The Church

"We don't get the church we want. We get the church we are."

It's been a while since I've posted anything, but this quote hit me today. Now, I know that us "Good Christians" have always heard that "the church is not a building. It's you!" I think that we've grown so weary of hearing this little phrase that we've lost its meaning. In a world where we think it's important to find a church we "like", keep in mind that we are the church. Seek God personally today. Even though the church is corporate, it is also personal. Even though you trendy Christians may think it's passé to talk to God while you're simply walking down the sidewalk, I feel that it's a missed opportunity if you aren't in continual connection with God. As a side note, there are many in my generation that want to knock the whole "shirt-and-tie Christian" while embracing the "Shorts-and-V-neck-t-shirt-Christian."

In other words---There may be some of us that need to lose our Converse Chucks and others may need to lay aside our cufflinks and pursue the God of the Universe.

"That I may know Him!"

-LJ-

The Lost Verse

In a time where it's nearly a crime to speak the words "God" or "Jesus", I just want to share this video. I know this isn't a long post, but I'm sure you'll be impressed.

Does Anything Satisfy?

The longer that I'm around "things" and people, the more that I realize that this world just does not satisfy. Even the things that we consider "good" will never bring the satisfaction that the Lord brings into our lives when we allow Him to have His way in our lives. All of the denominations, preachers, cars, suits, TV's, computers, shoes, clothes, houses, land, jobs, and money can never amount to the love of God.

The only way I can explain it is that in Christ, you are complete. We lack nothing when we place our faith in what Christ has done for us at the Cross. Even though we like to major on the minors at times, it is all about a man called Jesus and a place called Cavalry. David said, "Like the deer pants for the water, so does my soul long after you, O God." If you are looking for a "completeness" that you have never had, or you're trying to fill a void in your life with people or things, know that Christ is the only thing that will fill that void. Christ is the filler of the empty.

Believing God,

LTJ

Rom 8:2

Personal Experiences and the Bible

Frank Bartleman (of the Azusa Street Revival) wrote:

"Many are willing to seek 'power' from every battery they can lay their hands
on, in order to perform miracles... A true 'Pentecost' will produce a mighty conviction for sin, a turning to God. False manifestations produce only excitement and wonder... Any work that exalts the Holy Spirit or the 'gifts' above Jesus will finally land up in fanaticism."

Brother Bartleman was one of the stalwarts of the great Azusa Street Revival at the turn of the 20th century. It was during this time that the Holy Spirit moved in a great way across America and in reality, across the world. Throughout this time of spiritual renewal, there was an emphasis on the Holy Spirit, but always resulted in souls saved. In other words, this revival did not consist of religious movement and phony experiences.

Presently, it seems that there is a new movement or fad in the church world every 5-10 years. Preachers and laymen alike are always searching for a new gimmick that will whet their appetite for religious motion. For many, the emphasis of their ministry is on a wild emotional experience. For some, it is to stifle any type of emotion. I have to believe that there is a balance.

It brings us to this question: Is my experience with the Holy Spirit viable only if it complements with what is in the Bible?

I've heard some say, "You won't find this in the Bible, but. . ." Others will argue an experience or particular doctrine regardless of what the Word of God says. We must understand, as Christians, that our experiences with the Lord are most definitely precious and viable.

However, every experience that one has with the Lord must line up 100% to what the scripture teaches. God will not go against His word. I would agree with the Apostle Paul in Romans 3:4, ". . . Let God be true, and every man a liar. . ."

So, what if your experience does not coincide with scripture? Well, it could be that you were caught up in an emotional experience that your own flesh had conjured up. Other times, it could most definitely be the influence of demon spirits. When a church body encourages their congregation to dim the lights, burn incense, light candles, and lay on the ground, I would say that that church is participating in a demonic, occultic atmosphere. The Holy Spirit will not work in an atmosphere that is induced with a seance-type spirit. It is extremely important for the child of God to use discernment regarding anything pertaining to the supernatural. The scripture says that Satan will transform himself into "an angel of light" for the sole purpose of deception.

When one witnesses a movement or a fad that seems the church world is eating up, be sure to ". . .try the spirits. . ." (1 John 4:1) before you jump in head over heels.

"As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

Stay Blessed,

LTJ

Rom. 8:2

Hope in the Face of Darkness

Just turn on the news and you will find trouble on every corner: The border problem, the BP spill, the economy, job loss, etc, etc, ad infinitum. If you feel like you don't know where to turn in this upside-down world, then turn to the One that knows how to turn it right-side up.

If we have accepted the Lord, we have a hope in the face of darkness. What a promise! Sometimes I think that we, as Christians, forget that we are going to a city where the roses never fade. Whatever your problem, you have the hope that God will wipe away every tear. Isaiah 35 says this:

5 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened,
and the ears of the deaf unstopped;
6 then shall the lame man leap like a deer,
and the tongue of the mute sing for joy.
For waters break forth in the wilderness,
and streams in the desert;
7 the burning sand shall become a pool,
and the thirsty ground springs of water;
in the haunt of jackals, where they lie down,
the grass shall become reeds and rushes.

8 And a highway shall be there,
and it shall be called the Way of Holiness;
the unclean shall not pass over it.
It shall belong to those who walk on the way;
even if they are fools, they shall not go astray.^a
9 No lion shall be there,
nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it;
they shall not be found there,
but the redeemed shall walk there.
10 And the ransomed of the LORD shall return
and come to Zion with singing;
everlasting joy shall be upon their heads;
they shall obtain gladness and joy,
and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

If you are tired of the life you are living and want a brand new start, please click here.

Waiting for that City,

LTJ

Rom 8:2

Men of Valor

The Bible is full of heroes: Peter, Paul, Elijah, Moses, David, etc. These are all men that we can look up to and treasure their obedience to the Lord. I'd like to share with you a few men that have meant so much to me throughout my life. I would place each of these men even among David's "mighty men of valor."

My father, Tom Justice, is my personal hero. He is and has been the greatest father that this young preacher could ever ask for. I have never met a man with more integrity in all of my life. He has always relayed to me throughout my life the importance of being fair with people. He never just preached about it. He always practiced it. I can honestly say, with God as my witness, that I have never seen him try to underhand somebody else so that he could advance himself. Even if it would cost him everything, I know that my Dad's motto would be, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Thankfully, I've learned more than anything else, that nothing is worth taking your integrity and relationship with the Lord. Dad, you are a mighty man of valor.

My Pa, Arvil Justice, is the kindest man that I know. He has raised my Dad and Aunt with a set of values that will never be forgotten. I'm so thankful that he has maintained his Christian beliefs and has kept the bedrock of Christ that has kept our family together. Pa, you are a mighty man of valor.

My Grandfather, Randall Richardson, is a man that has followed the Lord with all of his heart ever since I can remember. I can truly say that he is the most avid Bible studier that I know. I always cherish the times that we discuss eschatology, pneumatology, ecclesiology, etc. (If you don't know what any of this is, you can tell that he doesn't play games with his Bible studies. :) Grandpa, thanks for all that you've done. You are a mighty man of valor.

Honor the men in your life this weekend. Be thankful for the men that God has put into your life. I definitely am. It's been a great life so far!

Stay Blessed,

LTJ

Rom 8:2

Sippin' Saints

Alcohol is responsible for:

50 % of all automobile fatalities

80% of all home violence

30% of all suicides

60% of all child abuse

I'm sure you already know where I'm going with this, but stay with me. It seems like I get asked these questions more than anything else regarding what the Bible teaches:

"Is it a sin for a Christian to drink alcohol?"

"Is it a sin for a Christian to take One Drink of alcohol?"

"Is it alright to for a Christian to drink, as long as they don't get drunk?"

I believe that if one is to follow Christ completely, he will be a teetotaler, that is, having complete abstinence from alcohol. I've heard arguments stating that it is alright for a Christian to drink, if drinking socially or culturally, such as in France or Germany. However, the true born again believer must understand that when you were saved, we leave the culture of this world and come 100% into the culture of Christ. Even though we are to live in this world's culture, we cannot operate by the world's expectations.

I believe it is imperative for the church to rise up and take a stand against alcohol. Every alcoholic in the world did not start as an alcoholic, but as one that started with one drink. It would be ridiculous for any believer to set an example to the world that could lead to alcoholism. Considering the effects that alcohol has on lives, Christians should shun any appearance of alcohol.

"Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise." (Prov. 20:1)

"Woe unto them who rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; who continue until night, till wine inflame them!" (Isa. 5:11)

"Woe unto them who are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle with strong drink." (Isa. 5:22)

"Those who tarry long at the wine. . . At the last it bites like a serpent, and stings like an adder." (Prov. 23:29-32)

Is it a sin for a Christian to drink? Judging from the above, yes. Though none of us are perfect, it is essential for all of us to strive for holiness.

Shunning the Very Appearance of Evil,

LTJ

Rom 8:2