And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:2)

There are two states that Paul wishes to impress upon the saints- one is likeness to the world, the other is likeness to God.  Paul admonishes a transformation from the first state to the second, and also tells us how to get there.

The first state is likeness to the world.  Paul’s command to the Roman’s:  “Do not be fashioned after the world”.  This would present a challenge to these saints, for it was believed the whole world revolved around Rome.  What does this mean to us?  It suggests that modern Christians must not imitate the world in actions or values.

The second state is likeness to God.  The goal is to live a life that reflects the “good’ (morally right), acceptable (well-pleasing to God), and perfect (needs no amendments) will of God.  This new state is an entirely new way of viewing things.  It will affect your whole life.  It will influence the decisions you make on the job, in your family, and in your recreation.  In this state your focus will no longer be on personal enjoyment, but on pleasing God.

The later state is obtained by being transformed.  This transformation takes place through a renewing of the mind.  It is unreasonable to think that a new Christian can throw off all of the bad habits in one effort like casting off a garment.  Old habits and values are not easily broken.  New ones will be obtained only by prayer, meditation of God’s word, coupled with practice and discipline.

Christianity is a gospel of renewal.  It involves crucifying the old man and yielding to the new.  What a gospel it is!  It invites one to adjure the old sinful self and seek after a new course – to become a new creation in Christ.  In this state there is so much promise both now and eternally.

By George Slover

"according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. (Philippians 1:20)

According to an AFP story, released April 16,2009, Britain’s most popular funeral song is Frank Sinatra’s “My Way”.  Other popular choices included Australian rocker,  AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell” or Queen’s “Another One Bites the Dust”.  A funeral company in London polled 30,000 respondents.  According to Lindsey Sheasby, whose company commissioned the survey, “pop songs now account for more than half of the music chosen for funerals”.

There is a sharp contrast between the obvious cynical, depressing view that many have about death and the wonderful attitude stated in the above passage.  This brave prisoner is speaking of the positive effects of his plight: the opportunities to share the gospel.  He sees the good in the apparent evil.

The secret of the apostle’s remarkable attitude is a spirit of complete consecration to Jesus.  His expectation is that with boldness Christ will be magnified.  Christ is the focus of all his hopes and dreams, therefore none of his thoughts are earthly or selfish.  Christ is the object of all his activities.  Instead of doing it “my way”, Paul was determined to do it Christ’s way!

Paul magnified Christ in the way he lived.  Paul said, For to me, to live is Christ.   (Philippians 1:21)  His Christ magnifying life was fully devoted to serving others.  (Philippians 1:22)  It was exemplified by bold living.  Having full confidence in the promises of God, he could speak boldly, thus drawing the hearts of men to Jesus.  A Christ magnifying life will stand up for Jesus seeking to establish his peaceful rule in the lives of others.

Paul also magnified Christ in the way he died.  Paul viewed death as gain.  This is not the assertion of a cynic who has outlived the enjoyment of life.  There is nothing in his words to cause us to conclude he has soured on life.  Paul’s destiny is to be with Christ which is far better!

We can share in Paul’s marvelous outlook by magnifying Jesus in our lives.  Paul shows us how to really live and how to peacefully die.  We must claim Christ’s rule of peace for ourselves.

By George Slover  

 

But this I confess to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect, so I worship the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the Law and in the Prophets. (Acts 24:14)

“The way” is an expression used six times in Acts. (Acts 9:2; 19:9,23; 22:4; 24:14,22)  True Christianity is not founded on the religious doctrines of men, but solely upon the truth that comes from God.  Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. (John 14:6) The only way to truly follow God is by following His way.

There are many ways men choose to worship, but “the way” is according to God’s word and not according to man.  Some erroneously called “the way” a sect, but this so-called sect followed all that was written in the Law and the prophets.  A sect is based upon the self-willed opinions of men, but those who serve God according to “the way” are devoted to the composite of all that God has stated in his will.  In this context Paul states that this so-called sect believed in all that the Law and prophets had stated about a resurrection from the dead. (vs.15)

Through the ages man has been tempted to “pick and choose” from God’s word as it pleases him.  There is a constant peril to bring central truths to the foreground and treat them as if they are the whole.  When someone else points to certain inadequacies of this religion they are labeled with the charge of heresy.  However, the real heresy is this group that is devoted to missed truths and half-truths.  Before long someone will give this religious group a label and others will gladly follow.

Gods’ truth never needs the bolstering of any human court or judge.  God asks man to embrace and follow his will.  His word can win its own way.  It can take of its own purity.  It can cast off all unworthy additions.  Truth wants the open air and sunshine.  We need an absolute and unquestioning confidence that God’s word is no danger.  God has clearly given us all that we need to know to truly follow him. (II Peter 1:3)  Our mission is to discover, follow, and contend for it.

By George Slover

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is there will your heart be also.”  (Matthew 6:19-21)

Jesus teaches us about the frailty of earthly treasures.  He reminds us of the value of treasures in heaven.  Unfortunately, through advertising, we are bombarded with the opposite message.  We are seduced into believing that true happiness is sparkling private pools, deserted tropical beaches, and suites in lavish hotels.  Children are duped into believing that they are the most deprived creatures on earth if they don’t own expensive designer clothing and the latest high-tech toy.   Consider four important lessons about money and your children. 

First, teach them that money doesn’t buy love or happiness.  Jesus teaches that happiness is found in character, not in things.  (Mt. 5:1-12)  We must teach our children that proof of affection is not in an overpriced gift, but in establishing rules for building character.  Help them to see how the advertisers lie.  Are those children in the ad really happy because they’re wearing clothes from Gap or because the rocket ship is really flying?  Help your children to not be fooled by such deception.

Second, set the right example.  Children need to see moms and dads making sacrifices for the Lord and his cause instead of Dads working long hours so he can own the weekend “get away” or the new sports car.  Teach them right choices in how and why you spend money.  Show them how to save and invest especially in eternal things.  (I Tm. 6:17) 

Third, teach them how to share.  Most of us had to be taught how to share.  We must first share with God, then with our neighbors.  “It is more blessed to give than to receive”.  (Acts 20:35)  If we will teach them how to be generous, we will be introducing them to one of life’s greatest pleasures.

Fourth, teach them of the value of eternal things.  That coveted car brings temporary enjoyment, but tomorrow it is old and no longer satisfies.  (Ecless 5:10)  The world’s possessions begin to rust, but God promises an inheritance that “fades not away”.  (I Pt. 1:4) 

Where is your treasure?   Is it on earth or in heaven?

By George Slover

I returned and saw under the sun that— The race is not to the swift, Nor the battle to the strong, Nor bread to the wise, Nor riches to men of understanding, Nor favor to men of skill;
But time and chance happen to them all.” (Ecclesiastes 9:11)

In the preceding verse (Ecclesiastes 3:10) the Preacher exhorts us to give all our power to the endeavors of life, because the time is coming when all such labors will come to an end. But in the verse above Solomon is preparing us for possible failure in these pursuits. What is then is the meaning of this verse?

Is the Preacher telling us that all of life is just a gamble? Is he saying that we are just left to blind fate without any activity of God? Did God just wind up the clock and leave us to our own fate without his intervention and care? The answer is no!

The marvelous work of God is all over this great book. In chapter 3, we learn that men live under the times and the seasons appointed by God (3:1–11). Please note the number of times “God“ is referenced: “the work of God”; “the gift of God”,and “God has put eternity in our heart“. From these verses, we learn that God, not fate, is in control. We depend on God, and we must submit to God.

Just what is meant by our verse? First, the Preacher reminds us that God has given us a work to do (3:12, 13), and the hands to accomplish that good (9:10).  He has given us companions (4:9–12; 9:9) with which to share that good. In chapter 3 and 9 we see that it is God’s desire for us to work diligently and to enjoy the fruit of our labor. But be careful. Don’t forget what is of greater importance.

In the midst of our earthly pursuits God allows for there to be a dose of reality. The reality of death is there (3:20; 9:3).  And God allows for days of prosperity and adversity (Ecclesiastes 7:13,14). There are times, when the “race is not to the swift“. This inequity may be due to the interference of evil men, or to the intervening work of God. It is during these times that painful, but necessary lessons are learned, and we are reminded to keep the “rat race” of life in perspective.  

It is tempting to neglect our eternal goals and commitment to God to pursue earthly goals. However, human ability alone cannot guarantee success. The interest that we have in this world can be removed in a heartbeat. But, through Jesus Christ we can have the assurance and guarantee of an eternal life in his presence. 

By George Slover