What group are you in?

 

Philippians 2: 19-24

This part of the letter has a familiar sound to it, Paul is writing to the Philippian church, a church he founded on his second missionary journey.  It began with a few women who met by the river, one member of this group was Lydia, a seller of purple, and the Philippian jailer and his family soon joined her.  Paul is now in prison and only has the memories of these people who he introduced to Jesus Christ.

The reason for saying it has a familiar sound, all of us have had family or a dear friend move away from us or maybe we are the ones who moved, but it matters not, we want to hear how they are doing.  But verse twenty is not all that familiar, Paul and Timothy have entered into more than a disciple and discipular, more than a student to a teacher. Timothy has become a son to Paul.  Paul is going to send the one person who has great worth to him, because he needs news about his friends and fellow believers.

He wanted to send a clear message that Timothy is of great value to him and to the Church. “For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare.  They all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.  But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel.”  What a letter of encouragement to that young church, to those dear friends.  Timothy is coming, he is not just a carrier of a message he has a deep concern for each of us.  What a condemnation of all the others who hung out with Paul, not one, only Timothy had a genuine concern for the welfare of the church at Philippi.

The question came into my mind, which group am I in?  Genuinely concerned for your welfare or seeking my own interests, not those of Jesus Christ!  I’m not sure about you, but I hate to be confronted with that kind of question.  I was having a great morning on the back porch, where did that thought come from?  I can assure you it did not come from the enemy of our souls.  This is what I understand, there is a battle going on for our hearts, the world system is designed to turn our heart to trusting in self or others, and not putting faith in the promises of God and His word.  Ephesians 4:17-32, is clear on the battle, and warns us that the world has trained us like bird dogs to get our needs met outside of Christ, but that choice will never make you a Timothy.  You have entered into a war zone, the old self, which belongs to your former way of life and is corrupt and deceitful, cannot and will not have a do over, and it has to die.  Its desires are for self, and yet by the grace of God we have the ability to renew our minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice

Do you know a Paul?

Philippians 2:17-18

Where has all the Paul’s gone?  How many people do you know that are unselfish, who love God and you see in their actions, a heart for the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the best for those in their circle of influence?  This is what Paul is saying to the churches at Philippi, “Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.”  I’ve never been where a drink offering was given, so I did a little investigating.  Drink-offering: consisted of wine (Numbers 15:5; Hosea 9:4) poured around the altar (Exodus 30:9).  Wine is a symbol of joy both to God and to man (Jud.9: 13, Ps.104: 15), and this characterizes the drink offering.

Paul’s life is an example of giving to Christ, it is a drink offering, and it is why the Holy Spirit gave us so much information on Paul’s life.  Paul’s instruction to Titus 2:7-8a, are also to everyone who desires to let go and let God do it all for you.  In Philippians 1:21 “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain”, Paul was being poured out so that the joy and peace of Jesus Christ could enter into us.

Earlier, I asked, where have all the Paul’s gone, not far, I’ve known a few, and in fact I live with one.  If you spend time with Jan, her real identity cannot be hidden, she loves God, she knows Him as her Father, and she loves His only Son, Jesus Christ.  Long ago it became clear that Jan puts others first, she puts their interest first.  Jan is not a grumbler, she trusts her Father to guide and protect our Family and His church.  Did I tell you she enjoys serving, did I tell you that she is mighty in prayer, did I tell you she very tender.   

I did not say Jan was without sin, nor was Paul, but like a Paul; her heart is to abide in Christ, and believe that in Christ she can do anything.  You may be a Paul!  The enemy of our souls is good at deception, he is good at pointing out our failures, but I bet you do more acts of righteousness than you have noticed.  We are living in a crooked and twisted generation, and your light counts, both the angels and demons are watching to see what you will do with this great gift of choice, to abide in Christ and be poured out as a drink offering, or to live the empty self life.  It’s our choice and I’m praying that you and I will choose to be a Paul.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice

Your a Promise Your a Possibility

Philippians 2:13-16

Have you heard the song, “I am a Promise. I am a Possibility. I am a promise with a capital "P."  I am a great big bundle of potentiality, and I am learning to hear God's voice, and I am trying to make the right choice. I am a promise to be anything God wants me to be.”  If you and I who claim the name of Christ believed that little song that is often sung by children, not adults, then we would be used of God to be world changers.  It is so important that we go back to the basics, it is said that after five world championships, Vince Lombardi began every practice with “gentlemen, this is a football.”  It was going back to the basics, the fundamentals of the game, and that is never been more needed than in today’s church.

So let’s address the fundamentals of the Christian life, verse 13 does a great job of giving us the bottom line, “for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”  Just the facts, it is not you its God, if you can do it then you have no need of God.  Not one thing is going to happen in the spiritual life of your church unless it is the will and work of God!  And I hope this does not come as to much a shock, but it happens for His good pleasure, it pleases God.  It may please God to put you in a desert for forty years as He did to His friend Moses.  It may please God to put you in prison as He did His servant Joseph, or to make you king as He did for the keeper of sheep, the man we call King David.

One of the fundamentals is coming to the Father as a child; many of us have become grumblers, we question everything, we know what we like and do not like, and many of us are so polluted by the world and it’s system that we believe God is like us.  But verse 15 is clear on these basic fundamentals; we must come to God as blameless and innocent children.  “Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.” (Philippians 2:14-16)

Paul is telling us that someday you and I and he will stand before Christ, and his hope and prayer is that his investment in the churches of Philippi and all who read this will not try to invent some new way to be light in this crooked and twisted generation, but will go back to the basics.

You’re a Promise. You are a Possibility.  You’re a promise with a capital "P."  You’re a great big bundle of potentiality, and my prayer is that you and I are learning to hear God's voice, and in doing so, we make the right choice to believe that you and I can be anything God wants us to be.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice

Work out your own Salvation

Philippians 2:12-13

When the apostle Paul spoke these words, under the authority and inspiration of the Holy Spirit, “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”  Before you hear the voice in you mind that sounds a lot like your voice, that is saying, “see, it is all up to how much you can do for God.”  We should look at Scripture on what it does not mean.

Scripture is clear, your flesh and we are not talking skin, cannot please God, in fact he equates it to filthy rags.  If you have flesh that needs to perform to earn acceptance please stop and ponder on this verse, “For by grace you have been saved through faith.  And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8,9)  So what does the Holy Spirit want us to take away from; “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling?” 

It is always good to ask the question, has Jesus addressed this subject?  Often Jesus used examples of light, or darkness, of bread, and of the vine to give us insight into truth like, “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling”.  Jesus said, “I am the true vine and my Father is the vinedresser.  Every branch of mine that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” (John 15:1,2)  It is of the utmost importance to understand the branches Jesus is referring to, are those who by faith have entered into a relationship with Jesus Christ by grace.  Verse three tells us because of God’s grace and our receiving it by faith we are clean before God.  It is the exchanged life; the blood of Christ has covered your sin. 

When Jesus states, “Every branch of mine that does not bear fruit he takes away” nowhere where can I find in Scripture that God is cutting that person out of the vine, but is cutting then off, or as the English Standard Version states, “he takes always”.  I would encourage you to read 1 Peter 1:3-9, if you believe that what Jesus paid for in full and cleansed by His blood can be cut out of the vine.

How we get to the pruning, and as one who grows peaches, I have some understanding of the requirement of pruning.  Jan has learned to just stay in the house when I begin to prune our trees, it requires removing many branches, and opening the center of the tree up to light, or the next peach season will have little fruit.  Jesus said, “every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.”   Pruning is not something I look forward too, but I enjoy seeing the peach tree full of fruit, and God the Father loves seeing His children abiding in Him and in doing so bearing much fruit.  I believe that is what Proverbs 3, is telling us that by abiding in Christ, “the Vine” we  “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”

This past Sunday one of our Associate Pastors, Steve Peace shared this wisdom, “Knowledge without application = Pride” that is what happens to many of us and God hates pride, so if you are one of those who goes to every Bible study, but never applies the truth of the study, you are in for some pruning.

From The Back Porch,

Bob Rice

Being Significant

 

Philippians 2:3

What have you learned about being significant?  Is it not something you hope for and desire, is it not the one thing that gives us a dream, the desire to study, to give time to a problem that is not yet solved?  Some words that might come to your mind when you think of the word “significant” are; notable, noteworthy, worthy of attention, remarkable, important, of consequence, just to list a few. That came to mind when I read Philippians 2:3, “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”  You have got to be kidding!

New flash, drop everything and go to the parking lot of any Christian church building on Sunday and watch the Christian put others first as they try to be the first one to their favorite restaurant for Sunday lunch.  That scene can be more dangerous than a Houston freeway at rush hour.  The only difference is they are not using the sign language that may be used later in the week, because it is the church parking lot.

I never took a class in school on humility, or in counting others more significant that myself, but I do recall mother and dad requiring me to show politeness to adults and be kind to stray dogs, but that is so far from, “but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”  I am not sure about you, but I may have a problem, not with the apostle Paul, but with self.  It is verse five that tells me, “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,” is he saying, that Jesus, who is my life according to the gospel, has given me a mind to die to self, and be like my Lord?  If you have any doubt of this pick up your Bible and read in Philippians 2:5-11.

For me this is a day of self-examination, and I came to Proverbs 25:27, it has meaning for me because for many years I was a beekeeper.  When you are taking the honey the capping and the honeycomb are full of honey and many times I’ve almost made myself sick by eating too much honey.  That is why it is such a good comparison, “It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable to seek one’s own honor.”  So why do you do it, sorry, why do I do it?  The psalmist has this to say in Psalms 36:2, “For in his own eyes he flatters himself too much to detect or hate his sin.”  It is also easy to be conceited, but to date I’ve not met anyone who would own up to that truth, but Galatians 6:3, state it maybe a good place to begin this self-examination.  My friend James the apostle may have hit it on the head; “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves.  Do what it says.” (James 1:22)  In your examination check out Revelations 3:17, it may not be the way you think it is.

My history is full of failing tests as a student, and as an adult, and I have many bought lessons, some repeats, and a few that left deep scars, but I’ve done the examination of 2 Corinthians 13:5, and I passed.  It is the most important test you have ever taken, when it is passed, your life, your heart and mind will be free.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice

Go tell, that is the goal

Philippians 2:1-4

If I was given only one word to describe my occupation it would have to be “sales,” I spent 40 years of my life in exploring the art of sales.  One thing I’ve noticed about sales people they are goal oriented, most great ones can work on a team but would prefer to have the freedom and the challenge of developing a plan to penetrate the account.  Everyone who is in sales works for the ability to make money.  I’ve come to believe money is not the main motivation; there is great satisfaction in developing the plan and carrying it to victory, and that is a factor but not the driving force.  Most great sales people are driven by recognition, they need the appreciation or fame earned by an achievement. 

The challenge to management of this type of personality is to show appreciation and give recognition, and money is always a good scorecard, but the challenge is giving recognition for the past, but not to keep visiting the past.   A smart leader will encourage that person with new goals with new challenges.  So how does that fit into Philippians 2:1-4?  I believe, to some degree, most of us have grown up into a culture of self, we want to do it our way and we want others to respect our thoughts and do what we do.  It’s called building your own group; people who are in like mind with you, and that may give us some understanding of why we have so many groups we call denominations.  What is the definition of a denomination: “a section of the Christian church that has specific beliefs and practices that differ from those of other groupings and its own system of organization.”

It is not a new thing; that is precisely what the apostle Paul was writing to the church at Philippi.  “So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.  Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.  Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

When I was blessed to find a great salesperson who would put aside self, and allow me to engage their thoughts and methods, I did not have a spirit of rivalry with them, but I was humbled, knowing that they put the goal above themselves.  To my surprise a few were very young, and a few were not in the sales game.   If we have that in the pagan world of sales, that encompasses competition, why will we not put aside self in our local church?  Your local church is not in competition with a sister church down the street, or one of another denomination that also is proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ.  It always has to happen at home before you take it on the road, so begin in your home first and also in your local church.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice

If Christian only believed the Scriptures

Philippians 1:28-30

If Christians only believed the Scriptures, our actions would be different.  In the book of Romans 8:37-39, “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.  For I am sure that neither death nor life, not angels nor rulers, not things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us for the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  It is a big “if” because Christians have been taken captive by the world system.  We do not stand firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side-by-side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by our opponents.  The Christian church needs to be a light to a dark world.

The American church has no understanding of suffering, and when the apostle Paul tells us it has been granted to us not only to believe in him but also to suffer for his sake, we do neither very well.  Moses gave us the example to follow, it is recorded in Hebrews 11:24-26, he chose to be mistreated with the people of God, rather than enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin.

There are seven things that are keeping the American Church captive: 1) Persecution, we want no part of being uncomfortable, we do not even want to be inconvenienced, but Jesus said, when you are persecuted because of Him, comes blessing in Matthew 5:11.  2) Hatred, no one desires to be hated, but Jesus said that, “all men will hate you because of me.”  (Matthew 10:22)  3) Loss of Life, no one in their right mind wants to lose their life, but Jesus said; “Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 10:39)  If we only understood the exchanged life, that when we ask Christ into our hearts, we changed places with the Lord and He now lives in our body, it is His temple.  If we abide in Him, we will bear much fruit. 4) Renunciation of Worldly Treasures, Jesus said, “And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life.” (Matthew 19:29)  5) Suffering, we know so little about this subject, but as stated above, it is not the most popular of the Bible studies at the local church.  But it may be of value to read what a man who knew suffering for the name of Christ has to say in 1 Peter 3:13-17.  6) Loss of Reputation, once more not something the average Christian sets out to do, not even if they understand what the apostle Paul is saying in 1 Corinthians 4:10, “We are fools for Christ, but you are so wise in Christ!  We are weak, but you are strong!  You are honored, we are dishonored!”  7) Death, if you look at the average Church in America, we spend more time praying for someone who claims the name of Christ to not go home to be with Jesus than we pray for our family, friends and neighbors who are without Christ and will spend eternity in a place only designed for the devil and his angels.  Once more the apostle Paul states, “For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. (2 Corinthians 4:11)

The average American Church has no authority, it’s full of people who say one thing but so many never act out their faith, and it seems clear to me that we just do not believe the Scriptures.  We do not live, “as if Jesus tells the truth.”

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice

 Life without God is like an unsharpened pencil...it has no point.

The Value of the Family name

Philippians 1:27

How much value do you put on your name?  If something is of great worth we protect it, we are quick to tell others of the value we place on the item, person or family name.  Have we lost the importance of a good name, and if you do not value that, where do you place significance?  It was not that long ago in the South that a man of character placed value in his name, and his word was all you needed to make a business transaction, but now it requires lawyers and accounts, and even then, people look for ways to go back on the contract.

If you have not been taught the value of a good name, and the culture you grew-up in is built on deception and lies, and you have placed little or no value on your family name, and then you entered into a relationship with Christ; will you have any understanding of what Paul is speaking to?  “Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ,” I must say that the history of many years of people who claim the name Christian, show how little value we place on God’s action of grace.  How little value we place on being part of the family of God, when often people who go by the name of Christian act worst than the ones in the world, and bring shame on the name of Christ.

We are being redeemed, saved, born again, by the grace of a loving God, and many of those who have this new life have known nothing but self, they been trained like a bird dog to do whatever it requires to take care of number one.  The Bible calls that flesh, and it is very clear that the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, Galatians 5:16-25.  If that is your pattern, you need to understand that God places great value on His name.  “From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised!” (Psalm 113:3)   So when Christians imitate the non-believer, it brings not praise but shame on the family of God, and it should break our hearts.

The writer of Romans is the apostle Paul, but what is of value is that the Holy Spirit inspired it.  And the Holy Spirit knew you before you were formed in your mother, He knew all about your flesh and the culture that you would come out of.   He inspired Paul to tell us this; “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2)  Each morning look into the mirror and thank your Father in heaven for adopting you, tell Him how much your new identity means, and that you want the Holy Spirit to remind you, “Who you are” and the great price that Jesus paid to give you life, yes, life and victory over both death and sin.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice

Seeing opportunity in a problem

 

Philippians 1:22-26

I was blessed to work for a younger man at the end of my career that had the ability to look at a problem and see opportunity.  It seems that our world needs a person like Kim, who sees what others see, but instead of being depressed, gets excited about the ability to be a change agent.  Paul was that type of person; he refused to let his circumstances dictate his behavior, and we see many examples of that in the Scriptures, one is Philippians 4:12,13.

Last night we had dinner at our home with a young lady who knows God has called her to ministry in a Muslim country, she is not blind to the many problems that face her, but like a Paul she is going with one expectation, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”  (Philippians 4:13)  Marcia was not looking for some great thing she could do for God, she was looking to a great God and asking Him to allow her to join Him.

I’ve never been in farming, but I have many friends that farm, and all of them are in agreement that to produce a crop, you must plant at the right time and also harvesting is critical in regards to the timing.  Jesus spoke on this subject: “Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.  Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” (Matthew 9:37-38)  Yes, our Lord Jesus Christ the Creator of all that is, had a lot to say on you and I being part of the harvest.  Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.  Do not say, ‘There are yet four months, then comes the harvest’?  Look I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest.” (John 4:34-35)

The apostle Paul was not a farmer, but unlike many churches, pastors, and people who claim the name of Christ, Paul did not dwell on problems, but on the opportunity.  He had two loves in his life, Jesus Christ and the world that needed to be told of this amazing truth, “God loves you.”  This is what he said, “If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell.  I am hard pressed between the two.  My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.  But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account.” (Philippians 1:22-24)  Paul goes on in the verse that follows to state, but not in these words, the harvest is ready and I have been given the ability by the Lord to equip each of you to go and reap.

We have a problem, and it’s not new, Jesus addressed it in Matthew 9: 37-38, have you ever wondered what would happen if the church focused on prayer, and not the latest program.  I do not see anything in Scripture about the latest program to entice the world, but we do have the Lord telling us to “Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”  We who teach and those that preach, will all agree that only in prayer is there power, but it seems that our churches no longer believe in prayer, it’s just words.  You see, our actions, speak louder than our words.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice

Not for Beginners

Philippians 1:19-21

The book of James is not for the beginner in Christ, nor is it for the Easter or Christmas crowd, and it is certainly not for the faint at heart believer; it will mess with your heart.  If a pastor or teacher is not knowledgeable in the Scripture, this book can lead you down a wrong path of trying to help God in His work.  Often verse 18 is all people know about the book of James, “But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.”  Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”  Faith should produce action! And that is what Paul is stating in this letter to the church at Philippi, about his being imprisoned in chains.  He ends verse 18 in this way, “Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance.”  You might be a little shocked at what Paul calls deliverance!

Most Christians in the United States, read James 1:2-4, and equate these verses to having a flat on the freeway, or a bad hair day, and even then find it very difficult to, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,” I know, because like you, I struggle in these areas of life.  Our Lord was very up front on the issue of trials in this life, Jesus said; “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace.  In the world you will have tribulation.  But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)  My friend Carroll Ray Jr. who is basking in the presence of our Lord, often said, “Faith is acting like Jesus tells the truth.”  Is that not what the apostle Paul is doing?  Here is the rest of the story, in verses 20-21,  “As it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death.  For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

When we entered into a relationship with Christ Jesus, we brought nothing with us, the old man died, and everyone who has a relationship with Christ, has two dates of birth, the physical and the spiritual.  The physical can be seen and though the old man died when you entered into Christ, the flesh is very much alive.  Steve McVey gives this insight into flesh; “Think of the flesh as your personal techniques for meeting your own personal needs apart from God.”  In fact Steve goes on to say; “Your flesh-life may not be defiant against God.  Walking after the flesh is simply relying on your ability instead of God’s resources.  Don’t think of the flesh as something that you naturally find repulsive.  It may be very attractive and even look spiritual.” 

You maybe wondering why the above paragraph is needed, if Paul’s focus was on his flesh and not on letting Christ do it all for and through him, he would never have worried about honoring Christ in both his life and his death.  Carroll Ray Jr. was right, it comes down to only one thing, “do I believe that Jesus tells the truth” and do I act it out by faith?  James 1:22, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”  No one is deceived when the deceiver is exposed; the word of God is the only thing that exposes the deceiver. 

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice

Two people playing the same role

Philippians 1:15-18

If these Scriptures had been made into a movie we would see two very different parts playing the same role, and only a few in the church would see or understand the gulf that separate the two.  One of the actors in the movie would have a deep desire to proclaim the truth of the gospel.  The apostle Paul gives a picture of what the church should do in support of the pastor who proclaims the gospel to that local body in 1 Corinthians 9:11-14.  But he goes on to state in verse 16, “Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!” He goes on in verse 19, to show his heart and his purpose; he becomes a servant of Christ in order to win more of them, not into the local church but into Christ.  When you see a pastor or teacher who is true to teach the Scripture, you will see a man who is a defender of the gospel; one of the best examples of this is found in Galatians 2:11.

Most often this pastor or teacher who models the servant of Christ, will not be on the most invited list of the movers and shakers in the community, in fact, he will often be shunned or even made fun of.  Often, I find that God gives a clear picture through the prophet Isaiah, and this one exposes the unfaithful minister.  “Israel’s watchmen are blind, they all lack knowledge; they are all mute dogs, they cannot bark; they lie around and dream, they love to sleep.  They are dogs with mighty appetites; they never have enough.  They are shepherds who lack understanding; they all turn to their own way, each seeks his own gain.” (Isaiah 56:10-11)  Many of these posers are in our numbers, and the Lord has said to look below the exterior, is the pastor/teacher of your local church a servant of Christ?  Does he lack knowledge or does he stand and proclaim the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Is he more interested in his golf game or whom he knows than in restoring or introducing someone to Christ?  Is he more interested in worldly gain than in the spiritual health of his community?

The apostle Paul in his charge to young Timothy about preaching the word of God had this to say. “I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.  (2Timothy 4:1-2)  That is a pastor who has a king and a kingdom to whom he is a servant, he will not be the darling of this world, he will be on their hate list because he speaks against sin, he hates what God hates and loves what God loves.

Down the street in a much larger building you will find this church has a much better program, it is sin friendly and you will go away with an “I can do” attitude.  This is what the apostle Paul had to say about it.  “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.” (2Timothy 4:3,4) This prophecy has been fulfilled; you and I are living in such a time.

How can you and I keep from being deceived?  Once more I looked to Paul’s advice to young Timothy.  “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15) 

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice

Jesus stepped from the group

Philemon 6

“And I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ.”

Today, I wrote on this and afterward I began to reflect on a trip to San Francisco Bay where I witnessed with my own eyes an effective faith.  That faith had no concern for its self, its object was a young woman, who drank too much alcohol and had jumped into the freezing waters of the bay. 

This was my observation; a young couple who were just married, got on the boat with us   to do a tour around Alcatraz Island.  It was very cool out on the water and because the newly weds had consumed more alcohol than they should have they were loud, and obnoxious and it was hard not to watch the show they were putting on.  I do not know what happened, but in the space of only a few moments the couple went from showing way too much public affection to unloving words being expressed, and the young women jumped into the cold water of about 51 degrees.  It only took the young man a moment and he jumped into the water and swam to her, but none of the crew had observed their actions and the boat was moving away from them at what seemed to be great speed.  Many on board stood in shock and we all were yelling at the crew to turn the boat around, one man tore a floatation device from the wall and threw it in the direction of the couple.  It seemed like a lifetime before one of the crewmembers saw what we were yelling about, and the boat turned back for the couple.

The young man had saved the life of his young bride, she was unconscious but he was able to keep her head above the water till the boat got to them and the crew brought them on board.  And that is when Jesus stepped from the gawking group of observers to reach out to an unconscious, very wet, very cold, and very blue young girl.  This is what happened; the young lady was placed on the floor of the boat and as the captain barked orders to bring blankets to put over her body, a lady stepped from the group and laid her body on this young women.  She told the captain to put covers over both of them so that her body heat could help warm this young lady.  I do not believe that lady gave any thought to her comfort, that her clothes might be soiled, that her plans might have to change.  I also do not believe she gave a flip how others saw her action; she simply acted in love for the one who had a desperate need. 

This is my confession; that day I did not pass the test; I was more of a Pharisee, I was not praying, I was judging her foolish actions, as if, in my youth I was not much more foolish than she.  But when Jesus came into the room, my heart broke, I saw Him in the actions of that woman, caring and loving, and sharing without words, an effective faith!

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice

See, I am doing a new Thing

 

Philippians 1:12-14

The disillusion of looking to the past and not remembering this truth, the old is forever new.  This is especially true in the area of the spiritual!  Reading the verses listed above, it is easy to reflect on your life and have feelings of despair, when has my life or my circumstances been used to advance the gospel?  God sent the message of the gospel to the imperial guard, by using Paul’s imprisonment.   That is like sending a message to every Navy Seal, or our Special Opts in the United States military.  What was the message; Paul’s imprisonment is for Christ, he had a choice and his choice was prison and chains, so that the gospel of Christ reached Rome.

It was in weakness that Paul’s message reached the elite of the Roman military; it was in weakness that the Spirit of God invaded the imperial guard, Paul’s life served to advance the gospel.  While pondering these thoughts and understanding that the Spirit of God is always engaging my heart, a thought came into my mind, “See, I am doing something new.”  I stopped and I ask were did that thought come from, and I believe it came from the Holy Spirit of God.

God, from the beginning of what you and I call time; it must be stated it has no control on God, but you and I must have it on planet earth, just as we need day and night and seasons.  So from the beginning of time God has been sending this message and Isaiah the prophet led by the Spirit of God gave it to us often.  Isaiah tells us; “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.  See, I am dong a new thing! 

Much of my past has been broken promises, acts of unrighteousness and living to promote self, and God who spoke these words to that stubborn people of Israel, is speaking this to us, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.”  It is called the past for a good reason, it in the rearview mirror of our life, it is history, it is over, learn from it an ask God to forgive you, now it’s over.  It is time to take on the attitude of Paul, it is a new life, it’s time to put off the past, and it has no authority in your life.  It’s time to put on Christ, “and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”  (Ephesians 4:24)

If you are in agreement with the words spoken by Isaiah the prophet, “See, I am dong a new thing!”  Then my prayer for you and for me is that verse 14 is lived out in our life; “And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.”   Let the Spirit make you a bold warrior who is advancing the gospel of Jesus Christ.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice

What made a Saul become a Paul?

Philippians 1:12-14

A goodly number of us Christian would not walk across the street to a neighbor to enquire about their spiritual condition, yet some of us would be bold and invite them to a Christmas play at church.  But do we really have any understanding of what Paul is sharing with the church at Philippi?  In his letter he states; “I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ.”

Do most of us who go by the name of Christian have any knowledge of God’s requirements to advance the gospel of Jesus Christ?   Will I get honest about the advancement of the gospel; will you?  Did Paul sign up for prison fellowship, is he making the decision about who, where, and when, he will go and do what is required to advance the gospel? 

Paul was like some church members, he was into the tradition of the Jews, he was smart, and he had goals; then he had a personal encounter with Jesus Christ, and he died to Saul and became Paul.  Many have by passed a personal encounter with Christ, they are a member in good standing, they are busy, they are consumed, they are lost; then there is a group who are in Christ but are controlled by what God calls the flesh. 

The real question is, would I know a Paul if I sat next to him in the building we call a church?  When the Holy Spirit came into the lives of men and women this is what happened; “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)  God has not changed, the Holy Spirit is still invading the life of each and everyone who comes into a personal relationship with Christ, so where is the power? 

Last year God called me to VBS, and I went kicking but I did submit to the call, and I made a difference to one little girl.  This year I did not feel God’s calling, but they needed workers and Jan and I once more played a part in some children’s lives.  But I control my life most of the time; I do not make decisions based on the advancement of the gospel but on my schedule and comfort, and I often think wrongly that I’m not fleshly.

What made a Saul become a Paul?  He gave up on what a Saul could do for God and became a servant to the gospel of Jesus Christ, and God changed his name, and the new man Paul forgot how to be Saul.  If you’re looking to be in charge, you are like most of us who go by the name of Christian; however, do not be deceived, your life will not count to advance the kingdom of God or to advance the gospel of Jesus Christ.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice

Mentor & Teacher

Philippians 1:9-11

As a teacher and mentor for some thirty years of both boys and girls, and young couples, my memories often go to a face or name, and wonder, did my life count, did my teaching or mentoring have a positive effect on them?  Did I impart truth?  I’m wondering if these thoughts come because my job is not complete, do I still have the opportunity to make a difference in their hearts and mind? 

With age comes many challenges, and one that stands alone is that age has not removed me from the war, John 10:10 is very clear on the terms of engagement.   The enemy of our soul comes to kill, steal and destroy, and the “Truth” that Jesus Christ comes to give us life, not heaven later, but abundant life in the middle of the war. 

Dear Jesus, much of those thirty years of teaching, I dropped the ball; I did not understand that the enemy has no authority over us in Christ, unless we give it to him.  We who are in Christ were bought out of sin by Your blood, yes, the enemy is real, and his plan is totally opposite to your promise of living life on planet earth in the fullness of grace, while the war with the rulers of spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places is raging.

Jesus, thank you for letting this warrior understand that my place has not been taken, my job is not over, in fact, I can be put at the top of the enemies most feared list, by putting on the spiritual armor, that is seen by these unseen forces of evil in heavenly places.  And after getting dressed for battle, teach me to stand in Your authority, and engage the enemy by praying always in the Spirit, with prayers and supplication.  Dear Lord engage my mind and heart to the need for being alert.  Alert to the faces and names that You bring into my mind to pray for, in the same way as Paul did for the church at Philippi.  “And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice

Yesterday was a special day

January 3, 2011

Yesterday was a very special day in my life, it began like all others, it was Sunday, it was Jan’s birthday, and we had plans for after church.  It was a cold day, 30 degrees when we got up and I put on wool brown dress slacks, a beige shirt and a sport coat that went very nice with the two.  As I was getting out of the car at church, I checked to see if I had a pen in my coat pocket and to my surprise found a piece of paper with a ladies picture and her name; Anabel Gillham 1928-2010, I must not have worn that sports jacket since attending her memorial service.

Why was the day special, because Jan and I have witnessed many a birthday, and each one, hers or mine, reminded us of how blessed we are to have shared so many of these with each other.  It was also special in that we had lunch at the Vineyard and Jan enjoyed the sea bass special and then we went to the Mall so she could open her birthday present, and that was whatever she wanted at Macy’s.  Our pastor’s message was also very good; it was a reminder that we could live without regrets. 

Before our pastor had begun his message, God had used the back of that paper in my coat pocket to speak to my heart, He had also reminded me that Jan and I met Anabel at a dark time in our marriage, and that her life had a profound effect on us living without regrets.  Anabel was a beautiful lady; she was also a very wise and transparent lady, who was a wife of noble character to Bill, and a light to all who were blessed to know her.  This is what was on that piece of paper, but I’m going to change the order of how it was placed on that paper, I believe you will understand.

Anabel’s amplified paraphrase of Philippians 4:13; “I have discovered – very painfully – that I am not capable within myself to deal with the world and all that is in it.  When that shocking and humiliating discovery was made, I turned to God and said, “I cannot do this.  Please do it for me.”  I now have great confidence in Him – in all things, and His strength working through me.”  At the bottom of this paraphrase was this note: “Oh, I am a very confident woman.  Thanks to You, Lord Jesus.”

If I had not changed the order, this would have been first:

The Basics in the life of

The Confident Woman

1. Essential: To know – unequivocally – that Jesus loves you.

2. Essential: To discover who you are now that you are in Christ Jesus.

3. Essential: To tap into the power of the indwelling Christ.

4. Essential: To have practical applications for appropriating these truths.

I began this by stating that yesterday was very special day and I listed many reasons, one was that God spoke to me from a piece of paper found in my sport coat, just words, but these words if taken into your heart can change you and I from a life of regrets to a life lived in fullness; a life of confidence, and like Anabel, each of us can say “Thanks to You, Lord Jesus.”

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice

A true Friend

Philippians 1:6-8

Has anyone beside your girl/boyfriend or wife/husband, maybe even a parent, told you that you have a special place in there life?  That far exceeds someone calling you a friend; in fact, the word friend, is as over used as the word love.  It seems like everyone you meet wants to be considered a friend, but is that friendship, or is friendship of greater value than just a word?  What are your requirements for a friend?

In this part of Paul’s letter to the Philippians, it is of interest to see why he has them in his heart. They were partakers with Paul of the grace of God.  Paul was no longer accepted in the circles of the priest or religious people in fact, he was serving time in prison.  It was this group of Christians at Philippi who not only encouraged Paul with financial support; they became defenders of the gospel, they became one in heart with him.

Each of us hope those who call us friend, will be there for us, but I’m not counting on many who claim to be my friend, to be there for me when I’m no longer accepted by the social circles of this world, much less, if I become a social outcast and end-up in prison.  But these folks had become one in heart with Paul, he knew who he could count on, and that is why verse eight has such a rich meaning to those of us who have experienced such relationships with others of a like heart.  “For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.”

“A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24)  When the bottom falls out of your world, when the companions are no longer calling you friend; Jesus Christ is the glue that will hold your world together.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice