The 5 Minute Discipleship Podcast

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#216: Your Life Reflecting Christ Mar 15, 2021

Show notes

I read a story from the life of Alexander the Great, whom many believe was one of the greatest generals who ever lived, conquering almost the entire known world with his vast army. One night during a campaign, Alexander couldn’t sleep and left his tent to walk around the camp. He came across a soldier asleep on guard duty-a very serious offense. In fact, the penalty for falling asleep on guard duty was, in some cases, instant death; the commanding officer sometimes poured kerosene on the sleeping soldier and lit it. Well, this particular soldier began to wake up as Alexander the Great approached him. Recognizing who was standing in front of him, the young man feared for his life. Do you know what the penalty is for falling asleep on guard duty? Alexander asked. Yes sir, the soldier responded in a quivering voice. Soldier, what is your name? demanded Alexander. It’s Alexander, sir. Alexander the Great repeated his question, What did you say was your name? My name is Alexander sir, the soldier repeated. A third time and more loudly, Alexander the Great asked, WHAT is your name?! And a third time the soldier meekly said, My name is Alexander sir. Alexander the Great then looked the young solider straight in the eye and said, Soldier, either change your name or change your conduct.

I think you would agree that when it comes to calling ourselves Christians, or Christ-followers, our lives should reflect Christ. When others see us, they should see Jesus.

I once heard a pastor ask the question: If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?

The Bible says in Acts 11:26 - “The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.” Paul’s first ministry assignment was in the city of Antioch. He spent a year here teaching believers. It was here that Christ followers were first called Christians because their behavior, activity, and speech was like Christ. The word “Christian” literally means, “belonging to the party of Christ” or a “follower of Christ.”

Sadly, today in our culture, the word “Christian” has become diluted. Often people call themselves Christian because they were raised in church or because their family has always attended church, but their is no personal faith in Christ. It’s also troubling that the behavior of Christians doesn’t always reflect their savior.

I believe a worthy question would be: Is there anything about our lives that would make people think that we are Christians? That we are like Christ? Is our conduct like Christ? Is our speech like Christ? Are our morals and values the ones that Christ held?

I know these are challenging questions.

I've been thinking about this question all week… "What does a "real" Christian look like?" Would you recognize one if you saw one? How do you identify a Christian?

Do you carry a membership card in your wallet?
Is it church attendance?
Is it by political affiliation?
Is it based on your views of hot button issues?
Do you have a fish decal on the back of your car?
A cross around your neck?

We must recognize that going to church, serving the poor, and being a good person doesn’t make us a Christian.

The Bible teaches that the good works we do cannot make us acceptable to God. Titus 3:5 says, “He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.

A true Christian is a person who has put faith and trust in the person and work of Jesus Christ, including His death on the cross as payment for sins and His resurrection on the third day. John 1:12 tells us, “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”

Today’s Challenge: Let your prayer today be: Jesus, let my life reflect you to others around me. When others see my life, may they see the character of Christ and be drawn to you.

#215: What is Truth? Mar 14, 2021

Show notes

A man asked three of his friends to tell him the meaning of truth. One of his friends was a psychologist; he said truth is what one feels it to be. Another one was an accountant; he said truth is what one needs it to be. Another one was a lawyer; he said truth is what one can make it to be.

People today talk about the concept of “my truth” and the opinion that truth is relative and completely determined by their point of view.

During the trial of Jesus, Governor Pilate interrogated Jesus about His kingdom. At one point Jesus told Pilate, "Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice." To which Pilate cynically answered, "What is truth?" [John 18:37-8] And that same doubt pervades our culture today. It is even common today for some to flatly deny that truth exists. But the denial of truth never extinguishes truth.

So, what is truth? Truth is defined as that which conforms with fact or reality. It is genuineness, veracity, or actuality. In a word, truth is reality. It is how things actually are.

Theologically, truth is that which is consistent with the mind, will, character, glory, and being of God. Truth is the self-disclosure of God Himself. It is what it is because God declares it so and made it so. All truth must be defined in terms of God, whose very nature is truth.

Jesus said in John 14:6 - "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Not only is Jesus the way and the life. He is the truth.

People today don’t seem to be all that interested in truth. But without the clarity and consistency of moral absolute truth, we are reduced to doing what seems right, what feels good, what produces the least resistance, and what provides the greatest personal fulfillment.

Jesus rises up above our cultural confusion and shouts out, “I am the truth!”

78 times in the Gospels it is record that Jesus said, “I tell you the truth…” In a world of skepticism, in a world of cynicism, and in a world of distrust…we can believe the words of Jesus. He is the truth you have been searching for.

One final word…truth matters. A boat got caught in a storm and sank. All were drowned, except a young boy on board. Holding on to a piece of floating debris, he made it to the shoreline. In the darkness, he managed to pull himself up onto a large rock. For the rest of the night until his rescue, he held unto that rock, while the waves and the surf pounded the shore. When he was rescued, they asked him, “Were you cold? Were you afraid? What made you think you could survive?” He responded, “Yes I was cold. Yes I was afraid. Yes I wondered if I would make it. But after a while, I realized that the rock never moved. No matter how hard the wind blew and how high the waves pounded, as I held on to the rock, it never moved. So I just held on to the rock.

And here’s the truth that we must hold up and stand firm upon: God never changes, Jesus Christ never changes, and God’s Word never changes.

Today’s Challenge: Hold fast to the truth of God’s Word. No matter what your family, friends, the media, our culture, or our government says. God’s Word is the truth that will last forever. Isaiah 40:8 says, “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.”

#214: Being Passionate About Jesus Mar 13, 2021

Show notes

Prior to the shut down of indoor dining due to Covid restrictions, I was sitting in Starbucks on day enjoying a vanilla latte and going over my sermon notes. A man sat down at the table next to me and said hello. He seemed interested in talking so I turned to listen to the guy. It didn’t take him long to get to the real reason he wanted to talk. He asked me if I was interested in making some extra money and went into a presentation for the Amway company. I had heard the pitch before by others, but I let him continue. The man was passionate, excited, bold, and enthusiastic as he shared the opportunity that could change my life.=

He then asked me what I did for work. I told him I was a pastor and I was able to pivot the conversation to spiritual things and invited him to church.

He finally left in search of his next potential Amway recruit. I sat and reflected on the half hour conversation. I marveled at the boldness of this man to strike up a conversation with a complete stranger. What made him do it? What caused him to take such initiative? Then it hit me. The man had passion.

Isn’t it true that we love to talk about things we are passionate about? Whether it’s your kids, grandkids, travel, restaurants, sports, gardening, or hobbies. It’s so easy to talk about these things. We readily show complete strangers photos and talk with ease. Why? We have passion.

Can I ask you a question? Are you passionate about Jesus?

In Acts 4, Peter and John had been arrested for preaching and teaching in the name of Jesus. The religious leaders of the day called them in and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.

Their response is found in verses 19 and 20: “But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

We live in a culture that tells us we cannot talk with others about Jesus. We’ve been told to stay silent. Faith and religion are personal. You are not supposed to tell others. It’s offensive. Who do you think you are to tell someone else what you believe?

So let me ask you? Will you respond as Peter and John? “We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard?

I honestly believe that if we are passionate about Jesus, we will speak up and we will tell others. We cannot be silent about the one who went to the cross and paid the awful price so we could go free.

If a scientist had the cure to cancer but kept it to herself and didn’t share it, we would all believe that her silence would be a crime against humanity. But imagine we know the good news about how sins can be forgiven, hell can be avoided, and heaven can be gained…what if we knew that amazing truth and yet kept silent?

So, what do we do if we have lost our passion for Jesus. First, we must remember. We remember who He is and what He has done for us. We remember the great sacrifice Jesus paid on our behalf. We remember who we were before we experienced his grace and his love. We remember all the prayers He has answered. We remember how good God has been to us.

Second, we learn to abide with Jesus. John 15:4 says, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.”

I believe a passion for Jesus is a fruit of a close and abiding relationship with Jesus. As we remember and as we abide, a new passion for the savior will emerge in our hearts.

Today’s Challenge: In prayer evaluate your relationship with Christ. Are you passionate? Do you tell others about Him? Take time today to remember Jesus. Begin a practice of abiding with him on a daily basis. I believe the passion will return.

#213: Friendship with God Mar 12, 2021

Show notes

When I was 5 years old, my parents placed their trust in Jesus Christ and were born again. We began attending a church in Fort Worth, Texas. At the church I met another boy who was also 5 years old, and we became fast friends. His name was Bryan. Bryan and I grew up together as best friends and were even roommates in college. Today, 45 years later, while Bryan and I live in different parts of the world, we are still the best of friends.

I can’t imagine not having friends. Friendships are an incredibly important part of life.

Proverbs 18:24 says “there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.” I believe Jesus is that friend.

As Christians, we are blessed to have a relationship with God. It’s really an incredible thought, isn’t it? A relationship with the God of the universe. But what kind of relationship? We approach God out of humility and with deep reverence. He is our Lord and our master. We respect his sovereignty and we obey his commands.

But what’s amazing is that in addition to our reverence and respect for God, he invites us to friendship. The gospel calls us to trust Jesus as our Savior, submit to him as our King, and value him as our treasure. It also calls us to enjoy him as our friend.

There are people who view God as untouchable, unreachable and not really interested in their life in particular. They may believe God cares, but he cares about everyone, and isn’t particularly interested in their life apart from everyone else. But listen to these verses:

James 2:23 - “And the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God.”

In Exodus 33 the Bible says, “The Lord would speak to Moses face to face like one would speak to a friend.”

The Bible describes Moses’ relationship with God as a friendship in Exodus 33. I often wonder what that was like. Moses would meet God in a tent and they would talk together . What would they talk about? Was it mostly God talking, or would Moses talk also? What questions would Moses ask God? What types of things would God tell Moses?

These are the questions that go through my mind when I read this fascinating scripture. The biggest lesson we can learn, however, is that we can actually be friends with God.

In John 15:15, Jesus gathered his disciples one last time, on the night before his death, to prepare them for the next day and beyond. In the midst of this sacred evening he said,

“I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.”

I know there are people who struggle with the idea of friendship with God. I mean, after all, He is God. He is holy. He is righteous. He is powerful.

But does relating to Jesus as a friend diminish his authority in our lives? Not at all, because when he calls us friends, he still remains our King. He said, “You are my friends if you do what I command you” (John 15:14). Jesus tells us to obey him; we never tell him to obey us. And our obedience doesn’t earn, but rather, proves, our friendship with him.

It’s my prayer that you discover this close friendship and relationship that God desires us to have with himself.

Today’s Challenge: If you are in Christ, God is your friend, and, like any friend, He desires fellowship with you. Reflect on this truth and talk with Him as you go about your day.

#212: Train Yourself to be Godly Mar 11, 2021

Show notes

When I was growing up, I was always a tall, skinny kid. But in 8th grade I started playing football on the middle school team. Over the summer, our coach was trying to get the team in shape. I remember him telling me, “Loren, you need to gain some weight and put on some muscle.” During the summer I was mowing lawns for extra money. I remember begging my mom to take me to K-Mart so I could by some weights to work out. She was kind enough to take me to K-Mart on the condition I would spend my own money and not ask her to buy the weights for me.

We walked through the store to the sporting goods section and there they were. 25lb barbells. I just knew they would make me a big strong football player. I had enough money for the purchase and we took them home.

That night I worked out as hard as I could. After my workout, I went to the bathroom to look at my muscles. I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t see any change. I was so disappointed. My Dad explained that night that in order to build muscle I had to train over a long period of time. It didn’t happen over night.

I learned that physical training requires a commitment to discipline. I’ve also learned the same is true in our spiritual lives.

1 Timothy 4:7-8 - “…train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”

Paul is writing to a Greek and Roman culture that understood and valued athletic games and competition. They would recognize the value of physical training for these competitions. Paul tells Timothy that the same work and commitment that others put towards physical exercise should be put toward the pursuit of godliness.

The word godliness comes from the old English word Godlikeness; it means to have the character and attitude of God.

Paul is not saying that bodily exercise has no value. He’s saying it has value. The idea here can be translated bodily exercise is good for a while, but exercising unto godliness is good for all eternity.

Think about it…if you have the goal of getting into good physical shape. There are two requirements: proper diet and the discipline of physical exercise and training. There is no other way. Trust me…I wish there were.

The godliness Paul speaks about, this development of Christ-like character requires spiritual nourishment and the discipline of pursuing Jesus. There is no other way.

If we neglect our physical health, if we don’t watch our diet, and if we refuse to exercise, well, you and I both know what happens. It’s impossible for us to be healthy.

But the real danger comes when we don’t get in shape spiritually. Unless we experience some gain in our relationship with the Lord, we will lack spiritual effectiveness. If we don’t feed our spiritual man, if we don’t train ourselves to be godly, there will be little spiritual growth.

But what’s so very important for us to understand is that no matter how much we train ourselves to be godly, we cannot, in ourselves, produce spiritual growth. We are involved in the process, but God is the one who gives the growth.

Our focus is on knowing Christ more and more. As we seek Him, as we pursue Him, God blesses by providing the spiritual growth and maturity we need. We practice spiritual disciplines like Scripture reading, prayer, Bible memorization, worship, and more to pursue Christ more. He blesses this pursuit with himself. James says, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”

This pursuit of Jesus is something we must take seriously. It requires our commitment, our discipline, and our surrender to Christ.

Today’s Challenge: Consider what you are pursuing in your life. Are you seriously pursuing Jesus? Are you training yourself to be godly? Are you committed to knowing Jesus more everyday? Today is a great day to renew our commitment to growing in Christ-likeness.

#211: Don't Be Afraid, Just Believe Mar 10, 2021

Show notes

I read the story of a mother and her four-year-old daughter were preparing to retire for the night. The child was afraid of the dark, and the mother, on this occasion alone with the child, felt fearful also. When the light was out, the child caught a glimpse of the moon outside the window. “Mother,” she asked, “is the moon God’s light?”

“Yes,” said the mother.

The next question was, “Will God put out His light and go to sleep?”

The mother replied, “No, my child, God never goes to sleep.”

Then out of the simplicity of a child’s faith, she said that which gave reassurance to the fearful mother, “Well, as long as God is awake, there is no sense both of us staying awake.”

There is so much that causes us to be afraid. We fear for our future, fear for our families, fear for our safety, fear for our health, and so much more.

A few nights ago, I was reading my Bible before turning out the light. I was in Mark chapter 5 and read a simple but assuring word given by Jesus.

Mark 5:22-24 - “Then one of the synagogue leaders, named Jairus, came, and when he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet. He pleaded earnestly with him, “My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.” So Jesus went with him.”

Vs. 35-36 - “While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher anymore?” 36 Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”

As we read on in the story we see Jesus goes to their home and heal’s the 12 year old girl. But what stands out to me in this story is the journey. In desperation, Jarius finds Jesus and pleads with him earnestly to come to his house and heal his dying daughter. He expresses his faith by saying that he believed Jesus could heal her.

So, they are walking and on their way to his house, someone comes and reports to them that the little girl has died. Put yourself in Jarius’ position. He is devastated. His sweet little girl passed away. He didn’t get Jesus there soon enough.

But notice Jesus’ response… Jesus says, “Don’t be afraid, just believe.”

Like Jarius, you probably have an urgent need that you desire God to meet. Doubt creeps in and says Jesus won’t get there soon enough, but I hope today you can hear the voice of our savior saying “don’t be afraid, just believe.”

Today you don’t need a sermon. You don’t need a deep theological truth. You just need the simple, reassuring words of Jesus, “Don’t be afraid, just believe.”

There are times in our lives when things happen that press us to our limits and beyond. When that happens, we have a choice. We can pull the covers over our heads, isolate ourselves, and try to escape from it all. Or we can embrace what we’re feeling and move forward in faith that God has a future for us.

Do not be afraid; only believe: Jesus told Jairus to do two things. First, to stop being afraid. It sounds almost cruel for Jesus to say this to a man who just lost his daughter, but Jesus knew that fear and faith don’t go together. Before Jairus could really trust Jesus, he had to decide to put away fear. Second, Jesus told Jairus to only believe. Don’t try to believe and be afraid at the same time. Don’t try to believe and figure it all out. Don’t try to believe and make sense of the delay. Instead, only believe.

Today’s Challenge: Identify what is causing you to be afraid and bring it to Jesus. I’m confident you’ll hear his calming words: Don’t be afraid, just believe. As you put your trust in him, allow his peace to fill your heart and mind.

#210: Jesus, our Ransom Mar 09, 2021

Show notes

In 1193, the English King Richard I, also known as Richard the Lionheart, was returning from leading a Crusade to the Holy Land. As he returned through Europe, Leopold V captured him in Austria. The Roman Emperor demanded a ransom for Richard's release. The price was to be 150,000 marks, equal to three tons of silver. This was an enormous ransom demand. But the people of England so loved their king they submitted to extra taxation, and many nobles donated their fortunes for Richard's release. After many months, the money was raised and King Richard returned to England. That's where we get the expression, "a king's ransom.”

But to us, the term "a King's ransom" could better be applied to the tremendous price Jesus, the King of Kings paid for our sins on the cross. This King wasn't being ransomed; He paid the ransom so we can be set free. It is the most expensive ransom in the history of mankind.

Mark 10:45 - “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

What is a ransom? Dictionary: A sum of money or other payment demanded or paid for the release of a prisoner. In the Greek language, the word ransom used in Mark 10:45 means “the price required to free a slave.”

This word “ransom” was often used to refer to slaves. Every day you could go downtown Rome to the open market and there was a slave market. You could go and buy slaves. Bible scholars tell us there were over a half million slaves in Rome during New Testament times. It is estimated that over half the population in Rome were slaves. If you had the money you could buy slaves that were put up on the auction block and do whatever you wanted with them. Purchasing a slave was called ransom. You could either take them home with you or you could set them free.

Today, you are I are not as familiar with this idea. Though slavery still exists, it is not openly practiced and endorsed. What we need to see though is that apart from Christ we are slaves in a spiritual sense.

We are slaves to our sin, our pride, and our rebellion. We are slaves to worldy passions and desires. Though we try and struggle, we do not possess the power to set ourselves free.Throughout church history, many have suggested that Satan is the one to whom the ransom of Jesus’ death was paid. This cannot be accurate because the devil had no right to demand a ransom for our salvation. The price Jesus paid by his sacrificial death was a payment demanded by God.

God, in His perfect holiness, demands a ransom to release us from the sin and condemnation into which we are born. Christ’s death on the cross satisfied the justice of a righteous and holy God. On the cross, Jesus shouted out, “It is finished.” The payment had been made. God’s justice had been satisfied. As a result we can go free. We do not have to fear the wrath of God.

In ransoming us from God’s wrath, our Savior also rescues us from bondage to sin and Satan. That means that we are no longer compelled to sin but now can live in a way that pleases the Lord

Isn’t this an amazing truth? God demanded such a high price and then pays it for us! It reminds me of the Apostle Paul’s words in Ephesians 1:7 “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.”

This ransom, this redemption was paid by the precious blood of Jesus. Given to us by His grace, we now can have forgiveness of sins.

Today’s Challenge: What can we say in response to this wonderful truth? The only proper response is worship. Today, rejoice in your salvation. Reflect on how blessed you are to have freedom in Christ. Give Him the praise and worship that He alone deserves.

#209: The Hope of Eternal Life Mar 08, 2021

Show notes

Think for a moment about the value of time. Someone once said, "To realize the value of one month ask a mother who gave birth to a premature baby. To realize the value of one hour, ask the sweethearts who are waiting to meet. To realize the value of one minute, ask the person who just missed their plane. To realize the value of one second, ask the person who barely avoided the car accident.

Time is a gift and everyday is a blessing from God.

Years ago, when my daughters were younger, I was invited to preach at a church in Southern California. After the service we met a woman who was in a wheelchair. We had a wonderful conversation. I could tell she was quite elderly, but then the pastor asked me to guess the woman’s age. I’m a smart enough man to know that’s not a good idea. We were amazed to learn she was 110 years old. We gathered our young daughters around her for picture. I remember telling the girls, that was the oldest person they would ever meet. Sadly, the next year, our friend passed away at the age of 111.

It’s not likely most of us will live to the age of 111, but just about everyone I meet hopes they’ll live a long and healthy life. But no matter how many years God gives us on earth. We know one day this life will be over.

Hebrews 9:27 says, “it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment”

For the believer in Jesus, we have nothing to fear. The hope of eternal life rests solely and exclusively upon our faith in Jesus Christ!

“He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life” (John 3:36).

And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life (1 John 5:11–13).

This life is full of sorrow, sadness, difficulty, and strife. But there is coming a day when we leave this earthly life for eternal life in the presence of God. What a joy it is to have this promise.

“Eternal” life means that it is a kind of life that lasts an eternal length of time. It will never end. Just like the great hymn says: “When we’ve been there 10,000 years, bright shining as the sun, we’ve no less days to sing God’s praise than when we first begun.” “Eternal life” will be forever.

When I was a child I remember being so fascinated with the idea of Heaven. I would often ask my parents questions about what Heaven be like. The older I get, the more fascinated I am with the promise of eternal life.

But the truth is…eternal life does not begin when we die. Eternal life begins the moment you place your faith in Jesus Christ.

Eternal life starts the moment you become a Christian. God’s Holy Spirit comes into your heart, and you begin to fellowship with Him, and worship Him, NOW — not in the fullness we’ll have one day in heaven, but we get just a “foretaste” of it, right now.

Today’s Challenge: Eternal life is a gift from God, but it must be received. No one can earn or work for this blessing. It is received by faith. Heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people. You must make your reservation in advance. If you do not have the assurance of eternal life, today you can place your faith in Christ and trust him as your savior and Lord.

#208: God's Word Guides Your Steps Mar 07, 2021

Show notes

One of the most quoted verses in scripture is a small verse tucked into the longest chapter in the Bible. Psalm 119:105 - “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”

Often times the simple things are the most profound and impactful things. Listen again to what the verse says, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”

The picture is a person walking at night. It’s dark, but thankfully, they have a lamp. In the Old Testament times, living without the benefit of electricity and batteries, a lamp would be the only way you could see at night. Small, olive-oil lamps were common. Everyone had one. If you were walking to a neighbors house at night, the lamp would provide light, but just enough for your next step.

Several times, I have driven from my home here in California to my parents home in Texas. There are some long and lonely stretches out in west Texas, that are pitch black at night. The only way we can drive in a place that dark, the only way we can see is with the use of the headlights on our car. Our headlights never shine all the way to our destination; they illuminate only about 160 feet ahead. But that doesn’t deter us from moving forward. We trust our headlights.

Someone has observed, "He who carries a lantern on a dark road at night sees only one step ahead. When he takes that step, the lamp moves forward and another step is made plain. He finally reaches his destination in safety without once walking in darkness. All the way is lighted, but only a single step at a time. This is the method of God's guidance.”

God’s word will show you the next step. It’s been my experience that God doesn’t always show us the big picture for our lives. He wants us to trust him one step at a time.

Today, you and I live in troublesome times. The American culture can now be describes as post-christian. There seems to be no such thing as right and wrong. Fear, anxiety, stress, anger, and frustration are at all time highs. There is strife and conflict in families, the workplace, schools, the government, and even in churches.

How can we move forward? We cannot without the truth of scripture lighting our path. If we study God’s Word, if we listen for his voice, we will find the next step for our lives.

You may not see the long term future, but that’s ok. All you need to know is your next step…and God loves to show us the next step.

Without the light of God’s Word, we can’t see our next step. We don’t have the guidance and direction we need to know where to place our foot. Without this light we take steps that seem right to us, but are outside of God’s will. We can take dangerous steps. We can take steps that lead us into deception. We can take steps that lead us away from God.

The Bible helps us walk the way God wants us to walk.

In 1 John 1:7 the scripture again says we are to walk in the light. “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” Walking in the light is only possible if we use the Word of God.

Lighting the little olive-oil lamp would be a necessity everyday for a Jewish family. You can see a mother lighting the lamp in the early morning to get ready for the day. We can imagine the family gathered around this small lamp in the evenings as they have dinner together. The lamp was a daily necessity.

So it is with us. The light we receive from God’s Word is a daily necessity. Without it we walk in darkness. We can’t turn to this light only in times of trouble. It must light our paths on a daily basis.

Today’s Challenge: Are you wandering in darkness? Are you looking for your next step but you can’t see where to go? Determine you will make God’s Word a part of your daily life. Let his word be a lamp to your feet and a light to your path.

#207: The Doctrine of Creation Mar 06, 2021

Show notes

In the town hall in Copenhagen, Denmark stands the world’s most complicated clock. It took forty years to build at a cost of more than a million dollars. The clock has ten faces, fifteen thousand parts, and is accurate to 2/5 of a second, every three hundred years. The clock computes the time of the day, the days of the week, the months and years, and the movements of the planets for 2,500 years. Some parts of the clock will not move until 25 centuries have passed. It is truly a masterpiece designed and built by some amazing creators.

Any reasonable person would take a careful look at this amazing clock and recognize that it is the creation of brilliant thinkers and craftsmen. No one would believe the clock mysteriously appeared over time. No, it is the work of a creator.

In Genesis 1:1 the Bible says, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”

As I look at the incredible world we live in with it’s complexities, it is clear to me that what we see did not just appear. It did not come out of randomness. There must be a brilliant, powerful creator. I believe that creator is God.

God existed, lacking nothing in Himself, and yet chose to create the world and everything in it. The Hebrew word for "create" – meaning "to create something new" and used only in conjunction with God. God's creative acts, both in terms of what and how He created, inform us about His character and nature.

Psalm 19:1-4 - “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.”

3,000 years ago David says as we look at the world surely it speaks to us and reveals there is a creator. Day after day and night after night we see the glory of God.

It is hard to imagine that there is any topic within Christianity that has been responsible for more debate and disagreement than the doctrine of creation. The question of whether or not God created everything in the universe is a line in the sand, so to speak, that immediately divides everyone in the world into two camps: those who believe in creation and those who don’t.

According to the Scriptures, creation is a gift from a loving Creator God. From the bodies we inhabit, the air we breathe, the sun we bask in, the food we eat, the flowers we pick, the water we drink, the ground we walk upon, and the pets we love, life is filled with good gifts for us to steward and enjoy.

You might wonder why the doctrine of creation is important? Is it essential that we as Christian believe the earth and human life was created by God.

The Bible teaches that creation in general and human life in particular were made by God, belong to God, exist for God, are restless apart from God. If you do not believe in the doctrine of creation, you likely believe that you came from no one, you are alive on the earth for nothing, and that when you die you will go nowhere.

Without God as our creator we have no purpose and no reason for existence. We were made by God and for God. God gives our life meaning and purpose. We have a reason to live. We have a reason to exist because it is given to us by the creator.

We are not here on this earth as a random act. We are not here without significance and importance. The God of eternity used his supernatural power to create what no one or nothing else could create. We are here as a result of God’s power and his plan.

Today’s Challenge: Let’s worship God for the power and wonder of his creation. Let’s thank him that we were fearfully and wonderfully make. Let’s rejoice in his plan and purpose for our lives. Our lives have meaning because of our creator God.

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