Do Skinny Jeans Make You A False Teacher?

 

I just heard of a pastor saying that those preachers that wear skinny jeans are false teachers. But, Jesus said: “Stop judging(1) by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.” (John 7:24 NIV) Jesus was challenging the religious leader of his day and I think his words could be equally applied to us in our day. Jesus said: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness.” – (Matthew 23:27 ESV)

So, a conservative haircut or a nice suit and tie doesn’t mean all is well with your teaching. The content of your message is the determining factor if you are a false teacher or not. Not your choice of clothing or style of worship.

The New Testament doesn’t deal with worship styles. Culture changes and worship styles change, but the Gospel of the Kingdom never does. The truth is eternal. The great protestant reformer Martin Luther wrote hymns accompanied by music played in taverns! At one time the pipe organ was considered evil! And what about the hippies of the “Jesus movement” and their unconventional style? 

 Let’s consider the content of the message before we crucify the messenger.

And why don’t we consider becoming all things to all people that some might be saved, without compromising the truth? 

” To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.” – (1 Corinthians 9:22-23 ESV)

(1), κρίνω (krinō) ‘to judge’ (G2919)

“to decide, consider, as preferring one thing over another or determining the correctness of a matter; by extension: to judge, pass judgment on, condemn in a legal sense”

“pluperfect, κεκρίκει (3 singular), primarily to separate; to make a distinction between; to exercise judgment upon; to estimate, Rom. 14:5; to judge, to assume censorial power over, to call to account, Mt. 7:1; Lk. 6:37; Rom. 2:1, 3; 14:3, 4, 10, 13; Col. 2:16; Jas. 4:11, 12; to bring under question, Rom. 14:22; to judge judicially, to try as a judge, Jn. 18:31; to bring to trial, Acts 13:27; to sentence, Lk. 19:22; Jn. 7:51; to resolve on, decree, Acts 16:4; Rev. 16:5; absolute to decide, determine, resolve, Acts 3:13; 15:19; 27:1; to deem, Acts 13:46; to form a judgment, pass judgment, Jn. 8:15; passive to be brought to trial, Acts 25:10, 20; Rom. 3:4; to be brought to account, to incur arraignment, be arraigned, 1Cor. 10:29; middle to go to law, litigate, Mt. 5:40; in NT to judge, to visit judicially, Acts 7:7; 1Cor. 11:31, 32; 1Pet. 4:6; to judge, to right, to vindicate, Heb. 10:30; to administer government over, to govern, Mt. 19:28; Lk. 22:30 ”  (Step Bible)

Ask For The Nations

 

The Word:

“Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession.” – Psalm 2:8 ESV 

Read and meditate on Psalms 1 and 2.

A Reflection:

As intercessors, we need to grasp the implications of Psalms 1 and 2. In Psalm 1, we see how meditation on the Word shapes our lives. Psalm 2 invites us to partner with Jesus in prayer for the nations. We pray for those on the mission field. It takes both prayer and witness to carry out the great commission. Scripture teaches that all believers are to support and participate in spreading the gospel to all nations (Mathew 28:18-20.)

Prayer is the key to the success of the mission.

Prayer warriors need to be praying bold and audacious prayers for a worldwide move of God.

In partnership with Jesus, we have the privilege of asking the Father for the Nations. Our influence on world leaders and their rebellion against God is not political but spiritual – prayer is the key.

Below is a lengthy quote from Stuart McAlpine’s book, “Just Asking.”

“Here is the great asking of the Son by the Father, asking Him to “ask of me!” Having established in Psalm 1 the necessity for life according to the Word, we are here presented with asking as God’s essential and non-negotiable means for engagement with His purposes in the nations.

The personal meditation in the Word that is encouraged in Psalm 1 is followed by an invitation to public mission in Psalm 2 by way of asking. In other words, God’s Word in us is for God’s world.

The most common reason that so many believers are not acting like believers is because they are not asking ones. Right at the beginning of the introduction to the Psalter is this massive invitation to ask for huge things, for transformations that defy the imagination and challenge faith.

Herewith is the agenda of faith: the call is to speak out in prayer what needs to be spoken, God’s Word, and what cannot be silenced by the world’s mocking, raging and raucous unbelief. What is the strategy to take the nations? Asking is the strategy that overcomes. We inquire, then find that we acquire nations as our inheritance. Who would ever have thought! And whoever would have thought that the meek (humble askers) would inherit the earth?

Here is an invitation to bold asking in a world that threatens us and would think it has the right to push us around and mock the choices of the congregation of the righteous. The tumult of the nations in the first stanza looks unchangeable, unstoppable, invincible. What is the use of hoping, of opposing, of praying about it? It is too much, and it is too late, so too bad. But suddenly the asking Son is installed, and He is invoking the Father. He still is, as He ever lives to make intercession for us. Now He invites us, His anointed ones, to join His asking of the Father.”

Watch And Pray:

Father, we thank You that we can approach Your throne of grace anytime we wish. Jesus told us to ask ( Matthew 7:7-8.) So we ask for a heart for every ethnic group on earth. Raise – up more intercessors to pray in the harvest. Fill those on the field with your Spirit, so they can boldly proclaim the gospel. And help us all to be a part of making disciples of all nations. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Guard Your Thoughts

 The Word:

“For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds”. 2 Corinthians 10:4 ESV

A Reflexion:

” I can’t help you, I can’t even help myself.” These were the thoughts of a friend of mine trying to give counsel to a young person. I believe in cultural strongholds. The influence of paganism is evident in the western world. Cultural Marxism has gained a foothold in America’s educational system – which influences every sphere of society. The Believer’s mission is to share the countercultural message of the Kingdom of God to the world. We can’t change our culture unless we allow God to change us. Learning how to watch over our souls in prayer is significant for our influence to be effective. Hopefully, this quote by Dean Sherman will be helpful:

” I have heard people use the term strongholds to refer to humanism, Islam, communism, and other religions and institutions. However, in II Corinthians, strongholds does not refer to massive, complex systems, human or demonic. Here it refers to the strongholds of the mind. These strongholds are castles in the air built up in our minds through wrong thinking—through unbelieving, depressed, fearful, and negative thinking. . . . Every military post has guards. They stand quietly at their posts until they hear a rustling in the bushes. Then they immediately ask: “Who goes there?” and are prepared to evict any intruder. We too need to post a guard at the gate of our minds to check the credentials of every thought and every imagination, ready to cast down that which is not true, not righteous, or not of God. If it doesn’t belong, out it goes. This is spiritual warfare: being alert to every thought. The Bible says, “As he thinks within himself, so he is” (Proverbs 23:7). One of the devil’s greatest schemes is to nullify the effectiveness of Christians who are genuinely saved. Even if they go to heaven when they die, Satan will be happy to blunt their lives while on earth. He disables them, stealing their days, months, and years by influencing them to think wrongly. Unfortunately, Satan has successfully neutralized thousands of potential victors this way.” (1)

Watch And Pray:

Father, we thank you for the spiritual weapons you have given us. Help us to meditate upon Your Word daily. Help us start each day in prayer and to post a guard at the gate of our minds. Your Word says that the way we think dictates our behavior. Lead us in victory over our minds so that we can be effective agents for your Kingdom. In Jesus’ name, amen.

(1) Dean Sherman, Spiritual Warfare for Every Christian: How to Live in Victory and Retake the Land (Seattle: YWAM Publishing, 1989), 52–53.

Watch You Doctrine

 

The Word:

“Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.” – 1 Timothy 4:16 NKJV

A Reflexion:

Ignorant and proud of it, right? My college English teacher would say that at the beginning of our class. I found that to be humorous every time he said it. But, ignorance of biblical doctrine (teaching) is not a laughing matter. Let me explain, many intelligent people have neglected to study the Bible in context. Some of the best workers for the kingdom are in this category. I’m not casting stones because I am a work in progress myself.

I have heard well-meaning Christians talk negatively about doctrine. They say that doctrine is not relevant to them – which is a doctrine itself!

You can love God, be an authentic believer, and quote a Scripture that is not the author’s intended meaning. (The only One who understands the Bible perfectly, is the Holy Spirit who inspired it.)

Questions:

We all have favorite verses, but do we understand them in light of the whole chapter? What do the previous verses mean leading up to the passage you are teaching? And what about the historical context and how to apply it today? These questions need answers.

Truth matters. Our teaching must be biblically sound to benefit those who listen to us.

God gave teachers to the Church for a reason. The Apostle Paul warned Timothy to pay close attention to his life and message. Paul warned Timothy about the danger of not persevering in the truth for his own sake and those he influenced. That truth applies today. Bad teaching will distort our understanding of God and hurt those he has given us the responsibility to teach.

A good watchman studies Scripture in context.

A spiritual person embraces both sound doctrine and the presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives.

Scriptures For Meditation:

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” – 2 Timothy 2:15 ESV

“God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” – John 4:24 ESV

“Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.” – 1 Corinthians 14:1 ESV

Watch And Pray:

Father, we live in a world of deception. Deliver Your Church from anti-intellectualism and the fear of your supernatural power. Lord, you meant for our study of theology to turn into doxology (worship.) Your Word commands us to pursue supernatural gifts of the Spirit. Teach us reverence for Your Word and Your Spirit. Keep us from deception and help us worship You in Spirit and Truth. In Jesus’ name, amen.

The Kingdom In The Midst Of Our Enemies

 The Word:

“… In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33 ESV

“Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” – 1 John 4:4 ESV

We live in a time of unprecedented danger from biological and nuclear weapons. Recently the world witnessed a Russian attack on a nuclear power plant in Ukraine.

“For the first time in history, a nation at war attacked a nuclear power plant Friday with potentially catastrophic effect. Russia launched a missile barrage in the middle of the night, setting off explosions and fires, and raining down bullets so Ukrainian firefighters couldn’t battle the fire. They did eventually get it under control and the most vulnerable targets survived, but nuclear control experts were flabbergasted and furious; a meltdown could have killed tens of thousands. Director Rafael Grossi of the International Atomic Energy Agency called on European nations to create a no-fly zone for the Ukrainian reactors, and Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said, “It is a question of the security of the whole world!” (Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant via AP)

Now we hear of possible dangerous biological agents stored in research labs in Ukraine. We hear different views (and conspiracy theories) of why Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine. Intercessors have a responsibility to pray for fellow believers in Russia and Ukraine. We cannot trust the news media – we need discernment. We live in a world influenced by the Father of lies. We all live in enemy territory whether we are in a hot war zone or not. In reality, our enemies are spiritual. God has given us prayer and the proclamation of the gospel as weapons against evil ideologies.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer died a martyr at the hands of Adolf Hitler during the closing days of World War 2. He was an example of a man who stayed faithful to Jesus to the end. God is calling each of us to embrace the Kingdom of God over nationalism or globalism. Patriotism can be a good thing, but our ultimate allegiance must be to King, Jesus.

“Jesus Christ lived in the midst of his enemies. At the end all his disciples deserted him. On the Cross he was utterly alone, surrounded by evildoers and mockers. For this cause he had come, to bring peace to the enemies of God. So the Christian, too, belongs not in the seclusion of a cloistered life but in the thick of foes. There is his commission, his work. ‘The kingdom is to be in the midst of your enemies. And he who will not suffer this does not want to be of the Kingdom of Christ; he wants to be among friends, to sit among roses and lilies, not with the bad people but the devout people. O you blasphemers and betrayers of Christ! If Christ had done what you are doing who would ever have been spared.’ (Luther) (1)

Watch And Pray:

Father, Jesus said that in this world, we have tribulation. While fear is gripping people, you have called your children to be peacemakers in our spheres of influence. Help us discern the times in which we live. Help Your children to overcome this present evil age. And to be a people of prayer and to become watchman on the walls. Guide our prayers by The Holy Spirit. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

(1) Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Christian Community

Why Do The Nations Rage? A Reflection On Psalm Two

 “Why do the nations rage

and the peoples plot in vain?
The kings of the earth set themselves,
and the rulers take counsel together,
against the Lord and against his Anointed, saying,
“Let us burst their bonds apart
and cast away their cords from us.”
He who sits in the heavens laughs;
the Lord holds them in derision.
Then he will speak to them in his wrath,
and terrify them in his fury, saying,
“As for me, I have set my King
on Zion, my holy hill.”
I will tell of the decree:
The Lord said to me, “You are my Son;
today I have begotten you.
Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage,
and the ends of the earth your possession.
You shall break them with a rod of iron
and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.”
Now therefore, O kings, be wise;
be warned, O rulers of the earth.
Serve the Lord with fear,
and rejoice with trembling.
Kiss the Son,
lest he be angry, and you perish in the way,
for his wrath is quickly kindled.
Blessed are all who take refuge in him.” – (Psalm 2 ESV)

The nations are in turmoil and they always have been. Carl Marx was just one of many evil men throughout history who sought the destruction of God’s people. Atheistic communism was a demonically inspired plan to erase freedom to worship God from the earth. And to enslave the masses under totalitarian rule. Excessive materialism is another tactic of evil principalities and powers to lead God’s people into apostasy. The fruit of apostasy (falling away) is a rebellious self-sufficient lack of dependence on God.

The question: “Why do the nations rage?” Because ever since the garden of Eden, man has believed the serpents lie that we can be like God(Gen. 3:5.)

The rejection of God’s rule is senseless.

Satan is behind the insanity of leaders who seek to hinder the work of God on the earth. The devil knows that his time is short (Rev. 12:12), so he and his principalities and powers work through political leaders to create wars. Religious leaders along with Herod and Pilate united together to kill Jesus. And ever since, leaders of nations have been the puppets of invisible evil overlords – seeking to root out Christianity from the earth.

Psalm two shows us a picture of the future. Jesus has risen from the dead and laughs in disgust at their attempts to overthrow his kingdom.

Jesus will confound the rulers of this age. He will triumph over the arrogance of those who mount a rebellion against his rule. Leaders of this world who hate Christ are blind men leading blind followers.

“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” – (1 Timothy 2:1-2 ESV)

Watch and Pray:

Father, deliver your people from leaders who foolishly devise plots against Jesus Christ and his people. I ask for the salvation of world leaders. May they experience your mercy and seek your wisdom. Some have collaborated throughout history to free themselves from Your righteous rule. But, their plans are futile. Father, you have installed King Jesus as head of your Church. You have given him the nations and will bring the power of earthly rulers to an end. Let Your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Deliver us from evil. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Pray For The Children: The Identity Crisis

We live in a time where it’s dangerous to be a child. It always has been throughout history because of war and starvation worldwide. But, with the advent of the internet and radical social change, it is much worse now.

Our children are under spiritual attack.

While some children live in active war zones, others are experiencing an assault on their minds. The latter have not experienced the terror of bombs dropping on their homes. Sadly their thinking is being assaulted by their culture.

America and the western world are facing an identity crisis. This should not be happening with Christian kids, but it is.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” – (2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV)

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” – (Ephesians 2:10 ESV)

As parents and grandparents, we must be watchmen on the walls for our children. Our job is to pray for and teach them the Christian faith. If our children know who they are in Christ, they can resist cultural pressure. But, that information alone is not enough. Young people must also experience the love of Christ for themselves. This is where prayer and action are most valuable.

It takes the power of the Holy Spirit to transform the human heart. And our children need to see the love and good works demonstrated by parents and grandparents. Many of us have failed in the past. But most of us still have an opportunity to contribute as spiritual mentors. The next generation needs our prayers and support.

God ordained the family before he formed the Church. So, Satan has been at war with families since the time of Adam and Eve. Strong and healthy families are the backbone of the Church and society.

Watch and Pray: Father, move upon parents’ and grandparents’ hearts to teach the younger generation how God sees them. As believers, our identity is in Christ. God is not the author of gender confusion. (1) You made us all male and female. Lord Jesus, help us to destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God. And to take every thought captive to obey Christ. (2) In the powerful name of Jesus, Amen.

(1) 1 Corinthians 14:33
(2) 2Corinthians 10:5