Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Metamorphosis


Romans 12:2 ESV
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good, acceptable and perfect. 

Transformed is the key word here.  The Greek word is metamorphoo.  We relate that to metamorphosis.  The first thing we think of when we here that word is a butterfly.  A beautiful creature transformed from a worm.  The transformation that takes place is one of suffering and absolute change within the cocoon.  A life change.  What a cool thought to think "we" are transformed!  This word is used only 3 other times in scripture.  I believe we are still struggling within our cocoons, and we will fully "transformed" when we arrive at the wedding feast in heaven, as described in Revelation.  Then we will be holy and without sin living in the presence of Jesus.   Truly transformed into the beautiful butterfly.  Imagine what it will be like.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

True Lies


Tonight our small group started a 13 week video series titled "The Truth Project" created by Focus On The Family.  In my mind it's probably some of the best "stuff" that FOTF has ever put out.  Tonight was on the subject of "Truth", and I've never heard truth explained quite like that.  Jesus claimed He came to earth to "...testify to the truth."  Do we really believe that what we really believe is really real?  Do we?  What do we really believe in?  Wouldn't our actions prove what or better yet who we really believe in?  One scripture really stuck out to me tonight amongst many great scriptures.  We call Jesus our father, but is He really?  Or is it Satan who is really our father? You judge for yourself.   

Children of the Devil 
John 8: 42-47

Jesus said to them, "If God were your father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here.  I have not come on my own; but He sent me.  Why is my language  not clear to you?   Because you are unable to hear what I say.  You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire.  He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is not truth in him.  When he lies, he speaks in his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.  Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me!  Can any of you prove me guilty of sin?  If I am telling the truth, why don't you believe me?  He who belongs to God hears what God says.  The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God."

Wow!  Do you hear what God says?  Better hope so, or you're on the wrong team.

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Letter of the Law


This last week I had the pleasure (honor) to preach again at Journey in Rev. Keith's absence. We went through the 1st 14 verses of Galatians chapter 3. One of the things that stuck out to me was the legalism that the Judaizers adhered to. Their thinking that you had to have faith plus. Not just faith alone, but faith plus. Pentecost listeners just believed and wham! the Holy Spirit did his stuff. Abraham, David, Saul etc. just believed. Faith. That's all we need, child like faith. Even today religion says that unless we dress a certain way, look a certain way, act just right, listen to the right music, we are not being sanctified. That's a load. If we have a tat, or drink a dark beer, or listen to 98.3 on the radio, we are heathen. Would most of American churches allow a dirty homeless man to come in and hang out? If so, would they stare, murmur amongst themselves, sit him in the back? Heck a few weeks ago at Journey (www.journeyinbend.org) I had a couple of homeless guys sitting next to me rolling smokes in the back. Legal smokes. I watched with baited caution, thinking this is where Jesus would be hanging out, knowing that He as well as I would make him "light up" outside. So forget the legalistic holier than thou attitude, thinking your works will get you to the front row in Heaven. It's all about your heart. Jesus hung out with the drunks, hookers, and thieves. He came to save the lost, not the well. He came to hang with the less fortunate. We should use Him as our role model, not the pastor, or man who lets everyone know just how holy he is. It's a heart issue. Check your heart. How's your pulse today.