Don’t get burned while doing the Lord’s work

by Barrett Vanlandingham
September 3, 2013

            Most of us have stubbed a toe, or bumped into a door, or a kitchen counter, or hit your head on something hard because you were not thinking about what you were doing.

            While sitting at the breakfast table the other morning daydreaming about this and that, I noticed that the coffee in my cup had cooled off and reached a dangerously low level.  So I shuffled across the kitchen, poured myself a re-fill, sat back down, and continued to think about the day.  But only a split-second after I turned my cup up for another swallow, it occurred to me that my coffee was no longer cool, and that I had just taken a nice big swig of HOT coffee!  Yee-owe!!

            My thoughts were quickly jolted out of auto-pilot as the shock and pain slowly wore off.  The ordeal reminded me of the Bible passage that warns about those “I wish I had a do over” moments.  No, not a “do over” to improve on my failed non-strategy of gulping coffee without evaluating its temperature first, but something similar that has to do with keeping our wits about us in spiritual war.

            In Galatians 6, Paul reminds Christians to be careful when we support each other in our struggles.  Yes, within a Christian family we are to restore that brother or sister gently (see also 2 Cor. 2:5-8).  But Galatians 6:1 says, “Watch yourself, or you also may be tempted (v.1).”

            You probably know of several instances in which well-meaning Christians have tried to spend time with a weaker Christian or non-Christian to win them over or make them feel included.  But in the end, the stronger Christian winds up falling off the path of righteousness and landing on the road to destruction.  The dark side entangled them by surprise because they thought they had everything under control, and didn’t need to be cautious as they mingled too close to danger, forgetting that the coffee they were about to gulp was HOT, and would HURT.  They had put their spiritual thinking skills on auto-pilot and were not guarding their heart (Proverbs 4:23).  And then at some point their evil desires took over, leading to sin (James 1:14).  You’ve probably seen this result in failed relationships, and falling into sinful lifestyles.

            Yes, Paul tells us to help others with their spiritual burdens or challenges (Gal. 6:2).  But he also says each of us should continue to carry our own load or responsibilities as Christians (Gal. 6:5).  In a letter to the Corinthian church, Paul said, “I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some (1 Cor. 9:22).”  If taken out of context, this passage could spell disaster for your spiritual life.  I once knew two young married ladies who left their husbands at home while the ladies went on a beach vacation, since once of them needed some girl time to deal with her struggling marriage.  Both ladies returned with new tattoos, new attitudes, and shortly thereafter divorced their husbands.

            Paul was obviously not condoning scenarios like this, nor was he saying to take drugs, or become a gossiper, or look at pornography in order to save a friend. He simply meant he would meet a person where they are in life, try to understand them, and use their own beliefs and ways to show them the truth.  It can be a tricky line to walk without getting burned if you forget to “watch yourself”. 

            May God bless your efforts to get out of your comfort zone, “Go into all the world (Matthew 28:19)”, and strive “to win as many as possible (1 Cor. 9:19).”  Have a great week!

The Lord’s Church is an upside down kingdom

by Barrett Vanlandingham

August 27, 2013

            First off, let me say thank you to all of the new readers of my Fort Faith column.  I have actually been writing this column since early 2007, just after the big ice storm hit.  But until the last few weeks, it has only been seen by subscribers of the Fort Gibson Times and online.  Your response in the form of calls and e-mails has been very encouraging to me. Please pray that my writings continue to spread God’s word, and encourage our readers to trust and obey the Lord’s will. Please let me know if there is a topic you would like me to write about.  In the meantime, here is my column for this week.

            By the world’s standards, Christianity does not make a lot of sense. The reason is that most people view success in a completely different way than Jesus taught.  This is why we sometimes use the phrase “upside down kingdom” to describe all things Jesus.

            There is no teaching that illustrates this more than the Sermon on the Mount, which took place at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry just after Satan tested Him in the wilderness for forty days.  Word spread quickly about the miraculous healings Jesus had performed throughout the region of Galilee.  I can only imagine the excitement in the crowd that gathered to hear what he had to say.  When Jesus began to speak, many people were no doubt shocked and amazed by his message that began with what we call the beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-10.

            ³ “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  ⁴ Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.  ⁵ Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
⁶ Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.  ⁷ Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.  ⁸ Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
⁹ Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.  ¹⁰ Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

            You see, up until Jesus’ ministry, people only knew of the Old Testament writings and its 600-plus rules that the Jews tried (unsuccessfully) to keep. The world was desperately in need of a Savior, a perfect sacrifice, superior to that of bulls and goats required under the Old Covenant.

            So, when Jesus came preaching a message of loving God, loving others, practicing humility and dependence on God instead of a system based on works, this really gave people something to think about.  It was not only different from the Old Law, but it was drastically different from the world’s way of thinking that the more power and money you have, the better off you are.  Yes, Christians are part of a kingdom. But it is unlike any earthly kingdom in history.  In fact, the Bible says most people do not want any part of it.  That opinion will change one day.  But it may be too late.  This week, tell someone about the love of Jesus by your words, actions, and attitude.  Have a great week!

Holy Smokes, God Is Powerful!

by Barrett Vanlandingham
August 20, 2013

            SO MUCH FUN.  The other day, I watched from the back of the boat as my two teenage kids and their two cousins balanced on a giant inner tube while my dad pulled them across Lake Tenkiller.    It was an unseasonably perfect day for August in northeastern Oklahoma, overcast, cool, with occasional raindrops.  

            But for a few minutes at the end of the day, my good feelings turned to terror.  An enormous bolt of lightning shot down through the clouds.  And even though it appeared to strike behind a hill several miles away, I’m sure my heartbeat was pounding double time!  The vivid color and booming thunder really were amazing.  And I might have actually enjoyed the brief light show had it not been for the fact my kids were on the water!

            My story had a happy ending.  The kids got back in the boat, into the car, onward to Sonic, and finally to my parents’ nice, dry, safe, and lightning-free house.  Whew!

            In the Old Testament days of God’s prophet Elijah, another lightning bolt scenario played out.  It ended great for him, but not so well for 850 prophets of the false gods, Baal and Asherah.

            In 1 Kings 18:21, God’s people couldn’t seem to make up their mind about who to worship.  King Ahab had convinced a lot of folks to listen to false teachers who promoted the worship of Baal and Asherah.  He even blamed Elijah for Israel’s troubles such as the drought and famine they were going through.  In time, Elijah had all he could take of Ahab’s belly-aching, so he called for a contest to see who was strongest. Would it be God, or the gods?

            Elijah said he would build one altar with a sacrifice, and another altar and sacrifice would be presented by the prophets of Baal and Asherah.  Then, the god who answered by fire would be honored as God.  The outcome was incredibly sad for those who rooted for the wrong team, and nothing less than spectacular for Elijah and those who had sided with God.

            It was a tragic end that began with a lot of frustration and self-mutilation on the side of the false prophets.  It was their attempt to gain the attention of gods that didn’t even exist except in their imagination.  It only went downhill from there.   

            On the other hand, Elijah’s altar and prayer to God saw a much different outcome.  And yes, it involved fire from heaven that left no question unanswered.  In fact, when the fire of the Lord struck Elijah’s sacrifice, the entire altar was destroyed including the dirt around it!  The people cried, “The Lord-he is God!  The Lord-he is God! (1 Kings 18:39).  Now THAT was a decisive victory!  The evidence was clear then, just as it is today.

            So the next time you see a bolt of lightning, just remember the same God who created it, is also the One who created heaven to reward those who choose to live for Him and honor his Son Jesus as the Lord of all.  Have a great week!

The end of summer turns up the heat on Christian values

by Barrett Vanlandingham

August 13, 2013

            Summertime always provides great opportunities for spiritual revival among Christian teens.  Kids return home from church camps and mission trips every year fired up for God. And every year I hear the same kinds of things from kids and many adults, “I wish camp didn’t have to end!”  Or, “I wish the mission trip could last all year!”   The only problem is that they are hit in the face with reality as soon as summer ends, sometimes sooner.

            The fact is, not all of their friends, family, and neighbors were fortunate enough to go on such trips and come back a changed person.  Plus, the devil has been patiently waiting his turn to take another crack at knocking them off their spiritual high.

            So with the start of next summer over eight months away, how can these fired-up, energetic Christians continue to make progress?  After all, the day in and day out routine of school and extracurricular activities is often a stark contrast to the warm fuzzies and promotion of spiritual values found on summer youth trips.

            One young man I spoke with had these very concerns.  He was worried about how those closest to him would react when they found out he had re-committed his life to God.  I told him this is where faith and obedience comes in, and that he needed to repent (turn back to God). After that, he needs to pick friends who actually care whether he goes to heaven or hell, and then make better choices in where he spends his time.  Then, and only then, God blesses us with joy only found in a proper relationship with Jesus Christ.

            Opportunities for teens to grow spiritually and make a difference in others’ lives do NOT end when the first school bell rings, or even when they go off to college or to work.  I would argue that most spiritual growth opportunities actually begin and increase under these circumstances.  Summertime service projects, mission trips, and church camp Bible classes are extremely important in providing hands-on training in spiritual warfare.  But obviously, the majority of our time (no matter what our age) takes place outside of these kinds of carefully planned and mostly controlled parameters.

            Just imagine what a difference we could make at our jobs, our schools, and among our friends and families if we were to raise our levels of expectation and commitment to that of a summer mission trip.  After all, time is ticking, and God really does want our help in bringing the good news of Jesus Christ to lost souls, far away and here at home.  Pray that God will open your eyes to opportunities right under your nose to make a difference for Him. 

            “But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere (2 Corinthians 2:14, ESV).”   Have a great week!

The Bible tells us how to overcome fear of failure in our spiritual battles

by Barrett Vanlandingham

August 6, 2013

           

In the final part of my five part series titled Set Yourself Free, I am writing about fear of failure, why Christians may often feel this way, and how God's word says we can overcome it.

            While Paul makes it clear in 1 Corinthians 10:12 that we should not become over-confident that the devil cannot grab us by the neck, scripture also says we have every reason to have hope and conduct our spiritual walk without timidity, and with a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7).

            So why do so many Christians fear eternity in hell when Jesus went through so much to give us a home in heaven? One reason might be guilt that we are not doing enough to deserve it. Or maybe we simply cannot imagine that the God of the Bible has enough power, grace or love to actually save us if we accidentally forget to ask his forgiveness for a sin we have forgotten about. Or maybe some just struggle more with sin and have difficulties overcoming temptation.  Or maybe some simply have a fear of the unknown events of Judgment Day.

            The fact is that no matter where you are in your faith, truth is truth.  Just because we have fears, doubts, and weaknesses does not mean God does. He actually means what he says, and has proven that repeatedly.  God loves us and continues to go to extremes to make sure we know it.  He assures us that Jesus gives us the spiritual strength we need (Ephesians 6:10-11, Philippians 4:13).

            Hebrews 4:15 reminds us that Jesus is able to sympathize with our weaknesses. That should comfort us and give us confidence to approach God in prayer, and walk with Him through life’s trials.  

            We also need to remember that because of the time Jesus spent on earth as a man, he knows exactly what we are capable of when we put our mind to it.  That may be exactly why God not only expects us to grow spiritually (2 Peter 3:18), but he tells us how to grow (2 Peter 1:5-8), and then promises to dwell with us (1 Corinthians 6:19, John 14:16-17, Acts 2:38) in spite of our failed attempts to live righteously.  You see, God knows we are going to mess up.  All he asks is that we as baptized believers (Mark 16:16) continue to repent of our sins (Luke 13:3) as we earnestly seek him (Hebrews 11:6) on our way to heaven.

            Unlike physical growth, which happens automatically, spiritual growth is a choice.  Paul and John both agree that spiritual growth requires effort on our part as we press on toward the goal to win the prize (John 6:27, Philippians 2:12 and 3:13-14).

            Fear of failure is nothing new.  The devil has used it for thousands of years as one of his best tools to discourage Christians into giving up the good fight.  May God bless you this week with a renewed commitment in your relationship with Jesus Christ.  He is our only hope, and He will never turn his back on you.  So hold on to his hand in everything, and enjoy victory because of Him.  Have a great week!