Pressing On (4)

I mentioned last time that whenever we see things like global recessions the tendency of many people is to assume that this is unprecedented and unique in history and certainly a sign of the return of Christ.

Although I do believe that the return of Christ will have economic ramifications (Mark 13:8), Scripture seems to suggest that in many ways Christ's second coming will be in the midst of economic normalcy and routine (Luke 17:28; 12:20). His coming will surprise many who are caught up in the pursuits of everyday life.

So what seems to stand out in his return? It seems to me that the "increase of wickedness" that results when God's common grace over His creation, and over economic structures are removed, "the love of most will grow cold (Matt 24:12)."

More than any economic recession or depression, there will be a recession of the heart. A global depression of love and affection for Christ and for God's people. To the degree that the economy increases this global turning away of the heart from God, I believe the economy does indicate a sign of the imminence of His return.

What is the hope?

Notice the next verse...

Jesus goes on to say, "But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come (Matt 24:12-13)."

Notice that in the midst of increased coldness there is an increase in endurance. Don't miss the contrast and the special grace of God. Many will be growing cold in the midst of many who will be growing in endurance!

Do you see that those who endure to the end aren't cold? Do you see that those who endure to the end are those who respond to God entirely differently? While the effects of a weak earthly climate and weak economic climate cause the love of many to turn cold, it does not paralyze the endurance of others. While many grow cold, the people of God will burn in their love for God to the end--until they see His very face.

Moreover, their love for God not only causes them to stand firm in the evil day (Eph 6:13), but it emboldens them to step out in sacrifice for others.

More tomorrow...

Pressing On (3)

I was listening to Christian radio this morning on the way into work. One thing that seems to be emphasized by the global economic recession is how this relates to what is termed "end times." Many people today are asking the question of how the current economic climate relates to the time of the Lord's return.

"Are these signs of the Lord's return?"

If you're asking that question, I'd like to offer my 2 minute response.

Yes...but don't fear...love...

It is true that although technically we have been in the last days since Jesus walked this earth, we are now closer to His imminent return than ever before in history. However, Jesus didn't seem to emphasize the economic climate being the greatest indications of his glorious appearing. Rather, He pointed to worldwide tribulation that ultimately results in apostasy and people falling away. Notice His words in Matthew 24:10-12

"And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold."

More than the economy, it seems the emphasis is on the love of people toward God and each other that Jesus indicates as the major sign before his return. In other words, as evil increases, the leveling effect is apathy, lethargy, apostasy, and downright hatred toward God. That's "the love of many" turning "cold (v. 12)."

So it seems to me that to the degree the current economic recession has this worldwide effect of increased lawlessness, hatred, evil, and a global dampening of affection and love for Christ--then the current economic scene reflects exactly what Jesus speaks about in Matt. 24.

Is there hope? Read the next verse...

More tommorrow...

For directions go here.

Movie Stars

Documentry of Power FM from Daniel Douglas on Vimeo.

Our own Daniel Douglas, Tre Dickerson, and Tiffany Cook are in my mind big time since Daniel put together this video for local station 89.7.

Meet Rob?

Hey guys, my friend Justin has had a series on his blog on "ordinary" pastors. He interviewed me if you want to take a look. Pretty funny stuff...

Mueller on Pressing On

The purpose of this ministry to see our calling in life to be an intense pursuit of God. But how do we reconcile our active pursuit of God with God's active pursuit of us? By remembering that we press on to know God because it's the essence of true faith--a faith given to us by God.

George Mueller is helpful in how our intense efforts should reflect intense trust in God who initiates them and makes them effective.

"Here is the great secret of success. Work with all your might; but trust not in the least in your work. Pray with all your might for the blessing of God; but work, at the same time, with all diligence, with all patience, with all perseverance. Pray then, and work. Work and pray. And still again pray, and then work. And so on all the days of your life. The result will surely be, abundant blessing. Whether you see much fruit or little fruit, such kind of service will be blessed. . . . Speak also for the Lord, as if everything depended on your exertions; yet trust not the least in your exertions, but in the Lord, who alone can cause your efforts to be made effectual, to the benefit of your fellow men or fellow believers. Remember, also, that God delights to bestow blessing, but, generally, as the result of earnest, believing prayer."

Pursue Christ with all-out effort, but trust not in your effort.

Next

Pressing On (2)

The other night in my care group meeting my wife felt led to read from Rom. 5:1-8. It's a familiar passage

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

While she read this, something stirred in me at the words, "while we were still weak (v.6).."

weak..."while we were still"...weak.

weak?

Weakness is not celebrated in our culture of strength.

When I thankfully work out at 24 Fitness (notice the words when and thankfully) I'm struck by the words that speak the opposite of this.
"You've got what it takes!" says the banner in letters the size of my 4 year old.

But that's not what Rom. 5 says about me. In fact, it says the opposite of this. It says painfully that I don't have what it takes and I never did. It says in my sin I'm far from strong. I'm light-years from capable. I'm an ocean from being the guy in the picture whose got "what it takes."

But it says more than that. Weak in my love--weak in my sin--weak in my ability--weak in my pursuit of God--One was not weak. One never wavered. One never tired in his affection for God and His obedience to God. One stepped down to help the weak. To help me.

Rom 5 says that at the right time--in my weakness--Christ was strong. When I was dead to God--Christ was alive to him. When I was incapable to come near to God--Christ was capable to be the perfect bridge. When I had no ability to serve God--Christ not only became my record before God, but my very resurrection thru His life for me and in me (5:10).

All of my pursuing after God is not ultimately coming from me--as if weakness can somehow turn itself upside down. As if life comes from its own death. As if ability jumps out its own vacuum.

No. Life has come because Christ has come. Ability has come because Christ has come. Even in the moments when it may feel like raw discipline--pursuing hard after God has come because Christ has come.

I don't have what it takes.

But He does.

Links to Read and LIsten to...

Hey guys and gals...

Here's what's happening out there worth a read...

Josh Harris has some historic messages answering the questions about dating/courtship/relationships...

Also, the girltalk blog has some good posts going on singleness...