The Blessed Life #10: A Lot to Be Thankful For

God’s promises are yes and Amen (so be it) to us who are faithful followers of Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 1:20). Meaning, what God promises He will fulfill. This is an amazing thing for us to be thankful for! On the other hand, it is so easy to listen to the news and find it hard to be thankful (the Ferguson unrest, the battle against ISIS, the Ebola crisis, natural disasters hitting various parts of our country and world, etc). Yet when we take and turn our attention to the promises of God our outlook changes!    

The original settlers of our nation looked to some of these promises and were able to have an attitude of gratitude. One passage that was particularly dear to the pilgrims was Psalm 107. In this Psalm, we find 5 reasons to be thankful.

First, God provides homes for the homeless (107:1-9). The Puritan pilgrims had been driven from their homes and were virtually hounded from place to place, but finally were able to set sail for a land that they could call home. The majority of us can be thankful for not experiencing homelessness or such unrest. On the other hand, “Apart from God we are like the prodigal son, who left his father's home to squander his substance in a far country” (Boice, Psalms Vol.3, p. 866). Yet the moment that we turn to the Father through Jesus Christ (John 14:6), we are blessed with an eternal home (John 14:2).

Second, God delivers us from oppression to freedom (107:10-16). The 16th century Governor William Bradford told of how the pilgrims were hunted and persecuted on every side. Some were taken and locked up in prison, others had their houses staked out night and day, and hardly escaped their enemies' hands; and the most were forced to flee, leaving their houses and habitations, and the means of their livelihood (Bradford, Of Plymouth Plantation, p. 10). Yet even still these individuals eventually made it to the land of the free. All of us go through periods or even seasons of oppression from time to time. Spiritually, every person was bound by the wages of their sins; yet when we receive Christ, He frees us from guilt, shame, and condemnation; and He grants us His favor (Luke 4:18-19).

Third, God delivers us from sickness to health (107:17-22). Most of the original pilgrims did not survive the trip across the ocean and the first winter, yet some did. And those individuals were extremely thankful that they did. Scripture teaches that the road to life is narrow and only a few find it (Matt. 7:14). Yet for those who do, they are blessed with deliverance from all physical aliments (Rev. 21:4). This is something that we who have a present active trust in Christ for our salvation can be thankful for (John 10:27-28).

Fourth, God delivers us from danger to safety (107:23-32). Can you imagine being out on those waters over a thousand miles from land as storms brewed on the horizon? It is hard to conceive what it must have been like for the Pilgrims to cross the Atlantic in a boat built back in the 1600s, with poor navigations skills. Yet God delivered them to the safety of dry land. Some of us have probably weathered floods, tornados, or earthquakes, etc. On the other hand, almost all people have gone through various storms like financial problems, health troubles, or a family crisis. Yet for us as Christians, God promises to still the storms when we call on Him. Sometimes He does this by literally calming the torrents of life, while other times He calms us by His presence through it all. Either way He delivers us.    

And fifth, God delivers us from trials to triumph (107:33-43). Even after all that the Pilgrims had gone through, their trials were not over. They experienced wars with the Indians, crops that failed, and sicknesses that returned. Yet through it all, God enabled them to survive. Whatever our trials maybe, we as Christians can know for a fact that God will work it out for our good (Rom. 8:28). The promises of God are yes and amen in Jesus Christ. Therefore, may we “Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever” (Psalm 107:1).

In His service,

         Matt

Elder’s Corner: You're not from around here – Are You?

A few weeks ago I read a story about a town in Western OK.  As people would come in the local diner, a few residents would look them over and then comment “you're not from around here – are you?”  They would do this with uncanny accuracy.  Finally one of the locals shared their secret.  They would merely peek at a person's shoes to determine if they were from there.  The soil in western OK contains iron oxide “rust.”  It clings to the sole of your shoes like glue and gives them a reddish tint.  If you didn't have the stain they knew you were a stranger.

This reminded me of Philippians 3:20-21 “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who shall transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power He has to subject all things to Himself.”  So we're “not really from around here.”  Our real home is in heaven.

God has just given us a few years on the earth to serve Him by serving others.  I really like the part in that verse that says He can transform our bodies to be like His.  The more we serve others—the more we're like Him.

 I also think of it in terms of my wife Judy's diseased body and know that someday she will have a healed body as He transforms her.  We have been so blessed by all of you who have shared food, making bibs, haircuts, cards, candy and most of all the prayers you have shared on our behalf.  I can feel that you are in this struggle together with us and I like the strength that comes in numbers.  I think you have shared in these trials because you love us.  Now—Jesus love says you would share with someone whom you didn't even know or worse yet someone who didn't “love you back” (see Luke 14:12-14).  God loved those who crucified His own Son.  When you love people like that they will say “You're not from around here – And they'd be right!”     

—Alan

The Spiritual Reality #3: The Holy War

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Eph. 6:12). 

 Across much of the news today is the talk of ISIS (Islamic State Iraq and Syria). ISIS has a track record of carrying out great acts of terrorism. They have made the news by beheading American journalists and foreign aid workers. And they have also forcefully overtaken cities and regions in Iraq and throughout the Middle East. Furthermore, the possibility of seeing terrorist type acts carried out by them in Europe and even here in the USA are high!

ISIS’s main desire is to see the Middle East (and eventually the entire world) following the Islamic Sharia law. Looking back historically, this type of warfare is not uncommon from Muslim groups. Who can forget about Al-Qaeda’s role in September 11, 2001? If one was to go back further through history the examples abound! In fact, their conquests were one of the primary reasons for the spread of Islam all the way back in the 7th Century A.D.

Now, the point of this article is not to have a history lesson on Islam or to debate the appropriate actions concerning how we as individuals should respond to ISIS (the Bible deals with that in Luke 6:27-36). Nor is this article about how our government should respond to ISIS (the Bible deals with that in Rom. 13:1-6).  Likewise, the point is not to get into a debate between Islam and Christianity. Furthermore, we should hold nothing personally against any Muslim. Rather, the point of this article is to consider the physical evidence of the Holy War revealed in our world. 

To understand this all one must do is consider the motivation behind ISIS and other extreme Islamic groups.

While the lure of money and a sense of belonging motivate some Muslims, the primary reason according to ISIS is found in their holy book, the Quran. The Quran commands Muslims to kill individuals who refuse to convert to Islam (Surahs 9:5). "...Fight those who do not believe in Allah or in the last day and who do not consider unlawful what Allah and his messenger (Muhammad) have made unlawful and who do not adopt the religion of truth (Islam)" (Surahs 9:29). 

Ever since the fall of mankind in the Garden of Eden, there has been a war going on between God and Satan (Gen. 3:15). When Adam and Eve gave into Satan’s temptation, they gave Satan control (Matt. 4:8-9; 2 Cor. 4:4; Eph. 2:2; 1 John 5:19). On the cross, Jesus defeated Satan (Col. 2:14-15; Heb. 2:14). However, Satan’s punishment will not be fully carried out until Jesus returns (Rev. 20:10). Until that day, Satan, though restricted, will continue to attack those who follow true Christianity (Rev. 12:17).

Two of the most common ways that Satan wages war against Christians are found in groups like ISIS.  First, ISIS is an example of the “beast coming out of the sea” (Rev. 13:1-10). The beast coming out of the sea is a picture of governments which oppose Christianity (Isa. 51:9-11; Dan. 2:41-43; 7:7, 24). ISIS has been known to behead children who are a part of Christian families in Iraq.

Anti-Christian governments are common in our world today and not just among Muslim majority nations. Nearly one-third of all the countries in the world have restrictions on Christian freedoms. Furthermore, over one quarter of the nations in the world are hostile towards Christians.

Second, ISIS is an example of the “beast coming out of the earth” (Rev. 13:11-18). This beast is a picture of false religions (see also Rev. 16:13-14; 19:20-21). In many Islamic countries, a person who is not a Muslim is restricted on what they can buy and sell (Rev. 13:16-17), what type of education they can receive, and types of jobs they are allowed to work, and what means of public transportation they are allowed to utilize (for example in certain parts of Tanzania some buses are restricted for Muslims only).

Similar arguments could be made of certain Hindu, Buddhist and indigenous groups throughout the world. The bottom line is this: these groups are clear evidence to the spiritual reality; likewise, they point to the holy war between God and His faithful followers versus Satan and those under his control.

Because of God’s love,

     Matt

The Blessed Life #9: Financial Freedom

 

One writer said, “Money still talks. Usually it says good-bye.” Can you relate with that? I know that I sure can. On the other hand, what would it be like to never have to be concerned about meeting your physical needs again? How would you feel if you knew for a fact that all of your financial issues for the rest of your earthly life were taken care of?

The Bible actually speaks of such a financial freedom.

•   “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want” (Ps. 23:1).
•  “Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart” (Ps. 37:4).
•  “My God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:19). 

 Please do not misunderstand me. The Bible does NOT teach that once you become a Christian that you will become a millionaire! If it does, then how does one explain millions of Christians living in poverty? And how does one explain why Jesus Himself was homeless (Matt. 8:20)? 

Likewise, the Bible is NOT opposed to individuals who have been able to acquire great physical wealth. There are several people of the true faith who were rich in the Bible: Abraham, David, Nicodemus, and Joseph of Arimathea.

On the other hand, what the Bible does teach is that no matter your financial situation, you can have a peace of mind that is greater than what any dollar amount could possibly offer you. I speak of this from personal experience.

Prior to attending Bible College, I worked in construction making about double what I do now as a minster. Yet the difference was even greater then as both my wife and I left everything behind to follow the Lord.

When we first started classes, we had no jobs lined up; we simply trusted that God would take care of us as His Word says. We were sure that His plan would include our working part-time. Yet no matter how hard we tried to find employment, nothing was working out.

Furthermore, our class load at the time was way more than what we had ever experienced when we received our Associates’ degrees. And if we would have reduced our class load then we would have lost our scholarships for tuition further compounding the problem. So after much prayer we felt the Lord telling us simply to trust Him through it all and He would provide for us.

And provide for us He did. We were able to graduate debt free. I’m not saying that trusting God’s provisions is always the easiest thing in the world, yet it is the most secure!  “If God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, He will certainly care for you...” (Matt. 6:30 NLT)

Therefore, let me ask you once more: do you want to experience true financial freedom? If you do the pathway to such freedom is simple: “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need” (Matt. 6:33 NLT).

In His service,

            Matt 

Elder’s Corner: Your Self Worth

The other day I found a meditation which I would like to share with you. 

--Enrique

If you are spiritually born again...in love with Jesus Christ...value the Word of God as the valuable treasure that it is… you truly are the most priceless miracle to God that He could possibly have executed. 

When you turned your life over to Jesus Christ, you made the wisest decision you could ever make.  One of the greatest reasons for your joy through eternity will be knowing that there are no limitations in what God can do in you, for you, by you, and through you.  Let a little of the reality of that joy slip through each day when life seems such a struggle down here.  It is the greatest equalizer, attitude adjuster, and joy jump-starter I can think of.

Your worth to God is not measured by college degrees hanging on your wall. Your worth to God is not measured by how many financial assets you may possess. Your worth to God is not measured by whatever position you may hold in the work place or your rank in the military. Your worth to God is not measured by how high you score on an IQ test.  Conversely, your worth to God is not measured by how handicapped, crippled or diseased you are, or how impoverished or financially poor you may be.

The truth of the matter is—your worth is measured by what Jesus has done for you. He died for you.—He proved that you are of infinite value! And therefore, by you having received what Jesus has done for you, God the Father is well pleased that He created you—a priceless miracle.

By Norm Rasmussen, for the complete and unedited article see http://www.precious-testimonies.com/Exhortations/u-z/YouAreGodsGreatestMiracle.htm

The Blessed Life #8: No Regrets

 On August 27th, the Todd Becker Foundation came to Eugene High School. During 2 events, Keith Becker shared his brother Todd’s story.  Todd was a high school senior who had a tremendous amount of potential only to die at the age of 18. As I listened to Keith share Todd’s story, probably the most impactful detail for me related to an opportunity Todd passed up on the last day of his life.

Todd was given an offer to have assurance of where he was going to spend eternity. Really the offer was much more than that. Todd had been offered a chance to have peace of mind throughout life, and especially during the moments of life’s end. Sadly, Todd refused.

The Apostle Paul said, “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death” (2 Cor. 7:10).  I wonder, if Todd would have been able to reconsider his response with a knowledge of what would happen that night, would he have changed his mind, leading to a radically different outcome?

Interestingly, this was the very opportunity that another man had:

One morning, as a man named Alfred was reading the newspaper, he read the words of his own obituary! This happened as a result of a simple error on the part of the journalist, for Alfred’s brother was the one had just died. Needless to say this was a disturbing experience for Alfred, but what was most disturbing was what was written about him.

The newspaper described how Alfred was a terrible man, “a merchant of death,” making “his fortune by finding a way to kill the most people as ever before in the shortest time possible.” Thus, it described how it was a good thing for this man to be dead. This was definitely not how Alfred saw himself, even though he was partly responsible for others’ deaths as the inventor of dynamite.

Alfred’s life was changed that morning. It was like someone gave him as second chance at life to live with no regrets. So much so, that when Alfred did die 8 years later, his actual obituary read vastly different. In fact each year the world honors someone for taking up the cause which Alfred started: the Nobel Peace Prize.

What would you change if you were in this man’s life? What regrets do you live with that you wish you could leave behind? Sometimes our regrets do not surface until we come face to face with the reality of the life we have been living, like Alfred. Meanwhile still, other regrets only surface in the final moments of our lives. Any regret which you might have or could possibly have, can be erased.

Scripture promises that when we seek the Lord with a repentant heart, He will deliver us from all our fears and therefore enable us to live with no shame (Psalm 34:4-5). Likewise, Scripture gives us a great model of how to pass from this life with no regrets: past, present or future. “...Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:13b-14).

Therefore, I encourage you to turn your life over to Jesus Christ, and thus, leave your regrets behind.

In His service,

            Matt 

The Spiritual Reality #2: The 5th Dimension

On September 22, 1922 the entertainment world made a radical leap when the first 3D movie debuted, making images came alive on the big screen. This radical leap gives us a significant illustration of the reality of the spiritual dimension! Prior to 1922, people could only see things in 2D on the big screen, yet much of life takes place beyond those 2 limited dimensions.

Similarly, for a long time now, many have been living in a ‘2D’ world, not recognizing the spiritual dimension that has always been there. I have entitled it the 5th dimension (the 4th dimension is time). Yet in reality there are way more than 5 dimensions; the modern scientific field of quantum physics has proven this! As we journey, our exploration of this new dimension will require that we use specific 5th dimension glasses (similar to how in 1922, the first audience had to put on special glasses to view these new 3D films). To begin our study, we will consider the proof that this dimension does in fact exist.

First, the 5th dimension is revealed through history. The most significant historical event revealing this reality is Jesus’ resurrection. When Jesus rose from the dead, the normal laws of the physical dimensions were superseded. It is natural to question the validity of someone rising from the dead. Some common questions I have encountered, and even raised myself include:

·         What does one do with all the eyewitness accounts? 

·         What about the lack of evidence against His resurrection from ancient historians?

·         Additionally, what does one do with 39 ancient non-Christian historians who support His rising from the dead (Gary Habermas, The Verdict of History)?

If you want to know the answer to these questions you can find them, along with others, at: http://www.eugenechristianchurch.blogspot.com/search/label/Matt%27s%20Matters).

I encourage you to study these answers for yourself. I am confident that as you study these truths, you will join me in coming to the conclusion that Jesus did rise from the dead. And thus, we have our first solid instance of the spiritual reality.

The second proof of the 5D is revealed through predictions of future events. This is not referring to mere luck or calculated reasoning; anyone can guess what will take place. What I am referring to is specific, detailed predictions of the future – predictions that did come to reality. There are 2 examples of such predictive prophecy which I want to draw our attention to:

The first is of a guy named Cyrus. Cyrus was a Persian king who was prophesied about by name 150 years beforehand (Isa. 44-45) who would restore and rebuild Jerusalem which hadn’t been destroyed yet! Furthermore, Cyrus was specifically mentioned before he was ever born.

And the second example comes from Jesus Himself. There are 313 specific prophecies in the OT stating exactly what Jesus was going to be like and do. Some of the prophecies would have been impossible to arrange, like where He was born, how His parents took Him to Egypt shortly after His birth, and how He would die, not to mention the resurrection. Plus, there are numerous historians, both Christian and non-Christian which support what He did.

The statistical probability of any one person fulfilling just 8 of those 313 prophecies is the same as filling the entire state of Texas with silver dollars waist high and placing 2 gold coins at random; then requiring a blindfolded individual to locate those 2 coins in just one attempt per coin. These prophecies supersede the physical dimension and are therefore, a part of the spiritual reality.

The third evidence of our spiritual reality is that of life transformation, especially of individuals radically opposed to Jesus and Christianity. These individuals may have gone so far as to torture and kill Christians. Yet once they encountered the One who transcends the physical realm, Jesus Christ, in a special way, they were never the same. Individuals like Jesus’ own brothers’ James and Jude had rejected Him prior to seeing the resurrected Jesus. Yet after this encounter James became the leader of the church in Jerusalem, and Jude was influential as well. Or who can forget the Apostle Paul who formerly persecuted Christians. Yet after encountering Jesus on the road to Damascus, he became one of the most influential missionaries in history. Then there are modern examples of Lee Strobel, Josh McDowell, and C.S. Lewis. All of these individuals’ lives reveal a kingdom that is not of this world—the spiritual reality.

Based on these three evidences, a case has been made for the spiritual dimension of our world. The only question which remains is whether you will choose to look at the world through the lens of the 5th dimension.

Because of God’s love,

     Matt