Rusty Kuhn's Blog, page 6
October 20, 2014
Getting the Log out of Our Eyes
As Christians we love to point our fingers at the wicked ways of the world. We amen the destruction of the drunkard; we applaud the announcement of God’s accusations of the abominable; we proclaim the woes to the wicked; and stand in horror of the homosexual. Yet all the while, we have sin in our camp. We don’t mind focusing on the world’s shortcomings and sins, yet, we get angry if anyone dare proclaim that we are sinful. Yet the Bible says “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23), and again it says in Isaiah 53:6, “All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way.” The Bible is even so bold as to tell us that if we say we have no sin, we are liars, and we make God out to be a liar. (I John 1:8, 10).
I have seen picketers with rage in their eyes holding signs proclaiming “God Hates Fags” and preachers proclaiming the horrors of hell with smiles on their faces. We self righteously judge the world and proclaim God’s condemnation upon the wicked, not realizing the hate in our hearts is standing in direct contradiction to a loving God. We say they deserve hell and condemnation for their sins while failing to remember who or where we would be apart from the grace of God. The fact is that they do deserve the eternal condemnations of hell; yet, at the same time, we do too. Lest we forget, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8, 9).
Without a doubt John 3:16 is one of the most memorized and quoted verse in all of scripture. However, we so often fail to remember what Jesus continued to say in the next verse, John 3:17, “For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.” If the sinner refuses to repent in this life and give His life to the Lord, he will face judgment followed by condemnation. The scriptures are clear on this fact. However, Jesus didn’t come into this world to condemn; He came to save! If we are to have the mind of Christ, our hearts should not be focused toward the condemnation of this world; it should be focused on the salvation of this world. To wish for condemnation upon anyone stands in direct contradiction to God and is, therefore, sinful. Yes, the unrepentant will be judged! Yet, II Peter 3:9 says, “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” I’m not saying we should not preach against sin nor stand up against immorality. We should! However, we should do it with the desired result of repentance and not condemnation.
What’s even worse than the Christian who hates the sinner is the Sunday morning pew warmer that could care less. They are cold in their hearts toward the salvation of the world, not caring if the country of China comes to Christ, much less their own community-at least not enough to stand up and do anything about it. They fail to come to the realization that the King of Kings and Lord of Lords came down from the glories of heaven not only to shed His precious blood for their personal souls but for the souls of the whole world. “For God so loved the WORLD that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”
Jesus said in Matthew 7:1-5, “Do not judge so that you will not be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and behold, the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” Before we can ever be of any use to the Kingdom of God, we must first get the log of self-righteousness and stagnation out of our own eyes. We must understand that our self-righteous and self serving attitudes have harmed the Kingdom of God much more than it has helped. We must repent. Reclaiming the Land: God's Formula for Revival
I have seen picketers with rage in their eyes holding signs proclaiming “God Hates Fags” and preachers proclaiming the horrors of hell with smiles on their faces. We self righteously judge the world and proclaim God’s condemnation upon the wicked, not realizing the hate in our hearts is standing in direct contradiction to a loving God. We say they deserve hell and condemnation for their sins while failing to remember who or where we would be apart from the grace of God. The fact is that they do deserve the eternal condemnations of hell; yet, at the same time, we do too. Lest we forget, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8, 9).
Without a doubt John 3:16 is one of the most memorized and quoted verse in all of scripture. However, we so often fail to remember what Jesus continued to say in the next verse, John 3:17, “For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.” If the sinner refuses to repent in this life and give His life to the Lord, he will face judgment followed by condemnation. The scriptures are clear on this fact. However, Jesus didn’t come into this world to condemn; He came to save! If we are to have the mind of Christ, our hearts should not be focused toward the condemnation of this world; it should be focused on the salvation of this world. To wish for condemnation upon anyone stands in direct contradiction to God and is, therefore, sinful. Yes, the unrepentant will be judged! Yet, II Peter 3:9 says, “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” I’m not saying we should not preach against sin nor stand up against immorality. We should! However, we should do it with the desired result of repentance and not condemnation.
What’s even worse than the Christian who hates the sinner is the Sunday morning pew warmer that could care less. They are cold in their hearts toward the salvation of the world, not caring if the country of China comes to Christ, much less their own community-at least not enough to stand up and do anything about it. They fail to come to the realization that the King of Kings and Lord of Lords came down from the glories of heaven not only to shed His precious blood for their personal souls but for the souls of the whole world. “For God so loved the WORLD that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”
Jesus said in Matthew 7:1-5, “Do not judge so that you will not be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and behold, the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” Before we can ever be of any use to the Kingdom of God, we must first get the log of self-righteousness and stagnation out of our own eyes. We must understand that our self-righteous and self serving attitudes have harmed the Kingdom of God much more than it has helped. We must repent. Reclaiming the Land: God's Formula for Revival
October 17, 2014
We Can Know God Through the Holy Spirit
The depths of God are so far beyond the wisdom of man’s rationale. We try to comprehend the wonders of who God is with the mind of man and leave greatly disappointed. To truly understand who God is, we need a master teacher-a teacher who perfectly understands the character of God and is able to skillfully teach even the most unteachable the wonderful riches of God’s glory and splendor.
God has indeed given us a master teacher. Our master teacher is none other than the Holy Spirit Himself. Paul explained in I Corinthians 2:9 what our master teacher, the Holy Spirit, is capable of revealing to us. “THINGS WHICH EYE HAS NOT SEEN AND EAR HAS NOT HEARD, AND which HAVE NOT ENTERED THE HEART OF MAN, ALL THAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM.” We often make the mistake of putting a future tense on this scripture. However, Paul was not speaking of revelations of God to come. As you look at the entirety of I Corinthians 2, you see that Paul was telling us the master teacher, the Holy Spirit, opens our eyes to those truths today.
I Corinthians 2:10 says, “for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God.” Who better to teach us than the Holy Spirit, the one who searches even the deep things of God? Paul also said in the next verse, “For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God.” Again, who better to teach us the thoughts and mind of God other than His very own Spirit?
Paul continues in verse fourteen of the same chapter by saying, “But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.” The natural man is the unsaved man who does not have the Holy Spirit within him. Therefore, he cannot understand nor comprehend the things of God. He has no teacher. However, of the Christian Paul says in verse twelve of the same chapter, “we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God.” God has given us His Spirit so we may know Him, and the Holy Spirit will reveal all the truths of God, even the “depths of God.”
Again, God wants us to know Him. He has given us everything we need to know Him. Jesus died on the cross to remove the obstacle of sin; He lived before us to demonstrate His character; He has given us His Holy Word; and He has given us His Spirit to bring us the revelation of it all. What an awesome God we truly serve. We are truly lacking in nothing. The conclusion then is this: If we do not know God, it is not because God has not given us the opportunity to know Him. It is because we have chosen not to know Him.
Romans 8:14 says, “for all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” When we set in our hearts and minds to truly seek God, we must totally submit ourselves to the Spirit of God. Ephesians 5:18 says, “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit.” So often we put full attention on not being drunk with wine with no attention on being filled with the Spirit. If we are filled with God’s Spirit, we don’t have to worry about the “drunk on wine” part. Why? If we are full of the Spirit, we are full; and there is no room for anything else. If we are full of the Spirit, we are full of God; and God will then draw us into His glory. Reclaiming the Land: God's Formula for Revival
God has indeed given us a master teacher. Our master teacher is none other than the Holy Spirit Himself. Paul explained in I Corinthians 2:9 what our master teacher, the Holy Spirit, is capable of revealing to us. “THINGS WHICH EYE HAS NOT SEEN AND EAR HAS NOT HEARD, AND which HAVE NOT ENTERED THE HEART OF MAN, ALL THAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM.” We often make the mistake of putting a future tense on this scripture. However, Paul was not speaking of revelations of God to come. As you look at the entirety of I Corinthians 2, you see that Paul was telling us the master teacher, the Holy Spirit, opens our eyes to those truths today.
I Corinthians 2:10 says, “for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God.” Who better to teach us than the Holy Spirit, the one who searches even the deep things of God? Paul also said in the next verse, “For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God.” Again, who better to teach us the thoughts and mind of God other than His very own Spirit?
Paul continues in verse fourteen of the same chapter by saying, “But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.” The natural man is the unsaved man who does not have the Holy Spirit within him. Therefore, he cannot understand nor comprehend the things of God. He has no teacher. However, of the Christian Paul says in verse twelve of the same chapter, “we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God.” God has given us His Spirit so we may know Him, and the Holy Spirit will reveal all the truths of God, even the “depths of God.”
Again, God wants us to know Him. He has given us everything we need to know Him. Jesus died on the cross to remove the obstacle of sin; He lived before us to demonstrate His character; He has given us His Holy Word; and He has given us His Spirit to bring us the revelation of it all. What an awesome God we truly serve. We are truly lacking in nothing. The conclusion then is this: If we do not know God, it is not because God has not given us the opportunity to know Him. It is because we have chosen not to know Him.
Romans 8:14 says, “for all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” When we set in our hearts and minds to truly seek God, we must totally submit ourselves to the Spirit of God. Ephesians 5:18 says, “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit.” So often we put full attention on not being drunk with wine with no attention on being filled with the Spirit. If we are filled with God’s Spirit, we don’t have to worry about the “drunk on wine” part. Why? If we are full of the Spirit, we are full; and there is no room for anything else. If we are full of the Spirit, we are full of God; and God will then draw us into His glory. Reclaiming the Land: God's Formula for Revival
October 16, 2014
We Know God Through Jesus
The Old and New Testaments alike teach us the truths of the Trinitarian form of God, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Although they are all three God, at the same time God is one. We see them in their separate forms most clearly in Jesus’ Baptism. Jesus is in the river being baptized, the Spirit is descending on Him as a dove, and the Father is speaking the words, “this is My Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:13-17).
The Holy Spirit glorifies Jesus and guides us in all truth, (John 16:12-14). In the same way Jesus has come to reveal and glorify the Father, so when we see Jesus, we have seen the Father. (John 17:25-26). God in His Trinitarian form exists to glorify Himself. When we receive Christ, we receive His Spirit. His Spirit then gives revelation of Jesus, and Jesus gives revelation of the Father so that we may know God in all His fullness.
Hebrews 1:3 tells us that Jesus is “the exact representation” of His Father. Although I have characteristics of my father, I am not his exact representation. To be his exact representation is to be all that he is in every way. Jesus is all that the Father is; the Father is all that Jesus is in every way. When Philip asked Jesus to show them the Father, Jesus responded in John 14:9-11, “Have I been so long with you, and yet you have not come to know Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own initiative, but the Father abiding in Me does His works. Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me; otherwise believe because of the works themselves.”
John 1:1 says, “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. John 1:14 then says, and the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” Who is this “Word” that John speaks of? It is none other than Jesus Christ Himself, God who took upon flesh and dwelt among men. John called Jesus the “Word” in this text of scripture. The Greek word for this is Logos. It is the same word that we get the word logo. Like many other churches our church has a logo. When we made our church’s logo we wanted it to represent who we are as a church. We wanted it to be a visual description of who we are and what we stand for.
Jesus is the Word of God. He is God that has taken upon flesh to dwell among men to be a visual description of God so that we may see His glory. If we desire to know God, we must know Jesus. Although we see Jesus in all of the Bible, Old and New Testaments alike, the greatest place to discover the truths of who Jesus is in the gospels. We see His passion, we see His compassion, we see His likes, we see His dislikes, we discover His heart, and we learn His truths.
The man that led me to the saving grace of God gave me the greatest advice anyone could have ever given. He told me to start reading God’s Word and advised me to start in John. I had never read the Bible before. As a matter of fact, before I became a Christian I didn’t like to read anything. However, that night I was drawn to His Word, and I started reading through the book of John. Although I wasn’t much on reading, I read through the whole book of John that night without putting the Bible down. After finishing John, I then started Matthew; after Matthew I was intensely glued to God’s Word.
The day I accepted Jesus in my heart and started reading His Word I was a drug addicted young man full of hate and bitterness. I was at the lowest point of my life where I was continually contemplating ending it all. Yet, by the time I had concluded reading the gospels, this bitter and broken man was transformed to a blazing inferno set on fire for the Lord. Why? Because for the first time in my life, I discovered who Jesus truly was, and I fell madly in love with Him!
Although I had accepted Christ into my life just prior to reading His Word, my life was still broken. I had read through John, and I was now deep into Matthew. Just at the break of daylight after reading all night, I started reading how this glorious man-God’s own Son, God in the flesh-laid down His life for me on the cross. Although I had been told many times prior, it struck me for the very first time that Jesus laid down His life on the cross for me.
Out of compulsion I fell on my face before the Lord weeping. All I could say was “I’m sorry Lord, I’m sorry.” After a period of time (how much I do not know) a sense of overwhelming peace came over me with a love like I had never known before. God’s presence had consumed me. The God of whom I had searched for in written word came to life within me. His Word spoke to me that night because Jesus is the Word of God, alive and well still to this day, dwelling among men. If you seek Him, you will find Him!!! (Jeremiah 29:13).
I often think of where I might be today had I not taken the advice of the pastor who led me to the Lord and started reading God’s Word. I didn’t start reading the Gospels with the intention of seeking Jesus. However, after my encounter with God that day, He set me on a lifelong path of seeking Him. I came to know who He is, and that very day, I willingly chose to lay my life down in full pursuit of service and surrender unto Him. I came to know who He is and the fact that He was, and is, and always will be worthy of a life of surrender. Paul said in II Timothy 1:12, “I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him.” Reclaiming the Land: God's Formula for Revival
The Holy Spirit glorifies Jesus and guides us in all truth, (John 16:12-14). In the same way Jesus has come to reveal and glorify the Father, so when we see Jesus, we have seen the Father. (John 17:25-26). God in His Trinitarian form exists to glorify Himself. When we receive Christ, we receive His Spirit. His Spirit then gives revelation of Jesus, and Jesus gives revelation of the Father so that we may know God in all His fullness.
Hebrews 1:3 tells us that Jesus is “the exact representation” of His Father. Although I have characteristics of my father, I am not his exact representation. To be his exact representation is to be all that he is in every way. Jesus is all that the Father is; the Father is all that Jesus is in every way. When Philip asked Jesus to show them the Father, Jesus responded in John 14:9-11, “Have I been so long with you, and yet you have not come to know Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own initiative, but the Father abiding in Me does His works. Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me; otherwise believe because of the works themselves.”
John 1:1 says, “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. John 1:14 then says, and the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” Who is this “Word” that John speaks of? It is none other than Jesus Christ Himself, God who took upon flesh and dwelt among men. John called Jesus the “Word” in this text of scripture. The Greek word for this is Logos. It is the same word that we get the word logo. Like many other churches our church has a logo. When we made our church’s logo we wanted it to represent who we are as a church. We wanted it to be a visual description of who we are and what we stand for.
Jesus is the Word of God. He is God that has taken upon flesh to dwell among men to be a visual description of God so that we may see His glory. If we desire to know God, we must know Jesus. Although we see Jesus in all of the Bible, Old and New Testaments alike, the greatest place to discover the truths of who Jesus is in the gospels. We see His passion, we see His compassion, we see His likes, we see His dislikes, we discover His heart, and we learn His truths.
The man that led me to the saving grace of God gave me the greatest advice anyone could have ever given. He told me to start reading God’s Word and advised me to start in John. I had never read the Bible before. As a matter of fact, before I became a Christian I didn’t like to read anything. However, that night I was drawn to His Word, and I started reading through the book of John. Although I wasn’t much on reading, I read through the whole book of John that night without putting the Bible down. After finishing John, I then started Matthew; after Matthew I was intensely glued to God’s Word.
The day I accepted Jesus in my heart and started reading His Word I was a drug addicted young man full of hate and bitterness. I was at the lowest point of my life where I was continually contemplating ending it all. Yet, by the time I had concluded reading the gospels, this bitter and broken man was transformed to a blazing inferno set on fire for the Lord. Why? Because for the first time in my life, I discovered who Jesus truly was, and I fell madly in love with Him!
Although I had accepted Christ into my life just prior to reading His Word, my life was still broken. I had read through John, and I was now deep into Matthew. Just at the break of daylight after reading all night, I started reading how this glorious man-God’s own Son, God in the flesh-laid down His life for me on the cross. Although I had been told many times prior, it struck me for the very first time that Jesus laid down His life on the cross for me.
Out of compulsion I fell on my face before the Lord weeping. All I could say was “I’m sorry Lord, I’m sorry.” After a period of time (how much I do not know) a sense of overwhelming peace came over me with a love like I had never known before. God’s presence had consumed me. The God of whom I had searched for in written word came to life within me. His Word spoke to me that night because Jesus is the Word of God, alive and well still to this day, dwelling among men. If you seek Him, you will find Him!!! (Jeremiah 29:13).
I often think of where I might be today had I not taken the advice of the pastor who led me to the Lord and started reading God’s Word. I didn’t start reading the Gospels with the intention of seeking Jesus. However, after my encounter with God that day, He set me on a lifelong path of seeking Him. I came to know who He is, and that very day, I willingly chose to lay my life down in full pursuit of service and surrender unto Him. I came to know who He is and the fact that He was, and is, and always will be worthy of a life of surrender. Paul said in II Timothy 1:12, “I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him.” Reclaiming the Land: God's Formula for Revival
October 13, 2014
God’s Heart Yearns That We Know Him
A few years ago my wife and I were out shopping at a local Wal-Mart. I had to go pick up a few things from another department while she went and looked at clothes. After getting what I needed, I walked into the ladies department and spotted my wife from behind. I walked up beside her, put my arm around her and asked “Are you ready to go?” However, when she turned her head so I could see her face, I realized I had just made a horrible mistake! This was not my wife. I was horrified; and although she never said a word, the expression on her face told me that she was probably much more horrified than I. I immediately turned to see the face of my wife about fifty feet away laughing at me. My wife and I have been married for over twenty years, and I know her well. Unfortunately, on this day by not seeing her face, I made an absolute fool of myself.
How many times have we looked at the back of an individual and mistakenly thought it was someone else? Hopefully, not to my extent of foolishness! How many times have we seen the back of a man and thought it was a woman or the back of a woman and thought it was a man? We can only be certain when we see the face of the individual. Only then we can recognize who they are. Unless someone wanted for a crime has distinguishing marks only the persons face is seen on the wanted poster. If you have seen that person, you know his face. The face of an individual is the most distinct and intimate part of a person that distinguishes them from everyone else.
For this reason God tells us not only in II Chronicles 7:14 but also in many places throughout scripture to seek His face. To seek His face is to know Him. God’s heart is that we know Him and we seek Him. Hebrews 11:6 says that “He (God) is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” He rewards us with the power of His presence. There are some things about God that we cannot know today because our finite minds cannot comprehend them. God is an all-powerful, all-knowing, ever-present being who is in many ways beyond our comprehension. However, God has not hidden Himself nor made His character a mystery. He has made Himself known. He longs for us to seek Him, for us to find Him, and for us to know Him. Jesus said in John 17:3 as He prayed to the Father, “This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.”
From the very first man and woman (Adam and Eve) to this present day, God has desired a relationship. God had a close relationship with Adam and Eve while they were in the Garden of Eden. After they had sinned against Him God then set up a sacrificial system in order to continue the relationship. The Old Testament sacrificial system was an imperfect and temporary system that was set up only until the coming of the Messiah, Jesus. Jesus, the Son of God, God in the flesh, came to this world for one purpose. He stated that purpose in Luke 19:10 when He said, “The Son of Man, (Jesus) has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” John 1:29 records John the Baptist saying of Jesus, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of this world.” Jesus came to this world for the purpose of being the Lamb of God who would lay down His life in order that whosoever will call upon the name of the Lord would have a relationship with Him.
As we clearly see, God desires for us to seek Him and to know Him. I also believe that the more we seek God and the more we come to know God, the more we are going to want to know God. To know Him is to love Him. Moses is the greatest example of this. Moses had one of the most intimate relationships with God that any man on this earth has ever had. He first met God in the burning bush; then he spent forty days on two occasions with God on Mt. Sinai. After the construction of the Tabernacle, he then went and met with God every day.
Although Moses was grateful for the relationship he had with God and for all the ways God blessed him, Moses still wanted to know more of God. In Exodus 33:12-23 we find the record of Moses asking God to show His glory. God told Moses that no man could see His face and live. However, God showed Moses a passing glimpse of His glory to the extent that it caused Moses’ face to shine. The glory of God transformed Moses, and for the rest of his days he had to wear a veil over his face to cover his glowing face that continued to shine the glory of God all his days.
Today through Christ we are invited into the very presence of God to bask in His glory. Just as the glory of God transformed Moses life, when we seek and find the glory of God, it will forever transform our lives. But unlike Moses, we do not veil our faces. We allow His glory to shine through us for the world to see. II Corinthians 3:18 says, “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.”
We, through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, have been invited into the very presence of God. We must understand what a high honor that is! When we enter into His presence we enter into His glory. His glory then begins to transform us from who we are into who He is. The more time we spend in the glorious presence of God, the more we become transformed into His likeness. However, if we do not seek Him, we will not find Him. How then do we seek God out? We seek Him through worship, through prayer, through His Word, and through meditation on His Word. Remember, if we seek Him, we will find Him. Reclaiming the Land: God's Formula for Revival
How many times have we looked at the back of an individual and mistakenly thought it was someone else? Hopefully, not to my extent of foolishness! How many times have we seen the back of a man and thought it was a woman or the back of a woman and thought it was a man? We can only be certain when we see the face of the individual. Only then we can recognize who they are. Unless someone wanted for a crime has distinguishing marks only the persons face is seen on the wanted poster. If you have seen that person, you know his face. The face of an individual is the most distinct and intimate part of a person that distinguishes them from everyone else.
For this reason God tells us not only in II Chronicles 7:14 but also in many places throughout scripture to seek His face. To seek His face is to know Him. God’s heart is that we know Him and we seek Him. Hebrews 11:6 says that “He (God) is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” He rewards us with the power of His presence. There are some things about God that we cannot know today because our finite minds cannot comprehend them. God is an all-powerful, all-knowing, ever-present being who is in many ways beyond our comprehension. However, God has not hidden Himself nor made His character a mystery. He has made Himself known. He longs for us to seek Him, for us to find Him, and for us to know Him. Jesus said in John 17:3 as He prayed to the Father, “This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.”
From the very first man and woman (Adam and Eve) to this present day, God has desired a relationship. God had a close relationship with Adam and Eve while they were in the Garden of Eden. After they had sinned against Him God then set up a sacrificial system in order to continue the relationship. The Old Testament sacrificial system was an imperfect and temporary system that was set up only until the coming of the Messiah, Jesus. Jesus, the Son of God, God in the flesh, came to this world for one purpose. He stated that purpose in Luke 19:10 when He said, “The Son of Man, (Jesus) has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” John 1:29 records John the Baptist saying of Jesus, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of this world.” Jesus came to this world for the purpose of being the Lamb of God who would lay down His life in order that whosoever will call upon the name of the Lord would have a relationship with Him.
As we clearly see, God desires for us to seek Him and to know Him. I also believe that the more we seek God and the more we come to know God, the more we are going to want to know God. To know Him is to love Him. Moses is the greatest example of this. Moses had one of the most intimate relationships with God that any man on this earth has ever had. He first met God in the burning bush; then he spent forty days on two occasions with God on Mt. Sinai. After the construction of the Tabernacle, he then went and met with God every day.
Although Moses was grateful for the relationship he had with God and for all the ways God blessed him, Moses still wanted to know more of God. In Exodus 33:12-23 we find the record of Moses asking God to show His glory. God told Moses that no man could see His face and live. However, God showed Moses a passing glimpse of His glory to the extent that it caused Moses’ face to shine. The glory of God transformed Moses, and for the rest of his days he had to wear a veil over his face to cover his glowing face that continued to shine the glory of God all his days.
Today through Christ we are invited into the very presence of God to bask in His glory. Just as the glory of God transformed Moses life, when we seek and find the glory of God, it will forever transform our lives. But unlike Moses, we do not veil our faces. We allow His glory to shine through us for the world to see. II Corinthians 3:18 says, “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.”
We, through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, have been invited into the very presence of God. We must understand what a high honor that is! When we enter into His presence we enter into His glory. His glory then begins to transform us from who we are into who He is. The more time we spend in the glorious presence of God, the more we become transformed into His likeness. However, if we do not seek Him, we will not find Him. How then do we seek God out? We seek Him through worship, through prayer, through His Word, and through meditation on His Word. Remember, if we seek Him, we will find Him. Reclaiming the Land: God's Formula for Revival
October 8, 2014
Mountain Moving Faith
Through our faith in Jesus we have the assurance that our prayers reach the throne of God. However, Hebrews 11:6 says, “without faith it is impossible to please Him”, and we have already looked at James 1:5 which says, “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” However, the next three verses of James chapter 1 say, “But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”
When we ask of God, we must ask in faith. I have had people come to me in times past asking me to pray for someone saying something along the line of “Will you please pray for my friend. There is no hope for him but please pray.” I have a busy schedule, so if there is no hope for him, then why should I waste my time praying for him? However, if I believe that nothing is impossible with God, my prayers will not be a waste of time.
If then God will not be moved apart from faith, it leads us to the question, “How much faith do we need for God to move on our behalf?” Romans 12:3 says, “God has allotted to each a measure of faith.” So we all have at least a little faith. Jesus said to His disciples in Luke 17:6 after they asked Him to increase their faith, “If you had faith like a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and be planted in the sea’; and it would obey you.” Another time Jesus said in Matthew 17:20, “if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.”
So, exactly how big is this mountain moving faith that Jesus speaks of, faith of which nothing will be impossible? Look at the tip of a sharpened pencil; that’s approximately how large (or small) a mustard seed is. It is not very big, is it? Even in our faith we have a tendency to put our confidence in ourselves rather than God. We think that in order to move God we must build ourselves up with this mighty faith. Yet, Jesus speaks of the faith of a little bitty mustard seed. Again, our trust and confidence must be in God and not in ourselves. Let us never be guilty of putting faith in our faith.
In Mark 9 a man brought his demon-possessed son to the disciples, however, they were not able to cast the demon out. When Jesus came, the father explained what was going on. The father then said to Jesus in verse 22, “If You can do anything, take pity on us and help us!” Jesus responded in the next verse, “‘If You can?’ All things are possible to him who believes.” The simple fact that the father brought his son to Jesus was a demonstration of his faith in Jesus. He no doubt had heard of all the phenomenal things Jesus had been doing and saying; and if there was anyone who could help his hurting son, it would be Jesus. He then responded back to Jesus in one of the most astounding statements of faith we find in God’s Word. In verse 24 the father responded, “I do believe; help me in my unbelief”. Jesus then set the boy free and cast out the evil spirit.
The more we spend time searching the Word of God, the more we discover what God is capable of. The more we discover what He is capable of the more we discover there is nothing impossible for Him. Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” The things He was capable of doing when He walked upon this earth He is capable of doing today. Yet, today He chooses to use us as His vessels to carry out His purpose and His power. Biblical faith is simply believing in who God says He is and believing that God can do what He says He will do. Ephesians 3:20 says, “Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us.” Reclaiming the Land: God's Formula for Revival
When we ask of God, we must ask in faith. I have had people come to me in times past asking me to pray for someone saying something along the line of “Will you please pray for my friend. There is no hope for him but please pray.” I have a busy schedule, so if there is no hope for him, then why should I waste my time praying for him? However, if I believe that nothing is impossible with God, my prayers will not be a waste of time.
If then God will not be moved apart from faith, it leads us to the question, “How much faith do we need for God to move on our behalf?” Romans 12:3 says, “God has allotted to each a measure of faith.” So we all have at least a little faith. Jesus said to His disciples in Luke 17:6 after they asked Him to increase their faith, “If you had faith like a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and be planted in the sea’; and it would obey you.” Another time Jesus said in Matthew 17:20, “if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.”
So, exactly how big is this mountain moving faith that Jesus speaks of, faith of which nothing will be impossible? Look at the tip of a sharpened pencil; that’s approximately how large (or small) a mustard seed is. It is not very big, is it? Even in our faith we have a tendency to put our confidence in ourselves rather than God. We think that in order to move God we must build ourselves up with this mighty faith. Yet, Jesus speaks of the faith of a little bitty mustard seed. Again, our trust and confidence must be in God and not in ourselves. Let us never be guilty of putting faith in our faith.
In Mark 9 a man brought his demon-possessed son to the disciples, however, they were not able to cast the demon out. When Jesus came, the father explained what was going on. The father then said to Jesus in verse 22, “If You can do anything, take pity on us and help us!” Jesus responded in the next verse, “‘If You can?’ All things are possible to him who believes.” The simple fact that the father brought his son to Jesus was a demonstration of his faith in Jesus. He no doubt had heard of all the phenomenal things Jesus had been doing and saying; and if there was anyone who could help his hurting son, it would be Jesus. He then responded back to Jesus in one of the most astounding statements of faith we find in God’s Word. In verse 24 the father responded, “I do believe; help me in my unbelief”. Jesus then set the boy free and cast out the evil spirit.
The more we spend time searching the Word of God, the more we discover what God is capable of. The more we discover what He is capable of the more we discover there is nothing impossible for Him. Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” The things He was capable of doing when He walked upon this earth He is capable of doing today. Yet, today He chooses to use us as His vessels to carry out His purpose and His power. Biblical faith is simply believing in who God says He is and believing that God can do what He says He will do. Ephesians 3:20 says, “Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us.” Reclaiming the Land: God's Formula for Revival
October 7, 2014
The Power of Prayer is in the Blood
As we continue to talk about the total dependency upon God in prayer, we find a scripture that seems to contradict dependency on God and promote self-righteousness. James 5:16 says, “the effective prayers of a righteous man can accomplish much.” It gives the appearance of contradicting other scriptures such as Romans 3:10 which says, “there is none righteous, not even one.” It even seems to contradict Jesus words as Jesus Himself said in Mark 10:18, “No one is good except God alone.”
Upon closer consideration, we discover through this seemingly evident contradiction that although we have no righteousness of our own, through faith in Jesus Christ, God has given to us righteousness. (Romans 3:22). I Corinthians 1:30 tells us, “But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption.” By God’s design, when our faith is in Jesus, we are in Him; and if we are in Him, His righteousness is in us. We cannot stand in our own righteousness because we have none. However, through Christ we have a perfect righteousness. The bible says in Hebrews 4:16 that we can “draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Through the righteousness that we have in Christ, which is given by our faith in Him, we can come with confidence before the throne of God.
The temple that Solomon built and dedicated to the Lord was not the same temple that was in existence when Jesus walked upon this earth; however, it had the same basic design. On the inside of the temple was the Holy Place where only the priests were allowed to come in and minister. In the back of the Holy Place was a veil that separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies. All the priests were allowed into the Holy Place every day to perform their ministerial duties; yet, only the High Priest one time out of the year on the Day of Atonement was allowed to enter the Holy of Holies.
Inside the Holy of Holies was the very presence of God. Sin cannot enter into the presence of God, so the High Priest had to have all his sins confessed and repented of before entering the Holy of Holies. If he hadn’t, he would have been consumed by God’s presence. However, when Jesus died upon the cross, God’s work of redeeming mankind was finished. The Word of God, in Mathew 27:51, tells us that the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies was torn in two from top to bottom. Through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, God had made His presence available to all who would call on Him and put their faith in Him.
Many times we get the impression that God hears and answers some people’s prayers more than He does others. However, Romans 2:11 says, “There is no partiality with God.” God doesn’t sit up in heaven saying, “I think I’m going to answer this person’s prayer today and not that person’s.” Remember that “the effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much” and that our righteousness is not found within ourselves but in Jesus. I Timothy 2:5 tells us, “for there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” With faith in Christ we pray through Christ, and Christ alone, directly to the throne of God.Reclaiming the Land: God's Formula for Revival
Upon closer consideration, we discover through this seemingly evident contradiction that although we have no righteousness of our own, through faith in Jesus Christ, God has given to us righteousness. (Romans 3:22). I Corinthians 1:30 tells us, “But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption.” By God’s design, when our faith is in Jesus, we are in Him; and if we are in Him, His righteousness is in us. We cannot stand in our own righteousness because we have none. However, through Christ we have a perfect righteousness. The bible says in Hebrews 4:16 that we can “draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Through the righteousness that we have in Christ, which is given by our faith in Him, we can come with confidence before the throne of God.
The temple that Solomon built and dedicated to the Lord was not the same temple that was in existence when Jesus walked upon this earth; however, it had the same basic design. On the inside of the temple was the Holy Place where only the priests were allowed to come in and minister. In the back of the Holy Place was a veil that separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies. All the priests were allowed into the Holy Place every day to perform their ministerial duties; yet, only the High Priest one time out of the year on the Day of Atonement was allowed to enter the Holy of Holies.
Inside the Holy of Holies was the very presence of God. Sin cannot enter into the presence of God, so the High Priest had to have all his sins confessed and repented of before entering the Holy of Holies. If he hadn’t, he would have been consumed by God’s presence. However, when Jesus died upon the cross, God’s work of redeeming mankind was finished. The Word of God, in Mathew 27:51, tells us that the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies was torn in two from top to bottom. Through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, God had made His presence available to all who would call on Him and put their faith in Him.
Many times we get the impression that God hears and answers some people’s prayers more than He does others. However, Romans 2:11 says, “There is no partiality with God.” God doesn’t sit up in heaven saying, “I think I’m going to answer this person’s prayer today and not that person’s.” Remember that “the effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much” and that our righteousness is not found within ourselves but in Jesus. I Timothy 2:5 tells us, “for there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” With faith in Christ we pray through Christ, and Christ alone, directly to the throne of God.Reclaiming the Land: God's Formula for Revival
September 23, 2014
As a Matter of Fact
“So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts. But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.” I Peter 1:19-21
In our post modern world we are taught that there are no certainties in life-everything is relative. The postmodernist will say, “What might be true for you might not be true for me.” That is a foolish and dangerous way of thinking. The fact is 2+2=4. You say you don’t agree with that? Everyone is entitled to their opinion. Sorry friend, you’re wrong. It equals four. It always has, and it always will. Naturally we all have opinions on any given subject. Our opinions can and will differ. However, facts are facts. The fact is the Mustang is made by Ford. In my opinion the Mustang is the greatest car ever made. Although the fact is undeniable my opinion is just that-an opinion.
When one looks at the bible he must ask himself, “Is this document a matter of fact, or simply one’s opinion.” Let’s look at the facts. The fact is most other religious documents were written by a single person at one particular time in history, and they often contradict themselves. The fact is the bible was written by over forty men over a period of about 1500 years, and it never contradicts itself. The fact is extra-biblical history proves the bible to be true. The fact is archaeology proves the bible to be true. The fact is science, true science, not man-made theory, proves the bible to be true. The fact is there are hundreds of prophecies in the Old Testament and the New that have already come to fulfillment, exactly as the bible said they would, proves the bible to be true.
Therefore, when the bible makes such bold statements that it is the authoritative word given directly from God we must accept it as fact. (II Timothy 3:16, 17). When the bible claims that Jesus is the only way to salvation we must accept it as fact. (John 14:6). When the bible clearly defines what sin is and what sin isn’t, again, we must accept it as facts. When the bible claims that we must repent of our sins and accept Jesus by faith to be our Lord and our Savior we have no other choice but to accept it as fact. (Ephesians 2:1-10).
As we take a look at these facts we also see that fact that, “What’s good for you may not be good for me” argument is illogical and false. The bible is either totally true or it is totally false. The bible is either the Word of God or it is fallible in every way. Jesus is either the only way to salvation or He is no way at all. These are facts. The facts point to the fact that the bible is true. You can disagree with it if you wish. You are entitled to your opinion standing in contrast to the facts. But you are wrong. Rusty Kuhn
In our post modern world we are taught that there are no certainties in life-everything is relative. The postmodernist will say, “What might be true for you might not be true for me.” That is a foolish and dangerous way of thinking. The fact is 2+2=4. You say you don’t agree with that? Everyone is entitled to their opinion. Sorry friend, you’re wrong. It equals four. It always has, and it always will. Naturally we all have opinions on any given subject. Our opinions can and will differ. However, facts are facts. The fact is the Mustang is made by Ford. In my opinion the Mustang is the greatest car ever made. Although the fact is undeniable my opinion is just that-an opinion.
When one looks at the bible he must ask himself, “Is this document a matter of fact, or simply one’s opinion.” Let’s look at the facts. The fact is most other religious documents were written by a single person at one particular time in history, and they often contradict themselves. The fact is the bible was written by over forty men over a period of about 1500 years, and it never contradicts itself. The fact is extra-biblical history proves the bible to be true. The fact is archaeology proves the bible to be true. The fact is science, true science, not man-made theory, proves the bible to be true. The fact is there are hundreds of prophecies in the Old Testament and the New that have already come to fulfillment, exactly as the bible said they would, proves the bible to be true.
Therefore, when the bible makes such bold statements that it is the authoritative word given directly from God we must accept it as fact. (II Timothy 3:16, 17). When the bible claims that Jesus is the only way to salvation we must accept it as fact. (John 14:6). When the bible clearly defines what sin is and what sin isn’t, again, we must accept it as facts. When the bible claims that we must repent of our sins and accept Jesus by faith to be our Lord and our Savior we have no other choice but to accept it as fact. (Ephesians 2:1-10).
As we take a look at these facts we also see that fact that, “What’s good for you may not be good for me” argument is illogical and false. The bible is either totally true or it is totally false. The bible is either the Word of God or it is fallible in every way. Jesus is either the only way to salvation or He is no way at all. These are facts. The facts point to the fact that the bible is true. You can disagree with it if you wish. You are entitled to your opinion standing in contrast to the facts. But you are wrong. Rusty Kuhn
September 22, 2014
Receiving the Hand of God’s Favor
“Then Samuel spoke to all the house of Israel, saying, “If you return to the LORD with all your heart, remove the foreign gods and the Ashtaroth from among you and direct your hearts to the LORD and serve Him alone; and He will deliver you from the hand of the Philistines.” So the sons of Israel removed the Baals and the Ashtaroth and served the LORD alone.” I Samuel 7:3-4 NASB
A repetitive theme we see in the Old Testament time and time again is Israel forsaking their God for the false god’s of this world. Each time this occurred the hand of God’s blessings would be removed allowing the enemy to come in bringing them into bondage. Once they repented by seeking God again and removing the false god’s from their midst the one true God would drive out the enemy and restore His hand of favor upon them.
We don’t live in a pagan culture today with false idles to worship. Yet at the same time, how often do we allow the things of this world to become priority in our lives above and beyond God? How often do we allow the very things God calls sinful and wicked to be a part of our daily lives? Clearly, we have made our choice; the choice to forsake God for the things of the world. One would only expect that life to be one of bondage. This one should certainly not expect the hand of God’s favor upon their life.
If we are to expect the hand of God’s favor upon us we must return to the Lord with all of our heart, we must remove everything foreign to Him that dishonors Him, we must direct our hearts to Him and we must serve Him alone. We mustn’t do this only to gain His favor but to honor Him-for He is worthy. He alone is worthy. If this is your direction and your heart you should then fully expect God’s hand of favor. You have now placed yourself in a position of being for Him and not against Him. Rusty Kuhn
A repetitive theme we see in the Old Testament time and time again is Israel forsaking their God for the false god’s of this world. Each time this occurred the hand of God’s blessings would be removed allowing the enemy to come in bringing them into bondage. Once they repented by seeking God again and removing the false god’s from their midst the one true God would drive out the enemy and restore His hand of favor upon them.
We don’t live in a pagan culture today with false idles to worship. Yet at the same time, how often do we allow the things of this world to become priority in our lives above and beyond God? How often do we allow the very things God calls sinful and wicked to be a part of our daily lives? Clearly, we have made our choice; the choice to forsake God for the things of the world. One would only expect that life to be one of bondage. This one should certainly not expect the hand of God’s favor upon their life.
If we are to expect the hand of God’s favor upon us we must return to the Lord with all of our heart, we must remove everything foreign to Him that dishonors Him, we must direct our hearts to Him and we must serve Him alone. We mustn’t do this only to gain His favor but to honor Him-for He is worthy. He alone is worthy. If this is your direction and your heart you should then fully expect God’s hand of favor. You have now placed yourself in a position of being for Him and not against Him. Rusty Kuhn
September 20, 2014
Do you Stand in Need of Revival?
Immediately after God told Solomon “I have heard your prayer, He gave Solomon warning signs to look for: “If I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or if I command the locust to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among My people”, (II Chronicles 7:13). God was telling Solomon not to take His current approval of their worship of Him for granted. His warning was clear. Although His hand of blessing was upon them at this current time, there was no guarantee that the blessings would stay.
God’s blessings are conditional and come with very clear warnings of the consequences of not following His directions. God does not say “let’s make a deal”. Nor does He invite us to the negotiating table. He clearly states His will in His word and gives us the choice of whether or not we will choose to accept His deal on His terms.
Somewhere in the course of modern church history we have come to the conclusion that we can simply do things our way and expect God’s blessings. Unfortunately for those of that persuasion the consistency of God’s Word greatly contradicts this notion. Have we forgotten that “He is a rewarder of those who seek Him”, (Hebrews 11:6)? Paul said in Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” Then he said in I Corinthians 15:31, “I die daily”. God’s heart is not for us to seek Him once and then forget about Him. His heart, and thus our heart, should be to seek the Lord daily.
Reclaiming the Land: God's Formula for Revival
God’s blessings are conditional and come with very clear warnings of the consequences of not following His directions. God does not say “let’s make a deal”. Nor does He invite us to the negotiating table. He clearly states His will in His word and gives us the choice of whether or not we will choose to accept His deal on His terms.
Somewhere in the course of modern church history we have come to the conclusion that we can simply do things our way and expect God’s blessings. Unfortunately for those of that persuasion the consistency of God’s Word greatly contradicts this notion. Have we forgotten that “He is a rewarder of those who seek Him”, (Hebrews 11:6)? Paul said in Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” Then he said in I Corinthians 15:31, “I die daily”. God’s heart is not for us to seek Him once and then forget about Him. His heart, and thus our heart, should be to seek the Lord daily.
Reclaiming the Land: God's Formula for Revival
September 1, 2014
Who’s Responsible?
As I sit down to write this, I am mindful of the moral collapse that is plaguing our nation. Inner city crime has spread to small towns and communities all across America, drugs have become an epidemic problem that virtually every family in America is dealing with, and sexual perversions of every kind have become socially acceptable. We pick up video cameras and idly watch while people are murdered, raped, and beaten instead of lending a helping hand and then use the video as a form of entertainment. Just a few weeks ago in a neighboring community, the police averted a planned school shooting that could have ended in great tragedy just as so many already have.
When the tragedies come we ask, “Who is to blame?” and “Who’s responsible for this great tragedy?” We first start pointing our fingers at the parents saying they are to blame, then to the schools noting that they should have had better security or should have been more aware of their student’s activities. We even want to pass the blame on the guns themselves, desiring to sue the gun manufacturers. We say we need better laws or better politicians who will write better laws. Christians love to pass the blame onto the ACLU and those “liberal” activist judges. “They have kicked prayer out of school,” we say. But are we praying at home with our children? We fuss saying, “They have removed God’s Word from the schools.” But are we teaching our children God’s Word at home? We want to pass the buck, but to whom has God given the responsibility?
A passage of scripture I have often found intriguing is Mark 14:17-21. Jesus was having the last supper with His disciples when He said to them, “One of you will betray Me.” What I find so intriguing about this text of scripture is the fact that Peter didn’t say “I know it’s John; I never really trusted him all that much anyway.” Nor did John say, “no it has to be Matthew; you know he use to be a tax collector.” Instead, each one turned to Jesus asking, “Surly, not I.” They weren’t passing the blame; they just wanted to make sure they were staying in right relationship. One of the major downfalls of modern society is that we are unwilling to accept responsibility for our own actions. Instead, we want to find someone else to pin it on. It seems as though taking responsibility for your own actions has gone the way of the ancient word.
However, when it comes to the spiritual condition of this world, there is only one institution to which God has granted power and authority-the power and authority to overcome the spiritual forces of wickedness and tear down the gates of hell. It is the church. Jesus said in Matthew 28:18, “all authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” He then said in the next verse of the same chapter, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” Out of the same breath that He said “I have all authority”, He said “Go”. In other words, we (the church) should go out into the world with the authority and the power of Jesus, making disciples who are followers of Jesus.
Jesus also told the church in Matthew 16:19, “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven.” If the power of God is not falling down upon this earth to change the heart of man and transform him into whom God so desires him to be, there is none other to blame than the church. The church is the only institution that God has chosen to work through. There is no other. Therefore, if the church is not fulfilling the callings that God has placed upon them, heaven will be bound. God did not say if the government, or if the school systems, or if the laws, or even if society gets right that He would heal the land. He said, “if my people who are called by My name.” God has given the call, He has given the authority, and He has given the power. We simply have to accept it and walk in it.
We are at a point today where the world has become hostile toward Christianity. We think that they simply don’t want to hear what we have to say, and that is the reasoning for their hostility. I submit to you the opposite. I believe the world today is hostile toward Christianity not because of our voice but because of our silence. Paul said in Romans 1:16, “I am not ashamed of the Gospel for it is the power unto salvation.” We fail to remember the most phenomenal growth the church has ever experienced was in the first century. We know as well that this was a time when the world was the most hostile toward the Church. Therefore, I am not saying that if the church regains its voice the world will no longer be hostile toward it. On the contrary, the world will most likely be all the more hostile. However, their hostility will be lost in the power of God moving to save the masses. In other words, God will redirect the attention of the lost to His power rather than to the idle arguments of man. The church must stand up and be the church, regardless of the roars of the wicked. Reclaiming the Land: God's Formula for Revival
When the tragedies come we ask, “Who is to blame?” and “Who’s responsible for this great tragedy?” We first start pointing our fingers at the parents saying they are to blame, then to the schools noting that they should have had better security or should have been more aware of their student’s activities. We even want to pass the blame on the guns themselves, desiring to sue the gun manufacturers. We say we need better laws or better politicians who will write better laws. Christians love to pass the blame onto the ACLU and those “liberal” activist judges. “They have kicked prayer out of school,” we say. But are we praying at home with our children? We fuss saying, “They have removed God’s Word from the schools.” But are we teaching our children God’s Word at home? We want to pass the buck, but to whom has God given the responsibility?
A passage of scripture I have often found intriguing is Mark 14:17-21. Jesus was having the last supper with His disciples when He said to them, “One of you will betray Me.” What I find so intriguing about this text of scripture is the fact that Peter didn’t say “I know it’s John; I never really trusted him all that much anyway.” Nor did John say, “no it has to be Matthew; you know he use to be a tax collector.” Instead, each one turned to Jesus asking, “Surly, not I.” They weren’t passing the blame; they just wanted to make sure they were staying in right relationship. One of the major downfalls of modern society is that we are unwilling to accept responsibility for our own actions. Instead, we want to find someone else to pin it on. It seems as though taking responsibility for your own actions has gone the way of the ancient word.
However, when it comes to the spiritual condition of this world, there is only one institution to which God has granted power and authority-the power and authority to overcome the spiritual forces of wickedness and tear down the gates of hell. It is the church. Jesus said in Matthew 28:18, “all authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” He then said in the next verse of the same chapter, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” Out of the same breath that He said “I have all authority”, He said “Go”. In other words, we (the church) should go out into the world with the authority and the power of Jesus, making disciples who are followers of Jesus.
Jesus also told the church in Matthew 16:19, “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven.” If the power of God is not falling down upon this earth to change the heart of man and transform him into whom God so desires him to be, there is none other to blame than the church. The church is the only institution that God has chosen to work through. There is no other. Therefore, if the church is not fulfilling the callings that God has placed upon them, heaven will be bound. God did not say if the government, or if the school systems, or if the laws, or even if society gets right that He would heal the land. He said, “if my people who are called by My name.” God has given the call, He has given the authority, and He has given the power. We simply have to accept it and walk in it.
We are at a point today where the world has become hostile toward Christianity. We think that they simply don’t want to hear what we have to say, and that is the reasoning for their hostility. I submit to you the opposite. I believe the world today is hostile toward Christianity not because of our voice but because of our silence. Paul said in Romans 1:16, “I am not ashamed of the Gospel for it is the power unto salvation.” We fail to remember the most phenomenal growth the church has ever experienced was in the first century. We know as well that this was a time when the world was the most hostile toward the Church. Therefore, I am not saying that if the church regains its voice the world will no longer be hostile toward it. On the contrary, the world will most likely be all the more hostile. However, their hostility will be lost in the power of God moving to save the masses. In other words, God will redirect the attention of the lost to His power rather than to the idle arguments of man. The church must stand up and be the church, regardless of the roars of the wicked. Reclaiming the Land: God's Formula for Revival
