For A Memorial

About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God coming in and saying to him, “Cornelius!” And when he observed him, he was afraid, and said, “What is it, lord?” So he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God.
Acts 10:3-4

My brain just isn’t what it used to be.  It resists soaking things up like it once did.  If my mind as a child was like a sponge, I think somewhere along the way it was coated with Teflon.  Few things seem to stick any more.  Most items just slide right off!  My cellphone now functions as my memory.  If you need me to remember something, you’d better make sure I enter it into my calendar before we part ways.  I enter that important item in my phone, and often I don’t think about it again until my phone buzzes to say, “Don’t forget!”  I thought about my phone reminders when I read the verse above.  That’s what the word “memorial” means in our text—”reminder”.  Cornelius’ prayers were like my phone reminders, pop-up messages before God crying out, “Lord, remember me!”

There’s an analogy I like even better in the word of God.  In Rev 5:8, we read, “Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.” (Rev 5:8) The imagery here is that the prayers of God’s people are like incense.  In Rev 8:1, there is silence in heaven for 30 minutes.  It’s like God’s addressing the entire heavenly host with his finger to his mouth saying, “Shhh!”  So, what’s the important event requiring such quietness?  We read on, “Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel’s hand.” (Rev 8:3-4) It’s like when we come home from church on a Sunday afternoon and my wife has had the crockpot going since we left the house.  That smell is overwhelming, and immediately you’re ready to eat!  When the sweet incense of the prayers of the saints fills the nostrils of our Creator, things begin to happen in the earth for we read in v. 5, “Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and threw it to the earth.  And there were noises, thunderings, lightnings, and an earthquake.”

How glorious is that picture, dear saint?  Our prayers are a fragrant reminder of our need before God.  Even more glorious is that God is ready and willing to both hear and act on our behalf!  Just listen to a few of the verses from Psa 34 written when David was on the run from Saul and encountered King Abimelech, lord of his enemies the Philistines.  David writes, “This poor man cried out, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.” (v. 6) “The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry.” (v. 15) “The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles.” (v. 17) God remembers his children.  His heart is moved on their behalf as they cry out for deliverance!  How blessed to be remembered by our God!!  In contrast, how awful the state of those who rebel against Him.  Though the righteous are associated with remembrance, the wicked are forgotten.  “The face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.” (Psa 34:16)

I have labored for years among you to declare the sovereignty of our God.  Isa 52:7 says that part of my job as a preacher is to declare, “Your God reigns!”  And so He does.  As Nebuchadnezzar came to understand, “All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; He does according to His will in the army of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth.  No one can restrain His hand or say to Him, ‘What have You done?'” (Dan 4:35) The Lord says in Isa 46:9-10, “Remember the former things of old, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure'” The scripture is clear.  God does as He pleases and rightfully so.  No one can question Him or restrain Him from His purposes for He “works all things according to the counsel of His will” (Eph 1:11); however, be encouraged church that it is His will to work through your prayers!  James writes that, “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”  He cites Elijah as an example when he prayed, and it didn’t rain for three and a half years!  We may think, “Well, that was Elijah.  He was a super-saint!” But James encourages our hearts by reminding us that he “was a man with a nature like ours”. (Jam 5:16-18) The power wasn’t in Elijah but rather in the God of Elijah Who heard his cry!  Don’t get caught up in the busy rat-race of life, dear soul, and lay aside the means through which God has chosen to work–the prayers of His people.  It’s no wonder that Christ taught that “men always ought to pray and not lose heart”. (Luk 18:1)

Jamie

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Arise

And turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up.
Acts 9:40

It’s hard to read this account of Tabitha being raised from the dead without thinking about the Lord’s effectual voice one day commanding all the dead in Christ to, “Arise!”  The first person she saw when she opened her eyes was the one that called her to life, and when her eyes fixed on him, she sat upright.  Though redeemed, we are still redeemed sinners.  We wrestle with this old man, and so we will to the grave.  But something miraculous will happen when Christ reveals Himself to all at His return.  When he calls us forth from the grave unto eternal life, we will fix our eyes on Him, and for the first time, we will dwell in bodies free from the sin that weighed us down.  We will be upright!  No more shame and no more sorrow!  As 1Jo 3:2 tells us, “we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.”  What a glorious thought!!

This reality ought to comfort our hearts regarding our brethren that have preceded us in death.  Yes we sorrow, but we sorrow as those who have hope! (1Th 4:13) “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.” (v. 14) They are not lost, but rather their bodies are sleeping.  At Christ’s return, there will be a family reunion like the world has never seen!  It will be a coming together of a diverse group who are connected, not by physical birth, but the new birth into the family of God.  “Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.  And thus we shall always be with the Lord.” (v. 17) It is this truth above all that excites every true believer–they will always be with Christ!  So, what should we do knowing such a precious truth?   As the writer of 1 Thessalonians continues, “Therefore comfort one another with these words.” (v. 18)

What of the spirits of those gone before us?  Do they sleep as well?  Some teach such an error, but the scripture is clear that the spirits are very much awake at this present time.  If you remember Jesus’ parable of the beggar Lazarus and the rich man, both of them were conscious after their death.  Of the rich man, we read that he was carried to the torments of hell though his body was buried; meanwhile, Lazarus enjoyed the comfort of Abraham’s bosom. (Luk 16:19-25) We know that while the rich man’s spirit suffered, his brothers were still alive on the earth because he begged Abraham to send Lazarus to warn them of his place of torment. (v. 27-28) Remember also Jesus’ words to the thief on the cross that was saved just before his death: “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” (Luk 23:43)

As wonderful as that day will be, dear Christian, let us not waste our time here daydreaming of deliverance from this present evil world.  Yes, as Paul said in Php 1:21, “to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”  We should long so to be with our Lord that we have “a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.” (v. 23) But, the apostle didn’t have his head in the clouds fantasizing of eternal bliss.  He knew he had present work to do, understanding the he was still upon the earth because “to remain in the flesh is more needful for you”. (v. 24) We’re here because our labor is not done.  We still have work to do for the glory of our worthy Lord.  Remember, “the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth— those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.” (Joh 5:28-29) Let us labor to the end for no true believer will lay his sword down before the fight is over.  “But he who endures to the end shall be saved.” (Mar 13:13)

Jamie

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Cunningly Devised Fables

For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty.
2 Peter 1:16

How we get into some of the discussions we do in our weekly Bible study, I’m not really sure! 🙂 Last week, a question was asked about Mormonism.  I didn’t have much to say because I wasn’t very educated in their beliefs, but I was surprised the topic came up since two days before I was approached by a couple of Mormons in my neighborhood.  I spoke with the young men for about 15 minutes while we were walking our dog, but I had to leave because it was getting dark.  Hearing enough to be burdened for their souls, I requested a time to speak with them further to find out firsthand what they believed.  They were all too eager for a future opportunity to proselytize me!

When I met them yesterday, they came with reinforcements.  There was an older gentleman that I assumed was there in the event they ran into trouble pleading their case.  I brought reinforcements as well, my 15-year-old son.  I wanted him to witness his dad feeling totally overwhelmed, not knowing what to say, but trusting God to keep His promise to grant wisdom to those who ask for it. (Jam 1:5-6)  Thank you God for hearing my cry!

Here are a few things I learned about Mormon doctrine along with the verses God gave me in response.  I know I’m a little wordier today than usual, but my prayer is that these comments will help you if challenged in the future concerning these things:

They said, “All men are God’s children”.  My question was why then did Jesus respond as He did to the Jews that did not believe Him when they claimed God was their Father? (Joh 8:41) “You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do.” (v. 44) Also, in the parable of the wheat and tares, Christ said the tares represented the “sons of the wicked one”. (Mat 13:31)

They said, “Men are born innocent, not sinful”.  But the record of Psa 58:3 is that, “The wicked are estranged from the womb; They go astray as soon as they are born, speaking lies.”  David even confessed of himself, “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me.” (Psa 51:5) Paul reinforces this thought in Rom 3:23 stating, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”.

Finally, they said the leader of the Mormon church, currently Thomas S. Monson, was God’s prophet in the earth, a man chosen by God to deliver God’s gospel message in this age.  There had been a succession of prophets since their founder Joseph Smith in the 1800’s, who also was given what they call “another testament of Jesus Christ”, aka the Book of Mormon.  They said that the apostle Peter was the first prophet after Christ (they pointed to Jesus telling Peter in Mat 16:19 that He would give him “the keys of the kingdom of heaven”, the same portion of scripture Catholics refer to when identifying Peter as the first pope); however, after the apostles died, God had been silent due to man’s disobedience, that is until Joseph Smith appeared on the scene some 1500+ years later.  They believe the leader of the Mormon church continues to give us that needed revelation from God, and though there are apostles under that prophet, he ultimately speaks the word from God to the world.

I asked these men who kept this prophet of theirs in check, making sure he was speaking truth.  Their response was that God would not leave his prophet in the earth if that prophet would say anything harmful to the church.  If that prophet were to say or do anything that would lead the church into error, God would remove him before that could happen.  Well, God took my mind to Gal 2:11-16 where Paul publicly rebuked Peter (who, remember, the Mormon’s claim as the first prophet after Christ) for his sin in shunning the Gentiles and denying through his actions justification by faith alone.  Peter’s influence was so strong that his example had pulled away others into his error, including Paul’s companion Barnabas.  If Peter was the first prophet, why then did God leave him in the earth following such gross error which initially separated the early church?  I was answered again (as I was many times during our discussion), “You ask some great questions!”

In closing, I want to emphasize our main text today.  Peter reminded his readers in 2Pe 1:16 that they weren’t following “cunningly devised fables”.  Peter and the apostles were eyewitnesses of Christ’s majesty, men validated by God according to Heb 2:4 “with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will”.  These men walked with Christ, were taught by Him, saw Him glorified, and yet fled for their lives at his crucifixion; however, after Pentecost, these same men declared boldly, even to the point of martyrdom, that they had seen Jesus risen from the dead!  They preached and exalted Jesus Christ, not themselves or any other man.  Peter continued in 2Pe 1:20 that “no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation” and warned in 2:1-3 that “there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction.”  He continues, “And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed.  By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words…”

So, “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” (1Jo 4:1) Our understanding is not based on feeling.  I say this because the Mormon’s recommendation per their pamphlet is to read the Book of Mormon, pray about it, and the Holy Ghost will confirm it is true through “feelings, thoughts, and impressions”.  Our understanding, however, is based on the leadership of the Holy Ghost coupled with the word of God, the scripture.  The two will always agree because the Spirit is the author of the word (2Pe 1:21, 2Ti 3:16).  Remember, God put His Spirit, the Teacher, inside each of His children.  “But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you…” (1Jo 2:27) We can know the truth.  Ask of God AND study His word.  Be like the Bereans in Act 17:11 who when they heard Paul preach “received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.”  Thank you for your prayers for us that we will faithfully and boldly declare the word of God, and please pray for the precious souls of these men to whom God provided us this opportunity of ministry.

Love in Christ,

Jamie

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The Unity Of The Spirit

“…endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
Eph 4:3

A book published in 2011 borrowed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s statement 50 years earlier, asserting that Sunday might be the most segregated day of the week. If there is any truth to this statement, the scripture surely teaches us there should not be!  When the world observes the church, they should see that it is here, among the people of God, that such walls are broken down.  We are exhorted to “walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling…” (Eph 4:1-4)

It is not culture or race that unites the people of God.  Per our text, it is the Spirit of God!  It is not the natural experience that binds us for in this spiritual body we are no longer what we once were in our gender, race, culture, or status in life.  We are made new creations in Christ Jesus. (2Co 5:17) “…old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new”!  “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Gal 3:28) If we feel disconnected from anyone, it should be from those who are yet unredeemed.  That’s the only dividing line now, but it’s a dividing line that we desire no man to be on the wrong side of!

Prejudice has no place in the kingdom of God.  The world in prejudice seeks to alienate or destroy anyone different from themselves.  How differently the body of Christ thinks of those not like themselves!  Instead of pushing them away, we desire that they be drawn to us and ultimately to Christ, pitying them because we were once just like them!  Remembering who we were will remedy our hearts of all prejudice.  The common thread binding all humanity is that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”. (Rom 3:23) We are all sinners!  The good news is that group is exactly who Jesus came to save. (1Ti 1:15)

The church is burdened for the lost because “we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.” (Eph 2:3) In such a desperate state, we didn’t look inside and fix ourselves.  Rather, the next verse begins, “But God…”  I didn’t save myself.  God did it!!  The fact should eliminate any pride or prejudice from our hearts.  It was God, “who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ…” (v. 4-5) I didn’t deserve it, and I didn’t earn it.  Jesus paid it all!  And so, because we are living proof that there is hope for those dead in sin, we then, “are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.” (2Co 5:20) Though never at the expense of preserving the truth, the Christian’s desire should be for unity and peace.  “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” (Rom 12:18) Blessed are the peacemakers…

Jamie

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