Moment With The Master
They Had Been With Jesus
Tuesday, July 15, 2014Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus. (Acts 4:13)
The apostles, Peter and John, were put in custody because they had filled Jerusalem with the doctrine of Christ. The number of disciples grew rapidly during the early days of the church. (Acts 5:4). Thus, the rulers of Judaism questioned the apostles: "By what power or by what name have you done this?" (Acts 4:7) The answer of Peter and John rang loud and clear: "by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead." (Acts 4:10)
The courage and resolve of Peter and John gets the attention of the enemy. There was something very different about these two. It was not their remarkable intellect that got their attention. It was the boldness of the apostles that was worthy of note. It was Peter and John standing fearless before the Sanhedrin. There was nothing apologetic about their demeanor. They stood fast as those courageously speaking for God.
Their witness for Christ demonstrates a great change had taken place in their lives. Fishermen, Jews, once filled with fear, now bold and eloquently proclaiming a doctrine the enemy hates. They were passionately devoted to proclaiming the kingdom of God that men might be saved from sin. Even the enemy was impressed with their character. If we are attaining to heights in our spiritual growth, our daily behavior will manifest the spirit of Christ.
Their witness testified of the new and guiding principle in their lives. This is the principle of love- love for God and love for lost souls. Peters words ring loud and clear: "We ought to obey God rather than men". (Acts 5:29) Their passion for souls is recorded in Acts 5:42: And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ. (Acts 5:42)
We should always keep in mind that we are being watched, some times by friends, and some times by the enemy. Others will "take note" of us. If we easily fit into the world, something is wrong with our conduct. Let us be faithful at our post; speaking boldly for him. Let others observe and say: "they have been with Jesus." (Acts 4:13)
By George Slover
A Glimpse of Heaven
Tuesday, July 08, 2014"He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there shall be no longer any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.” ( Revelation 21:4)
There seems to be an absence of talk about heaven among 21st Century Christians. Unfortunately, in an affluent society where many embrace material things, thoughts of the eternal rewards are far from our mind. Our eyes are fixed on temporal rather than heavenly things. What will heaven be like? Take a moment with me to get a glimpse of heaven as described in scripture.
First, there will be a renovation of character. God calls upon his children to live heavenly lives while existing in this world. (Phil. 3:20) Therefore, when we submit to his will we are getting a foretaste of our heavenly existence. When we see others walking daily with God exuding the traits of kindness, patience, and moral purity, we are getting a glimpse of heaven.
Second, we are promised a new body. ( I Cor. 5:42-44) It will be a spiritual body designed live eternally in the presence of God! It will not be subject to the pain and heartaches experienced in this world. All of the burdens that make this life intolerable will be done away!
Finally, the splendor of God will fill every corner of heaven! The saints in harmony will forever praise Him around His throne! Heaven is more than just existing eternally, but sharing in the life of God!
All of this is yours- in Christ Jesus. So, my brother think often about the future rewards and take the time to share the good news with others!
George Slover
Choose You This Day
Tuesday, July 01, 2014“Now therefore, fear the Lord, serve Him in sincerity and in truth, and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River and in Egypt. Serve the Lord! And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:14,15)
Patrick Henry said, “I care not what course others may take. But as for me, give me liberty or give me death.” This great American called his fellow countrymen to an important decision, and then pointed them in the way he deemed proper. There must be no compromise with King George III. There would be no more discussion and no more retreat!
Joshua, like Patrick Henry, is indeed one of the great leaders of all time. His inspiring message to Israel and call to commitment and choice is recorded in Joshua 24:14,15. “Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in truth; put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the River, and in Egypt; and serve the Lord. And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom you will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”. (Joshua 24:14,15)
Joshua, like Mr. Henry, leaves each of the families of Israel with an important decision – a choice they must make for themselves. Then, like any great leader, he points them toward the right way by his own example and resolve. The Israelites must decide which god they would serve. However, as for Joshua and his family, they would serve only the Lord. There would be no more discussion and no more retreat!
Like these two great leaders and the peoples they served, we also are confronted with choices every day. Each day we choose the god we will serve. Will we bow before the god of money, power, or pleasure? Or will we serve the Lord? Just like these of old the pressure to compromise is real!
So, my brother what is your resolve? Who will you serve? Remember: the choice you make will determine your eternal destiny. (Matthew 7:13,14)
George Slover
Mentored by Grace
Tuesday, June 24, 2014"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men,teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age,” (Titus 2:11,12)
In the previous section Paul enjoins disciples of every age group to conduct fitting of sound doctrine. (Titus 2:1-10) He now connects such a lifestyle to grace. Contrary to popular religious views, the grace of God does not leave the disciples to a passive life. It demands active obedience!
While reflecting upon Christ who gave himself to redeem them from sin (vs.14), and while eagerly awaiting his future appearance (verse 13), the disciple is called upon to live righteously in the present. In a world that is hostile to God's cause, disciples must allow God's grace to so penetrate their lives that they become a people that reflects God’s character.
To fulfill this calling they must refuse “ungodliness” and “worldly lusts”. “Ungodliness” is living without reverence or regard for God. It includes all that is worldly, including the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. A godless life is a graceless life. It stands contrary to all that God is about. Thus, such worldly passions must be resisted and renounced.
However, a denial of evil alone is not enough. Disciples are not of God just because of what they give up. They are called to live soberly, righteously, and godly. They must master the passions and desires and walk in the right path given by God. They are to be governed by a daily presence of God, and an awareness of his love and justice.
Under the influence of grace new motives, thoughts, and ambitions are awakened. Righteous principles are brought to life. The disciple is called to the highest of virtues. Godliness in the home, marketplace, school, and church will create the desired effect: a people of God, zealous for good works.
By George Slover
Some Essentials of Repentance
Tuesday, June 17, 2014Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways," says theLord GOD. "Repent, and turn from all your transgressions, so that iniquity will not be your ruin. Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies," says the Lord GOD. "Therefore turn and live! (Ezekiel 18:30-32)
In the context of this passage Ezekiel has clearly stated the dilemma – “the soul that sins, it shall die” (vs. 20). The soul that sins will die or be spiritually separated from God. However, God “has no pleasure in the one who dies”. Thus, he clearly states the solution – “repent”! Some have said that repentance is a change of mind that brings about a change of action. That’s a good definition, but consider from this passage some other essentials to repentance.
A necessary prerequisite to repentance is for one to “consider”. “Because he considers and turns away from all the transgressions which he committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die”. (vs.28) God wants the sinner to contemplate the seriousness of the transgression. It is a like parent telling a child “go to your room and think about what you’ve just done”. Those words came to me when I was a boy. I had thrown a rock and hit another child in the eye. I was forced to face the victim (bloody face and all) and contemplate what I had done. It taught me a valuable lesson. The transgressor must think about the wickedness he has committed and recognize the consequences. Hopefully, such introspection will lead to the godly sorrow that produces repentance. (II Cor 7:10)
Next, the sinner must “get a new heart and a new spirit”. (vs. 31) The heart is where his sins are conceived. (Lk.6:45) Thus, God wants him to reprogram his mind. (Rom. 12:2) A good or bad heart produces a good or bad person. It is impossible for one to change their lives without changing their hearts. Put away evil thoughts and think on things that are pure!
Finally, God exhorts the sinner to “cast away from you all your sins”. (vs.31) Literally, the word “cast” means to fling the garment! It pictures one who repudiates the deed done and is ready to shove it away! He is ready to cease from his ungodliness and to start living a godly and holy life.
So my brother, is there sin in your life? If so, then repent! God does not want you to die, but to live!
By George Slover