The Word for Everyday Disciples with Dave DeSelm

There are certain passages in this book that are downright stunning to me. For instance, Paul doesn't just tell the Philippians to “rejoice in the Lord,” he tells them to “rejoice in the Lord always” (Phil. 4:4). He doesn't just say, “don't worry,” he says, “don't worry about anything” (Phil. 4:6) Now in today's passage, Paul says, “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation” (Phil. 4:12)Remember, Paul isn't able to say these things because his life has been easy. Just the opposite! He faced life-threatening circumstances over and over again, all for the sake of Christ. Indeed, at the very moment he penned these words he was chained to a guard in a Roman prison. Even so, Paul had “learned the secret” of being content. What can we learn from Paul that can help us learn to be content no matter what comes our way?The Greek word Paul uses for contentment means “satisfaction with what one has; independence from all things and all people.” It's the idea of not needing anything, anyone, or any change in the circumstances in order to be at peace.But how do you get there?  In Paul's day, as in ours, there were two philosophies that people followed to ease their discontent. Counterfeit contentment, you could say. Contentment isn't a matter of giving in to stoicism. Stoicism believes the goal is to get rid of desire, to eliminate emotion. In other words, to simply not care. In today's parlance, the watchword would be “whatever.” “My job's been eliminated. Whatever. I don't care.”But this is not what Paul is talking about.Contentment isn't a matter of turning in to self-sufficiency. This is the philosophy of the Cynics. One of their beliefs is to trust no one but yourself. The problem with that is, the only resources you have are the ones you can muster up, and when those run out, you're out of luck. That's why Cynics are seldom content; they're bitter.So, what's Paul's secret? It's found in verse 13. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."This is one of the most popular verses in the Bible, used as motivation by athletes and millions of others facing challenging situations. But we would do well to understand that the original context of these words has to do with learning to be content.  What they remind us is that…Contentment is a matter of leaning in to divine sovereignty. Paul's contentment was anchored in His awareness that Christ was enough and that his life was controlled by a sovereign God who worked all things together for our good and His glory.Here are some actions steps that can help us when discontentment creeps in.Ponder: thank God for all that you do have. Discontentment is largely triggered by ingratitude. Instead of focusing on what isn't, thank God for what is. One of the secrets of contentment is gratitude.Wonder: ask yourself what God might be up to. God is always at work. What might He want you to learn about Him, about you? How might He use these circumstances for the greater progress of the gospel?Surrender: trust God's heart rather than your understanding.  There will be times when God's actions baffle us. In those moments, we much surrender our need to understand the situation and fall back on what you know is true about God – His character and love for you.  Text: Philippians 4:10-13, 2 Corinthians 11:23-28; 12:7-12Originally recorded on February 1, 2009, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

We have been given the incredible offer by God to not only find forgiveness, but to experience transformation. We have been made different to make a difference.How is this transformation done? Romans 12:2 gives us a hint. “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but rather be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Transformation starts in the mind. Paul teaches the same thing in Philippians 4:8-9. “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—THINK about such things.Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice (DO). And the God of peace will be with you.”THINK—DO. According these verses, the transformed life begins on the inside with what you think. Your outward action – that which you do – is an overflow of that. THINK—DO.Cognitive psychology has confirmed what the Scriptures have taught and from that study, have identified two “laws.” 1.     The Law of Cognition: You are what you think. Another way to say it is: the way you think creates your attitudes, shapes your emotions, and governs your behavior.Using trees as an illustration, Jesus taught that if the inner life (what you can't see) is healthy, the outer display (the fruit—that which you can see) will be healthy also. If the stream of your thoughts is “true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and of good repute” then you will be able to “do” or “put into practice” that which is delightfully different.By the same token, if the inner life, the unseen life of a person is unhealthy—if the stream of thoughts is misguided, false, impure or ugly—then that will become evident as well. The state of your inner life will inevitably leak out.2.     The Law of Exposure:  Your mind will think most about what it is exposed to.What repeatedly enters your mind eventually shapes your thinking and ultimately expresses itself in your behavior. It's like creating mental ruts in our brains—pathways worn deep by repeated patterns of thought. These ruts can be destructive, like resentment, complaint, negativity, worry, or lust. Or they can be life-giving, “whatever is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely,” etc.How can you change the ruts you're in? Catch the negative or untrue thought. Replace it with that which is true and contstructive.Guard your mind by being careful about what you expose yourself to.Build structures that can help you create new ruts, such as worship, Scripture reading, and community.   Text: Philippians 4:8-9; Romans 12:2 Originally recorded on January 25, 2009, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

What are you known for? Your wit, appearance, talent, or success? Perhaps you're known for your sharp tongue or short fuse. Or maybe it's for your biblical knowledge and wisdom. But none of these things (not even the positive ones) are mentioned by Paul as noteworthy. Rather, in Philippians 4:5, he says, “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.”Gentleness. The Greek word is hard to translate but it implies “generosity, goodwill, magnanimity, bigheartedness, forbearance, mercy toward the failures of others, charity toward the faults of others.”One way to understand what gentleness looks like is to look at the life of Jesus. In Luke 7, we see three examples of gentleness in action. The first encounter is with a Roman centurion – a gentile - who asks Jesus to heal his servant. The second encounter occurs when Jesus' journey is interrupted by a funeral procession. A local widow had lost her only son.   The third encounter was potentially the most embarrassing for Jesus. While seated at a dinner in the home of a prominent citizen, a woman, known to be a prostitute, comes in, sits next to Jesus, and bursts out crying.How did Jesus handle each of these encounters? And what can we learn about how to make gentleness known to all?Your gentleness becomes evident when you aren't too narrow to engage those who are different from you.Jews would never associate with Gentiles, but Jesus went out of His way to help Roman soldier. Your gentleness becomes evident when you aren't too important to reach out to those who are below you.It wasn't even the “important” person who needed help. It was a servant. Yet Jesus healed him. To be gentle is to love and serve the “little” people.Your gentleness becomes evident when you aren't in too much of a hurry to care about those who have needs beyond you.When Jesus saw the grieving widow, His “heart went out to her.” See, people mattered more to Jesus than His schedule. In fact, the needs of people were not seen as interruptions in His schedule, but part of His schedule. So, Jesus stopped, spoke to the woman and raised her son from the dead.Your gentleness becomes evident when you aren't too proud to embrace those who might be embarrassing to you.No one was too low in the social pecking order for Jesus to associate with. In fact, knowing how seldom such people were cared for, Jesus seemed to intentionally seek out the last, the least, and the lost, unconcerned about what it did to His reputation.What do you do when you encounter those whose mere proximity to you would be embarrassing?None of these people to whom Jesus expressed gentleness ever served to advance His position.  But His action certainly enhanced His profile.  People were filled with awe and praised God.  Moreover, a servant, a widow, and a prostitute were transformed.  I ask you again: What are you known for? I pray it will increasingly be said that your gentleness is evident to all.Text: Philippians 4:5; Luke 7Originally recorded on January 18, 2009, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

In this passage, the Apostle Paul makes one of the most extraordinary statements of this entire letter: “Do not be anxious about anything.” Anything? I can understand saying, “Don't sweat the small stuff,” but “Don't worry about anything?”It would be easy to dismiss Paul's words if he were some lofty, ivory-towered theologian. But remember, Paul was writing this letter from prison! If anybody had reason to worry, it would be him. He literally didn't know if he would survive from one day to the next. And yet, letting go of worry was how he lived–how he survived.How is that possible? Let's see if we can find some answers by looking at three questions: Where does worry come from?What does worry cost?How is worry defeated?  1.     Where does worry come from?Your culture and history and biology can set you up to be a worrier. But we all wrestle with worry because we all have problems.An expert in this field says that worry results primarily from two things: A heightened sense of vulnerability, andA diminished sense of power.We worry because we're vulnerable and exposed and we know we can't do much about it. Conversely, where there's a decreased sense of vulnerability and increased sense of power, anxiety will be lessened.This is why Pauls reminds us to “Rejoice in the Lord.” When you have entered into a relationship with Him, you have no reason to be anxious because Someone real big is with you 2.     What does worry cost?Worry causes all kinds of physical ailments. But it also leads to a “divided mind.” That's literally what the Greek word means. Worry multiplies problems actually keeping me from finding a solution.  3.     How is worry defeated? We said earlier that when you increase your sense of power, anxiety is diminished. That's why Paul tells us, “Don't worry about anything, instead pray about everything.” Pray about the big stuff. Pray about the little stuff. If something is big enough to be in your thoughts, it's big enough to pray about. And when you do, soon you'll find a sense of God's peace settling down over you.   Text: Philippians 4:4-7 Originally recorded on January 11, 2009, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

The church at Philippi faced a problem that believers have faced down through the years. How do you pursue the dream of extending God's Kingdom when you have to do it with actual, real-life people – people who can so easily rub you the wrong way?Like porcupines, we can be prickly and cause a lot of hurt and harm to others. That's why porcupines are solitary creatures. They live alone…until it's time for mating. This is the porcupine's dilemma: How do you get close enough to multiply without getting hurt? In nature, porcupines have found a way to avoid the quills and come together in a unique mating dance. All for the sake of reproducing their kind. Friends, we face the same dilemma. We struggle to relate to those who rub us the wrong way.  And we're tempted to either withdraw or lash out.  But if we could see that there's something bigger at play – the multiplication of disciples – perhaps we could learn to do an awkward dance with one another.This is what Paul is calling two women to do in this text. Their names are Eudia and Syntyche and Paul pleads with them to get along. These women are leaders in the Philippian church but their break down is so severe, so costly to the community, that Paul calls them out. He then asks someone he calls “loyal yokefellow” to intercede. When believers break down, it's the responsibility of those who know and love them to help them reconcile.Let's look at how Paul handles this situation and see what we can learn about handling breakdowns.1.     Paul doesn't take sides.Most likely this was not an issue of right and wrong, but rather an intense differing of opinions. So, Paul doesn't side with either one. 2.     Paul doesn't say that their strong opinions weren't justified. His apparent neutrality probably tells us that he thought both women had legitimate points of view. When it comes to the work of the Kingdom, we can be gripped by a “beautiful anger,” a powerful passion for a cause. And that's great! What's not great is to condemn others for not sharing it or to say that their passion is unworthy. 3.     Paul doesn't say they have to be friends.Reconciliation doesn't necessarily mean you'll be best friends. There will be people you just don't resonate with, and that's okay. However… 4.     Paul does challenge them that their breakdown is costing the community.Even the most faithful, mature, and committed people can become so passionate about their points of view that they can poison the very thing they love. 5.     Paul does ask them to be open to mediation.Remember that this letter would have been read aloud to this church body. These women would have heard Paul's request to “get help. Do whatever it takes to resolve this.” Follow the pattern Jesus gave us in Matthew 18. When you break down with someone, go to them – just the two of you. If that doesn't work, get help. Bring in a mediator. 6.     Paul does call them to remember what they do share together and let that unite them.These ladies had “contended by his side” (v. 3). They had labored together in this Kingdom mission. And Paul reminds them…and us… that what unites us is greater than what divides us. Text: Philippians 4:2-3Originally recorded on January 4, 2009, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

One of Paul's favorite metaphors for the transformational journey everyday disciples are on was the footrace. Paul saw the life of faith as a race to be run... and run well. The goal of this race is to be like Jesus. And while we will never fully achieve it in this life, each of us should keep pressing on toward that goal.  There are four keys to running your race well.  1.     DissatisfactionA healthy dissatisfaction with the status quo of your discipleship can push you to keep growing, keep learning, keep maturing.   2.     Devotion: “one thing I do”( v. 13)Every serious runner knows that if he/she is to have any hope of winning the race they're committed to, it will take real devotion. They go into training for the race. They seek advice from other runners who they respect. Often they engage a coach to help them.  The parallels to the spiritual race are quite obvious. If you hope to run well, you will have to go into training and engage in some spiritual disciplines. You will need to find others you can learn from and who can encourage you (community).  And you will probably need a coach (mentor, discipler, accountability partner) who will push you when you feel like coasting. 3.     Direction: “forgetting what is behind” (v. 13)I can't tell you how many races have been lost when runners, rather than looking ahead, chose to look behind. When Paul talks of “forgetting what is behind,” he is saying, “I am no longer letting the past influence or control my race.” Stop living in the past and start leaning into the future.  4.     Determination: “I press on” (vs. 12, 14)In a long race, it is often the middle miles that the run gets hard. The excitement of the start has faded, and the finish line seems so far away. It's easy to slow down. It's tempting to give up. It's the same in race of faith. In those early days of walking with Jesus, you ran with such enthusiasm, willingly making the sacrifice, but now it's hard. The miles seem to never end, and the encouragement is few and far between. Don't you give up!  Press on, my brothers and sisters! Press on! Text: Philippians 3:12-16Originally recorded on November 16, 2008, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

She is mentioned more than any other character in the events surrounding the death and resurrection of Jesus, yet she is often overlooked. Her name is Mary Magdalene. She had been there at the foot of the cross that Friday for every moment of the six horrific hours Jesus hung there. She heard every word, every groan. Then she watched Him cry out, breathe His last and die. Mary watched as they took down His body and place it in a borrowed tomb. And she sat there in the garden, watching as the stone was rolled in place and sealed. She was shocked, numb, unable to move. Her grief would have been overwhelming. The One who had changed her life, restored her dignity, and given her purpose… was dead.The following day was the Sabbath. No work, no travel. She hunkered down with her grief and waited. On Sunday, Mary and some friends left for the tomb early in the morning bringing spices and linen to wrap Jesus' body in. On the way, they questioned among themselves how they were going to move this huge stone. But when they arrived, they found the stone rolled away!When Mary saw that, she did not think, “Resurrection!” She thought, “Grave robbers!” She quickly ran to tell Peter and the others. Peter and John ran back to the tomb. There on the slab were the strips of linen that had bound Jesus' body. Instantly, they believed. Jesus was alive!After the men left, Mary stood outside the tomb crying. When she finally got up the nerve, she bent over to peer into the tomb. To her amazement, there inside were two angels. They asked her, “Why are you crying?”She turned around and through her tears saw the figure of a man in the garden. He asked her the same question: “Why are you crying?” She was confused, thinking it was the gardener. And then He spoke one word. “Mary.” He called her name. And in that instant, she knew. He was alive! Jesus was alive! Her tears of grief turned to tears of joy as she threw herself into His arms. What a reunion! I've been thinking about the question Mary was asked on that resurrection Sunday. “Why are you crying?” Mary was crying because she thought it was all over. Friday had won. The dream was dead. Hope was gone. Maybe you can identify with Mary. It feels like all your hopes and dreams seem have died.  You're confused and frightened. You feel hopeless, like you have no future. And I suppose you have every right to cry, if that's really the way it is. If, indeed, Friday has won.But what if that's not the case? What if Jesus really is alive? And what if He is calling your name today?It's true! The Resurrected Jesus is alive and well and He knows your name. He is calling out to you. Can you hear Him? He is calling you to believe that Friday doesn't have the last word, and you can trust Him for what concerns you.  Text: Matthew 27:55-61; John 20:1-18Originally recorded on April 12, 2009, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

The Apostle Paul knew what it was like to live under the “performance plan” – to try to be good enough, to jump through all the religious hoops in order to be “righteous” before God. Then one day, he met Jesus, and this man who had taken such pride in his performance, saw perfect righteousness for the first time – a righteousness so brilliant that it blinded him. And in that instant, Paul saw how far short he fell of it. He saw Jesus for who He really is, and Paul declared his belief and cried out for mercy. In that moment, stripped of the rags of self-righteousness, he was clothed in the robe of God's perfect righteousness. (Is. 61:10)The same is true for all of us. No matter how hard we try, we cannot get rid of the stain of sin on our own. Jeremiah 2:22 says, “Although you wash yourself with soda and use an abundance of soap, the stain of your guilt is still before Me…” But what we can do is to allow God to cover over our sinfulness with His righteousness. “True righteousness,” Paul says in Phil. 3:9, “does not come from the law.” We can't earn it by following the rules or doing good deeds. Those things aren't sufficient to remove the stain of guilt we all have before a holy God. Instead, God offers the amazing gift of “righteousness... through faith in Christ...righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.” How is this possible?  How can it be that faith in Christ can accomplish what all those rituals couldn't?God made a way for the stain of sin to be dealt with. Jesus Christ came into our world, lived a sinless life among us, taught us how to love and showed us how to live. Then He went to the cross where He paid the penalty for our sin and rebellion and rose again defeating sin's hold and giving us the hope of eternal life with Him.But it's not enough to just know this. It changes nothing if you don't take the next step. Entering into a relationship with Jesus can be thought of in terms of A-B-C.A-   Admit: “I admit that I'm a sinner. I've got stains, God. I know I can't remove them or pay for them. I acknowledge that I've gone my own way and done my own thing and I'm sorry. Please forgive me.” B-   Believe: “I believe that Jesus is Your Son and the only Savior of the world. I believe He died on the cross for me and that His blood is sufficient to cleanse my stain.”  C-   Commit: “God, I commit myself to you from this day forth. Lord Jesus, even as I ask you to be my Savior, I commit to following after You, learning from You, and living for You.”  Text: Philippians 3:2-9 Originally recorded on November 2, 2008, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

Our world revolves around “the performance plan.” If we work hard enough, perform well enough, and impress the powers that be sufficiently enough...we'll make the cut. It's not surprising, then, that “the performance plan” shows up in the realm of religion as well. Religion could be defined as: a system of beliefs, rituals, and behaviors by which a person can be made right with God. It is an attempt to make the ultimate cut.This “performance plan” approach is what Paul is warning about in Philippians 3. “Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh.For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh…” (vs.2-3)In order to understand what Paul is talking about, we have to go back to the story of Abraham found in Genesis 17. There God makes a covenant with Abraham. In essence, “I will be your God and you and the descendants I give you will be my people.” Then God chose circumcision as the outward sign of this covenant. Circumcision became the symbol of man's need to be cleansed from sin at the most basic point of his identity. But from the very beginning, this outward act was secondary to something of far greater importance: an inward belief. In Genesis 15:6 we read that “Abram believed the Lord, and He credited it to him as righteousness.” Faith came first – then the symbolic action.  The problem is that all too quickly the Jewish people came to believe that to get right with God all a man had to do was to be circumcised, bypassing the heart change altogether.But making the cut and getting on God's team has never been a matter of performance. It is a matter of turning to Him in faith, confessing your sinfulness and receiving His forgiveness.  In the N.T. this became clearer. Jesus came to replace the old system, giving His life to offer access to not only God's team but to God's very family. And He offered that to one and all as a free gift received by faith.Enter the Apostle Paul – or Saul as he was formerly known. He had not only been taught this misunderstood performance plan, he had become its greatest proponent.  In fact, he was so committed to it that he had sought to snuff out the Jesus movement.   And then one day, he encountered Jesus who offered Him grace, forgiving him and freeing him from the need to perform. Paul never got over that and devoted the rest of his life to sharing this good news.He would go from town to town, planting communities of Jesus-followers. After getting these churches grounded, Paul would head off to a new city to continue spreading the gospel. Now, many of these new believers were Gentiles – uncircumcised non-Jews. And after Paul left, often a group of people called “Judaizers” would come in behind him and tell these young non-Jewish believers that in order to truly be saved, they had to become Jews. More specifically, they had to be circumcised. In other words, faith alone wasn't enough. They had to jump through the hoops of the performance plan. When Paul heard about this, he came unglued! This is what he was confronting in Phil. 3:2. He says, “Do you want to compare performance? My pedigree, degrees, and zeal are second to none. Yet all of that is utter garbage because it didn't deal with my heart. Only Jesus can do that.”Are you still depending on the performance plan to be made right with God? Text: Philippians 3:2-9 Originally recorded on October 26, 2008, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

Philippians chapter 3 begins: “Whatever happens, dear friends, be glad in the Lord. I never get tired of telling you this and it is good for you to hear it again and again.” (TLB) Whatever happens…rejoice in the Lord. Really? Whatever happens? Before you dismiss Paul's words, keep in mind that when he wrote them, he was in prison! Yet even there he lived a life of unconquerable joy. And so can you…whatever your circumstances. How does one rejoice in the Lord always?One way to begin is to note that it doesn't say, “Be happy always.” Happiness is an emotion that is dependent upon your circumstances.  Joy is a decision that is independent of your circumstances.  Joy has been called “the defiant nevertheless.” What does a joyful spirit look like?A joyful spirit is not dependent upon outward circumstances but on an upward focus. It's born of an unshakable conviction that God is too good to be unkind, too powerful to be thwarted, and too deep to explain himself. When the bottom falls out, the question to ask is not, “why?”, but “what?” “What do you want me to learn from this?” A joyful spirit in your struggle will have greater impact than any words spoken out of strength.Joy in the midst of suffering is a more powerful sermon than any religious rhetoric.A joyful spirit takes life and trusts God one day at a time.  The psalmist said: “This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Ps. 118:24) Yesterday is past and tomorrow hasn't' happened yet. All we have is today. So choose joy now.   Text: Philippians 3:1; 4:4; Psalm 137; Habakkuk 3:17-19Originally recorded on October 19, 2008, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

When Jesus ascended into heaven after the resurrection, He put the entire future of His Kingdom movement into the hands of a group of ordinary men and women. They had no wealth, no position or power, still Jesus entrusted them with the mission of taking the gospel to the world.   It was a pretty audacious plan! But through the power of the Holy Spirit, this ragtag band of 120 disciples soon became thousands of believers. And by the year 300 AD, historians estimate that over half of the population of the Roman Empire proclaimed faith in Christ.How did they do it? It wasn't because they had resources or government assistance or positions of influence. No, the early church grew because the presence and power of Jesus in their midst created a community the likes of which the world had never seen. A community where rich and poor, male and female, slave and free loved, honored, and valued one another. A community that demonstrated a love, generosity, and courage that was truly counter-cultural. “And people… liked what they saw.” (Acts 2:27 MSG)This upside-down way of life is what Paul is calling the Philippians to. He says: “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.' Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.” (Phil.2:14-16)He first urges them to be “blameless”: amemptos = without fault or compromise. Their lives should be not only compelling but consistent. They are also to be “pure”: akeraios = unmixed, unadulterated. Their behavior should be consistent with the way of Jesus and come from pure motives, no hidden agenda.Consistent behavior with pure motives will stand out in our warped and crooked world.   “warped”: skolios = deviates from what is right and true. Paul says we live in a world that is bent and twisted, out of whack, not as it was intended to be.“crooked”: diastrepho = distorted and destructive. It's a world filled with violence, injustice, and oppression. It's a pervasive darkness that is desperately in need of light. Paul urges his friends to live in such a way that their lives shine in the darkness just like the stars shine brightly the dark of night.Jesus calls us to do the same. “You are the light of the world…let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Mt. 5:14-17)The book of Proverbs puts it this way: “When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices.” (Prov. 11:10) The “righteous” are those who are willing to disadvantage themselves to advantage the community. When God's people are blessed by God, they turn right around and become a blessing to their city.  The presence of God's people causes those in the city to say: “We are so glad you're here.”Opportunities abound to touch our city.  Jesus' call is for us...you and me...to shine the light in the darkness. It's up to us, friends. He has no other plan.  Text: Philippians 2:14-18Originally recorded on September 28, 2008, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN  

In our last episode, we began talking about what it means to “work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who is at work in you…” (Phil. 2:12-13). We said that if we hope to see the ongoing transformation of God in our lives, we must cooperate with God in the process. Transformation of any sort involves three elements: V – VisionI – IntentionM – Method Take the example of an NFL player. Their vision is to win the Super Bowl. But to accomplish this vision, they must intentionally arrange their lives around the methods that will get them there. Even if those methods are costly! Why? Because the vision drives them. The same thing is true in our spiritual journey. What is it that will compel us to grow? The vision of the day all will kneel and proclaim that Jesus is Lord. The day we will stand before Him and hear Him say, “Well done.” But that kind of life will not just happen. You don't stumble into that kind of maturity. It will take intention. But what method, practice, or activity will help us experience that vision? I believe that spiritual disciplines are essential methods of spiritual training. Spiritual disciplines are activities that enable you to receive power and life from God. Things like Bible study, prayer, fasting, solitude, confession, community, and worship are valuable training methods.Spiritual disciplines are not an indicator of spirituality. As with an athlete, the disciplines are the drills that prepare you for the game. They are not the game itself. Spiritual disciplines are not the end in themselves. Rather, they should train us to be more kind, generous, forgiving, wise, and courageous. That's the real game.Spiritual disciplines are not a way to earn favor with God. We don't engage in these practices because we're trying to impress or please God. We do them because we love Him and want to be more like Him.Spiritual disciplines are not necessarily unpleasant. Rather than being onerous or drudgery, spiritual disciplines can and should be life-giving and joy-filled. Spiritual disciplines are a matter of personal choice. Which disciplines result in the transformation you're looking for? Do those! But remember, spiritual transformation only happens when we cooperate with the work of the Holy Spirit. Perhaps the place to start your extreme makeover is by starting each day with the discipline of presentation. “Oh, God, fill me this day with Your Spirit. Do Your work in me.”  Text: Philippians 2:12-13Originally recorded on September 14, 2008, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

Makeover shows have been exceedingly popular television viewing for decades. Do you remember the show, “Extreme Makeover”? They took ordinary people and completely changed their appearance. The transformations were astonishing!While we may never be the recipient of that kind of makeover, the Bible says that an extreme makeover is possible for those who place their faith in Christ. Not only is such transformation possible, it's expected! But the changes Jesus wants to make are not necessarily on the outside. They are on the inside…where it matters most.The Apostle Paul talked about this a lot, telling us that God's plan for us to be to “conformed to the image of His Son” (Rom. 8:29), to be “transformed into His likeness” (2 Cor. 3:18). And in Philippians 2, he writes: “…continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling...” (vs. 12)Notice he doesn't say “work for your salvation,” or “work to keep your salvation.” He says “work out your salvation.” There are aspects of our maturity that require our involvement and effort. God does what we cannot do; but He will not do what we are to do. Verse 13 says that God is not only cheering us on in this transformation process, but He is helping us. If we hope to become more loving, more patient, more gentle, or more self-controlled, it will require the dual partnership of us working with God as He does His work in us. Elsewhere, Paul uses sports to illustrate the idea of working out our salvation. He says that in the same way that an athlete goes into training in order to win the prize, so we should “train yourself to be godly” (1 Tim. 4:7). Spiritual transformation is not a matter of trying harder, but of training wisely. How do you go into this kind of training? Well, there are some classic training techniques for spiritual transformation. They are known as the spiritual disciplines, such as: Bible study, prayer, Scripture memory, community, accountability, worship, and service. These disciples are themselves indicators of maturity. Rather, they are the means to spiritual maturity.An extreme makeover really is possible if you are willing to rearrange your life around those activities that enable you to receive power and life from God.   Text: Philippians 2:12-13Originally recorded on September 7, 2008, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN 

Have you ever wondered, “Is it worth it?” Is all the sacrifice and effort for the Kingdom really worth it? Is all the ridicule and mockery for following Jesus worth it?  Well, friends, today we are going to find the answer. And that answer is: Yes. It is worth it!   How do I know? Let's look at Philippians 2:9-11 together. “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”In the previous episode, we talked about how Jesus climbed down the ladder. From the glories of heaven, he lowered himself and became a human, a servant even, and ultimately gave His life to die on a cross. Was it worth it? Hebrews 12:2-3 indicates that Jesus was able to endure all this because of what He knew was coming. Jesus, for the future joy set before Him, endured the present pain of sacrifice.What is that future joy? Phil. 2 gives us a clue. It points to a coming day when God will: Exalt Jesus to the highest place.The Greek term means “hyper-exalted.” Because of His sacrifice, the Father bestowed on the Son even more rights, privileges, and honors than He had before. Give Jesus the ultimate name. Verse 11 tell us that name: Lord. The Greek is kurios – deity, sovereignty, and authority in the highest possible sense. Every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord.At the name of Jesus, every knee will bow:in heaven – the angels and the redeemed who've gone before uson earth – those alive when Jesus returns, whether saved or unsaved. under the earth – demonic spirits and those who died without Christ.Jesus' exaltation to the highest place guarantees our vindication. It proves we were right. Jesus really is Lord. We were right to give our lives to Him.I love these words from Jesus Himself in the last chapter of the last book of the Bible:“Behold, I am coming soon!  My reward is with Me, and I will give to everyone according to what He has done.” (Rev. 22:12)One day, all who have given up everything, sacrificed, and served for the sake of Christ, will receive a reward from Jesus Himself. So, as Paul writes to the Corinthians: “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm.  Let nothing move you.  Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (I Cor. 15:58)What's the apostle saying?  Even as a life of sacrifice was worth it for Jesus, it will be worth it for us. Text: Philippians 2:9-11Originally recorded on August 31, 2008, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

All our lives, we are encouraged to climb up the ladder. The word “up” has come to be cherished in our society. It's a word reserved for winners, heroes, and overcomers: upscale, up-and-coming, upper class, upwardly mobile.  The premise, indeed the promise, is that if you devote yourself to climbing up the ladder and making it to the top, that's where all the good stuff is – status, significance, and success.Of course, devoting yourself to ladder climbing can carry a cost.  Often to climb up, you need to climb over others. Because your focus is upward, you pay no attention to those below you. But the cost is more than worth it - or so we're told. The problem with ladder climbing is it's not only lonely at the top, it's empty.But Jesus didn't come to climb up the ladder. He went down the ladder. Philippians 2:5-8 gives a beautiful, poetic picture of the upside-down life of Jesus. “…who being in very nature God did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage…” (v.6)There is a boatload of theology in these verses:  “being” = huparchein = that which one is in very essence and which cannot be changed “in the very nature” = morphe = an essential form which never altersPaul is making it clear that Jesus always was, is, and always will be fully and unalterably God. To put it into our context, He started at the top of the ladder. But note which direction Jesus goes. “…rather, he made himself nothingby taking the very nature[b] of a servant,being made in human likeness.” (v. 7)Jesus' downward mobility began with simply taking on human flesh with all its limitations. But His descent didn't stop there. He came not just a man, but as a servant, spending time with lepers and prostitutes. And still, His descent continued. “And being found in appearance as a man,he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” (v.8)Jesus, the One who flung the stars into space, voluntarily gave Himself over to die. And not just any death. Death on a cross – the most painful, humiliating way to die. Jesus' story is not a rags-to-riches story. It's a riches-to-rags story (burial rags). Why did He willingly pursue this downward path? He was not committed to climbing up the ladder but to accomplishing God's purposes.Now vs. 5 takes on new meaning. “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” Jesus' descent was meant to be an example for us to follow.Jesus came as a servant, not in spite of the fact that He was God, but because He was God.  It is the nature of God is to give and to serve. Jesus, when He came in the form of a servant, was not disguising Who God is; He was revealing Who God is. Intentionally moving down the ladder is the most God-like thing a person can do.     Text: Philippians 2:5-8Originally recorded on August 24, 2008, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

In Philippians 2, Paul calls his friends – and us – to live in a totally countercultural manner. This “upside-down living” is the very opposite of what our society sees as normal. The irony is that by living upside down, we're actually helping to turn the world right-side up. Having been called to unity, Paul now urges us to “do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Phil. 2:3-4)Let's unpack this a bit. The phrase “selfish amibition” comes from the Greek word “eritheia” or “selfishness.” The word was used to describe three kinds of people:A mercenary – a soldier who fights for pay. A politician – who seeks his own advancement and gain over the good of the people.A gambler – whose gain was always at the expense of someone else.The other phrase here is “vain conceit.” It comes from the Greek “kenodoxia” or “empty glory.” It's the idea of making a claim you can't back up; having an overly exaggerated view of yourself.Another way to think of these ideas is: selfish ambition pursues personal goals; vain conceit seeks personal glory. Paul is saying, “Friends, have nothing to do with this lifestyle. Rather, think of others as better than yourselves!” Talk about countercultural! We've been taught to “look out for#1!” We're afraid that “looking to the interests of others” will cost us. It's a scarcity mindset that says, “If they win, I'll lose.” It's why we have such trouble “rejoicing with those who rejoice” (Rom. 12:15).  Ultimately, the reason we struggle to celebrate others' wins comes down to our view of God. If we think that God has a limited supply of grace – of blessing – then someone else's blessing means there is less for me. But the reality is God's grace is not only unmerited, it's unlimited. To live “upside-down” is to have an abundance mindset! God is intimate in His focus, generous in His favor, and limitless in His supply. You can freely look to others' interests when you're convinced that God is looking to yours.  Text: Philippians 2:3-4 Originally recorded on August 17, 2008, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

What do you think God's favorite word is? While we aren't given a direct answer to that question, I'd like to hazard a guess. It's a word found in the first two verses of Philippians 2: “….make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.” I think God's favorite word is… ONE. God is so committed to the idea of oneness and unity among His people and so longs for intimate community to flourish here and now that it's difficult to overstate His heart for its protection. Our unity—our oneness—not only glorifies Him but also sends a clear message to a broken, fragmented world.We see that clearly in the life of Jesus. On the night He was betrayed, the Savior prayed for His disciples and for future disciples yet to come.  He prayed “ that they may be one as we are one…so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” (Jn 17:22-23)To Jesus' way of thinking, one of the greatest evidences of His transformational power was relational unity. Indeed, it was the undeniable unity of the incredibly diverse first church that caused an amazed world to say, “How they love one another!” But this unity is fragile. Traditional loyalties, personal preferences, and individual desires die hard. Real unity in a diverse community, while a beautiful sight to behold, requires constant attention.That's why Paul urges the Philippians to get along. We don't know exactly what the threat was to their unity, but likely it was the same thing that threatens many churches today. When people feel passionate about an issue, and others don't share their passion, conflict can arise. Paul begins his admonition by offering… The Motivation for Unity paraklesis = encouragement              paramuthion =  consolation koinonia = partnership, fellowshipsplanchna = deep affectionoiktirmos = merciesHave you experienced any of these in the community of faith? If so, then use it as motivation to fight for unity within the Body of Christ.Paul then shows us…The Marks of Unity: auto phronete = likemindedness  Look for places of common understanding and genuine agreement. agape = selfless and sacrificial response  Giving up one's rights for the greater good. to en phronountes = intent on one purpose  Keep the big picture in mind, the ultimate vision: the Kingdom of GodJesus gave His life that we might enter into His eternal family and demonstrate our unity to a watching world. So how committed are you to honor the oneness He died for?  Text: Philippians 2:1-2Originally recorded on August 10, 2008, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN 

Paul had told his friends, the Philippians, how he had suffered for the sake of Christ. Now, he tells them that they will face the same struggle. Rome, at this time, was the mightiest power on earth. It had utterly crushed its opponents. To be a Roman citizen was to be at the top of the pecking order. Because of their loyalty during a time of war, Philippi had been given the honor of citizenship and became an outpost for the Roman army. In addition, when Paul wrote his letter, Nero was the emperor. To elevate himself in the eyes of the populous, the people were to refer to Nero as “our Lord and Savior.” Can you see a potential problem for followers of Jesus?Paul had already bucked the system and was in prison, facing an uncertain future. Now he writes to the church in Philippi that they, too, will suffer for the sake of Christ. He tells them not to be afraid of those who oppose them (vs. 28). The Greek word is: “pturo” = alarmed.  It refers to being intimidated by something that shouldn't really scare you. Even though Christians were dying for refusing to deny Jesus as Lord and Savior, Paul is reminding them that in the end, there's nothing to be afraid of. They may kill your body, but they can't kill your soul… and the future that awaits the believer is worth it all.Paul continues that their suffering would “be a sign” - “endeixis” = proof, evidence. That you are willing to stand your ground and remain loyal to Christ sends a message that there is a higher God than Caesar, and one day, the whole world will bow before Him. The word for “suffer” here is “pascho” = to be afflicted. It's the same word from which we get “paschal lamb” – the term used for Jesus, the One who was sacrificed to the redemption of mankind. Paul is calling this kind of suffering redemptive, something that will ultimately bring life. Will suffering like this be easy? No. The word for “struggle” in vs. 30 is “agon,” from which we get “agony.” If you are pursuing a life of allegiance to Jesus, you will face the challenge to bow before “Caesar”: the Caesar of status, success, financial security, or comfort. Then you, too, must decide: will you stand tall no matter the cost?   Text: Philippians 1:27-29Originally recorded on August 3, 2008, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

When Paul wrote his letter to his Philippian friends, he was under house arrest in Rome, chained constantly to a Roman guard. But Paul saw this as an opportunity for the gospel. He had a captive audience! As a result, members of the palace guard were coming to Christ and taking their new-found faith with them to the far reaches of the empire. God was at work!  Paul was aware that God was using his imprisonment to advance the gospel.His mindset is reflected in a theory by Albert Ellis called The ABC's of Emotional Life.  A = Antecedent. The starting point is the situation you find yourself in.C = Conclusion. This is the way I respond to the situation and the conclusions I draw.But the thing that gets us from A to C is:B = Beliefs. It's my beliefs about what happened to me (the antecedent) that ultimately determine the way I feel. That's why two people can go through the exact same situation and have polar opposite responses. Their beliefs are different.Here are Paul's antecedents: He is in chains. He'd rather be out preaching the gospel, but instead, he's in prison with a good chance of being executed. If Paul's beliefs had been, “I've failed; my life is over,” you'd expect them to lead to negative emotions like despair or fear. But Paul believed that God was still in control. He believed that even what appeared to be bad would end up being used for good.This unshakable belief brought him to this conclusion: “…because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice.” (Phil. 1:18)The ABC's of Paul's emotional life were:Antecedent: Life is difficult.Belief: Jesus is Lord.Conclusion: I will rejoice.You find this mindset throughout Scripture. The OT character of Joseph captured it perfectly when he said: “What you intended for evil, God used for good.” (Gen. 50:20)You could say that Paul's perspective was this: “I have given up trying to get God to engineer the circumstances I want. Rather, I'm devoting my life to partner with God in the circumstances He's allowed.”In his letter, Paul goes on to ask the Philippians to pray that the things that had happened to him would result in his deliverance. But he is not saying, “Please pray that I will be released.” Rather, he is saying, “Pray that no matter how difficult this gets, I will not dishonor God. Pray not that I will be delivered from my circumstances. Pray that I will be delivered in my circumstances.”   Text: Philippians 1:11-20 Originally recorded on June 29, 2008, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN 

There are many kinds of prayer and many reasons for prayer, but most of the time, it seems that we pray when there is a need or crisis. Such prayers are appropriate and powerful! But is that all God had in mind when He gave us the gift of prayer? Was its sole purpose to serve as a spiritual fire extinguisher with the sign stating, “Break glass in case of emergency”?I decided to do some research by studying how the Apostle Paul prayed. Multiple times in the letters he wrote to the churches he planted, we find these wonderful prayers. These prayers are more than just for the obvious needs. They go much deeper. We have one of those prayers recorded in Philippians 1:9-11. And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.This is more than simply asking God to “be with” them! Paul is praying that they would grow in their capacity to love. Let's look at four keywords in this prayer that we can bring into our own prayers – for ourselves and others.1.     Abound: “perissos” – meaning no limit, exceedingly, out of measure. It's in the present progressive tense, which means it is ongoing. Literally, Paul is saying, “may your love expand more and more and more. May you be more loving today than you were last year and may you be more loving a year from now than you are today.” For Paul, living a life characterized by love mattered more than anything. (1 Cor. 13) 2.     Knowledge: “epignosis” - full knowledge; not merely knowledge about something but knowledge born of personal encounter and involvementIf we want to love a person well, we must know them well. So many of our relationships are superficial. Even in families and among friends. We don't really know each other. Is it any wonder our love is so shallow?3.     Insight: aesthesis - moral discernment, especially in ethical mattersThe word has to do with making wise decisions in the heat of the moment. Have you ever felt pressured by someone who said, “If you love me, you'll do this”? Yet the reality is the most loving thing to do is to say no. "No, I'm not going to lie for you.” “I'm not going to cover for you.” “I'm not going to enable you or join in that behavior.” 4.     Discern: “dokimazo” – test, prove, scrutinizePaul is challenging these folks to be careful and not be fooled. It may not be an issue of right and wrong but good, better, and best. “Is this what's best?”I want to love well and love much, don't you? Let's start praying that very thing.  Text: Philippians 1:7-11 Originally recorded on June 22, 2008, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

Have you ever started a good work and not finished it? Maybe it was a New Year's resolution that started well, but quickly faded. Or a home project that began with good intentions but was never completed. Well, let me give you some good news today. God has never done that. Whatever God starts, God completes. Our God is a Finisher.Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, wrote: “…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 1:6)Consider your life – where you came from, how far from God you once were. But look at where you are now – not perfect, but in process. Why? How? Because He who began a good work in you is faithful to complete it.There's an important theological concept that is reflected in Phil. 1:6. It's called The Principle of First Mention: the first place and time a subject is mentioned in the Bible carries special significance.Note these keywords: “began,” “good work,” and “completion.” Now, turn to Genesis 1. As we read this account of the creation of the world, we have God beginning a work, and this work, He says, is good. Then in Gen. 2:1, we are told that this good work is completed. So, we have a good work begun and completed, and the principle of first mention would tell us to pay special attention to that as we read Paul's words in Phil. 1:6. Paul is reminding us that this powerful God who brought the universe into being is the same God who began a good work in you. When we say “Yes” to the God who created the universe, that same power is unleashed in us.There are five-and-a-half billion people on the planet, and yet God has arrived at your life with work gloves, a tool belt, and a plan to transform your life. Let that soak in for a moment. God is at work in your life.  He may have just started his work, but it has begun. And He will bring His power to bear, but you have to decide whether you will cooperate with Him. God knows the impact you can make. So, He says, “I love you too much to allow you to stay comfortable or mediocre. I started a good work in you, and I am going to complete it.”Will you let Him? Text: Philippians 1:3-6Originally recorded on June 15, 2008, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

Grace and peace. With this simple phrase, the Apostle Paul opens his letter to the Philippians. In fact, it's how he opens every letter we have recorded in Scripture. Grace and peace. Typically, letters of that day would have begun with the Greek word chairein: “Greetings!” But Paul uses two other words: charis – “God's blessings!” and eirene – “harmonious relationships.”He is saying to these brothers and sisters, “May you come to know the goodness of God in ever-increasing ways. May your relationships be characterized by harmony. Grace and peace to you.”This is how Paul always starts his letters – with grace and peace. It's as if he is saying, “No matter what else you know or do, if you don't live in grace and peace, it's all in vain. Grace and peace are of first importance.” Paul is writing this letter while in chains, a prisoner because of the gospel. Shortly before his arrest, Paul was saying farewell to another group of friends he had spent time discipling. In his parting words, he said this: “…my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace.” (Acts 20:24)For Paul, life on earth had one goal: to testify to a skeptical world that the God of grace and peace was real. He knew that hardship was coming, but he also knew that it's when we suffer or are abused that the greatest testimony can be given.  You never more testify to the grace given to you than when you demonstrate grace to those who hurt you.Jesus showed us that. As he was being crucified, he uttered these words: “Father, forgive them.” Grace in the midst of suffering. Do you have someone who has caused you or someone you love intense pain?  Someone who has in the past or continues in the present to hurt you? What would it be like to be so alive to the grace and peace given you that you could begin to speak grace and peace to them? If we hope to be a community that reaches out and maintains unity, we must, as Paul did, lead with grace and peace. So, how do we maintain the priority of grace and peace? 1.     Stay close to the cross. It is much harder to be ungracious to others when we're standing in the shadow of the cross.2.     Allow others to remind me to extend grace and peace. That's why we need community. People we know and trust to put a hand on our shoulder to calm us down and call us back to grace and peace. May you know grace and peace.  May you extend grace and peace.  May we challenge one another to be people of grace and peace.  And may the God of grace and peace flow His power through us as we do that. Text: Philippians 1:1-2 Originally recorded on June 8, 2008, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

There was once a group of people - a church - who dared to live out fully the gospel that had been shared with them.  Two thousand years later, we still read of them and can learn from them how we, too, can more fully live out the good news of Jesus.They are the Philippians, and we first encounter them in Acts 16 when Paul responds to a vision of a young man from Macedonia begging him to come and help them. Paul and his team go to Greece and make their way to the city of Philippi. There, they meet a woman named Lydia, who responds to their message about Christ. Soon, others also believed, and the first church was planted in Europe. As often happened in Paul's missionary journeys, the gospel upset the status quo and trouble erupted in Philippi. After a miraculous release from prison, Paul and his team left Philippi and spread the gospel to other cities throughout Greece. But he never forgot his friends in Philippi. Thirteen years later, Paul again found himself in chains. This time under house arrest in Rome, shackled to his guards. In those days, prisoners depended on friends and family to provide for them, and Paul was thrilled to receive a financial gift from his friends in Philippi. With the gift, the courier shared the news that the church in Philippi was thriving. So, Paul writes them a letter. This is the book we have today. The N.T. book of Philippians.Of all the epistles, Philippians is the simplest - only 104 verses long. It is also unique. It isn't an academic treatise, like Romans or Ephesians. It isn't a corrective for some theological error, as in Galatians or Colossians. It isn't to straighten out some problems, as in Corinthians or Thessalonians.It's a letter of thanks and encouragement to friends who are displaying a degree of discipleship that is deep and sincere.In the opening verses of this great letter, Paul refers to this community of believers as partners in the gospel. They were banded together around a common mission and purpose. So, what is our church's mission? Or, in the words of business great, Peter Drucker, “What business are we in?” We are in the life-saving business. These communities we call churches were never intended to be self-serving. All along, God's purpose was that we would build a community to reach a community. The church is the only institution on earth whose primary focus is on those not yet a part of it. Jesus was in the life-saving business. He still is. He is still looking for communities where people, just like the Philippians, are willing to band together and say, I'll bring whatever gifts I have and do whatever I can to save those who are lost.Within churches, as with most organizations, you'll find three kinds of relationships. Customers: “I want you to fulfill my expectations and meet my needs. If you don't, I'll leave.” Employees: “How little can I do and still be a part? How can I reap the benefits with minimal effort?”Partners: “It's not about me. It's about others. Whatever it takes! I'm in!”Which are you?  Text: Philippians 1:1-11Originally recorded on June 1, 2008, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN 

Our world is a messy, broken place filled with messy, broken people. But if the birth of Jesus tells us anything, it tells us that God is not afraid of a mess. Born in a stable, wrapped in rags, and laid in a feeding trough, the Son of God began His life in a mess. Later, His life ended in a mess, wrapped in rags and nailed to a cross. In between, He mostly hung out with pretty messed up people, and it didn't bother Him one bit! He just kept on loving them, teaching them, and showing them a better way. When He went to the cross, Jesus willingly took all of our messiness – our sin, our junk, our mess – and paid the penalty for it.   And He will enter into your life – no matter how messed up it is – if you'll only ask Him. In fact, nothing would give Him greater joy than to hear you say, “Lord, I know I'm messed up.  Please come into my life.  Forgive me and help me.  Fix my brokenness and heal my messiness.”  That decision will change your life.The Bible uses a metaphor to describe this change. It's that of light coming into the darkness. In foretelling the coming of the Savior, the prophet Isaiah wrote: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light… for unto us a child is born; unto us a son is given…and he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Is. 9:2, 6)The darkness he talks about isn't a literal night, it is a darkness that covers the soul. But the Good News of Christmas is that the darkness doesn't have the last word. A light has dawned and His name is Jesus. For those who open their hearts to Him, the light of His grace, mercy, and forgiveness will rise in your heart and never stop shining.  The light has come! That's good news! But what do we do with that? The same prophet, Isaiah, gave this counsel, “Arise, shine, for your light has come.” (Is. 60:1) Have you received the light of Jesus? Then shine that light to the world around you! As one whose messiness has been cleaned up, arise! Shine! Spread the news! Share the hope! Isaiah 58 tells us that to shine your light is to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke.  It's to share your food with the hungry and clothe the naked.  And if we do, then God's blessing, provision, and deliverance will appear in our own lives. So, arise, shine, for your light has come! Text: Isaiah 9:2, 6-7; 60:1-3; 58 Originally recorded on December 24, 2006, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

In the last episode, we talked about Caesar Augustus, ruler of the vast Roman Empire at the time of Jesus' birth. One of the ways he made governing this massive area more manageable was to establish local kings to rule on his behalf. At this time, there arose in Israel a young man who fit the bill perfectly. He was half-Jew, half-Edomite, born into a politically connected family, and hungry for power. His name was Herod.He curried favor with Augustus and at 25 years old was conferred by the Roman Senate with the title, “King of the Jews.”Though Herod is known as an accomplished builder, history remembers him even more as a butcher. He was almost insanely suspicious, and his suspicions drove him to murder. He murdered his wife, his sons, his rivals, anyone who threatened his power. So you can imagine his response when the Magi showed up asking where they could find the new King of the Jews! Matthew 2 says Herod was “disturbed,” literally agitated, all shook up. But rather than eliminating these foreign visitors, he used them. People accustomed to getting and keeping power are masters at using those around them.  “Go find this child, and when you do, come back to me so I can worship him too.” Is that really what he intended to do? No! He played these guys. People who grasp for power are not only users, they are deceivers. When the Magi didn't return to Herod, but having been warned by God they went home a different way, Herod was furious. He ordered the slaughter of every baby boy under the age of two in the region of Bethlehem. People who seek to hold on to power, to stay in control, use people… they deceive people… and they ultimately hurt people. Though Herod died shortly after this, the Herod spirit didn't die. It's alive and well and threatens us today. Every one of us has areas of our lives that we struggle to submit to Jesus' rulership – private areas over which we desire to stay on the throne, protected places where we want to wear the crown. Ask yourself these questions and see if the Lord may identify a Herod spirit in your life.In what area of my life do I have a tendency to use people? At work? In your family? Perhaps you control or manipulate people to get what you want.In what area of my life am I guilty of deceiving people?  Whether you openly lie or leave others with false impressions, where do you shade the truth to maintain control?In what area of my life am I willing to hurt people? It may not be physical harm, but you're willing to hurt people through gossip or slander. Through lashing out in anger or rage. Or maybe you freeze them out and seek to punish them through passive aggression. Are you willing to lay down your crown and surrender control to the true King, Jesus?

We will be looking at a very familiar portion of Scripture today, but I'd like to put a twist on it by starting with a verse that, as a recovering control freak, I've had to lean into again and again. It reminds me of who's really in charge…and who's not. “Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.” (Prov. 19:21)With that in mind, let's look at Luke 2. It starts, “In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.”Let's set the stage here. In the days of Jesus, the Romans ruled the western world. Their military might was legendary. They were ruled by a series of “caesars” or czars. The first of whom was Julius Caesar. When he was assassinated in 44 B.C., a power struggle ensued. The assassins and conspirators Brutus and Cassius battled for control with Mark Antony and Julius Caesar's adopted son, Octavian. When Mark Antony sought to grab power for himself by making an alliance with Egypt and Cleopatra, Octavian took them both on and won. Octavian returned to Rome as a hero and was declared to be the new Caesar.He soon changed his name to Augustus (which means “the revered one”) and quickly took absolute power.About 10 years into his reign, there was an astronomical phenomenon (probably a comet). The Romans declared that it was actually Julius Caesar ascending to the heavens to join the other gods and become a god himself. If Julius was Augustus' father, what does that make him? “The son of God.” From then on, Augustus would be celebrated and worshiped as “God incarnate.”Notwithstanding his newly claimed status, Augustus still had a massive army that needed to be bankrolled. How would he do that? By raising taxes. So, now we come to Luke's account. A decree goes out that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. Why? So they can be taxed!A king lifts his finger in Rome and 1500 miles away, in an obscure little village, a poverty-stricken couple undertakes an arduous 70-mile journey. And because they did, Mary's child was born in Bethlehem, a little town that just happened to be the one mentioned in an ancient Hebrew prophecy about the Messiah. You might be tempted to think this was an amazing coincidence. That all this “came to pass” because Augustus gave a decree. He was in control.But who really made the decree? Whose will was really being done? Whose kingdom is it really?  Luke is exposing the illusion that we all live with – that we are mere pawns in the hands of human powers – whether they are government officials or city ordinances, whether they are employers or coaches, whether they are former friends or ex-spouses.  His point is clear: Human powers may make their plans and plot their strategies, “but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.”  He is ultimately the One who is on the throne, and His will is that which will prevail.What was the slogan of the day 2000 years ago?  “Caesar is lord.”  What does Christmas tell us? “NO, HE'S NOT! Jesus is Lord.” God is in control. He was fully in charge then and He is fully in charge now.   Text: Luke 2 Originally recorded on December 10, 2006, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

When the Lord brought His people out of slavery in Egypt, He promised to bring them up to Canaan – the “Promised Land.” But before they were ready to step into their inheritance, they had to spend time in the Land Between – the wilderness where God wanted to develop and mature them so He could display them to the world.However, after two years in the Land Between, they had yet to learn to trust and depend on God. They whined and complained about food, so God gave them manna. But soon, they whined and complained about that! We need to understand that they weren't just whining about the food being served. This was a rejection of God Himself. They were saying, “God, we were better off back in Egypt…without you!” So, when they started to whine and complain that they had no meat, God said, “Fine. I'll give you meat! So much meat it will come out of your nose!” (Nu. 11:19-20)God literally blew quail into their camp. Tens of thousands of birds! The Israelites were thrilled! They gathered up so much meat they spread it out in the sun to dry for future meals. But the quail started to rot, and soon, disease began to spread through the camp. And at God's hand, in an act of severe discipline, people died. Why?Before we talk about that, let's talk a bit about discipline in general. First of all, wise parents know that discipline is not the opposite of love. Rather, it is a function of love. Proverbs 13:24 says, “A refusal to correct is a refusal to love; love your children by disciplining them.” (MSG)We sometimes forget our goal is not to raise happy children. It's to raise mature adults. Wise parents recognize that as painful as discipline may be to administer and for that child to receive, failure to discipline can be costly in the long run. Love requires discipline. Could it be that when God disciplines us in ways that seem harsh or difficult to bear, He is actually trying to rescue us? To save us?If so, what could God have been trying to save his people from back in Numbers 11? Perhaps that answer is found a few chapters later in Numbers 13. The Israelites are at the border of the Promised Land. Moses sends 12 men into the land to spy out the situation. They came back with a mixed report. Joshua and Caleb said that it was everything God had promised! A land flowing with milk and honey. But the other 10 spies were filled with fear, not faith. They saw the walled cities and giants in the land and said, “We can't conquer this land!” After two years in “trust school,” God's people had failed completely. He was ready to be done with them. Wipe them all out! But Moses pleaded with God and He relented. Instead, He handed down a harsh discipline. They would wander in the wilderness until every one of that generation perished (except Joshua and Caleb). Only their children would enter the Promised Land. Could it be that the discipline of Numbers 11 was God's last-ditch effort to rescue this generation? A loving Father's attempt to get His children's attention and teach them to trust Him? I believe it was. Sadly, they didn't learn that lesson. The Land Between can be a place where God can discipline you – correct your self-destructive behavior, and keep you from something far more painful. It can be a place of growth… if we will let it.  Text: Nu. 11, 13, 14Originally recorded on October 27, 2013, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

When you're in the Land Between, the natural question we ask is, “How long? How long will I be in this hard place?” This question nagged the Israelites as they slogged through the wilderness, eventually leading to complaint. Their relentless complaining turned personal, and they blamed Moses for their woes. The accusations and criticism beat down on Moses until he couldn't take it anymore. He hadn't asked for this job! He is so discouraged and weary that he asks God to let him die rather than continue like this.The Land Between can be a place of emotional meltdown. You might think Moses is no different than the Israelites, complaining and ready to quit. But there's a key difference. The Israelites were complaining about God. Moses is praying to God.  Moses isn't the only biblical leader to go through a “dark night of the soul.” The prophets Elijah and Jeremiah both experienced emotional meltdowns of their own. So discouraged and defeated, each of them despaired of life itself, and they poured out their pain and lament to God in prayer. You might read their prayers and wonder if this kind of honesty with God is acceptable. Can we really bare our souls and give vent to our feelings in this way? Keep in mind that these guys are spiritual heavyweights. They are not among the ranks of the immature. Their honest prayers are an indication of their spiritual depth rather than a sign of shallowness. And God never condemns or disciplines them for pouring out their emotions.But I also wonder if God chose to include their emotionally raw and honest prayers in the Scriptures to validate our pain. Perhaps these prayers and others like them in the Bible were preserved as a way for the Lord to whisper to us, “See, you're not alone. Go ahead and cry out. Turn to Me and give vent to your fatigue, hurt, and disappointment.” In the words of Jesus, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Mt. 11:28)The Land Between can provide an opportunity for intimate prayer. You may be thinking, “I like the idea of pouring out my heart to God, but to be honest, I am so numb and exhausted, I don't know what to say.” Let me give you some practical help in three simple words: SCAN…CONNECT…BORROW. Scan through the Psalms. See if you can find some language for crying out. Many of these songs were written by King David during times of tremendous pressure. (Ps. 69)Connect personally to the words. If your response to the words you scan is, “That's me! I feel like that!” then pause. (Ps. 55) Borrow those words and use them in your own prayer. (Ps. 13)In the Land Between, emotional meltdowns are inevitable. But honest prayer is powerful. When we turn to God, we're turning in the right direction. Rest is found. Intimacy is deepened. And hope is fueled. Text: Nu. 11:4-6, 10-15; Mt. 11:28 Originally recorded on October 20, 2013, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

Sooner or later, all of us will find ourselves in the Land Between – a place of undesired and difficult transitions. We are ripped from normality and find ourselves in an unfamiliar world. The world of the unemployed, the suddenly single, the chronically ill. Everything has changed, and we are at a loss to know how to navigate this new terrain.The Israelites found themselves in the Land Between in the Old Testament. Having been miraculously led out of the bondage of slavery in Egypt, they found themselves in the wilderness. A desert…where nothing grows. They are hoping to get to the Promised Land. A land flowing with milk and honey. But they're not there yet, and it's going to take a long time to get there. With a group of several hundred thousand people slowly moving through this desert, you can imagine that, eventually, they are going to run out of food. And when they did, they started to complain. God saw to their need by providing a unique food substance. It was called manna. And this is what they ate, day after day, week after week. For two years, they've been eating manna, and they are sick of it. So they start to complain and wail.Now, we can easily criticize these folks. But how often do we do the same thing?!The fact is… the Land Between can be fertile ground for complaint.For the Israelites, their complaint was not only chronic, it was intensifying. They were not merely rejecting the food, they were rejecting the God who had given it to them. What were the Israelites doing in the wilderness for so long? If you look at a map, it seems there to be a much shorter, more direct route they could have taken. Why did God lead them out into the middle of the desert?Because He needed to take this ragtag group of ex-slaves and form them into a people who knew their God and their identity as His people. A nation that was clear on its mission and prepared to step into it.The fact is… The Land Between can be a greenhouse for trust. It can be a place where we allow ourselves to be disciplined and trained by God so that we can learn to trust in God and live as a greater display for God.The Land Between can either make you bitter or better. And that's a function of our response to it.Our patterns of response to challenges and trials will ultimately shape who we will become.Here are some questions to consider in your Land Between: What if the situation you're experiencing that you most detest is intended for your best?What if this wilderness you find yourself in can be a greenhouse for growth?What if God's purpose is not to destroy you but to develop you and ultimately display you?What if the soil you most hate is producing the fruit you most want?  Text: Ex. 1:1-11; 3:1-8; 16:1-4, 13-16; Nu. 11:1-9, 20  Originally recorded on October 13, 2013, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

We all know what it's like to screw up. To go somewhere we shouldn't have gone and done something we shouldn't have done. When we do, we wonder, “Will anybody come and set things right?”It's this longing that is answered in the attribute of God we're going to look at today. God is gracious. Full of grace. From the Greek word charis, grace means helpfulness toward someone in need without receiving anything in return; generosity merely for the sake of another.The scarlet thread of grace runs all through the Bible. ·      Rahab: A prostitute living in Jericho, she risked her life to save two Hebrew spies. They made a promise to her that if she would hang a scarlet cord from the window of her home when the Israelite army attacked, she and her family would be spared. She trusted in that scarlet cord and by grace, she was given a new life.  ·      Adam and EveThe scarlet thread begins in the opening pages of the Bible. Having committed the first sin, they now experienced guilt, shame, and brokenness. Yet God made garments of animal skin to cover their guilt and shame. But the covering came at a price. Death has now entered the world. Innocent blood has been shed. And a message has been sent: Your sin is covered because a sacrifice has been accepted on your behalf.·      PassoverThousands of years later, God's people were trapped in slavery in Egypt. But God had a plan to free them from their bondage and the judgment that was coming. They must take the blood of a flawless lamb and spread it on the doorposts of their homes. Then when the Death Angel moved through the land, he would see the blood and pass over their homes. Grace was offered, but that grace came at a cost.  A sinless substitute paid the price that justice required.  ·      Day of AtonementIt is the satisfaction of the demands of justice so that oneness can be restored. On the Day of Atonement, two goats would be chosen. One of the goats would be sacrificed and the blood sprinkled over the Ark of the Covenant. But the chief priest would lay his hands on the remaining living goat and confess all the sins the people had committed. This goat would then be led out of the camp and into the wilderness, symbolically carrying away the sins of the people. This goat was called…the scapegoat.·      JesusThe scarlet thread is woven throughout Jesus' life and ultimately leads to a hill called Calvary where the Lamb was sacrificed for the sins of all mankind. Here is the message of the scarlet thread, as clear as I know how to make it. God is not willing that any should perish, but He gives to everyone a choice. Who are you trusting to set things right between you and God?  There are two options. You can say, “I'm trusting myself,” and God will allow that – for now. But the Bible is real clear that if you do, when the time comes that you face the righteous God, there will be an accounting. And it's then that the issue of atoning for your sin will have to be dealt with by you and you alone.  OR… you can take advantage of the grace that God offers through His Son. You can ask that the Lamb of God, Jesus, atone for your sin. Text: Joshua 2:1-21; Is. 53Originally recorded on October 31, 2010, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

If asked to name the attributes of God's character, most likely you'd say love, power, or wisdom. But the attribute mentioned more than any other in the Bible is His righteousness or justice. Here are a few examples: “For the Lord is righteous and He loves justice.”  Psalm 11:7“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and justice go before You.” Psalm 89:14God is a righteous judge committed to perfect justice, and because He is, we can look at life differently.Because God is righteous, I can be confident that He will right all wrongs and correct all inequities.Notice the word “all.” No one will elude God's judgment. The righteous judge saw what happened, and you will be vindicated. Because God is righteous, I need to understand that justice is His responsibility while forgiveness is mine.  The Bible says, “Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord.”(Rom. 12:19)Justice is in God's hands. But forgiveness is a gift you give yourself. To hold on to bitterness is to remain under the control of your offender. But forgiveness sets your soul free.Back in the O.T., the Lord raised up prophets who were absolutely committed to God's standard of justice. Time and again they spoke out against injustice, and more times than not, their words were not directed at those outside of Israel, but at God's people.One of these prophets was Micah. Specifically, he addressed the injustice of the wealthy using their power and position to seize the property of the poor.  Now if we have not personally faced a great deal of injustice, it's easy for us to read the prophets like Micah and think, “What's the big deal? There will always be injustice. It's just the way things are.” The big deal is that the God who is righteous cares deeply about the poor and is appalled at the injustice that all too often comes their way.  Moreover, He thunders against the complacency of His people who merely shrug their shoulders and offer prayers of gratitude that they're not the ones suffering.   God is making a profound point. Walking in His way isn't simply defined by sinful behaviors that we don't do.  It's also defined by righteous behaviors that we do. And nowhere is that kind of righteousness more needed than those living in the margins.  Because God is righteous and just, we who bear His name are called to share His passion and act on His behalf. So, how am I supposed to respond to the injustice?  In Micah 6:8, God makes it very clear. “He has shown you, O man, what is good.  And what does the Lord require of you?  To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8 Act justly“Acting justly” starts in small ways. How about freshly committing yourself to being a person of absolute truth and total integrity? But it's not to stop there. We have to look at the world around us and ask God, “Where do You want me to be an agent of justice?Love mercyOther translations use the word “kindness.” Kindness is love in action. Walk humblyTo walk humbly before the God who is righteous is to act righteously without getting self-righteous.   Text: Micah 3:1-3, 8-12; 6:8Originally recorded on October 24, 2010, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

Our God is all-powerful. King David tried to describe His power in Psalm 29. He likened God's power to a ferocious thunderstorm that splintered trees and shook the earth. Yet as incredible and fearsome as that storm was, God's power is even greater. And all who encounter it can't help but tremble in awe and worship. But while most of us have no problem acknowledging the power of God, rather than marvel, we are left with questions. We hear verses like Jeremiah 32:27, “Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh; is anything too difficult for Me?” and wonder, “If God is so powerful, why doesn't He use it more?” If He could part the sea, give sight to the blind, and feed 5000 people with a little boy's lunch… why can't He give a lonely single a mate? Why can't He grant a devoted childless couple a child? Why can't He raise the cripple out of his chair or wipe out the cancer cells in a young mother?  If God's so powerful, why doesn't God use His power for good things like that?The words of A.H. Strong begin to answer that: “God can do all that He will, but He will not do all that He can.”The release of God's power is contingent upon His purposes.As limited humans, we simply don't know all that is at play in any given situation. But God does and those purposes…those plans… are for the best and one day they'll be perfectly clear.The release of God's power is coupled to His love.Parents can understand this better than most.  Children ask and plead for things that are within your power to give them, yet you don't because you know it's not good for them. Your love constrains your power.So it is with God. Sometimes God doesn't exercise His power on our behalf not because He doesn't love us, but because He does.The release of God's power is available to His children.God is willing not merely to show His power, but to share His power with His children. The release of God's power is accessed through our obedience.Time and again in Scripture, we read how God's power was released when someone took the next right step. And as they did, somewhere along the way, God's power was manifest. The sea was parted, the leper was healed, the bread and fish were multiplied. We so long to see God's power displayed right now…in this moment.  But more times than not, He asks us to walk in the direction He has told us and to trust that somewhere between here and there, in His perfect timing, His power will be shown.  Text: Jer. 32:27; Ps. 29 Originally recorded on October 17, 2010, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN 

What does it mean that God is omnipresent - that God is everywhere.Omnipresence means that God is not confined to the limits of any particular space.  He is no less present in one portion of the universe than any other.  In other words, with equal truth and confidence, it can be said from anywhere in the universe, “The Lord is in this place.” Wherever you are, God is right there, right now. The God who is...is everywhere.  One of the best biblical texts on God's omnipresence is Psalm 139. In the first 6 verses, David marvels that God knows everything. Then he goes on to speak of the fact that God is everywhere. “Where can I go from Your Spirit?  Where can I flee from your presence” If I go up to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are there.” “If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast.” (vs. 7-10)I love the way St. Augustine describes God's omnipresence: “God is not partly here or partly there...but He is totally present at every point in the universe.”The truth of God's unlimited presence in the universe is interesting; the awareness of God's unlimited presence in your life is transforming.Realizing that you're never alone – that God really is with you – changes how you look at even the most challenging circumstances.  As we seek to grasp God's omnipresence, there are two other theological truths that we need to recognize.  1.     God's transcendenceTranscendence refers to God's greatness; His utter distinctness from all of His creation. That our transcendent God is everywhere in this vast universe is pretty easy to buy.  It's this second point we struggle with.2.     God's immanenceThis is His nearness, knowability, closeness, and intimacy. The great God who created the entire universe is interested in me.Do you know God this way? Do you sense His nearness as you go through an average day in your life?Here are a few ways you can begin to look to encounter Him. Daily times with God.Through quietness, journaling, Scripture reading, and listening, I carry on a conversation with God. I talk to Him about what's going on in my life. I pour out my heart and ask Him for help. I write down what I think He's saying and speak back to Him about it. These times have deepened my awareness of God's presence in my everyday life. Where do you meet with God? Where do you talk to Him and let Him talk to you. Another way to experience the presence of God is through…Community with believers.In Matthew 18:20, Jesus said, “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”Whether in a small group during the week or a large gathering on Sunday, you have the chance to encounter God's presence with the family of God. Let me encourage you to move through your week practicing the presence of God.  If He really is with you, then engage Him. Talk to Him. Be sensitive to ways that He might want to reveal Himself to you.  Text: Psalm 139:1-10Originally recorded on October 10, 2010, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

It has been said that what comes to our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us. If we have a faulty or limited understanding of who God is, it is not only dishonoring to Him, it's devastating to us.  It is, in fact, at the root of nearly every one of our problems.But if you can come to grips with the attributes of God that we will be looking at in this series, you will never be the same. The reason why I can promise you this is that Scripture makes that very claim. Daniel 11:32 (RSV) says, “...the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action.”That verse is validated on multiple occasions in the early chapters of the book of Daniel.In chapter one, we find Daniel and his three friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, in exile in Babylon. They were pressed into the king's service where they faced all sorts of challenges and temptations. Among them was being given food to eat that would compromise their beliefs. They made a deal with their keeper allowing them to eat their preferred diet, and at the end of the test period, these young men were clearly healthier and stronger than their peers. Because they knew their God, they stood tall and God blessed them. Which brings us to our first point: Those who know their God display great zeal.In chapter three, we read how the king, Nebuchadnezzar, built a golden statue and demanded that everyone bow and worship it. Any who would not bow would be thrown into a furnace of fire. The three Hebrew boys, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, refused. When the king learned of it, he gave them a second chance – bow or die. They still refused, saying, “Our God can rescue us from the fire, but even if He doesn't, we will not bow.” Here's our 2nd point: Those who know their God demonstrate great courage.Nebuchadnezzar was furious and ordered the young men to be bound and thrown into the fire that had been stoked 7 times hotter. But as he looked into the furnace, the king saw, not three men, but four! And the fourth looked like a “son of the gods.” Indeed, it was the pre-incarnate Jesus Himself. Those who know their God discover a great presence.Those who know their God sense Him as others don't sense Him. They see Him where others don't see Him.  They hear Him when others don't hear Him.The king called the men out of the furnace and to everyone's amazement, not a hair was singed. They didn't even smell of smoke. These men who knew their God got the attention of a cynical, skeptical king. He could not deny that they were different and that it was because of their God.Those who know their God demand a great audience.  That can and will happen today. As cynical and skeptical as our world might be, when it witnesses people who live compellingly different lives...better lives...more gracious, more courageous, more confident lives...we won't lack for an audience. Text: Daniel 1:6-20; 3:1-30; 11:32 Originally recorded on September 26, 2010, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

Jesus was an immigrant. Have you ever thought about that? Shortly after His birth, an angel warned His father, Joseph that Herod was seeking to kill the infant Jesus and that they should flee to Egypt. So, in literally a life-and-death situation, Joseph quickly packed up his wife and young child and left his homeland for a place he'd never been before.  He doesn't know anyone there. He doesn't have a job. He doesn't know the language. But Joseph has no choice. He has to take care of his family. And love will take all sorts of risks when that's at stake.So it was that Jesus spent the early years of His life Jesus as an exile, a refugee, a stranger in a foreign land.  You have to wonder if Jesus had a special identification with the words from the Mosaic Law that say that God “loves the foreigners” and that His people should “love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt.” (Deut. 10:18-19)In the highly prejudiced, racially divided land in which He lived, how did Jesus relate to the marginalized? And what can we learn from His example?In the middle of Palestine lay the region of Samaria. Back then Samaritans were a racially mixed group that had come into being during the time of Israel's captivity. Crudely speaking, Samaritans were seen as “half-breeds,” and as such they were considered aliens and strangers in the land. To the “pure-blooded” Jews, these “border crossers” simply didn't belong.As often takes place when a group is marginalized, the Samaritans turned inward and stuck together. Over time they developed their own expression of the Jewish religion. Thus, they were seen as not only racially impure but religiously impure. As a result, they were despised social outcasts and to be avoided at all costs.  That's why the story in John 4 is so astounding. Jesus not only goes to Samaria, He encounters a woman there. And not just any woman. She was an outcast even among her own people. Ponder that for a moment.  Jesus was willing to challenge social norms and to be seen as being “soft on sin” in order to treat this woman with dignity and meet her deepest needs.  Why?  Because He recognized that she was a person made in the image of God and thus had great value. And because He did, a magnificent kingdom harvest was reaped as her friends and neighbors heard the Good News and believed.Jesus models for us a new and different way of looking at and relating to persons who are outside the circle of cultural acceptability…and that includes immigrants. There are Christians at our borders, brothers and sisters in Christ, who not unlike Joseph and Mary, have had to leave their homeland because of life and death issues.Their lives are in jeopardy either due to direct persecution or indirect starvation. And the question we must ask ourselves is, “What should be our attitude toward these fellow members of God's family?”There are also potential Christians at our borders. Men, women, and children who are loved by God but have yet to embrace or even hear of the hope that can be found in Jesus. We often speak about how we need to take the Good News of Christ to the world.  Well, guess what?  The world is coming to us and is not merely open but hungry for the gospel. Friends, is Jesus your merely Savior… or is He your Lord? And as your Lord, are you modeling your response to the marginalized after His? Text: Matt. 2:1-21; John 4:1-35Originally recorded on November 10, 2013, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN 

With the issue of immigration increasingly in the headlines nationally and with the reality of refugees in our own city and perhaps your neighborhood, I think the time has come for us to look at what the Bible has to say regarding the “strangers” among us.  I have no political agenda here and I am not touting any particular legislation. But I am charged to teach you “the whole counsel of God,” and to challenge you to take your cues for discipleship not from the pundits, not from the press, not from social media …but from the Bible.In Deuteronomy 10:12-19, Moses speaks of the importance of loving, serving, and obeying the Lord. Then he gives this specific application of what that means: “He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing. And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt.” (vs 18-19)Here, we are introduced to “the trio of the vulnerable” – the widows, orphans, and foreigners. Over and over again in Scripture, we are reminded of God's heart for and challenged to care for these, the most vulnerable among us. (Ps. 146:9; Zech. 7:10) God also harshly condemns those who mistreat immigrants. (Ez. 22:7; Mal. 3:5)The reason God gives for why His people should welcome the stranger? Because they themselves had been aliens. How did that happen? Not unlike today, there were multiple reasons why the Israelites throughout history became aliens and strangers in a foreign land. OpportunityHungerForceConsider these examples: Abraham immigrated to Canaan in pursuit of the opportunity of a better life.Later, famine-induced hunger led him to become a refugee in Egypt.Joseph became a foreigner in Egypt by force when his brothers sold him into slavery.Daniel was an exile in Babylon after being relocated by force.  Given their history, knowing how it felt to be aliens and strangers, God's people were to extend grace to the aliens and strangers in their midst.  So I would ask us, “Given our history, shouldn't we as well?”  Unless you're a native American, every one of us is a descendant of an immigrant. Because someone offered opportunity, assistance, or comfort to our ancestors, we have what we have. So, what should our response be to the strangers in our midst?There is, however, an even more basic reason why we should treat such people graciously.  It goes all the way back to the creation account in Genesis 1.“So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them." Genesis 1:27Every person is made in the image of God. That means that every person has inherent value.As such they are worthy of respect and should be treated with dignity. And friends, that includes the immigrants, exiles, and aliens among us. Text: Micah 6:8; Deut. 10:12-19; Gen. 1:27Originally recorded on November 3, 2013, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

In this series, we've been looking at a simple formula that will serve you well no matter your level of income.  GIVE. SAVE. LIVE on the rest.Taking our cues from God's Word we've seen that we need to GIVE to God first. Then we should SAVE. To then “LIVE ON THE REST” not only implies a prioritization of these first two actions but also a limitation of your spending. Another way to say it is “living within your means.”  Living within one's means is not spending money you don't have.The issue isn't that we don't get that. The issue is that all too many don't do that.  We all have a limited income. When we spend more than that we are forced to borrow, and borrowing always comes at a cost. That cost is called “interest.” Lenders get a cut of your money for letting you use their money.If you can keep this under control and pay the lender off quickly, such borrowing is manageable.  The problem comes when this is not kept under control and the lenders aren't paid off quickly. Eventually, things begin to collapse.If your outflow exceeds your income your upkeep will be your downfall. The Bible speaks quite clearly about borrowing and lending. In Deuteronomy 28, Moses makes it clear that the preferred place is to be in the position of being able to lend, not in the position of having to borrow.  He calls it being the head, not the tail.In contrast, when you are in debt, you are the tail and that carries more costs than you might realize. Proverbs 22:7 puts it this way, “…the borrower is servant to the lender.” Now, the Bible doesn't say it's a sin to borrow. Debt is warned against, but it is not prohibited. Living within one's means requires two things:  conviction and planning.If you want to climb out of the hole of debt, know this. It is possible to change your reality! It will take planning. It will require sacrifice. It will demand discipline…but it can be done.Here are 5 keys for getting out of debt:Learn what God has to say about the danger of debt.Recognize the desire to acquire and determine to incur no new debts.Pay off your credit cards and use them in the future only when necessary.Get on a budget and follow it faithfully.Seek counsel from a reputable advisor who has biblical convictions.  Text: Prov. 22:7; Deut. 28:12-13, 43-44Originally recorded on January 22, 2012, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

If I were to ask, “Do you think that consistently putting some of your income into a savings plan is a wise financial strategy?”  Most people would say yes.But if I were to ask, “Are you doing that?”  Far fewer would say yes.Why don't we save? There are many reasons, some of them valid. But for all too many of us, we don't save because we let present realities overshadow future possibilities. All we can see is “now.” What I want now. What I need now. The future is too far off.As a result, in the event of a loss of income, the average American family is only 3-6 weeks away from bankruptcy. But there is a simple formula that can help you get a handle on your finances, both now and in the future. First, you GIVE…then you SAVE…then you LIVE on the rest.Out of every $10 you make, we GIVE the first dollar to the Lord. The Bible is clear on this. It's called a tithe. Though the Scriptures make no such demand on what we are to save, I suggest that a wise strategy is to pay God first, then pay yourself second. If God gets the first dollar, you SAVE the second dollar, setting it aside for future needs.The Bible speaks of the value of saving. Proverbs 21:20 says, “The wise man saves for the future, but the foolish man spends whatever he gets.”We also see the example of Joseph in the OT, who for years wisely reserved a portion of Egypt's reserves thus saving his people when the years of famine came. The NT also speaks of the value of providing financially for one's family's future. (1 Tim. 5:8)Now there's a difference between saving and hoarding. James warns of hoarding in his letter, talking about the folly of clinging to resources that could and should be put to Kingdom use. Why do we hoard? Because of fear or pride. Fear of not having enough or pride that flaunts your wealth. The foolishness of hoarding is that it will all be destroyed one day. We can't keep it. GIVE, SAVE, and then LIVE on the rest.  This simple formula has served us well for years. By giving first, we've not only kept our "desire to acquire" in check and invested in God's Kingdom, but we've also brought His supernatural power to bear upon our finances.By saving second, we have acquired a nest egg of sorts for our retirement and put some margins in place so that when we need to replace or fix something, we can.That means we've had to adjust our lifestyle to live on the rest.  It's the idea of living within our means and keeping debt in check.  And that's what we're going to talk about next week. Text: Prov. 6:6-8; 21:20; I Tim. 5:8Originally recorded on January 15, 2012, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

Our culture is driven by the desire to acquire. We see something, then we find ourselves wanting that thing, and before we know it, we convince ourselves that we need it. And in order to buy this stuff, we need MONEY.Fueled by our acquisitive culture, few, if any, escape the Money Monster's grasp. But I want to share with you a simple yet practical formula for handling your money that has its foundations in God's Word. A plan that can help you to be freed from the Money Monster and the regrets that come from caving in to him.Here it is: Give. Save. Live on the rest.The formula begins with GIVE.  The only way to keep your balance in this culture of consumerism is to give first.  The Bible speaks clearly about this: “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops.” (Proverbs 3:9)Way back in the O.T. God's people were challenged to give Him the first and the best of their resources before making any other investments or doing any other spending. This idea of giving first was noted in the Law and a percentage was noted: a tithe – 10%. This was God's strategy for financing His Kingdom.The tithe was non-negotiable. The Bible never talks about “giving” a tithe. It refers to the tithe being “brought” or “presented” or even “paid” – but not “given.” It was the free will offerings on top of the tithe which were “given.”  As people were especially moved with gratitude or saw a particularly great need they would give offerings.         Jesus also spoke of the giving first because He recognized that it not only honors God, but it also puts our stuff into perspective. When we give first, not only can God do something for us, He can do something in us.God's approach to money is counter-intuitive to the world's. That way is to LIVE first, then SAVE if you can, and if there's any leftover, GIVE. But the Bible calls us to GIVE first, then SAVE, and then LIVE on the rest. Not simply for God's glory – but for our good. Text: 1 Tim. 6:6-7, 9-10; Prov. 3:9; Mal.3:6-9 Originally recorded on January 3, 2012, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

In describing the journey of faith, the Bible uses the metaphor of a race. Each of us is running with the goal of finishing well. But though we are responsible for running our own race, we can't ignore the fact that there are other runners around us. And if one of them falls, what should we do? As James closes his letter, he calls us to look out for our fellow runners and to go after those who “wander from the truth.” Such wandering can take many forms: theological: led astray by false teachingsituational: the hardships of life or disappointment with Godcareless: drifting into lukewarmnessmoral: sinful behaviors, character issuesWhatever the reason, people who had once been running well can and do go down and it is our responsibility to go to them and try to help them get back in the race.How do you do that? There's a story in the O.T. that gives us some great guidelines.In 2 Samuel 11, we read of how King David had an affair with the wife of one of his best soldiers. When she revealed that she was pregnant, David began a cover-up effort that ended with her husband's death at David's command.   For a year, David lived with the guilt of his actions. Psalm 32 describes the misery and physical anguish he felt. David had gone down and left on his own, he wasn't going to get up. It took the love and courage of a fellow runner to come back after him. David's friend, Nathan, went to him and told a story that pierced through the hardness of David's heart, and David broke. He confessed.Here are a few observations that might serve you well when you have to play the part of Nathan.The timing was right. In confronting someone with their sin, the timing is as important as the wording.The person was appropriate. An individual's capacity to receive truth is directly proportionate to the depth of relationship they have with the truth-teller.The words were wise. Rather than going in with accusation, try starting with humble curiosity and tender concern.  The truth was spoken. Call it “the last 10%” – the tough stuff we tend to dance around, but the truth they desperately need to hear.The runner was restored. In this case, David got up and back in the race. I wish that was always the case, but it's not. But that doesn't mean you were wrong in trying.  Moreover, it doesn't mean that God is done. It might well be that you are only part of the process. And maybe...as you keep praying...someone else will say the right words at the right time and this time the downed runner will be restored.   Text: James 5:19-20; Psalm 32; 2 Samuel 11-12Originally recorded on June 20, 2010, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN 

Does God still heal?  Can we...should we... pray for it?  And, if so, just how much faith does it take to get the miracle you're looking for? Here in James 5, we come to the topic of sickness and healing. And while I can't give a comprehensive teaching on the subject in one message, we do get some insight from this passage that can help us.Before we talk about healing, we need to lay a foundation by discussing sickness. REASONS FOR SICKNESSThese reasons can be categorized under three headings: 1.     The fall of man.  Sickness and death were never part of God's “very good” original creation. But because of their sin, deterioration came to the human race. We get sick, weaken, and eventually die simply because we are human. 2.     An attack of Satan. Though he was rendered a death blow at Calvary, the Evil One still prowls this earth and there are occasions when his attack comes in the form of sickness.  3.     One's personal sin.  Some sickness is part of God's judgment or discipline for unconfessed sin. Returning to James' instruction, we find some…GUIDELINES FOR HEALING Verse 14 begins, “Is anyone among you sick?”  James is not speaking of a lightweight ailment here – a headache or a cold or the flu.  Praying about that sort of thing might fall under the instruction of verse 13.  What he has in mind here is a sickness or disease that incapacitates.  In such serious situations, you should… 1.     Call for the elders or other spiritual leaders.This first step appears to be an act of faith and point of submission.  The person who is sick takes the initiative: “I'm in trouble and I want to bring God's power to bear upon this by asking His people for help.”2.     Take a thorough spiritual inventory.We noted earlier that personal sin can be a reason for sickness. Unconfessed sin robs prayer of its power. Is there any sin that would preempt what God might want to do? Are there any relational breakdowns that need to be addressed? Are there any behaviors that need to be confessed?God desires our spiritual healing much more than our physical healing. Once the sin is dealt with, healing can flow.3.      Receive anointing and prayer. When the elders are called for, the text says they are to “pray over” the person. This could imply that the elders are to lay their hands on the person as they pray.They are also to “anoint them with oil.” To anoint a sick person with oil might be a way of setting them apart for God's special touch. It's a way of saying, “Lord, give this person to You asking for their healing. Most of all may this situation result in Your glory.”The elders are also to pray “in the name of the Lord.” To do something “in the name of “ a person invokes the authority and the will of that person.  Thus, to pray “in the name of the Lord” not only calls upon the power of Jesus to heal, but it also surrenders to the prerogative of Jesus' purposes. Whether the person is healed or not is a matter of His will, not ours.4.     Leave the results in God's hands. Does God heal?  Yes!  Does He sometimes do it through medical means? Yes! Does He sometimes do it supernaturally as we pray?  Yes!Does God always heal?  No – not always in this life. But no matter what the outcome, can we trust Him and the way He runs His business? Text: James 5:13-18 Originally recorded on June 13, 2010, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN 

Do you know what it's like to endure mistreatment? Whether because of your race, gender, age, position, or experience, someone in authority or power treated you in a way that was unjust, unfair, or uncalled for.When that happens everything within you cries out for vindication or vengeance. That's human nature. But Jesus shows a different way to respond when you've been done wrong.The Apostle Peter wrote to people who were facing mistreatment. In 1 Peter 2, he says it's one thing to bear up under punishment you deserve. It's something else to endure mistreatment you don't deserve. To do right when done wrong is commendable before God. He then offers the example of Jesus that we might “follow in His steps.” Jesus did not retaliate when He suffered mistreatment. Instead, “He entrusted Himself to Him to judges justly.” (v. 23)Forbearance when being mistreated is rooted in the unshakeable assurance that God is in control.James picks up this theme in chapter 5. He says, “Be patient…until the Lord's coming.” (v. 7)This is the second time James calls us to patience. In 1:3-4, he uses the Greek word hupomone, which means “to patiently endure difficult circumstances. Here in chapter 5, the word is macrothumeo. It speaks of “patiently enduring difficult people.” Other translations render this word as “longsuffering.”Longsuffering is “self-restraint in the face of provocation which does not hastily retaliate.” It's the opposite of anger and despondency and is associated with mercy and hope.What is the hope that allows us to endure mistreatment? The hope that “the Judge is standing at the door.” (Jms. 5:9) Three times in these verses James reminds us that Jesus is coming again and this time it will be as King and Judge. In that day, all wrongs will be made right. But don't forget. There is only one King…and you're not Him. There's only one Judge…and you're not Him. Only His timing is perfect and only His actions just. When you try to even the score or make someone pay, all you ever do is cause more damage and disrupt the plans that He had.So be prayerful and patient. “The Judge is standing at the door.” (v. 9)  Text: James 5:7-11 Originally recorded on June 6, 2010, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN 

Money does funny things to people, doesn't it? Sometimes, however, what it does isn't funny at all.  That's why James offers some stern warnings to the wealthy. Before you dismiss his words as not applying to you thinking, “I'm not rich!” Keep in mind that 1 in 11 people globally live on less than $2.15/day. If you live on more than that, you are richer than you think. James addresses three sinful behaviors people with resources are prone to. 1.     Hoarding treasuresLet me offer 2 disclaimers here. It's not wrong to have resources. Neither is it wrong to save or invest those resources. The Bible talks about both.What James is speaking of in these opening verses of chapter 5 is “hoarding.” It's the folly of wasting resources that could have and should have been put into play to advance the Kingdom. Instead, they are taken out of circulation for two reasons: fear and pride. Either a scarcity mindset or a prestige outlook.James tells the rich to “Weep...wail...” Why? Because one day those who have so much and yet hoarded it will have to give account to the One who had trusted them with those resources. Jesus Himself gives a sobering word regarding that: “To whom much is given...much is required.”  Don't hoard your wealth foolishly. Use it wisely.  2.     Defrauding measuresTo defraud is to fail to pay what you owe because you want to keep your wealth. In James' day, the wealthy often failed to pay the day laborers that worked in their fields. Their cries of injustice reached the ears of God Almighty, he says in vs. 4.  In our day, we defraud employees or people we hire to do a job by failing to pay a fair wage in a prompt manner. Even if you're not a business owner, do you pay your bills fully and on time? Don't increase your wealth sinfully. Earn it and spend it honestly. 3.     Indulging pleasuresIs God opposed to pleasure?  Is He against us having nice things?  No.  In fact, Paul wrote of “...God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” (1 Timothy 6:17)There's a difference between the “enjoyment” that Paul speaks of and the “self-indulgence” that James speaks of. Enjoyment moves to self-indulgence when living the good life becomes your entire life.There's an old saying that helps me stay in balance: “You will have all eternity to celebrate your dividends.  You will only have a few years to make your investments.”  Don't spend your wealth thoughtlessly.  Invest it strategically.Someone who understood this was the martyred missionary Jim Elliot who wrote these powerful words: “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”   Text: James 5:1-6 Originally recorded on May 23, 2010, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

What are your plans for the future? In James 4, the author uses the illustration of business people who make plans that will make them a lot of money. The problem James is addressing isn't that they'd strategized or made plans. Indeed, the Bible speaks about the value of planning. (see Prov. 21:5)Rather James reveals three mistakes people commonly make when it comes to navigating the future.Mistake #1: Making plans without God.All too often we make plans without ever consulting God and then ask Him to bless them! There are three ways we can respond to God's role in navigating our lives:We can show INDIFFERENCE to it: Simply ignoring God as we make plans.We can make REFERENCE to it: Giving God mere lip service. We can give PREFERENCE to it: Take the time and make the effort to seek Him before making this decision or taking this step.The Bible tells us that God needs to be in the forefront of our plans, not an afterthought.  Foolishly thinking we know best, we fail to see that not only does He has the last word, He has the best word.  Mistake #2: Taking tomorrow for granted. This type of thinking has two faulty assumptions: Life is predicatable. I am invulnerable.James says that our lives are like mist, here for a moment then gone. You are not promised tomorrow.  Don't say, “I'll get right with God someday.” Now is the time. Today is the day of salvation.Mistake #3: Failing to do the good you can do now.James is talking about sins of omission – things we should do, but don't do. What has God been asking you to do...yet you have not responded?  Text: James 4:13-17 Originally recorded on May 16, 2010, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

All of us have taken on the role of judge. We're not elected by the citizens or confirmed by the congress. We are self-appointed judges. We place ourselves on the bench and proceed to pass judgment on the observed behaviors of our family, friends, and fellow believers.James has some strong words to say about this tendency, giving a blunt warning to all of us.First, he speaks against slander. ( vs. 11a).  The Greek word is...katalaleo = to talk down.  Slander is careless, critical, demeaning, derogatory speech directed against others. It impugns another's character and smears their reputation, lowering them in the eyes of others.  Then James warns against judging others. (vs. 11b). Slander is spoken, but judgment is in your heart. Judgment snubs, ignores, dismisses, and ultimately, judgment condemns.The Greek word used here for “judge” is krino = to assume the office of a judge. But James makes is clear in vs. 12 that there is only one judge and that's God Himself. To judge another is to assume a role that is reserved for God alone.In verse 11, James states that when we judge, we “speak against the law.” What law is that? He tells us earlier in his letter: “ If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,' you are doing right.” (2:8)We might not think that to slander or judge our neighbors or brothers and sisters in the faith is such a big deal.  But James would suggest that it is one of the most damnable of all sins in that we violate the royal law and infringe upon the privilege that is God's alone.Alan Redpath developed what he called his “code of conversation.” When you're tempted to speak in slander or judgment, stop and THINK.T - Is it true?H - Is it helpful?I - Is it inspiring?N – Is it necessary?K – Is it kind?   Text: James 4:11-12 Originally recorded on May 9, 2010, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

It's one thing to have knowledge – it's something else to possess wisdom.Knowledge is the accumulation of information.Wisdom is the application of insight. Knowledge provides you with the facts of life.Wisdom gives you the ability to live.Knowledge is measured by degrees acquired.Wisdom is measured by deeds accomplished.James begins verse thirteen by asking the question, “Who is wise and understanding among you?” Our natural response is, “I am!” But James says, in effect, “Not so fast.” “Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.” (vs. 13)Mark it well. The qualifications for being wise have nothing to do with your I.Q. or even your Bible knowledge.  Wisdom is a function of a good life lived with humility.  Grace then truth.James refers to two kinds of wisdom: that which is from above and that which is from below.So how can you tell the difference?  In verse 14 the apostle describes Unholy Wisdom as that which is characterized by two things: Bitter EnvyPerhaps a more accurate translation would be “prickly zeal.” James is speaking about an enthusiasm that's gotten out of hand. Where you're right and everyone who disagrees with you is wrong.Selfish Ambition The Greek here has to do with having a “party spirit.”  Not like a birthday party but a political party.  The idea is that if you're not of my party... if you're not doing it my way... then we can't be real partners.When a prickly zeal or a party spirit is seen, when sides are taken and shots are fired at others, the wisdom being touted isn't God's wisdom at all. Such unholy wisdom may claim to be from God, but its source is...well...otherwise.  (vs. 15-16)In contrast to this, vs.17 describes godly or Holy Wisdom as:Pure: free from contamination or defilement Peaceable: the desire to get along and work together with others Considerate: being reasonable Submissive: willing to yield Full of mercy: going the extra mile; not demanding its own way Impartial: doesn't favor some at the expense of others Sincere: No deception, manipulation, or maneuveringSo, are you wise or otherwise?   Text: James 3:13-18 Originally recorded on April 18, 2010, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

“Sticks and stones may break my bones...but words will never hurt me.”We've all heard those words and maybe even said them ourselves. But as catchy as they might be, they're just not true.Words are extremely potent and can mark a person for life.  The writer of the book of Proverbs recognized this when he wrote: “The power of life and death is in the tongue.” (Proverbs 18:21)Now James picks up that theme in his letter. He has just spoken about how faith needs to be seen in our works. Now he continues that thought noting that among these “works” is the issue of how we use our “words.” First of all, he notes... The tongue is small but very significant.He uses the illustrations of a bit in a horse's mouth and the rudder of a great ship to show how something relatively small can control something much larger. These are both positive examples of the tongue's capacity for good. Words of encouragement and blessing can be life-giving and healing. But the flip side is also true. The tongue is delicate but very dangerous.Spoken words can burn deeply into a person, many times scarring them for life. Whether it's sarcasm, mockery, accusation, ridicule, or rage, your words can burn deeper than you could ever know.The tongue is restless and resistant.Like a wild animal resists being restrained, so the tongue resists our human efforts to tame it. James exposes the inconsistencies he has seen among believers. One minute your tongue is praising God and the next that very same tongue is cursing people. How can this be? The tongue is a symptom, not the source           James asks a couple of rhetorical questions. “Can both fresh and saltwater flow from the same spring?” Of course, the answer is, “No.” The water that comes out of a spring is determined by the subsurface nature of the spring.  “Can a fig tree bear olives or a grapevine bear figs?” he asks.  Again the obvious answer is, “No.”  The fruit is a function of the root.James' point?  What comes out of your mouth is illustrative of a deeper issue: the state of your heart. We must freshly present ourselves to the Lord and regularly ask the Spirit of God to control our tongues.  Text: James 3:12 Originally recorded on April 11, 2010, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

The Apostle Paul declared that we are saved by faith alone. James agreed but noted that the faith that saves is never alone. Paul's teaching is consistent with James': “For it is by grace, you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works...” (Eph. 2:8-10)There are three important phrases in this passage: “by grace,” “through faith,” “unto good works.”  If you get those out of order, you're in trouble.  If you think works save you, you're back into the “performance plan.” Salvation is by grace through faith.  But, if you don't recognize that good works are to follow, you're also in trouble. This is James' focus.  According to James... Real faith is not just something you say.All too many who call themselves Christians are all talk. Oh, they may be religious. They may even be active in their churches. But as it relates to a walk that's “beyond belief' – that just isn't there.  Real faith is not just something you feel.A lot of people confuse emotions and sentiment with faith. You can go to church and get a "quiver in your liver" but it may never make any difference in how you live.     Becoming a part of God's family means more than enjoying the privilege of sharing the family name.  It also includes embracing the responsibility of bearing the family burdens.  Real faith is not just something you believe.In James' day, as in ours, a lot of people have great thoughts about and even a strong belief in God. James says in effect, “That's all well and good, but the fact is Satan and his minions know theology backwards and forwards.” No one believes in God more than they do.  But that “belief” is a far cry from saving faith because they're still in rebellion.The belief God is looking for isn't mere mental assent. Faith means to trust in, to rely on, and commit oneself to completely.Real faith is something you act on.  James then gives two examples of a faith that works: Abraham and Rahab. You couldn't find two more opposite characters, yet each of them possessed a faith that went beyond words and into action.While we are saved by faith alone, the faith that saves is never alone.   Text: James 2:20-26 Originally recorded on March 28, 2010, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN 

Over the centuries, humankind has passed along a lot of wisdom from generation to generation through truisms or proverbs. But many of these “words to the wise,” while they seem to contradict each other, are both true, such as:   “Look before you leap” and “He who hesitates is lost.”“Better to be safe than sorry” and “Nothing ventured, nothing gained.”While we can easily overlook the apparent contradiction of proverbs by saying their interpretation depends on the context, the tension can be much harder to overlook when it's in an area as fundamental as the doctrine of salvation.For example, Paul writes in Romans 3:28, “For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law.”But in James 2:24 we read: “You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.” At first blush, these statements seem to be quite contradictory.  But rather than contradict one another, the teachings of Paul and James actually complement one another.PAUL  /   JAMESStresses the root of salvation  / Stresses the fruit of salvationWorks are not in order to / Works are because ofFocuses on God's declaration  / Focuses on our validationWe are saved by faith alone!  /  The faith that saves is never alone!Paul wanted to get people out of the “performance plan” – a faulty theology that believed if they fulfilled enough religious rituals and kept enough of the rules that God would sort of weigh the good versus the bad and judge them accordingly.  But the “performance plan” simply doesn't hold water. Our sinfulness is SO profound and God's standards have been SO mocked that no amount of doing rituals or obeying rules after the fact can erase that.God's Word is very clear on this: “The soul that sins shall die.” “The wages of sin is death.”This is why Jesus voluntarily stepped up on our behalf. Though totally sinless, He incurred our judgment, paid our penalty, and died in our place. This act opened the door of salvation for us, but only if we respond to God's offer of grace and by faith embrace Jesus as our Savior. James' audience was facing a different challenge. Though they had heard the gospel message and even responded to it, their lives had not changed. There was no evidence of the transformational power of Jesus.How many times, when pressed about their faith, do people say, “I believe in God!”  But James says, “Good for you. So do the demons. They believe and tremble.” The fact is no one believes in God more than Satan and his demons. But they aren't part of God's family. Why? Because belief that doesn't result in repentance is worthless.    While we are in fact saved by faith alone, the faith that saves is never alone. Genuine faith not only should but will produce the fruit of good works. When that fruit, over time, isn't seen...when there is no change in values, attitudes, or behaviors... when there are no “good works” then, according to James, you need do some serious soul-searching.              Text: James 2:14-19 Originally recorded on March 21, 2010, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

In the book that bears his name, James challenges us to be hearers and doers of God's Word. If we fail to do so, we will eventually end up “being polluted by the world.” And one way that will be manifested is that we will speak and relate to others with prejudice and partiality. In Chapter 2, James takes on this problem within the church.The Principle Stated In verse 1, he takes it head on: “My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others?” (NLT)James states in no uncertain terms that... faith in Christ and favoritism are incompatible. Favoritism comes from two Greek words which, when put together, mean “to receive by face.”  It's the idea of judging a person by face value, first impressions, or outward appearances: the clothes they wear, the car they drive, the color of their skin.Can you see how deadly such thinking can be to a community?The Principle IllustratedJames then gives an illustration of the way a wealthy person might be welcomed to a church versus the way a poor person might be treated. He then challenges his readers, if you show such favoritism, “Have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?” (v. 4)James now explains why such thinking and behavior are inconsistent for a Christ-follower.The Principle ExplainedHe begins by reminding his readers that throughout redemptive history, God has always shown special concern to the deprived and downtrodden. Jesus Himself declared that He had come to preach the good news to the poor. The gospel of the Kingdom ever and always had a special message for and appeal to the poor.  Why?  Because it clearly stated that those who mattered to no one else mattered intensely to God.James says that prejudice and favoritism are no different than murder and adultery. All of them break God's law. In fact, prejudice and favoritism actually break the highest level of God's law:  “Love your neighbor as yourself.”The Principle AppliedJames makes it clear that these issues of favoritism and prejudice are really serious – not only because they will affect the community of faith in the present, but because they will be issues at the time of judgment.  God is watching whether we are people of mercy or people of judgment, and He will reward accordingly.  Text: James 2:1-13 Originally recorded on March 14, 2010, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

God's Word is timeless and transformational. Through its inspired words, the Holy Spirit will mark those of us who live in the 21st century just as He did those disciples who lived in the 1st century.However, that will only happen if we are not only hearers of the Word, but we are also doers of the Word. In other words: it's one thing to be open to what the Bible has to say, it's another thing to be obedient to what the Bible has to say.  James uses the illustration of a mirror. The person who is a hearer but not a doer of the Word is like someone who looks in the mirror but then walks away and forgets what he sees. The purpose of a mirror is to help us “face” the truth about ourselves so we can make the necessary changes.  God's Word is like that mirror. But unlike a literal mirror, which only reflects outward appearance, the Scriptures reveal our inner character and call us to change. The Greek word for “hearers” in vs. 22 is “akroates”: one who sits passively in an audience. Today it could be used for those who audit a college class. They come and listen, but they don't have to “do” anything - no papers, no tests. As with James' audience, in all too many churches today there are a lot of “auditors” – people who attend and even listen a bit.  But when it comes to acting upon what they've heard...when it comes to obeying what's been taught... well, that's optional.Friends, we have been given the very Word of God. Hearing it, reading it, studying it, and discussing it are good things. But that's not the ultimate purpose of this Book. The purpose of this Book is to help us to live in the way of Jesus.  And that will necessitate applying the Word of God.The goal isn't information – it's transformation.James then moves on to some practical illustrations of where hearing must become doing. First, he speaks of the need to keep a tight rein on your tongue. Next, he moves to the issue of caring for widows and orphans, those who are the most vulnerable. Finally, James notes that if you're a doer of the Word you will keep from being polluted by the world. More than just moral purity, this has to do with not letting worldly values drive our thinking and actions - such as: looking out only for yourself; doing whatever it takes to get ahead; living only for this world and not the next.Making the commitment to move from merely hearing to doing won't be easy. But you're not on your own. God will help you. Scripture promises that: “The eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.” (II Chronicles 16:9)  Text: James 1:22-27 Originally recorded on March 7, 2010, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN