A Spirit-Led Life

Charles Spurgeon said, "A church in the land without the Spirit is rather a curse than a blessing. If you have not the Spirit of God, Christian worker, remember that you stand in somebody else's way; you are a fruitless tree standing where a fruitful tree might grow."

Francis Bacon said, "In order for the light to shine so brightly, the darkness must be present."

Galatians 5 is a section of Scripture that reveals the powerful importance of the Spirit-led walk.  Galatians 5:16 says, “So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.”  The Spirit is God’s agent to keep us from spiritually destroying ourselves whenever the sinful nature gets out of control. 

The Spirit does an extreme makeover within us.  He transforms us.  Remember the old you?  You know, the one who lacks patience when the person in the checkout line needs to go back and get a price check.  Remember how impatient you were?  Or, how about the time when you lost all control and you blasted away at your spouse, kids, co-worker, parent, or friend because you were controlled by you, not the Spirit? 

 

The spirit-led walk gets tiresome and at times, we are totally depleted of energy.  This is why it is vitally important to: “get dressed is before we ever get out of the bed.”  If we leave the bed spiritually undressed, we leave vulnerable and an easy target for the flesh to take over.  However, if we leave the bed spiritually dressed, then the Spirit is fully engaged and prepared to get us through that days walk. 

Surrendering to God is a spiritual process.  Paul says in 1 Corinthians 2:14 “The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolish to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.”

The Portrait of a Spirit-led Person

From nursery school onward we are taught how to succeed in the world.

A carnal person says:

                        ►  The early bird gets the worm

                        ►  No pain, no gain

                        ►  There is no such thing as a free lunch

                        ►  Demand your rights

                        ►  Get what you pay for

                        ►  I want people to get what they deserve – nothing more, nothing less.

A Spirit-led person says:

                        ►  I did not get what I deserved

                        ►  I deserved punishment and got forgiveness

                        ►  I deserved wrath and got love

                        ►  I deserved debtor’s prison and got a clean credit history

                        ►  I deserved lectures and got grace

Carnal Christians have a negative affect on the world.  Jesus said in Matthew 5:13-14, “You are salt!  You are Light!”  A NO Salt life means:  “ A Christian life with no spiritual flavor has value.”   A flavorless Christian walk means:  Mean-spirited.  Pessimistic.  Suffers from the “ME” syndrome.  Shows no affection for the lost. 

In order to keep in step with the Spirit, every aspect of our lives must be seasoned with the flavor of Christ.  A Salt life means: “A Christian life with spiritual flavor has godly value.”  The results of a flavored spiritual life is:  Optimistic. It’s not about “ME.”  And, loves people for who they are and not for what they do.

Jesus also said that we are the light of the world.  Light life means:  We help others see what Christian values are all about.  In order to help others see the value in having a relationship with Jesus, we must light up our churches and communities by demonstrating spiritual values of mercy, grace, fellowship, unity, love, and forgiveness. 

Spiritual believers realize that life is not the “ME” philosophy, but rather to be someone who is seasoned with Christ and one who gives off a light that will radiate the glory of God through their spirit-led walk. 

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian

Judge NOT!

The Label Game

Ground rules:  Find someone who is different…They may look different, sound different or think different.  This game is effective if someone has a mark on his/her past record – even if it is over and done with, fully forgiven and none of your business

      

Here is how you play the game – “Let’s Label”

Step 1:  Find something you don’t like about a person

Step 2:  Examine the external

Step 3:  Form negative and critical opinions

Step 4:  Jump to several inaccurate conclusions

Step 5:  Mentally stick a label on the person in question

Step 6:  Freely share all findings with others

The other name for this game is Judging.  What is so bad about judging?  After all, how would anyone be able to tell someone else they are wrong if we do not make judgments about their behavior?  I’ve often wondered how we balance the teaching of God’s Word that stresses the points of godly living without being the judge of whether a person is right with God or not. Jesus made it clear in his sermon to the thousands at the base of a mountain one day that judging would be detrimental to those who judge.  I love the way the Message Bible describes what Jesus was saying in Matthew 7:1-5, “Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It’s easy to see a smudge on your neighbor’s face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, ‘Let me wash your face for you,’ when your own face is distorted by contempt? It’s this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor.”

Remember, our job is not to be judge, but rather to be a people who are called out to share the Good News of Jesus.  Jesus told his disciples to be teachers, not judgers.  Matthew 28:20 gives the description of what Christians are supposed to do:  Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you….” (NLT)  If each of us sticks to the Holy Word of God, we will not go wrong. 

The word judging comes from the Greek word “krino” which means, “to separate”. In the ancient courtrooms a judge would separate the facts of a case and then discern whether what was presented had enough evidence to make a judgment of guilty of innocence.

Jesus is not telling us to stop being a people of discernment.  As a matter of fact, discernment is a spiritual gift.  1^st Corinthians 12:10 the Apostle Paul declares we are given a variety of gifts to aid in the work of Jesus’ church.  Paul says, “He [Spirit] gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit.”  The point of this passage is to determine whether or not the teaching is from the Word of God. 

The key point is to remember that we do not set ourselves up to be the judge and jury.  Don’t seek to cultivate a spirit of condemning and rejecting of others because you have a different opinion.  Romans 14:10-13 makes it clear what our roles and responsibilities are as believers in Jesus.  “So why do you condemn another Christian? Why do you look down on another Christian? Remember, each of us will stand personally before the judgment seat of God. For the Scriptures say, “ ‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow to me and every tongue will confess allegiance to God.’ ”  Yes, each of us will have to give a personal account to God.  So don’t condemn each other anymore. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not put an obstacle in another Christian’s path.”

It is amazing how many times I have heard preachers condemn others about their faithfulness to God or to the church.  Is it possible we’ve set up a standard of faithfulness that God never did?  Is it possible that we are judged by how often we attend Sunday night and Wednesday night gatherings or revivals?  Is it possible that we are judged based on the version of the bible one chooses to use?  Is it possible that 1^st Corinthians 4:4-5 is ignore “So be careful not to jump to conclusions before the Lord returns as to whether or not someone is faithful. When the Lord comes, he will bring our deepest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. And then God will give to everyone whatever praise is due.”  (NLT)

When we seek God’s Word and allow the Spirit to lead us in our attitude, study and service to others, then our time is taken up by teaching the model of Jesus rather than the model of ones opinionated doctrine.  Our responsibility is to teach, period.  Let God do God’s job!

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian

Modeling Jesus' Church

Over the last two years, we’ve gone from having one dog, which is a tiny toy poodle named sox, to having an Australian Shepherd named Korra and two cats, Murphy and Burgess.  It is crazy at our house at times.  Cats can be snobs and dogs can be demanding and territorial.  Sox is the oldest of all the animals and is used to being alone.  He is now having to learn to share toys, water, food and our attention.  Korra is a herder.  She herds everyone; include people all the time.  She thinks it is her job to round all the animals up and keep them corralled in one place.  It is crazy to watch.  Sox will start fighting and growling and the cats will hiss and try to slap Korra with a right claw and then take off.  Korra thinks she is the queen of the castle and the keeper of the gate.

I love our pets.  No matter how long I’ve been gone, whenever I walk into the door, it is an all out race to get to me first.  They jump and run around and smile and act if I am the number one person in their lives.  It is awesome!  Even the cats seem a bit excited in their own way by rubbing up against my leg. 

Imagine a church where people love to see you and help you through tough times and love on you because they care and excited because they are happy and cry because they hurt for you and laugh because they enjoy your company and peace because there are no forced opinions.  Imagine suppertime conversations that demonstrate unity and resources are pulled together to help one another in times of crisis.  Imagine a church that will walk a long journey of pain and suffering with you.  Imagine being loved no matter what sin struggles you are dealing with.   Imagine being missed when you are gone and being hugged when you return.   Imagine a church that sees you as one who was made in the image of God. 

Imagine a church that modeled Jesus!

The church model is found in Acts 2:42-47. The new church modeled Jesus in a way that was captivating and inspiring.   “That day about three thousand took him at his word, were baptized and were signed up. They committed themselves to the teaching of the apostles, the life together, the common meal, and the prayers.  Everyone around was in awe—all those wonders and signs done through the apostles! And all the believers lived in a wonderful harmony, holding everything in common. They sold whatever they owned and pooled their resources so that each person’s need was met.  They followed a daily discipline of worship in the Temple followed by meals at home, every meal a celebration, exuberant and joyful, as they praised God. People in general liked what they saw. Every day their number grew as God added those who were saved.” (MSG)

Imagine a church in our town that resembles the simplicity of Jesus’ Church: Committing to the Word of God, unity of fellow believers, helping others in stressed out times, daily worship that is Jesus centered, and eating meals together to enhance our strength in unity.

Imagine a church that model Jesus so much, that they filled all the room up in a matter of days or weeks instead of years or decades because others wanted in on it, too.  The first church grew and grew and grew because they understood relationship building and the tremendous need for unity in the body of Christ.  They understood that loving one another, worshipping God daily and supper time conversation will create excitement and motivation in those looking in from the outside that they may one day soon want to come in and join the incredible church. 

Imagine a church just like that one!  Is it possible?  

Yes!

The key is:  Modeling the church after Jesus. 

The desire must be:  Seeking the best in others.  Unity.  Truth.  Patience.  Spirit-led.  Humility.  Joy.  I’m it for the long haul.  Being open to knocking down walls. 

Imagine a church like Jesus!  Is it possible?

Yes!

It is up to all of us in our town to create such a place!

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian

Modeling Christianity

Over the last few months, I’ve thought a lot about Christianity.  I’ve thought about the way I was raised in a home where the Christian life was the way of life.  My father was a servant leader in the church.  His tasks were to care for those who needed some kind of assistance, I.e. groceries, help with electric bill or rent.  Also, he was the lead servant in the area of sharing Jesus.  My father conducted countless bible studies and hundreds came to know Jesus because of his relentless passion for telling the Jesus story. 

My father grew in Christ.  He studied.  He learned.  He lived.  He shared.  He developed an unwavering love for God that was attractive.  He didn’t boast about what he did for Jesus, rather he served.  He took seriously what Jesus said in Matthew 5 about being salt and light.  My father seasons his speech with words that builds up and encouraged.  He sprinkles every conversation with grace and love.  He leaves a good taste of Christianity with everyone who meets him.  My father also lives out the Jesus life.  He lights up a room by his conduct, morals, ethics and values.  He models Christianity by serving others.  He spotlights Jesus by listening, rather than condemning.  He showcases the beauty of Jesus by being tender, thoughtful and selfless. 

I’m proud to be my father’s son.  I’m proud to have been exposed to a view of Christianity that demonstrated mercy and forgiveness.  And, I’m proud that my father never waivered on godly principles and ethical standards.  I know Christianity because my father knew Ephesians 6:4 “Fathers…Take them [children] by the hand and lead them in the way of the Master.” (MSG)

As I have been thinking about Christianity, I’ve wondered why some have a negative view of those who are Christ followers.  What are we doing or not doing that has left a bad taste about Christianity?  Is it possible that Ephesians 5:1 is not a lead motto of our Jesus walk:  “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children, and walk in the way of love….” (NIV)  Is it possible that our harsh judgments of others have led others away from Jesus?  Is it possible that our model of Christianity is not centered around Christ at all; rather it has been centered on what previous theologians, professors or preachers have taught?  Is it possible that the two commands of Jesus’ teaching:  Love God and Love People are met with resistance based on doctrine rather than love? The Apostle Paul said in 1^st Corinthians 13:13, “And now these three remain:  faith, home and love.  But the greatest of these is love.” (NIV)  Love supersedes everything else.  The Apostle Paul also said in the first part of chapter thirteen that I can possess so much, but if love isn’t the cornerstone of our lives, then nothing is gained. 

Christianity must be viewed as a relationship with Jesus, not just another major religion.  Christianity must be modeled in the lives of those who claim to be one by living out the Jesus life daily.  Christianity must not be segregated by countless “denominations” and “non-denominations, but rather, are united as people belonging to Jesus. 

Modeling Christianity means sacrifice.  Determination.  Counting the cost.  Love.  Mercy.  Salt.  Light.  Hope.  Grace.  Spirit.  Forgiveness.  Jesus.  Truth.  Joy.  Kindness.  Compassion.  Peace.  Patience.  Goodness.  Gentleness.  Faithfulness.  Self-control. 

If there is ever a time for Christians to stand united, it is now!  If there is ever a time for believers to live out the Jesus life, it is now!  If there is ever a time for a nation to see the true colors of Christianity, it is now! 

It begins with ME!  It begins with YOU! 

Will you be a Christian model of righteousness?  Will you love God and people?  Will you open your heart to your neighbor?  Will you tear down the walls that cause division?  Will you be Jesus to a world that needs to see what he looks like today? 

Now is the time! 

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian

Modeling Jesus

 

The Apostle Paul has a wonderful gift of writing.  His letters to fellow believers are chopped full of inspiring encouragements and direct instructions that will motivate the readers to live the Jesus life. I must admit, living a Christian life isn’t always easy, but it is always rewarding.  The Christian life has its ups and downs.  We will have good days and bad days.  We will experience the horrible defects in people and at the same time; enjoy the best relationships with them.  The Jesus life is meant to be proactive.  Seek out the best in others.  Love deeply from the heart.  Share what you have with others.  Be a two-mile walker with someone in need.  Tell the love story of God.  Be Jesus.  Be Spirit-led.  Be the face of everything that is good. 

Paul is closing up a letter with the believers in Thessalonica.  In his final words in

1^st Thessalonians 5, Paul gives his brothers and sisters in Christ’s many nuggets of truths that will sustain them in life and build up the body of Christ.  These truths are not just 1^st and 2^nd century, but 21^st century truths, too!  Paul says:  

Be an encourager (5:11)  “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up….” Encouraging people are the people I desire to be around.  The Message Bible says it best in Hebrews 10:24, “Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out….”

Respect the leaders (5:12 & 13)  “Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance.  Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work....” The responsibilities of spiritual leaders are huge.  Those who lead with godliness deserve our utmost respect.  Spiritual leaders must care deeply for every person and generate ways to ensure each one is being fed spiritually.  If spiritual leaders lead right, respect comes without even having to demand it. 

Help the weak (5:14) Weakness can ultimately destroy us if we stay stuck in whatever is causing our weakness. The way to clean up someone’s act of defiance is to help him or her through the process of change.  Paul never said cast them out until they get over whatever is causing the weakness, rather he says to help them.  I get that some may not want help in the moment, but we must never give up on them. We must never waiver on offering our support and prayers. 

Be Patient (5:14) Patients is a fruit quality believers receive from the Spirit.  I can relate to folks who have a short fuse life at times.  There are mean spirited people who are bent on making life miserable.  It is their way or the highway.  But, Spirit controlled Christians are patient with them.  They are encouragers.  They are Lovers, not haters.  And, they have a long life fuse of grace.

The Apostle Paul gives more tips on being an effective believer among the world we live in and among those in the community church we serve.  The effective Christian will be known not by the church they attend or the stand one takes on a particular “doctrine” rather by his or her wiliness to be engaged in modeling hope and forgiveness and peace and joy and love.  The effective Christian will see the value in living out the Jesus story and being careful to encourage, respect and help others the way Paul instructed the believers over fifteen hundred years ago.    

Our communities will be a better place to live when believers identify themselves as people who are not perfect, but saved by the grace of Jesus and who walk in faith and love because they know beyond any doubt that Jesus is the risen savior!   May we all do our best to model the Jesus life!

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Bria

Community of Servers in White County

The rains came down, the temperature dropped, the winds blew and the trees and power lines froze, and they feel with a great crash.  For days, thousands were without the use of power to keep warm, cook food, take hot showers and go to work.  The scene on Bon Air Mountain was as if a bomb had exploded.  Power lines were lying all over the place.  Poles were broken into as if they were toothpicks.  Trees were snapped in two and debris was scattered everywhere.  

In the two years I have lived in White County Tennessee, I have learned many things about the people and the way of life, but the one thing I have learned that has been the most inspiring is how the vast majority will help others in times of need and disasters.  I love what the Apostle Paul said in Romans 13:10, “Love other people as well as you do yourself. You can’t go wrong when you love others.”  (MSG)

My first trip to Bon Air Mountain was on the Sunday after the winter storm.  As our church made our way into the BonDeCroft Elementary School, I saw working people preparing a place to help their neighbors and friends and family.  I saw teachers like Sara Cope working tirelessly organizing, helping others and reassuring those without power that they were not alone.  She worked day in and day out with a determination to serve.  Sara’s love for her neighbors, her school and her students was the driving force of service, even though her own home was without power. 

Another inspiring story was the BonDeCroft Baptist Church.  Their commitment to serving was over the top.  Day in and day out the members poured their heart and soul out in preparing meals, delivering meals to those who could not get out, serving the linemen who were working to restore power and giving out supplies the community needed to survive the days ahead without power. 

Thousands of people from all over donated supplies, money, food and time.  The efforts to help their neighbors were encouraging.  It was truly a community coming together for those who were in need of help. 

Jesus tells a story about a man who was robbed and left to die.  There were three people who saw the man.  Two of the men were “religious” and one was a “Samaritan.”  Jesus says that the two “religious” guys saw the man but did nothing but cross the street and pay no attention to the needs of the dying man.  However, the “Samaritan” saw the man and began to take care of his needs because he was filled with compassion.  Jesus asked the question, “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell in the hands of the robber?”  The expert of the law said, “The one who showed mercy on him.”  Jesus said, “Go and do likewise.”  

Our neighbors are all over the world.  We do not discriminate based on color of skin, religious affiliations, ethnicity, or gender.  Rather, we live out what Jesus said in Matthew 22:36-40,  “Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence.’ This is the most important, the first on any list. But there is a second to set alongside it: ‘Love others as well as you love yourself.’ These two commands are pegs; everything in God’s Law and the Prophets hangs from them.” (MSG)

As the Central Church of Christ and the BonDeCroft Baptist Church served food to the needs of our community, it proves that our resolve is not to be divided, rather, to serve and to live out the Jesus life daily.  As I saw the leadership of Dr. Larry Thompson, the Principal as BonDeCroft Elementary School, it proves that he is more than an administrator; he is a neighbor.  As I witnessed Doug Benningfield, the minister at Hickory Valley Baptist Church, deliver loads and loads of supplies, it demonstrated his allegiance to being a neighbor.  The same is true for McDonalds, KFC, the Fire Department, Wal-Mart, various churches, individuals and a host of people who do not live in White County. 

May God bless White County Tennessee!

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian