The Comfort of being asleep in Jesus

First let me say.  I am glad to be back blogging.  It has been a tough week, with all the snow and ice that pounded our area.

The week began for me with a funeral.  I was the speaker at a graveside service for a woman in our congregation who passed away due to pancreatic cancer.  She had a good life, living to be 81 years old and we know that she went on to her reward because of her faith in Jesus.  She had been a Christian for a long time and was always very encouraging to me after I would preach a sermon.  Her last request was that be one of the speakers at the graveside service. 

Although sad, that was not a problem.  Because as I Thessalonians 4:13-18 talks about, those who are asleep in Jesus will rise first in the resurrection.  She is no doubt among those who are now asleep in Jesus. 

Revelation 2:10 says that if a person lives a faithful unto death they will receive a crown of righteousness and as I pointed out earlier she had been a baptized believer of Christ for a long time.

It was comforting for the family and for all of us who were there to know that if we also are obedient to Jesus and faithful to his word that we will one day also be given our crown of righteousness and will be able to see her once again.

The only other funeral I had ever preached, prior to this, came in the spring in 2002 and it was a much sadder occasion.  He was one of my best friends in the world, a tremendous Ohio State fan as I am and just an absolute joy to be around.  He was taken from us by cancer at the age of 30.  His family wanted me to perform the ceremony.  I gladly did it, but the difficulty came because he was unchurched.  No religious background whatsoever.  It was sad, knowing what a great person he was, but knowing that alone was not enough to reserve a place with Almighty God in Heaven.

Given the two circumstances, even knew my friend much better than the Christian sister, I would take the first situation any day of the week. 

If you are not saved then you will not be asleep in Jesus when your time on earth is done.  That’s not my opinion, it’s Biblical fact.

In order to be saved and to be able to sleep in Jesus you need to hear the word (Romans 10:17), believe it and in Jesus Christ (John 8:24, Mark 16:16,), repent of all past sins (Acts 2:38, Acts 17:30, Luke 13:3,5), confess that Jesus is the Son of God (Romans 10:9-10, Acts 8:37), be buried in baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38, Romans 6:3-4, Acts 22:16) and live faithful until death (Rev. 2:10).

A Must Read Story

A heads up to my dad who sent me this story via e-mail. 

We talk about athletes being role models.  Although, that is not always a good idea.  If you are one who adheres to that notion then the athlete in this story is certainly one you could definitely put in the role model category.

KURTIS THE STOCK BOY AND
BRENDA THE CHECKOUT GIRL

In a supermarket, Kurtis the stock boy, was busily working when a new voice came over the loud speaker asking for a carry out at register 4.  Kurtis was almost finished, and wanted to get some fresh air, and decided to answer the
call. As he approached the check-out stand a distant smile caught his eye, the new check-out girl was beautiful.  She was an older woman (maybe 26, and he was only 22) and he fell in love.

Later that day, after his shift was over, he waited by the punch clock to find out her name. She came into the break room, smiled  softly at him, took her card and punched out, then left.  He looked at her card, BRENDA.  He walked out only to see her start walking up the road.  Next day, he waited outside as she left the supermarket, and offered her a ride home. He looked harmless enough, and she
accepted.  When he dropped her off, he asked if maybe he could see her again, outside of work.  She simply said it wasn’t possible.

He pressed and she explained she had two children and she couldn’t afford a baby-sitter, so he offered to pay for the baby-sitter.  Reluctantly she accepted his offer for a date for the following Saturday.  That Saturday night he arrived at her door only to have her tell him that she was unable to go with him. The baby-sitter had called and canceled. To which Kurtis simply said, “Well, let’s take the kids with us.”

She tried to explain that taking the children was not an option, but again not taking no for an answer, he pressed.  Finally Brenda, brought him inside to meet
her children.  She had an older daughter Jessie, who was just as cute as a bug, Kurtis thought, then Brenda brought out her son, Zachary in a wheelchair.  He was born a
paraplegic with Down Syndrome.

Kurtis asked Brenda, “I still don’t understand why the kids can’t come with us?”  Brenda was amazed. Most men would run away from a woman with two kids, especially if one had disabilities – just like her first husband and father of her children had done.  Kurtis was not ordinary – - – he had a different mindset.

That evening Kurtis and Brenda loaded up the kids, went to dinner and the movies. When her son needed anything Kurtis would take care of him.  When he needed to use the restroom, he picked him up out of his wheelchair, took him and brought him back.  The kids loved Kurtis.  At the end of the evening, Brenda knew this was the man she was going to marry and spend the rest of her life with.

A year later, they were married and Kurtis adopted Jessie and Zachary.  Since then Brenda and Kurtis have added five children of their own:  sons Elijah and Kade, daughter Jada, and twin girls Sierra Rose and Sienna Rae. 

So what happened to Kurtis the stock boy and Brenda the check-out girl?  Well, Mr. & Mrs. Kurt Warner now live in Arizona , where he is currently employed as the quarterback of the National Football League Arizona Cardinals and has his Cardinals in the hunt for a possible appearance in the Super Bowl.  Is this a surprise ending or could you have guessed that he was not an ordinary person.  Both Brenda and Kurt are active born-again Christians. 

It should be noted that he also quarterbacked the Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI.

He has also been the NLF’s Most Valuable Player twice and the Super Bowl’s Most Valuable Player.

 

A great story that I hope the national media can take time away from hyping the Super Bowl to devote a little time to it.  I mean, what, they have 10 days left and will most likely have a 3-4 hour pre-game show on the day of the game.

 

We need more Kurt Warner’s in the world.

 

GO CARDINALS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Stay On The Path

As Christians — We need to strive to stay on the path. If you are not a Christian, it is important that you find the right path and then stay on it.

Psalms 119:105 says “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.”   There’s the starting point.

We all need to follow the Word of God — Joshua said this to God’s people in the final days of his life in Joshua 23:6 “Be very strong; be careful to obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, without turning aside to the right or to the left.”

Keep in mind that the Law of Moses was all they had at that time, but the point remains the same for us.  Follow God’s Word.  Joshua is basically saying, Stay on the path.”

Unfortunately it is a narrow path —Matthew 7:14 “But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”

Part of being on the path and not going to the right or the left is to not be like the world.  Christians are to be different from the world, in it but not of it.  Romans 12:2 “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of you mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — His good, pleasing and perfect will.”

That verse illustrates the point of Christians being different from the world.  Although, I must admit, it is very difficult to do some days.  We were never promised that it would be easy.

Christians are the called out (Ekklesia).  Meaning we are to be different from the world.

One way to help stay on the path or find the correct path.  II Timothy 2:15 “Do your best to present yoursefl to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”

If we follow his instructions completely, surrender our will to His in belief and obeidience to His word, then we will have a Crown of Righteousness.  “Do not be afraid of what you are about ot suffer, I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution ten days.  Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.” — Revelation 2:10

One example of being from the world and living in a way to achieve the crown of life.  Matthew 5:13-16 “You are the salt of the earth.  But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?  It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.  You are the light of the World.  A city on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.  Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven.” 

It is my hope and my prayer for you, to find the right path, stay on the path and one day inhabit the Heavenly Home with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the Creator of the Universe.

That’s my plan and I hope yours as well.

Why God Made Friends

We all have friends and we all need friends.  They are a gift from God.  The following is a poem entitled “Why God Made Friends”

God made the world with a heartful of love, Then He looked down from Heaven above.  And saw that we all needed a helping hand.  Someone to share with, who will understand.

He made special people to see us through, the glad times and sad times too.  A person on whom we can always depend, someone we can call a friend.

God made friends so we’ll carry a part, of His perfect love in all our hearts.

—- Jim Wolf

Be sure when you’re thanking God today and everyday that you thank Him for your friends.

The One True Hope

We have been hearing for quite some time about Hope and now that Barack Obama is officially in the White House, there was plenty of talk yesterday about hope. 

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin made a statement about Obama, saying words to effect of we’re buying the hope that he is selling. Many people are.

I’m not here to say whether that’s right or wrong, but wouldn’t be wonderful if people would get that excited about the hope that Jesus provides for us, which is greater than anything that Mr. Obama or anybody else could provide for us.

Romans 15:4 says “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” (NIV)

Christ and His words are the only true hope that we have.  Acts 4:12 states that “Salvation is found no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” (NIV)

That verse is talking about Jesus, the stone the builders rejected, which has become the chief cornerstone (Acts 4:11).  Many have rejected the one true hope for all mankind.

Perhaps Mr. Obama will be a good president.  Time will tell, but to place our hope in him is misguided.

There is a song entitled “Jesus, Name Above All Names.”  He is described in that hymn as a savior, glorious Lord, and Emmanuel (Meaning God is with us).

For all the excitement that our new President has stirred up, there is very little buzz over the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Perhaps that is why we are struggling as we are.  Lord Help Us and may we do a better job of telling those around us that our hope needs to be placed in the only one who can really do anything about our plight — Jesus.

My Wish For Obama

Well, I see that Barack Obama used Abraham Lincoln’s Bible for his swearing in ceremony. 

My wish for him is that he will follow the words of Lincoln when he said “You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich.  You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.  You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.  You cannot help man permanently by doing for them what they could and should do for themselves.”

Based on what he said in the campaign, I’m not sure he will follow those words (Speading the Wealth).  Lincoln’s words, I believe are based on Biblical principles — I Timothy 5:8 “If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” (NIV)

And II Thessalonians 3:7-12 “For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example.  We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it.  On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you.  We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow.  For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: ‘If a man will not work, he shall not eat.’  We hear that some among you are idle.  They are not busy; they are busybodies.  Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat.”  (NIV)

I realize that we are in some very difficult economic times and relief may have to come from the government, but it should only be temporary, if at all.

I think that many believe that now that Obama is in the White House that all of their problems are over.  If he does not follow the words of Lincoln and the Christian principles that this nation was built upon, our troubles may just be beginning.

Looking at the flip side, if Obama didn’t actually mean what he said in the campaign, and he certainly would not have been the first politician to fall victim to that, then he like many, said whatever it takes to get elected, which is not change at all. 

Speaking of change — how does bringing in members of Bill Clinton’s adminstration constitute change? 

Exodus 18:21 says “But select capable men from all the people —men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain — and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens.” (NIV)

Unfortunately for us, we have long since stopped sending men of this caliber to Washington.

By the way, it was interesting and I wonder if anyone else caught it, during the NFC Championship game on FOX on Sunday, they aired a promo of a new show coming to FOX entitled “Lie To Me”.  The show looks as if it is about a guy who can detect whether or not a person is lying.  While the promo was running it was interesting and also sad (but true), to see two clips appear on the screen of the U.S. Capitol building and the Washington Monument.  A subtle shot of what actually goes on in the cesspool that is our Nation’s Capitol.

Pray for our country, pray our leaders, we’re all going to need it.

The Victory Voice, Vol. 4

This is the final installment of The Victory Voice

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Good News…Jesus Can Save

Golgotha—The greatest outpouring of love in the history of the world was demonstrated at the Cross of Calvary.

A common friend of Jesus Christ, his cousin, John The Baptizer, told of this savior who was to follow him.  This would ultimately lead to John’s death.  He spoke of this Jesus as a redeemer of, not only the Jews, but the Gentiles as well.

Jesus made seven statements on the cross and six of the seven were focused on others than himself.  He even took time  to save a criminal on the cross beside him, who recognized his Deity.  He also asked God, His Father, to forgive those who placed him on the tree.

As the slaps were still stinging his face and the slurs were ringing in his ears he was on the cross dying for those individuals.

As the sixth hour approached, darkness filled the sky and the curtain in the temple split in two.  At that moment, Jesus said “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit,” and he breathed his last.

This death was not the cruel taking of perfect man’s life, but the willing gift of a loving Savior and merciful Father.

The scheme of redemption, which was conceived before the world was created, was now entering the final phase.  The wonderful plan that God, the Father, had orchestrated was now being completed by the God the Son.  Jesus was taking on the sins of all men, past, present, and future, to give us a freedom from the bondage of sin.  To rescue us from the clutches of Satan.

The search for a savior is over.  Good News…Jesus Saves!

The Victory Voice, Vol. 3

Here is the third of four installments of the The Victory Voice.

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Good News…Jesus Can Love

Jerusalem—The great teacher Jesus Christ once again amazed the crowd of followers.  In the midst of the crowd were tax collectors and other sinners.  The haughty Pharisees, who have brought strong opposition against the man from Galilee, were present to voice their disappoval to the Nazarene, whose love shows no disguise.

After beginning with short stories about a lost sheep and lost coin, Jesus then proceeded to tear at the heart strings of the audience.  When he finished with this parable there was not a dry eye left in the place. The people, perhaps did not understand about a lost sheep or a lost coin, but they could empathize with the prodigal son.

The master teacher told about two sons.  The younger, brasher son took his inheritance and left to tackle the good life.  After losing his cash on wild living he was left to fight the swine for his food.  He was forced to make a humbling, humiliating decision to return home to the father he shunned.

As he approached the road home, his father ran to meet him and welcomed him with open arms.  This story shows the true nature of Jesus, that love is the basis of His ministry.

No matter what you’ve done he will welcome you or welcome you back into the fold.  And that’s Good News.

The Victory Voice, Vol. 2

Back with more from the Victory Voice.

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Good News…Jesus Can Change (Your Life)

Damascus—A life-changing experience has taken place for a man by the name of Saul of Tarsus.  Saul, a Pharisee with a bad attitude and the chief nemesis of the church, was on a journey to Damascus to reap more havoc against Christians.

On his journey he experienced something that would change his life forever, change his eternity.  The zealous Pharisee with both a jewish and Roman heritage met with a blinding light from Heaven and the voice of the Lord Jesus Christ boomed in his ears asking him why he was persecuting the church.

Saul was blinded by the light and trembling with fear asked the Lord what he should do.  Jesus commanded him to go into the city to the street called Straight and it would be told to him what he should do.

Saul was greeted by a man named Ananaias and it he was he who told him what he should do.  Saul had to be helped into the city because he had been blinded by the bright light from Heaven.

Ananias told Saul that he was the chosen one for the Greeks and to rise up and be baptized and wash away your sins calling on the name of the Lord .  Saul then departed and fully submitted to the Lord’s will by following what Ananias had instructed.

Saul also went through a name change.  He is now called Paul and went on to become one of the greatest men of God in human history.  Paul authored 13 books of the Bible and perhaps a 14th, the book of Hebrews, whose author is not revealed.

What a tremendous transformation!  The one time chief of sinners ultimately dying for the cause he once so vigorously opposed.   That’s Good News.  Jesus can do the same thing for you if you will only allow him.

The Victory Voice, Vol. 1

Welcome to Volume 1 of “The Victory Voice”.  My newspaper that spreads the good news of Jesus Christ.

The Victory Voice will deal with the theme from a favorite study of mine that I first learned of some 20 years from one of my mentors, Rex Boyles.  The Theme is “Good News…Jesus Can.

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 The Victory Voice presents Good News… Jesus Can Fulfill a Promise

A lifetime prophecy came true at the grave of Joseph of Arimathea.  Jesus Christ, the Son of God, fulfilled the eternal promise of conquering the grave by rising from the tomb on the third day after his crucifixion.  According to Isaiah, a prophet of old, an amazing sacrifice  would take place as Jesus would be led the like a lamb unto slaughter. 

God made a promise to the serpent in the garden concerning this resurrection.  By this magnificent event, Jesus has crushed the head of the serpent, who caused the bond between man and God to be broken with his tempting of Eve.  As a result of the promise being fulfilled once again a relationship between God and man has been made possible.

The  religious leaders of the Jews have questioned the validity of the empty tomb.  They claim the body was stolen, but the evidence in the case and the fact that the tomb was surrounded by Roman soldiers does not support their claim.  Jesus, without a doubt, defeated the menacing grip of death and has provided for us an opportunity to gain eternal life through belief and complete obedience to Him.

Thus fulfilling the promise.