One election outcome is already a sure thing

by Barrett Vanlandingham
November 4, 2014 

            When you go to a voting booth, the only thing you know for sure is that you are casting a ballot.  You might think you know the outcome, but you don’t know for sure until the ballots are counted.  That should not be the case when it comes to our eternal destiny.

            The apostle Peter said, “Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election.” (2 Peter 1:10)

            Sounds like a sure thing to me, and it did to Peter as well.  He actually begins the chapter by saying that God has given us complete instructions on how to live a godly life.  Peter says that if we implement godly qualities into our lives, we will not get caught up in evil desires that lead to worldly corruption, thereby avoiding the earthly and eternal consequences that would follow.  Peter goes on to list exactly what those godly qualities are that God wants us to strive for.

             “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:5-8)

            One of the things that catches my attention in this passage is that God expects us to not only grow in our knowledge of Him and these wonderful qualities,  but also to put them to work in our lives more and more each day.  God shows great wisdom in challenging us in this way.  He knows that in the day and day out grind of life, it would be easy for most us Christians to become lazy in the absence of striving to meet this challenge.

            Just because I may have shown a more loving attitude today than I did yesterday, that doesn’t mean I should stop there.  I know a lot of wonderfully loving people, but even the best Christian examples would gladly admit they fall way short of loving others the way Jesus did.  But when we commit to taking on the self-sacrificial attitude that Jesus took while he walked among us, we can be confident that our election into the joys of heaven is a sure thing, confirmed, without a doubt.  It’s in God’s word, and I believe it!

            In the end, it’s only by God’s grace any of us will be saved, but God’s word also says our obedience let’s God know we love him, and it most assuredly puts us on the right track to hear the words “Well done good and faithful servant.”   That’s an election result we can be sure of.   Have a great week!  

Spiritual Trick or Treating lasts all year!

by Barrett Vanlandingham
October 28, 2014

            In just a few days, kids will be putting on their Halloween costumes, and hitting the streets with one key phrase on the tip of their tongue: “Trick or Treat!”

            At my house, those are the words that unlock the cauldron full of candy when I answer the door.  If “Trick or Treat” is not enthusiastically shouted (or at least uttered) in my presence, there may be a trick, but definitely no treat.

            The tinier ones are actually mine and Lisa’s favorites.  It’s fun to hear them say, “Twick O Tweet”.  They might even get an entire handful of candy for that phraseology.

            Spiritually speaking, the devil doesn’t wait for Halloween to play tricks on us. It’s more of a year ‘round full-time job and even his treats turn out to be tricks. We all know to watch out for the obvious temptations involving various kinds of immorality.  But satan’s influences are also very much alive, even when it comes to matters of doctrine and faith.

            Paul says, “And no wonder, for satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness.” (2 Cor. 11:14-15)

            Paul often warned new Christians about the dangers of straying from the truth, in exchange for cleverly disguised false doctrine.   His words echoed those of Jesus himself who said during the Sermon on the Mount, “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.” (Matt. 7:15)

            This deceptive technique of being very convincing on the outside, while having less than honorable intentions on the inside is still a very effective trap today.  We see it all the time, when people have an agenda they’re trying to justify, and so they twist the truth of the Bible to mean what they want it to mean.  Other times, the deception is financially motivated.  The deceiver’s deeds are often exposed too late, after thousands or even millions of dollars have been donated by loyal followers who thought they were opening their wallets to deeds of righteousness, but turned out to be deeds of greed! 

            Sometimes, people fall into this trap because of a message that fits what they want to hear, even if it doesn’t match up with what the Bible says. That’s why everyone, yes even preachers and teachers, should be held accountable for their walk and their talk.  If a teacher is on the up and up, they will be honored to open their Bible and show you exactly how they came to their conclusion.

            Paul warned young Timothy that false teaching would be an issue for him to deal with, just like it was for Paul.  “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.” (2 Tim. 4:3-4)

            Be careful every day to reject the devil’s tricks so you can enjoy a life of God’s treats!  Have a great week!

The Judge over eternity has something to say about gay marriage

Most Oklahomans may never have thought they’d see the day that homosexual couples could get married in a state that voted against it.  But last week, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear the case, so the original decision by one federal judge in Tulsa, which was then upheld by a three judge panel in Denver known as the Tenth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, went into effect.

            So how are Christians supposed to feel about this?  The Bible condemns the practice of sexual sins including adultery and the practice of homosexuality (1 Cor 6:9-20, 7:2, and Rom1:26-32).   In the Old Testament, we’re told that until God gave the woman to Adam there was no suitable helper for him (ref: Genesis 2:20-24).

            The Bible never speaks of marriage as anything else but between man and woman.  It is a very clear and unmistakable message.  Some have said that because Jesus himself didn’t directly condemn the practice of homosexuality while he walked on earth, we’re to believe it’s okay.  

            But Jesus himself did, in fact, define marriage as between one man and one woman when he said, “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female,” and said, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’?” (Matthew 19:4-5)

            Jesus is not only the son of God, but in fact, is God (John 1:1), and He only spoke of marriage between one man and one woman.  One of the God-inspired writers, the apostle Paul, makes it clear that those who practice homosexuality (Rom. 1:26-27) put themselves in danger of being spiritually lost for eternity (ref: Rom. 1:32).

            But how should Christians react to government decisions that tug against Biblical truths?  In the first century, Luke wrote in the book of Acts about a high Jewish court known as the Sanhedrin, and how it had been trying to intimidate Peter and John to stop teaching about Jesus.  “Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 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.” (Acts 4:18-20)

            In Romans 12:18, Paul says, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”   And then a chapter later he adds, “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.” (Romans 13:1)

            Jesus said, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”  (Matthew 22:21)

            The fact is, U.S. laws are not bound by God’s word or any other religious faith, even though Godly principles are woven into the fabric of our laws.  We all have freedom of religion.  And God has allowed governments to have laws and enforce them.  So, according to the Bible, Christians should follow the laws of the land, and follow the will of God, avoiding every kind of sin. (ref: 1 Thessalonians. 5:22)  And one day, we will all be judged according to what we have done. (ref: Matthew 16:27)    Have a great week!

Doing the easiest thing is rarely the right thing

by Barrett Vanlandingham
October 7, 2014

            “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:12)

            This verse, commonly known as “The Golden Rule”, is no doubt one of the most often quoted Bible verses in history.  Most of the middle and older generation probably learned it as “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

            The problem is that when it comes to actually putting God’s word into action, I am not sure much has changed since most of us were part of the younger generation.  People get this verse a little turned around, don’t they? It often looks more like “Do unto others BEFORE they do unto you”, or maybe “BECAUSE of what they did unto you.”

            Our culture is so competitive, and moves so fast, most people just want to quickly fix things themselves instead of praying about it, and seeking direction from God.

            One of the most useful pieces of advice I’ve heard when it comes to conflict is “Count to ten!”  The problem most of us have with that is we’re afraid we won’t be able to get our jab in if we don’t strike quickly.  But the fact is, if people would just take time to breath, and think about it, pray about, and even count to ten, that would give us enough of a buffer to at least count the cost of what we’re getting ready to do or say as a rebuttal.

            An old friend of mine once told me about how his neighbor jumped all over his case because his pet escaped and darted over to the neighbor’s property.  The neighbor scolded my friend, and lectured him about responsibility.  My friend apologized and assured him it would not happen again.  But for years following, the neighbor has allowed his dogs to wander daily around the block and into everyone else’s yards.  The neighbor forgot the advice he dished out years earlier.  My friend knows that’s just not right, but has chosen to live at peace with his neighbor, and just give the situation to God.

            The easy thing to do would be to react like people of the world who have no relationship with God and no hope for the future. 

            The apostle Paul did a lot of things to disappoint the Lord before he became a Christian.  Afterwards, he was often on the receiving end of persecution.  But still, Paul remained steadfast exhibiting the love of God in spite of difficult circumstances.  He wrote this to Christians in Rome:  “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.  If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.  Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.  (Romans 12:17-19)

            People who misbehave may act like they’re not watching or appreciating your Christian values, but when done correctly, living a Christ-like life can absolutely make a difference now and in the life to come for you and those around you.  God bless you, and have a great week!