Part 5: How to Share My Faith

I finish this series on “How to Exercise Spiritually” with one more daily spiritual exercise. It is the spiritual exercise of sharing our faith in Jesus with other people. Most Christians do not share their faith in Jesus with anyone. Some Christians don’t see the need to share. Others are afraid to share. Still others don’t know how to share. So today I want to help you see the need to share your faith, learn how to share your faith, and finally to understand the benefits of sharing your faith in Jesus.

I. Why must I share my faith?

Because this is God’s plan for my life.

Before leaving this earth, Jesus gave this final instruction to his disciples. “When the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power and will tell people about me everywhere.” Acts 1:8 (NLT) This was the last face-to-face contact Jesus had with his disciples. So he took the opportunity to remind them what they were to do. They were to wait for the power of the Holy Spirit, and then they were to tell people about Jesus.

Years later after hearing this specific direction from Jesus, Peter, one of the twelve disciples, states a similar instruction. “Be ready at all times to answer anyone who asks you to explain the hope you have in you.” 1 Peter 3:15 (TEV) Peter was talking to people who already had the power of the Holy Spirit, and he is reminding them what they were to do—tell others about Jesus, the hope that is in you.

So Jesus gave this instruction to the disciples. The disciples obeyed and followed the instruction. Once they did that, then they reminded the new Christians of the same instruction—tell others about Jesus. This same instruction has been followed and handed down from generation to generation.

II. How can I share my faith?

1. Identify the people around me who don’t know Jesus.

After healing a man of being demon possessed, Jesus gave the man this specific direction. “Go home to your family and friends. Tell them how much the Lord has done for you and how he has had mercy on you.” Mark 5:19 (NCV) Jesus’ specific direction was, tell others about me. Start with your family and friends. Start with all those people who knew you as a demon possessed man. Go show them the transformation in your soul. So this man had no training in a Bible college or seminary; this man had not been to a Billy Graham training conference; this man did not have the capacity to explain the Old Testament prophecies; this man could not expound upon theology; this man had not been to a worship service; however, this man did exactly as Jesus directed. He went home. He found his family and friends that knew nothing about Jesus and he told them about what Jesus had done for him. And the scripture in Mark 5 goes on to say that all the people were amazed.

2. Discover common ground with the people who don’t know Jesus.

Obviously, we have lots of common ground with family and friends, but what about the people we don’t know. When faced with the opportunity to share Jesus with those people we don’t know, what do we do? How do we get the conversation started? From Paul’s example in 1 Corinthians 9:22 (LB), we find this behavior. “Whatever a person is like, I try to find common ground with him so that he will let me tell him about Christ and let Christ save him.”

Paul’s practice was to find a place of common ground with a person and then tell that person about Jesus. This practice is a way of connecting with a stranger and building trust in the relationship. And it is simple to do. It doesn’t matter if two people are from different cultures, backgrounds, economic levels, or educational levels; there is always some common ground. All humans suffer from fears. All humans have doubts about the future. All humans struggle with bad habits. All humans worry. All humans wonder about life after death. Finding common ground with another person is simple to do. Once the common ground is established, then there is a connection, a trust, and a listening ear.

3. Share my experience of being rescued by Jesus.

In Acts 22:6-7 (NIV), we find Paul’s example of sharing his experience of being rescued by Jesus. “About noon as I came near Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me. I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, ‘Saul! Saul! Why do you persecute me?’” Paul had been persecuting Christians and Jesus spoke to him, stopped him, and rescued him from a life of misery and a destiny of hell. Paul was given a new life, and he shared that new life in Jesus with others. This was one example of Paul sharing his faith and experience of being rescued by Jesus.

In 1 Peter 2:9 (MSG), we have this encouragement. “But you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God’s instruments to do his work and speak out for him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you.” Jesus has chosen us, rescued us, brought us into his family, made us holy, and filled us with his love. As this passage says, we are to speak out for him and to tell others about the night and day difference Jesus has made in us.

III. What are the benefits of sharing my faith?

1. Joy

In Luke 15, Jesus tells a story about a shepherd leaving behind ninety-nine sheep to find one lost sheep. His point in the story is this. “Count on it—there’s more joy in heaven over one sinner’s rescued life than over ninety-nine good people in no need of rescue.” Luke 15:7 (MSG) When you and I share Jesus with others and they accept Jesus into their lives, it is a joyous experience. All of heaven is rejoicing and we too can experience that joy of seeing people rescued by Jesus.

2. God’s power working in me.

In 2 Timothy 1:7-8 (LB), we find this encouragement. “For the Holy Spirit, God’s gift, does not want you to be afraid of people, but to be wise and strong, and to love them and enjoy being with them. If you will stir up this inner power, you will never be afraid to tell others about our Lord.” Earlier, we read the scripture where Jesus promised the power of his Holy Spirit upon his disciples for telling others about him. In this Timothy passage, Paul reminds us that this same Holy Spirit power helps us to be wise, strong, full of love, and to overcome the fear we have of sharing Jesus with others.

God’s specific instruction for us is for us to tell others about Jesus. But he doesn’t send us out there alone. Instead, God fills us with the power of his Holy Spirit. So we must let go of our fears and take hold of the Holy Spirit so that we can love others, be wise in how we talk to them, and be strong in the face of rejection.

Will you share your faith in Jesus with others?

 

Part 4: How to Fellowship with Others

So far, we have looked at two day-by-day spiritual exercises; prayer and Bible study. And we have looked at one weekly spiritual exercise, tithing. Today we will look at another weekly spiritual exercise, Fellowship. I want us to first define what fellowship is and then we will look at the why and how of fellowship.

I. What is fellowship?

Fellowship is the intentional friendship one Christian develops with other Christians. In Acts 2:42 (NLT), we have an example of fellowship. The scripture says this, “They joined with the other believers and devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, sharing in the Lord’s Supper and in prayer.”

This verse is part of a summary of the first Christian church in Jerusalem. We will read the rest of the summary later. It describes the believers in Jesus as being devoted to fellowship. The Greek word for fellowship is “Koinonia”. It means sharing or partnership. When we accept Jesus as our Savior, we become partners with Jesus and with other Christians. However, just as we intentionally enter into a relationship and friendship with Jesus, we must also intentionally enter into a relationship and friendship with other Christians. In order to have real Christian fellowship with others, there must be an intentional effort to build a friendship. As I read this passage in Acts 2, I see the intentional effort here of a congregation to build friendships.

II. Why must I be in fellowship?

Does it really matter whether or not I intentionally develop a friendship with other Christians? The Bible answers this question for us. I want to share with you three reasons why we must be in fellowship.

1. Because I ­belong to other Christians in God’s family.

Romans 12:5 (NIV) says this. “So in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” As a Christian, I am one of many in the body of Christ. I have a unique place in the body of Christ and I belong there. You have a unique place in the body of Christ and you belong there. I need for you to fulfill your place in the body of Christ, and you need me to fulfill my place in the body of Christ. We belong to each other, and together in fellowship we form one body of Christ.

2. Because I need encouragement and accountability.

There are two scriptures that teach us this truth. The first one is Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NIV). “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!”

Concerning encouragement, I cannot be encouraged if I am not in Christian fellowship with other Christians. “Pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!” I know how much I need encouragement. Therefore, in order to receive the encouragement I need, I must be in fellowship with other Christians.

Galatians 6:1 (NIV) says this. “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.” This scripture reminds us that we as Christians can sin and that we need accountability. If I am in fellowship with other Christians, then they can restore me gently when I sin. The goal here of a fellowship group is gentle restoration, not harsh condemnation. Without the accountability, we are more likely to continue in sin rather than be restored from it. With accountability, we have real Christian friends that help us to overcome the failure, the sin, and the shame in our life.

3. Because I am to serve other Christians.

1 Peter 4:10 (NCV) says this. “Each of you has received a gift to use to serve others. Be good servants of God’s various gifts of grace.” We understand from this scripture that as Christians we all have a spiritual gift. The purpose of that gift is to serve others. If I am in fellowship with other Christians, then I have the opportunity to serve that group of Christians with the spiritual gift God has given me. And in my service, I am being a good steward of God’s gift. If I am not in fellowship with other Christians, then I can’t serve them, and my spiritual gift is not used. If my spiritual gift is not used, then I am not being a good steward of God’s gift.

So here we have three biblical reasons to be in fellowship with other Christians. We belong to each other. We are to encourage and hold each other accountable. And we are to serve each other. These ideas can take place only if we make an intentional choice to be in fellowship with other Christians. Christianity was never meant to be lived in isolation. It was meant to be lived in fellowship with other Christians. You cannot grow, develop, serve, and love if you live apart from other Christians. However, if you live in fellowship with other Christians, then you can grow, develop, serve, and love.

III. How can I be in fellowship?

Here is the rest of the summary in Acts 2:42-47 (NLT). “They joined with the other believers and devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, sharing in the Lord’s Supper and in prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together constantly and shared everything they had. They sold their possessions and shared the proceeds with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their group those who were being saved.”

There are many ways to be involved in fellowship discussed in this passage and others as well. But I have two ideas that I want to point out from this scripture of how to be involved in fellowship.

1. Participate in a small group Bible study.

The scripture states that the believers were devoted to the apostles’ teaching. These Christians came together on a regular basis in order to learn from the apostles more about Jesus, God, and how to live a Christian life. From their example, I encourage you to participate in a small group Bible study.

2. Devote myself to caring and praying for others in my small group.

This scripture states that these believers were devoted to praying together; they shared everything in common; they helped those in need; they worshipped together in the temple; they met in their homes for the Lord’s Supper; and they shared meals together. I use this word “devote” to stress the intentional effort that these believers gave to each other. They were committed to praying for and caring for one another. I get the sense that no one was left out, and that everyone was involved in a small group of Christians. I encourage you with this biblical example to participate in a small group Bible study, and then devote yourself to the caring and praying for others in your group. It is a spiritual exercise that will transform your life. Because of their devotion to God and to each other, God blessed this Jerusalem congregation with new believers every day. They grew larger and smaller at the same time.

Will you develop the spiritual exercise of fellowship?

 

 

 

 

Part 3: How to Tithe

So far, we have looked at two spiritual exercises; prayer and Bible study. Those are daily exercises. Today we are going to look at a spiritual exercise that we can do once a week, tithing. We will begin by looking at a definition of tithing. Then, we will look at why we should tithe, how to tithe, and finally the benefits of tithing.

I. What is a tithe?

Leviticus 27:30 (NIV) says this. “A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD.” Tithe in the Hebrew language means one tenth. A tithe of our income would be ten percent of our income. Concerning our giving to God, a tithe is giving the first tenth of my income. An offering is anything I give in addition to my tithe. For example, some of you give ten percent of your income each week as an offering to God. In addition to that, you also give an offering to different missions’ offerings. Or maybe you give an offering to another charity outside of the local church. Bottom line, ten percent of our income belongs to the Lord and it is holy to the Lord.

II. Why should I tithe?

1. Because God commands it. From this same verse, Leviticus 27:30 (NIV), we learn that this is God’s will and he expects us to give ten percent to him. “A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD.” Most of us have income in the form of money, not produce from the land. The Bible teaches us that we are to take ten percent of our income and give it to God. It belongs to him. This is God’s command, not man’s. This is God’s expectation.
2. Because tithing demonstrates that God has first place in my life. Deuteronomy 14:23 (TLB) says this. “The purpose of tithing is to teach you always to put God first in your lives.” God is a jealous God and he doesn’t want anything else, especially money, to have first place in our lives. Therefore, if I dedicate ten percent of my income to God, then I am demonstrating that God has priority in my life rather than money having priority. I also am demonstrating that I am in control of my money rather than my money being in control of me.
3. Because refusing to tithe is stealing from God. Malachi 3:8-9 (NIV) says this. “Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. But you ask, ‘How do we rob you?’ In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse–the whole nation of you–because you are robbing me.” We learn from this statement that God knows everything about us including our finances. So the question we must ask is this: When I give an offering at church, is God pleased? God is the one who has blessed me with an income, a house, food, a car, clothing, furnishings for my house, and the stuff in my garage. Is God pleased with my offering or am I stealing from God?

III. How should I tithe?

When we looked at the spiritual exercise of prayer, I encouraged you to prayer with the right motive. The same is true with giving to God. We must give with the right motive and attitude. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (NLT) gives the right motive and attitude for our giving to God. “Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each make up your own mind as to how much you should give. Don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves the person who gives cheerfully.” From this scripture, we gain four ways to tithe.

1. I must tithe with a hopeful heart. This verse teaches us that whatever we sow we will also reap. When we give an offering to God, the percentage we give is an indicator of the hope and trust in our heart about the future harvest. If I really believe that God can create a fruitful harvest, then I will give generously. If I don’t believe that God can create a fruitful harvest, then I will not give generously. What is the hope in my heart? Is there any hope in God? Is there any hope that God can do something great and awesome with my offering? I challenge you to give with a hopeful heart. Believe and trust in God to do something wonderful with your tithe.
2. I must tithe with a prepared heart. The scripture teaches us to “make up our own mind as to how much we should give.” I would encourage you not to wait until you arrive at church to decide on how much to give. Instead, sit down with your spouse or family and make out a family budget with a certain percentage dedicated to God. Start with ten percent. If your income goes up or down, you can still give ten percent to God.
3. I must tithe with a willing heart. The verse says “Don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure.” If some pastor or Christian puts pressure on you to give, then the Bible says don’t give. Instead, we are to give willingly.
4. I must tithe with a cheerful heart. The last part of this verse says “God loves the person who gives cheerfully.” The word used here in the Greek language of the New Testament for cheerfully is our English word hilarious. Our attitude should be that of great joy and cheerfulness when we give to God.

IV. What are the benefits of tithing?

1. Tithing is an investment in eternity. In Matthew 6:20 (CEV), Jesus gives us this instruction about money. “Store up your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy them, and thieves cannot break in and steal them.” Jesus points out to us that we have the opportunity to make investments in heaven that will last forever. These investments are secure and incorruptible. There are several ways we can make these types of heavenly investments, and our offerings to God are one type heavenly investment. When we give our offering to God, we are investing in something far greater the stock market or mutual funds or bonds. We are investing in something more secure than real estate. We are investing in God and in the lives of those who love God.

2. Tithing helps me overcome greed. In the same passage of Matthew 6:24 (NLT), Jesus goes on to say, “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” There are two choices here. Either we can serve God with the money he has given us and overcome greed or we can serve money as our god and be overcome by greed. The choice is yours to make. Jesus makes it clear we cannot do both at the same time. We cannot multitask when it comes serving God and money. Serving God with my money helps me overcome greed.

Will you develop the spiritual exercise of tithing?

 

Part 2: How to Study The Bible

Last week, I challenged you to develop the spiritual exercise of prayer. I hope that you are growing in your prayer life and relationship with God. Today, we continue with Part 2: How to Study The Bible. Given the world that we live in today, we desperately need to study the Bible. We desperately need the wisdom and direction that God’s Word offers. Allow me to share with you why the Bible is so important, what we are to do with the Bible, and finally how to study the Bible.

I. Why is the Bible so important?

One scripture that answers this for us completely is 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (MSG). “Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.” This scripture gives us seven reasons why the Bible is so important.

1. The Bible is God-breathed.
2. The Bible is useful.
3. The Bible teaches me truth.
4. The Bible exposes my rebellion.
5. The Bible corrects my mistakes.
6. The Bible trains me how to live God’s way.
7. The Bible prepares and equips me to do God’s work.

When you look at this verse from the perspective of these seven statements, it really does emphasize the importance and relevance of the Bible for our everyday life. We could also calls these benefits of Bible study. Since the Bible is from God, and it is useful in all these ways listed here, then you and I should be eager to learn from it.

II. What am I to do with the Bible?

1. I am to listen to the Bible. “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.” Romans 10:17 (NIV)
2. I am to read the Bible. “Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.” Revelation 1:3 (NIV)
3. I am to study the Bible. “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV)
4. I am to meditate on the Bible. “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.” Psalm 1:1-2 (NIV)
5. I am to memorize the Bible. “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:11 (NIV)
6. I am to obey the Bible. “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” James 1:22 (NIV)

These six are not a list to pick and choose from; instead, we are to do all of these. Every day that we live is an opportunity to learn from the Bible through these six methods. As we learn from the Bible through these methods, then we will begin to experience the benefits listed in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, “showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.” If we choose to ignore the Bible and refuse to learn from it, then we will not experience these benefits and we will not grow spiritually. So I challenge you to use all six ways to learn from the Bible.

III. How do I study the Bible?

Last week, we looked at a model prayer given to us by Jesus. However, we don’t have a model Bible study in the Bible itself. There are numerous ways to study the Bible so I want to share a simple model with you.

1. Pick a book of the Bible to study.
2. Gather other resources to aid my study.

• A Study Bible
• A Bible Dictionary
• A Bible Handbook
• A Bible Concordance
• A Bible Commentary
• Different Bible Translations
• Bible Software for your computer
• Bible study websites on the Internet

3. Read a paragraph at a time.
4. Ask questions of the scripture I read. Who—What—When—Where—Why—How.
5. Pray for insight into the passage.
6. Write down answers to my questions and insights I discover.
7. Write down a personal and practical application to obey.
8. Memorize meaningful verses as I study.

 Will you develop the spiritual exercise of Bible study? So far, we have looked at two spiritual exercises: prayer and Bible study. These are daily exercises that we must develop. They are the most basic and most necessary spiritual exercises for spiritual growth. If you are not spending time in God’s Word and in prayer on a daily basis, then you will not grow or mature as a Christian. Spiritual growth is not automatic. It occurs as we intentionally give of ourselves to daily spiritual exercise. Today, I specifically challenge you to develop the spiritual exercise of Bible study. Set aside a place and a time when you can study God’s Word each day. Make it a priority. Allow God’s Word to teach you truth, expose your rebellion, correct your mistakes, train you how to live God’s way, and prepare and equip you to do God’s work. Then, teach others to do the same. Pass this exercise along to someone else.

Part 1: How to Pray

This series of blogs is entitled How to Exercise Spiritually. My goal is to encourage you to exercise the basic disciplines that promote spiritual growth. We are going to look at five spiritual exercises: prayer, Bible study, tithing, fellowship, and sharing our faith.

We begin with Part 1: How to Pray. Looking at the model prayer that Jesus gave us in Matthew 6:5-13, I want to share with you six ideas for praying.

1. Approach God with the right motive.

Jesus says this in Matthew 6:5-8. “When you pray, don’t be like hypocrites. They like to stand in synagogues and on street corners to pray so that everyone can see them. I can guarantee this truth: That will be their only reward. When you pray, go to your room and close the door. Pray privately to your Father who is with you. Your Father sees what you do in private. He will reward you. When you pray, don’t ramble like heathens who think they’ll be heard if they talk a lot. Don’t be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” Matthew 6:5-8 (GW)

The wrong motivation is trying to impress God or others. He gives two examples of the wrong motivation for prayer: the Jewish leaders and the heathens. The motive of the Jewish leaders was trying to impress others. Jesus called the Jewish leaders hypocrites because they were like actors on a stage, pretending to be holy and righteous by their actions of prayer. The second example of a wrong motive is the heathens. Their motive was trying to impress their gods. The Gentiles believed that their gods had to be aroused into listening. So they would chant meaningless words over and over only to end up in some kind of self-hypnotism. Jesus teaches us that these motives are wrong and hypocritical.

Rather than be like the hypocrites or heathens, Jesus gives us the right motive: Desiring to communicate with God. Jesus says in verse 6, “When you pray, go to your room and close the door. Pray privately to your Father who is with you. Your Father sees what you do in private. He will reward you.” Does this mean we are to never pray in public? No, that is not what Jesus is saying. The point here is our motive in prayer, not where we pray. I believe Jesus is teaching that if we will spend the time in private prayer with the right motive, then our public praying will take care of itself. When we practice intimacy with God on a daily basis, then it doesn’t matter if the whole world listens to our prayer. God is the one we are focused on, not others who listen.

2. Approach God with praise for who He is and thanks for what He has done.

Jesus now gives us a model for praying. “Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be honored.” Matthew 6:9 (NLT) Jesus is teaching us here that our prayer is to include praise of God. We are to praise God for who he is. We learn about God and his characteristics through his different names in the Bible. Here, Jesus calls him “Father”. We can also praise God by thanking him for what he has done. Psalm 100:4 (NIV) reminds us to praise God and give thanks. “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” So we are to honor his name and give thanks to him.

3. Approach God with commitment to do His will.

“May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done here on earth, just as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:10 (NLT) Here we learn to pray for God’s will to be done. In the Bible, we can read about what God’s will and his kingdom were like in the past. We can then recognize it in our present day and pray for it for tomorrow. As we pray for God’s kingdom and God’s will to be accomplished, then we must be committed to do it ourselves.

4. Approach God with dependence on His provision and protection.

“Give us today our daily bread.” Matthew 6:11 (NIV). “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” Matthew 6:13 (NIV).  As Jesus pointed out earlier, God knows our needs even before we ask. But we still must come to him asking for his provision and protection. And notice here the daily dependence for daily needs. Each day brings new needs that we have and that we must ask God to provide for. Praying for God not to lead us into temptation is a great reminder for us to stay away from those places where we are so easily tempted. I have a responsibility to stay away from temptation and God has a responsibility to protect me from Satan. We need God’s provision and his protection, and we must ask for it. By asking God, we are demonstrating our dependence on him.

5. Approach God with admission of sin.

“And forgive us our sins…” Matthew 6:12 (NLT) How could we possibly approach God without admitting that we have sinned against him? Everyday, we sin against God. Everyday we commit specific sins against God, against our neighbors, friends, and family. We are not perfect. So we must approach God admitting our sin and receiving his forgiveness.

6. Approach God with concern for others.

“…Just as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us.” Matthew 6:12 (NLT) Our primary concern to is forgive others when they sin against us. Without God’s forgiveness, we cannot enjoy a relationship with him. Without our forgiveness towards others, we cannot enjoy a relationship with them. When we forgive others, it doesn’t mean that we will forget, but it does mean that we will no longer blame them. As long as I still blame someone else’s sin for my present circumstances, then I haven’t forgiven them. But if I can look at my present circumstances without blaming others, then I have forgiven. There are other concerns that we can pray about as well. For example, we can take this model prayer and use it to pray for our family and friends, church family, or government leaders.

Jesus gives us a great model to use as we exercise our communication with God. However, we all have numerous excuses to keep from exercising prayer. I’m too busy. I’m too tired. I can’t focus long enough to pray. I don’t know what to say. I’m mad at God. My mother prays for me so I don’t have to. We all have our excuses and we all struggle with faithfulness in prayer.

I encourage you today to make a fresh commitment to God to spend time in prayer each day. Every morning, will you set aside time to communicate with God? Will you develop the spiritual exercise of prayer? God is waiting to communicate with you.

 

Part 3: Salvation Future, Will Jesus Return?

I finish this three part series with a look at Salvation Future. There are events happening in our world today that cause us to wonder if God has just left us here without any hope for the future. When we look at our world today, we see crime on the rise, terrorism on the rise, unexplained disasters on the rise, false religious leaders on the rise, children killing other children, and wars that never cease. All of these events cause us to ask, “Will Jesus return?” Many Christians are wondering if Jesus will ever come back and rescue us from this world of sin and evil.

The short answer is yes, Jesus will return to complete our salvation. God’s Word gives us several promises of his return. There are some 300 verses in the Bible that speak about the return of Jesus. Let’s look at some of these promises concerning the return of Jesus so that we can be encouraged today.

1. To be confident that Jesus will return, I must believe the promise of Jesus.

In Matthew 24, Jesus explains to his disciples what will be the signs of the time of his coming. He doesn’t give an exact time or date. But he does give some of the events that will take place before his coming. Then in verses 30-31, Jesus makes this promise. “At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory. And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.” Matthew 24:30-31 (NIV)

So yes, Jesus will return. We have his promise. He told his disciples almost 2000 years ago that these events in Matthew 24 would happen. And we have seen some of them happen just as Jesus said. So we can have faith and believe that what he says here in verses 30-31 will take place also. Yes, Jesus will return. He will gather his church, his bride to take back to heaven. And others who have rejected him will mourn at his coming. It will be too late for them at that time.

2. To be confident that Jesus will return, I must believe the promise of the angels.

In Acts 1, we have this promise. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” Acts 1:11 (NIV)

This took place as Jesus and his apostles were gathered together after the resurrection. Suddenly, Jesus was taken away in the air and eventually hidden in a cloud. As the apostles are standing wondering where Jesus has gone, suddenly two men dressed in white appear out of nowhere. These angels promise us that Jesus will return in the same way. Once they make their promise, they disappear.

3. To be confident that Jesus will return, I must believe the promise of the apostles.

From one of Peter’s letters, 2 Peter 3:10, we have this promise. “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief.” 2 Peter 3:10 (NIV)  And from one of Paul’s letters, 1 Thessalonians 4:16, we have this promise, “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16 (NIV)

Everywhere the apostles went they preached this same message and gave this promise from the Lord that Jesus would return. The day of the Lord will come; it will happen, and it will take place. They believed Jesus, and they preached his words to others.

4. To be confident that Jesus will return, I must believe the promised Holy Spirit.

This one is a little different from the first three. The Holy Spirit does not make a promise. Instead, the Holy Spirit is the promise. Look at how Paul explains to us one of the functions of the Holy Spirit in Ephesians 1. “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession–to the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:13-14 (NIV)

Back in your salvation past, when you believed in Jesus to save you, God marked you with a seal, the Holy Spirit. He placed himself in you through the presence of the Holy Spirit. This was God’s way of saying to us, “Here is my presence. I will always be with you, and my presence with you is my guarantee that I will return for you.” The presence of the Holy Spirit in us right now is a promise of the return of Jesus. The Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives is a deposit guaranteeing the full payment of salvation future.

Do you believe these promises? Are you ready? Are you prepared for the return of Jesus? Has this promise of his return made any difference in your life? I encourage you to believe in his return, and allow that belief to change the way you live every day.

Will you believe in Jesus’ return?

Part 2: Salvation Present, How To Become More Like Jesus

 

Last week, we looked at the basic beliefs in becoming a Christian. That is our salvation past. Today we come to Part 2: Salvation Present, How To Become More Like Jesus.       As we grow up from childhood, through our teenage years and into adulthood, there is something surprising that happens. We tend to become more like our parents. The characteristics of our parents that we have liked and disliked are now being seen in us as we grow up. We open our mouth and we hear mom’s voice or dad’s voice. We look in the mirror and there stands our dad or mom. We are surprised and shocked when it happens.

Without realizing that it is happening, we tend to take on the characteristics of the people around us. We take on the characteristics of our parents and our role models. It doesn’t matter if the characteristic is good or bad, we begin to follow and imitate our role models.

On a spiritual level, this is exactly what we are supposed to do with Jesus as our role model. We are to grow and become like him. We are to take on his characteristics. This is what we call salvation present or spiritual growth. However, we must be intentional about it. It doesn’t happen by accident or haphazardly. If I am going to become like Jesus, then I must spend time with Jesus. If I am going to take on his characteristics, then I must know and learn those characteristics.

There are many ways to participate in discipleship. There are many methods of growing spiritually. Here are three specific ways to become more like Jesus. This is not an exhaustive list, but I pray it will help you.

1. In order to become more like Jesus, I must trust God to escape temptations.

Salvation past is a time when Jesus sets us free from the penalty of sin. Salvation present then is a time when Jesus sets us free from the power of sin. With the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, we have the ability to overcome the power of sin. Look at what 1 Corinthians 10:13 says. “You are tempted in the same way that everyone else is tempted. But God can be trusted not to let you be tempted too much, and he will show you how to escape from your temptations.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 (CEV) God doesn’t tell us that we will never be tempted; instead, he tells us that we will be tempted just like everyone else. He allows us to be tempted every day. His promise is that he will never allow us to be tempted to such a point that we cannot handle it. And how do we handle it? We look for the way of escape. This also is his promise. He will provide a way for us to overcome temptation. So trust God for his escape from temptation.

2. In order to become more like Jesus, I must look for opportunities to share my faith.

Jesus made us this promise in Acts 1. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 (NIV) Jesus promises us here that he will empower us with the Holy Spirit so that we might witness about him to others. Not only does the Holy Spirit give us the ability to overcome the power of sin, he also gives us the ability to share our faith in Jesus. Sharing our faith in Jesus is simply telling other people what Jesus means to us, what he has done for us, and what he is doing for us.

A second scripture from Colossians encourages us make the most of every opportunity in order to share our faith. “Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.” Colossians 4:5-6 (NLT) So we have the instruction from Jesus to witness. We have his Holy Spirit to empower us. And we have the encouragement to look for opportunities to share our faith with those who are not believers.

3. In order to become more like Jesus, I must work out my salvation.

Once we are saved, the Bible instructs us to work out our salvation. “Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” Philippians 2:12-13 (NIV) The idea to work out our salvation means to carry salvation to its ultimate conclusion, which is to be like Jesus. We are to make progress toward being like Jesus. It is similar to the way a math student works out a math problem. The math student carries the math problem out to its conclusion. So we are to carry out our salvation each and every day to its ultimate conclusion to be more like Jesus. And we are to do that with fear and trembling. This simply means that we are to rely on the help of the Holy Spirit. The verse says, “for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” We are to give completely of ourselves to the control of God so that he can work in us, molding us, and shaping us more and more like Jesus.

Will you become more like Jesus?

Next week, we will look at salvation future.

 

Part 1: Salvation Past, How To Be Saved

 

One of the classic Christmas movies that some of us watch is A Christmas Carol. You remember that in this story a man named Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley, as well as by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. By the end of the story, Scrooge is no longer a scrooge. Because of taking a different look at his past, present, and future, Scrooge changes his attitude and his life. I hope that by looking at your salvation past, present, and future, you too will change to be more like that of Jesus.

Let me begin with the obvious question. Do you have a salvation past? Is there a point and time in your past where Jesus saved you? If not, then after reading this article perhaps you will believe in Jesus and be saved. In John 3, there is a conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus on how to be saved. Here are four beliefs from their conversation that will help you to be saved.

1. In order to be saved, I must believe that Jesus came from God.

John 3:1-2 says this. “Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, ‘Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him.’” John 3:1-2 (NIV)

This man Nicodemus is the same one that is mentioned later in John who helps to prepare the body of Jesus for burial. As a Jewish leader and Pharisee, Nicodemus says, “We know you are a teacher who has come from God.” Nicodemus was confident that Jesus came from God. His confidence was based upon the teaching of Jesus and the miracles Jesus performed. His confidence led him to seek out Jesus. The Bible teaches us that Jesus came from God. So what do you believe? Do you believe that Jesus came from God? If order to be saved, you must believe that Jesus came from God.

2. In order to be saved, I must believe that Jesus is God’s Son.

In John 3:16, Jesus says this. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (NLT)

This verse is foundational to our understanding of God, his love for us, and what Jesus has done for us. God gave the ultimate sacrifice, his only Son, out of his love for us. God did this so that Jesus could pay the price for punishment against sin. The Bible teaches us that Jesus is God’s Son. Do you believe that Jesus is God’s Son? In order to be saved, you must believe that Jesus is God’s Son.

3. In order to be saved, I must believe that I am guilty before God.

In John 3:18, Jesus says this. “People who believe in God’s Son are not judged guilty. Those who do not believe have already been judged guilty, because they have not believed in God’s one and only Son.” John 3:18 (NCV)

John 3:16 above states that we will not perish if we believe. So why are we perishing to begin with? The reason we are perishing is that we are guilty. We are guilty of sinning against God, breaking his commands, and not keeping his instructions. Even if we only sinned one time in our life, we are guilty. Every human is guilty before God. If we refuse to believe in Jesus, we remain guilty. Our refusal to believe in Jesus brings God’s judgment against us. Do you believe that you are guilty before God? If you don’t believe that you are guilty before God, then believing in Jesus will not make sense to you. I encourage you to accept the truth that we all are guilty before God. This belief causes us to seek out help in Jesus. In order to be saved, you must believe that you are guilty before God.

4. In order to be saved, I must believe that Jesus died for my sin.

As Jesus was talking with Nicodemus, he gave Nicodemus an illustration from history. In John 3:14, Jesus says this. “And as Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the wilderness, so I, the Son of Man, must be lifted up on a pole.” John 3:14 (NLT)

This refers to the story of Moses leading the Hebrew people through the wilderness. At one time, God sent a plague of poisonous snakes to punish the Hebrews for their rebellious attitude. But God also gave a rescue from the poisonous snakebites. The rescue was for Moses to make a bronze snake and place it up on a pole. Then anyone bitten by a snake could go look up at the bronze snake, and believe that God would heal them.

Jesus used this story to say that like the snake on a pole, he too would be placed on a cross and die there. Later, Jesus was placed on a cross and he died. Nicodemus along with Joseph took his body down from the cross and buried him. Three days after his death, Jesus came back to life. If we believe in Jesus, his death on the cross, and his resurrection from the grave, then we will be healed of our guilt and sin.

Do you believe that Jesus died for your sin? Do you believe that he arose from the dead? In order to be saved, you must believe that Jesus died for your sin.

These are the beliefs we must agree to in order to be saved. And here are three benefits of being saved.

1. I am rescued from my guilt and sin.

“God did not send his Son into the world to judge the world guilty, but to save the world through him.” John 3:17 (NCV)

2. I become a child of God.

“Humans give life to their children. Yet only God’s Spirit can change you into a child of God.” John 3:6 (CEV)

3. I have eternal life.

“Everyone who has faith in the Son of Man will have eternal life.” John 3:15 (CEV)

My invitation to you is this. Will you be saved by believing in Jesus? If you don’t have a salvation past, then I invite you today to believe in Jesus. Will you believe in Jesus?

Next week, we will look at Salvation Present.

Walking Through Difficult Times With Jesus Part 3: Walking Through Death With Jesus

April 15^th is tax day. There is a proverb that goes like this; “There are two things that are certain in life, death and taxes.” Someone gave me a new proverb recently: “These tax forms will be the death of me.” Our pay day for taxes is April 15^th. But when is our pay day for death? Do you know when you will die or how you will die? We can’t answer these questions. But are you afraid of death or how you may die? Jesus has already walked through death and came out victorious on the other side of death; therefore, he can help us walk through death as well. Because of what Jesus did, we no longer have to fear death. Here are three ideas about death we no longer have to fear.

1. We no longer have to fear the pain of death. Death by crucifixion was a common form of capital punishment in Jesus’ day. So the Gospels don’t offer much explanation about how it was done. Mark simply says, “They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means The Place of the Skull). Then they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. And they crucified him.” Mark 15:22-24 (NIV)

Different articles I have read give this description. The arms would be stretched out and a nail placed into the wrists. The nail or spike would crush the large sensorimotor nerve which would produce bolts of fiery pain in both arms. The feet also would be nailed to the cross. The weight of the body pulling down on the outstretched arms would fix the intercostals muscles in an inhalation state and hinder exhalation. In order to exhale, the person on the cross would lift the body by pushing up with the feet and flexing the elbows. The movement placed more weight on the feet producing a searing pain. The flexing of the elbows would also produce the fiery pain in the arms. The movement of the body along the wooden cross would scrape upon the open flesh and muscle tissue. Each breath would become agonizing, tiring, and eventually lead to asphyxia. Sometimes, the legs were broken to ensure a quicker death.

Crucifixion was used to cause the greatest amount of pain to the criminal before the inevitable death. Jesus suffered the most painful death anyone could ever suffer. He gave of himself to endure this painful death for each of us. The soldiers did not have to break his legs. Jesus gave up his life willingly. Therefore, he knows how to comfort us if we should encounter a painful death. So we can let go of our fear of the pain of death.

2. We no longer have to fear the humiliation of death. While on the cross, Jesus suffered the humiliation of being stripped of his clothing, mocked as a king, and insulted for his promises. Mark describes it this way. “Dividing up his clothes, they cast lots to see what each would get. It was the third hour when they crucified him. The written notice of the charge against him read: THE KING OF THE JEWS. They crucified two robbers with him, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, ‘So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, come down from the cross and save yourself!’ In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked him among themselves. ‘He saved others,’ they said, ‘but he can’t save himself! Let this Christ, this King of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe.’ Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him.” Mark 15:24-32 (NIV)

Ironically, Jesus was the temple being torn down that would rise again in three days. Had Jesus come down from the cross to save himself, he could not have saved anyone else. In order to save us from the judgment and penalty of sin, he willingly stayed on the cross, even through this humiliation.

If you have a fear of humiliation in death, then I ask you to look at the cross today and see Jesus as one who has already been there. He suffered in complete humiliation in his death. That doesn’t mean that we will escape humiliation in our death, but it does mean that Jesus will be there to walk with us through that experience.

3. We no longer have to fear the loneliness of death. Mark describes Jesus’ death in this way. “At the sixth hour darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?’–which means, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’ When some of those standing near heard this, they said, ‘Listen, he’s calling Elijah.’ One man ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink. ‘Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to take him down,’ he said. With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last.” Mark 15:33-37 (NIV)

This is a difficult passage to understand. Even the people there were uncertain what Jesus was saying. It’s obvious he was speaking in Aramaic, and it is obvious to us now that he was quoting from Psalm 22:1. But why did Jesus say this with such a loud cry? After studying this passage and looking at many different thoughts, I have come to the conclusion that Jesus was suffering the physical, emotional, and spiritual pain of being God-forsaken. On the cross, Jesus who had no sin took upon himself the sins of the entire world. Therefore, God as Father separated himself from God as Son. Jesus not only suffered the physical pain of being tortured to death, but also he suffered the emotional and spiritual pain in his soul of being alone, apart from his Father. Jesus was given no comfort, no help from God, and no strength from the Holy Spirit. He died alone, without the Father. Because Jesus suffered in death without God’s help, no one else will ever have to suffer in death without God. No one has to go through the loneliness that Jesus went through. No one ever again has to suffer without God’s help, God’s strength, or God’s comfort. Sadly, many people choose to suffer without God because they refuse to believe in what Jesus accomplished for them.

Perhaps you have a fear of dying in loneliness. You can let go of that fear today by taking hold of the hand of Jesus. Believe in Jesus as your rescuer from sin and from the fear of death. Call upon him right now and he will come into your life to save your from your sin. I encourage you to let go of your fear of dying a lonely death; instead, take hold of Jesus who has already died alone so that you don’t have to.

Rather than fear death, walk through it with Jesus.  

 

Walking Through Difficult Times With Jesus Part 2: Walking Through Pain With Jesus

 

Somewhere around 1200 BC, we as humans came up with a rite of passage known as firewalking or walking barefoot across hot coals. This rite of passage was to test a person’s strength and courage. The last time I went to the beach during the summer, I burned my feet just walking on the sand. Yes, I do have tender feet. So I do not understand why anyone would want to walk through hot coals or intentionally cause pain. However, Jesus did choose to walk through pain for you and for me. Here are three types of pain Jesus suffered for us.

1.Jesus suffered the emotional pain of false accusations.

“Very early in the morning, the chief priests, with the elders, the teachers of the law and the whole Sanhedrin, reached a decision. They bound Jesus, led him away and handed him over to Pilate. ‘Are you the king of the Jews?’ asked Pilate. ‘Yes, it is as you say,’ Jesus replied. The chief priests accused him of many things. So again Pilate asked him, ‘Aren’t you going to answer? See how many things they are accusing you of.’ But Jesus still made no reply, and Pilate was amazed.” Mark 15:1-5 (NIV)

Jesus had been on trial all night before this Jewish council called the Sanhedrin. Many false accusations were brought against Jesus. The only charge against Jesus that they could agree on was blasphemy. This Jewish council condemned Jesus to death on blasphemy. However, the Sanhedrin had to get permission from Pilate, the Roman Governor, in order to carry out a death sentence. And the Jewish charge of blasphemy would not be enough for the Roman Governor to give a death sentence. So, this council came up with a political charge against Jesus—he claims to be a king. This would be a charge of treason against Caesar. So when they bring Jesus before Pilate, the governor asks Jesus directly, “Are you the king of the Jews?” Jesus said yes, but his kingship was a spiritual one, not a political one. He was no threat to Pilate or Caesar.

2. Jesus suffered the physical pain of beatings.

“Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.” Mark 15:15 (NIV)

Pilate becomes a crowd pleaser here to keep the peace. He lets Barabbas go free and then gives the order for Jesus to be beaten and nailed to a cross. The beating was with a leather whip that had sharp pieces of bone tied along the leather straps. A person’s clothing was taken off, and then the hands were bound together and tied to a post. The beating could be done by two soldiers, alternating back and forth from either side of the criminal. As the whip came across the back and wrapping around the chest, the sharp bones would tear the flesh and muscle tissue off causing severe pain and blood loss. This beating was intended to weaken the person and hasten the death on a cross. Many would often die from the beating.

 3. Jesus suffered the spiritual pain of mocking.

“The soldiers led Jesus away into the palace (that is, the Praetorium) and called together the whole company of soldiers. They put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him. And they began to call out to him, ‘Hail, king of the Jews!’ Again and again they struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him. Falling on their knees, they paid homage to him. And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him. Mark 15:16-20 (NIV)

The beating Jesus suffered had weakened him physically. Yet, the soldiers decided to have some fun at his expense. They mocked him as a king. They had no idea he was the King of kings and Lord of lords. They had no idea he was King over the entire universe.

I cannot begin to understand the amount of pain Jesus suffered. And he did it for you and me. Therefore, when you and I are in pain, we can walk with Jesus. He has endured more pain than we could possibly endure. Here are three specific behaviors we can display because of Jesus walking with us through pain.

1. When in pain, walk with Jesus by remaining faithful to him.

“So keep your mind on Jesus, who put up with many insults from sinners. Then you won’t get discouraged and give up.” Hebrews 12:3 (CEV)

If we are being persecuted, if we are being hurt physically, emotionally, or spiritually, we are to keep our focus on Jesus. He has already endured the insults, the beatings, and the false accusations. He has paved that path for us. There is no reason for us to be discouraged or to give up. Jesus is with us, and we can remain faithful no matter what the pain or the source of the pain.

2. When in pain, walk with Jesus by refusing to fear people.

“Don’t be afraid of people. They can kill you, but they cannot harm your soul. Instead, you should fear God who can destroy both your body and your soul in hell.” Matthew 10:28 (CEV)

Jesus encourages us that no one can harm our soul when we belong to him. Others can persecute us for our faith and yes even kill us, but they cannot harm our soul. Our soul is safe with Jesus. If Jesus is your Lord and Savior, you are safe in God’s arms. Rather than fear people, we are to fear God. Why are we to fear God? Because God does have the power to judge people destroy them in hell. So what does it mean to fear God? Proverbs 8:13 (NIV) says, “To fear the LORD is to hate evil.” So fearing God is not to be afraid of him, but to hate what he hates. God hates evil and sin. Fearing God is to hate what he hates.

3. When in pain, walk with Jesus by trusting God’s judgment.

“He did not retaliate when he was insulted. When he suffered, he did not threaten to get even. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.” 1 Peter 2:23 (NLT)

Jesus is God. He could have sent flames to burn away the Roman soldiers. He could have called for angels to rescue him from the pain. He could have opened the earth to swallow up the Jewish leaders. Instead, he was ready to give of his life for ours, and he did not retaliate. If Jesus had retaliated, if Jesus had called for a rescue from his pain, then you and I would not be here today. Because of what Jesus did, you and I can trust God’s judgment today. God will judge all those who persecute Christians and cause us pain.

Pain occurs in our life in a variety of forms; sickness, disease, crime and violence, verbal abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, natural disasters, car accidents, and persecution for our faith. As far as I am concerned, no one will ever suffer more pain than Jesus did. He did that for us, and it was our sin that caused his pain. Today, Jesus is no longer in pain; instead, he knows how to take your hand and walk you through any and every pain of life. Will you take his hand and let him lead you. When in pain, walk with Jesus.