You can be ready for Christ’s return

by Barrett Vanlandingham

July 19, 2016

            The worst thing anyone can imagine hearing from God on Judgment Day is “I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!” (ref: Matthew 7:23)

            In my #fullycharged series I have been writing about things that we as Christians need to re-charge for our daily spiritual journey. My final topic is “Re-charging Readiness” to resist temptation, to teach others, and to bring others to heaven with us.

            The apostle Paul reminded the early Christians that spiritual war requires spiritual weapons, stronger than any manmade weapon (ref: 2 Corinthians 10:3-5). He says we are to put on the armor of God, having our “feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace” (Ephesians 6:15)

            There are no more important words to tell those you care about than the story of Jesus, His life, death, resurrection, and what the Bible says our response to His amazing love and sacrifice should be. When we respond to the Gospel with obedience and trust, being baptized into Christ clothes us in Christ (Galatians 3:27, Romans 6:1-11). This relationship with Jesus gives us peace and confidence until the day of His return. Our feet are fitted with this readiness, and we take it with us every step of our spiritual journey, encouraging others to do the same. Paul explains that this peace helps us in our war against spiritual forces of evil (ref: Eph 6:12).  Paul also encourages us to put on the “belt of truth”, “shield of faith”, “helmet of salvation”, and the “sword of the Spirit” which is the word of God. Paul emphasizes the importance of praying on all occasions, and for all of the Lord’s people.

            Paul also tells the Ephesians to “not give the devil a foothold (4:27, NIV).” Another way of saying that is to “Give no opportunity to the devil (4:27, ESV).”

            How do we do that? James says, “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you (James 4:7).” Paul says, “Reject every kind of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22).” The fact is, God’s word would not tell a committed follower of Jesus to do something if it were not possible.

            While rejecting or resisting temptation is part of “Re-charging Readiness” for that final day, so is saying yes to all the great things Christ has to offer, and to teach others to do the same.

            Peter said, “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15).”

            Paul told a young Timothy that we should always be prepared to instruct others with the truths of God’s word (ref: 2 Timothy 4:2). After all, Jesus did tell his followers to go and teach and make more followers (ref: Matthew 28:18-20).

            In the end, James says, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him (James 1:12).”

            This week, pray that God opens an opportunity for you to talk with someone about their readiness for Christ’s return.  Have a great day!

A Christian’s faith journey should include respect

by Barrett Vanlandingham

July 12, 2016

            When I was much younger, long before I became a full-time youth minister, I sometimes wondered if the preachers’ families ever had conflict or spiritual struggles of any kind. But after years of being close friends with our preacher’s kids, I soon figured out that even the preacher’s family had to deal with the same issues as everyone else.  As an adult now in my 15^th year of full-time ministry, I know these things first hand. Simply put, raising a family (no matter what you do for a living), isn’t always easy.

            This week, I am continuing my series on things we as Christians need to re-charge in our lives. In particular, the respect of God, others, and self.

            In the Old Testament, we read about Eli the priest, and how he raised a young boy named Samuel at the request of the boy’s parents. He evidently did a great job with Samuel, but the same could not be said for how Eli raised his own sons, Hophni and Phinehas. The Bible says they were scoundrels and had no regard for the Lord (1 Samuel 2:12). Specifically, Eli’s sons stole the best portions of sacrificial meat before it had been offered to the Lord. They also slept with women who were stationed just outside of the worship place known as the Tent of Meeting.

            Eli rebuked his sons for their sins, but they would not listen.  This same chapter provides a pretty good clue as to why his sons may not have respected their dad’s warning. A prophet of God approached Eli and said,

“Why then do you scorn my sacrifices and my offerings that I commanded for my dwelling, and honor your sons above me by fattening yourselves on the choicest parts of every offering of my people Israel (1 Samuel 2:29)?”

            Evidently, Eli knew all along that his sons were disrespecting God by their bad choices. So, even though Eli called them down for their sinful ways, they did not respect a dad who they knew was turning a blind eye to their actions that greatly disrespected the Lord. God punished Eli’s entire family by cutting their lives short in the “prime of life.” Hophni and Phinehas died in battle on the same day.

            I am not going to sit here 3000 years later and accuse Eli the priest of being a bad parent or person or anything like that. But this passage is a wakeup call that even though the daily stresses of life can beat us down, we still need to be careful to not become lax in our love for God, and modeling that love by our obedience to Him, and encouraging our children to do the same.

            “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these (Mark 12:30-31).”

             God’s love is amazing, and He continues to earn our respect every minute of every day. Have a great week!

Christians must have a passion for saving souls

by Barrett Vanlandingham

July 5, 2016

            As the sun came up this morning, the oohs and aahs of the previous night’s fireworks turn to a simple “ugh!” as daylight reveals the yearly leftover mess that must be swept and tossed into dumpsters.   The beautiful but costly displays in the night sky are gone, nothing left now but spent rockets, Roman candles, sparklers, and shreds of firecrackers everywhere. We as Americans have a passion for celebrating our nation’s independence and the sacrifices it took to get it. But as always with me, there’s a spiritual angle here that I just have to write about.

            We as Christians could learn a thing or two from this kind of passion. In my continuing series of articles focusing on re-charging certain things in our lives that we tend to let slide too much, I will be writing today about re-charging our passion for saving lost souls.

            If you’re like me, you tend to wait until someone asks you about matters of faith instead of asking them about their faith. There are three areas of this topic of “lost souls” I would like to address: 1) Seeking them out,  2) Helping them out,  3) How to keep yours from being one.

            The prophet Jeremiah penned these words spoken by our Lord, “My people have been lost sheep; their shepherds have led them astray and caused them to roam on the mountains. They wandered over the mountain and hill and forgot their own resting place (Jeremiah50:6).”

            The Christian’s resting place is heaven. Tragically, some who have been saved, will lose their resting place because of bad influences, false teachers, or their own evil desires (James 1:14). We as workers in the kingdom are to seek and save the lost. That includes both those who have never been saved, and also those who have wandered away.  This is part of imitating Jesus. “For the Son of Man cane to seek and to save the lost (Luke 19:10).” 

            Paul warned Christians in Rome, “For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live (Romans 8:13).”

            It is hard to flat out tell someone they are going to hell if they do not change their ways. In our “tolerant” culture today, that would be seen as judgmental, and would probably be a turn-off to most people. Christians must learn to lead by example. People notice. And when we talk to people about their souls, scripture tells us our words must be truthful and spoken in a spirit of love (ref: Ephesians 4:15).  When we visit with people about their spiritual weaknesses, it should be done prayerfully and tearfully. Remember, we will also be judged on that final day for our actions and careless words (ref: Matthew 7:1-6).”  Yes, we are our “brother’s keeper,” and we are also to help lead those who have never been saved into a relationship with Christ. I know I will be thankful on judgement day that someone helped me onto the right path.

            In regards to the question of how to keep from becoming a lost soul, Paul says this:

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes (ref: Ephesians 6:10-20).”

            Those are important words for “yet to be Christians” as well as those who have already put on Christ in baptism (Galatians 3:26-27).”  And as always, remember to pray (James 5:16). Hopefully, these thoughts about reviving our passion for lost souls will impact how you look at those close to you, and even random people God may place in your path.  Have a blessed day!

When God’s people are unified, good things happen

by Barrett Vanlandingham

June 28, 2016

            In my continuing series of articles focusing on things we as Christians need to re-charge in our lives, today I want to write a few words about unity among believers in Christ.

            My family plays a variety of instruments: acoustic and electric guitars, banjo, fiddle, mandolin, piano, ukulele, flute, trumpet, and baritone.   So let’s say if we wanted to play a song together, it would be important for each instrument to be tuned to a standard tuner.  Yes, we could tune to each other’s instruments.  But at some point, we would find that even though our instruments may sound in tune with each other, they are not in tune with any real standard. So, eventually, as our instruments go out of tune, no one knows whose instrument, if any, is tuned most correctly.

            Most church groups I know of strive for unity. This doesn’t have to be as tough of a challenge as we sometimes make it out to be.  The fact that we all have such diverse interests and schedules doesn’t mean we cannot be unified in the ways that are truly important. In fact, just like those instruments I talked about, it is possible for Christians who haven’t even met to be united when we all tune our hearts to One common standard, Jesus. This is important because even though not everyone in the church is wired the same, we can reach unity in the faith when we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, knowing that each Christian’s gift is of equal value in the Lord’s kingdom. Remember what the apostle Paul said?

            “4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully (Romans 12:4-8).”

            I think Paul used the phrase “in accordance with your faith” in the section on “prophesying” to remind us the importance of being willing to teach according to the ability God gives us as our faith grows, but also to not bind teachings on others that go beyond what has been revealed to us through God’s word.

            The glue of unity in the church is to love each other as Christ loves ALL of us (John 3:16). Christ died for ALL of us though we were not deserving (Romans 5:6-8). We are ALL made in God’s image (Genesis 1:26-27). The Holy Spirit dwells in ALL Christians (Acts 2:38 and 1 Corinthians 3:16). We should see Christ in ALL Christians (Ephesians 3:14-21), as we reflect the love of Jesus to ALL people, teaching them and making disciples (Matthew 28:19-20).

            Unity among believers is the only possible outcome when we put God back on the throne, and commit to following His son. When this happens, there are many lost souls out there who will be saved because of our example and our teaching of His truths.  Have a blessed week!

Religion is more than just trying to be good

by Barrett Vanlandingham

June 21, 2016

            This week, I am continuing a series of articles aimed at helping Christians remember to stay fully charged in some key areas of our spiritual journey.

            The first part focused on re-charging our honesty or integrity when it comes to how we approach scripture, being careful to take God at His word instead of editing what God said in order to fit how we want to do life. Part two dealt with the fact that God is not impressed with our worship when we only go through the motions instead of applying it to our lives.

            Now, I want to focus on being honest with regards to religion. There are as many definitions of religion as there are people who practice religion. Some people may define religion as a lifestyle of things you are allowed to do, and things you are not allowed to do. There is certainly a standard of morality and attitude the Bible teaches Jesus’ followers to practice (1 Corinthians 6:9-10 and Galatians 5:22-23). In fact, the Bible says we will all be judged on that final day by the things we have said and done (2 Corinthians 5:10, Romans 2:6, and Matthew 12:36).

            In a letter written by James, possibly the brother of Jesus, a single verse turns the whole idea upside-down of what many believe it means to be religious!  “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world (James 1:27).”

            It is very possible, and even probable, that someone could live their whole life trying to impress God by trying to be good in the name of religion, while all along missing the boat entirely. God simply wants us to show our love and devotion. He knows we love Him by our obedience, but more importantly by showing love and compassion for widows and orphans, and those who are down and out.  Both James and Paul teach that living the Christian life is not something to wade into lightly or haphazardly.  

            “Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect (Romans 12:1-2).”

            Jesus himself spoke of the importance of counting the cost of being a disciple before making such a commitment (ref: Luke 14:25-30). The Christian life is not always the easiest, but it is definitely the most joyful life. May God bless your journey as you strive to put Him first. Have a blessed week!

God may not be as impressed with your worship as you think

by Barrett Vanlandingham

June 14, 2016

           

            This summer at my teen church camp, my lessons will focus on some areas of our lives that need to be re-charged.

            Last week, I gave you a preview of lesson one: Honesty in Scripture, where we will learn about the importance of taking an honest approach to scripture, and being careful to not change the Bible to suit our tastes or agendas.

            This week, I am writing on the topic of re-charging our “Honesty in Worship.” In the Old Law, we find the writings of Amos, who was one of twelve designated Minor Prophets, not because their writings were less important at all, but because the books they wrote were shorter. As you can tell from God’s words being spoken through Amos here, the sentiments are anything but minor.

            21 “I hate, I despise your religious festivals;     your assemblies are a stench to me. 22 Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Though you bring choice fellowship offerings, I will have no regard for them. 23 Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps. 24 But let justice roll on like a river,     righteousness like a never-failing stream! 25 “Did you bring me sacrifices and offerings forty years in the wilderness, people of Israel? 26 You have lifted up the shrine of your king, the pedestal of your idols, the star of your god which you made for yourselves. 27 Therefore I will send you into exile beyond Damascus,” says the Lord, whose name is God Almighty (Amos 5:21-27).

            In the New Testament, the apostle Paul (in 1 Corinthians 11:17-22) warned Christians that it was wrong to only think of only yourself, and even only God during worship. He says we should also be thinking about the welfare of our fellow Christians. After all, one of the biggest benefits of coming together as a church family is to encourage one another and meet each other’s needs (ref: Hebrews 10:23-27 and Acts 2:46).

            The apostle John quoted Jesus who was talking with a Samaritan woman on the topic of acceptable worship:

            23 “Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24).”

            Jesus is telling the woman that it is important to worship God sincerely, intelligently, and genuinely, not just ceremonially. This is an important lesson for Christians today that when we worship, it should not be a time to simply check items of worship off of our list, but rather to think deeply about God’s word and will for us, and to sincerely apply this to our daily walk each day of our lives.  Have a blessed week!