SUPERFICIAL OR SACRIFICIAL(2)
by Chris Brown on 02/08/12
Matthew 23:25 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. Jesus began His ministry in a time when true religion was on the decline and He quickly identified superficial-ism as a major reason for the problem. But just as quickly He gave the solution: Matthew 23:26 Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. His answer was first get the inside right and let that care for the outside. True religion was fading because of improper priorities; they had the cart before the horse. The outward man can only be right when the inward man is right. He then puts His finger on the cause of the problem: Matthew 23:27 ...for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. The religious people had become consumed with appearances. Focusing on appearances ALWAYS leads to a neglecting of inner reality and obvious hypocrisy. (Obvious to everyone but the hypocrites themselves. Verse 26a Thou blind Pharisee...) Matthew 23:28 Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. When those that represent the Lord become hypocrites their days of meaningful influence have ended. Maybe it is for this reason that in our Lord's ministry He: * NEVER made an issue regarding appearances. * ALWAYS called upon His followers to sacrifice themselves. i.e. take up your cross Paul took a swipe at this issue when writing to Timothy: 1 Timothy 2:9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; The apostle contrasts modest apparel with costly array; reverence and soberness with gold and pearls. He is exhorting the ladies not to get caught up in appearances but to keep the focus internally; to dress and act sensible rather than sensational. Peter also addresses the issue when counseling wives: 1 Peter 3:3-4 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart... Remember, the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7) Until next time, Chris
SUPERFICIAL OR SACRIFICIAL(1)
by Chris Brown on 02/01/12
Matthew 5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Jesus is here describing two types of religious people: those that put it on and those that have it within; the superficial and the sacrificial. And He says that only the sacrificial will enter heaven.
In a nation where Christianity is on the decline, you don't have to go to church very long to find that the outwardly righteous outnumber the inwardly ones.
Later in His message Jesus said, Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. (Matthew 5:42) With this wide open command Jesus gave no exception clause. Sadly through the years I've watched professing Christians be selfish with their stuff and make excuses for not loaning to a brother or sister in need. I've seen many church goers that will give money, but you better not touch their stuff because "you might mess it up." It's almost as if "stuff" is their real love; their true object of worship.
It's important to understand that sacrifice only comes from love. We will always sacrifice that which we don't love for that which we do. Do you sacrifice your stuff for others or do you sacrifice other's needs for the sake of your precious stuff?
You can often replace the word "love" in the bible with the word "sacrifice." For example:
* A new commandment I give unto you, That ye sacrifice for (love) one another; as I have sacrificed for (loved) you... By sacrifice (this) shall all men know that ye are my disciples... (John 13:34-35)
* Greater sacrifice (love) hath no man made than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:13)
* If a man say, I will sacrifice for (love) God, and sacrifices not for (hateth) his brother, he is a liar: (1 John 4:20)
* And this commandment have we from him, That he who sacrifices for (loveth) God sacrifices for (love) his brother also. (1 John 4:21)
The synonymous nature of sacrifice and love is quite clear in Paul's letter to the Ephesians when he wrote, walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. (Ephesians 5:2)
It's no clearer than when John wrote, Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us (sacrifice): and we ought to lay down our lives (sacrifice) for the brethren. (1 John 3:16)
My prayer is that the Lord make you to increase and abound in sacrifice (love) one toward another, and toward all men... (1 Thessalonians 3:12)
Until next time,
Chris
WORKS OR WORSHIP(4)
by Chris Brown on 01/25/12
Most Christians heartily agree with the idea that worship trumps works. However, when they partake of the unbiblical and uniquely western dance that I like to call "the church-search boogie" they most often base their judgment on the outward works of churches. A quick look at the seven churches of Revelation 2 and 3 reveals the likelihood of failure when engaging in this exercise.
Of the 7churches examined by the Lord 5 had strayed off course and only 2 had stayed on course.
The first of the strayed that is listed is the church of Ephesus. The Lord says, I know thy works and thy labor. This was a busy church but Jesus' ultimate judgment was, nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Worship was not their priority. (Rev. 2:1-7)
The next church that strayed is the church in Pergamos. The Lord's assessment of this busy church begins with I know thy works. But as with the first church there is a caveat. Jesus says, But I have a few things against thee. Apparently these people taught doctrines about fame and fortune rather than following Jesus through thick and thin. They also scored poor on worship. (Rev. 2:12-17)
Next is the church in Thyatira. Twice the Lord says to this church I know thy works. Yet again, when you get beyond the surface examination of this church you read, Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee. Some of the teaching of this busy church was actually idolatrous. (Rev. 2:18-29)
Next is the church in Sardis. Immediately the Lord reports I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. This busy church has a reputation in the community of being active, but since Jesus can see past the surface and into the heart of this fellowship he announces that this lively church is actually lifeless. (Rev. 3:1-6)
Lastly we find the church of the Laodiceans. Again the report begins with I know thy works. By every human measure this church is wildly successful. This busy church has every human sign of success on full display. But the keen eye of the Lord tells them they don't even realize that they are wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked. Amazingly the church that appears the most successful is in actuality the biggest failure! (Rev. 3:14-22)
The church in Smyrna is the first of the two churches that stayed on course. Though this church was likewise busy, we find that it was busy persevering faithfully through great hardship for the Lord. Outwardly, this church appears to be a failure, but they kept Jesus #1. (Rev. 2:8-11)
The final assembly is the church in Philadelphia. Of this busy church we read I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: This church prospered not because it was better than Smyrna, but because it was God's will. (Rev. 3:7-13)
The lesson I walk away with is that Christians are called upon to love the Lord first and foremost and to judge churches or people by their level of "busy-ness" is a big mistake. Each message to each church closes with he that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith. God is saying that He knows some just won't get it. I HOPE YOU DO!
Until next time,
Chris
WORKS OR WORSHIP(3)
by Chris Brown on 01/19/12
As we continue the discussion that the emphasis for Christians should be worship rather than works, let me continue by giving you one more reason to consider my argument.
8. It's the evidence of God in us.
Though we've previously established that love always leads to works, works alone do not prove that we belong to God. For example Matthew 7:22-23 says, Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
On the other hand, love is clear evidence of God in us. Notice the listing in Galatians 5 of the resulting character traits of a person in whom God's Spirit lives: ...the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: Love is front and center. (Gal. 5:22-23)
Consider John's description of true believers in the book of First John stating emphatically, We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. (I John 3:14-15) For John it was clear: sacrificial love toward the Christians you know is obvious proof that a person is saved and a lack of sacrificial love toward one's fellow church members is a confirmation that person is not born again. In the next chapter he emphatically states that the person claiming to be Christian that does not possess this love is a liar.
While writing to the Christians of Thessalonica Paul made an interesting statement: But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. (1 Thess. 4:9) Though all bible preachers teach love and even Paul did in other places, he here confirms that without such teaching God will get this message to His own.
Both to the Ephesian and Colossian Christians the apostle states that he has heard stories about the love they have toward believers. (Eph. 1:15; Col. 1:4) Paul is thrilled that the evidence of God in them is so obvious.
Finally, let me add to this conversation that the Lord Himself shows us the world's litmus test for true Christians in John 13:35. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. Watch out fair-weathered, religious friends, even non-Christians are going to figure out that you are really wolves in sheep's clothing.
Until next time,
Chris
WORKS OR WORSHIP(2)
by Chris Brown on 01/16/12
Often Christians or churches can be divided into two categories: those that emphasize works and those that emphasize worship. It is clear, at least to me, that the emphasis should be worship. Let me continue by giving you several more reasons to consider my opinion.
4. It's the one thing that is necessary. Listen to Jesus words as He settles a squabble between two sisters: Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: What an amazing and clear statement: One thing is needful just one thing. And he's comparing it directly with Martha's serving. If you can only do one thing, this is the thing you need to do.
5. It's the most beneficial. The Lord went on to say, Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. Notice that Jesus called her worship the "good part." Worship is not the only part, but it is the good or most beneficial part. Of all the activity that falls under the banner of the Christian life, sitting at Jesus' feet has the most benefit.
6. Its what sets us apart. Paul wrote, the love of Christ constraineth us. That means it holds us. Jesus love for mankind is what truly grabs Christian people. Love is the difference maker. One songwriter wrote, "When nothing else could help, love lifted me." The impact of God's love on, in and through us makes us what we are. Always remember: it's not how much we labor or learn, but how much we love that proves we are a child of God.
7. And simply put, it's the most important command. One day a man, whose profession was to study the Old Testament law, asked Jesus point blank, what is the greatest commandment? And without hesitation Jesus answered, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. I hope you choose not to hesitate to make worshipping the Lord the most important thing in your life.
Until next time,
Chris
WORKS OR WORSHIP(1)
by Chris Brown on 01/03/12
Often Christians or churches can be divided into two categories: those that emphasize works and those that emphasize worship. It is clear, at least to me, that the emphasis should be worship. Let me give you several reasons to consider my opinion. 1. Works are the natural result of worship. Notice Jesus' words in Matthew 6:24. No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Ultimately we serve that which we love; we work for the one we worship. I conclude then that if the worship is right the work will be also. Someone might quote Ephesians 2:8-10 and say "but we are created for good works." And that is true. But that only happens after the love of God is placed in our hearts by His Spirit. 2. Works without worship are vain and empty. In the Charity Chapter, the apostle Paul deals with the supremacy of love. Notice 1 Corinthians 13:2-3: And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. In chapter 3 of the same book Paul teaches us that our works will one day be examined and those that don't measure up will be of no more value than hay after its burned with fire. 3. Doing more than we're supposed to do is in vain. All works are not equal. Some get the idea that more is always better. But what if that "more" is not God's open door or plan? Have you ever read Psalms 127:1 which says, except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: All Christians agree that not doing what God says is wrong. But isn't it just as true that doing what God doesn't say is wrong? Doing more than we're supposed to, often leads to neglecting something else. Simply put, you can labor too much but you can't love too much. Until next time, Chris
A GREAT PERSON OR A GRACE PERSON?(4)
by Chris Brown on 12/14/11
Romans 11:5-6 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
TWISTED GRACE
The substance of God's grace is altered by two unbiblical extremes:
1) Easy-believism which teaches that salvation is gained simply by asking Jesus to take you to heaven. Many proponents of this idea believe that a person has received God's grace even if there is no evidence of God in their life. Some even support the idea that the grace of God can be abused; that God can be taken advantage of.
For some this philosophy includes the idea that one can receive the love of Him that first loved us without loving Him in return; that a person with the presence of God in their life, the love of God in their heart and the purging of their conscience can continue on a journey of sinful living and destructive behavior; that a true Christian can maintain a heart of stone.
This approach to salvation twists God's grace. According to Ephesians 2:8-10 a person that is saved by grace becomes God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works that God has prepared for him or her to do. Again, God's grace does not require good works but will always inspire them.
2) Legalism which often springs from easy-believism. The idea is that since most people who have gotten "saved" don't express any desire at all to live holy for the Lord, there must be extra steps to secure the blessed life. This misstep attempts to mix grace and works. In this way of thinking, you can only experience the abundant life if you cut your hair a certain way or wear dress clothes to church or by not wearing certain clothes in your daily routine or by not listening to a particular genre of music or by abstaining from certain public places or, as a church, by keeping a particular denominational label on your sign.
This approach to sanctification also twists God's grace. Romans chapter 8 deals with the truth that the Spirit-filled life is the life of all believers. In verse 17 it says I'm an heir of God and with Christ and none of the above conditions are added to that promise. Verse 32 says that if God didn't even spare His own Son in providing a way freely back to Him, then certainly everything else from God is just as free for His own children!
Until next time,
Chris
A GREAT PERSON OR A GRACE PERSON?(3)
by Chris Brown on 12/07/11
John 1:16-17 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. Are you a great person or a grace person? Let me explain. Great people do big things because of WHO they are. Grace people do big things because of WHOSE they are. GRACE FOR THE RIGHTEOUS
The statement grace for grace carries the idea that those that have been given grace are given more grace in their time of need. James 4:6 actually reads he giveth more grace.
For a clear example one needs to look no further than the apostle Peter. In Matthew 4 he and his brother Andrew were fishing and the Lord, grace in the flesh, called them. Yet in John 21 after denying the Lord and returning to the "secure" and "familiar" life of fishing, the Lord once again calls him by his grace. Fifty days later he is pastoring the first mega-church.
Paul wrote the Galatians saying, Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
Once again, the only profitable exercise in dealing with people, lost or saved, is extending grace.
John Mark was a young man that went with Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey as an assistant only to turn back early in the trip. In Acts 15 Paul and Barnabas argued and even split up because Paul refused to take John Mark on their voyage citing Mark's former unfaithfulness. Yet years later when writing Timothy, Paul asks that Mark be brought to him saying he is profitable to me for the ministry. And don't forget, God also used him to write the gospel of Mark.
God not only has grace for sinners, but also for his own dear children. When God pours out His undeserved blessing it is gratis and great. On our part it is effortless yet effectual. It NEVER requires work, but ALWAYS inspires it.
When Paul spoke of his calling he gave grace the credit. He wrote I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. Simply put, I did nothing, God did it all.
When writing about his endurance in suffering he gave grace the glory calling it sufficient; that is, all one needs. Further, he showed no doubt about God's grace being sufficient to carry all believers through their suffering when he wrote the Corinthian church saying, your salvation is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer:
God's grace has been explained to you, but more importantly, has it been experienced by you?
Until next time, Chris
A GREAT PERSON OR A GRACE PERSON?(2)
by Chris Brown on 11/30/11
John 1:14, 16-17 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. Are you a great person or a grace person? Let me explain. Great people do big things because of WHO they are. Grace people do big things because of WHOSE they are. GRACE FROM THE RIGHTEOUS When Jesus arrived on the scene grace was not a normal part of Jewish society. In John 8 a woman caught in adultery was paraded in front of Him by the Pharisees. They were concerned with her actions and freely passed judgment on her. Jesus however offered her grace. In John 4 Jesus met a Samaritan woman at a well and offered her grace. Yet His very own disciples kept their distance and were amazed that he even spoke to such an unrighteous person. What the religious and even His own followers did not understand was that He came to earth to call sinners to God. And what many today don't understand is that Christians and churches are here for the exact same reason. Sinners are people who have no hope, who have given up and totally given in to unrighteous living because the bondage of sin and condemnation of the law has left them discouraged and defeated. It is grace and grace alone that can make them righteous. No amount of criticism or complaining will ever succeed. Christians must forsake the idea that we can make someone righteous. In some quarters this idea is played out under the banner of "discipleship." The idea is that we can teach the law and standards of behavior that we ascribe to, and make people righteous or at least more righteous. But no amount of teaching will succeed either. Paul called this trying to be made perfect by the flesh (Galatians 3:3). Only Jesus can make someone righteous, and no human effort can improve upon that work (Romans 5:19). As a Christian, I am reminded in Romans 8:4 that I live righteous ONLY because God's grace placed His Spirit in me and He lives through me. With that knowledge, why would I ever spend my time trying in any way to make another person righteous? I can't force it into them and I can't teach it into them. The only profitable exercise is to extend grace. Christians and churches exist to lead people into a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. We are here to extend grace to those that are not like Jesus so they will like Jesus. It is up to Him to make those people righteous, not us. Until next time, Chris
A GREAT PERSON OR A GRACE PERSON?(1)
by Chris Brown on 11/15/11
John 1:14, 16-17 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
Are you a great person or a grace person? Let me explain. Great people do big things because of WHO they are. Grace people do big things because of WHOSE they are.
God's grace is better experienced than explained because it is so simply defined. Grace is God's undeserved blessing. This simple explanation leads people to misunderstand and underestimate it. However, when experienced you walk away knowing that God's grace is truly amazing and life changing.
A God talk is simply not enough to make you a grace person, it requires a God touch.
GRACE FOR SINNERS
Jesus is full of grace. When He called someone that was grace calling them. In every case, when God's undeserved blessing called someone, they followed; they got baptized and busy. And remember, not a single person deserved it.
It is no different today. People that follow Him do so for only ONE reason; grace. No one does it because they are great.
Romans 5:20 says, Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
God's undeserved blessing empowers a person to understand salvation, to share the gospel, to live lives of holiness, all in all, to follow Him.
A truly amazing story and poignant illustration of the impact of God's grace is that of the calling of Matthew the tax collector. Matthew himself later records it like this: Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him. There is no evidence that Jesus and Matthew knew each other before this encounter yet Matthew instantly dropped everything and followed the Lord!
When quizzed later by the Pharisees for eating with the likes of Matthew Jesus said, go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. God is far more interested in helping the undeserving (mercy) than the outward forms of religion of helping one's self (a sacrifice).
I am a Christian today because God called an undeserving sinner which led me to repent. I gave up my life and gave it to Him. That's grace!!!
Until next time, Chris
