The Perfect Place

Have you ever considered the best place to be in time of trouble? For the small animal, scurrying for safety in order to escape the sharp talons of a circling shadow, it may be crack in a rock. For the fox, relentlessly pursued by the pack, it may be his den. For the child, it may be his mother's arm. For the soldier, it may be a simple foxhole. For the weary traveller, it may be the light up ahead. For all these, who seek shelter in time of trial, trouble or tribulation, there is a perfect place.
Late one afternoon, many years ago when we lived In an area known as tornado alley, the flash of continuous lightening lighting the darkening sky and constant echo of the terrible roll of
thunder warned of impending disaster. As night approached, I became quite concerned that I might find a place of protection for me young family. I sought a place and found it.
But there were others who were not as fortunate. The next day, as a pastor, I visited my cousin, one of the survivors of the terrible storm that came that night, in a local hospital. His body was bruised, broken and battered. He told me of his ordeal. He, his wife and his in-laws, saw the same storm approaching, They hurriedly began to prepare to go to their elaborate outside concrete storm shelter to spend the night. Just as his wife approached the door to rush outside, she turned and embraced him and said, "Oh no, it's too late.." The next thing he remembered was being spun around high in the air as the terrible wind wrenched his wife from his arms. His wife was found a few hundred metres from him. She and her mother didn't survive.  They did not make it to their perfect place of shelter and refuge.
Sometimes a Christian needs a perfect place of shelter during the inevitable storms of life. The Christian life at best is a stormy and sometimes troubling and terrifying experience. Jesus said it would be so when He told us that in this world we would have tribulation. But the exact location of that perfect place for a Christian may vary with time and circumstance.

The perfect place for Noah was an Ark, Even though it had never rained in all of history, he was called to warn his friends and neighbors of the inconceivable judgment of God and invite them into that perfect place of shelter. He preached and warned for one hundred a twenty years, but they would not heed, so only eight souls found refuge in God's perfect place,

The perfect place for Enoch was taking a walk with Jehovah. Someone has envisioned it like this, "Enoch and Jehovah were walking along one day, and talking as they as the always did, when God noticed they had gone much further than ordinary. It was a long way home for Enoch. So God said to Enoch, 'Why don't you just come along to my place tonight, it's much closer than yours. It's a perfect place for you."
The perfect place for Abraham was not in the land of his birth, the Ur or Chaldee, but as a pilgrim and sojourner on a journey to a promised land. A city whose builder and maker was God. Later, the perfect place for his son, Issac, was lying atop a rough stone altar of sacrifice, on top of a mountain, trussed up hand and foot, awaiting the thrust of his father sacrificial knife.
The perfect place for Joseph was a pit, a prison and then a throne. The perfect place for Daniel was a lion's den. The perfect place for the three Hebrew children was a fiery furnace The perfect place for Job was sitting in an ash heap, covered with boils from head to toe, being tongue lashed by his fair weather friends and nagged by an unrelenting wife. The perfect place for Jonah was the belly of a whale. The perfect place for David was hiding from the wrath of Saul in a Judean cave. The perfect place for Elijah was beside a brook being fed by the ravens. The perfect place for John the Baptist was in Herod's prison awaiting the executioner's axe. The perfect place for Paul was a basket on a city wall and later a cold, dark, dank cell in the Marmertine prison on the banks of the Tiber river.   The perfect place for our Savior was a manger, a garden, a hill and a cross.
What do all these places have in common and what is the perfect place for a Christian? Obviously, it is sheltering in the very center of God's will. Even in the greatest tribulation, those who turn to God and trust in Him, will find a perfect place of rest and peace!

I Have My Own Religion!

"I have my own religion!,"  the man said indignantly. Hardly a day passes in door knocking endeavors without such an encounter occurring. Normally the statement is made is such a way as to dismiss any idea of further pursuit of the matter of how one really becomes a Christian. And as a rule, the sincerity of the statement cannot be called into question.
But herein lies the real problem. The fervency and sincerity of the respondent does not negate the falsity of the underlying philosophy. In fact, I'm always reminded of the old cliche', "Do you have a solution? Or are you a part of the problem!" Religion, the solution proposed by such a philosophy, is often the real problem.
The Pharisees, who constantly criticized and questioned the message and methodology of Jesus as He sought to share His message of repentance and faith with sinners, were perhaps the most religious people of all history. Paul, who was one of them, gave testimony to their deep sincerity and overwhelming religious zeal. But he said none of this was of God. He correctly saw their religious rituals and liturgical litanies as merely thinly disguised attempts to establish their own righteousness.
The purpose of all their religious mumbo jumbo, do good philosophy and self-justification, Paul said, was to enable them to personally avoid submitting themselves to the righteousness of God, as expressed in the person and purpose of Jesus Christ and His sacrifice on the Cross. As long as they religiously maintained such a false facade, they would not have to swallow their false pride and humble themselves in simple childlike repentance and faith, trusting the Lord Jesus Christ, and Him alone, for salvation and eternal life. (See Ro. 10:1-3)
Things have not changed a great deal in this area as time has passed. The same philosophy, still seems to be prevalent today. Such false teaching permeates the altars and is proclaimed from the pulpits of some of the most ornate cathedrals of our time. We hear the same sentiments espoused by the most modern of so-called theologians. We see such religion walking up and down our streets every weekend. I shudder to think of the greater condemnation modern-day Pharisees, who have led people to trust religious rituals and their own imagined good works, will face at the Judgement.
The sad fact of the matter, for those who "have their own religion", is that religion will not save. Religion is what we imagine we do for God. True Christianity is what God has done for us, Religion is man looking for and seeking God. True Christianity is God seeking and finding man. Religion says do. True Christianity says that Christ has done it all on the Cross long ago. It is finished.
Religion says look at me. My good works. My form of godliness. My beautiful rituals. My piety. My holiness. My sacrifices. True Christianity says look to the lifted-up Christ of Calvary and the judgment scorched earth all around. What man needs is personal salvation rather than religion. But just how can you personally receive this salvation? -

1. Understand that you are personal sinner Jesus died for. (Romans 3:23)
2. Accept that your sin will separate you from God forever. (Romans 6:23)
3. Know that Christ died for you personally on the cross. (Romans 5:8)
4. Repent (be sorry for, confess, turn from) your sin. (Luke 13:3)
5. Believe (rely upon, trust absolutely) the Lord Jesus Christ. (Ro. 10:9-10)

The Greatest Fishing Trip

Having been reared close by the shores of the beautiful lakes in the hill country of the Tennessee River Valley, my earliest and most pleasant memories focus on fishing the sparkling streams and tranquil lakes of that region. In my experience there is nothing that can compare with the excitement and fulfillment of a successful fishing trip. 
I well remember those who taught me the rudiments of fishing. There were many valuable lessons to be learned; the importance of knowing the habits and habitat of the species being sought, the wisdom of knowing where and when to fish and the best bait to use, the motivation and committal reo, Aired to rise early or stay late and the need for patience and perseverance, were just a few of the vital elements necessary in the making of a fisherman. But perhaps above all else was a certain vision and sense
involved in fishing. You had to believe-the fish were really there and would respond to the proper and diligent efforts of a dedicated fisherman.
I'm glad Jesus used the simply analogy of fishing to teach and illustrate the principles of soul winning, or fishing formers. If there is one thing that is more exciting and fulfilling than fishing for fish, it is fishing for the souls of men. The first principle is the necessity to go fishing. It is not an Endeavour that can be successfully carried on by proxy or in theory. You can faithfully read all the books you wish on the subject and regularly monitor the travels of television fishermen, but you'll never catch a fish until you personally go fishing. Jesus did not say, "Sit and I will sit with you," but, "Go and I will go with you." Go is the operative word He used when urging His followers to personally become His witnesses and fishers of men.
It is true that Christians are sometimes more theoretical than practical in this matter of fishing for men. Many attend conferences and study the meaning and methodology of soul winning, but never seem to place their theory into practice. This would remind one of the story of the bait casting champion who had never caught a fish, but could accurately cast his bait into a small bucket from a great distance nearly every time!  But, of course, he never caught a fish there!
When Jesus said His disciples should launch out into the deep and cast their nets on the other side, He made the need for personal practical participation abundantly clear. If you are going to successfully fish for men you must go where the fish are. In this age of the so-called "couch potato," it is vital we realize that we cannot just dangle a bait in our lounge room, but must go out into the highways and byways of a world teeming with the souls of lost men and women. We must acquaint ourselves with the habits and habitats of those we seek. We must be  ready to rise early and stay late when required. We must equip ourselves to the best of our ability for the important task we face.

But, again, when all is said and done, we must get up and go fishing! Only then will we know the personal joy that faithful obedience to our Savior's. primary command can bring.  Only then can we experience the inexpressible thrill and overwhelming satisfaction of catch and preserving souls for all eternity!

My greatest personal fishing trip?  It was not the occasion when at the age of 15 was involved in landing an eighty-five pound catfish in the turbulent waters below Wheeler Dam.  It was any one of the many times the Lord blessed me with souls as I went from door to door sharing the glorious message of His gospel during over 50 years of such labor!

Power For Positive Living

Ephesians 5:18  "And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess,  but be filled with the Spirit."

Paul is inspired by the Holy Spirit to give us a very simple analogy about our relationship to the third Person of the Holy Trinity. We are told we are to avoid alcoholic intoxication and be drunk, or spiritually intoxicated, with the Holy Spirit of God. In drawing the parallels implied, the analogy becomes quite clear. He is urging upon us a life that is out of control. Out of our control, that is. A life that is controlled by a Person and power outside our personal being. A life that is obviously other-worldly.

It is common in these last days to hear tall tales of aliens invading planet earth. People are increasingly taking such claims seriously. I understand to speak of a simple encounter of the third kind is rather old-fashioned these days. The latest device Satan seems to be employing to prepare people for his incarnation and coming as the anti-Christ, is a whole genre of stories and tales of bodies being invaded by alien beings from outer space. The bodies of those who have been saved by the grace of God have been invaded by another Being, so to speak. A Being so good and powerful that the concept defies logic, reason and the comprehension of the unregenerate mind of man. This Being will not lead us to do act out of control emotionally or do irrational things.

In this context, the analogy Paul draws is evident. The intoxication process involves a gradual relinquishing of control of the body, being and faculties to another power. The power of alcohol. As the process proceeds, the effected person's habits and personality traits often undergo a complete transformation. As the process peaks, the person involved moves from self-will and self-control to "spirit" (alcohol) control.

This state is easily recognized by those around him. Inhibitions are removed and he sometimes attempts deeds that appear foolish and risky. He has a certain boldness. He will sometimes demonstrate a false fearlessness or pseudo-courage. A determination and stubbornness is also manifest. He will insist upon certain action or conduct, no matter what the consequences might be. It has been observed that feats of unusual strength may be attempted as well.

Many times the experienced alcoholic will build up an increasing tolerance and resistance to the control of the "spirit" that influences him. He is able to hold his drink and resist its influence by continuously struggling to maintain self control. With all this in mind, it is crystal clear why the Bible enjoins total abstinence as the best practice for a Christian.

The details of this analogy are quite obvious in Paul's call for the Christian to be filled or controlled by the Holy Spirit. The spiritual analogy is clear. The backsliding Christian may also resist the control of His Spirit. The ideal and ultimate is the absolute abandonment of self-will and subsequent submission to the Word of God and the Spirit of God as we seek the will of God. In this positive spiritual process we will find power for living the God-pleasing life. Then the different parallels will become obvious.

The primary key to successful witnessing is a holy boldness. An abandonment of our will to His will in the matter of soul winning. Under His control we will not be afraid or embarrassed to share our testimony and witness in all the circumstances of life. We will not be intimidated or inhibited by Satan and his crowd.

As we move out from under self-will and self-control our actions may appear foolish and risky to the world around us. The apostles were mocked as fools as they witnessed and preached the Word of God. Why? Because they were controlled by the Holy Spirit. When the followers of Christ were first called Christians at Antioch, it was in scorn and derision. Why? Because the control of the Holy Spirit of God was conforming them to the image of Christ.

Have you ever wondered, as I, just how these men and the millions of martyrs that were to follow in their footsteps, had the courage and power to stand and give the glory to God as they died for the cause of Christ? It could only be because they were under the control of the Spirit of God. Perhaps we are not called, yet, to pay this supreme sacrifice, but Paul's call to us is to present our bodies a living sacrifice - transformed by the power and control of His Spirit into bold and faithful witnesses for the Lord Jesus Christ. May we daily be being filled (controlled) by His Spirit!

Living Sacrifices

Romans 12:1-2 "1 beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind,....'

A number of years ago I ran across this snippet of history about "Ivan the Terrible.” Ivan was one of the great rulers of Russia. He was so busy trying to annex territory to his country that he had no time for social life. His advisers become worried because he had not married. Ivan suggested that they  find him a wife and he would accept their recommendation.

They searched far and wide for a girl who was beautiful, intelligent and a king's daughter. They found her in Athens, Greece. Her name was Sophia, the daughter of the King of Greece. Ivan asked the King for his daughter's hand. The King demanded that Ivan join the Greek Orthodox Church. This he did. He had gone to Greece with , five hundred of his best soldiers and when Ivan joined the church they desired to join also. A catechizer outlined the articles of the Orthodox Church creed to every one of them. They gave ready assent to every article except one. One of the articles stated that if they joined the Orthodox Church they could not be professional soldiers.

They asked the catechizer to give them time to think the matter over. They pondered the problem, "How can we join the Church and remain in the army at the same tine? They concocted a plan. When they were to be baptised they marched into the water. The five hundred soldiers were accompanied by five hundred priests. (They were to be baptised by immersion. How else could a Greek Church baptise them, since they know the true and only meaning of their word, "baptizo"?)

Shortly before each priest plunged his candidate under, each solder grabbed for his sword and lifted it up in air. Each one was baptised; except for his fighting arm and a gleaming sword that jutted out of the water. Those who witnessed the mass baptism spectacle said they saw five hundred dry arms and five hundred glittering swords sticking out of the water. It seems the he soldiers had come up with a compromise. 'We will join the church with our bodies, but we will allow our fighting arm to remain in the possession of the state."

The application of this little historical episode is self-evident. In his Roman letter Paul gives a clear call for a complete committal to Christ by all who call themselves brothers in Christ. But it seems that in our day many are not willing to yield themselves completely to Christ.

Writing fifty years ago, evangelist, Angel Martinez, had this to say about conditions existing in his day, "The curse of the hour is the curse of partial surrender. We can never have power with God or with men until we have given ourselves wholly to God. God does not want scraps or leftovers. God doesn't need much of a man, but needs all there is of him. The price of spiritual power is complete surrender.”   What would he say about the great falling away that has occurred in the meantime.