similar to Nehemiah and find ways to better our community.  Nehemiah did it, not for praise, but for the Lord and so should we.  May we all show God's love to others by our deeds and not just our tongue. 1Jn 3:18   

WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED?

We must hear the Word of God:  Rom 10:17; Acts 4:4

We must believe or have faith:   Heb 11:6; Acts 16:31

We must repent of our sins:  Lk 13:3; Acts 17:30

We must confess Christ before others:  Mt 10:32; Acts 8:37

We must be immersed into Christ (baptized) Mk 16:16; Acts 2:38

We must be faithful:  Rev 2:10; Acts 14:22