REFORMATION DAY

On October 31 we celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation.

A German Augustinian Monk by the name of Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of All Saints Church in Wittenburg, Germany in 1517 and began what historians have called the Protestant Reformation. The purpose of the theses was to open an academic discussion that could possibly lead to some radical changes within the Roman Catholic Church. As a monk, he had become so depressed trying to rid himself of guilt by his own efforts…. He had no intention of leaving the church or starting another church.

Luther was particularly opposed to the selling of indulgences which the clergy said would save people from purgatory and take them to paradise. In other words, salvation could be purchased with money.

Pope Leo X and Emporer Charles V stated that Luther was a heretic and must recant of his position. Luther refused and was ex-communicated at the Diet Of Worms and condemned as an out-law.

Luther was a scholar and gifted preacher. He began to preach that salvation cannot be earned or bought but must be received as a free gift of God by grace and through faith. He attracted large crowds and there was a life-transforming response to his preaching. Much of the freedom that we enjoy in our U.S. evangelical churches and in our democratic republic can be traced to the Reformation

He translated the Bible from the Latin into the German Vernacular and then had it printed and widely distributed.

He was also a gifted musician. He wrote many hymns and felt that congregational singing was God-honoring and a vital part of worship.

Over time, even the architecture of church buildings changed. In the Roman Catholic Churches, the Altar was in the center of the chancel..in the Reformed Churches, the Pulpit with an open Bible was front and center. The priest had his back to the congregation but the preacher faced the congregation.

Of course, Martin Luther had some pretty glaring faults. He used some very strong language against the Jewish people. But, in his defense, he did not hate them as a people group. Early on, he had some very positive things to say about them. But he did become very angry that so few of them received Christ as Savior. His reasoning seemed to be why would they reject Jesus, the apostles and the authors of the Bible…all Jews?…He also could be very caustic and crude in his criticism of those he considered to be his enemies.

Finally, it is important to observe that Martin Luther was a family man. He married Catharina von Born, a former nun. They had six children. This set a model for the practice of clerical marriage in contrast to the celibacy of the Roman Church.

I would strongly recommend the film, “Luther–The Life and Legacy of the German Reformer.” A Stephen McCaskell Film A DVD is available.

WAYS TO LOSE FRIENDS AND MAKE LIFE MISERABLE

Talk about yourself a lot. Talk about your job and your family and your hobby and your plans and your opinions and your political views and your little world. Don’t listen to others, just wait for a brief pause in the conversation and then talk about yourself some more.

Look for ways to engage in self pity. You will always be able to find a physical discomfort or unpleasant circumstance or a perceived slight or anything else about which you can think, “Poor me!”

Don’t ever forget and always resent:

The time when a person of inferior skills was advanced ahead of you in the company.

The lazy neighbor who wont control the weeds in his yard.

The used-car salesman who sold you a lemon.

The teacher who played favorites and you were not one of them.

The fellow who brags about his new automobile while glancing at your rusting one.

The lady who boasts of her child’s straight “A”s and your kid is around a “D+”

The relatives who plan social events and never include your family.

The beautiful woman who promises miraculous weight loss if you buy her product, but you discover that the only thing you lost was your money.

The weather forecaster who smiles while predicting a coming tornado.

Preachers who say, “And in conclusion..” and then speak for twenty more minutes.

Don’t ever say, “I am sorry”…or “I was wrong.” Defend yourself. Be sensitive to any and all criticism. Try always to project the image of infallibility. When you do make a mistake, look for a scapegoat.

Develop a warped sense of humor. Smile at the mistakes of others and be sure to point out to them that you would never do such a thing. Make little jokes in public about your friends or wife or husband or children. Needle people and laugh when they squirm.

Demand attention. Do it by whimpering or by loud talk or by gaudy dress or by heavy make-up or by emotional outbursts or by being rude. And if you do not get enough attention, stay home and sulk….maybe someone will call. If they don’t, then raise the possibility that you might over-dose.

Never say what you mean. Veil everything by innuendo. Be subtle when you are passing gossip or being critical of others. If questioned about what you said, simply say, “That is isn’t what I meant.”

In view of all of this, God help me to gain friends by being a part of the solution rather than a part of the problem! Amen.

HUMILITY

When we consider the Biblical teaching on Humility, we see it in a least three categories: 1. Humility Imposed by the Sovereign 2. Humility Demonstrated by the Savior 3.Humility Practiced by the Saints.

The Sovereign God humbled His own people Israel when they walked in pride. “People shall be brought down, each man shall be humbled, And the eyes of the lofty shall be humbled.” Isaiah 3:15. Long before that, Satan lost his high position before God because of pride. Jesus commented on this when He said, “I saw Satan fall as lightning from heaven.” Luke 10:18. See Ezekiel 28:1-19

One of the great and staggering truths about the Savior is, ” (He) made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a servant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” Philippians 2:7-8. He came down that He might bring us up! He suffered that we might be saved! He humbled Himself that we might be eternally exalted!

Finally, it is most important to observe that we saints are to enter into a posture of humility. “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” James 4:10…Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time. I Peter 5:6….But He gives more grace. Therefore He says, ‘God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.’….Be clothed with humility, for ‘For God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’ I Peter 5:5-6″…..C.S. Lewis said, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less.” Obviously, self-centered people are never humble…My theology professor reminded us frequently that humility is one grace that you lose the moment you think you have found it. So, none of us will ever write an essay on the subject, “Humility and How I Attained It!”.

And, please give me your thoughts on what I have given here. I “humbly” thank you! WKG

GOD’S PROMISES

“Standing on the promises of Christ my King, Through eternal ages let His praises ring; Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing, Standing on the promises of God.” R. Kelso Carter’s old gospel song is the introduction to some of God’s great promises.

I will never leave you nor forsake you. Heb.13:5… I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, And curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed….Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and a rock of offense, And whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame. Rom.9:33….The secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him, And He will show them His covenant. Ps. 25:14…He will set you high above all the nations which He has made, that you may be a holy people to the Lord your God, just as He has spoken. Deut. 26:19….And I will give you the crown of life. Rev. 2:10…I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts, and I will be their God and they shall be My people. Jer. 31:33
And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever John 14:16….As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you. Joshua 1:5…And I will give him the morning star. Rev.2:28…For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. I Thess.4:14…And I,if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself. John 12:32…(Jesus) Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men. Matt.4:19….Who will have all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. I Tim.2:4….The Lord has remembered us; He will bless us; He will bless the house of Israel; He will bless the house of Aaron. He will bless those who fear the Lord, both small and great. Ps.115:12-13….For the Lord takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation. Ps.149:4….I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you. John 16:22….I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. John 14:3
Surely I am coming quickly. Amen. Even so, come Lord Jesus! Rev.22:20

I have never written about my dreams before, but some of these thoughts on God’s promises came to me as I slept last night. “Your old men shall dream dreams.” Acts 2:17 ??? Any comments?

STRESS

Our local newspaper recently had a major article on fatigue related stress. As many as 97% Americans apparently have this problem with varying degrees of severity. The dictionary defines stress as a physical, chemical, or emotional factor that induces bodily or mental tension and may be a factor in the causing of disease.

I have not done a lot of research on the subject of stress, so what I say in this study is certainly not a scholarly treatment of the subject. However I will make some observations based on the Scriptures and my experiences in 60 years of pastoral ministry.

I suspect that some stress is caused by false guilt. Some people feel stress because they believe that stress is their personal problem and that other people are not bothered the way they are. They ignore the fact that this is a common problem experienced universally. They are stressed over being stressed!

Some people get stressed over the fact that they can’t be the answer to everyone’s prayers and the solution to everyone’s problems. It is hard to play God!

Stress can come when I forget that only God knows how to bring good out of evil. I must recall the experience of Joseph in Egypt. (Genesis 50:20) His brothers intended evil against him but God meant it for good. When evil people hurt me, I don’t try to get even, I get to God and look for good. “And we know that all things work together FOR GOOD to those who love God..” Romans 8:28

The prophet Elijah was really stressed when he sat under the broom tree and wanted to die. His problem wasn’t spiritual, it was physical. The Lord gave him an extended rest and some good food and he was restored and went back to work. (I Kings 19:4-8). Proper sleep and nourishing food are essential for a stress free life.

I create stress when I step outside my role and attempt to do something for which I am not gifted to do. The Body of Christ works harmoniously only when each member functions where he or she has been placed by our Lord. (I Corinthians 12).

In closing, I make one more observation: I bring enormous stress to myself and my family and my friends when I step out from under God’s sovereign rule. Only He is all wise and all knowing and all powerful. I must trust Him when I am in the dark and when I am confused and when I am weak. So, I must keep coming back to the passage that has been the foundation for my life for many years. “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor? Or who has first given to Him and it shall be repaid to him? For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.” Romans 11:33-36.

CONTRASTING CHRISTIAN CHARACTER

The unique strength, beauty and usefulness of the believer’s life is found in its CONTRAST to the world never in its CONFORMITY to the world. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:1-2 Because of our old natures, however, we must fight constantly the urge to conform …or at least be enough like the world so that it isn’t immediately apparent that we belong to Jesus.

Now there is no value in contrast for the sake of contrast alone. The wild eyed street corner preacher who yells that the world is going hell is in contrast to the people passing by, but it is a surface contrast only. The true believer is different by the very nature of his relationship to and standing with God in Christ…The believer is alive, the world is dead. The believer walks in the light, the world is in darkness. The believer has a heavenly hope, citizenship, and inheritance. The worldling has only a life that is rooted in an earthly existence.

When will we learn that we attract people to Christ and His Church by being different from the world not by being like the world? Very often the secular person doesn’t pay much attention to us professing Christians because he sees in us only a dull reflection of himself. In our desperate effort to be “relevant”, we have lost our distinctive character and power.

I am for flexibility and common sense and changing methods in ministry when necessary. And I am for charm and grace and winsomeness in witnessing, but let’s dare to be the different people God has chosen us to be. Let us remember that every true saint of God in history has stood out in stark contrast to the sick and sinful society into which God sent him to witness. He was never there to CATCH the spirit of his time, but rather to CORRECT it! Amen.

WISDOM

In a world with more schools of higher learning than ever in history and with modern technology that gathers and disseminates information with such speed and accuracy that it blows the minds of most of us, the question I raise is does all of this make us any wiser…do we find true wisdom in the accumulation of all this great information and knowledge?

Consider a few definitions of wisdom…The Oxford English Dictionary defines wisdom as the capacity of judging rightly in matters relating to life and conduct…The Roman Catholic theologian Thomas Aquinas said that wisdom is the father of all virtue and the English pastor and teacher Charles Spurgeon defined wisdom as the right use of knowledge.

The purpose of this simple study is to get a Biblical perspective of true wisdom. The word wisdom is used over 200 times in the Bible, so it is a vital subject in God’s Word.

It is important to understand that there is a kind of wisdom in the world that is not true wisdom. Paul says this in I Corinthians 1:18-24 “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to those of us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: ‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent’. Where is the wise? Where is scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through(Its) wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. For Jews require a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.”

Wise Solomon said, “The Lord gives wisdom.” Proverbs 2:6 He is the source of all true wisdom. Paul affirms this in Romans 11:33 “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!”

James us tells us how to get this wisdom. James 1:5 “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” And then he defines and describes this wisdom in James 3:17 “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.”

Finally, it is essential that we understand that the wisdom of God is not just a doctrine to receive but a Person to know…The Apostle says that in the Lord Jesus “are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Colossians 2:3 Jesus is wisdom personified! And when experience and express His wisdom we can say with Jude, “To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen.”

LESSONS FROM THE HORRIFIC MASS MURDERS IN LAS VEGAS

The depravity of Adam’s race is the obvious first lesson from this senseless destruction of human life. Our President was correct when he defined this awful deed as “evil”. Jeremiah focuses on this when he said, “The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately (incurably sick) wicked; Who can know it?” Jeremiah 17:8 We live in a fallen world and the major problems we face in society each day are all related to bad behavior. Our children never have to be taught to do bad things, they do that on their own! “The wicked are estranged from the womb; They go astray as soon as they are born, speaking lies.” Psalm 58:3

When Stephen Paddock killed 59 and wounded over 200 in his demented rage, he touched those who are created in the image of God. They are all a part of our human family and we weep and grieve. We feel a severe loss.

And we pray. We know that God knows how to bring good out of evil, and so we will trust Him for good in a very bad situation. We pray for people we do not even know, knowing that God knows them and is a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 May many come to faith in Christ in this tragic ordeal.

We celebrate also those who faced the deadly fire of Paddock in order to protect others. Several lost their lives. A crisis will often bring out the best in people.

With many of us, our initial reaction was anger and the desire to get even with the perpetrator of this horrible crime. But that is not our prerogative. “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” Romans 12:19.

We are certain that justice will ultimately prevail. “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this judgment.” Hebrews 9:27 An evil man took his own life after his dastardly deed, but he is not annihilated…he will stand before Jesus the righteous judge and give account. II Timothy 4:1 4:8

With all of this before us we are reminded of Paul’s admonition, “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come.” II Timothy 3:1 Perilous indeed! But we believers have a blessed hope! See Titus 2:13 Amen!

ON MEDITATION

Great saints have always been skilled in the art and practice of meditation. Speaking of the Word of God, the Lord said to Joshua, “you shall meditate therein day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written therein; for then you shall make your way prosperous and then you shall have good success.” Joshua 1:8 God’s formula for the prosperity of His people is: ABSORB THE WORD IN MEDITATION AND ACT-OUT THE WORD IN MINISTRY. We are to observe and obey!

How can we establish the habit and enjoy the practice of meditation?

There must be, first of all, a desire for the Word of God. It is to the hungry and seeking heart that God gives His choicest morsels. Wise Solomon said, “if you cry after knowledge, and lift up your voice for understanding; If you search for her as for hid treasures; then you shall understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.”

There must be personal intake of God’s Word. We cannot meditate on truth that we do not have. God does not work in a vacuum. Through hearing, reading, studying and memorizing God’s truth we will find those special portions that we will desire to focus the gaze of our soul upon in meditation.

We should keep the portion for meditation before us. Underline it in your Bible, or print it on cards that can be kept in view on the dash of your car or by the kitchen sink or near your favorite chair. (Electronic devices?)

Turn the text over and over in your mind and ask questions…What does it say? How does it apply to me? How does it encourage, rebuke, comfort, convict, feed, enlighten or bless me?

Finally, share what you receive with others. Your blessing in meditation will then continue in the lives of others. AMEN!

(Taken from my files)