January 3, 2001
Encouraging Word For The Week
Pastor Steven L. Kelly
First Baptist Church, Doyline, LA
I feel like a big kid. You would agree with me if you had been at my house on New Year's Eve. I'm not referring to the countdown to 2001 or even fireworks, but something more awesome and beautiful -- SNOW!!!
For a boy who spent the first 25 years of his life in New Orleans, this snow stuff is exciting. We always dreamed of a white Christmas, but usually spent the day in short sleeves. In fact, in my time in the Crescent City, I can only recall two significant snowfalls and each were melted away the following day.
That is why Sunday night was so exciting. My two boys, ages 11 and 7, have never experienced actual snow. So, at 10 PM on New Years Eve, there were 3 boys throwing snowballs and wresting in the soft, cold powder. At the same time, my wife was building a snowman.
Do you know why I even write about this? Because it is extremely unusual in the south to have such an occurrence. It's uniqueness makes it awesome and appreciated. It's beauty and serenity make it enjoyable. To view children, young and old, playing in it reminds us that it is fun.
At the same time we are experiencing this in northwest Louisiana, there are millions of people in Illinois, Pennsylvania, and New York who are getting a lot more snow than we have seen and are not happy at all. In fact, they get 10 times the snow we received every year. They build snowmen by the dozens because their snow doesn't melt away in two or three days. For a lot of them, their yearly dreams of a white Christmas generally come true. They are use to the snow. It's no big deal.
The greatest danger in the life of the Christian is getting use to the snow. In Isaiah 1:18, the prophet tells us what happens when God touches the sinful heart of man -- "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be like wool."
When worship, Bible study, prayer, fellowship with other believers, witnessing, and other acts of discipleship become common and unexciting, it is because we have forgotten what it was like to have sins like scarlet. As a result, we also take for granted our forgiven state -- being white as snow in the eyes of God.
The challenge for 2001 is not that we lose 30, 40, or 50 pounds, but that we appreciate the snow. Realistically, for many of us losing weight may be just as challenging as revisiting the fact that I'm God's snowman. Just as He formed Adam physically out of the soil, He also wants to do the same with my spirit. God's desire is to make you and me into pure vessels that are wholly committed to knowing him.
I believe Paul gives us the secret to appreciating the snow. These verses are my favorite passage of scripture in the Bible. In Philippians 3:10-14, Paul speaks of the passion of his life: "I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
Here is a New Year's resolution for all of us -- "God, I'll do whatever it takes to keep my eyes on the snow."
Following the Son in 2001,
Bro. Steve
January 10, 2001
Encouraging Word For The Week
Pastor Steven L. Kelly
First Baptist Church, Doyline, LA
America is a nation that has embraced "Reality Television". If you don't believe this, then all you have to do is see two of the new "entertainment" offerings being provided this month.
Tomorrow night at 8 PM, the FOX network is airing its first episode of "Temptation Island". Listen to its plot straight from the FOX web site: "Temptation Island is a provocative new reality-based show produced by Rocket Science Laboratories. Four unmarried couples at a crossroads in their relationship and 26 singles that are looking for love travel to an exotic location to test the waters of temptation."
If this isn't enough for you, then on Super Bowl Sunday, CBS is broadcasting "Survivor 2: The Australian Outback". This will bring together 16 new contestants to see if they can be the last one standing in the Australian state of Queensland in the rugged outback of northeastern Australia. This show was very popular last year when the same type of situation took place on an isolated island and the producers of it hope to repeat the same success here.
For some reason, society is fascinated with watching how other people live, think, and act. Why do you think so many people watch game shows, sports, and tabloid television? These things become many people's sources for advice, heroes, entertainment, relationships, and meaning. For millions of folks, television composes the majority of their lives.
As I was thinking about this, it dawned on me, PEOPLE ARE HOOKED UPON REALITY TELEVISION BECAUSE THEY HAVE A DIFFICULT TIME SEEING REALITY CHRISTIANITY. People are not compelled to follow Jesus because most of the Christians they see away from the church aren't presenting a convincing enough case to keep their attention.
Those who need Christ most will not be in church next Sunday, but you will see them tomorrow or maybe this weekend. In fact, without saying it, they are watching your life for "Reality Christianity". They are not doing this intentionally, but once they notice something different about how you live and handle yourself, they will spend more time tuning into your life to find out what makes you tick.
Just like most successful television shows, it only takes a single impression to keep a viewer on as a faithful supporter. On the flip side, this is true with almost all shows that are cancelled after a few episodes -- they fail because they can't hold the viewers' attention.
Jesus said in Matthew 5:16, "...let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Translation -- BE A REALITY CHRISTIAN.
It's "Show Time"! Are you ready to premiere?
Have a Great Week,
Bro. Steve
January 17, 2001
Encouraging Word For The Week
Pastor Steven L. Kelly
First Baptist Church, Doyline, LA
As many of you know, Tammilee had back surgery on Saturday. This is the second one in seven months. On both occasions, I have seen her in tremendous pain prior to the surgery and then immediately after the operation she would also be in much pain. I assume this time will be like the last and she will gradually see diminished pain and greater relief.
One of the things that I have noticed over the last seven months is the way in which she talks to those who have also had back surgery. It is almost like there is a bond between these folks because they have been on the same journey. I almost feel out of place responding to their conversations because I cannot understand the feelings of pain before or after the damage is repaired.
An example of this occurred prior to the surgery when I was trying to move my wife so that she could get out of bed. I made a very insensitive statement that went something like this -- "Just grit your teeth and move."
THIS IS THE WRONG STATEMENT WHEN YOU ARE TALKING TO SOMEONE WHO IS IN A LOT OF PAIN.
So, although I can't have a lot of empathy for her, I am seeking to relate with much more sympathy. By the way, empathy is seeking to feel what someone feels, whereas, sympathy is a feeling of hurt because you pity someone else's situation.
In the Christian life, we are blessed that Jesus Christ not only understands our pain, but He also has experienced our pain. Listen to what the scriptures say about this. In Hebrews 4:15 we hear these empathetic words, "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin."
I am encouraged to know that Jesus was tempted in "EVERY WAY" that I have been tempted. Be it what he saw, felt, or thought--Jesus has been where I am. So, although Jesus never had back surgery, he did have his back beaten severely. And, even though he never was forsaken by a wife or children, he did have all the disciples forsake him and run before he was hung on the cross. And, even though he never sinned like we do, he experienced every emotion we have all the way to the point of choosing "Yes" or "No". The only difference between Him and I is that he always made the right choice.
In thinking about this I want to motivate you to go to Jesus with everything that burdens you. Why? He has been there, too. He not only understands your pain, but he knows just how you feel.
Praising Jesus, my Lord and Savior,
Bro. Steve
January 24, 2001
Encouraging Word For The Week
Pastor Steven L Kelly
First Baptist Church, Doyline, LA
On Saturday, I joined millions of others in viewing history as George W. Bush was sworn in as our new President. A few days before this, I saw in the newspaper that Billy Graham would not be able to pray at the ceremony. As a result, I wondered if his son Franklin would get the opportunity. Well, as I watched people filing onto the platform in front of the capitol, I saw Franklin in the crowd.
In the next several minutes, I anticipated what he would pray. Would it be a generic prayer to appease the diversity of American society? Would he pray from the conviction of his heart at the cost of possibly offending people? Would he even pray in Jesus' name?
Following, are the words of his prayer that were heard by God, and millions around our country and the world.
Let us pray.
"Blessed are you, O Lord, our God. Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor; for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O Lord is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all." (1 Chronicles 29:10-12)."
As President Lincoln once said, "We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of heaven. We have been preserved these many years in peace and prosperity. We have grown in numbers, wealth and power as no other nation has ever grown. But we have forgotten God. It behooves us, then, to humble ourselves before the offended power, to confess our national sins, and to pray for clemency and forgiveness."
O Lord, as we come together on this historic and solemn occasion to inaugurate once again a president and vice president, teach us afresh that power, wisdom and salvation come only from your hand.
We pray for President-elect George W. Bush and Vice President-elect Dick Cheney, to whom you have entrusted leadership of this nation at this moment in history. We pray that you will help them bring our country together, so that we may rise above partisan politics and seek the larger vision of your will for our nation.
Use them to bring reconciliation between the races and healing to political wounds, that we may truly become "one nation under God."
Give our new president and all who advise him calmness in the face of storms, encouragement in the face of frustration, and humility in the face of success. Give them the wisdom to know and to do what is right and the courage to say no to all that is contrary to your statutes of holy law.
Lord, we pray for their families and especially their wives, Laura Bush and Lynne Cheney, that they may sense your presence and know your love.
Today we entrust to you President and Senator Clinton and Vice President and Mrs. Gore. Lead them as they journey through new doors of opportunity to serve others.
Now, O Lord, we dedicate this presidential inaugural ceremony to you. May this be the beginning of a new dawn for America as we humble ourselves before you and acknowledge you alone as our Lord, our Savior and our Redeemer.
We pray this in the name of the Father, and of the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
When this prayer was finished I had tears in my eyes. Why? Because Franklin Graham stood between a Holy God and a sinful nation and prayed the truth of our country's need. He didn't mince words or seek political acceptance. He made the most of his opportunity.
Think about it. This man was granted a once in a lifetime opportunity and he used it for God. Do we? Are we taking the possibilities that God sets before us and using them to their highest potential? Unfortunately, many of life's opportunities don't present themselves to us again.
The scriptures give us two power principles regarding using our opportunities for God.
I Peter 3:15 -- "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have."
Ephesians 5:15-16 -- "Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."
We may never stand behind a podium before a president, but we will all certainly stand before people who need Jesus.
Seeking opportunities,
Bro. Steve
January 31, 2001
The Quest For Righteousness
Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer, Pastor
The Moody Church, Chicago, IL
All around us, things change -- styles change, politicians change, TV programs change. But there are some things that never change, things that affect your eternal destiny and mine.
What is life's most important question? Is it whether the West will suffer an economic collapse? Or whether we will face the grim specter of worldwide anarchy? No, the most important question is a personal one. It is: "How can a man be accepted by G od?"
We are all conscious of failure. We have a vague feeling that all is not well between ourselves and God; there is an "unbridgeable gap," and when compared to God, we fall intolerably short. Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount said, "Unless your righteo usness surpasses that of the Scribes and Pharisees, you shall not enter the kingdom of Heaven" (Matthew 5.20). The Pharisees were pretty righteous. The question is: How can we become better than they.?
Because God's standards are so high, we are often tempted to lower those standards and tell ourselves that He is satisfied with almost anything. Many people "do their own thing" and say that it's good enough for God.
Others try to elevate God's standards to please Him by selecting some good works that they think will get His attention. The Pharisees, often fasted and kept laws meticulously, hoping to gain God's approval. But Jesus said that we have to become better than they. Does that mean that we have to work harder to become righteous?No, He is reminding us that we cannot in ourselves attain the righteousness that God accepts.
The simple fact is that God rejects human righteousness. Of course it is better to be a moral person than an immoral one; but even though you may be moral, without Christ you have no acceptance before God. This is because human goodness is external; yo u can change your actions but you can't change your heart. Human goodness also glorifies man. It draws attention to our ability to change, and we compliment ourselves for the good things we have done. Most important, human righteousness is inferior to God 's righteousness. Thus the Pharisees could not become just before God, and neither can we in our own efforts. Yet we need a righteousness that exceeds all human righteousness.
The Law represents God's standard of righteousness, and Christ said that He did not come to abolish the Law. He didn't lower it or discard it; no, He came to fulfill it.
What did Christ mean when He said that He came to fulfill the Law? He fulfilled it by keeping the Law in every detail. He lived an obedient life; He fulfilled the Law both in its spirit and in its letter. He fulfilled it so perfectly that He challenged people to find a single flaw in His life.
But He also fulfilled the Law through His death. At the cross, He exhausted the curse of sin. He absorbed the curse; for as the Bible says, "Cursed is everyone that hangs on a tree." In Old Testament times if you killed someone, you were punishe d by being stoned to death. Welt Christ took that guilt upon Himself. He also accepted God's punishment that came because of adultery and all the sins that we commit in thought, word, and deed.
Christ is the "end of the Law," that is, He fulfilled its requirements on our behalf. He canceled the claims of the Law against us. That means that those who trust Him are free toward God.
The Law was never given as a means of salvation. Paul called it a "schoolmaster to bring us to Christ." It was given to make us see how far short we fall of God's standard.
The Pharisees were attempting to do the impossible and their attempt was a bitter failure. They tried to establish their own righteousness, but of course it wasn't sufficient. That's why Christ said that unless your righteousness exceeded that of the S cribes and Pharisees, you could not enter the kingdom of Heaven.
When we stop trying to establish our own righteousness and place confidence in Christ, we then are declared righteous by God. Our sins have been charged to Christ's account. All believers are on an equal basis because we have credited to us the same qu ality of righteousness -- the righteousness which God accepts.
Yes, we are needy and Jesus Christ is our only key to living a righteous life. Through faith in Him, our acceptance is secure and the righteousness of the Law is now fulfilled in us through the ministry of the Holy Spirit.
But let me give you a word of warning. If you do not trust Christ, you stand before God in your own righteousness, and that spells judgment and condemnation. In fact, without the righteousness of Christ, you must bear the full weight and penalty for yo ur sins. It's because you are on your own -- just like the Pharisees who thought they could meet God's requirements by their own discipline and good behavior.
Many years ago, a father and his daughter were walking through the grass on the Canadian prairie. In the distance they saw a prairie fire. Eventually, they realized it would engulf them. The father knew there was only one way of escape -- they would qu ickly begin a fire right where they were and bum a large patch of grass. When the huge fire drew near, they would stand on the section that had already been burned.
When the fire actually did approach them, the girl was terrified by the raging flames. But her father assured her, 'The flames can't get to us. We are standing where the fire has already been!"
Those who take shelter in the cross of Christ are standing where the fire of God's judgment has already been. They are standing upon the perfect work of Christ, the work that absolves us from our sins and credits to us God's perfect righteousness.
Yes, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the Scribes and Pharisees, you won't enter into the kingdom of heaven. But the way to receive that righteousness is to accept it as a gift from the hands of Christ, a gift that is to be received by faith.
The righteousness of Christ isn't just a theoretical concept. It's the only way you and I will ever get to heaven. Maybe you have never considered this kind of concept. Maybe you have never heard that Christ died so that you and I could have eternal life. If so, let me extend to you an invitation that is 2,000 years old, yet as fresh as this moment in time. Jesus s poke with a word picture. He said, "BehoId I stand at the door and knock If anyone hears My voice, and opens the door, I will come in, and dine with him, and he with Me."
You can open your heart's door this very moment.
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