REDISCOVERING THE RELEVANT CHURCH

I am re-reading a book that, in my opinion, needs to be read by every church member, especially every pastor and church staff member.  The name of the book is Disciples are Made?Not Born by Walter Henrichsen.  Brother Henrichsen was a long time leader of the Navigators a ministry begun in Southern California in the late forties by a man named Dawson Trotman.  The growth of this ministry is legendary, but most people in Christian circles will recognize NavPress the present day publishing arm of the Navigators.

In any event, the forward to this book is written by none other than Howard Hendricks, well known Professor of Christian Education at Dallas Theological Seminary.  In the forward to Henrichsen's book, Hendricks makes the following statement:

"Make disciples" is the mandate of the Master (Matt. 28:19-20).  We may ignore it, but we cannot evade it.

Our risen Christ left this legacy?the magna charta of the church.  He provided both the model and the method.  His life and death?recast the lives of men.  He demonstrated that you have not done anything until you have changed the lives of men.

"Follow Me," He urged His men.  And then that staggering assurance: "Lo, I am with you always."  Somehow we have forgotten that this promise is not a carte blanche; His promise is linked with a process.

Much of the feverish and frustrating activity of the contemporary church is devoid of relevance and fulfillment.  Entertainment, not education, is our program.  Laymen are disenchanted.   They are looking for an involvement with eternal bite.  C.S. Lewis said it: "All that is not eternal is eternally out of date."

Disciples are Made?Not Born is not a collection of dry, doctrinal dust, but eminently practical and provocative cud to chew on.  The writer constantly hits the nail on the head.

At first reading, this sounds like the description of other popular books written to our generation such as Simple Church, and  The Purpose Driven Church and others like these.  On the contrary, this book was copyrighted in 1974.  Some of the present day popular authors were not even born when these words were penned.  If you want to know the roots of why the present church declares itself to be in a spiritual and numerical decline, I believe this book and a few others like it are insightful.  Similarly, I believe this book helps us rediscover the biblical mandate of the church which seems to be lost amid the present day flurry of constant church activity, worship wars and increasing conflicts about how to do church rather than the more important issue of why we do church.  Rediscovery of the church's purpose and the renewal of God's people to the pursuit of that purpose is, in my humble opinion, the vital necessity of our day.  The reading of this book could hold a key to this rediscovery.

I have two challenges and thoughts to share in light of this:

1.        I encourage all of you who see the need to rediscover the purpose of the church to find and read this book.  You may have to hunt for it.  Let me suggest that you not try your local Christian Bookstore, instead, try Amazon.com or perhaps Christian Book Distributors.

2.       Let me encourage you, upon reading it, to share with me your thoughts on why the church exists.  I want your response to this question: "Since Jesus declared that our purpose was and is to ?make disciples' are we really justifying our existence as the Church if we are not 1) certain as to what a disciple is and 2) intentionally seeking to accomplish that goal in believer's lives?"

If Hendricks is right and we have done nothing until we have changed the lives of men, I wonder how much the church is really doing today.  What is our priority?  Is our priority changing lives or preserving the church from any change at all?  Is our priority being used of God to promote conversion and discipleship or conformity to a denomination?  Is it entertainment or education, doing church things or discipling the flock, mere growth in number or more growth in spiritual maturity that ought to be our priority?  I suggest that it's time for us to shelve the discussions on preferences in styles of music and get back to discussing THE priority of how best to serve our Master.

Does your congregation spend as much time, energy and resources on evangelism AND discipleship as it is does in electronic equipment for worship or entertainment for Senior Citizens or activities for Youth?  What is the present-day priority of the church?

Now, let me set the record straight.  I am strongly supportive of getting all the electronic equipment we need for true excellence in worship.  I don't decry one dime spent on true ministry to Sr. Citizens, and I am very supportive of an active Youth ministry.  But if we have all those things in abundance and yet miss attaining the purpose we as the Church have been called to accomplish, we are pursuing the wrong priorities and negating our justification for existence.  Let's do our worship with excellence, let's provide ministries to our Seniors and activities for our Youth, but let's plan it all with this question in mind, "How does this worship, this ministry, or this activity help us to accomplish our purpose of making biblical disciples?"  If any project does not contribute to the biblical purpose of the church, we need to modify the elements of that project until it does.  If the project is only marginal in its contribution to the accomplishment of that goal, we need to find ways to make it more effective.  If we cannot modify it sufficiently so that it clearly contributes to the accomplishment of the biblical purpose of the church, then we need to abandon that project and replace it with something that does.

It's time to rediscover and recommit to the Church's biblical reason for existence.  This rediscovery of our existence is the path to an involvement with an eternal bite most true believers are looking for today.  When believers find this, they are well on the road to rediscovering the relevance of the church.

THOUGHTS ON PEACE

If there is one thing that runs constant through our society it is that all of us want to have peace of mind.  We want to be at peace, not war.  We want bickering to end; we want skirmishes and conflicts to cease.  We want to know what it is to be at peace.

I've heard this desire for peace described in many different ways.  One would think that there was more than one kind of peace.  I have heard so many different types described, such as national peace, political peace, military peace, physical peace, emotional/mental peace, marital peace, parental peace, fiscal peace.   Although it may sound like there are a whole host of different kinds of peace, there are really only two.  All of these listed fall into one of two categories.

Let me describe them this way:

Circumstantial peace - that which depends upon the circumstances being pleasant

Substantial peace - that peace which is present in spite of circumstances

Now, I suspect that there are some of you who are already way ahead of me and you are asking yourself this question: "Can it be real peace if it is dependent upon the circumstances?"

If you have raced ahead to ask that question, let me encourage you.  You are right.  Real peace, the kind that brings real security, based on a real assurance that all is well, is not a peace based on circumstances being pleasant, but is present in spite of the circumstances of life.

Some of you have rightly realized that though I have described two kinds of peace, only one is real.  Only that peace which is there in spite of the circumstances is real peace.

Despite what anyone tells you, the only ones with that kind of peace are those who are peace with themselves because they are at peace with God.

The only way to peace with God, is through the reconciliation of His Son Jesus.

The only way to know that reconciliation is to surrender to Jesus as Savior and Lord.

Peace is there for those willing to trust Him who is our peace.

THOUGHTS ON PRAYER

It is always a good idea to pray, not only becuase our Lord instructed us to do so, but I also believe our need to pray is truly a desperate one.  Learning how to really pray ought to be a passionate desire of every true believer.

Let me put it this way.  While Jesus was here on earth, the Bible tells us that he was in the habit of much prayer.  Sometimes, when he was about to choose his disciples, for instance, he spent all night in prayer.

Now, let's stop for a moment and think about this concept of Jesus praying.

Obviously our Lord was and is an example for us as his followers.  Obviously his commitment to prayer was partly motivated by this desire to be examples for us.  But I want to consider this question.  "Why would the Son of God, on more than one occassion, feel the necessity of praying with such fervor that he would pray all night?"

Let me share why this is so intriguing to me.  Jesus had no sin to confess, for the Bible tells us that he was without sin.  Jesus did not have to seek to know the will of God, for as God he was aware of God's will and desires.  Jesus did not have to pray for wisdom, for he was the very essence of wisdom.  He did not have to pray for power, for he was the very power of God. Why, then, did he feel it necessary to pray all night?

Well, while you're pondering that question, let me quickly ask another.  This one is even more thought provoking: "If Jesus, as the Son of God, saw the need to pray so earnestly, what does that say of our need to pray who do have sin to confess and weaknesses from which we need to repent and needs that only He can supply?"

One of the greatest motivators for me to learn to pray is the realization that if Jesus saw it as necessary, it is even more necessary for me.

One other thought about Jesus' praying that stirs my heart:  The disciples had seen Jesus miraculously heal.  They had seen him miraculously turn water into wine and a few fish into sufficient means to feed thousands.  They had even seen Jesus raise the dead.  Yet, the Bible does not record that any of the disciples asked for the power to do these things.  Instead, what we do read is that they asked Him to teach them to pray.  Is it possible that they saw that learning to pray, really pray, as Jesus prayed, was the key to powerful and meaningful Christian living?

I suggest that Jesus' prayers were more than asking for God's blessings on the food.  I suggest that Jesus' praying was more than 'Now I lay me down to sleep' kinds of prayers.  I suggest that Jesus' prayers were more than a laundry list of all the ailments of friends and family.  I think we ought to all pray for these things, surely.  But somewhere in the process of our Christian lives, maybe we ought to ask the same question the disciples asked:  Lord, teach us to pray.

Lord, help me to become a man who really knows what it is to pray.  Then, precious Father, help me to truly pray with boldness, faith and courage. 

THOUGHTS ABOUT RIGHTEOUSNESS

If I understand the Bible correctly, our Heavenly Father puts a big premium on something called righteousness.  This is revealed in many passages, but it is probably most clear in 2 Corinthians 5:21:

For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the 

righteousness of God in him.

This verse declares that Jesus suffered the unspeakable agonies, the unthinkable torments and the unimaginable shame of Calvary that we might have, "the righteousness of God."

Why would someone suffer such heinous indignities unless it is vitally important?  If you want to see something of how important righteousness is to the heart of God, look at the cross.  Look at what He did that we might have it!  Look at the suffering he endured that we might possess this righteousness.

For any person with an ounce of decency about them, the recognition of what our Lord did that we might have the potential to know this thing called righteousness, the only natural response would be, "If it is so important to God that I have it, help me Lord to receive what You have paid such a price for me to receive!"

Let's think a moment more!  Yes, we see that whatever righteousness is, it is vital that we have it, but, we have not yet explained what it is.  Dare I ask: What is righteousness?

If you look the word up in the dictionary, you will find that righteousness is condition of being, "Without guilt or sin."

That helps, but who knows anyone who is that morally perfect?

If you look at the Bible, you will find that this thing called righteousness is unique to God and the only way we can possess it is to be possessed by His righteous presence.

For in regard to man the Bible is quite clear, "There is none righteous, no not one"

When we study further, we find that righteousness is a condition of our soul.  It is a state or condition.  Righteousness is a characteristic that illustrates itself in behavior. 

Here's where many get very confused.  Some believe righteousness is something you achieve by self-discipline.  Some might tell you that righteousness is the result of doing right things.  The Bible is quite clear, however.  Righteousness cannot be achieved through behavior.  However, that same Bible suggests that righteousness will be illustrated by behavior

Righteousness is a gift which only comes to us upon the receiving of Christ as one's personal Savior and Lord.  When Christ and His righteousness come into our being, He brings His righteousness into us and we are possessed by the righteous Christ.

Once we are possessed by Christ in the form of His Spirit, we are made new.  "Old things are passed away, behold all things are become new."

Among the many things that this means, one stands out.  Before Christ we were incapable of righteousness.  Now, by His presence, we have the capacity to illustrate righteousness which is not our own but is in us in Christ.  This righteous behavior will shine through when we are surrendered to the will of God. 

:Let me make one thing very clear.  No one is perfectly surrendered to Him.  "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us."

Yet, though no one is perfectly and completely surrendered, our spiritual growth, our spiritual maturity is measured by how much of us Jesus controls by His presence within us.  When we surrender to Him, He lives through us and the resulting behavior which is the result of our surrender to Him is His righteousness being exhibited through us.

Well, what does this righteousness look like?  Can it be described?

As weak a my intellect and as insufficient as I am, I will do my best to describe this attribute of God.  But keep in mind that no one can describe it fully, this side of eternity.

As best as I can do, I would suggest that righteousness has three facets in its description:

1. Righteousness is character that is unblemished

2. Righteousness is character that is unblameable

3. Righteousness is character that is unreprovable

Let me explain each briefly:

Character is not only measured by what we are within but it is measured by how we behave.  We will behave in a manner that reflects our character.  We live what we believe.

Character that is unblemished means that it is without spot, stain or wrinkle.  It has no failure, no spec of inconsistency.  No man has this kind of character but every true Christian is possessed by Him who has this unblemished character.

Character that is unblameable means that though many might attempt to lay the charge of error, deceit, wrong or sin at the feet of this person, when the truth is told, the truly righteous person will be unblameable.  No man has this quality about him, but every true Christian is possessed by One who is unblameable in His character.

Finally, character that is unreprovable means that one who is righteous doesn't make mistakes that have to be corrected.  There is no man on earth with this quality either, but there is in the heart of every true believer one who never errs, who never missteps and as a result, never needs to be corrected.

After I muse on all these thoughts, I take three things with me today.  First, I am devoid of righteousness and am in desperate need of it.  I am unable to attain it, but Jesus offers it to me when he offers me Himself.

Second, righteousness is not something I will always exhibit, but when I surrender to Him in obedience, I will exhibit the righteousness of Christ within me. 

Grant it to me, Father, that I might live more under the influence of Your righteousness than the influence of the false righteousness of this world.

LESSONS FROM THE BURNING BUSH

As we know, the life of Moses is one of the most revered in the whole of Scripture.  However, Moses did not always do what God wanted the way He wanted it done.  As you know, the Bible teaches that Moses, though a child of Hebrew slaves in the land of Egypt, was peculiarly and powerfully preserved by the grace of God.  His mother abandoned him to the river in a basket covered with pitch.  Pharaoh's daughter discovered the child and took him home to be raised in the finest of the royal palace.  God even arranged it that his birth mother would be hired to nurse the baby as he grew. Talk about God providing! 

However, most scholars hold to the view that Moses learned of the traditions of the Hebrews at the feet of his mother and the customs of the Egyptians at the feet of Pharaoh's daughter.  If these assumptions are accurate, we can begin to understand why Moses might think of himself as the great deliverer the Hebrew people had been hoping for.  This could explain why he attempted to take matters into his own hands and killed an Egyptian who was mistreating a Hebrew slave.

By the time Moses encountered the Burning Bush (Exodus 3), Moses is banished and broken man, who has spent forty years on the backside of the desert, learning how to be a shepherd.  Realizing that the man he wanted to use was now ready, God uses that bush to call Moses.

This is one of the most powerful and glorious passages in the whole of the Bible.  In these verses rest the promises and hopes for the Hebrew people which exist even today.  God is calling Moses to lead the people out of the land of bondage.

Let's now focus on Moses' reaction to this incredible event?  Does he rejoice in finally getting a handle on his purpose in life?  No!  Instead, he questions God.  That's right!  He questions God's identity.  He questions God's ability to get the job done.  He questions God's choice in choosing him.  In short, Moses is questioning the adequacy of God to do and be that which he claims to do and be.

Now, before we sneer at our man Moses, let's take a careful look at our own lives and let's ask ourselves some serious questions, such as, "Do I believe God is adequate to do and be what he claims to do and be?"  Do I believe in the adequacy of God.

I have heard it said that when descending the Grand Canyon, a person sometimes has to travel on narrow ledges that have only enough room for a mule to get a foothold. The path is little more than a ribbon that runs along the edges of the towering walls that overlook vertical drop-offs that descend hundreds of feet into the valley below. When one must make use of these stony paths, the safest thing to do is to let the mule find its own way.  Apparently, the slightest touch on the bridle may so disturb the animal that both rider and mule could slip and fall to certain death.  To ride this mule, you must believe the mule to be adequate for the task.  This is similar to the life of a believer.  When we believe in the adequacy of God's forgiveness, power, and integrity to his Word, we do not see the needs to take the reigns of our own lives and try to do it our way.  Many a child of God has found that trusting in their own idea of what is good for them is more dangerous than trusting in God's adequacy. When the child of God gives in to doubts, discouragement and despair, and tries to manage his life on the basis of what he thinks, he falls.  Yet, when we let go of the reigns of control and choose to trust the adequacy of God, it is then, we find the safety of his presence.

This is the lesson of the burning bush.  Don't question the adequacy of God.  He knows what he is doing and He is able to provide for those willing to heed his call.  God does not punish us for our questions, but there is a limit.  When continued questions become an excuse for delay, God is again adequate.  He is adequate to see through that ploy.

The lesson of the burning bush comes down to this:  Are we going to obey Him or not!  There is no excuse not to but our stubborn will.  Furthermore, continued questioning of God, beyond honest inquiry, ends up questioning the adequacy of God.  There is nothing but trouble at the end of that road.

LET'S TALK ABOUT BEING A CHRISTIAN INFLUENCE ON OTHERS

It doesn't take much to be an influence. All of us influence someone whether we realize it or not. The question is not whether we are going to be an influence, the question is, "How much and what kind of influence do we want to be?"

 One person has said:

Your influence is negative or positive, never neutral.

Assuming that to be true, I suggest that as long as we are going to be influences, we might want to take intentional steps toward being a positive one.  If we don't, we have no right to complain about where our society is headed.  Without positive influence, there will only be negative direction for society.  It is never neutral.

Chuck Swindoll believes that there is a great deal of negative influence in our homes.  In his book, Strike the Original Match he points to a significant need for positive male leadership when he writes:

A Christian psychologist friend of mine told me that the number one problem he deals with in his busy practice is the passive male.

So many men today find it difficult (impossible?) to take the proper role of authority in their home.

Many have voiced concern about the moral condition of society.  Most would agree that this moral decline is due in large part to the declining conditions of our homes.  I suggest in light of Swindoll's observations, that if we really want to do something about this, we might need to look at intentionally encouraging the male leadership of our homes to step up to the responsibility of being a positive influences.  Spiritual leaders do not happen by accident.  They are trained and equipped and encouraged.  What kind of homes we have tomorrow will result in what kind of men and women we develop today.  If there is a dearth of leadership today, it is because there was a dearth of example and equipping by the previous generation.  If the next generation is going to survive, this generation must equip them to be good leaders with a positive biblical influence.  Influence is both taught and caught.

Socrates said correctly:

            Let him that would move the world, first move himself.

Leadership and influence is not limited to parenting, however.  Every believer has  been called to be an influence for the sake of the Gospel.  Whether you are in class or in the office or in a gym or on the golf course, you are an influence by how you behave and how you live.

In his powerful book The Holiness of God, R.C. Sproul observed that unbelievers often feel uneasy in the presence of an obedient Christian. The holiness of God reflected in a believer's life makes the non-Christian uncomfortable. Sproul then told the following true incident to illustrate his point.

A well-known professional golfer was playing in a tournament with President Gerald Ford, fellow pro Jack Nicklaus, and Billy Graham. After the round was over, one of the other pros on the tour asked, "Hey, what was it like playing with the President and Billy Graham?" The pro said with disgust, "I don't need Billy Graham stuffing religion down my throat!" With that he headed for the practice tee. His friend followed, and after the golfer had pounded out his fury on a bucket of golf balls, he asked, "Was Billy a little rough on you out there?" The pro sighed and said with embarrassment, "No, he didn't even mention religion."

Sproul commented, "Astonishingly, Billy Graham had said nothing about God, Jesus, or religion, yet the pro stomped away after the game accusing Billy of trying to ram religion down his throat." What had happened? Simply this: The evangelist had so reflected a Christ-like influence that his presence made the pro feel uncomfortable.   Billy Graham was an influence, without saying a word.

I wonder how many of us have such influence on others that our mere presence makes people aware of the reality of Christ!  This influence, or lack of it, is leadership.  We are either influencing people positively for the Kingdom or negatively.  There is no neutral ground.

"Well," someone might say, "How do I become a more positive influence, a more positive leader for the Kingdom?"  How do we begin?  Well, I suggest we start by looking at the example of Christ.

Oswald Chambers said:

It is the most natural thing to be like the person you live with most, therefore live most with Jesus Christ.

No one has influenced mankind more than the Son of God.  No one is a better example of a spiritual leader than Christ.  If we want to be positive spiritual leaders, we need to know Him, His Word, and his Ways.  Getting to know Him, walking with Him, fellowshipping with Him, worshiping Him, praying to Him, learning from Him and His Word, in short, spending time with Him; when we allow Jesus to influence every area of our lives, we will unavoidably be a positive influence in the lives of others.  It's a matter of priority.  Do you want to be a positive influence for Christ, or a negative influence.  There is not much middle ground.

I like what Joshua said, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!"

May we each have that kind of positive influence on those around us!

THE LOST CONCEPT OF BROKENNESS

Have you ever met someone who seemed to never be able to consider the idea that they might be wrong?  Now, before you point fingers, all of us are like this from time to time.

I am reminded of a story about a very stubborn man who always thought he knew more than anyone else.

Henry Nelson, of Wilmington, Delaware, was a veteran of World War II. He had served as an instructor in the Army Chemical Warfare Department. Yet because he thought he knew more than anyone else, he ignored a warning by the superintendent of the Riverside Housing Development that the apartment he lived in was being fumigated with hydrogen-cyanide gas.  The story is told that he ignored the danger signs that had been posted, tore down the barricade at the door and went in to the building because he wanted two blankets.  He was an expert on Chemical warfare, so he knew more than anyone else.

The neighbors saw him ignore the signs, remove the barricade and go in, and they called the Development office. But when employees arrived, Nelson lay sprawled on the living room floor with the two blankets in his arms, having died because of his stubborn pride. Despite both written and verbal warnings, and despite his training in the Army, he thought he knew better.

The Bible has several examples of similar behavior.  Consider, if you will, David, King of Israel.  In 2 Samuel 11, we find that King David fell into sin because he was unable to resist his lusts.  God had made it clear that adultery is not acceptable and that it would cost David more than he was willing to pay, but David apparently knew better than God.  After all, he was King.  So, while his army was off at war, he was back at the palace looking at naked women bathing on a nearby roof and throwing wisdom to the wind, he acted out his lustful desires.

After committing adultery, the woman, Bathsheba, becomes pregnant and David rather than confronting his error compounds it by having her husband, one of David's most trusted soldiers, killed.  He thought he had gotten away with his sin.  He thought he had pulled one over on everyone, maybe even God.  But we know that could never be.  Sure enough, your sins will find you out.

Nathan, the prophet, was sent by God to confront David about his errant behavior and the confrontation is recorded in Chapter 12.  The short of it is: David soon discovered that he has underestimated God.

Most scholars agree that Psalm 51 is David's heartfelt confession of his sin which follows this confrontation with the man of God.  It is hugely instructive because it gives us keen insight into the heart of real repentance (Something we could stand to see more of in our day).  Psalm 51 is an insight into brokenness

Psalm 51

1 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. 4 this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. 5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. 6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden thou shalt make me to know wisdom. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done part

7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8 that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. 9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. 11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. 12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. 13 Then Make me to hear joy and gladness; will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.

14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. 15 O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise. 16 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. 18 Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem. 19 Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.

If we are going to understand brokenness, its relation to sin and its relationship to the child of God, we need to understand something of the process by which sin is managed in this life.  How do we deal with sin?

The process of sin:

First, there is the

Commission of sin, then

Confrontation of the truth of our sin

Contrition/Conviction regarding sin

Confession of sin

Capitulation regarding failure against sin

Companionship with Him who conquered sin

Confidence in His power over sin

Conquest over sin

It is critical that we get an understanding of this process.  Brokenness is not just about shedding tears, it is about real repentance and renunciation of sin.

One of the most critical of all these phases of dealing with sin is the confrontation, contrition, confession and capitulation part of the process.  It is this part of the process where we have to make some serious decisions.  It is in this phase that a person decides to remain unrepentant or to be broken.  It is during these phases where the man or woman becomes stiff-necked and fails to yield to the truth of their sin, or they surrender to the reality of God's will and become broken and surrendered to His will.

I suggest to you that it is here that more than one person has become defeated, discouraged and stagnated in their path to spiritual maturity.  Brokenness is not attractive to most and they often stagnate rather than press on toward spiritual growth.

Today, I ask you to consider this vital, but often ignored subject of brokenness before it is lost on you as it has been often lost on me in times past.   I plead with you as one who has endured being broken.  Be honest with yourself and God and let Him take you through this process.  Once a person has experienced real brokenness, he cries out for others to know that brokenness.  It causes you to see an even greater comprehension of the grace of God.  I want to see real renewal and revival among God's people in my life-time.  I long to see God's people casting themselves before His mercy in complete surrender.  You cannot imagine the agony of having such a desire to see God do something so wonderful knowing that He can and He will, if we are only willing to rediscover this lost concept of brokenness.

IRONIES OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD

The Bible says that His ways are not our ways.  Actually, the Bible states that the ways of our Lord are as high above our ways as the heavens are above the earth (Psalm 103:11).  The ways of the Lord are beyond our comprehension, this is so clearly stated in Romans 11:33

O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

All of this validates the notion that God's ways are not like our ways.  God's thought processes are not like our thought processes.  God's thinking is not like our thinking.

This becomes so obvious when we discover the ironies found in our Lord's teachings.  Let me list only a few:

The sure way to spiritual victory is through surrender.

The wealth of the kingdom is only available to those who are poor in spirit.

Love is best experienced when it is given away

Giving is better than receiving

True freedom is only found in willing bondage to the love of Christ

Sin promises more than it can deliver

Sin costs more than you want to pay

Sin always looks better than it is

Sin is more often the result of why you do something than what you actually do

These are but a few ironies found in the Scripture and in my experiences

I think they speak for themselves and if one properly meditates on these statements, it could really change one's life.

I think it's safe to say that our Lord doesn't think like we do!