Monthly Archives: January 2012

What Is Your Part?

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Graceway MediaOne of my favorite sections of Scripture is found in Ephesians 4.11-16. Within these six verses we can see our part in the body of Christ.  As Christians, we will find the most joy when we are living according to God’s plan and purpose.

In verses 4.11-12, we see that God has put leaders in place within the local body of believers whose purpose is to equip the membership.  They are to educate disciples of Christ to do the work of ministry. It is easy to go to church to watch others do “church;” however, part of gathering together is for equipping to do the work of ministry. So, what is your part in ministry? You do have a part whether you know it or not. Make sure you are educated on how to best live out your calling from God.

Verse 4.13 tells us the goal is to “attain to the unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” We are being equipped for “unity of faith,” knowledge of Christ, toward Christian maturity which is Christ our standard.  Notice Paul says, “the stature of the fullness of Christ.” For the longest time we had a poster on the wall to measure how tall my son had grown each month. Christ is our measurement.  We are to be growing in sanctification to look more like the One who lives within our hearts. So, how do you measure up? As long as we are incarcerated in human flesh we will struggle; however, if we set as our goal to constantly be growing in maturity and stature, we will never settle for who we are now.

Paul continues in 4.14-16 explaining why everything in 4.11-13 is so important. First, we will be grounded in doctrine and not confused by deceitful schemes.  Second, this will help us speak the truth in love to those who are deceived or are deceiving. Third, knowing doctrine will help us grow in Christ. Finally, Paul says that as each member grows, the entire church body is built up.  It will be stronger in unity, faith, worship, purpose, and fulfilling God’s vision for the church–making disciples. So, how is your understanding of doctrine? How steady are you in the face of opposition? How strong is your church with you in your current condition?

These verses have always given me a reality check.  I hope they will be a spiritual check-up for you as well.

I used to have a friend who had a saying, “If every church member were just like me, what kind of church would this church be?” What is your answer?

Faithful Giving

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We have been working our way through the book of Acts.  This week we will be looking at the story of Ananias and Sapphira from chapter five. In this sermon we will examine a few principles of faithful giving.

I hope to see you Sunday at Living Oaks Baptist Church at 10:45 during our morning worship service!

Seven Reasons You May Never Accomplish Something Significant

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As we begin 2012, Perry Noble gives us “7 Reasons You May Never Accomplish Something Significant.”

1. Procrastination! (Remember, procrastination is assassination on the amazing future God has for you – James 1:22!)

2. You are allowing your past to identify you rather than Christ to identify you! (See I Corinthians 6:9-11!) You are not who you were…you are who you are in Christ (II Corinthians 5:17), and if you don’t let your past die, then it won’t let you live.

3. You are more obsessed with what others think about you rather than what Christ thinks about you! (See Colossians 3:2-3, Galatians 1:10)

4. You do not understand the fact that God’s Holy Spirit lives inside of you (Ephesians 1:13-14) and has gifted you and is calling you to do something greater than you could ever imagine (Ephesians 2:10, Ephesians 3:20)

5. You are afraid (see Isaiah 41:10) – and remember, anyone who ever accomplished anything significant for Christ had to take a significant step of faith (Hebrews 11:6!)

6. You believe the lie from hell that says you are an accident when Scripture says that God custom designed you (Psalm 139:13-16) and that you were clearly created on purpose, with a purpose and for a purpose.

7. You are obsessed with things that have ZERO significance when it comes to eternity (I John 2:17).

You can find this article and others like it at churchleaders.com.

Stop Beating Yourself Up!

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If you are like most people, you have already begun working toward fulfilling your New Year’s resolutions.  Most of our resolutions lead us toward being a better person this year than last.  I would like to share a little bit of my background hoping that it will help you achieve your personal goals.

From the age of eighteen until I was twenty-four, I made a mess of my life. If there was a bad decision to be made, I would choose it every time. I had been raised in church, became a Christian at age nine, tried to be a leader in the youth group, and was growing in my knowledge of Scripture and the Christian life. However, just after graduation, I started making foolish choices. Eventually, I found myself so far away from God that I couldn’t find my way back.

In the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15.11-32), Jesus makes it clear that all we have to do is show our repentance, that is turn away from sin, by returning to God. He is always ready to restore us to a right relationship with Him, continue our Christ-like development, and use us for His glory. It is that simple.

I was too smart for all that. I knew I had been too wicked for God’s grace, and therefore, couldn’t accept God’s forgiveness, love, mercy, and grace. I couldn’t accept God’s gifts because I couldn’t forgive myself. I was beating myself up for my own sinful behaviors. I couldn’t hear what the Bible was saying about God because I was too busy trying to fix myself. Needless to say, I was miserable! No matter how frustrated I was with my backslidden life or how determined I was to make myself live the Christian life I continued down the wrong path. I was convinced that I was a hopeless case. I didn’t know it, but that was right where God wanted me—consciously aware of my inability to change on my own.

I realized that relief wasn’t going to come by my ability to control myself. In my own flesh I was always going to make the wrong decision.  My frustration was caused by trying to live up to the standards I thought was expected of Christians. However, in confessing my inadequacy to live out the Christian life on my own, God was then able to live through me. The only way I was going to be truly restored was to come to God broken and contrite. It was then that I was showered in God’s grace and restored into a right relationship with Him. Immediately, I realized I could never let guilt hold me back from enjoying my relationship with God.

Now when I fall short of God’s plan, I am quick to run to the throne of grace, admit my failure, thank God for His forgiveness, and joyfully move on with my life all the wiser. If guilt has driven a wedge between you and God, it is time to run to God, confess your sin and guilt, then enjoy His forgiveness, mercy, grace, and love. Trust me, as someone who has been there, living a life resting in what Jesus has done brings about your best life now!