Saturday, December 1, 2012
Let The Music Play
Being a musician myself, any reference in the Bible to music or musicians holds a special significance for me. The first reference to music is found in Genesis 4 with a man named Jubal (which is where our word “jubilee” is derived) and was considered the father of all those who play the lyre and harp; and the references continue all through to the book of Revelation. There are over 300 references in the Bible to either singing or music (NIV); most of the 150 Psalms were meant to be sung as praise, worship and thanksgiving, with nearly all of them attributable to David. There is clearly an importance placed on music in God’s Word and in the history of mankind.
1 Chronicles 23 is an account of David, in his latter years of life, making his son Solomon king over Israel. He also set in motion that Solomon have a temple built for the Lord. He commissioned 38,000 men to take part in this construction….4,000 of which were to be musicians to “praise the Lord with the musical instruments”. Over ten percent of the builders were dedicated to providing music in honor of the Lord. That’s how important the role of music played in the lives and spiritual relationships back then…and should be today as well.
Clearly, as you read through the many passages, it was not the skill of the musician that became the focus but rather it was the anointing from God that led music to accomplish its purpose. Music became the function of solace as well as praise from kings all the way to down to the common laborer.
It’s really no wonder that God, as a creator Himself, has an affinity towards the creative process. I know when I’m composing there is an internal satisfaction that transcends the mere joy of writing music; it is tapping into a gift that God has given me to express my love for Him in ways that would not otherwise be possible.
Every morning at work I read my coffee cup which states, “God gave us music that we might pray without words.” That pretty much tells the whole story. The next time you hear or play music--any music--realize that a creative God has used this natural process for thousands of years to bring honor to Him. Want to make God smile?...play an instrument, sing a song, dance to a tempo, or simply listen with a renewed understanding that this gift from God has been placed on your life for a higher purpose...just as it has since the beginning of mankind.
Blessings!
Greg Morton
© December 1, 2012
To view a printable copy of this commentary click here
Monday, November 19, 2012
The Holy Days
I just don’t get it. I hear people poo-pooing all the religious aspects of Christmas time and, although I’m not a strong advocate per se of religion, I am unequivocal that this time should be honored and revered for the purpose it was meant. What Christmas has become—in all its commercialization—still clearly harkens its origins back to the birth of Christ whether people choose to recognize it or not.
Gift-giving is a direct descendent of the gifts given to the Christ child. The stars we light up and place on our trees are direct symbols of the guiding star which led the wise men to Christ. The very language we use should be as telling as anything. “Christmas” literally means Mass for Christ. “Holiday” literally means Holy Day. These are not reflections of simple passed down traditions that only suggest fantasies and folklore. These are reflective of the roots for which we truly celebrate.
I, for one, have trouble remembering and honoring the holiday season for what it truly is. I get caught up in the gift-seeking and food preparations and only give a cursory thought as to why I am doing any of it. Keeping God in the foreground rather than the background should be obvious to any Christian, however, we are still humans very easily influenced by our society, our traditions, and media-led commercialism. I believe it’s time to rise above our worldly views and give praise where praise is due; give honor to the Creator who began it all; give gifts of our own thanksgiving to the One who gave us a gift that can never truly be repaid. Yes, Christmas and all its surrounding holidays should be used to glorify God and—if we allow it—to regain our purpose in this world.
Blessings!
Greg Morton© November 19, 2012
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Thursday, November 1, 2012
The Power of Influence
The power of influence should never be underestimated…even when the source of that influence is a very young girl.
Back in May 2012 in a small town in Scotland a nine year old girl, Martha Payne, began to take pictures of the lunches she received at school and blogged about them. Her playful, yet instructive, insights caught on within the local towns and eventually found its way into the mainstream news.
When some of the blogs were a bit critical on her “food-o-meter”, the council governing her school decided to ban her from taking any more pictures. As the story grew legs amongst the news community, free speech activists became vocal. Once endorsements from notable people—even famous chef Jamie Oliver—began to surface in support of her actions, the U.K. council rescinded their ban and she now continues to blog.
The heartwarming part of all this, however, is that Martha’s objective was to raise awareness for a charity called Mary’s Meals which donates food to third world countries. After her story become more widespread the charity, which usually receives around £2000, jumped to over £10,000 (from $3,000 to over $10,000).
God has historically used people of all classes and walks of life to fulfill His desires from the Old Testament through today. This story is a great reminder that the influence we have--or can have--on the world around us is attainable by each and every one of us. Perhaps God is intervening and using you, or perhaps He’s letting life play out under its own accord...either way, we should all remember the power of influence we have should never be denied.
Blessings!
Greg Morton
© November 1, 2012
To view a printable copy of this commentary click here
Monday, October 1, 2012
The Place For Religion
One of my favorite Bible teachers is J. Vernon McGee. Although he passed away in 1988 his ministry, Thru The Bible, is still aired every morning on my local Christian radio station and I love starting my day off by listening to him on my way to work.
The other morning he mentioned something—ever so briefly—that really got me thinking. Reading from the book of Acts he was offering insights as to what Peter and the other apostles were speaking about while talking to the Pharisees. Their core message was that the Gospel—and belief in the Gospel—was sufficient for salvation. All the Mosaic laws and ceremonies and works and lifestyles could never transcend the simple truth that Jesus Christ died for the sins of mankind and believing that truth was the one and only way to be saved.
But here’s where Vernon McGee’s comment came in….he stated that the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ was the totality of the Gospel and anything added or taken away from that truth is simply “religion”. You know…I have to agree with that statement. For many years as I have attended churches, studies other religions, studied other denominations…it all comes down to whether or not you believe the plain and simple truth of the Gospel: Jesus Christ died, was buried, and rose again to take on the sins of the world in a way we could never accomplish. Everything we do after that is a statement of our faith…and how we live out our faith is the substance of what shapes our “religion”.
Growing up through a good part of the “Jesus Movement” back in the sixties and early seventies, I realize now that their focus was often a bit backwards. The mantra of that day was to “get religion and find salvation”. The truth is that salvation must come first and your religion is born from that.
So, is religion inherently bad? Jesus certainly took a dim view of it back in His day. The Sadducees were the keepers of the Temple and, by definition, were the “experts” of the religious laws. That said, they were much more interested in their rituals and pretensions of knowledge than listening to the truth Jesus was speaking.
We must all be careful to not add to, or detract from, the Gospel truth just for the sake of being religious. Certainly how we conduct our lives and interact with both saved and unsaved people is a manifestation of our beliefs...and our faith encompasses many choices of lifestyle and works. But the Gospel, the essence of salvation, is nothing more than the simple truth: Jesus Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again. This is salvation. Religion—in all its forms—should display our beliefs and faith in a true and meaningful way...but it must never transcend the absolute substance of our salvation which is the Gospel.
In my opinion, the place for religion is within the heart. Your local church may be a great instrument for you to express and share your beliefs, but it can not rise above that which is not already there inside yourself. It is a place to be filled, refreshed, lay out your needs, fulfill the needs of others, and allows a setting for real and meaningful worship and teaching. But don’t ever be fooled into thinking that following a religious course will lead you to salvation. That is a personal choice, made by you with sincere faith, and nothing beyond the true Gospel can define you as a child of God.
Blessings!
Greg Morton
© October 1, 2012
To view a printable copy of this commentary click here
Saturday, September 1, 2012
The Power of Women
When do you suppose women’s rights and activism began: the U.S. Women’s Suffrage movement of 1920? Perhaps as early as the reign of Cleopatra in the 60s BC? I argue there is an account of women influencing society well over 3,000 years ago. My source…Numbers chapter 27.
According to Mosaic law when a man died his inheritance went to his son(s). In Numbers 27 we read that five daughters approached Moses and the leaders declaring their father had died and there were no sons to leave an inheritance to. They contended they should all receive it so they could eventually pass on the inheritance to future male family members in order to keep the family name alive. Believe me, women speaking up to the Jewish leaders was not a common--nor expected--occurrence.
Apparently this situation had never been approached to Moses because he did not recite any law… he conferred with the Lord on the matter. The Lord was very quick to tell Moses these women were absolutely right. A revised law was soon implemented to incorporate numerous situations regarding inheritances.
I don’t know about you, but this is a very telling story; not just about the faith and boldness of these women, but also the justness of our Lord and Creator.
Although men are abundantly written about and lauded throughout history, I find these sometimes unnoticed stories of women standing strong in their beliefs and courageous in their actions much more impressive and powerful. I am truly grateful for the women in my life as well...and thank God for them every day.
Greg Morton
© September 1, 2012
To view a printable copy of this commentary click here
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Power Play
Many great men of God we read about had to be brought to a point of feeling weak and inadequate in order for God to use them.
Moses was raised from an infant as an Egyptian and was educated within that pagan climate, however, his faith never strayed from God. As he grew older and saw the abuse his fellow Hebrew people were enduring, he outright killed an Egyptian for beating on his slave. You see Moses was young, full of vim and vigor and, at that point, wanted to be used by God in great and mighty ways. The story progresses, though, in an interesting turn as Moses ends up running to Midian…which is, by most accounts, an area of vast desert and desolation populated only by nomads and shepherds. It was 40 years later that God spoke to Moses in the burning bush and commanded him to free his people from Egypt. At that point Moses sincerely doubted his abilities to accomplish what was asked of him.
It’s interesting that God did not want to use Moses when he was cocky, arrogant and self-assured. His timing was to use him when he felt at his weakest. You see, God doesn’t want, or need, a power play with us. He needs us in a place where we absolutely must rely on Him in faith.
David, before he became king, endured the same thing. Although God used him at a young age (as Goliath can certainly attest to…) he later on had many circumstances of fear and anguish. He spent years living in caves fearing for his life. After these trials, though, God was able to use Him in much greater ways as king of Judah and eventually king of all Israel.
So when you feel a bit ineffective and lacking in your abilities, you are in the perfect spot for God to use you in ways you can’t even fathom. This is how a wondrous God works; in His timing, in His manner, with His people.
Blessings!
Greg Morton
© August 1, 2012
To view a printable copy of this commentary click here
Monday, July 2, 2012
Election Day
Since all the talk this year is about elections, I thought it interesting to talk a bit about an election that transcends all others….God’s election.
If ever there was fodder for theological arguments, the grand-daddy of all would be in the areas of election and free-will. How do you wrap your head around the concept that God has already designed and chosen you to perform His will when you inherently have a free will?
If it’s a matter of God simply knowing ahead of time what you will choose…that certainly doesn’t sound much like a “plan” that God has designed. On the other hand, if what God has planned will absolutely be fulfilled by your choices no matter what….how is that a free will?
So the dilemma continues and will most likely always continue until the day we meet up with Him on a personal level. Really all we can do is experience this paradox through examples found in the Bible…and simply accept them.
As I was reading through Judges an account of Gideon struck me as a perfect example. The story unfolds as Gideon has been directed by God to defeat the community of Midian. Gideon initially assembles 32,000 men to fight. God tells him there are too many and doesn’t want the men to feel as if they defeated Midian by their number and strength…the defeat needed to be clearly God’s doing. Gideon told anyone who was afraid to fight could leave…which 22,000 did. Left with only 10,000 God said, “Uh, uh…..still too many.” As a test of character God told Gideon to choose only the men who drank from the spring by bringing the water to their mouths rather than getting on all fours and lapping it up like a dog. This left 300 men for Gideon’s army. Read Chapter 7 to find the outcome of this very interesting battle.
Do you believe these 300 men were the original chosen by God to perform this battle? I certainly do. This is the perfect example of the juxtaposition of God’s election and free will. These men were selected by their free-will choices…yet God’s plan all along had been to use these men. I don’t pretend to understand the totality of election and free will, I simply know that it exists and this is the way God works….3,000 years ago and just as much today.
So when you go to cast your vote in November, will something in the back of your head remember this story? Will you wonder if your free will choice is really part of a grand design? I don’t have the answers and probably never will. I do know, however, that I love to pose questions and make people squirm mired in their own confusion to understand the things that cannot be understood. My work here is done.
Blessings.
Greg Morton
© July 2012
To view a printable copy of this commentary click here
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Treasures
During one of Jesus’ teachings, both Matthew and Luke reiterated a very profound truth: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matt 6:21, Luke 12:34).
I like to visualize concepts in a tangible way because it seems to resonate and stick better for me. If we take this “treasure” concept and put it in a physical context, we may begin to see its importance and significance.
When we begin to collect and grow things in life, e.g. our bank accounts, cars, RVs, homes, and the like… we say we are “amassing” them. This word mass is a very appropriate term for this illustration. In the world of physics all mass has gravity. When we have a mass of “things” in our lives it operates in a very similar fashion; we begin to metaphorically (and, in some sense, literally) orbit around this mass which has a gravitational pull. The larger the mass, the more gravity; the more gravity, the more our orbital speed increases in order to maintain its path.
Now, let’s get back to our “treasures”. Are they in our bank accounts and our assortment of things…or is our heart in tune and in fellowship with our Creator? Do we truly, on a conscious level, give our hearts daily to God?
Jesus’ point was very clear. The desires of our heart will guide—even supersede—what we intellectually know to be wrong or misplaced. If we desire the things of this world we cannot, as humans, separate these desires into two nice and neat compartments: world and God. Jesus understood this and admonished us to be clear about where our heart’s desires truly lie.
The following lyrics were written by Steve Merkel and recorded by Michael W. Smith:
Jesus, I've forgotten the words that You have spoken
Promises that
burned within my heart have now grown dimWith a doubting heart I follow the paths of earthly wisdom
Forgive me for my unbelief, Renew the fire again
Lord have mercy
Christ have mercy
Lord have mercy on me
I have built an altar where I worship things of men
I have taken journeys that have drawn me far from You
Now I am returning to Your mercies ever flowing
Pardon my transgressions, Help me love You again
Lord have mercy
Christ have mercy
Lord have mercy on me
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matt 6:21, Luke 12:34). Wonderful words to live by.
To view a printable copy of this commentary click here
Monday, April 2, 2012
An Act of God
We all know the path America seems to be taking as it applies to espousing the name of God…be it work, school or simply Christmas cards. Even Christians I talk to often have a very blasé attitude about the gravity of such changes.
I find it interesting, though, how deep-seated our religious roots really have intertwined within this country. Our currency still refers to God; our patriotic anthems refer to God; the U.S. Code has 68 references to God (although our Constitution has none contrary to popular belief); practically every court in the U.S. requires an oath of honesty in the name of God; nearly every U.S. State’s preamble contains language being grateful to God….and, yes, even the insurance industry uses it.
When a situation occurs beyond the control of man, it is said to be an “Act of God”. It’s almost humorous that the one thing God probably doesn’t do (at least directly) is control the situations “acts of God” fall under. Of course God created the universe and, therefore, all of nature falls under His reign…but I seriously doubt God intentionally had that 300 pound tree branch fall onto that poor lady’s car.
So what are we to take from all these references to God? Only that God has been an incredibly powerful influence on mankind whether we acknowledge it or not. God is inextricably woven into the fabric of our world even at the outcry of atheists claiming it untrue or agnostics who fail to see this simple and obvious truth.
Free will is God’s design to allow us the freedom to choose or reject Him, however, the truth remains the same regardless of our choice. I believe it’s time to not only acknowledge this truth which stares us in the face each and every day, but to shout it out to the world. God’s existence cannot be denied no matter how much we choose to look the other way. We don’t have to stand on a milk crate on the street corner evangelizing to all the passer-bys (although there’s certainly nothing wrong with that…); nor do we need to hold a seminary degree to speak what we know to be true. What we do need to do is communicate our beliefs in any way possible and not become complacent about how our society is slowly and cunningly distancing itself from our Creator. Being proud of God is something we shouldn’t keep hidden inside. To deny God is to deny our roots, our heritage and, simply, the whole world around us.
Greg Morton
© April 2, 2012
To view a printable copy of this commentary click here
I find it interesting, though, how deep-seated our religious roots really have intertwined within this country. Our currency still refers to God; our patriotic anthems refer to God; the U.S. Code has 68 references to God (although our Constitution has none contrary to popular belief); practically every court in the U.S. requires an oath of honesty in the name of God; nearly every U.S. State’s preamble contains language being grateful to God….and, yes, even the insurance industry uses it.
When a situation occurs beyond the control of man, it is said to be an “Act of God”. It’s almost humorous that the one thing God probably doesn’t do (at least directly) is control the situations “acts of God” fall under. Of course God created the universe and, therefore, all of nature falls under His reign…but I seriously doubt God intentionally had that 300 pound tree branch fall onto that poor lady’s car.
So what are we to take from all these references to God? Only that God has been an incredibly powerful influence on mankind whether we acknowledge it or not. God is inextricably woven into the fabric of our world even at the outcry of atheists claiming it untrue or agnostics who fail to see this simple and obvious truth.
Free will is God’s design to allow us the freedom to choose or reject Him, however, the truth remains the same regardless of our choice. I believe it’s time to not only acknowledge this truth which stares us in the face each and every day, but to shout it out to the world. God’s existence cannot be denied no matter how much we choose to look the other way. We don’t have to stand on a milk crate on the street corner evangelizing to all the passer-bys (although there’s certainly nothing wrong with that…); nor do we need to hold a seminary degree to speak what we know to be true. What we do need to do is communicate our beliefs in any way possible and not become complacent about how our society is slowly and cunningly distancing itself from our Creator. Being proud of God is something we shouldn’t keep hidden inside. To deny God is to deny our roots, our heritage and, simply, the whole world around us.
Greg Morton
© April 2, 2012
To view a printable copy of this commentary click here
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Joy
A lot of people talk about joy: “It was a joyous occasion.” “My grandkids bring me such joy.” “The joy of giving”. It’s also the root to our English words “enjoy” and “rejoice”. But was does it really mean to have joy in your heart?
This life offers many temporal attractions in an attempt to bestow happiness on us. If you find yourself wanting or needing the stimulants of this world, then you need to reconsider your relationship with God. This is how the Bible states it in John 15:10-12…
If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.
It’s pretty clear what Christ was telling us about joy in our lives…that when His joy is in us, then our joy can become complete. The corollary truth—and just as important—is that it is impossible to have complete joy if we do not have the joy of Jesus in us. You’ll also notice that being loved is the precursor and loving others is a direct result of true joy.
The nickname my wife has so lovingly (and often too correctly) given me is “cranky-boy”. Of course I smirk and we snicker about it and it often lightens the mood. That said, I do need to own up to the fact that the persona I give 24/7 is supposed to be conveying Christ-like qualities…..yikes!
I like to think that I have the joy of Christ in my heart each and every day, and there’s no reason not to…except for the limitations I put on myself. Certainly God never stops loving me. What tangles me up is the “loving others as God loves us” command.
In Hebrews chapter 1 Paul explains the relationship God the Father has with his son Jesus Christ: “You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.”
That very same oil of joy which was imparted on Jesus can be found in each one of us who professes Him as our Lord. So do I have the joy of Christ in me? …absolutely. Does it always show? ...that is something I need to strive for on a daily basis. I have the confidence in knowing that my joy comes from my Creator and God.
Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. I Peter 1: 8,9
Greg Morton
© March 1, 2012
To view a printable copy of this commentary click here
This life offers many temporal attractions in an attempt to bestow happiness on us. If you find yourself wanting or needing the stimulants of this world, then you need to reconsider your relationship with God. This is how the Bible states it in John 15:10-12…
If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.
It’s pretty clear what Christ was telling us about joy in our lives…that when His joy is in us, then our joy can become complete. The corollary truth—and just as important—is that it is impossible to have complete joy if we do not have the joy of Jesus in us. You’ll also notice that being loved is the precursor and loving others is a direct result of true joy.
The nickname my wife has so lovingly (and often too correctly) given me is “cranky-boy”. Of course I smirk and we snicker about it and it often lightens the mood. That said, I do need to own up to the fact that the persona I give 24/7 is supposed to be conveying Christ-like qualities…..yikes!
I like to think that I have the joy of Christ in my heart each and every day, and there’s no reason not to…except for the limitations I put on myself. Certainly God never stops loving me. What tangles me up is the “loving others as God loves us” command.
In Hebrews chapter 1 Paul explains the relationship God the Father has with his son Jesus Christ: “You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.”
That very same oil of joy which was imparted on Jesus can be found in each one of us who professes Him as our Lord. So do I have the joy of Christ in me? …absolutely. Does it always show? ...that is something I need to strive for on a daily basis. I have the confidence in knowing that my joy comes from my Creator and God.
Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. I Peter 1: 8,9
Greg Morton
© March 1, 2012
To view a printable copy of this commentary click here
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Believer...or Make-Believer?
Ephesians 2: 8, 9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. NIV
It’s not only that Americanized attitude which drives us…it seems to be an inherent way of thinking we all have inside us that says we can, and should, derive results by working for it. That is, of course, a very commendable work ethic that shouldn’t be minimized…but when it comes to salvation, the paradigm is much simpler. It’s a free gift and all we have to do is believe it and accept it. Hardly feels right but that’s the way God designed it.
The books of Mark, Luke, Acts, Romans, I Corinthians and Hebrews all have passages specifically stating that if you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, you will be saved. One notable observation, though...when the scriptures say “You must believe”, there is an understood element of “acceptance” as well. It is not sufficient to simply believe there is a God. James 2:19 says it quite well, “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.” The fact remains that when we say we believe, we must own an accepting belief which transcends the mere acknowledgement of God.
Perhaps there are vast amounts of people in this world playing make-believe with their faith; perhaps there are numerous people in this world who will be met with a very gruesome eternal surprise. It isn’t the obligation of Christians, however, to make that judgment.
So…to what degree of “belief” is sufficient for salvation? I simply don’t know, nor do I feel it is necessary for me to know. That is God’s call to make and my job is simply to spread the Gospel. Salvation is God’s gift to mankind…not the Christian’s gift to all the unsaved.
The sad reality is many we try to reach will simply not accept the truth of salvation. Jesus stated in numerous parables and teachings that “many will be called, but few are chosen.” We are commissioned to share the wonderful truth of how much a merciful God loves us by sending his own son, Jesus Christ, to die a humiliating and painful death so that He could take on the sins of this world. His death and resurrection are the elements by which the Holy Spirit can now intervene when someone says, “Yes, I believe.” Christians need to spread this message…then let God provide the gift.
Greg Morton
© February 1, 2012
To view a printable copy of this commentary click here
It’s not only that Americanized attitude which drives us…it seems to be an inherent way of thinking we all have inside us that says we can, and should, derive results by working for it. That is, of course, a very commendable work ethic that shouldn’t be minimized…but when it comes to salvation, the paradigm is much simpler. It’s a free gift and all we have to do is believe it and accept it. Hardly feels right but that’s the way God designed it.
The books of Mark, Luke, Acts, Romans, I Corinthians and Hebrews all have passages specifically stating that if you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, you will be saved. One notable observation, though...when the scriptures say “You must believe”, there is an understood element of “acceptance” as well. It is not sufficient to simply believe there is a God. James 2:19 says it quite well, “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.” The fact remains that when we say we believe, we must own an accepting belief which transcends the mere acknowledgement of God.
Perhaps there are vast amounts of people in this world playing make-believe with their faith; perhaps there are numerous people in this world who will be met with a very gruesome eternal surprise. It isn’t the obligation of Christians, however, to make that judgment.
So…to what degree of “belief” is sufficient for salvation? I simply don’t know, nor do I feel it is necessary for me to know. That is God’s call to make and my job is simply to spread the Gospel. Salvation is God’s gift to mankind…not the Christian’s gift to all the unsaved.
The sad reality is many we try to reach will simply not accept the truth of salvation. Jesus stated in numerous parables and teachings that “many will be called, but few are chosen.” We are commissioned to share the wonderful truth of how much a merciful God loves us by sending his own son, Jesus Christ, to die a humiliating and painful death so that He could take on the sins of this world. His death and resurrection are the elements by which the Holy Spirit can now intervene when someone says, “Yes, I believe.” Christians need to spread this message…then let God provide the gift.
Greg Morton
© February 1, 2012
To view a printable copy of this commentary click here
Monday, January 2, 2012
Nothing New Under The Sun
What has been will be again,
what has been done will be done again;
there is nothing new under the sun. Ecclesiastes 1:9
I quote this verse for good reason. Throughout history there really is nothing much new about human nature and its imminent results. People;...sin;…yes, even the foundations of what we call “church” have developed the same patterns for centuries on end. Although there have been revolutions, revivals, movements…there really is “nothing new under the sun” in the grand scheme of things.
That said, over the last few decades I’ve noticed many paradigm shifts within the church. Churches have historically claimed their rightful place in nearly every society around the world, however, their autonomy and “standing up for what they believe in” can be a double-edged sword. You can’t very well reach out to your community if you simply alienate them. On the other hand, you certainly can’t be all things to all people and still hold true to your beliefs. Thus, we encounter paradigm shifts that cycle throughout history.
What concerns me in today’s American society is the “religious” role playing that often supersedes the true purpose of the church. In some services time and care is spent so diligently following certain liturgies that it can get in the way of leadership actually seeing what the congregation needs. Many times it can work, but we can’t be so blinded by rituals that we miss the needs staring us in the face. If it’s clear there needs to be some corporate prayer on a given situation…throw that bulletin out the stained glass window and act on the need, not the timeline. If there is a palpable moving of the Holy Spirit during praise and worship time…don’t simply dismiss it away by going to the next thing on the agenda; revel in His glory and let God speak rather than the pastor.
Clearly there is a place for structure within church services; but there also needs to be a renewed awareness that this body of believers worshipping and praising is the essence of what God wants today. He wants a personal relationship with each and every one of us. Yes, He does want His children to be disciplined and faithful, but somehow we’ve learned to equate discipline with doing the same thing over and over…even at the expense of simply going through the motions. I do not believe that a mere habitual lifestyle is what God is looking for. Going to church each Sunday is all well and good, but if there is no relationship constantly building between you and your Savior…it’s all for naught.
Although I’ve experienced some contrary and ambivalent feelings regarding “church” itself, the true Church—the body of Christ—is an amazing and wonderful thing to be a part of. We are bonded by the knowledge that we have all made the same decision to have our loving Savior as the center of our lives. We ought not forget, however, that we have just as strong of a bond with everyone else on this planet…we are all sinners, saved and unsaved, and all deal with the same ol’ stuff life throws at us. In that regard, we should be exercising our tongues to the world around us that—although we are all sinners—we have a gift of grace available to us that delivers us from being bound by that sin. This is the Christian commission: to let people know about this gift. When Jesus Christ walked among us two thousand years ago, he didn’t think too highly of the “religious” aspects of society (read Matthew 23). Frankly I don’t think much has changed since He’s been here and I, for one, would much rather spend my energies praising Him in a way that is real and meaningful to me. I do love the church…I simply love the body of Christ—the true Church—so much more.
Greg Morton
© January 2, 2012
To view a printable copy of this commentary click here
what has been done will be done again;
there is nothing new under the sun. Ecclesiastes 1:9
I quote this verse for good reason. Throughout history there really is nothing much new about human nature and its imminent results. People;...sin;…yes, even the foundations of what we call “church” have developed the same patterns for centuries on end. Although there have been revolutions, revivals, movements…there really is “nothing new under the sun” in the grand scheme of things.
That said, over the last few decades I’ve noticed many paradigm shifts within the church. Churches have historically claimed their rightful place in nearly every society around the world, however, their autonomy and “standing up for what they believe in” can be a double-edged sword. You can’t very well reach out to your community if you simply alienate them. On the other hand, you certainly can’t be all things to all people and still hold true to your beliefs. Thus, we encounter paradigm shifts that cycle throughout history.
What concerns me in today’s American society is the “religious” role playing that often supersedes the true purpose of the church. In some services time and care is spent so diligently following certain liturgies that it can get in the way of leadership actually seeing what the congregation needs. Many times it can work, but we can’t be so blinded by rituals that we miss the needs staring us in the face. If it’s clear there needs to be some corporate prayer on a given situation…throw that bulletin out the stained glass window and act on the need, not the timeline. If there is a palpable moving of the Holy Spirit during praise and worship time…don’t simply dismiss it away by going to the next thing on the agenda; revel in His glory and let God speak rather than the pastor.
Clearly there is a place for structure within church services; but there also needs to be a renewed awareness that this body of believers worshipping and praising is the essence of what God wants today. He wants a personal relationship with each and every one of us. Yes, He does want His children to be disciplined and faithful, but somehow we’ve learned to equate discipline with doing the same thing over and over…even at the expense of simply going through the motions. I do not believe that a mere habitual lifestyle is what God is looking for. Going to church each Sunday is all well and good, but if there is no relationship constantly building between you and your Savior…it’s all for naught.
Although I’ve experienced some contrary and ambivalent feelings regarding “church” itself, the true Church—the body of Christ—is an amazing and wonderful thing to be a part of. We are bonded by the knowledge that we have all made the same decision to have our loving Savior as the center of our lives. We ought not forget, however, that we have just as strong of a bond with everyone else on this planet…we are all sinners, saved and unsaved, and all deal with the same ol’ stuff life throws at us. In that regard, we should be exercising our tongues to the world around us that—although we are all sinners—we have a gift of grace available to us that delivers us from being bound by that sin. This is the Christian commission: to let people know about this gift. When Jesus Christ walked among us two thousand years ago, he didn’t think too highly of the “religious” aspects of society (read Matthew 23). Frankly I don’t think much has changed since He’s been here and I, for one, would much rather spend my energies praising Him in a way that is real and meaningful to me. I do love the church…I simply love the body of Christ—the true Church—so much more.
Greg Morton
© January 2, 2012
To view a printable copy of this commentary click here
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