I read this title on my e-mail list the other day. While I have not read the article that was submitted, it got me to thinking that we all should consider this thought.
Without exception, all of the animal kingdom (with the exception of man--whom I do not really consider an animal) does what they do for their needs. A bird will build a nest according to it's needs. All the species have different methods, and materials they use for their various nests.
A few birds do not even build nests. The penguins transfer the egg from the mother to the father, and the father stands over the egg to protect it from the elements during the harshest time of winter, and the females go off to the oceans edge to eat during that time.
The reason that animals do not build mansions is because they have no pride. They are content to do what God designed them to do.
Man on the other hand has a brain that God gave him/her. However we see from nature, that animals use their brains a lot better than most people. Man could get by with very little, because for most of the worlds population, that is all they have. When we are blessed with abundance, we really get stupid. We build things that we learn to think we could not live without.
Sometimes we build the mansions because others are doing it. Sometimes because we want to show off our affluence. Still, pride is that motivation.
The apostle Paul wrote to the Philippians how he could get by in poverty or prosperity. It is just being able to be content with what you have. Many people have the peace which passes all understanding because they have learned to become content. Those who are not content are miserable people indeed.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
The Plan, Formula, Recipe from God
As mankind has progressed from the stone age, they have sought many inventions. Most of these were not beneficial to people, as many inventions led people into deeper sin. Yet when we get the brightest and best and put a group together to come up with ways in which success can be achieved, we find the most simple of plans.
We usually find these plans in a few simple step programs or formulas. The process from something such as a building being constructed and occupied must follow a simple plan.
First, Determine what the need is.
Second, get an architect to plan something to meet that need.
Third, preparation including getting the permits, buying the material, contracting the labor.
Fourth is the actual construction,
and Fifth, is the occupation of this building.
Obviously, one must follow these steps in order.
That makes sense, and this process is followed all the time, because it works.
This formula works in building a sports team, and you can honestly say that when we read of a team rebuilding, that is exactly what they are doing. Usually the GM is the architect of the program. Gathering the right people and getting them ready is the preparation, then the construction takes place. This is where they put the plan together and work together to build a team, then finally they put the team on the field and execute their plan.
This process also works.
But now, let us consider how to build a Christian. For the most part, we have failed, because we have not used the plans and formula that God gave us, and which the world recognizes as being a successful model of growth and development.
We fail at building Christians. Oh, we make Christians, by our teaching, but we do not develop them in a structured format. Somehow, we expect them to come up out of the water with every ability that those of us who have been Christians for many years would have.
Jesus talked about the seed that fell among the rocky soil. They were all excited, had a lot of zeal, but then when the going got tough, they gave up.
Every Christian needs to develop a plan that they can use to assist new Christians in their growth. Because, many new converts want to do right, but they meet the frustration of not being able to handle tough situations.
Titus 2 teaches us that the older Christians should teach the younger Christians. Well, not in so many words, but read it for yourself. The older men to guide and counsel the younger men, and the older women to guide, train, and assist the younger women not only in Christianity, but everyday life.
God gave us the plan, and we need to execute such plan. We have far too many people who are baptized, and lose interest in the church so very quickly. Let us all learn what we can do to assist young Christians, and perhaps we will learn some things ourselves on this journey.
We usually find these plans in a few simple step programs or formulas. The process from something such as a building being constructed and occupied must follow a simple plan.
First, Determine what the need is.
Second, get an architect to plan something to meet that need.
Third, preparation including getting the permits, buying the material, contracting the labor.
Fourth is the actual construction,
and Fifth, is the occupation of this building.
Obviously, one must follow these steps in order.
That makes sense, and this process is followed all the time, because it works.
This formula works in building a sports team, and you can honestly say that when we read of a team rebuilding, that is exactly what they are doing. Usually the GM is the architect of the program. Gathering the right people and getting them ready is the preparation, then the construction takes place. This is where they put the plan together and work together to build a team, then finally they put the team on the field and execute their plan.
This process also works.
But now, let us consider how to build a Christian. For the most part, we have failed, because we have not used the plans and formula that God gave us, and which the world recognizes as being a successful model of growth and development.
We fail at building Christians. Oh, we make Christians, by our teaching, but we do not develop them in a structured format. Somehow, we expect them to come up out of the water with every ability that those of us who have been Christians for many years would have.
Jesus talked about the seed that fell among the rocky soil. They were all excited, had a lot of zeal, but then when the going got tough, they gave up.
Every Christian needs to develop a plan that they can use to assist new Christians in their growth. Because, many new converts want to do right, but they meet the frustration of not being able to handle tough situations.
Titus 2 teaches us that the older Christians should teach the younger Christians. Well, not in so many words, but read it for yourself. The older men to guide and counsel the younger men, and the older women to guide, train, and assist the younger women not only in Christianity, but everyday life.
God gave us the plan, and we need to execute such plan. We have far too many people who are baptized, and lose interest in the church so very quickly. Let us all learn what we can do to assist young Christians, and perhaps we will learn some things ourselves on this journey.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Making The Choice
The moment that God pronounced to Adam and Eve that they could eat of any fruit of the Garden except for one tree, God gave man a choice. Man has had that choice from the beginning up until now. We each have the choice of obeying God or not. We have the choice of meeting God's standards or not. We have the choice to sin.
God, not only gave us a choice, but God told us the results of our choices. Take time to read Deuteronomy 28. Verses 1-14 inform us of the blessings the children of Israel would realize if they obeyed God. Verses 15-68 warns them of the consequence of turning their backs on God.
Even though we are under a different system of grace, and not under the Mosaic law, there are still blessings made available to those who obey God, and curses fall upon those who sin before God. The result of sin is death, and the eventual destiny of all sinners is Hell. God warns us of the consequences of disobedience.
But God does not want us to perish, so He provided His grace to provide the attonement we need to come to God and have a pure relationship with Him. Jesus died on the cross so that we could be spared the penalty of Death.
But just because we are under grace, we still have choices. We must choose to follow Christ and God's commandments, or we can choose not to be obedient to God. Following Christ will bring blessings, and not following God will bring eternal torment.
The great thing about this grace is that God has given each one of us the ability to make the right choice. God even helps us because in 1 Corinthians 10:13, He protects us from any temptation that might overpower us. The bottom line is that if we choose to sin, it is all on us. We cannot blame Satan or the world or our parents or any living creature. If we succumb to temptation, we are guilty ourselves. We cannot blame God for our short-comings.
Some people want to teach that Satan is powerful and we cannot help sinning if we fall under his spell. Well that is so easy. Lay the blame on Satan. But everyone has the power to control Satan. We have that assurance from God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
To become a Christian is the greatest choice you can make in this life. You have the ability to choose to serve Christ and God. Stop blaming Satan and others for your failures, and make the choice to serve God. If you do, you have the right to enter Heaven if you continue in faithfulness.
What can we do to help you find the Lord, and become one of His children?
God, not only gave us a choice, but God told us the results of our choices. Take time to read Deuteronomy 28. Verses 1-14 inform us of the blessings the children of Israel would realize if they obeyed God. Verses 15-68 warns them of the consequence of turning their backs on God.
Even though we are under a different system of grace, and not under the Mosaic law, there are still blessings made available to those who obey God, and curses fall upon those who sin before God. The result of sin is death, and the eventual destiny of all sinners is Hell. God warns us of the consequences of disobedience.
But God does not want us to perish, so He provided His grace to provide the attonement we need to come to God and have a pure relationship with Him. Jesus died on the cross so that we could be spared the penalty of Death.
But just because we are under grace, we still have choices. We must choose to follow Christ and God's commandments, or we can choose not to be obedient to God. Following Christ will bring blessings, and not following God will bring eternal torment.
The great thing about this grace is that God has given each one of us the ability to make the right choice. God even helps us because in 1 Corinthians 10:13, He protects us from any temptation that might overpower us. The bottom line is that if we choose to sin, it is all on us. We cannot blame Satan or the world or our parents or any living creature. If we succumb to temptation, we are guilty ourselves. We cannot blame God for our short-comings.
Some people want to teach that Satan is powerful and we cannot help sinning if we fall under his spell. Well that is so easy. Lay the blame on Satan. But everyone has the power to control Satan. We have that assurance from God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
To become a Christian is the greatest choice you can make in this life. You have the ability to choose to serve Christ and God. Stop blaming Satan and others for your failures, and make the choice to serve God. If you do, you have the right to enter Heaven if you continue in faithfulness.
What can we do to help you find the Lord, and become one of His children?
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