The Philippian Jailer's Salvation I

The Philippian Jailer’s Salvation I

ACTS 16:25-34

How can a person be certain of their personal salvation?  What must a person do to experience salvation? A genuine salvation experience is presented in this story, and by it we can examine our own salvation experience.  This Bible account will assure us that we are saved, or it will help us decide we need to be saved. This historical event reveals what God must do in salvation, and what we must do in response to the saving initiatives of God. Each of us should be able to discern whether our salvation experience match the Bible’s example. While no two salvation experiences are identical, there are common elements to every genuine conversion.

Genuine salvation is entirely through faith in Jesus Christ and His redemptive work. You see, God begins with illumination and conviction to bring about conversion—repentance and trusting Christ. The result is salvation (new birth) and a desire to please the Lord—the beginnings of transformation.  Let us note these elements in the Jailer’s salvation experience.

I.  The Preparation for the Jailer’s Salvation (Acts 16:25-29). 

God often uses difficult challenges and awkward situations to bring people’s attention to the most important matters in life. One of the most crucial issues of all is a relationship with God, and the forgiveness of sins.  Many people leave this matter unaddressed; they ignore God their entire lives. Except God take the initiative, they would continue in ignorance. Well, how does God initiate and prepare the hearts of sinners for salvation?

A.  GOD USES THE TESTIMONY OF FAITHFUL BELIEVERS.

Acts 16:25, And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

1.      They were Willing to Endure Difficulties as Witnesses for Christ (16:19-24). These preachers sustained a strong witness through terrible difficulties. Paul and Silas has been tried unfairly, striped and publicly humiliated, beaten with rods, imprisoned, and put in chains. Their backs were lacerated, bloody, swollen masses of human flesh. We can only imagine the excruciating pain.  Now they were sitting there in a dark smelly, rat and roach infested dungeon. . . .  But still they bore a strong testimony to the wonderful grace of God! All of this God would greatly use to get the attention of the jailer!

2.       They Prayed and Cried Out to God in the Midst of their Ordeal (16:25). They probably asked God for strength, to forgive their persecutors, and to use their sufferings to reach others for Christ.

Ps. 50:15, And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

Jer. 33:3, Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

3.       They were Focused on Praising God Instead of Complaining about their Pain. Perhaps they praised God for His Salvation, the privilege to suffer for the cause of Christ, and for the presence of God through all the suffering. Beaten and imprisoned, Paul and Silas respond by singing a hymn of praise—a song sung directly from the heart to God. The relationship between their song of praise and their supernatural deliverance through the earthquake cannot be overlooked.

Praise directed toward God can shake open prison doors! A man was converted, his household saved, and satanic captivity overthrown in Philippi. Today, as well, praise can cause the chains of bondage to drop away. When you are serving God and things do not go the way you planned, learn from this text. Remember praise triumphs gloriously!

4.       Their Strong Testimony of Faith Gave God an Opportunity to Work Among the Lost. Their faith in the Lord was a strong witness and God used it to prepare the heart of the unsaved for the gospel.

I am reminded of the 4 Men That Brought Their Crippled Friend to the Lord in Luke 5:16-26.  Jesus healed the man and forgave his sins when he saw his friends’ faith. Luke 5:19-20, And when they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went upon the housetop, and let him down through the tiling with his couch into the midst before Jesus. 20, And when he saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee.

B.  GOD INVOLVES HIMSELF SUPERNATURALLY TO DRAW PEOPLE TO HIMSELF. 

Acts 16:26, And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.

This was a supernatural moving of God.

    1.  God Used an Earthquake to Get This Jailer’s Attention.

John 6:44, No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

Often sin provides pleasure for a while—for a season sin is more enjoyable than the force of guilt and regret. The result is people become happy in their sin and have no sense at all that their lives, motives, plans, and behaviors are offensive to God.  When people go on with their lives generally ignoring God, He in mercy will take the initiative to bring their attention to their true spiritual condition.

    2.  God Still Uses Various Means to Grab A (Lost) Person’s Attention Today.

         a. A Natural Disasters (Fires, Floods, Earthquakes, or Storms)

         b. A Tragedy (Death of a Friend, Love One, Co-Worker, Someone in Your Unit, or a Family member ect.)

         c. Our Personal Circumstances (Financial Reverses, Failed Marriage, Person Problems ect.)

         d. The Preaching Of the Gospel of Christ!

         e. Good parents who love God and model the Christian life at home.

         f. The trials and testings of Christians who magnify Christ through their pain.

     3.  God Purposefully Moves Events to Prepare Hearts For Salvation. The earthquake was a natural disaster God used to ultimately achieve supernatural goals.  This is what makes this a supernatural moving of God.  He was interested ultimately in this jailer’s spiritual welfare. God will bring us to the very end of ourselves and our resources so that we will finally look up and remember that He remains the ultimate Reality.  When this happens it is time to turn to God.

C.  GOD MAKES PEOPLE AWARE OF THEIR SPIRITUAL CONDITION. 

Acts 16:27, And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.

1.      When the Jailer Was Awakened, His Heart Was Filled With Terror and Hopelessness. 

           a. He realized he would be executed for the prisoners he thought had escaped while he was sleeping on duty.

           b. He realized his execution would bring shame to his family’s name; therefore, he had rather kill himself then to be put to shame. His suicide would actually appear as if he was killed by one of the escaping prisoners.

     2.  Sometimes Life Will Provoke us to Great Fear, and to Despair in Hopelessness. Often we turn to God for help in the form of a ‘microwave fix,’ and other times we run straight to the world’s way of coping.  In every case a person either turns to God or turns further away from God. We will either seek God’s help or look to some humanistic solution.  The tragedy is that some people view turning to God as only optional, not mandatory! But we should always turn to God! Nah 1:7, The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.

         a.  The Disciples In A Storm Turned To Jesus. Mark 4:38, And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?

        b.  The Woman With The Issue Of Blood Turned To Jesus. Mark 5:25-27,  And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years,  26, And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse, 27, When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment.

       c.  The Desperate Father Who Brought His Demon Possessed Son Turned To Jesus. Mark 9:17, And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit;

  3.  The Jailer’s Physical Awakening Led to a Spiritual Awakening. There was an inner awakening to his sinful condition before a holy God—conviction.  His fears of losing his job and perhaps his life gave way to deep conviction of sin. He was now afraid to meet God in his sins. He became keenly aware of his personal need for salvation, deliverance, and a new beginning.  He took the initial step of recognizing his personal need for God and forgiveness.

           a. The sinner must be convinced he is in desperate need of the Savior, Jesus Christ!

John 16:7-11, Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. ⁸ And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: ⁹ Of sin, because they believe not on me; ¹⁰ Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; ¹¹ Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.

To “reprove the world” means to warn about the consequences of sin: convict, convince, tell the fault, or even rebuke.  The idea is to overwhelm with arguments for the purpose of persuading: to conclusively prove wrong with evidence. The Holy Spirit in a sense takes the sinner to “court” and causes us to recognize our sinful nature/condition and the consequences of being a sinner.

Rom 5:12, Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (See also Jude 1:14-16; Rom. 3:10-20, 23; 6:23).

  

            b. Every sinner must be awakened to his need to be saved before he would trust Christ as Savior!  

                  1.  A Person Must Realize He Is Spiritually Sick Before He’ll Call A Spiritual Doctor to Make Him Well. 

MATT. 9:12 … They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.

                  2.  A Person Must Realize He Is Drowning in the Sea of Sin Before He will Call on a Spiritual Lifeguard to Rescue Him from death.  Ps 69:1-2, Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul.  2, I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing: I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me.

            c. Each Christian can be used by God to make Others Aware of their personal need for the Savior also. Each Christian should desire for their Testimony to Awaken their friends and associates to their unsaved condition!  We today should also long for an Earth quaking moving of God, that sinners can realize their need for Christ!  Don’t hide your light; let it shine!

Jesus Christ: The Lamb, The Lord, The Lion!

Rev. 5:5, 6

John, the apostle, continues his grand description of his vision of heavenly glory and the worship of Christ around the throne of God. Particularly, the august scene of heaven zeroes in on the Father passing the sealed scroll to the Son that He may unleash these judgments on the rebellious earth. In the course of these extraordinary events, The Lamb is worshiped as the Redeemer and declared worthy to open the seven-sealed scroll of judgment. This grandiose scene reveals why Christ has authority to judge and why He is worthy of the worship of the heavenly host. May we also find our places among the throngs of heaven who worship God and Christ in the Spirit with absolute abandonment! Beloved, press on into this company because Christ is most deserving. Let us likewise, revere HIM in the most profound manner as the rightful sovereign Judge of the world. In Jesus’ Name I call upon all peoples every where to repent and believe the Gospel today before it is eternally too late. 

Now, three unique titles are given to our Lord Jesus to describe who He is: He is our coming King, the God-Man, and The Lamb. It is extremely crucial that we grasp with our entire being WHO Jesus Christ truly is! Through these titles, the Scripture reveal three absolutely vital roles the Lord Jesus fulfills and will fulfill in this world's history. These roles unveil His true identity! In short, He is our Sovereign and Sacrifice; as such He has complete authority to judge His creation. The same creation He sought to redeem. Note closely what John revealed.

       I.  The Lord Jesus Is Called the Lion of Judah (Rev. 5:5 a-b).  (The Coming King)

First, Christ is the Lion of the tribe of Judah.

            1.  Judah Was Designated as the Tribe of Kings.

Genesis 49:8-10,  Judah, thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise: thy hand shall be in the neck of thine enemies; thy father's children shall bow down before thee. [9] Judah is a lion's whelp: from the prey, my son, thou art gone up: he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up? [10] The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.

The reference here is to Gen 49:8-10, where Jacob prophetically gave the scepter to Judah and made it the tribe of the kings. (God never meant for Saul to establish a dynasty, because he came from the tribe of Benjamin. God used him to discipline Israel because the people asked for a king; then He gave them David from the tribe of Judah.)

            2.  Judah Was Symbolized by the Lion.

The image of "the lion" speaks of dignity, sovereignty, courage, and victory and it speaks of Christ's royalty in the family of David. Christ Jesus is the only living Jew who can prove His kingship from the genealogical records. "Son of David" was a title often used when He was ministering on earth (see Matt 1).

1 Kings 2:45,  And king Solomon shall be blessed, and the throne of David shall be established before the Lord for ever.

Isaiah 9:7,  Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

            3.  The Lion Anticipates the Second Coming.

This also anticipates his second coming as the Lion.  The Lion and the Lamb surely refer to Christ, with the Lamb referring to His first coming and His death and the Lion referring to His second coming and His sovereign judgment of the world. As the lion he is the judge who will punish his enemies.

       II.  The Lord Jesus Is Called the Root of David (Rev. 5:5).  (The God-Man)

But He is also the Root of David, which means He brought David into existence.

                                                                                                           

             1.  Christ’s Deity and Humanity.

                   A.  Christ is David’s Son—Rooted in David.

As far as His humanity is concerned, Jesus had His roots in David.

Isaiah 11:1 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:

                   B.  Christ is David’s Sovereign— the Root of David.

But as far as His deity is concerned, Jesus is the Root of David. Thus the "Root of David" speaks of His deity, the One through whom David came.

Isaiah 11:10,  And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.

             2.  David’s Lord and Son.

This speaks, of course, of our Lord's eternity! How the Messiah could both be David's Lord and David's son was a problem Jesus presented to the Pharisees, and they could not (or would not) answer Him (Matt 22:41-46).
The reality of Jesus as the God-Man connotes the fact that He made a tremendous sacrifice by becoming human in order to save lost humanity. He will not judge the world as a God who has no perception of human life and challenges. No, He was born in abject poverty, lived penniless, served like an absolute slave during His ministry, and died rejected, forsaken, and completely abandoned while baring the sins of the entire world. He even died the worse way a human being could die--by the slaughter of Crucifixion! Then after His burial He arose victorious over all our eternal enemies that we may believe on Him for the forgiveness of sins. If we reject His offer of salvation, then He has no other recourse but to respect those decisions and consign such people to the fate of all Christ-rejecters accordingly. Christ's judgment will fall upon the earth with a full understanding of the hearts of human beings. 

                                                                                                           

       III. The Lord Jesus Is Called the Lamb of Jehovah (Rev. 5:6).  (The Perfect Sacrifice)

When John turned to see, he saw not a lion, but a lamb!

                       

             1.  The Lamb in The Revelation (this book).

Jesus Christ is called "the Lamb" at least twenty-eight times in the Book of Revelation (the Greek word used means "a little pet lamb") and the emphasis is not hard to miss.

                 A.  God's wrath is "the wrath of the Lamb" (Rev 6:16).

                 B.  Cleansing is by "the blood of the Lamb" (Rev 7:14).

                 C.  The church is "the bride of the Lamb" (Rev 19:7; 21:9).

             2.  The Lamb in Revelation (the Scriptures).

The theme of "the Lamb" is an important one throughout Scripture, for it presents the person and work of Jesus Christ, the Redeemer.

                A.  The Passover Lamb.

In the Bible, the Exodus is the fundamental picture of redemption; the slain Lamb then is the Passover lamb. God required the Jews to bring the Passover lamb into their houses for 4 days, essentially making it a pet, before it was to be violently slain.

Exodus 12:3,  Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house:

Exodus 12:6, And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening.

                B.  The Slaughtered Lamb.

We also recall the slaughtered lamb of Is. 53:7, the Servant of the Lord, suffering in innocence for all humankind.  Isaiah 53:7, He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.

                C.  The God Lamb.

The Old Testament question, "Where is the lamb?" (Gen 22:7) was answered by John the Baptist who cried, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). There is no wonder why the choir of heaven sang, "Worthy is the Lamb!" (Rev 5:12)

             3.  The Lamb in Representation. (He is Literal and Symbolic at the same time).

The description of the Lamb (Rev 5:6), if produced literally by an artist, would provide a grotesque picture; but when understood symbolically, it conveys rich spiritual truth.

                  A.  He Was Slain, but Standing.

“The Lamb” appeared to have been “slain” or sacrificed. This is the true Passover Lamb, God’s Son (Is. 53:7; Jer. 11:19; John 1:29) pointing back to his first coming. The wounds from Christ's slaughter are still clearly visible, but He is standing—He is alive.

Jeremiah 11:19,  But I was like a lamb or an ox that is brought to the slaughter; and I knew not that they had devised devices against me, saying, Let us destroy the tree with the fruit thereof, and let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name may be no more remembered.

                                                                                                           

Yes, the Lamb was standing in the center of the throne room, alive and victorious! Perhaps pointing to his death and resurrection which were the main aspects of his first coming and what qualifies Him to take the title deed of the earth  (Rev 5:9).

                  B.  He Has Seven Horns.  (Omnipotence)

Since seven is the number of perfection, these seven horns signify complete or perfect Power–Strength. 

                         1.  But the Lamb has seven horns, which signifies immense authority (1 Kings 22:11), strength–power (Ps. 75:4–7) and royal status (Zc. 1:18).

                         2.  In the animal kingdom horns are used to exert power and inflict wounds in combat.

                         3.  This represents the Messiah as the powerful leader (The Ram!) of the flock of God, who delivers the sheep, conquering the wild beasts who seek to destroy them.

                         4.  Unlike other defenseless lambs, this One has complete, sovereign power as a ruler.  This is how the symbol is used in other places. 

Daniel 7:24, And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings.  

Rev. 13:1, And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.

                  C.  He Has Seven Eyes.  (Omniscience)

Signifying perfect wisdom and all knowledge. In Zc. 4:10 it is God who has seven eyes, symbolizing omniscience; here they are identified with the seven spirits of God sent forth into all the earth, in harmony with the teaching of Jn. 16:7–11. The Messiah of OT promise thus stands revealed in terms of new covenant fulfillment.

                  D.  He Has Seven Spirits of God.   (Omnipresence)

The “seven eyes” defined as “the seven spirits of God” (Zech. 3:9; 4:10) symbolically represent the Holy Spirit (Rev. 1:4, 4:5) and perfect presence (seven Spirits in all the earth).  Jesus Christ was indwelt by the full measure of the Holy Spirit which suggests omnipresence.

John 3:34, For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.

Theologians refer to these qualities (omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence) as attributes of God. The Lamb is God the Son, Christ Jesus! These important observations point to Him as completely free of any error, misconception, or information in His judgment. He is absolutely capable of bringing His will to full realization--He will see it through! Jesus Christ is presently the patient Savior, but there will come a point in history when He will unleash a series of judgments and His unmitigated wrath on the world. There is nothing to stop Him.... The time to repent while believing the Gospel is now. Flee from the wrath to come by trusting Jesus Christ today.
I realize that some will reject these ideas and concepts of Jesus Christ's true identity. Some will refuse to bow down and worship Him as God. Others will reject the idea that He is the Judge of all the world. Such responses to these truths does not make them any less true. Unfortunately scores of people have an idea about God that is totally foreign to the biblical descriptions and revelation. This is pure idolatry! I appeal to such individuals to continue to read the Word of God and allow it to speak for itself. Examine carefully what I have presented here; test it to discern if it is true to the Bible. This exercise can only help you in the long run.

The Son of God, Jesus Christ will unleash these judgments on the rebellious populations of this world during the Tribulation Period. In addition, The Lamb will be worshiped as the Redeemer and declared worthy to open the seven-sealed scroll of judgment to initiate this phase of punishments. This grandiose scene will transpire revealing why Christ has authority to judge and why He is worthy of the worship of the heavenly host. Beloved, we must also find our places among the throngs of heaven who worship God and Christ in the Spirit with absolute abandonment! Dear saint of God, press on into this company because Christ is most deserving even today. Let us likewise, revere HIM in the most profound manner as the rightful Sovereign Judge of the world. In Jesus’ name I call upon men, women, boys, and girls around the globe to repent and believe the Gospel today in the light of these truths. Today is the accepted time of salvation; tomorrow may be too late.  

Is There A "Love Song" in Your Heart?

Is There a “Love Song” in Your Heart? What are the elements or a great “love song?” Maybe a better way to pose the same question is to ask, who can place a song of everlasting love into our hearts? If you will indulge me further, there is something else I would like to know. Have you ever wondered why we should love God? Yes, I know the Bible commands us to love the Lord God supremely with every facet of our being (Matt. 22:37). This is good and healthy, but there are other reasons for loving the LORD beyond this precious obligation. Though this command is the greatest, there are still other wonderful reasons worthy of our exploration. David knew the secrets to having a song in His heart for the Lord (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16) and he presents a few of these early in the eighth Psalm:

            I will love thee, O LORD, my strength.
            The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer;
                  My God, my strength, in whom I will trust;
                  My buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
           I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised:
                  So shall I be saved from mine enemies. (Psalm 18:1-3)

David is singing a “love song” to the LORD! In fact, He declares, “I will love Thee” (v. 1). In this psalm David also employs a barrage of metaphors to describe the LORD, and to express His great love for Him:

I.                    He is My Strength (Strength)—he loves the LORD because He strengthens

II.                 He is My Rock (Stability)—he loves the LORD because He affords solidity/steadiness

III.               He is My Fortress (Security)—he loves the LORD because He affords complete security

IV.              He is My Deliverer (Savior)—he loves the LORD because He rescues

V.                 He is My God (Sovereign)—he loves the LORD because He is Supreme

VI.              He is My Buckler (Safety)—he loves the LORD because He protects

VII.            He is My Horn (Salvation)—he loves the LORD because His salvation is strong

VIII.         He is My High Tower (Security)—he loves the LORD because He provides refuge

Obviously, David had many reasons for loving the Lord, and so do we. No wonder David bellowed, “I will love Thee” (v. 1) to Jehovah God! The same should be true of every Believer in Christ Jesus. Simply stated the LORD means everything to us Believers; we are completely lost without Him! When we really know Him, we do not want to live without Him; when we know Him, we cannot help but love Him more and more! In fact, we cannot live without Him. He is everything!

Since Jehovah God meant so much to David, he loved God for the many roles He played in his life. God provided security, significance, strength, and salvation to the Psalmist of Israel in grave situation of mortal danger. Who could not love a great God who supplies all the vital essentials for our very existence? In addition, David welded his identity and needs together in the very references he made toward God. By calling God his Rock he recognized God’s constancy/immutability and his own instability.

Yet, in life he needed stability. When he refers to God as his Buckler, he was acknowledging God’s ability to provide strategic and specific protection/safety against certain assaults. Yes, he needed God’s protective hand in his daily affairs. When he calls God his Fortress, he is identifying comprehensive security in God. Yes, in life or death, for time and eternity, and in heights or depths he needed the complete 360 degree security only God can afford (Rom. 8:28-35). In each name or title, there is a confession of need on David’s behalf. He needed safety, security, significance, and salvation. God supplied generously in each instance by rescuing David from serious peril. By defining God with these terms or titles He defined himself as well. This reveals that David’s identity, significance, and security were all rooted in his relationship with Jehovah God.

Identifying these realities gave David strength of conviction and clear perception. Reality could be known and explored with this guiding perspective. He knew who God was, who he was, and what was really important. Folks who fail to root their identity and significance in God commonly look to their jobs, families, society, a movement, achievements, or something else. When these human entities fail or fade in some way, these individuals often feel lost, stripped of meaning, confused, empty, inept, worthless, and even suicidal. They lose their moral and ‘spiritual’ compass often spinning out of control or descending into dark depression. Drugs, alcohol, and sensuality/promiscuity become far more inviting and alluring. Serial overindulgence in TV, movies, and video games become a way to escape these nasty and harsh realisms. Other folks in their desperation, actually race to some other cause, person, or event to give their lives meaning and validation. Life for these folks is one string of restarts, rediscoveries, and trends; they are every waiting and looking forward to the next thing. Unfortunately, every one of these streets has painful and dark dead ends. When we root the meaning of life in temporal and fragile things or mere people, we cannot enjoy a lasting sense of meaning or significance. In contrast, for Believers anchored in the LORD God, we can be steadfast and constant in convictions and perceptions because we are rooted in the changeless eternal foundation—GOD. Such a meaningful relationship provides security deep within, and stirs a song in our hearts. And be assured, Beloved, we must sing or burst! Therefore, sing unto the Lord a song of love (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16).

This truth is not automatic for all Believers, though we would naturally think that to be the case. Each Christian must embrace it must conscientiously. We must deliberately recognize who God really is, what He affords us, and who we are in light of His Person and truth. Such theological meditations can generate a song in the soul. We appraise and accept His views, diagnosis, solutions, values, power, and opportunities personally for all areas of our lives. By faith we transfer our identity, significance, and security to God through Jesus Christ.

We are completely defined in Him. That is, we embrace biblical truths in order to be governed by a Bible-informed worldview. We repent and believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ because we believe we are sinners needing to be saved. We believe we matter because God loves us, has shown us grace, has a purpose and design for our lives, and is at work in each of us Believers (Eph. 2:8-10). Without Him we are nothing, and we can do nothing! We embrace God’s value system knowing that it is extremely different from society’s (Matt. 5:1-20). We by faith embrace God’s prescriptions and solutions to life’s challenges believing He has real answers to our critical challenges. Besides all this, without the LORD and His Word life ceases to have any real transcendent meaning.

Beloved, we must literally trust the LORD to supply all our needs in His grace and in full accordance with His plan for us. Understanding Him leads to greater understanding about ourselves because He defines us. Use His Names and Titles when you talk to Him because they confess His glory and our needs most honestly. Again if you endeavor to know Him, you will love Him more. He is marvelous and He will set your soul afire with a growing passion for Himself. Why? Well, because He is the absolute best Person for you and me in the entire universe! Remember, when God saved us, He gave us Himself! Not just heaven, but His glorious Self! He has written a love letter, the Bible, to each of our hearts, and there He made bare His glorious Soul! He loves you and me. Think about it…He really loves you and me. That is supremely what Calvary says (Rom. 5:8). If we really get this, we will find ourselves behaving like David and habitually singing “love songs” to God. What about you? Is there a love song in your heart? Have you recently caught yourself singing to God, “I will love Thee, O LORD”?

God Knows What He Is Doing!

God Knows What He is Doing!

Feeling a bit overwhelmed? Why must 'everything' go haywire on the same day?! "My spouse, the kids, the car, the rent, my work, and now my health; certainly, things cannot get any worse than this!" Does this sound like anyone living at your address? Would not it be great to find a place in life where everything is easy from now on? I know the feeling, but there is no such reality on this side of eternity. No, the truth is we face one trial after another crashing on the shores of our lives like billows and waves ceaselessly coming...coming...and coming….Then there are those awful days when 'everything' goes wrong at once...missed deadlines, a flat tire, the kids have a virus, the computer crashed, and I can't take anymore.... Sometimes it feels like pure madness; it makes no sense at all. That is, until we use our faith to recognize what is actually happening, and what is truly at stake. The Lord weighs in on this very issue; consider these perspective-shaping admonitions from the Apostle Paul,

Now all these things happened unto them [Israel] for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. 12, Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. 13, There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. (1 Cor. 10:11-13)

A number of helpful insights should be noted from this text. The Lord desires that we learn from Israel's mistakes to avoid moral failures. He likewise cautions us by making us aware of our susceptibility to overconfidence because of past victories and/or certain advantages. He then offers us His revelation (the Bible) to help us accept the reality of trials and temptations; He desires to shape our concept of challenges—even the painful ones. Then He also makes provisions to help us resist temptations and endure trials most effectively. Our Heavenly Father faithfully prepares, postures, and powers us through ever escalating challenges. Our obligation is to adopt His guiding perspective on life's tests. This involves trusting Him to supply the grace, wisdom, strategies, and power to manage the trials and temptations life seems to indiscriminately throw at us.

In fact, God faithfully prepares us for the big challenges in life by providing us with opportunities to face the smaller challenges victoriously. This strategy reflects His grand intent to avoid over burdening us with more than we can handle (1 Cor. 10:13). At first young David's task was simple--guard the family's sheep. On occasion, his guarding the sheep escalated to protecting the sheep. First, he fought against a bear and then a lion to do so. Then as a young man he faced down a Goliath in the strength of the Lord. Ultimately we see him on the throne of Israel fighting the mighty battles of the Lord against the enemy nations. His life is marked by ever escalating crises, oppositions, and triumphs! God did not put him on the throne until after He had taken David through the caves! In due course his challenges increased in magnitude and intensity under God's watchful eye.

No doubt someone will object saying, “But, I don’t want any more big challenges!” If this is your response, then you are in good company because many of us are honest enough to admit the same. You see, we are also a bit intimidated by the idea of bigger and even bigger challenges to overcome. However, we must understand that God is not like the mother who over protects her children, or the father who attempts to make life’s challenges as easy as possible for his children. Such well-meaning parents actually cripple their children and limit their ability to discern and handle life as it is. A cursory reading of the Book of Proverbs with our children will expose them to all the hardness, and wretchedness this life is capable of belching out. The Word helps prepare us all for the ugly times.

No, God is more like the battle-hardened drill sergeant who knows exactly what it takes to face battles and wars effectively. So instead of mollycoddling the new military recruits, he drives, drills, and demands more and more and yet more of them pushing them to their utmost limits! When he perceives the new recruits are at their wits end, he kicks out the walls and pushes them yet further to stretch their endurance and concentration. His aim is to develop their discipline in extremely challenging situations. Why? Because that is the true nature of war! No, he is not crazy, and this is not an amusing game to him. His purpose is crucial and his approach is serious. He does know precisely what lies ahead and how much is at stake….

And so it is with our Heavenly Father, He knows where you are presently, what lies ahead, what is at stake, how much you and I can handle, and what He needs to take us through to prepare us for yet other significant battles. Anticipating bigger challenges is a little scary; we naturally recoil at the thought of greater pain, trouble, opposition, complexity, confusion, and heartache…. We deeply yearn for life to level off and just leave us alone while we enjoy some time free of any heavy worries, problems, or perplexities. We even question God’s love for us when He permits us to experience pains and sorrows in rapid succession. We feel abandoned and alone…It is vital that we remember that even the very difficult and painful crises are tests of our faith. The immediate challenges will lead to greater ones to be sure, but God is entrusting us with His work and He does not want us to fail. He wants to increase our faith so that bigger challenges seem surprisingly smaller when He has adequately prepared us to face them. Be assured God knows exactly what He is doing. I said, God know what He is doing! Therefore, Beloved, trust in Him. Your measure of peace in the midst of war will always be proportionate to your degree of trust in the Lord. Let Him stretch you to increase your readiness for the next battle.

Why Are Americans Accepting The LGBT Culture?

 The radical changes in sexuality and sensual expression brought on by the sexual revolution gave rise to lax social moorings, wild erotic experimentations, and barefaced homosexual and lesbian behaviors in America. Though such behaviors were initially met with resistance and general rejection in America, such is not the case today. In an article entitled, A Survey of LGBT Americans, the Pew Research Social & Demographics Trends survey reports,

An overwhelming share of America’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender adults (92%) say society has become more accepting of them in the past decade and an equal number expect it to grow even more accepting in the decade ahead. They attribute the changes to a variety of factors, from people knowing and interacting with someone who is LGBT, to advocacy on their behalf by high-profile public figures, to LGBT adults raising families (June 2013).

In this new millennium (the last decade) key figures are crusading for the acceptance of homosexual behaviors/orientation as perfectly normal and even desirable. Same sex marriage (civil unions), the redefining of marriage, and political correctness are related hot social and political points of concern. As a result, any voice of dissension or objection is labeled homophobic, intolerant, hateful and bigoted. Legitimate expressions of First Amendment rights are being suppressed, vilified, and outright refused. Some pastors are quite shy about making statements that sound “judgmental” or “condemning” in relation to these LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) behaviors. They do not want to appear to be picking on this particular sin. In this instance though, the objectors and dissenters seem to be the true voices of reason.

Even the President of the USA, Barack Obama, generously endorses LGBT special rights, culture, and practices. Note what the Pew Research survey says,

When asked in an open-ended question to name the national public figures most responsible for advancing LGBT rights, President Barack Obama, who announced last year that he had changed his mind and supports gay marriage, tops the list along with comedian and talk show host Ellen DeGeneres, who came out as a lesbian in 1997 and has been a leading advocate for the LGBT population ever since then. Some 23% of respondents named Obama and 18% named DeGeneres. (June 2013)

Homosexuals were among the Olympians who represented our country in the recent Winter Olympic in Sochi, Russia partly as a result of our president’s determination. Several celebrity television personalities openly flaunt their LGBT lifestyles, some

denominations are ordaining gay clergy members, and American society seems more receptive and respectful of the LGBT population.

No doubt, everyone recalls the recent firestorm in the media when Duck Dynasty’s Phil Robertson made anti-gay comments (based on the Bible) in a magazine interview. There was a time in our nation's recent history when his statements would not have even raised and eyebrow. Now days...his words are controversial and bigoted. To top it all off, the LGBT magazine The Advocate even considers Pope Francis as their 2013 Man of the Year. Presumably this is because of his rather compassionate comments related to civil unions. Of course the Catholic Church has endured multiplied scandals related to pedophilia and homosexual practices among their priests. Again the point I wish to emphasize is that everything is being done to create a gay positive atmosphere in America. I personally find this development alarming because Americans are being feed lies.

Endorsements through every modern media outlet coupled with supposed reliable scientific evidence is generating a broader appreciation for gay lifestyles. Be not deceived; this is a calculated and concerted efforts to pass off these strange and divergent behaviors as normal. The gay community can sense these changes in American society as well. Once again I quote from A Survey of LGBT Americans, the Pew Research Social & Demographics Trends survey reports,

For the most part LGBT adults are in broad agreement on which institutions they consider friendly to people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender. Seven-in-ten describe the entertainment industry as friendly, 63% say the same about the Obama administration, and 57% view the Democratic Party as friendly. By contrast, just 4% say the same about the Republican Party (compared with 76% who say it is unfriendly); 8% about the military (47% unfriendly) and 4% about professional sports leagues (59% unfriendly). LGBT adults have mixed views about the news media, with 27% saying it is friendly, 56% neutral and 16% unfriendly (June, 2013).

Furthermore, these trends, political correctness, and the new positive climate have prompted some Evangelical churches and Christians to rethink their traditional position on homosexual practices. This is tragic because there is zero compelling evidence suggesting that our traditional stand against LGBT practices is wrong or misguided. This is not the time for Bible-Believing Christians to fold under the pressure of a growing popular trend. No, this is the time to stand firmly for what honors God, what is truly right for our country, and what is best for people who indulge in LGBT practices.

Marriage: Is There Any Hope?

Is there any hope for the institution of “marriage”?  Some experts brazenly declare that marriage as we have known it is a relic of a former age. As divorce rates continue to climb, or at least stay at incredibly high levels, many Americans and other Westerners, in and out of the Christian Faith, are growing doubtful about marriage. This is true even for seemingly “perfectly matched” couples; marriage has become more of a risk, a conundrum, and curse instead of a blessing (H. N. Wright). Some feel the institution served its purpose for a season in human history, but finally it should be discarded like an old worn out pair of shoes.

Actually, the problem is not the institution of marriage, but our view of marriage and family that has greatly changed. As a society we have departed from God’s original plan and intent encompassed in Judeo-Christian values. Unfortunately, our generation is witnessing the death of marriage as a grave consequence. That is, at least matrimony from a biblical and traditional perspective. However, God’s enduring plan for marriage still shines like a beacon of hope to every couple and single alike. So, yes, I firmly believe real hope and real answers exist for marriages today. 

THE SITUATION

No, doubt someone may wonder at this point, why we should be concerned about changes in marriage and family? Well, the average person should be concerned about such developments because marriage and family do not exist in a vacuum. The home is interrelated with four other basic institutions of our society: religious, economic, governmental, and educational institutions. This is a consideration with wide-ranging and far-reaching implication. We need to be far more concern then we have been in recent history. No family or marriage exists on an island; each will impact the overall social welfare of our country either for good or bad. To say that changes in the family will dramatically affect the other basic institutions of our society is the understatement of the century!

You see, the Devil has used the media in the Western world to bludgeon the American home nearly beyond recognition. What impact has television viewing had on the American family?  Perhaps we all would agree that TV, at the very least, contributes to the violence in American culture (MacDonald & MacDonald), and the proliferation of godless philosophies. No, doubt the impact of television on the American family is a net negative. Since television programming is largely influenced by secular humanism, to watch it indiscriminately is taking a moral dive into socialism, filth, worldly values, smut, violence, rebellion, immoralities, violation of decency, innuendo, and godless depravity. Such humanists seem to be fixed on destroying our country’s moral fiber, Judeo-Christian values, and with it traditional families and marriage. They cleverly manipulate this tool of communication to control the way people think; over exposure to secular input is roundly “dangerous.” This is further amplified when we consider how little Christians actually read the Word of God. Unfortunately, many parents use the television as a babysitting strategy, but this mistake exposes the children and youths to outrageous violations related to sex, profanity, and violence.  This is one of the leading causes of aggressive behavior in preschool children according to the National Institute of Mental Health. In addition the violence viewed on television is being carried out in our homes, schools, and streets of our nation. Generally, young people are desensitized to violence; this is presently a cultural reality in America. Godliness and wholesome values are readily discarded and portrayed as foolish, outdated, and only for those cripple in their minds and souls. The same is true regarding the traditional home and heterosexual monogamous marriage. We would be hard-pressed to find comedy/sitcoms, prime-time television, or movies that portray these godly ideals.

Many of the problems couples and families face in marriage persist because of the influence of the media on our values, biblical ignorance, lack of diligence, or a failure to adhere to God’s basic spiritual principles for marriage. According to H. N. Wright, there are five major unhealthy changes taking place in the institution of marriage today:

·                    A decline in understanding between marriage partners

·                    Acceptance of the new morality, which is replacing Judeo-Christian values

·                    The spread of secular humanistic philosophy, which rivals Christian truth 

·                    The loss of determination to stay married

·                    The development of unrealistic marriage expectations

Beloved, these are the five nasty realities that are driving our culture and ripping families and marriages apart all across our country. We need the skills to recognize the pressures exerted on our family by these factors. We also need to know how to neutralize their influence in our marriages. May the Lord Jesus, the Word of God, and the Spirit of Grace be employed to this end to the saving of our homes and country.

THE SOLUTION

A good question to ask at this juncture is what is marriage? Marriage is an exclusive relationship in which a man and a woman commit themselves to each other in covenant for life (H. N. Wright), and on the basis of this solemn vow become “one flesh”—physically consummating the union (Gen. 2:24; Mal. 2:14; Matt. 19:4-6). Please forgive my intentional redundancy, but a Christian marriage involves two Believers (male and female) in Christ Jesus. It includes a covenant of commitment to each other before God, physical consummation of the union through sexual intercourse, and last, but not least, commitment to God’s plan for marriage. Marriage is a gift from God, and it was not just for convenience, nor was it brought about by any culture. It is wonderfully the Creators idea and He gave instructions to us, His creatures, for its maintenance and His glory.

Now, there are several spiritual requirements necessary for a successful Christian marriage. First of all, each member must be genuinely born again (John 3:5, 7). They both need to experience the new birth and know the forgiveness of sins. Secondly, both of them should be wholly consecrated to the Lord. That is correct; each individual must surrender their entire person to God sincerely seeking to do His will in the marriage relationship (Rom. 12:1, 2). It is a fact, that disparity in the degree of submission to God can and usually causes a measure of unhappiness and discontentment in the marriage. Both individuals must strive to maintain a personal walk with the Lord Jesus through daily prayer and Bible study (John 15). A Christ-centered and Spirit-filled married partner is an incredible daily gift to give to your spouse!

Perhaps someone will object suggesting that romantic love is the key to a happy and lasting marriage. Actually this is a secular idea that has invaded our Christian counseling, and theological perspectives. Shocked by that observation? Let us entertain for a moment this notion. Why is romantic love by itself a poor foundation on which to build a marriage? Well, romantic love by itself is inept, weak, fickle, and far too emotional to build a marriage and home upon! Love in the form of physical attraction is good, but it will not sustain a marriage. What about when physical attractions are diminished over time? What about when the emotional fervor has lost its intensity because of offense? What then? Emotions are too fragile for building anything on. Elements such as godly agape-love, caring giving, mutual ministry, and companionship must predominate if the relationship is to endure. In a successful marriage romantic love will remain strong, but will be superseded by other components as the marriage matures. A Christian marriage is a triangle and Jesus Christ is the First Person—the preeminent One—in the Christian marriage. It is obedience and fellowship with Him that lays a sound foundation for a godly home.

I personally believe our society and especially Christians must return to the Lord’s plan and design for the help of our marriages and the preservation of our culture (Gen. 2:18-25). Clearly God will be glorified as we walk in His wonderful design. His plan is over 6, 000 years old, but it still holds out the light of hope and fulfillment in this age darkened by family confusion and social corrosion. Yes, there is not only hope for the institution of marriage, but there is glorious hope for yours.

Without exaggeration, there is a hopeful relationship between biblical principles and the success of Christian marriages. Though our culture may reject and discredit the Bible basis for marriage and the principles the Scriptures afford for the welfare of the Christian home, they are never-the-less relevant and promising. When two Christian young people implement these principles in daily life, their marriage will prove a blessing to them and glorifying to God.  When God’s Word is diligently applied to life, it produces satisfaction and fulfillment in relationships the humanistic philosophies of the world cannot assail. 

The preservation of the institution of marriage can only be realized in our culture as we submit to God’s enduring plan (Gen. 2:18-25). It’s time for Christian marriages and families to demonstrate a way of living that is rewarding, meaningful, and fulfilling. God’s plan for couples should be brilliantly evident to the world as it observes Christian marriages and families.  As we realize God’s plan in our lives we supply hope to the many others who need direction, counsel, and hope (MacDonald & MacDonald). Choose Christ’s way and become a beacon of hope in a society where marriages are being dashed on the rocks of frustration, despair, confusion, and ignorance. If you do, God will use you to light the way to Himself, and you will serve as a palpable inspiration to others. Is there any hope for marriage? The answer is absolutely Yes!

Teach Your Children to Pray

Teach Your Children to Pray

Some of our fundamental responsibilities as parents are to teach our children about the Lord, how to be saved, how to read God’s Word faithfully, and how to pray as a part of nurturing a relationship with Him. It is a fantastic idea to make this a goal for our young people before they graduate from high school. While some parents completely abdicate themselves of any vital spiritual education obligations for their children, genuine Believers, who believe the Scriptures, understand the crucial nature of a child’s spiritual maturation (Deut. 6:1-9).We desire for the Bible and Christian prayer to be welcome in America's public schools, but let us make sure they are a prominent part of our American homes. Fewer lessons are more important than teaching our children and young people to pray and talk with God.

Note two imperatives the Psalmist of Israel empress us with. Psalm 27:14, says “Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.” A few psalms later in Psalm 37:34, he says, “Wait on the Lord, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.”

These verses emphasize dependence, expectation, and patiently waiting on the Lord for answers, direction, help, guidance, and strength. It is extremely important that we teach this to our young people.  These aspects of life are a vital part of their prayer life. If we are always praying about something and never really expecting God to answer then we are teaching our children a ritual and not real prayer (Matt. 6:5-15). We desire for them to know God intimately and connect with Him habitually through prayer. So what practical steps can we take to help our young people experience intimacy with the True and Living God?

Pray Together Often as a Family

This is important because it trains the children to depend on God and to receive direction from the Lord. They start out in life depending on their parents, but as they progress and learn family prayer they begin to learn to depend completely on the Lord for all things.  They move from dependence on parents and beyond dependence on friends to dependence on a loving Heavenly Father. The resources of parents will run out, the direction and insight of friends is often insignificant also. Experience informs us that friends are often as clueless as we are.  But God’s resources are without limits and His wisdom is always available and reliable.

This is extremely important to a young person who has intentions of doing all the will of God with their lives.  They need to know that God will speak to their hearts and give direction regarding His will. Therefore wait!  So, pray as a family about major and minor decisions—college, school work and goals, relocations, new church home, friends, romantic interests, relationships, and transitions like new jobs, or new schools, and new neighbors, sports ventures, and on the list goes.

One of the benefits is they will learn from your model as a parent, and you will also help them perceive what family life should be in their own homes when they are married adults. Our young people will also learn early in life that God does honor His promises when we stand on them in faith; that He gives direction, but it is not always easy to obey Him. They will begin to discern the way of obedience leads to blessing; to trust and obey God in all things.

Set the Example by Making Every Matter a Subject of Prayer

Prayer is to be a normal daily practice and God can be engaged multiple times and in many ways throughout the course of a given day. Let prayer be habitual and natural; weave it into the fabric of everyday life.

Many times in the morning I will have a season of prayer after my Bible study and reading. I usually do this sitting in my chair in our home study. When I feel impressed to do so, I will cast myself face down on the floor/couch of our guest bedroom to pray. When our daughter was very young, she would come in and find me praying. She would play with my prayer sheets to let me know she was there. On other occasions she would simply sit quietly beside me and then whisper, “Daddy, can I pray with you?” It was the cutest thing!  I would invite her to join me and we would have a time of prayer together. I would pray, and in turn she would pray as well. I think we prayed for Sunday School classmates to be saved, our pets to be happy, and even a few dolls and stuffed animals to be blessed!  

We must realize that one of the most important things that we could teach our young people is prayer. Teach them how by doing it, teach them what to pray for by doing it.  Don’t just hold a class, do it.  Don’t merely lecture about how to trust God for things, do it. Pray before the school day, family devotions, before trips, before bed, before meals, during special events like birthdays, holidays, church events and goals, before examinations and tests, during a crisis and any other time.

Pray With Individual Family Members

This is a genuine way of showing interest in them as a person. You genuinely demonstrate that you really care for them through private prayer with them. Pray about their individual problems and challenges. Become a discerning listener, this is especially needful with your teens and young adults. Pray about the decisions immediately before them as well as the big decisions of life like cars, jobs, careers, college, courting/dating, marriage, and God’s will. Pray with your children even after times of punishment and discipline. This is important, because it helps them recognize early on their accountability to God through their parents. Such prayers should also clearly communicate love for their child after they have been properly talked to and wisely disciplined.  

Draw Your Family’s Attention to Answered Prayer           

Teach that sometimes God answers Yes, No, and Wait (Stanley). But He always answers prayer. Teach them to look and expect God to answer. Make it a habit to announce or acknowledge when and how God answered a specific prayer request. Recount previous occasions when God came through for them individually or for the family. Have a time of thanksgiving after receiving an answer from the Lord. Such exercises are healthy and reinforcing.

While there are always parents who only pray at church on Sunday morning, let us be parents who pray daily and teach our children to do so as well. Yes, there will always be parents who explain away their spiritual obligations to God and their children by saying, “I don’t want to force religion on my children.” As painful as it is, some parents will continue to demand that the youth workers and children's ministries at church be highly effective in training their children. The problem is these same parents will do little or nothing to reinforce at home what the church is trying to instill in the young people. It is as if they have subcontracted the church's youth workers and ministers to do what they refuse to do. Many Christian parents are quite loud about the need for the Bible and prayer in our public school system, but they fail to open the Bible as a family and family prayer is often superseded by television and social media outlets! I personally think the Word and prayer should be cherished first and foremost in the home. If this develops then the rest will naturally follow.
As Bible-Believing Christians, let us lay a solid foundation in our children’s lives by impressing them to become people of communication with the Most High God. I have never met a parent who regrets teaching their children to walk with God and pray faithfully. Sadly, I have met too many parents who wish they were far more diligent about teaching their children faith in God and how to talk to Him. Let us take our fundamental responsibilities seriously and train our children in righteousness. Take the initiative and start today. Teach your children to pray.