God's People: Servants for His Glory

Scripture Focus: I Peter 2:1-10

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Every Christian is to be a servant of God. When you experience the changed life, you are to put aside the old life and long for the Word of God in order to grow in respect to salvation.

• You are chosen by God.

To be chosen is to be selected for a special purpose. You are not an accident, God chose you for a purpose. God chooses us in Christ, not based on any merit on our part, but based on His good pleasure.

You are chosen as part of a Holy Priesthood.

- You have access to God.
- You may make appeals to God.
- You are to be abandoned to God.
- You have an anointing from God.
- You are accepted by God in Christ.

• You have an identity from God.

- Living stones.
- Acceptable to God.
- A people for His possession.
- God's people.

• You have a purpose from God.

- Created for service.
- Saved and called out for service.
- Gifted for service.
- Empowered for service.
- Rewarded for service.

Service is about people like you and me . . .

Coming into the Body of Christ.
Finding out what our gifts are.
Getting into God's work.
For the glory of God!

A Life Built on Wisdom

A house is built by wisdom, and it is established by understanding; by knowledge the rooms are filled with every precious and beautiful treasure. A wise warrior is better than a strong one, and a man of knowledge than one of strength; for you should wage war with sound guidance- victory comes with many counselors. Wisdom is inaccessible to a fool; he does not open his mouth at the gate. Proverbs 24:3-7

With Him are wisdom and might; To Him belong counsel and understanding. Job 12:13

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. Isaiah 40:28

Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! Romans 11:33

Behold, God is mighty but does not despise any; He is mighty in strength of understanding. Job 36:5

Great is our Lord, and abundant in strength; His understanding is infinite. Psalm 147:5

For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9

Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past, but now is manifested, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, has been made known to all the nations, leading to obedience of faith; to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be the glory forever. Amen Romans 16:25-27

Wisdom is knowledge applied. God is all knowing and He is all wise. Therefore He knows how to do all good things. When we surrender our lives to God, He blesses us with His wisdom. The Scripture says if we lack wisdom, we are to pray for it and God will bless.

- Wisdom leads to understanding. It is by the wisdom of God that we know about the grand themes of life and eternity. But we also gain understanding in daily decision making.

- Wisdom leads to purpose. Many things compete for our time and attention. It is easy to get distracted and waste our time and energy on things that do not matter. Wisdom leads us to make good choices about how to prioritize our time and live life on purpose.

-Wisdom protects from danger. The wisdom of the world encourages us to serve self. When we serve self, our decisions can lead to hurtful consequences and dangerous spiritual results. The wisdom of God protects us from danger and enables the application of truth which ends in good spiritual results.

- Wisdom brings glory to God. Knowledge and wisdom come from God. The surrendered life is a life of wisdom, reflecting the character of the one we serve.

Be Strong and Courageous

The book of Joshua is a story of a leader who prepared himself and was ready to serve God. He was righteous, courageous, victorious, and led a life of faith. In Joshua 1:2 God said to Joshua, "Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them." Joshua's name means "God is salvation". This is the same meaning of Jesus' name. In many ways, Joshua was a forerunner of the victorious Savior.

God told Joshua that He would give him the land in every place he set his foot as He had promised Moses. There is a message in that, because we can have all of the spiritual life in God that we desire. God expects us to experience and live the fullness of life in Him, for His glory.

The Promised Land Joshua was leading the people of Israel into is described as abundant and far reaching, a land of milk and honey. But the way to possessing the land would not be easy. It would require many battles. It is the same way with our spiritual journey. There are many battles along the way that take courage, and require faith in God and dependence on His power.

The key to victory for Joshua was in following the instruction of the Lord. "Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." Joshua 1:7-8

All along the way God told him to be strong and courageous. The message is the same to us- be strong and courageous. Our help comes from the Lord.

A Life That Bears Fruit for God

Scripture Focus- Romans 7:1-6

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In Romans 6 & 7 Paul uses three illustrations to drive home the spiritual point of the significance of our union with Christ. First is baptism. He speaks of our being baptized into Christ Jesus and sharing in His death and resurrection power. Second is slavery. He compares the old life of walking in darkness and sin and being a slave to sin, to the new life of walking in righteousness and being a slave to righteousness. Third is marriage. He demonstrates through this illustration how Christians have been freed from the law in order to be united to Jesus.

Having been freed from sin, we are now united with Christ as servants of righteousness, living life in the newness of the Spirit, bearing fruit for God.

How do we live life in the newness of the Spirit and bear fruit for God?

1) Be filled with the Spirit.

v6 Serve in the new way of the Spirit.

2) Abide in Christ.

v4 To Him who has been raised from the dead- the Messiah

3) Bear fruit for the glory of God.

v4 That we may bear fruit for God.

What about your life, are you filled with the Spirit, abiding in Christ, bearing fruit for the glory of God?

What the Lord Hates- Part 7 Trouble Makers

Proverbs 6:16-19 Six things the Lord hates; in fact, seven are detestable to Him: arrogant eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that plots wicked schemes, feet eager to run to evil, a lying witness who gives false testimony, and one who stirs up trouble among brothers.

Have you ever noticed how trouble seems to follow some people? Usually it is because they are the ones stirring up the trouble among brothers. God hates trouble makers. That is strong language but biblically accurate.

Unity among brothers is a gift from God and something to be cherished and guarded. When we work together, we are able to accomplish more and God is glorified. Behold how good a thing it is for brethren to dwell together in unity (Psa 133).

God loves unity, especially among His people. He hates those who openly disrupt fellowship and peace. He condemns hatred, malice, strife, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, gossip, deceit, factions, murder, and envy. He commands and encourages peace.

- Seek peace among the brothers.

- Pray for protection from the evil one who wants to stir up trouble.

- Be a peacemaker when trouble arises.

Father God, thank you for being our peace by the blood of Jesus. Help us to live as peacemakers in a world of strife and trouble and boldly proclaim our hope in You.

What the Lord Hates- Part 6 False Testimony

Proverbs 6:16-19 Six things the Lord hates; in fact, seven are detestable to Him: arrogant eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that plots wicked schemes, feet eager to run to evil, a lying witness who gives false testimony, and one who stirs up trouble among brothers.

A lying tongue in this passage refers more to lying for the purpose of one's own benefit. It is purposefully deceiving others to cover up wrong things that have been done, or to make things look better than they really are.

A lying witness who gives false testimony refers to lying and bearing false testimony about others. This is in direct violation of the commandment, "Do not bear false witness against your neighbor."

This tends to happen one of two ways. Some people intentionally lie and give false testimony about others either to tear the other person down or to build themselves up. This is blatantly sinful behavior.

Many others violate this commandment by spreading gossip. We hear things about others, and are eager to share it with someone. Gossip in and of itself is sinful, and then we often inadvertently bear false witness about another person saying they have done something when they really haven't.

A lie is a lie and God is not pleased with it.

Jesus prayed in John 17:17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. Study and meditate on the Word of God and let the Holy Spirit saturate your mind and heart with it. The Word of God is your best defense against lying and bearing false testimony.

What the Lord Hates- Part 5 Feet Running to Evil

Proverbs 6:16-19 Six things the Lord hates; in fact, seven are detestable to Him: arrogant eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that plots wicked schemes, feet eager to run to evil, a lying witness who gives false testimony, and one who stirs up trouble among brothers.

Feet eager to run to evil literally refers to "making haste to run." The idea being to make haste to begin to run toward evil, or to be in a hurry to find evil.

God's desire is that our feet be eager to run to righteousness. There is a direct connection between a heart that plots wicked schemes and feet eager to run to evil. If your heart is not right, then your heart will carry your feet in the wrong direction.

Sometimes people try to reform the direction of their feet figuratively speaking, when what they need to be concerned about is the condition of their heart.

Consider this as the biblical alternative-

Psalm 37:23-24 A man's steps are established by the Lord, and He takes pleasure in his way. Though he falls, he will not be overwhelmed, because the Lord holds his hand.

Lord, help us to stay close to you, and to walk the path of righteousness. Empower us by your Spirit to walk in the way so that You will take pleasure in our steps.

What the Lord Hates- Part 4 A Wicked Heart

Proverbs 6:16-19 Six things the Lord hates; in fact, seven are detestable to Him: arrogant eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that plots wicked schemes, feet eager to run to evil, a lying witness who gives false testimony, and one who stirs up trouble among brothers.

The Scripture teaches that the heart is the wellspring of the life. How is your heart?

Religion focuses on the outer man. The emphasis is on doing better, and acting better and presenting yourself more effectively so others will think well of you. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for this and called them whitewashed tombs.

A relationship with God focuses on the inner man. Man looks at the outer appearance, God looks at the heart. In fact, who you are in your heart, is who you really are. God knows your thoughts and motivations. He knows your desires. His Word says he hates a heart that plots wicked schemes.

Our attitude as children of God should be totally open and honest before the Lord. He already knows what is going on in our hearts anyway. It is foolish to think that we can conceal anything from Him.

Pray and ask God to purify your heart, and to empower your life with the resurrection power of Jesus so that your inner life and outer life are one in the same.

Mission is High Risk

My friend and co-laborer in Christ, Rev. Crosbert Smith, preached at Cross Lanes this morning. Crosbert is the Pastor of the Bamboo Circuit of Baptist Churches in northeast Jamaica. CLBC has been working on mission in that area of the world for the past 6 years.

Focal Passage- Matthew 10:1-16

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What is mission? Is it evangelism or love through social action? The Good News can include both social action and evangelism. Jesus went to ordinary people. The mission God has called us to is not easy, it is high risk. Sheep are natural prey of wolves, defenseless and docile.

4 things sheep need to consider:

1) Imitation

People who have the language of worship, but have no relationship with God. We must discern if it is the voice of God or the voice of the enemy.

2) Infiltration

Savage wolves will come in among the people, and will arise even from your own number. Beware.

3) Intimidation

Jesus said, be as wise as serpents and as harmless as doves. Expect conflict when doing the work. The church has often flourished under persecution. Be brave but be wise.

4) I AM

Jesus does the sending out. He is the fountain of the Gospel.

He is the same one who spoke the world into existence.

He is the same one who was in the fiery furnace with the Hebrew boys.

He is the same one who was in the lions' den with Daniel.

He is the same one who walked on water.

Mission is high risk but it is worth the sacrifice. God is not sending you out to be destroyed.

Do not be afraid, Jesus is behind you!

What the Lord Hates- Part 3 Hands That Shed Innocent Blood

Proverbs 6:16-19 Six things the Lord hates; in fact, seven are detestable to Him: arrogant eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that plots wicked schemes, feet eager to run to evil, a lying witness who gives false testimony, and one who stirs up trouble among brothers.

God cares about life. He is the Creator of life. Death did not enter the world until sin entered the world. Human beings are created in the image of God. Each human being, from the moment of conception has tremendous value in the sight of God.

Proverbs 6 clearly applies to the taking of innocent blood under any circumstances.

It particularly applies to our culture which cares so little about those at the beginning of life and those at the end of life. Since Roe vs. Wade, there have been more than 51,000,000 abortions, innocent blood. This is an atrocity of enormous proportions. God help us and heal our land.

For those of us who care about life, we cannot remain silent. We must be a voice for the voiceless. We must hate what God hates and love what God loves.

Pray for life, be an advocate for life!

What the Lord Hates- Part 2 Lying

Proverbs 6:16-19 Six things the LORD hates; in fact, seven are detestable to Him: arrogant eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that plots wicked schemes, feet eager to run to evil, a lying witness who gives false testimony, and one who stirs up trouble among brothers.

Lying is a serious problem in our society. Promises are commonly broken, contracts are scoffed at, dishonesty is rampant. One recent survey showed that 90% of Americans admit to not being truthful on certain occasions.

Anything that is not the truth, is a lie according to God's Word. The Bible is the guide for how we determine what is true and what is not. One of the Ten Commandments states, "Do not bear false witness against your neighbor." Exodus 20:16

The Bible indicates that lying began with the devil and he is the father of all liars (John 8:43-47).

The dictionary definition of lying indicates it is the following:

- Making a statement you know is false, with the intent to deceive.
- Giving a false impression with the intent to deceive.
- Making a false statement to avoid the truth.

Before we too quickly point at others, we need to examine our own lives and live by some basic, but strong biblical principles regarding the truth.

1) Know the truth- Saturate your life with God's Word so that God's Word flows freely through your life.

2) Love the truth- Jesus is the embodiment of truth. Love Him and follow Him. God is truth and He cannot lie.

3) Choose your words carefully- Do not make commitments you are not certain you can keep. Say only things you mean. If you cannot speak the truth, then say nothing at all. It takes a lifetime to build a reputation of honesty. It only takes a few untruths to destroy it. May our words be a reflection of the character of Christ in us.

What the Lord Hates- Part 1 Pride

Proverbs 6:16-19 Six things the LORD hates; in fact, seven are detestable to Him: arrogant eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that plots wicked schemes, feet eager to run to evil, a lying witness who gives false testimony, and one who stirs up trouble among brothers.

There are some things that the Lord hates. First of all, He hates arrogant eyes. This is also translated as haughty eyes (NASB). The Hebrew "refers to a proud look suggesting arrogant ambition" (Expositor's Bible Commentary, vol. 5, p. 935). It is understood to be pride in oneself and contempt for others.

Proverbs 3:34 He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble. Proverbs 16:19 Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud. Proverbs 22:4 Humility and the fear of the Lord bring wealth and honor and life.

James 4:6 God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.

Pride is the most serious of sins in all the Bible. Pride caused Adam and Eve to disobey God. Pride caused sin to enter this world, and all mankind to become children of wrath. Pride caused Lucifer to be cast out of heaven because he tried to exalt himself above the throne of the Most High God. Pride made Herod believe his own press release that he had "not the voice of a man, but the voice of a god." He was eaten by worms and died for failing to give God glory. Pride will cause us to forget God and dishonor His Word. Pride will find pleasure in harming others. Pride will destroy relationships. Pride lifts up self-importance and rejoices in the downfall of others. Pride's first response is not to serve, but to be served. Pride cherishes unforgiveness and enjoys revenge.

Humility on the other hand is lowering yourself in the sight of God and exalting Him in all that you do. The Lord alone is worthy of praise and adoration. God gives grace to those who are humble.

The meek man will attain a place of soul rest. As he walks on in meekness he will be happy to let God defend him. The old struggle to defend himself is over. He has found the peace which meekness brings. A.W. TOZER

Be not proud of race, face, place, or grace. Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Oh what a constant companion, what a tyrannical commander, what a sly and subtle insinuating enemy, is this sin of pride! It goes with men to the draper, to the mercer, the tailor; it chooseth them their cloth, their trimming, and their fashion. Richard Baxter

God sends no one away empty except those who are full of themselves. DL Moody

Many ask good questions with a design rather to justify themselves than inform themselves, rather proudly to show what is good in them than humbly to see what is bad in them. Matthew Henry

He must increase, I must decrease. John the Baptist

Lord, grant us grace as we humble ourselves before you. Help us to have the right perspective of ourselves so we make more of you and less of ourselves!

Life in the Spirit

Galatians 5:19-23 Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar, about which I tell you in advance—as I told you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.

I delivered a message to our church family at our midweek service last week from this passage. I don't know how often it happens to other preachers, but it seems like after I preach messages, many times I am tested and have the opportunity to put the principles into practice very soon.

So, the theme to the message was life in the Spirit. When we come to faith in Jesus, the Holy Spirit indwells and seals us for the day of redemption. As we live the Spirit-filled life, the fruit of the Spirit is operative in our lives. The Apostle Paul gives nine aspects of the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control.

Just a couple of days after I delivered the message, I was tested, significantly. I had an encounter with an individual who said some very unkind, and untrue things to me and about me. I will be honest before God with you at what my reaction would have been at other times in my life. In the past, I would likely have explained it to this person in a very clear and understandable, and not very nice way. "Fight fire with fire" used to be my motto.

Instead of that happening, a very strong sense of peace came over me immediately in the situation. At that moment, I was not even inclined to retaliate. I didn't even argue. I stated my point and let it go at that. I heard no audible voice from the Holy Spirit, but it was as though the Holy Spirit of God impressed on me, this is what my Word is teaching, this is the fruit of the Spirit operative in your life.

I don't share this to build myself up. I share this to tell you that life in the Spirit is what God expects for you. It is possible. Live it!

A Labor Day Meditation

I Thessalonians 4:9-11 About brotherly love: you don't need me to write you because you yourselves are taught by God to love one another. In fact, you are doing this toward the brothers in the entire region of Macedonia. But we encourage you, brothers, to do so even more, to seek to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, so that you may walk properly in the presence of outsiders and not be dependent on anyone.

The world would be a better place if everyone took this admonition seriously. The Word of God is sometimes difficult for us to follow because of our selfish, sinful natures, but the commandments of God are not complicated. Notice what the Apostle Paul is communicating in this passage-

- We are to love one another.

We are to love one another with agape love, the love of God Himself. We love because He first loved us.

- We are to seek to lead a quiet life.

In a noisy, busy world, this can be difficult and we have to do this on purpose. We have to learn to say yes to the right things and no to the wrong things that can clutter our lives. Unless you are seeking to lead a quiet life, you will not be able to be still and hear the voice of God through the Holy Spirit and the Word of God.

- We are to mind our own business.

If you spend your time minding your business, you won't have time to try and get into other people's business. You have enough trouble of your own.

- We are to work with our hands.

God created us to be productive. The strengths, abilities, and gifts God entrusts to us are so we can be productive with a kingdom mindset. When you work with your hands, and stay occupied, it is a lot easier to mind your own business.

-We are to walk properly in the presence of outsiders.

This relates to your testimony. How you live is a reflection of who you are. God expects our testimony to outsiders to be the aroma of Christ.

Happy Labor Day!

Freed By Grace to Live for God

Focal Passage- Romans 6:15-23

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• Grace frees from sin.

• Grace leads to obedience.

• Grace results in eternal life.

Death vs. Life

Sin vs. Righteousness

Wages vs. A Gift

Which path will you walk?

The Dispossessed, Oppressed, Needy

I want to share a passage of Scripture with you that I read again this week and I have been meditating on all week.

Proverbs 31:8-9 Speak up for those who have no voice, for the justice of all who are dispossessed. Speak up, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the oppressed and needy.

We have a God given responsibility as children of God to speak up for those who have no voice. There are many people on the "margins" of life- the young, the old, the poor, the orphans, the widows. There are varied reasons why people have no voice. Those of us who have a voice, must speak.

All people have value because life is a gift from God, and human beings are created in His image. Sometimes it seems overwhelming when we consider the vast numbers of the dispossessed, the oppressed, and the needy. It is tempting to withdraw completely with an attitude of "I can't make a difference anyway, the problems are too overwhelming."

Yet everyone can do something. For example, all of us who love God and love life can advocate for life. We can support and vote for people who value life. We can speak out against those who do not.

You will not be held accountable by God for everything that needed to be done. You will be held accountable by God for what you are able to do, and how He has called you to make a difference.

The greatest need that all people have is the Gospel. There is a poverty of the soul that only Jesus Christ can remedy. As we speak for the dispossessed, the oppressed, the needy, it must be Gospel centered.

The Church at Martinsburg- proclaim.reach.connect.go

The Church at Martinsburg is a new church plant in the Eastern Panhandle region of West Virginia. Jacob Atchley is the Pastor. God is moving significantly in this fellowship. They began meeting informally in late spring this year, and they had 63 in attendance this past Sunday evening.

Even more exciting than that, the first new believer was baptized into the fellowship, publicly professing his faith in Jesus Christ. He is the first of many to come.

Watch the Baptism

Cross Lanes Baptist Church is the church sponsor for this new work. We are partnering with the West Virginia Convention of Southern Baptists and the North American Mission Board. If you are looking for a God honoring church that is passionate about the Great Commandment and the Great Commission to partner with, check out The Church at Martinsburg.