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Devotional Thoughts
Growing in Relationship To My Witness (Part Three): "The Watchman"
Posted by Pastor Adam Pereira
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
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This is the final devotional in our series on Project Connect. We have looked at all 3 categories of challenges based on the Lord's greatest 3 commands. Today, I would like to wrap-up our need to grow in our witness for Christ by looking at a very interesting passage of Scripture. I have entitled this passage "The Watchman" passage. Please read:
Son of man, I have appointed you [Ezekiel] a watchman to the house of Israel; whenever you hear a word from My mouth, warn them from Me. When I say to the wicked, 'You will surely die,' and you do not warn him or speak out to warn the wicked from his wicked way that he may live, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand. Yet if you have warned the wicked and he does not turn from his wickedness or from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered yourself." Ezekiel 3:17-19
Interesting and convicting passage isn't it? The point I want you to notice from this passage can be summarized in one word: accountability. As we apply this to the message we have been given to share to others, we must realize that we will one day give an account for how we shared our message. Notice that the text says nothing about being held accountable for the decision that others make with that message. Our focus is to be on our part. We know that the Holy Spirit is the One who does the convincing. We must simply be bold enough and willing enough to share.
So, as we close out this devotional series, let me ask you: are you an active witness for your Lord? Are you growing in your live and relationship with the Lord? Are you showing others around you the love Christ has for them? These 3 areas that we have looked at over the past 9 weeks are life-long goals and projects that we must actively pursue.
Praise the Lord He is with us and is patient!
Devotional Thoughts
Growing in Relationship To My Witness (Part Two): "Are You Ready???
Posted by Pastor Adam Pereira
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
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"But Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence." I Peter 3:15
Le me ask you a simple yet profound question today. Are you willing to give an "answer" or "defense" of the hope that you have in Christ? I am not talking about trying to convince someone of who Christ is or what He means to you. I am talking about having something ready to share if someone were to ask you about your faith. I think we would be surprised at how many believers in Christ would be dumbfounded if anyone actually asked them about what they believe or why they believe it or why this Jesus is so important to them. What would you say?
Interesting food for thought for each of us. Hopefully, it is not just thought but that it has already taken place in your life. Regardless, how can we be "ready" for that time? Here are a few suggestions:
- Be sure to first "sanctify (set apart) Christ as Lord in your hearts": There is a reason the verse opens with this statement. To sanctify or set apart Christ as Lord in your hearts means to place Him in His proper place in your life. Not just an afterthought, hobby, or side-item.
- Ask yourself how much "hope" is really in you: According to this verse, if people are going to approach us in a curious manner about our faith, it will be because of the "hope" we radiate in our lives. Let me ask you, how much "hope" do people see in your life? Would they want what you have? People can see past the facade.
- Come up with a "Game Plan": I use the word "game plan" loosely. Of course, sharing our faith is not a game. But I think it paints a good picture. Think purposefully of what you would say about Christ and the hope that you have if you were asked. Have an idea beforehand about what you would say so you are not taken off guard.
- Be purposeful about the opportunities God gives you: God has divinely led us all to different jobs, surroundings, friends, and coworkers. It is easy to get into a mindless routine if we are not careful. But ask yourself, what are some ways you can be purposeful about your witness in those routines? One thing I did when I was working my way through seminary was to ask my coworkers if and where they attended church. If they did not, I would just casually tell them I'd love to have them come with me. That opened a door for people to ask about my faith and discuss spiritual things with me. Do people know you are a believer?
Devotional Thoughts
Growing in Relationship To My Witness (Part One): "What Kind of a Witness Are YOU???
Posted by Pastor Adam Pereira
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
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And Jesus came up and spoke to them saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you, and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matt. 28:18-20
The third greatest command that Christ gave us (see Matt. 22:37-40 for the first two greatest) is to "make disciples". The main verb in vv. 19-20, thus indicating what Christ's main command was, is the verb "make disciples." The rest of these commands describe or fall under this directive to make disciples ("go", "baptize", "teach"). In light of this, all Christ-followers should be witnesses of Him seeking to make disciples. However, I think if we are honest, not many of us are doing a very good job at this command. Yet, that does not negate the importance and urgency with which we are called to our very specific role.
Today, I would like to ask you, "what kind of a witness are you???" Among believers, I think we find several types of witnesses. Let's look at a few of them:
- The "Undercover" Witness: This witness is not a witness at all. The desire for acceptance from those of the world has blinded their eyes to the reality and urgency of the Gospel message. As Jesus states, "And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing." (2 Cor. 4:3)
- The Lifestyle Witness: This witness views his main function as proclaiming the message of the Gospel through his or her life and actions. While this is a very true concept, the problem with this philosophy is that it can be unbalanced. Remember what Paul states, "...How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard..." (Ro. 10:14)
- The Abrasive Witness: This witness may proclaim a correct message but will do so in a very unloving and insensitive manner. The person does not really matter with this philosophy. Just the message. The love of Christ is totally missing from this person's lips and actions. They are not "speaking the truth in love." (Eph. 4:15)
- The Haphazard Witness: This witness is wiling to do or say anything to bring others to a "decision" for Christ. "Saying a prayer" or making a "split second decision" is emphasized and pressed. This philosophy quickly forgets that it is the Lord who works in the heart, not man. (John 6:44)
- The Ashamed Witness: This witness usually knows the words to say, loves Jesus, and is aware that those without Christ are around him or her. However, there is one problem: fear or shame. "What will people think?" "What if I 'fail'?" "How will people react?" "What if I am left uncomfortable?" All of these questions fill this person's mind. We forget, however, Paul's words when he said, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes..." (Ro. 1:16)
- The Striving Witness: This witness is not perfect at all but is striving to be obedient to Christ's command to "make disciples". There are ups and downs, frustrations and triumphs, etc. This person seeks to be a witness in both life and word. Realizing that only God can bring life to a soul, he or she lives in complete and humble dependence on Him to be used by Christ where He has placed him. This person's prayer is, as Isaiah prayed, "Here am I, send me!" (Is. 6:8)
Devotional Thoughts
Growing in Love for My Neighbor (Part 3): The True Test Of Your Love
Posted by Pastor Adam Pereira
Monday, October 25, 2010
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This is the last devotional thought for Part 2 of our Project Connect challenges. Next week we will be moving to the last category of challenges: Growing in Relationship To My Witness (Matt. 28:19-20). I want to wrap up everything we have discussed thus far concerning our love for our neighbors. This thought is not original with me but is from something I have recently been reading. I want to take you to the best passage describing what true Biblical love is: I Corinthians 13. Read here the following verses:
4) Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant,
5) does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered,
6) does not rejoice in unrighteiousness, but rejoices with truth;
7) bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
8) Love never fails; but if there are fifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away.
Now, this is what I want you to do (the test). Wherever you the word "love" is used in the above passage (either stated or implied), insert your name there. (Do it now)...
Wow! Makes it more real doesn't it!! Were those statements, with your name inserted, still holding true??? When I did this I was so convicted! How much I am lacking in my love! Whether it is getting impatient in the grocery line, snapping at someone who is close to me, walking away when I know a real need is present in someone's life, the list could go on and on.
Yet, true love can be described only in the above characteristics. We don't make up the rules or circumstances. The passage states in vv. 1-3 that though we have the greatest gifts we are nothing without love.
Sobering isn't it? So, how did your "love test" turn out? Talk about it to the Lord and ask Him to help you develop that type of love in your life more and more each day. Maybe you would even like to join me in this prayer:
Father, I am a fallen creature in need of Your grace.
Help me show to others what you have shown to me.
Only by my making your love a reality in my life will I be able to
demonstrate that same love to others.
May I be a reflection of your love to those I know and meet. In Jesus' name, Amen
Devotional Thoughts
Growing in Relationship to My Love For My Neighbor (Part 2): "The Art Of Loving"
Posted by Pastor Adam Pereira
Monday, October 18, 2010
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"By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."Jn. 13:35
According to this passage, love is the identifying characteristic of those who are Christ's. Unfortunately, as we touched on last week, Christ followers, many times, can be the exact opposite. Yet, that does not negate the command that Christ has given us to follow. We are to show love to those around us. Oftentimes, the problem is that we do not know how to show love to others in a tangible way. This week, I'd like to give you some helpful tips or guidelines that you may need to work through in your mind and heart when it comes to dealing with others:
- Realize the demonstration of love does not equal the condoning of sin (Mark 2:13-17): This is clearly demonstrated in the life of Jesus. Don't feel that by getting involved in someone's life and being a true friend to them means that you endorse everything they are doing.
- Realize that love is empty unless it is clothed in truth (Eph. 4:15): Many times we get the perception that love will never confront. Actually, if we are not willing to speak the truth in a loving way, we are not loving at all.
- Realize that love comes in both large and small packages (Matt. 10:42): Too often we get the idea that showing love in small ways is cheap while showing love in large, extravagant ways will really get to the heart. The opposite is usually true however. A simple, daily love is what indicates genuine love. Any of us can fake it by periodically doing something "big."
- Realize that love must be shown before it can really be enjoyed (Luke 6:32-36): If you think that the problem is that you just need to be "loved a little more" you are wrong. That is a selfish view and will always be looking for more. Give out love and then you will find fulfillment and true love returned.
- Realize that love is an indicator of Jesus (Jn. 13:35): If you are the only picture of Jesus to someone, what view of Jesus would they have? This is a sobering thought but it is true. A Christian is the only picture most people will ever get of Jesus.
- Realize that love is not evidenced by feeling but by action (2 Cor. 9:12-13): Sadly, people don't know what we are thinking or feeling. However, our feelings can always be evidenced in our actions. Stop just thinking and start doing! Don't live with those regrets when the opportunity passes!
- Realize that love does not know boundaries (2 Cor. 9:12-13): This is an identifying mark of Christian love. We are not limited to love only those who love us, only those who are near, only those who we feel like loving, or those of a certain nationality. Christ's love is to extend to all people.
- Realize that love comes easier with practice (John 13:34): Whenever you do something new it feels weird, different, or uneasy. Yet, continued action soon can be become natural. Many of us don't like to express ourselves or show others we care. Yet, we are commanded to love and that involves reaching out to others. If you are uncomfortable, don't let that stop you. Just keep doing it.
Devotional Thoughts
Growing in Relationship to My Neighbor (Part 1): "Who Is My Neighbor"
Posted by Pastor Adam Pereira
Monday, October 11, 2010
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"The second [greatest commandment] is like it, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Matthew 22:39
The second category of challenges we have in our "Project Connect" program is to "Grow in Relationship to My Neighbor." It is interesting that Christ clearly tells us that this is the second greatest commandment that we, as His disciples, are to follow (the first being our love for God). 2 questions, however, need to be answered in order to adequately understand this command that we are given but so imperfectly carry out. After all, isn't it so easy to gloss over this command by saying it is "too emotional" or "too misunderstood" or just "not practical"? Yet the prominence that Christ gives this command speaks for itself. Here are the two questions:
- Why This Command??? Doesn't it seem that if Jesus was going to give a "second great command" it would be something else? Maybe something like, "follow my words fully" or "give of your resources" or "do not forsake the truth". All of these things are very important but He did not say these (though they are an outflow of these). Why did He give this command then? I believe that Jesus gave us this command because it is an outward indicator of how well we are following the first greatest commandment. That's right, how well we are loving our neighbor is an undeniable indicator of how well we are truly loving God. Struggling with your attitude to others? If you look deep enough you will also see that you are struggling with your love for God. Jesus makes it plain that the 2 go hand in hand. This truth is found all over Scripture (see for example Jn. 13:35). Love Jesus? Then love people! Do you see why it is of no coincidence that "love" is first mentioned as an indicator of the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23?
- Who Is My Neighbor??? If we need to show love to our neighbor, it would make sense to know who our neighbor is. This question is not actually a new question. In Luke 10:25-29, a scribe wanted to test Jesus and asked what He needed to do to inherit eternal life. The scribe himself answered his own question by giving these 2 greatest commands when asked what the Law said. The scribe then followed up by asking Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" Jesus then proceeds to give the familiar parable of the Good Samaritan (vv. 30-37). At the end of the parable, Jesus then asked the scribe, "Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the robbers' hand (v. 36)?" Do you get the difference between the scribes question and Jesus' question? The scribe asked "who is my neighbor". Jesus asked, "who proved to be a neighbor?" In other words, the focus on who is exactly our neighbor does not depend on other people it depends on us! I can be with someone everyday and yet they are not truly my neighbor because I am not treating them like one. I can meet someone only once but be a neighbor to them because I showed them the love of Christ. See, Jesus is saying here, don't worry about who you are to show love to and who you are not. Prove that you are a neighbor to all men by showing love whenever the Lord allows opportunity. The obligation then, is on us to be a neighbor, not on others to show us they are our neighbors! We are out of excuses not to love!!
Growing in Relationship to My God: Part 3 (It's Just A Matter Of Starting)
Posted by Pastor Adam Pereira
Monday, October 4, 2010
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"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ..."
2 Peter 3:18
So far, we have looked at the need to grow in our relationship with our God and also some practical tips in doing so. This week, we want to turn our attention to simply starting that process. I say "simply" starting the process but, really, starting is not necessarily that easy. You see, we each have road blocks in our lives that keeps us from really engaging in that journey that we have to work through.
For some it may be an emotional roadblock. Maybe because of something that has happened in your past, a misconception that you hold towards who God is, fear of the unknown, a desire to be in control, or whatever else, emotional roadblocks hinder growth.
For others, it may be a character roadblock. Instead of just doing what you know you need to do to cultivate your relationship with God, you just don't "feel" like it, you may feel to lazy to go forward for God, you may just desire your own comfort and desires more than you long for God.
Still for some, it may be a priority roadblock. Too many things are simply drowning out the things in life that are truly most important. It's hard to listen to that "still small voice of the Holy Spirit" when there is a whirlwind of "life" going on around you. God must be a top priority in order to get to know Him.
On and on the list could go! But how do we get rid of these roadblocks?? How can we overcome these obstacles to develop that necessary relationship? Here are a few items I hope that may be of some help:
- start doing what you know you should, despite your feelings. Feelings are not a lone gauge to determining truth or what is right. If that were the case, how many of us would be getting out of bed in the morning??? While feelings are important, don't let those feelings keep you from doing what you should. Satan works well amongst our feelings.
- get back to what the Bible really says. So many times we superimpose things into the Bible and our thinking of God that is not really there. If you are struggling with misconceptions, look at why they are there in your mind. Was it from what the Bible said and really meant or something outside of the Bible that has taken hold of your thinking?
- Seek fellowship and accountability with those you respect spiritually. So often, we fear the word "accountability". Yet, that fear is often misplaced. True accountability is simply two believers helping each other out and giving mutual support. Some roadblocks simply need to be talked out and we can only do that face to face with a trusted friend or mentor. God has created us to live in community.
Growing in Relationship to My God (Part Two):
Posted by Pastor Adam Pereira
Sunday, September 26, 2010
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"This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent." John 17:3
As we discussed last week, having a growing relationship with our God and Savior is the foundational element to our spiritual life. As Jesus stated in His high priestly prayer, a saving knowledge of the Father and Son is necessary to beginning that relationship with Him. Yet, so many Christians today are content with just that beginning knowledge. Sadly, we many times go no farther in establishing a deepening relationship with our Lord and Savior. How can this be? How can we become so apathetic and complacent to a Savior who has given so much so that we could have so much? While this may sound astounding at face-value, it is the norm for far too many people. How has this come about? How could we have let these days, months, or years of apathy pile up hardening our hearts. There are, really, several reasons and they are not unique to just one person. For instance, who of us doesn't have a very busy schedule? Time to cultivate that relationship with Christ just seems unfeasible. Or, who of us hasn't faced hardship that has made us question the goodness of God. Still yet, who of us hasn't struggled with the flesh in just wanting to do things our own way (Ro. 7)? For sure, there are many, many things to keep us from developing a growing relationship with our Lord. But do those difficulties mean that we cannot move past them by God's grace? Absolutely not!
As believers, we have a Savior who loves us and gives us much needed grace for our needs and growth (Heb. 4:15-16). Yet, we must also do the work of striving to cultivate that relationship. I would like to give you a few helpful ways to seek to grow in the grace of Christ (2 Peter 3:18):
- Develop a set Bible reading plan: While this is not "rocket science" or anything new, it is so foundational to our growth and knowledge of Christ. Chances are, if you on the edge about spending time in God's Word, you will not do it if you don't know what your goal is for that day in the first place. It will amaze you how consistent time in God's Word will begin to renew your mind on the things of Christ.
- Develop a time of "sincere" prayer: Again, this is not some new piece of advice but it is true nonetheless. Prayer does not come natural in our busy pace. I recommend that you take a spot of time, according to what works in your schedule, and set aside a specific time to pray. For me nights work best because that is when my mind is usually clearest and I can just be alone with Him. Also, just talk to Him as you would a friend. Tell Him your struggles, joys, likes, dislikes, needs, etc. He really does want to hear them. You cannot pray to a God who you feel does not take a real interest in you!
- Journal: This may be an odd idea for some but nothing is like journaling about your relationship with Christ. This does not need to be a daily journal but just a way of recording spiritually important moments in your life to look back on and specific needs you are looking to Christ for.
- Look Outside Yourself: A great way to know Christ more is to get a burden for what He is burdened about: others! Christians are meant to serve! Think outside of yourself. Develop a heart for others.
Growing In Relationship to My God (Part One):
Posted by Pastor Adam Pereira
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
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“More than that, I count all thing to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord...” Phil. 3:8
This week we are starting our 9 week devotional series on Christ’s greatest commands in Scripture (see Matt. 22:36-40 and Matt. 28:16-20) in conjunction with our church “Project Connect”. The “great and foremost” commandment that Christ has given us is to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” Yet, how can we do this? This great command really is so great! I mean, to love God with our entire being??!!! How can this be done, especially when we are prone to be selfish people who daily have to lose the primary focus of love for self?
I believe the beginning step to this dilemma is told to us by the apostle Paul in the verse above. How could Paul have such a commitment and focus on Christ as seen here? I believe the answer is because of his focus on truly knowing Christ. But, notice what Paul does not say. He does not say that he counts all things but loss in view of the value of doing something for Him. He does not say he counts all things but loss in view of the value of committing something to Him. He doesn’t even say he counts all things but loss in view of the value of loving Him (though he surely did love Christ!)! No, he knew the importance of simply “knowing” Christ. Why? Because knowing Christ implies a growing relationship and commitment to Him. You see, it is not enough to be content with saying we love Christ and yet not be seeking to know Him. Our love for Christ comes from building a relationship with Him, not from the following 2 most common substitutes:
- knowing about Christ
- doing things for Christ
Please don’t get me wrong. Those are both wonderful things but without the foundation of a growing relationship with Christ, they are just unbalanced substitutes. If we just sought to know facts about our spouse or best friend and just sought to do things for them without listening to their hearts and truly seeking to get to know them, the relationship would be lacking. So it is with Christ.
So let me ask you today, how is your relationship with Christ? Is it one of knowing or just doing? Love comes from truly knowing. How are we to develop that knowing??? Check in next week as we uncover more truths about loving Christ.
Church Events
Project Connect
Posted by Pastor Adam Pereira
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
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How Are You Doing With Christ's 3 Greatest Commands He Has Given Us???
- Growing In Relationship To My God (Matt. 22:36-38)
- Growing In Relationship To My Neighbor (Matt. 22:39-40)
- Growing In Relationship To My Witness (Matt. 22:18-20)
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