Boldness For Christ

Romans 1:16-18

Let me begin by stating the obvious...Christianity is under tremendous attack!  Having said that, let me also say that our response can be either one of "poor me, I'm so mistreated" or we can acknowledge that the reason Christians are so persecuted is because the devil knows the power of God's Word and he knows it's ability to change people's lives.

As Christians, we must learn to expect "attacks" from the enemy and to respond with a "boldness" that stands up for the truth.  We are entrusted with the greatest message in the world, the message of salvation and righteousness!  Romans 1:16-18 is a clear declaration of God's power to save all who believe, no matter who they are.  Paul wasn't ashamed of the gospel, and we shouldn't be either.  Let's look at four aspects of the Gospel that Paul affirmed.

1. For I Am Not Ashamed--The reason Paul wasn't ashamed of the gospel, was because he knew that it was the "good news" from God Himself and was given to be proclaimed to the entire world!  This message that Paul proclaimed was considered foolishness to the intellectuals (the Greeks) and a stumbling block to his own people (the Jews).  No matter how much Paul was ridiculed he still continued to preach and teach the truth of God's Word.  We cannot be ashamed of something so powerful and true!  It is time we declare with a convinced voice that the gospel of Jesus Christ is the only answer to the world's problems.
2. The Gospel Is The Power Of God--Paul wasn't ashamed because the gospel is the power of God to save.  This word power means might, strength, energy, force, and strength of God.  The power is not only "of God," this power is God's very nature!  God chose to use His power in a loving and merciful way by sending humanity the good news that salvation is possible through His Son Jesus Christ.  The only hope of the entire world is God's salvation.  1 Timothy 2:4 "...God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth."  God saves all who believe.  Belief is the one condition for salvation, but we must always remember that a person who really believes commits himself to what he believes.
3. Unto Salvation--When we look at the word "salvation" it has many meanings as it applies to our lives.  Salvation is: deliverance from being lost.  It is deliverance from sin, mistakes, corrupt ideas and thoughts.  It is also deliverance from enemies and dangers that come against us.  The gospel is the power of God to deliver us from all these and more.  Salvation means that God gives security and peace to the soul and gives us inward strength and courage to bear the onslaught and attacks of the devil.  Finally, salvation means to make well, to heal, to restore to health, and to make well both physically and mentally.  The power of the gospel brings salvation to the world!
4. For The Righteousness Of God Is Revealed--Paul was not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the revelation of God's righteousness.  Humanity has a serious problem thinking that they can some how be righteous within themselves.  Scripture is very clear that our righteousness is as "filthy rags" in the sight of God.  The only answer to humanity's problem is faith in God and His power to save them.

We have no reason to be ashamed of the gospel of Christ.  It is the good news and provides everything we need in this life and the life to come.  God is looking for boldness!  Are you willing to stand up and declare this great gospel of Christ that has the power to save and set free?

Does Knowing The Bible Matter?

John 8:31-32; 1 Thessalonians 2:13

Have you ever wondered why some people find it so easy to change what they believe, or why in today’s culture there is such instability among many Christians?  Could it be that many view the preaching and teaching of the Word of God as unimportant and even “dull and boring?”  Has the “high-tech” era of communication and entertainment caused people to be more interested in the lights, drama, music, and hype than in the truth of God’s Word?  We have to be careful to not build our spiritual lives on the “shallowness” of the entertainment because if entertainment is the foundation for our spiritual lives, then we will be easily “tossed to a fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine.”  The foundation God wants all of us to build our lives upon is our faith in Him and in His Word.  It is difficult to have faith in something you do not know!  That’s why knowing the Bible really does matter!

• ·         We are commanded to study and know the truth.  Knowing the truth enables you to better use the truth!  “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”  Don’t rely on just what others tell you, study the truth for yourself.

• ·         We are commanded to defend the truth.  We are to defend the truth of God’s Word with meekness and fear.  1 Peter 3:15 “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.”  When you are confident about the truth, you are able to defend it with gentleness and a quiet reverence.

• ·         Bible truth helps you know God better.  If you are going to get to know God you have to know the truth about Him.  You cannot develop a relationship with God based on your guesses or wishes about what He is like.  The primary way we find out more about God is through His Word.

• ·         Bible knowledge is an essential foundation.  The Word of God is the only foundation strong enough to build our lives upon.  Just as you have to know your ABC’s before you can read and write, you have to know the truth about God and His Word before you can live right.

• ·         Bible truth feeds you.  Bible knowledge is food for our soul and spirit!  You need solid food not only to keep growing in faith but also to sustain the spiritual life you already have.  If you stop feeding on God’s Word, your spiritual life will weaken.  Hebrews 5:12-14.

• ·         Bible knowledge determines how you act.  What we believe determines our behavior.  Thoughts generally result in actions.  You cannot change the way you act without changing the way you believe.  It is God’s truth that changes the way we believe and the way we act.

• ·         Knowing the truth protects against error.  Once you get rooted in God’s Word, it will be difficult for anyone to lead you astray with false doctrine.  The best way to protect yourself against error of any kind is to know the truth.

Does knowing the Bible really matter?  Absolutely!  Jesus declared that you will know the truth and the truth shall set you free.  But if we don’t know what truth is then we will never be free!  What steps are you taking to know God more and to be free?

Overcoming the Bondage of Rejection

Proverbs 29:25

To reject something means to “throw back.”  Now, if you are a parachute quality control inspector I would hope you would “throw back” every parachute that doesn’t meet the strictest of quality standards because every parachute should be rejected if it isn’t going to open properly.  But when it comes to human relationships we have to be careful that we don’t build into people or our children a spirit of “rejection.”  It’s unfortunate that many people are bound by a spirit of rejection and as a result rather than driving them to God; it drives them away from God.  This bondage of rejection causes people to believe they aren’t worthy of God’s love or of the love from anyone else for that matter.

The Nature and Characteristics of Rejection:

• ·         It allows others to manipulate you
• ·         It causes you to conform to peer pressure (Romans 12:2 admonishes us to not be conformed to the world, but be transformed by the renewing of our mind!)
• ·         It prevents you from giving and receiving love in a healthy manner
• ·         It produces depression
• ·         Rejection often creates a critical spirit in yourself and others
• ·         Anger and bitterness are fruits of rejection

The causes of rejection are many.  Some include:

• ·         Hurtful and painful events in your life
• ·         Death of a loved one
• ·         Divorce
• ·         Parents
• ·         The church
• ·         And many other uncontrollable events in our life.

How to be Free from the Bondage of Rejection

Affirming your position in Christ on a daily basis is the most effective way to overcome this spirit and bondage of rejection.  The Word of God gives us many scriptures that validate who you are and what you have in Christ.  If you suffer and are in bondage to this spirit of rejection, here are some scriptures that can help you overcome this feeling of rejection:

• ·         Romans 5:5-8 – God loves you “unconditionally”
• ·         Romans 8:1 – When you ask God to forgive you of a wrong, you are forgiven!
• ·         Romans 8:15 – You are accepted by God and are a member of His family
• ·         2 Corinthians 5:17 – You are complete and new in Christ
• ·         John 14:16-17 – The Holy Spirit dwells in you to help you and guide you

If you ever question how much God loves you, just remember that God demonstrated His vast and eternal love for you through the death of His Son, Jesus, on the cross.  Rejection can be a difficult emotion to deal with.  Many in our world feel this strong emotion, but there is hope through understanding that the One who made you, doesn’t reject you!  He loves you and desires to have a close and bonding relationship.  He is ready are you?

 Dick Temple

Senior Pastor

Bethel Church, Choctaw

Overcoming Your Insecurity

Insecurity is a real problem with many people.  Individuals live their entire lives feeling like they never "measure up" to what others expect of them, and they are constantly comparing themselves to other people.  God's desire for each of us is to live in such a way that we are confident and secure in who we are in Christ and what we can do in His power.  However, people with insecurity never see themselves as God sees them.  God looks at each person as important and valuable.  Fortunately for us, God doesn't judge us by the standards of the world and the world's expectation, but He looks at us based on our future not our past.  And God deals with us on the basis of what we can do, not what we haven't done!  Romans 8:35-39 tells us that "nothing will ever separate us from the love of  Christ!"  No matter what we face, no matter what the world thinks of us, God will always love us.  With that in mind, let's examine some of the causes, effects, and solutions to insecurity.

There are many causes for insecurity.  Some of them include:

• Unpredictable childhood environments
• Tragedy
• Underdeveloped skill and talents because of a lack of encouragement
• Unrealistic rules and regulations
• Poor self-image
• Growing up without positive feedback

Effects of insecurity include:

• Difficult time establishing lasting friendships
• Indecisiveness
• Anger
• Problems meeting other people
• Attempts to hide their insecurity

How to deal with insecurity:

• Acknowledge that insecurity is a spiritual problem
• Reinforce your relationship with God
• Acknowledge your feelings and identify the way you are
• Realize the way you see yourself is not necessarily the way you are
• Focus on the positive qualities of your life
• Stop comparing yourself to others
• Overcome any doubts through the Word of God

Although some insecurities are very deeply rooted and may take years to overcome, the Holy Spirit can miraculously change our way of thinking about ourselves if we will only allow Him.  As children of God we are sons and daughters of the Most High King and as such we should act accordingly.  If you struggle in this area, here are several scriptures that may help you conquer your insecurity.  (Romans 8:37; 2 Corinthians 10:4; Ephesians 6:10; Philippians 4:13; Colossians 1:13; 2 Timothy 1:7; 1 John 4:4; Romans 5:17; Romans 8:31; Isaiah 54:17; Proverbs 3:5-6; Romans 12:2; John 8:31-32; Galatians 3:13-14)

What insecurity are you dealing with, that God is ready to deliver you from?

Pastor Dick Temple
Senior Pastor
Bethel Church, Choctaw

Walking Away From God

Is it really that easy to "walk away" from God?  Of course God is ever calling His children, but unfortunately many of His children do not listen.  Because of the day in which we live, it is certainly easier to act like the Prodigal Son than it was 20 or 30 years ago and as a result we see many people walking away from God and the blessings He has for them.

People walk away from God for various reasons, but it is much easier when people fail to get connected in a local church, that's why the community of believers is so vital.  This connection helps them to create relationships that will encourage, strengthen and involve them in the Body of Christ.  Let's look at a few questions and answers as they relate to walking away from God.

• Why Do People Walk Away From God?

• They allow deception to "creep" in unaware
• Fear of "missing out" on some pleasure that living in sin would bring
• Desire for freedom to do what they like
• Unforgiveness -- allowing past hurts to drive them away
• Denial of potential consequences -- thinking they can live in sin without reaping the consequences.

• How will the Lord respond if you walk away from Him?

• He will continue to love you
• He will bring a conviction in your spirit
• He will continually remind you of the wrong you are doing
• He will allow you to continue in what you have chosen until you are ready to return

• How can you return to God?
• Follow the example of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-16).
• He came to his senses
• Realized he could change and didn't have to live as he was living
• He took positive action
• Decided to "return home"
• He repented and asked forgiveness
• How does God's react?
• He forgives and loves us unconditionally
• He shows compassion
• God always welcomes those who come to him in repentance, humility, and brokenness

Many people believe the lie that God will not forgive them.  But nothing could be farther from the truth.  Just remember that you are never beyond the reach of God's grace.  Regardless of what you have done, the Lord will show mercy. All that is required is that we confess and repent and move on with the Lord!

Have you walked away from God?  If so what do you plan to do about it today?

-- Pastor Dick Temple
Bethel Church Choctaw