Why I Still Believe in the Church
After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands,
…And he said to me, “These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. (Revelation 7:9, 14 ESV)
Jesus unveiled some pretty incredible things to John on the Island of Patmos, much of which is recorded in what we call the Book of Revelation.
Some of the insights we can gain from reading Revelation have to do with the identity and characteristics of the Church – the body of Christ at large, comprised of Believers throughout history.
In modern American religious culture there has developed an attitude against the Church. I have heard it said, “I love Jesus, but I can’t stand the church.”
It’s sad, really. Sad on two fronts:
1. It’s sad that the Church seems to have lost the respect of others, because of our poor decisions and hypocrisy. Having said that, I am convinced that most believers, though imperfect, sincerely reflect the glory and goodness of God.
2. It’s sad that religious people would take up a pious position against the Bride of Christ, and then expect Jesus to be ok with that. Why would we ever want to resist the only institution through which redemption comes to mankind?
The church is flawed. But I think that is the point. Jesus redeems sinners and uses us to do extraordinary things, despite our flaws.
Still, we must pursue the perfection that is our destiny.
What should the church look like?
What should believers be known for?
In these two verses, extracted from Revelation 7, we find some insight:
1. The Church is strong in number.. The global impact of the Gospel is significant. John saw “a great multitude that no one could number!” Growth should be a goal of every local church, because it is God’s desire for His church. As believers, we should prioritize church involvement AND inviting others to come with us!
2. The Church is diverse in every way. Jesus’ Church is comprised of people from every nation, tribe, and language. In it you will find rich people and poor, women and men, young and old. As believers we must pursue unity amidst diversity.
3. The Church is known for its worship. God has put a new song in our mouths, a song of praise! For all of eternity we will declare His praise, and we ought to be passionate about it now! Worship is not born out of our musical preferences or styles; it is a response to the goodness and worthiness of the God who delivered me from death and gave me life!! I worship, because He is worthy!
4. The church is forgiven. For this reason alone we ought to shout and sing! No other religion can claim forgiveness as their foundation. Instead, they require certain actions, works, and prerequisites in order for a person to come to their god. But salvation through Jesus Christ is not earned at all, it is freely given to ALL who believe on His name. God didn’t require us to come to Him, He came to us!
I am part of Jesus’ Church, therefore:
I will pray for and encourage growth in my church,
I will seek unity and value diversity in my church,
I will worship passionately in my church (and on my own),
I will be ever mindful that I have been forgiven, and that my church is a place where others can find that same forgiveness through Jesus Christ.
Father,
Today I pray for Your church. May Your leaders be enlightened; may Your people be inspired; and may Your name be elevated in all the earth!
Amen.
When Dads Pray For Their Kids
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. (3 John 1:4 ESV)
My son began his Junior year of high school this week. He is an exceptional student, an accomplished actor, a naturally-gifted vocalist, and a diligent employee. And He loves Jesus.
My daughter is a Freshman at Liberty University, majoring in Speech Communications. She is a natural leader, a loyal friend, a faithful worker, and gifted vocalist. And she loves Jesus.
The aged Apostle John wrote several letters to individuals/churches with whom he had personal relationship. In fact, these were not just friends of his; he considered them sons and daughters.
For some time now I have a personal rhythm of prayer that includes spending time every week praying for my physical and spiritual sons and daughters. I take this responsibility seriously and consider it an incredible privilege to have a voice of influence into their lives.
There is no greater joy that I have experienced than to know that my Gabby and Kaleb – and my spiritual children – are seeking after God’s heart. They are not perfect, but they are committed to following and serving Jesus
Today I am reminded of two truths:
1. I am first a son, before I am a father. I pray that I would bring joy to my parents and the other spiritual influences in my life, as I pursue Jesus everyday.
2. I am a father, whose privilege is to love, protect, serve, and pray for my children.
What would the world look like if more men chose to occupy the role of a father in the faith? I think son and daughters would be released into greatness!!
Father,
Today I pray for Gabby and Kaleb to experience Your joy and peace. I also pray for all of my spiritual sons and daughters to prosper and be in health, even as their souls prosper.
And I pray that I would be a faithful son. I love being Your son.
Amen.
God Usually Makes Us Face Our Consequences
But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:7, 11, 13 ESV)
There is a simple, yet vital principle that must be considered in order for someone to receive the real truth from God’s Word: “Text can only be understood within context.”
One of my favorite verses of Scripture is Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you, declares The Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Such a great promise! But this declaration comes at a specific time toward a specific people – it has context that, when understood, unlocks the kind of truth that sets people free.
Jeremiah prophesied these words to the Southern Kingdom of Judah. (Israel was once a United Kingdom, but became divided after King Solomon’s death. The larger northern Kingdom was comprised of the majority of the twelve tribes and thus retained the name “Israel” and never had a godly king. The smaller Southern Kingdom was referred to by the name of its primary tribe of “Judah” and had some godly leaders along the way. Even then, the people of Judah were continually and consistently rebellious and hard-hearted against God.)
Jeremiah prophesied harsh truth. The rebellion of the people would have severe consequence. They would be taken into Babylonian captivity, and it would not be short-lived. There would be seventy years of captivity before a remnant of people would return to Jerusalem.
However, false prophets were saying, “No, God will deliver us. He will give us peace. We are His people. He will never punish us!”
Sometimes truth is difficult to discern. There will always be voices “prophesying” defeat, and there will always be voices promising peace. How do you discern the truth from the deception?
Jeremiah conveyed a message from God. It would prove to be true. The people were indeed taken captive and lived in exile for seventy years. Then a remnant returned to Jerusalem with a new opportunity to pursue God in a new season.
Jeremiah’s wisdom said:
Those of you in Babylon should go ahead and settle into the city. Take wives, have children – you will be here for a while. Seek the good of the city, because this is where God has you for this season.
But know this – I have not forgotten the plans I have for you, and you will come out of this dark season of your soul. You are currently enduring the pain of your own decisions, but My grace will bring you back to a dependency on Me.
You were headed toward terrible destruction. I had to stop you in your tracks. My hand may seem heavy on you, but I am actually protecting you from your own foolishness.
You may not understand Me, but you can trust Me.
I am not far from you. You will see Me and hear Me, when you give your whole heart to pursue Me. I am closer than you think.
The simple truth is this:
1. Foolishness and rebellion have consequences.
2. God usually makes us face our consequences.
3. God’s hand may seem heavy when He is protecting us.
4. God still has great plans for us, despite our foolishness.
5. God always requires the entirety of our hearts.
Father,
Today I pray for those who are wayward. Sons and daughters of God who are living reckless, half-hearted lives. I pray that they would heed the warnings of wisdom. But, if not, I pray they would be humbled by their own consequences, in order that they may see the promise of Your plans for their lives.
I choose to give you my whole heart.
Amen.
Thoughts From a Dad Who Just Moved His Daughter to College
Yesterday we moved our daughter into her college dorm.
Over 4,000 freshmen are attending Liberty University this Fall, and they all moved into their dorms on the same day! Traffic was bumper to bumper over the entire campus, but the Liberty Student-Leaders were stationed to direct traffic, answer questions, and even to carry all of the luggage! They made the process so easy.
We spent several hours working on Gabby’s room – unpacking her boxes, organizing her clothes, rearranging the room, making her bed, etc. Her roommate is wonderful, and Gabby also knows a couple of other people on campus.
Carrie (my incredible and beautiful wife) and Gabby had done such an great job thinking through the details before the move. In fact, that afternoon we ended up only having to do a quick run for a few items. After a wonderful dinner with friends, we returned to the dorm, and soon the finishing touches were complete.
Saying goodbye was not as difficult as I thought it would be. Perhaps because we were all so busy doing things and keeping our minds on what was practical. Or perhaps because it was getting late and we were all a bit tired.
Or perhaps it was because there is such a peace in our hearts, knowing that Gabby is exactly where God wants her to be.
I couldn’t be any more proud of her. She is so ready for this new season of life.
The drive home was made easy by the great conversation. Carrie and I were so glad that one of our spiritual daughters – Krysta – made the trip with us. We even got to talk with Gabby on the phone before she went to bed. She was doing great.
This morning I rose early and immediately missed my girl. I am fighting tears as I write these words.
Funny how you can experience sorrow and joy all at the same time.
Jesus said that life would be like that – momentary sorrow, everlasting joy.
Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them, “Is this what you are asking yourselves, what I meant by saying, ‘A little while and you will not see me, and again a little while and you will see me’? Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. (John 16:19-24 ESV)
Why would we want to endure the “sorrow” of being away from our girl?
Because there is a greater joy in knowing that she is growing, learning, and experiencing all that God has planned for her life!
The joy far outweighs the sorrow, and it certainly will outlast it!
Father, today I pray for parents who are sending their kids off – whether it is to kindergarten or college, marriage or the mission field. Help us to rest in your peace and to receive the everlasting joy of knowing that “all of our children shall be taught of The Lord, and great shall be the peace of our children.” (Isaiah 54:13)
In Jesus’ name, amen.
Jesus’ Last Words Reflected His Greatest Values
“These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. (John 14:25-27 ESV)
John’s Gospel is unique from the other three. The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke are referred to as the “synoptic” gospels because of their similarities. Although these three gospels are unique in their perspectives and in the audiences to whom they write, they each tell the broad picture of Jesus’ birth, life, ministry, death, and resurrection.
John was the last to write his Gospel account. And although his account contains some of the same elements as the others, John gave great attention to the details of the final week of Jesus’ life. In fact, five entire chapters (John 13-17) are given to reveal the words and ministry of Jesus that occurred on the night before His crucifixion.
Jesus, knowing that He was within hours of giving His life, shared with His disciples that things that mattered most.
I attended a funeral yesterday. My friend’s mom passed away, and I wanted to be there for him. As I listened to the stories being told, the Scriptures being read, and the songs being sung, I was again reminded that the value of life is found in Faith (in Jesus Christ), Family, and Friends.
Jesus’ last words reflected His greatest values. So, what did He say?
“Serve.”
More than saying it, Jesus displayed what He meant by taking a towel and a basin of water and washing the disciples’ feet. People’s hearts are opened to God by our acts of service.
“Forgive.”
Jesus knew Judas would betray Him, yet did not expose him as such. Forgiveness acknowledges that the goodness of God is greater than the wickedness of any man.
“Love.”
Love God. Love people. This is the identifier of a true believer.
“Believe.”
This is the victory that overcomes the world – our faith. (1 John 5:4)
“Receive.”
The promise, presence, and power of the Holy Spirit is available to every believer, in order that we may reach the world.
“Abide.”
As life flows from the tree to it’s limbs, we must remain connected to our source of life – Jesus.
“Prepare.”
There will be opposition against you for your association with Jesus Christ. Stand strong, do not fear death. Ultimately, you will be awarded with eternal life.
“Pray.”
God’s will is only released on earth through prayer. Whatever you do, don’t stop praying.
These are things that mattered most to Jesus.
Perhaps your heart is troubled by many things today. Be reminded that Jesus has already given you access to His peace. You need not be troubled. You need not be afraid. You can trust Him.
Live with eternity in mind.
Father,
Today I pray for those who are troubled. Let them know your peace, your presence, and your power. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Dale Jenkins 