Sharing Troubles

Philippians 4: 14

In the letter to the church at Philippi, Paul states; “Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble.” (Philippians 4:14)  What kind of trouble is Paul referring to in this letter?  He is in Prison in Rome, and the time line is about A.D. 60-64. Who is sharing Paul’s troubles; it is not referred to family or close friends, but a church in Philippi.  Is this band of believers different from others that Paul has encountered in his missionary journeys?  He ministers to people in Cyprus, Perga, Antioch, Lystra, and Derbe on his first missionary journey, but we have no record of any of these sharing in Paul’s troubles.  On his second missionary journey, Paul ministers to Syria, Lystra, Galatia, Troas, and founded a church in Thessalonica, he also founded a church in Corinth, and had a brief visit in Ephesus; this is not a full list of the places Paul visited on either of these trips.  Only the church at Philippi shared in his trouble, and it was founded on his second trip.

Can we dial this up to 2011, and you hear about a pastor or teacher in your past, and I mean it has been a while since you have seen or heard from them, but at some point, they have made a spiritual difference in your relationship with Christ.  And what do you hear about them?  The government of this United States has placed them in jail.  What do you do?  It is reported that they have been arrested on civil rights charges, in fact, as you explore the New York Times, it is reported that they were asked to speak at a church in that city and were arrested for teaching hate.  It does not state in the article what is meant by hate, but you know this person, and you know they have a calling on their life, and you know them to be true to the gospel of Jesus Christ.  You have set under their teaching and have found them to correctly handle the teaching of Scripture.

Your first thought is I must do something, but then a second thought comes into your mind, they have so many people in their life, so many churches that they have poured their life into, surely I’m not needed.  Then you get an email from another person like yourself, this person also was blessed by their teaching, and they inform you that a strong Bible church in the south is passing around a petition.  They have investigated and found this pastor was arrested and convicted because he stood against sin and the evil culture in this present darkness.  Your friend, who you have not seen in sometime, warns you not to get involved, big brother is cracking down on anyone who would dare proclaim that Jesus Christ is the only way to God the Father.  That teaching is now considered to be a hate crime, because it leaves out so many people, people who have their own plans on getting to heaven.

This is my feeble attempt at what is in store for the church, and it is coming; it is what has happened to Paul.  The government of Rome, at this time, was weak and in its weakness was becoming more evil day by day.  You might say, “ The old is forever new,” or as my dad so often told us, we learn nothing from history, so we are doomed to repeat it.  Often, we look at Rome and the USA and wonder how could a nation so great fail?   It is my belief that in Paul’s experience, others that he had ministered to, also heard both voices, the first was the Holy Spirit and the second was the enemy of our soul.  I am praying that you and I will share in the troubles of those who have been used to encourage us in Christ, and that we will hear the Holy Spirit and obey.

Form the Back Porch,

Bob Rice

To be content is un-American

Philippians 4:10-13

The un-American thought, to be content no matter what situation you might find yourself in.  That’s just not the way we have been trained, we allow our children to tell us they are bored, and they understand the meaning of the word; they are irritable, because they need something to do.  A wise parent would have a preset list of things they could do like; go clean your room, take out the garbage, go pull weeds from the flowerbeds, and that is just the short list.  Somewhere we have lost sight of the goals, we have been called to serve, not be served.  Verse 12 is totally strange to us, but what if you not only understood verse twelve, but also were living it out.  Then verse thirteen, the verse we have heard often from preachers, would not just be words, it would be life.

“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)  And the great news is we can, but, and don’t you hate those buts, we can by allowing Christ to be the Lord of our life, and when He is Lord, we come to the understanding that God is building His character into our life, in the good times and bad. 

I have always been intrigued with men who walked with God, I’ve known only a few, and they all had one thing in common, they lived out verse twelve.  The apostle Paul was not paying a complement to the church at Corinth, when he made this statement, “We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ.  We are weak, but you are so strong.  You are held in honor, but we in disrepute.”  (I Corinthians 4:10)  Paul was living out verse 12, and the by-product is, abiding in Christ, letting Him live His life in you.

If our great God allows our situation to change, so that we truly find ourselves hungry and thirsty, poorly dressed and homeless, and we are forced to labor with our hands, and if we are slandered, and even persecuted, will we bless?  Christians, this may be our situation, it will be very different, but it will not be boring.  But, it will only happen to those who have been crucified with Christ, and they no longer live, but it is Christ who lives in them.  They will live out verse thirteen.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice

Looking for Truth in all the wrong places

 

Philippians 4:7-8

If you are interested in the truth, there are a few places you may not find it: the Internet, (many lies are sent each day and often even the source for checking them is deceptive.)  The government, and that’s a very frightening thing to say, but far greater, it can only lead to citizenries that will turn to extremes.  Politicians as a whole cannot be trusted, most have sold their souls for power and wealth.  Pastors and Teachers most of them can be trusted to speak truth, but some have sold out to not speaking the whole truth, (is that not what the Scriptures tells us Satan does.)  Higher Education often is a place of indoctrination to take young minds and turn hearts away from God.  And I’m sure we could add many things to this list, but what about the Stock Market & the Financial Markets.  If you are placing trust in them, you are in more trouble than I can deal with in this short time.

Do you have the Peace of God that surpasses all understanding, is your heart and mind at rest?  It should be!  My fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, we are never to put our trust in any of the items above.  Our great and mighty Father God, and our Lord Jesus Christ is the only source of truth and peace.

So what should we as followers of Christ do when we have been taken captive by the elementary principles of this world?  Verse 8 gives us clear directions, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

When Jesus was asked if He was a king, this was His reply; “My kingdom is not of this world.”  (John 18:36a)  Jesus makes sure that Pilate understands that if the world were His kingdom, He would not be standing before Pilate.  But then Pilate makes this statement, “So you are a king?”  And this is the reply of our Lord, “You say that I am a king.  For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world – to bear witness to the truth.  Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.”  (John 18:37)  And Pilate’s reply is the reply of so many who are in an out of the Church today, and that is a condemnation to you, if you have that heart and mind.  This was his reply; “Pilate said to him, “What is truth?” (John 18:38)  We are a people of truth, and my prayer is that you and I will set our hearts and minds on Philippians 4:8.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice

Sounds like a Contradiction

Philippians 4: 5-6

If we the Church only knew what we know, now that sounds like a contradiction, it sounds like a total illogical statement, but is it?  Shall we begin with a simple statement of faith, we the Church believe the following; “God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind.  Has he said, and will he not do it?  Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it? (Numbers 23:19)  I know of no one in the Church who would not be in total agreement with Numbers 23:19, yes, God is not like us, He never has lied, it is not in His character, He has never changed His mind, and He always keeps His promises.   How can we stand on those truths, how can we claim that as our foundation, proclaiming it to the world, and find ourselves so apprehensive about life?

Living a life of anxiety, is a contradiction of our faith claims, why would anyone be drawn to a God who is so totally misrepresented by His Church?  Philippians 4: 5-6, “Let your reasonableness be known to everyone.  The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be make known to God.”  As I searched my heart this morning, why do I get anxious, often it happens when I cannot get hold of Jan when she is late or on the road to somewhere.  Sometimes it is when I listen to Fox news, or hear the latest money expert give his thoughts on inflation or deflation of the dollar.  I also get anxious about our government, what is their agenda, and guess what I’m not the only one in the church who is anxious.  I wish that was not true, but I see emails from many of you who I personally look to as mature in Christ, and you are worried about many things.  Do we have so much; and have the blessing of our God been so bountiful, that we have forgotten the source of the blessing?

It seems that I always come back to this message; in the world you will have tribulation, but I have overcome the world, Jesus told us that.  Has Scripture not said we are in a war, it’s a cosmic war of spiritual powers of evil in the heavenly places, and we have been given spiritual weapons to enter into this battle, “For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.  We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.” (2Corinthaians 10:4-5)  Have we forgotten how to use the weapons our great God has given us, or have we been taken captive, by the lust of stuff?  My prayer for myself is that I will take every thought captive, and that you will join me in this great battle.  We are more than conquerors, because of our relationship with Jesus, but is our light being seen by a world looking for almost anything?

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice

Rejoice

 

August 26, 2010

It is early morning and I am looking out of the window of our little cabin at Bear Creek in Colorado, at the aspens growing ever so tall on the mountainside, and I’m rejoicing in the Lord.  What a Creator, who is like our God, that he desires fellowship with His creation.  I awoke this morning at 5 a.m. and began to rejoice in the Lord, many of you were included in that time, because I am so thankful for the blessing you have been to Jan and I, and our family.

Paul began this morning with these words to me; “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.  Let your reasonableness be known to everyone.  The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your mind in Christ Jesus.”  After so many years of being in a personal relationship with Creator God, I’m still such an amateur at this rejoicing.  It is five A.M. and it is still dark, and my thoughts were not on rejoicing but on sleep, but the Lord began to fill my mind with His many blessings and it brought me to a place of rejoicing in the Lord.  I have somewhat limited skills in many areas of life, but how can I not rejoice when the peace of God fills my heart with praise.

This morning is no different than yesterday, in that people will be seekers of self, and not of God, that the enemy of our souls will take many captive, and many will be led by him to do evil.  Many are without resources; many are without jobs, and have already or may lose their homes.  Our leaders in government are set on building a kingdom for themselves, and many have distain for our God and His Christ, that’s the world I woke up in this morning, so you may be asking, how can one rejoice?

When I dwell on those things listed above and not on the fact that many love me, that my Father in heaven is faithful in all His promises, and that He will supply all my needs.  It also came into my mind that needs have been so twisted by this culture we live in.  But our God has promised His Children, those who have a relationship with him, that they will have shelter and food. 

So this morning while talking with our Father, you were in my prayers, that you would not be an amateur like me at rejoicing.  That you would be aware that our great God and Father has the power to grant your requests, but this should be done in a humble way, because our Father is not unaware of your circumstances.  I pray that you will take time to reflect on the many blessings God has given you and be thankful, as I am this morning.  And I, like the apostle Paul, am asking that “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

From the Back Porch,

At Bear Creek, CO.

Bob Rice my blog; http://fromourbackporch.blogspot.com/

I Entreat

Philippians 4:1-2

Have I mention the fact that I grew-up in small Baptist churches?  Often, Jan and I will laugh when passing a small Baptist church that has a name like harmony, and it is down the street from a larger building called First Baptist.  Could it be that they did not have harmony?  Could it be that they had a Euodia and Syntyche and at some point these two pillars of the local church came to a disagreement? 

You can bet your Aunt Beulah’s silver teapot, that the disagreement is about the most frivolous of things, like when and where flowers are to be placed in the sanctuary or what color the new cushions will be, and this will be trouble if it is not dealt with in a timely manner.

That is what Paul is addressing in these verses, he is doing it in a letter to the church, and this is what he wrote: “I entreat (ask someone earnestly or anxiously to do something) Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord.  Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.”

This fellowship of believers were very dear to Paul, I am sure he found little pleasure in addressing this issue.  These two women may have been at the river with Lydia the first time Paul and Silas spoke to them about the gospel of Jesus Christ.  In this church was the Philippian jailer and his family, and many who are not addressed in the Scriptures.  We are not told who is being named as true companion, but some believe it may have been Silas.

We must not lose sight of this fact, when we have more than one person we will look at things in a different light.  When we desire to have our own way in most matters we are not being controlled by the Spirit.  If we are seeking first the kingdom of heaven, as ordered by our Lord, then we will be kingdom focused and not trying to build our own kingdom.  It is a sad day, when we have two men or women who once labored side by side for the kingdom of Christ, they should never let anything bring division in the body of Christ.

This has happened so often in the Baptist church that outsiders have made jokes about it, and that brings shame on the name of Christ.  Anytime we find division in the local body, the Church, we have moved from the gospel, we have become worldly-minded, and we will bring shame on the name of our Lord.  The enemy comes only to kill, steal, and destroy, but Jesus said, I have come that you might have an abundant life.  Be on your guard, the enemy is looking for anyone to be part of a disagreement in the local body.

From the Back Porch,

At Bear Creek, CO.

Bob Rice

Promise Keepers

Philippians 3:20-21

It was not that long ago that a movement of men became almost a household name, it was called “Promise Keepers” and it touched many of our lives.   It’s goal was to awaken men to the fact that God is a God of promises, and that he has called men to be promise keepers.  A promise keeper was reminded of these seven promises of God.

1. He has promised to supply every need we have. The Bible says: "But my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus". That's Philippians 4:19.  God has obligated Himself only to the extent of our needs. That would include food, clothing, shelter, companionship, love, and salvation thru Jesus Christ. It would not include the multiplicity of luxuries that we have come to think of as needs.
2. God has promised that His grace is sufficient for us. (II Corinthians 12:9). In fact, He has made provision for our salvation by His grace through faith. Read Ephesians 2:8. It is through an obedient faith that we have access into the grace of God according to Romans 5:2.
3. God has promised that His children will not be overtaken with temptation. Instead, He assures us that a way of escape will be provided. This promise is recorded in I Corinthians 10:13. Jude wrote: "Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy" (Jude v 24).
4. God has promised us victory over death.  He first resurrected Jesus by way of assuring our resurrection.  Peter said: "This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we are all witnesses" (Acts 2:32). Paul wrote to the Corinthians: "For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures" (I Corinthians 15:3,4).
5. God has promised that all things work together for good to those who love and serve Him faithfully (Romans 8:28). It may be difficult for us to see and understand how this is accomplished at times, but God has promised it, and He will deliver.
6. God has promised that those who believe in Jesus and by faith through God’s grace receive forgiveness of sins will be saved. (Read Romans 10:9-11).
7. God has promised His people eternal life (John 10:27-30).

That is why Philippians 3:20 is so special to me, our Father has promised this, “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.”  I’m fearful that many of us do not reflect on our citizenship, and if asked the question would say I’m a citizen of the United States, but if you are in Christ, that’s just wrong.  Could that be why we are so earthly minded, we do not know where our home is?  But the apostle Paul wants us to understand that God has promised to do the following; “who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.” (Philippians 3:21) 

I am reminded of Colossians 1:15-20, it tells us of the preeminence of Christ, verse seventeen has such great meaning to me, “And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”  It is Christ that holds all things together, and someday soon he is going to give the atom permission to come apart, but the Father will transform us who are in Christ, in the likeness of our Lord.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice

(Note: I took these seven promises of God from a Goggle site, but edited them.)

Mislaied Treasures

 

Philippians 3:17-19

It is a wise person who listens when the Scripture tells us something more than once, that is the case of Paul telling us to, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. (1 Corinthians 11:1)   He also states the same thing in Philippians 3:17, and then he tells us about enemies of the Cross of Christ.  These are Paul’s words; “Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.” (Philippians 3:19)

What does the enemies of the Cross of Christ have to look forward to; destruction, that’s it!  I believe the Bible is clear when it says that is total separation from God the Father.  They will spend eternity in a place called hell, and it’s designed not for men, but the devil and his demons.  Many are choosing hell; have they no knowledge that this life is a vapor, and that they will live a life of torment for eternity?

Jesus warned us, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6: 19-21)

We who are known by Christ, and are His, have the ability to set our minds on whatever we choose.  “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things, which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.  Set your mind on things above, not things on the earth.  For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.  When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.  - Colossians 3:1-4

  But the enemies of the cross have set their minds on earthly things, and not necessarily bad things.  They put family, friends, boats, house, businesses, sex, pleasure, food, and the list can go on an on, before any desire to know Christ.   Folks, an enemy of the Cross of Christ is, anyone who puts anything above knowing Christ.  And that person can be very religious, a preacher, deacon, teacher, or the pillar of the community, but they put self before God.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice

Hold True

 

Philippians 3:16

I’m 68 years of age and most of us who reach that age and have been in a relationship with our Lord for thirty or more years might wrongly believe we are the mature.  I can only speak from my own observation of others in the church and my own actions, but often we “Christians” act anything but mature.  And that is why verse sixteen jumps off the page at me.  This is what it says; “Only let us hold true to what we have attained.”  

What have we attained?  We passed from spiritual death to spiritual life, Romans 6:4, we are free from God’s condemnation, Romans 8:1&2, because the Spirit of life has set us free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.  We have attained faith, and that should be a reminder that what is unseen is more real than what is seen, 2 Corinthians 5:7.  A mature person in Christ understands that they have entered into a war zone and that God has provided armor and they understand it is unseen by men but very real to the demons and the angels, Ephesians 6:10-18.

They understand that the flesh is not going to improve and that it will be an ongoing battle with the Spirit, so we attained the knowledge to follow the advice of Galatians 5:16.  They also have attained the knowledge that their station in life has not one thing to do with the call of God on them, Ephesians 4:1.  A mature Christian understands that they are spiritually minded, 1 Corinthians 2:16, and that their attitude should be in keeping with that of Christ, Philippians 2:5.  So they begin to have a life style that gives and serves others, they begin to walk as Jesus did, 1 John 2:6.

The mature Christian is light and all of us who come in contact with them are illuminated by the light of Christ in them, 1 John 1:17.  They have attained love, they hope and see what you and I can be when we allow Jesus to fill us with His love, Ephesians 5:2. 

It may be time to do a gut check, have I attained these truths, or have I been taken captive by the schemes of the devil.  If you find the gut check pointing to “I’ve been taken captive” what can you do?  Ray Still, my pastor, reminded us that Jesus message was “Repent” and what is required to do that? “Repent is – Changing your mind – Changing your understanding.”  It will require you to confess, that is, agreeing with God that Jesus is the only one who can live this life in you.  Then ask the Spirit of Truth to change your mind – Change your understanding.  I’ve taken that action today.

But if you are one of the mature Christians, “hold true to what we have attained.”  

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice

How can you really know someone?

Philippians 3:10-14

Have you ever wanted to really know some one? Have you ever dated, have you ever been married, if the answer is yes, then you have had this desire.  We can spend a lot of time with a person and feel as if part of them is hidden from us.  My friend Jack Archer was that kind of person, he was my mentor and friend, but he was never going to let me, or anyone into some parts of his life.  So we might agree that to know someone at a deep, personal level, they must let you, and you must spend time with them, you must both talk and listen to them.  Could that be the key, to why so many churchgoers do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ; they are just too busy seeking the approval of others who they esteem, and believe will add value to life?

This guy we call the apostle Paul has met Christ and that is not enough, in verse ten he gives this insight into his soul; “that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.”  Wow, can you identify with what Paul has said, many of us want the power of Christ’s resurrection in our lives, but I have not known anyone who is asking God to let them share in His suffering and to die as our Lord died.  It might be of help to know, that Paul has already sought the approval of others, and he can testify to that being a sinking ship. That ship will not withstand the storms of life, it’s empty, has no direction, and will lead only to endless sorrow.

One of the things I was taught by a great man of God, was to never teach at a level that is above your personal walk with Christ, unless you make it clear to your audience that it’s a truth, but you personally are not there in your walk with the Lord.  Paul is telling us that in verse 12, “Not that he has not obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.  Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own.  But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead.  I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

Have you ever wanted to really know Christ? Do you have a goal? Are you straining forward to what lies ahead, have you forgotten the empty life of the past?  Could this be our problem, that we who are in the family of God are willing to know the Christ of blessing, but not willing to know or trust the Christ of sorrow and suffering?  I do believe that is the church of America.  It has no power an its epitaph has been written by our Lord.  “I know your works; you are neither cold or hot.  Would that you were either cold or hot!  So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.  For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.” (Revelation 3:15-17)

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice

A great resume

Philippians 3:4-11

I do not have much of a resume, I finished high school by the grace of God, and it only took thirteen years.  I worked as a delivery boy after high school, and then went into the Army National Guard and after six months came home to college for two years and got married.  Worked in the oil patch until I was twenty-four and took a job in sales with 3M Company selling the worst copy machines that man has ever known.  After sixteen years of that training ground, God blessed us; that division died and I was ask to become part of the Electrical Products division, later to become the Electrical Markets Division.  By the grace of God, I was blessed and prospered in that company for forty years.  Not much of a resume, compared to the apostle Paul’s.

I will give you my take on Paul’s resume; Paul was from the chosen people of God, his family of some stature, his dad was a Pharisee and a Roman citizen.  His dad made sure that he was in keeping with the laws and requirements, circumcised on the eight days of his life.  He was from the smallest tribe of the twelve, the tribe of Benjamin, born in the great city of Tarsus, and sent to the best schools of his time.  His degree came from the greatest teacher of that day, the man Gamaliel.  He was taught the art of tent making, and became one who was welcomed and looked up to by the Pharisees and the high priest.  It could be said that Paul had a silver spoon in his mouth; he was going to the top.  Then God!

If you had known him in his early life before his encounter with Christ, his name was Saul, but when he met Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus, he got a new identity, a new name, a new heart, and he was open to have this new friend Jesus do what Gamaliel could not do; renew his mind, to have the mind of Christ.  He’s no longer the darling of the Pharisees, he is no longer welcome in the circles of the high priest, he is now an outcast and many, who at one time held him in high esteem, now want him dead.

,

If you went from top dog to outcast, how would you feel?  Paul gives this insight in verses 7-11, “But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ.  Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.  For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count then as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith – that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his suffering, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.” 

What happen when you met Christ, the  Bible tells us we got a new identity?  What is wrong with us is it that we want the acclaim of men more than we want to know Christ?

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice

The Brand

Philippians 3:3

I was blessed to work for one of the greatest companies in the USA, and we spent a lot of time on our “Brand”.  3M knew that a strong brand would be identified by name, and that people would have faith that it would perform as advertised.  A lot goes into a product, long before it becomes a household name, it began as a thought and has captured the mind of a person who must sell the idea to those who hold the purse strings of the division, and before the lab is able to go forward it must be funded.  Then often the developing and testing takes years, and still it is not a product; it then requires market studies and the packaging group must get involved and still it is not a product.  At some point it has to be introduced to the market and that requires sales, but in order to sell the product, it must meet and exceed the products that are in that market.  At some point in time, after the customer has used and reused, and found it to exceed all other products in that market, it becomes a brand.  In the electrical business our 33 super + is such a product.

You may be asking how does that equate with Philippians 3:3, “For we are the real circumcision, who worship by the spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh.”  In keeping with the brand or product, this is what Paul is telling us, our “Brand” is proven, it has been in the market place for many years and it has no competitors.  That is unless you try to improve on it, and then it is not our product, it has moved on to some person’s idea, it has become a product of the flesh.

Has the Church of 2011 kept the “Brand” or has it tried adding glitter and pizzazz to the gospel of Jesus Christ?  The world’s tactics are always opposite to God’s ways.  Is drawing people to our churches using the glitter and pizzazz of the world system working?  Could it be that our neighbors, communities, and our Nation is looking for Christians who believe in there “Brand”?  I wonder what would happen if the Church of the living God but no confidence in the flesh?  I have no doubt the “Brand” far exceeds the expectation of those in darkness, but the light of the church has gone dim from those who believed it needed updating.  Less we forget, Jesus said,  “I am the way, and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.”  (John 14:6)

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice

Look out for the dogs!

 

Philippians 3:2

When I was a small boy we had many people who provided services to our front porch.  Every week the milkman would put milk on our front porch, and he picked up the empty glass bottles that the milk had come in.  I also remember the cleaners, who would come by when he was called to pickup the cleaning, and the guy we saw everyday was the mailman.  They all had one thing in common, they learned who had dogs and to look out for the ones that bit.  Is that what Paul is telling the Philippians in verse two? 

“Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh.”  Have you heard the term “you dog” the person is not saying you have become a dog, but it is used to express astonishment at the action of the person who is being addressed.  In Paul’s letter and often in Scripture, the word dog, is being used as a term of reproach.  Revelation 22:15, gives us clear understanding of the context of what Paul means when using the word “dog”.  “Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.”

So how is the church of 2011 to simulate this teaching into our minds and hearts, who is being referred to as the dogs, the evildoers?   The book of 2 Corinthians 11:13, gives clarity to our question; “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.”  They are preachers and teachers, who are not simply “evildoers” but they are attempting to deceive the church.  The prophet Isaiah had this to say about these false preachers and teachers; “His watchmen are blind; they are all silent dogs; they cannot bark, dreaming, lying down, loving to slumber.  The dogs have a mighty appetite; they never have enough.  But they are shepherds who have no understanding; they have all turned to their own way, each to his own gain, one and all.”

You may be asking how can we know if our pastor, and our teachers are deceiving us?  I know of only one-way, do what the Secret Service does.  They become so familiar with the real things that any bill that is not the real thing is easy to recognize.  We are to do as the Berean Jews; “Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.”  (Acts 17:11)  God refers to us as sheep, and that is not a good thing, sheep are not very smart, they can easily be scattered and left without a shepherd and the wolves will devourer them.  You need to watch out for the ones who preach and teach, be noble and examine the Scriptures, the Holy Spirit, who lives in you, will lead you into truth.  And you have this duty, to pray for your pastor, your teachers, to encourage them, and to support them, to come alongside as a fellow-worker in the kingdom of Christ.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice

Is rejoicing an act of the Will?

 

Philippians 3:1

What is rejoicing in the Lord?  Is it possible to rejoice in the Lord without having an understanding of God, His character, His holiness, His grace, His mercy, His love, and His discipline?  My heart wants to say yes, and I do understand that one cannot give more of self to God, than they understand about God.  Is rejoicing an act of our will?  If it is an act of will and God always disciplines His children, how will the ignorant child act when it seems that God has withdrawn, when their greatest fears have come to life? 

Have we not been taught that when you are squeezed by the world, what is in your heart comes out, and often I’ve been ashamed at what comes from my mouth in the most minuscule circumstance?  I am virtually sure that throwing a fit and letting my emotions be in control of my actions, is not in keeping with “rejoicing in the Lord.” 

I am not a prophet nor a son of a prophet, but I do believe that judgment will begin with the Church of the living God, Scripture confirms this in 1 Peter 4:17, “For it is time for judgment to begin with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?”  This truth is not being proclaimed in our land; many in the church are living in ignorance, but how can the church rejoice in the Lord if it believing the lies of the many who preach that you as a Christian are to only be healthy, wealthy, and wise.  This is what the apostle Peter proclaims, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happing to you.  But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.” (1 Peter 4: 12,13)

It is time to get up, confess up, and grow up, and become dependent on the Name that is above all names, the Name of Jesus the Christ, our Messiah, our Lord and our God.  We the American church will see famine, but will we have the heart of Habakkuk found in Habakkuk 3:17-18.  This is the short version; when everything I depended on failed, God has not failed and I will rejoice in him.  Will the ignorant Church have the mindset of the apostles to rejoice in persecution, because they were counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name of Christ?  (Acts 5:41) 

What happens when we can no longer have each and everything our hearts desire in the way of material things?  Will we be like the apostle Paul in our poverty; will we be “sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything. “ (2 Corinthians 6: 10)  My prayer is that the Church comes fully alive, filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, and that we have this mindset, “You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions.  (Hebrews 10:34)  Hebrews 10:38 states, “but my righteous one shall live by faith” in our faith is found the victory.

That great prophet Isaiah was well informed on whom he had placed his hope; “I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God.  For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. (Isaiah 61:10)  And the apostle Peter gave this insight, “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” (1 Peter 1:8) 

I began with these questions, “What is rejoicing in the Lord?  Is it possible to rejoice in the Lord without having an understanding of God, His character, His holiness, His grace, His mercy, His love, and His discipline?”  I’m not sure I answered any of them, but I am confident in this truth, that our big God will do what Isaiah 26:3&4 proclaims: “You keep in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you, because he trust in you.  Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.”

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice

A brother of great value

Philippians 2:25-30

Paul’s life is somewhat an open book, the Holy Spirit has removed the covers of Paul’s life so that we could understand and identify with this man.  In verses 25-26, he is sending back to the church at Philippi Epaphroditus, this is what he has to say about him; “I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my needs, for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill.” 

How often we read the Scripture to meet a requirement, it may be self imposed, it may be that someone who you respect said they read, the Proverbs of the day, and then a Psalms and one chapter from the New and Old Testaments, I did this for years.  By the middle of the morning I did not recall much of what I had read.  I’ve come to this understanding that it is better to read a few verses and ponder over them, than to do the other.  This is what I’ve learned today about Paul; he sees Epaphroditus of great value to himself and also to the church at Philippi.  That Epaphroditus is a brother to Paul, not by blood, but by the Spirit.  They have come together in a common goal, and are working as one.  Not only that, but Epaphroditus understands that he is in a war, and is a fellow soldier with Paul.  Yes and he is also a messenger to Paul from the church at Philippi, and he is a minister and his assignment is Paul.

Are you an Epaphroditus, or do you know anyone with this heart?  Could it be that the apostle Paul’s classification of us as a church is people who are strong, who are honored?  If so, my dear fellow soldier he is not complimenting us, look at 1 Corinthians 4:9-10, “For I think that God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, like men sentenced to death, because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men.  We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ.  We are weak, but you are strong.  Your are held in honor, but we in disrepute.”  Paul is not trying to degrade the church at Corinth, he saying it is of no value to be seen as wise by the world and men, but it is of great value to be seen by God as a fool for Christ, and that is why he is telling us to be imitators of him.  He goes on in verse 20, to state this great truth, “For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in Power.”

Once more I must remind you that we are in a war, it is not a war with Muslims, it is not a war with Conservatives or Liberals, all of the above may be tools the enemy is using, but it is a war for your heart, it is a cosmic battle and it is against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.  And it is a war that will not be won by your strength; it will only be won when we become weak.  Jesus had this to say to the apostle Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) 

I’m a bottom line kind of guy; I like being seen as wise, as accomplished, I enjoy being notice for my accomplishments, but will I trade all of that to be seen by God as a fool for Christ?  Do I want to be a talker or do I want the power of God to rest on my life?  That is the battle line, it has been draw, and it is your choice.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice