Meet Others Where They Are

As I read and study this morning I again can see how there is confusion with what comes from God’s Word. If we are to be true to the LORD and trust Him, how then are going to spread the gospel if as we do so we are calling out their sin. Are we not to judge others. Well, we are NOT judging for simply pointing out that which is contrary to the Law of the LORD.

“¹⁹For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. ²⁰To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. ²¹To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. ²²To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. ²³I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.” – 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 (ESV)

In 1 Corinthians, Paul speaks to the church and points out that we have to become like those we are meeting to guide us in reaching them. When reading this it seems to indicate, if you are just taking the words as they are, that we are to act like other to get in with them and then pretend to be something like them in order to reach them. Where that may be what it is on the surface, we have to look deeper into what is meant by being “as” them and what we are in those times.

I remember seeing a video of an inner city youth outreach guy. He was out in the community playing basketball and chatting up the kids of the neighborhoods. There were those who were wondering how he was going to reach those kids when he was acting like them in order to reach them. His response was something to the effect that he was being like them on the surface to get in with them to show them that we all are not so different in the eyes of God. He did not abandon his love for and devotion to the LORD, he only changed his approach to those in the neighborhood to be as them so they would listen.

This is the approach that Paul is speaking of in the above verses. Notice the parenthesized notes in the verses. Paul never lost sight of his identity in Christ. He was always true to God, he only appeared to be the same as those He was working with to reach them and then show them that God and His law were for all, not just a select group.

We have to be similar in our approach. We cannot be hesitant to meet others where they are. We will make more ground with our spread of the Gospel when we take the Gospel to others where they are as opposed to forcing others to come to us. We have to show, not just speak of God being for all. We have take the LORD to those and demonstrate that God does indeed love all and wants nothing but the best for all, not just a certain set of people.

Of course, we are not to take the actions of others, we are only to present ourselves as them to show them that God is for everyone. We are to reach them with and through the love of God. We are to go to them and not ask them to come to us. We are meet them where they and bring the Christ to them.

What is your approach to reaching others? Are you asking everyone to come to you in your safe space? What if you were to meet others where they are and bring the Gospel to them to show that God is for everyone where they are?

The LORD Cares for Us

It is known that the LORD cares for His people. And we know that care comes in all aspects. But to what extent do we think that the LORD will remove those who do not hold the same direction and care for us that He does. To what extent do we think that the LORD will provide new leadership when the time comes.

“³My anger is hot against the shepherds,

and I will punish the leaders;

for the Lord of hosts cares for his flock, the house of Judah,

and will make them like his majestic steed in battle.

⁴From him shall come the cornerstone,

from him the tent peg,

from him the battle bow,

from him every ruler—all of them together.

⁵They shall be like mighty men in battle,

trampling the foe in the mud of the streets;

they shall fight because the LORD is with them,

and they shall put to shame the riders on horses.”

— Zechariah 10:3-5 (ESV)

I was brought to a passage that I am not sure I have read through or studied before. I see the care of the LORD in the verses above, to both remove or deal with the current leadership of His people and to rise them up through leaders with His end in mind.

Starting with the removal of “bad” leaders. We are aware that the LORD will protect His people in the event that they are in need of that protection. He will deal with leaders of the opposition to Him and His people. But what about those in authority of His people. Are they just left to run rough shod over the people. I say NO as noted here in verse three above. But also later in Jesus’ time. Recall the Sadducee and Pharisee leaders that took advantage of the people, Jesus dealt with them as well. God demonstrates His authority by dealing with all who are against His people.

And then there is the rising up of His people. When needed, the LORD provides the strength and guidance for His people (us) to rise up and take the lead. As we look at verses four and five above, we see the confidence in us that God has to bring us to the leadership role. We are the foundation of His Church and the tip of the spear against evil. We will rule together as we follow His command to bring glory and the Gospel to the world. We will be majestic where needed and we will be meek where needed. But make no mistake, it is not us, it is the LORD in us that rises us up.

The LORD cares for us and He demonstrates that in many ways. This morning I was reminded that He will remove those that are not on the same plan as He and he will rise up those who are.

What is your view of the care the LORD has for us? Are you of the view that He only protects us from the outside dangers? What if we see that in His care for us the LORD will remove the authority within that does not align with Him and will rise up those within who do?

Compassion Even When Worn Out

I want to believe that everyone has compassion for others. Yet, what about when we are worn out and in need of some rest. Well, there is never a time where compassion takes a back seat.

It is natural to want to have some time to rest. In today’s world everything is so fast paced that we all look for that time to relax and not be bothered so that we can just kick our feet up. But, Jesus tells us that rest comes to those who come to Him.

“²⁸Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ²⁹Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28 (ESV)

Even as we will have rest when we come to Jesus, that does not mean that we will not be tasked with continuing the work. We will be worn out, yet we are to continue the work that He has for us and find rest in the work as it is in the name of Jesus and not just work.

“³⁰The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. ³¹And he said to them, ‘Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.’ For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. ³²And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves.” – Mark 6:30-32 (ESV)

In the above verses, there is reference to the work that the apostles had been doing. They had been sent out by Jesus to spread the gospel and they had just returned to Jesus. They were excited and telling of all that they had done. They had worked and worked and worked and had no chance to rest and kick their feet up. Jesus knew this and recognized it and decided to give them a chance to catch their breath. He went with them to a place to do just that, away from the hustle and bustle to recharge the batteries a bit. But, that was not what happened. As they went away, the people followed and went ahead of them to the place they were going to rest.

“³³Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they ran there on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. ³⁴When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things.” – Mark 6:33-34 (ESV)

Here we find that the rest was not going to come. The apostles were not going to kick their feet up. They were not going to have a chance to breath. Jesus provided the example we all should follow. When there is a need, we are to work to fill that need. In this case, the need was for the gospel and the need was immediate. Even in the face of being worn completely out, Jesus showed the apostles that serving was more important than rest.

We will all have times when we are completely worn out, yet there is no time to shy away from continuing the work of the LORD, spreading the gospel, and serving others. Whenever and wherever we might be we are to have compassion for those in need and know that we will have rest when the work is done. Be the example that Jesus demonstrated for us here, show compassion for others even when we are worn out.

What is your view of when to show compassion? Are you all in when you have the energy and the time? What if you were to follow the example of Jesus and show compassion to others even when you are worn out?

All Clean to Hear the Gospel

“²⁸And he said to them, ‘You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation, but God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean.’” – Acts 10:28 (ESV)

Peter was in the house of an Italian, not exactly the kind of house a Jew was to enter and associate at the time according to the law. But, Peter was taking his direction from God and not from the law. The “new” law of God, the New Covenant, was the action that Peter was taking into account when he joined this Italian and all others in his house. Thanks to Jesus all people, yes all, were to be led to the LORD, Jew and Gentile.

“¹²In it were all kinds of animals and reptiles and birds of the air. ¹³And there came a voice to him: ‘Rise, Peter; kill and eat.’ ¹⁴But Peter said, ‘By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.’ ¹⁵And the voice came to him again a second time, ‘What God has made clean, do not call common.’” – Acts 10:12-15 (ESV)

You see, Peter had seen in a vision just a few days before that all was clean now thanks to the LORD. Yes, we see in the vision that there was reference to all animals, and not “all” lineage of man, but this was a vision and things are not always literal. The parallel is related to uncleanliness according to Jewish law. Like some animals, some people where considered unclean according to the law. But the law had changed.

Thanks be to God for the change in the law. He made it possible that I might hear the gospel and have the opportunity to be saved. Thanks be to God that I am not considered unclean and not able to know Him. Thanks be to God that Jesus came and died for my sins to wash me clean. Thanks be to God, thanks be to God!

What is your view of clean versus unclean? Are there those that would be considered unclean? What if we think in terms of the New Covenant and know that all are clean thanks to and in the eyes of the LORD to receive the gospel and know Him?

Built up Through Prophecy and Tongues

This morning I admit was a learning moment for me. The verse and passage of my study is in 1 Corinthians on prophecy and tongues. Paul writes of the two and their meaning and impact to the individual and church.

“²³If, therefore, the whole church comes together and all speak in tongues, and outsiders or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are out of your minds?” – 1 Corinthians 14:23 (ESV)

I will say that I have always been leery of places of worship where there is speaking in tongues. Paul even addresses this in the above verse that when an outsider encounters this, they are likely thinking the same as I.

“²For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit.” – 1 Corinthians 14:2 (ESV)

But, this does not mean that speaking in tongues is a bad thing. You can see that Paul addresses the speaking in tongues is for one to speak with God. What a wonderful thing that I and God have our own language to commune together. God speaks directly with me for my benefit. I even pray that God will reveal to me (with a knock on the head as I need it that way) His will in my life.

“²⁴But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all, ²⁵the secrets of his heart are disclosed, and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and declare that God is really among you.” – 1 Corinthians 14:24-25 (ESV)

It is prophecy that is better than speaking in tongues. Not because the individual is not important, but because prophecy can be heard by all, believers and unbelievers. Prophecy is for all where speaking in tongues is for the one. It is our goal as followers of Christ to bring His Word to all and provide for them the opportunity to follow Him. When we prophesy, we are bringing the revelations God has provided to all the people and working to fulfill our role in this world.

Now, again, speaking in tongues is that personal revelation of God’s Word to the individual. We have to remember that God has provided our gifts and one of those may be the gift of interpretation. So, speaking in tongues can be beneficial to all when the interpreter is present, using his gift to share the revelation of the one with the church and all. But without the interpretation, the speaking in tongues is for the one and not the many.

“⁵Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up.” – 1 Corinthians 14:5 (ESV)

And now to the verse that led to my study of this passage and my learning. Paul makes it clear here that speaking in tongues and prophecy are both part of the building up. One, speaking in tongues, for the individual and the other, prophecy, for all. He would rather for prophecy than for speaking in tongues for the benefit of all “so that the church may be built up” and we can fulfill our work assigned by God.

What are your thoughts on prophecy and the speaking in tongues? Are you partial to one or the other? What if you were to keep the speaking in tongues to be between you and God and prophecy to be for all “so that the church may be built up”?

All that Wealth Will NOT Remain

We have been conditioned by society to build wealth so that we can have an easier time of things in this world. We have been told and shown that the life of great things will make us happy and that we are making things better for ourselves. Well, it does not remain.

“¹²Man in his pomp will not remain;

he is like the beasts that perish.”

— Psalm 49:12 (ESV)

You see, all that is gathered in this world is only for this world. We cannot/do not get to take it with us to the next. It is something that is useful in this world alone and only those who do not have will see and want what they have. Yet they are blinded by their “riches” and do not see the fault in it all.

Now, I am not saying that wealth is always getting in the way of righteousness and cannot be used for God’s good work. Just the opposite. God provides for His people to do the work He has for them. Using wealth to do His work is certainly in the cards for some. I am not one of them, but I do know that the LORD has and will continue to use those with wealth for the advancement of the gospel, and that is not always in the form of provided monetary gifts to others.

Think of those who provide financial backing for those who are spreading the gospel. Those spreading are not building homes and schools and churches, they were given the opportunity to preach and teach through the generosity of another. We tend to see things in this world from a tangible perspective and miss opportunities to simply provide the way for someone. Like those who provide scholarships for youths to attend Christian summer camp. Monetary wealth can and should be used for His good works.

When kept with the self, the riches of this world are of no use. Yes, they may provide some momentary relief from a difficult situation or in some cases provide a lavish lifestyle. But, it will not remain with you once you leave this world and does not improve your station in the next. Where real wealth is found and is beneficial in your life is in the use of that financial wealth to support others in their ability to have their spiritual needs met.

What is your thoughts on financial well being? Are you one to seek it out for your own lavish lifestyle? What if you realized it cannot be taken with you and instead you use it for the advancement of the gospel?

Careful, You May Be Drawn In

I am reading this morning and I see a warning from the LORD. It is one that we should be aware, yet it is something that we often allow ourselves to believe we have under control. We will get drawn into sin even when we know better and have the LORD on our side.

“¹⁵Do not make a treaty with the inhabitants of the land, or else when they prostitute themselves with their gods and sacrifice to their gods, they will invite you, and you will eat their sacrifices. ¹⁶Then you will take some of their daughters as brides for your sons. Their daughters will prostitute themselves with their gods and cause your sons to prostitute themselves with their gods.” – Exodus 34:15-16 (CSB)

The LORD had conquered the people in this land for the Israelites. Some of them remained in the land and lived among the Israelites. Where we are to love others, we are also responsible for bringing the LORD to them. If you remember, Jesus ate with tax collectors to bring the gospel to them. The difference is that Jesus would not be drawn into their lifestyle and beliefs. Jesus even warned His apostles to not get drawn in.

“¹⁴And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town.” – Matthew 10:14 (ESV)

The LORD provided guidance to the people that they have to take care not to be drawn into the lifestyle of the former inhabitants of the land. It would be a subtle, slow, draw that would seem completely innocent in the beginning. And, the people would have the attitude and thoughts that they would be able to resist. Maybe they could for a minute, but would soon find themselves in the midst of turning from God and turning to gods.

We find this in our time today. We “accept” and tolerate others and their beliefs, only to find that acceptance to overtake our own beliefs and slowly get drawn in and turn away from God and turn to their gods. Our approach should be that of Jesus to bring the gospel to them. If and when they reject us, we are to shake the dust off our feet and move on to the next to avoid being drawn in.

What is your approach to others? Are you accepting and tolerant to coexist with others? What if you were to be careful of being drawn in and when they exhibit a lack of acceptance of you, you move on to the next?

Righteousness Rewarded

“⁸Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” – 2 Timothy 4:8 (ESV)

Paul was the LORD’s great evangelist. He did not work of God without concern for himself as was evident by the amount of time he was imprisoned and also executed for that work. He only looked forward to His time in heaven and knew that God appreciated his work and would recognize him for it when he arrived in heaven.

I know, I have been saying that we are not given the right to declare ourselves righteous, and yet here is Paul indicating that he would receive the “crown of righteousness”. How can he declare it so? Well, he is not. Paul knows the work that he has done and the dedication to the LORD he has and therefore is declaring that as God sees it He will declare it so. Paul was not doing the work to get the reward, he was doing the work as he had already been rewarded.

Paul knew that the chains of persecution would be coming off. They were there due to his dedication to the LORD. He was well aware of the way to have them removed in this world, and yet he persisted with his love and dedication and work to God. Paul worked for the LORD all the way to his death and never gave in to the world.

I wonder if I have dedicated myself to the LORD as Paul did. I know that I have not endured the same type of persecution as Paul, although it does still exist. I wonder if I am and will be dedicated to the work to my death and never give in to the world.

I can only do the work that God gives to me. I may not be traveling the world to spread the gospel, but I can do so here where I am. Our church mission is to have “A gospel movement that reaches every person in the hill country and is carried to the ends of the earth.” And from this I get that my role is to reach everyone I can where I am. I will have the chance to reach the one to carry it forward, I am to be focused on the work here where I am.

Yes, because of this medium my evangelism may reach you where you are. I am grateful for the chance to share with each of you. I am focused on my study of God’s Word and declaring my thoughts. In this world today, that affords me the chance to get those thoughts to the world. This is me doing the work where I am. This is me reaching you who has the chance to carry the gospel where you are. I know that not everyone is next door to me and that some are being reached all over the globe. To you I say spread the gospel where you are.

My actions will be rewarded by the LORD. I will be awarded that which He declares. I can only do the work here and know that I have done that work and rely on God to see and recognize as He sees fit when I arrive in heaven.

What work are you doing? Are you giving in to the world? What if you were to just do the work, knowing that you will be recognized and awarded for that work when you arrive in heaven?

Break Bread with Believers

“⁴²And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” – Acts 2:42 (ESV)

This morning I was reminded of the need to break bread with fellow believers. Yes, Jesus ate with sinners as we should as well, but, Jesus also ate and was in regular constant fellowship with His disciples, friends, and family, all of whom were believers and followers of His.

I find it interesting, and I am one of those, that we tend to fellowship with other believers in the church atmosphere. Yes, we may get together with other believers outside of church, yet to me there seems to be a camaraderie in Christ that may be missing. It seems to me that there is less work being done for the glory of God when we get together, and more of the get together and enjoy the world. Shouldn’t we be getting together for the advancement of the gospel.

“⁴³And awed came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.⁴⁴And all who believed were together and had all things in common. ⁴⁵And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. ⁴⁶And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, ⁴⁷praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” – Acts 2:43-47 (ESV)

It may just be me in thinking that we are more focused on ourselves and our joy and not on the advancement of the gospel. That is okay as I am here to learn and apply that learning to my own life and not judge others. I would be remiss if I did not say what I see and question.

No, not every interaction with others should begin and end with the gospel. But why could it not. I do believe that I should be wearing my salvation on my sleeve for everyone to see. There should not be a question as to my relationship with Christ and how that relationship impacts me and those around me. Every time I give my mission statement to others, I am hesitant to give the last few words, “as an example of Christ’s Love.” Yet, even in hesitation, I give them anyway to demonstrate where my mission comes from.

I have to remember that fellowship is great, yet fellowship with fellow believers is even greater. As Luke writes in the verses above, we should be in fellowship with others, not just as we go to church, but always and use that fellowship to demonstrate the glory of God and in advancement of His Kingdom in Heaven.

Who is it that you spend the vast majority of your time with? Are you looking to be with the sinners always? What if you focused on your relationship with God and were in fellowship with other believers as you continue to advance the gospel together?

Continued Message and Work in Alignment with Jesus

John the Baptist was aligned with Jesus, before He really began His ministry. Jesus spent His time continuing to preach and teach of forgiveness following repentance and demonstration through baptism. And as He reached the end of His time here in this world, Jesus turned the work over to His disciples and me to continue with the same message to all through the Great Commission.

Peter is chronicled in Acts with delivering the same message of repentance and forgiveness and baptism as a demonstration of the continued work of Jesus.

“³⁸And Peter said to them, ‘Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ³⁹For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.’” — Acts 2:38-39 (ESV)

I read this morning and every morning in the Word of God and see the consistency in the gospel. I do not see contradiction in the message. I see the continued delivery of the gospel as from God through others who have been tasked with that delivery. In this example, I see John the Baptist and Peter aligned with Jesus in the message even as one came before and the other after. And as I study and remember, Paul and Timothy and more contemporaries were aligned as well.

I am here in this world and am tasked with continued delivery of the gospel in alignment with Jesus. I am to be giving the message of repentance, forgiveness, and baptism as demonstration of my cleanliness and devotion to the work of Christ to do all He has me to do and to go everywhere He has me to go.

My path is likely different than yours and our field of evangelism will likely be different as well, yet our work and message is the same. We are to deliver the gospel and the message is repent, be forgiven and be baptized to demonstrate your new cleanliness and devotion to continue the work of Christ. The key is that last part in that we are to continue the work and message of Jesus everywhere He would have us go.

What is your take on the gospel and the work to be done? Are you trying to figure it all out and working to create a new plan of the work and message? What if you just continued the work and message in alignment with Jesus as those who came before you (John the Baptist, Jesus Himself, Peter, etc.)?