Chuck & Deb

A Jesus Community

Value #7 – Love and grace expressed among us in community.

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)

When I was a child, I would go to the swimming pool to watch the other kids. They were laughing and playing and having a great time. But, because I couldn’t pay for admission, I was on the outside looking in. So I would just hang on the chain-link fence watching and drooling. Think about it. That’s how attractive our love for one another should be to the unbeliever. There should be people hanging on the chain-link fence of the Church dying to get in.

The community of Jesus is driven not only by the dignity and value of every person, but by the expression of love and grace based on that conviction. It is the byproduct of really believing in the worth of the individual.

The kind of love we demonstrate toward others is not based on merit but on God’s prerogative in creation and His commandments. We work at nurturing, helping, caring, and protecting others in our family because of their worth to the Father. It’s what loyal family members do.

Grace is extended to others because it was first extended to us. It’s a given in a fallen world that others will offend and abuse us (just as we do to God). Our supernatural response is to give grace, mercy, and forgiveness. This is the Jesus way that is so radically different from the world. It builds a community with Kingdom values and is irresistible.

A word about Grace and Truth: I really don’t like to talk about these as mutually exclusive. Grace and truth are like the wings on an airplane, one is not more important than the other. We have been in a season in Christianity where I’m afraid one is diminished for the other. Let me be plain. This is an affront to the Lord Jesus Christ! Jesus came full of grace and truth. To divorce one from another flies in the face of the Author of Salvation. You can never have too much truth or too much grace. They fit hand in hand. When we express the truth correctly it becomes a gracious act of love. And when we give grace appropriately, we are a living example of the Truth. This is how Jesus lived and expects us to do the same.

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Does God Love Osama bin Laden?

Value #6 – The dignity and value of every person.

God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. (Genesis 1:27)

I’ve written extensively on man being created in the image of God and how this impacts the discipleship process. The Father’s design of man is foundational to understanding the worth of every individual. His love extends to every man, woman, and child based on His created likeness in them (Gen 1.26-27).

Even in Adam’s fallen state, God still holds man’s likeness to Him in high regard. It was the image of God that exacted a bloody punishment for the blood of another bearing the same image (Gen 9.6). Sin had corrupted the man but could never diminish the love God had for him (Jn 3.16, Rom 5.8, 1 Pet 3.18). From the beginning, God had a plan to rescue us from ourselves and His wrath (Gen 3.15). When Jesus died, He died for all sin, past, present and future. And all who would accept this gift would inherit eternal life (Jn 1.12, 3.16).

The fact that God views us this way should have a huge impact on the way we view ourselves and others. But our rebellious nature pervades even with this knowledge. Some would still stubbornly reject this gift of love and ignore the eternal consequences (Ps 10.4). Others would be so bold to advise God that they were not worthy of such a gift and choose to remain unforgiving in their own misguided pride and self pity (Rom 9.20). And the greatest offense is when we who profess to understand His grace and mercy in our own lives do not extend the same to others (Mt 18.35). These 3 gross abuses have tragic consequences.

So, how should we respond? First, we need to repent of any self-sufficiency. We must completely embrace the person of Jesus Christ as the only cure to our hopeless condition (1 Tim 4.10). Secondly, we must see others as our equals in both sin and need for God’s forgiveness. No matter what scale man has designed to elevate himself one above another, we are the same (Rom 3.23). And finally, we need to extend the same love Christ has shown us to others (1 Jn 2.1-11).

Note: God’s love does not cancel His Justice. Without Christ we are left to pay for our own sins.

So what do you think? Leave me your input in the comments below.

Big Promises from a Big God

Value #5 – Expectant faith and persevering prayer rooted in the promises of God.

For as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes; therefore also through Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us. (2 Corinthians 1:20)

When I was a young disciple of Jesus, I instinctively knew to trust Him with all my needs and dreams. Having come out of a disastrous lifestyle of trying to pull myself up by my own boot straps, I was completely convinced that I needed to depend on someone with real power to do something about my miserable condition. My faith in Christ was born out of the realization that I was not a very good “Captain of my Soul.”

This simple childlike faith grew as the Holy Spirit connected me with battle buddies of like heart. These men were different. They were not just trying to be good people or asking God to meet their daily needs. They truly believed that God would use them to change the world for Jesus Christ. They would spend time together praying over a world map, asking God to reach the nations through their lives. This kind of faith and prayer is not only powerfully in tune with the promises of God, it is extremely infectious.

It wasn’t long before I was praying and looking for promises and asking God to use my life for the sake of His Kingdom. I came across passages like Isaiah 58.9-12 and Psalms 107.35-38. And, although I didn’t understand the context and correct interpretation of these passages, I was foolish enough to pray through them and believed God could use my life to that end. I would soon find plenty of promises that did apply to me and all of His disciples (Mt 4.19, 28.18-20, Acts 1.8). The result? I have been used by God to share Christ with people around the world. Naive? Not really. Courageously obedient to Jesus, absolutely!

What are the promises you have claimed? God has given us so many; from taking care of our daily needs to evangelizing the world to eternal life. Are you searching the Scriptures to find these great gems? Are you praying through them in faith? The Father certainly rewards such obedience and trust.

What are your favorite Promises of God? Write them in the comment section below.

On the road again – Headed to Branson, MO (Rainy / Cloudy Day)

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Parakletos Dunamis – Powerful Counselor

Value #4 – The leading and empowering of the Holy Spirit.

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

In some conservative Christian circles, there is paranoia about talking too much about the Holy Spirit. The reaction is the same with the third Person of the Trinity as with any other element of abuse. When we see mistreatment of the Doctrine of the Parakletos (Gk), we tend to throw the Spirit out with the bath water. This is not only wrong but very dangerous (Mk 3.29).

First, every converted disciple of Jesus has the indwelling Holy Spirit and should feel compelled to be filled with Him on a continuous basis (Rom 8.9, Acts 13.52, Eph 5.18). We are commanded to be filled and led by this same Spirit (Rom 8.4,14, Eph 5.18, Gal 5.16,18). It is not a luxury or a second blessing. The Holy Spirit is essential to our success in following Jesus (Lk 11.13, Jn 14.26, 15.26). He is the one who was promised and leads us through life.

The Holy Spirit is the one who takes the ordinary efforts of man and turns them into the extraordinary accomplishments of God. He does this by imbuing us with His divine power (Acts 1.8, Rom 15.13, Eph 3.16). The Dunamis (Gk: Power -where we get our word dynamite) of the Holy Spirit is the difference between the fleshly mundane and a work of God.

I’ve personally experienced the leading and the power of the Holy Spirit. Generally, we make the mistake associating these events with some heavy duty emotions. And, although emotion can be part of the experience, it is not necessary. In fact, I think we would short circuit under the type of emotionalism that is usually associated with the Spirit if we indeed were continuously filled with the Holy Spirit. Emotional highs are not the objective. Being powerfully led by Him is the objective.

Actually, Deb and I are experiencing this right now. It seems as though the Holy Spirit is giving monumental direction and working powerfully in prayer, time in the Word, and circumstances. And although our emotions vary, His work and presence is unmistakable. Even when we aren’t on a spiritual high, be sure that the Holy Spirit is powerfully leading us and other obedient saints moment by moment.

Put your favorite verses in the comments below.

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A Book Review #2

The Training of the Twelve by A.B. Bruce

One of the most celebrated books on Jesus’ disciplemaking methods. Make no mistake, this classic is not for the faint of heart. Written in 1897 by a revered theologian it is a “full on” brain buster. Having read most of the books on discipleship, I knew I couldn’t leave the planet without reading this one. But I have to be honest; I only finished it by the sweat of my brow. Lots of diggin’ for those golden nuggets, but they’re in there. I recommend it to those who are serious readers and have already read Master Plan of Evangelism, by Robert Coleman, Personal Disciplemaking by Christopher Adsit, and Lost Art of Disciple Making by LeRoy Eims.

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On the road again heading towards Little Rock, AR

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My Faithbook Status: Chuck is changed forever in Christ

Value #3 – The transforming power of the Gospel.

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

On December 23^rd, 1979 my life was forever changed when I embraced the Gospel of Jesus Christ and His Kingdom. These changes were radical but somewhat transparent to the eyes of men. It was more than the external life-style changes that took place as I repented of my ways (although this is important). It was much more. I was transformed in three very distinct ways: My relational position with God, my daily practices, and my ultimate destiny of being in the presence of God. The gospel is the beginning and the end of a transformed life. It really is “good news.”

The Gospel powerfully transforms a person’s standing or position with God. The truth that all men are spiritually dead in sin may not be recognized by the natural man but it is true nonetheless (Rom 3.23, 6.23). When a person places trust in the Good News of God’s plan of reconciliation through His Son, Jesus Christ, they shed spiritual deadness and enter into eternal life. (Jn 3.16, 5.24, 2 Tim 1.10, Rom 1.16)

The Gospel powerfully transforms a person’s daily practices in God. Understanding God’s love for us and our new found security in Jesus compels us to live life differently. But transformation is a result of much more than earthly efforts; it is the work of God (Phil 2.12-13). We start a sanctification process from the moment we embrace the Gospel (Rom 16.25, 1 Cor 15.1-4, 2 Cor 9.13, Phil 1.5-6, Col 1.5-6).

The Gospel powerfully transforms our ultimate destiny with God. One day, as a result of receiving Jesus Christ, we will be glorified. It is our eternal end state. It is a state of perpetual blessing in the presence of Jesus Himself. Our relationship with God will be completely reconciled in position, practice, and presence (2 Thes 1.8-10, Rom 8.17, 30, Phil 1.23, Col 3.1-4).

The Gospel (Good News): Man can be given right relationship with God in His Kingdom through person and work of Jesus Christ.

What are your favorite verses of Scripture on the Transforming Power of the Gospel? Feel free to post them below.

(Gal 2.20)

(Mark 10:29)

(Rom 12.2)

(2 Corinthians 4:3-7)

(Ephesians 1:13-14)

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Bull or Bear – The Value of Truth in a Failing Economy

Value #2 – The truth and sufficiency of the Scriptures for the whole of life.

“Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. “
(John 17:17)

Even in an age of relativism the hunger for the truth is unmistakable. As people are robbed of their investments, watch precious tax dollars bail out the irresponsible, hear backpedaling politians, they crave the truth. But where would one turn to find it? There is only one sure place, the Author of truth, God and His Word.

The veracity of the Scriptures is anchored to the character of God (2 Tim 3.16). To doubt God is to doubt His Word. To doubt His Word is to doubt God. He sent His Son as a living testimony to His character and His Word (Jn 1.1-16, Heb 1.3). Jesus proclaimed He was the very essence of truth (Jn 14.6, 18.37) and that the Word in its entirety is truth (Jn 17.17, Mt 4.4, 5.18).

And the truth found in the Bible is enough for a person to live a life to wholly and completely glorify God, correctly relate to his fellow man, and gain wisdom for living in general (2 Tim 3.16-17). It speaks by principle to every area of life. And although it does not cover all the particulars of life, it does give the guiding principles to address the specifics (Mic 6.8).

Now if we believe this is the truth about the Truth, how should we respond? It would behoove us to saturate our lives with this life giving Word (Deut 6.6-9, Jn 8.31-32, Col 3.16). The Scriptures are our best hope of understanding God. The Bible is our best hope for grappling with who we are and what we were created to do. The Word is our best hope of glorifying our Creator through our thoughts, words, and deeds.

But the disciplines of hearing, reading, memorizing, studying , and meditating on the Word of God can never be treated as an end in itself. They are a means to an end. These disciplines are to help us accomplish what should be our highest objective; knowing, loving and becoming like Jesus Christ. To the degree in which we invest ourselves in the Word and its application will be a direct indicator of our true values (Ps 119.9,11, Jm 1.22, Mt 7.24-28).

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“The Main Thing is to Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing!”

Value #1 The passion to know, love, and become like Jesus Christ.

He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.
(Colossians 1:18)

To say that Jesus is our #1 value is a huge understatement. Making Jesus the center of our lives is not only the #1 value, but it is also the one value on which all other values hinge. Jesus must be our all-consuming passion in life. Here are a few reasons why:

· He deserves our passion (Rom 5.8, Eph 1.20-21)
· Nothing else is worthy of our passion (1 Cor 2.2, Phil 3.8)
· There is no passion without Him (Rom 11.36, 1 Cor 8.6, Col 1.17)

Our passion is expressed in knowing, loving, and becoming like Jesus. We aggressively seek knowledge about the King of kings by reading His Word (esp. the Gospels, Rom 10.17, Col 3.16), talking to others about Him (1 Jn 1.3), through the Holy Spirit (Jn 14.26, 1 Jn 2.27), and experiencing Him in our circumstances (Rom 8.28-29). We love Him by placing Him first in our lives through trust and obedience (Jn 6.29, 14.15). This is almost always tested by the way we treat people (1 Jn 4.20). To stop short of becoming like Him denies our real knowledge of and love for Him (1 Jn 2.6). We must become like Jesus by applying our information about Him and our adoration for Him into emulation of Him. This ultimately is what we were designed to do and glorifies God the Father.

Our passion must always be refocused on its intended target, Jesus Christ (Heb 12.2). As the Pastor said in his sermon yesterday,

“Jesus is not category A and the rest of life falls into the other categories. He is A to Z. He is my life and everything else is subservient to Him. Do not compare any of your other priorities with Him.”
Pastor Carlton Weathers, Grace Fellowship Community Church, Anniston, AL

It is a daily battle to remember this and to realign our lives so that He is our all. Passion must have an object and the only one worthy of our passion in the Lord Jesus Christ. He alone is Master, King, and Savior.

The main thing quote ~ Stephen R. Covey

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