My Gospel

"...in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel." ~ Romans 2:16

"Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began..." ~ Romans 16:25

"Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel." ~ 2 Timothy 2:8

On these three occasions, Paul, by the power of the Holy Spirit, wrote concerning his special relationship to the gospel of Jesus Christ. These are are not the only occasions in which Paul mentions the importance of the gospel, or his relationship to it - but these are the times when he said it specifically this way - "my gospel."

Although the gospel is not something we initiated, it should still be to us a great possession. Paul lived a life that was pleasing to God because he wanted to live - "according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to my trust" (1 Tim. 1:11).

He also presented his work in life in this manner - "Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God." (2 Corinthians 5:18-20).

What is missing in the life of most Christians is a possessive attitude about the gospel. It is not the preacher's gospel! It is not the church's gospel! It is not the elders' or the deacons' or the teachers' gospel! Until we all have a personal relationship with the gospel like Paul had, we can in no way be a growing church.

God has chosen to spread the good news of Jesus Christ by word of mouth (1 Corinthians 1:21). Personal evangelism will never be out-dated, overdone, or unnecessary. What greater gift has man received than the gospel? What greater gift can man give than the gospel?

In order for us to give it, we have to already possess it. I am so excited about the gospel of Jesus Christ - my gospel! Are you?

"Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word."~ Acts 8:4

Giving Methods

Gary and Marylyn Underwood co-authored a book entitled, "First Principles, Topical Studies for New Converts." In this book there is a section on stewardship. In discussing this topic the Underwoods mention five different methods people use as an approach to their giving to the Lord. I would simply like to mention the methods they have listed, and then add a few words:

1. The Tip Method. This method has no rule or purpose. Of course it is understood that it should be a certain percentage, and it is also assumed because it is expected. When you think about a tip at a restaurant, you recognize that tipping is a part of it. Tipping is often done out of compulsion. This is not the proper attitude for giving.

2. The Entertainment Method. The person who uses this method is only going to give to the Lord if they happen to be present, and that giving may vary based on what a person has left in their wallet or the atmosphere of the particular day they have been to worship. This method does not lay by in store. This person may give more when the singing seems better or the preacher is more enthusiastic and charismatic. It's like going to the movies, but only paying afterward if you happened to enjoy the picture.

3. The Sponge Method. This person only gives under pressure. Perhaps a sermon on stewardship may increase the sponge giver's contribution for a while - until they forget or get distracted again by the world and its financial demands. The sponge giver is the guilty giver, the giver who has forgotten too many Sundays past. The sponge giver has to be begged and bullied, and frustrates the kinder efforts of the leadership.

4. The Tithe Method. "How much do I owe? Ten percent? Ok. Here, Lord, here is your ten percent." When are we going to realize that the earth is the Lord's, and all its fullness (1 Cor. 10:26)? There is nothing that we have, nothing, that is not already God's. The tither means to do well, but needs to be careful about giving ten percent. God expects one hundred percent in everything. Perhaps we limit what people would be willing to give, by accepting the idea of the tithe! Giving is not about percentages, it is about the heart.

5. The Christian Method. The Christian Method goes beyond percentages. It goes beyond Biblical examples of accepted righteousness (Matt. 5:20). The Christian who desires to give acceptably does so willingly and totally. They are excited about giving. They are moved with love for God and thanksgiving for understood blessings. The Christian gives more and more with time. They give in faith, and they do not cut back in periods of financial struggle.True Christian giving starts with the complete and total giving of self to the will of God (2 Cor. 8:5).

There is a method to everything we do. What type of giver are you?

"But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver." ~ 2 Corinthians 9:6-7

The New American Idol

A woman was overheard at a dinner party, "My husband and I have managed to be happy together for over 20 years. I guess it is because we are both in love with the same man."

When God spoke from Sinai to the children of Israel, giving them the Ten Commandments, He began by saying, "I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself a carved image--any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me" (Exodus 20:2-5). God made it clear that He was to be first place.

But today, people are in love with themselves. They seem to love themselves more than their spouses, more than their children, more than anything else on the earth. The image they worship, fashioned after a work of creation, is the one they see in the mirror.

In defining the "American Dream," 68% of adults say that it can only be fulfilled if they have the freedom to do and say whatever they want, regardless of the way their activity affects others. This is not freedom - this is plain selfishness! Freedom has with it the necessary elements of sacrifice, and the understanding that my desire to act is not going to take away the rights or freedoms of another.

People are confused about the difference between being responsible to oneself and worshiping self. Margaret Paul, Ph.D., makes the following observations about the difference between selfishness and self-responsibility:

We are being selfish when:

• We expect others to give themselves up for us.

• We make others responsible for our feelings of pain and joy.

• We get angry at others for doing what they want to do rather than doing what we want them to do.

• We consistently make our own feelings, wants, needs and desires important without also considering others feelings, wants, needs and desires.

• We believe we are entitled to special treatment, such as not having to wait in line.

We are being self-responsible when:

• We take care of our own feelings, wants, desires and needs rather than expecting others to take care of us.

• We support others in doing what brings them joy, even when they are not doing what we want them to do.

• We show caring toward others for the joy it give us rather than out of fear, obligation, or guilt.

• We have the courage to take loving action in our own behalf, even if someone gets angry with us.

• We have the courage to speak our truth about what we will or will not do, and what we do or do not feel, rather than give ourselves up to avoid criticism, anger or rejection.

Each one on us needs to work on our tendencies to be selfish. Such is a requirement of being a disciple of Christ. The only way to make God first is to get out of the cockpit. The only way to worship God is to destroy every idol in our lives.

"and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again." ~ 2 Corinthians 5:15

For the Lord

"And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ" (Col. 3:23-24).

Service to the church is not only a good idea, it is a command. Christians have left the slavery of sin in order to be slaves of righteousness (Rom. 6:17-18). When a person truly obeys the gospel, they have done more than receive the remission of the theirs sins - they have given their life over to God, to do His will from the heart. This being the case, it comes upon each Christian to have not only the willingness to serve, but the correct attitude.

Paul sets forth a very good statement in to the church at Colossae, when He reminds them how service ought to be rendered. If we can learn from these simple principles, we will change the way Christians relate with one another and we will improve the overall atmosphere within the kingdom.

1. "Do it heartily." The original language of this statement suggests that we work for God with the very breath that sustains our life - that we put our soul into it. God wants us to do our best. One version suggests that this phrase means to work for God with all of your heart. This should not be a difficult request when we reflect upon Jesus. Considering all that God has done for us, and how He has saved us, to give Him everything we have is nothing more than a natural response to unfailing love.

2. "As to the Lord." Herein lies perhaps the most important thing to remember about religious labor. We are doing what we do for God! When people work in the church to be revered, respected, or recognized, they do it for themselves. When people work in the church to make sure that every person is always happy, although they show some unselfishness, they have still missed the higher mark of spiritual service. These approaches lead to pride, personality conflicts, bad attitudes, and continual disappointments. The greatest workers in the church are the people with a smile on their face, who work without complaining, and who are so happy that God has saved them that all they want to do is anything that will please God. People who do their service to the Lord will be rewarded by the Lord.

3. "Knowing." Yes, just this one word says it all. Christians know why they are supposed to serve. Christians know about the love of God that motivates them to serve. Christians also know what lies ahead when they are willing to serve. Glorifying God, helping people, and one's individual spiritual growth are all immediate benefits of working in the kingdom. The greatest feeling the Christian can ever know is that they are going to heaven. This is what "knowing" is all about. When you know where you are headed, any labor along the way is well worth your time. Knowing that God loves us, knowing that He has saved us, and knowing that heaven is closer to us everyday is what living a life of happiness and service is all about.

It is just as important to consider how we serve God, as it is to consider that we we serve God. Some of us need to get to work, and some of us need to remember why we are working in the first place.

"...not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord..." ~ Ephesians 6:6-8

4 Things You Will Never Regret

Someone once said that it is better to sleep on what you plan to do than to be kept awake by what you've done. People often look into their past and have many regrets about what has been done or undone. The best way to get over past mistakes is to make some improvements today. There are some things that we can do that we will never regret.

1. Show kindness to an aged or person or a person in need. Many people agonize over a phone call or visit that they wished they had made. Opportunities pass and people leave us suddenly. When we think of others first we will always feel better about ourselves and better about our relationship with God. Doing things for others is doing something even greater for yourself.

2. Do your best. Ecclesiastes 9:10 - "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going." These are wise words from the wisest of men. The time is coming when you will not be able to give it your best shot. The number one regret statistically involves people wishing they had tried harder in school. My high school trigonometry teacher once told me that I could choose to work hard early and rest later in life, or I could rest now and work hard until I die. He was right. When you do your best you will never have to look back and think about what you might have been able to accomplish.

3. Spend time with your children. "Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord..." (Psalm 127:3). The word "heritage" means "inheritance." People neglect their kids trying to leave an inheritance for them. What they fail to recognize is that their inheritance IS their children! Take a day off work sometime just to spend a day with one or more of your children. Go to their games, support their school projects, be involved in their lives. I wish I had a quarter for every time an older person has said to me about my children - "Enjoy them now at this age, they will grow up fast." If you have children in your home right now, you are one of the most blessed people on the earth.

4. Become a Christian. Agrippa was almost a Christian (Acts 26:28). So many people end up in this same state. To stand before God in the judgment having never obeyed the gospel is to have accomplished the greatest failure in human history. Paul wrote in 2 Cor. 7:10 - "For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death." When we change our minds and hearts and make the decision to be right with God, we have made the single, most important decision of our lives. Christianity gives us hope, consolation, forgiveness, peace, direction, and all of the other things in life that no other endeavor will afford us. Of all the titles one can hold, there is none greater, than "Christian" (1 Pet. 4:16).

"If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them." ~ John 13:17

Imitation

Bill Morgan writes - "On a wall near the main entrance to the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas, is a portrait with the following inscription: 'James Butler Bonham--no picture of him exists. This portrait is of his nephew, Major James Bonham, deceased, who greatly resembled his uncle. It is placed here by the family that people may know the appearance of the man who died for freedom.' No literal portrait of Jesus exists either. But the likeness of the Son who makes us free can be seen in the lives of His true followers."

How is the world going to know who Christ? The Bible paints the true portrait. It tells us who He is and what He has done and where He now resides. The apostle John wrote near the end of his gospel - "And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book;but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name" (John 20:30-31).

Beyond the Bible, Christians have the responsibility of bearing His image as well. To be like Christ, to look like Christ in everything we do, is the highest and most noble goal of Christianity. Eph. 5:1-2 says, "Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma." Paul also wrote, "Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ" (1 Cor. 11:1).

The greatest of challenges lies before God's people. The very idea that we could be anything like the Son of God is humbling. Sometimes it seems like such an unachievable goal. But nothing is impossible with God's help. Throughout the New Testament, verse after verse commands that those who are children of God must be disciples of Christ. Peter wrote, "For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps" (1 Pet. 2:21).

Jesus is our example. He is our Lord. He is the one who we should walk like, talk like, and act like in everything we do. How is the world ever going to know Jesus? He is not here in the flesh anymore. There are no pictures of Him. But He has relatives that are supposed to look just like Him. He has given us the key to bearing His image.

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." ~ John 13:34-35

$100 for a Home Run

Shortly after moving to Lawrenceburg, TN, I met Odus Campbell. Odus introduced himself to me in the foyer of the church building. He told me that I could easily remember his name because it was the same as the guy from the Andy Griffith Show. Odus was a kind man with a good singing voice. He loved to worship God and he loved his family. Odus passed away a few years ago but his legacy and life continues.

When his grandsons, Frank and Bobby, were playing baseball, I remember Odus made them a proposition. He told them if they hit a home run over the fence that he would give them each $100. Well, Bobby hit a home run - $100. Then Frank hit a home run - $100. Not long after Bobby's first home run, he hit another home run. So he wanted to know if he was going to get another $100! I believe Odus replied that the limit was $100 per person. But no one could blame Bobby for trying!

It is important for us to support our children and grandchildren. The legacy that Odus and Willodean, and Terry and Beth have left for their children and grandchildren is love and support. To love and support our kids should be the easiest thing for us to do. To offer them rewards for a job well done adds incentive to their work and helps them to progress and do their very best. As I consider Frank's graduation, and the others who will graduate this year, I think of the support these kids have received from important and influential people. I also believe that their continual success will depend much upon constant support and love from the people in their lives who matter the most.

God has portrayed Himself to us as a loving Father. He is a God who wants to reward us for a job well done. He is a God who believes in us, is patient with us, and who is rooting for us. He is a God that will never leave or forsake us. He is a God who will always offer us a home and shelter from the difficulties and challenges of life.

What I wish today, is that Odus could see how well his grandsons are doing. His influence reached far beyond the field of play. His deepest desire was to spend eternity with his family. His greatest legacy to his family has been his Christian life. Since his passing, Frank and Bobby have become Christians. They are good boys, who I am proud to say are members of the Pulaski St. congregation.

We have a great group of young people. They are still learning and growing. They are not going to be perfect. But they need our support and love. As they are being rewarded this time of year for what they have accomplished, let's remember that there is a heavenly reward that we want to see them realize. Let's do everything we can to help make it happen. God did.

"If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!" ~ Matthew 7:11