Sunday, June 21, 2015

The Measure of Faith

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The Measure of Faith

 
I believe there is coming a time, and it is rapidly approaching, when the faith of believers will be severely tested. This is certainly true for American Christians.

How prepared are you? There are steps one can take in the natural realm in an attempt to protect oneself and his or her family. Preparing physically is important, but preparing spiritually is even more vital. We should consider the following: How is my faith?

God has given each of us “a measure of faith” (Romans 12:3). This is a work of grace: a divine deposit made by God. It is a matter of personal responsibility to water, tend, and cultivate that seed. We must allow it to take firm root in our hearts and give it regular attention. Weeds will attempt to creep in and choke our faith by choking the Word. It can become unfruitful!

Just as the Word can become unfruitful in our hearts, so can faith. In Luke 17:5, the disciples came to Jesus and requested, “Increase our faith.” This can only happen as we spend time with Him and in His Word.

The Church has been given a very unique opportunity. Read these words from Ephesians 3:10: “…to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church…”

It is God’s intended purpose for the Body of Christ to be a manifestation of His many-faceted wisdom. This can only happen as we walk by faith, for it is by faith that we receive His wisdom (James 1:5-6).

There is coming a shaking as America continues to defy God; think it not strange. This is an exciting and challenging time, and it will soon become even more so. God has chosen you and I “for such a time.” As we demonstrate faith with works and manifest wisdom for skillful living, God will be glorified through His Church!

Grace & Peace,
pg

 

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Cultivating A Biblical Worldview

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Cultivating A Biblical Worldview

 
Simply defined, “worldview” is the manner in which we view the world, or the way we see things. It is essential to consider our worldview because how we see things determines decisions, direction, and even discussions that occur in our lives. "How we see" often sets the course for our lives.

A child's view of the world is quite limited. As we mature in life, our views and opinions can change based upon education, environment, and experiences. Example: I was a teenager during one of the most tumultuous times in American history. The 1960's ushered in many changes into our society; the entire landscape was transformed!

I can remember my “hippie” years with remarkable clarity. I lived through the era of Vietnam, Civil Rights, free love, and all the rest. I can remember the first time I was allowed to vote in a presidential election, and I was anxious to cast my ballot for the person whom I believed would lead America into the future. To be sure, George McGovern was my choice. Of course, history records that my guy lost in one of the greatest landslides in modern times. By the time the 80’s rolled around, I was a staunch Ronald Reagan fan. What happened? My worldview was being radically transformed as I gained understanding.

I have been a follower of Christ for nearly 35 years. However, claiming Christ as Lord does not mean that one's worldview necessarily changes. Think about it . . . the vast majority of Americans still claim to be Christian, yet the Church in America continues to be deeply divided. Believers cannot even agree on issues that seem so clear from a biblical perspective (abortion, homosexuality, marriage, etc.).

Make no mistake, changing our worldview requires time and effort. Scripture clearly instructs us:

Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth” (2 Timothy 2:15, Amplified).


Many seem to think they have and demonstrate a biblical worldview simply because they are “saved.” Scripture states that we have “the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16); however, that does not mean we always think like Jesus thinks. We must “gird up the loins” of our mind in order to think and make decisions that are in agreement with God’s Word.

Apostle Paul reminds us to study the Scriptures in order to gain understanding of God’s Kingdom principles for life. However, knowledge in itself will not cause us to think and live in right alignment with our Creator. We must also resign ourselves to His authority and yield to His Spirit. God’s Word must become the final authority in our lives. God’s Word is the final authority by which all things will be judged.

Allow me to share a simple equation:

Meditation = Clear Thinking = Good Decisions = Good Success

Success = Knowing and Doing the Will of God (nothing, more, nothing less, nothing else)


People of God, the world is in chaos and much confusion seems to have invaded the Church, yet we have what America and the world so desperately need.

May we take the time and make the effort to present our bodies to God, get our minds renewed, and be the powerful influence that we are called to be as we demonstrate the principles and priorities of God’s Kingdom on the earth!

Grace & Peace,
pg