Our Identity - The Church

• 1 Peter 2:4 (NLT)

---

How we see ourselves means everything? Do we see church as a building, an organization, or a people. If it is the former then it is location identity, if it is the latter then it is life identity. 

1 Peter 2:4-8 describe those in Christ as living stones whom are being built as God's Holy Temple. Those who obey God's Word's have accepted Christ as there life and therefore will be honored and never disgraced. Those who disobey God's Word's have rejected Christ and therefore will stumble and meet their fate.

Being a Church goer does not qualify someone as a Christian. A Christian is a follower of Christ and only those whom obey Him can follow Him. There is a clear difference between religious folks and disciples of Christ, the fruit speaks for itself.

1 Peter 2:9-12 describe the true identity of those whom see themselves through the eyes of Christ. We are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. We are God's display of His goodness and mercy.

The way we see ourselves will determine our behavior. When we proclaim who we are in Christ we separate ourselves from our sinful nature and righteous living becomes 2nd nature.

DON'T STOP DRINKING!

Having a bigger home comes with one huge problem, cleaning it.  I sometimes wish I could afford a full time house keeper.  Yet the biggest and toughest house to clean is our own lives.  There are habits that like certain stain's just don't disappear, they cannot wipe off, no matter the product or effort given.

We do have a house cleaner, His name is Jehovah God, our redeemer.  He has the ultimate purifier, the Holy Spirit.  He will not clean up though without our asking.  He is at the door knocking but we got to invite Him in.  Thanksgiving and Praise opens the door, and worship fills the room with His presence, as He shines His light the darkness is exposed and our surrender washes us clean.

The world's way of dealing with problems is to just drink it away.  Believers way to deal with problems should be to just drink as well, yet not alcohol but the presence of the living God.  The more we take God in the more we change.  Is is that easy, yes, but worship comes with a price, our lives laid down, and that is not easy, for our flesh will fight this until we die.

So let us go beyond having a taste of God to being like infants thirsty for breast milk crying out to God to consume us with His presence, fill us with His Word. This alone is the way to grow up and mature into the whole image of Christ our Lord.

1 Peter 1:1-3 (Message) So Clean house!  Make a clean sweep of malice and pretense, envy, and hurtful talk.  You've had a taste of God.  Now, like infants at the breast, drink deep of God's pure kindness.  Then you'll grow up mature and whole in God.

A Call to Holiness

A Call To Holiness

---

Rediscovering Simplicity
Do you ever find your mind clouded, full of different direction? We live in a complex society where culture often triumphs our faith. We allow the multi-choice environment around us to influence us. It becomes hard to focus for we have our hands in so many different things. Trying to do it all and wondering if anything is really getting done. Simplicity is so out of the picture for those who live the typical American lifestyle. I have lived the simple life but once it becomes complex it is so hard to re-discover. 

Where To Start?
Honest Evaluation of our heart! Asking ourselves why we do what we do and if God is really in it? Are we living in just the here and now; or have we learned to exercise self-control and say no to that which has no eternal value.

1 Peter 1:13 - So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world.

Keep Moving Forward
It is when we stop looking forward that we tend to fall back. Seeing the bigger picture helps paint the reality of the foolishness of sin. When in the dark we easily stumble but in the light obstacles are exposed. Why remain blind when we can now see. Since we now know better we have no excuse for living unholy lives. Worship is what keeps our eyes forward focused on what is ahead. When worship is a lifestyle we don't go in and out of the light but remain.

God Alone is Holy
People often use the excuse when I get my life right I'll serve God. Wrong! We cannot be holy, separate from God. Holiness comes when one humbles themselves before God then the Holy Spirit embodies their being, for one cannot experience holiness without Holy Spirit. (1 Peter 1:14-16) 

Do Not Judge
God shows no favorites to anyone by what they do or do not do. Serving God is not about works. We are saved by grace and it is simply the choice to acknowledge God that determines His working in and through us. It does no good to judge and point out the flaws in others bringing condemnation what helps is praying that each one will be drawn closer to God who alone can change what one does. (1 Peter 1:17)

Paid In Full
Eating out is not cheap. Sometimes I am like oh, no, what about my budget, I cannot really afford to eat here, but I'm too ashamed to say anything, yet many times I have been blessed as someone else paid the bill. 

Sin cannot be paid back, money cannot buy forgiveness, we are guilty and the only ransom is a sinless person taking our place. Thank God for Jesus, He lived a sinless life, paid the ransom that we could never afford by dying for our sin, and now through faith in Him, we are cleansed from sin, and no longer need to live in shame for we have been made holy. (1 Peter 1:18-22)

Holiness Test
If God's yoke is easy and His burden is light then whatever is hard and heavy is not of Him. Since holiness is not depending on works but found in Christ alone, then we need to judge what is holy by the filter of His presence. If we trust God we don't need to worry, so a way we can test if God is in something or not is whether we have anxiety or peace. What is of God lasts, what is not fades away. God's vision has provision, so if His Word directs our steps everything we need comes in walking by faith. (1 Peter 1:23)

Our minds become clouded when we cannot see beyond what is present, busying ourselves on trying to maintain that which cannot last. Those who walk by faith see eternal, co-laboring with God in fulfilling His will, establishing His Word which remains forever. (1 Peter 1:24-25)

Sports Analogy (1 Peter 1:1-12)

Sports Analogy

• 1 Peter 1:1 (NLT)

---

Have you ever played for a team where you knew you were going to lose? You can try to just have fun but for most of us it is never fun to lose. It is hard to be motivated to practice hard when you already know the outcome. I played high school football and basketball we had good teams and therefore our outlook was positive which motivated us to work hard in practice. 

The sport Christians play is called Kingdom Advance, it's goal is to establish Christ victory throughout the earth. Since we know the outcome then why are we often not prepared or in position to see this forth?

Most sport teams require tryouts before you are picked to be on the team. It is such a disappointment to work hard and not make it, yet such a delight to be chosen. I experienced the frustration of my son not being picked this last year for his basketball team though he was expected too without a doubt. I wanted to go give the coach a piece of my mind. 

We have been chosen to be on God's team not by anything we have done or not done but simply because of His grace. 1 Peter 1:2 says we have been chosen long before we were born, and now His Spirit has made us holy, enabling us to obey for we have been cleansed by His blood. So let us stop worrying about our shortcomings, comparing ourselves with others, doubting our abilities, and just be filled with His Spirit and walk in His power to overcome.

It was rewarding to play for a team with high expectancy, for when things got tough we just motivated each other through, for we were determined to be champions. It is amazing that all we won was a simple trophy, no cash, no great recognition, all that we really gained was pride. It couldn't even last long, for with each season, a new champion is made and the previous one is quickly forgotten. 

1 Peter 1:3-4 says we should live with great expectation for we have a priceless inheritance in heaven, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. 

We can begin to taste our eternal victory now, for God's will is "His kingdom come, His will be done on earth as it is in heaven." Therefore let's put off the victim mentality and enjoy the victorious life we have in His name. Every battle we face we have already won all we have to do is keep believing it.
Having athletes with great abilities is important but endurance is the most needed trait in being a winner. Endurance is not a natural born skill it is developed through drills, being pushed past your limit. One does not know their capabilities until they are put in a position where they have to extend themselves further than they have ever before. 

Have you ever tried to convince someone they have no chance to win yet their stubborn pride won't listen? The enemy has lost but he is so deceived he cannot believe it, so he is not going down without a fight. Revelations chapter 3-4 tell us the reward for those who overcome. The key attribute to overcoming is endurance. 

In 1 Peter 1:6-7 God our great heavenly coach reveals why He sets us up with life lessons where our faith is tested so we can develop endurance and be able to withstand the enemies constant opposition. Good coaches are those who prepare their team with drills that encamp every possible angle that their team may face. When one grasps this understanding they can truly confess how good God is in the midst of their trial.

James 1:2 -4 "Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing".

Athletes who have worked so hard and taste victory are so overjoyed with emotion. It's one of the most beautiful pictures in life to see people victorious. I have often wept with my favorite teams when they have won, so proud of their effort and awarded achievement. In the moment it is as if I have participated in their victory, that is why it is said the 12th man (the fan), is the key to victory on the football field. Yet, I know it cannot compare with the players who sweat hard and devote hours to training in preparation to reach their ultimate goal. 

1 Peter 1:7 "when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world."

The bible says our present trials cannot compare with the Glory ahead. Let's keep our eyes on the prize for all our sacrifices will be rewarded eternally. We are part of what the Old Testament prophets could only dream of, we are God's Dream Team. We cannot lose, we have an unfair advantage, we are in Christ who paid the ultimate price, who bought our victory, all He needs of us is to trust and obey.

Breathing Prayer

Breathing Prayer

• Colossians 4:2 (NLT)

---

I am so amazed by the opportunities that come my way! I understand that doors open as a result of prayer, but it is still amazing to see how things unfold. Sometimes I receive things I didn't personally even pray for. Often, it's the prayers by others for us that we are unaware of that His will is ushered forth.

Do you ever get yourself in something and realized you didn't really seek God? I take prayer for granted, I move out too often without consulting the full counsel of God. I speak my mind without always using the wisdom of God and therefore get myself in trouble. I can think I am so right in the moment and yet be so wrong. Lord, help me say and do nothing without first consulting and hearing from you.

Colossians 4:2 "Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart."

Definition of alert: Quick to notice any unusual and potentially dangerous or difficult circumstances; vigilant.

Lord, help me be more alert, more aware of my surroundings, more spiritually sensitive, so I can make proper judgment through the eyes of the Word with the heart of God.

My prayer request like Paul in Colossians 4 should be that I can proclaim His message clearly, living wisely, making the most of every opportunity, that my conversations be gracious and attractive, drawing others to Him. I need to stay away from discussions that are divisive that stir people's emotions but do not benefit God.

God may open a door but if I do not go through wisely, the doors that once were open can quickly close, God gives and takes away. It is through prayer we receive God's promises and it is through prayer that His promises are maintained.

"As breathing is too natural life, praying is too spiritual life, we cannot exist without it."

Change the World, Start Where?

Change the World, Start Where?

• Colossians 3:18 (MSG)

---

INTRODUCTION
Being a visionary I can easily be so focused on what's ahead I miss out on what God has put right before me, "trying to save the whole world while the world immediately around me is falling apart. Jesus is the Word become flesh and we flesh are called to become the Word to the world. The gospel message only comes alive when it's words are lived out. Only that which is alive can bring life and transform. We are all called to preach the gospel but it is our living testimonies that validates the message.

SUPERFICIAL MINISTRY
A lot of times people escape from misery through ministry, it is a crutch, something to lean on to avoid falling down, an escape from reality. Ministers, Missionaries, flying here, flying there, preaching, prophesying, healing, delivering, living in a fantasy world while those around them must carry the load of daily responsibilities. 

I have heard the crazy excuse some Minister's give their wife when she feels neglected "don't you know you married a preacher." This is utter nonsense! Having a five fold ministry gift from God is not a license to neglect our family and live a irresponsible life. All believers have gifts from God nobody is greater than the other, we must all take equal share in normal daily responsibilities. People whom come to God need our gifting to equip them to minister in all aspects of life including the mundane. If we don't know how to live a normal life we cannot help those that do.

REAL MINISTRY
My definition of ministry is intimacy with Jesus spilling over God's grace drawing those around closer to the Heavenly Father. This requires a lifestyle of worship not some spiritually worked up display. This means the life of Jesus should be evident in one's marriage, child rearing, employment, daily walk. 

THE RIGHT MESSAGE
Jesus lived life for thirty years, observing the world around Him, that is why He had such a big audience because He spoke in parables, stories that everyone could understand. How often do we hear messages in parable form, often they are presented in a way that only other preachers can relate with. What the world needs is Christians, who walk with God in everyday life, and therefore have evidence of His existence in relatable testimony. God's greatness is not drawing a crowed but drawing people closer to Him. 

WHERE TO START
Colossians 3:18-25 shares our normal daily mission. Wives are to honor and support their husbands by submitting to them, while husbands are to go all out to love their wives in return. Children are to do what their parents tell them and when Parent's correct them it is not to be done in a manner that would crush their spirits. Employees are to do their best at what they are assigned to do, knowing God will reward them, and punish them if they don't. What qualifies us to minister to others is how well we respond to these instructions. If we are going to change the world it first starts right where we are at. 

WHERE TO GO
American Christianity, from my experience, has exalted the role of Pastor and Missionary. It seems once one becomes zealous for God they feel a “calling” to the ministry. There is a divide between clergy and laity, where one is more spiritual than the other. It is an attitude that a job outside of the church is just temporary until others recognize their calling and the opportunity opens up. 

The holistic-biblical view of calling is that greatness is on the inside of us, we don’t have to strive to achieve it, for God is embodied in man. Therefore rather that striving for position and title we simply need to acknowledge who we are in Christ. This means His greatness can be seen and experienced in every season and facet of life. If we take this approach ministry becomes part of who we are rather than just what we do, and our profession cannot be separate from are calling.

The Reflection of What You Wear

The Reflection Of What You Wear

• Colossians 3:1 (NLT)

---

Our culture is influenced greatly by marketing, so our outer appearance can often determine are social status. As a youth I was all into fashion, I wanted my clothes to define what kind of person I was, so once I started working at the age of 14 the majority of my money was spent on that. Growing up in a small town clothing stores was limited so I would drive far three hours to Seattle to find the latest fads. The greatest thrill was wearing a new outfit and being complimented. I was voted best dressed in my class Senior year 1993 and it was actually a big deal to me. How shallow! Yet, that is the culture of America.

Thank God I now understand that character far outweighs outward appearance. Sad thing is some churches still operate like the world and are more like a fashion show than a house of prayer. I still like to dress good at times, not to impress people, but simply because I like what I wear, it is all a matter of the heart. I no longer can afford buying the kind of clothes I use too for I am no longer single and my life can't just be about myself. So my closet isn't piling up, I try to just have enough clothes to fit the different occasions of life and the different seasons, I buy new clothes when the old ones are worn and need to be replaced.

What I desire above anything else is what Colossians chapter 3 explains how to be clothed with more and more of Christ. What we gaze upon is what we absorb and therefore reflect. So to be like Christ is to set my sights on where He dwells. What I think upon is what forms my heart, so what I allow to go into my ear and eye gates will determine what shapes me. So If I am going to look different I must change what I see and hear. I must shift from gazing on the things of earth too the things of Heaven. To know the things of Heaven takes knowing the written word (logos) and experiencing the living Word (rhema).

Change does not come from our ability, it is grace from God through the power of the Holy Spirit. What one sets their affections on they become, so with new desires comes new direction. Since God has given us a heart for Him we naturally begin losing the desire for sin. It is a process and doesn't happen over night, yet at least with me the majority of my sinful activities left when I got saved simply because I lost the desire for them. 

Daily we must choose to worship our Lord for it is in His presence that we are transformed. Just like we usually dress ourselves shortly after we wake up, we need to praise and worship our Lord and as we do so we are clothed from above. We now become spirit beings, no longer distinguished by male/female or ethnicity, Christ is all that matters. The character that comes forth from those whom reflect Christ are: tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, peace, and most importantly love which unites us together (vs. 12-15). From our mouth will come the ability to teach and counsel with wisdom, singing praise and thanksgiving from our mouths. So in all we do and say we become true representatives of the Lord Jesus Christ (vs. 16-18).