I love surfing the internet on April Fool's Day. It's a virtual game of "I Spy" to find the fake blog posts, the new upgrade to Gmail (this year it's Autopilot), and other attempts to get people to bite hook, line, and sinker. I've not been creative enough to devise a good April Fool's joke myself (I briefly considered complementing Lane Kiffin's public relations genius), but I love the hoopla surrounding the day. Based on my posting schedule, you might think me making a post at all is a joke ;).
Great crowds have flocked to hear this moment in history. Their eyes and ears are firmly focused upon the orator—one of their own; many are hopeful he has come to rescue them from repression. Their expectations of his capabilities and purpose are extraordinary, misunderstood even. As a people, they have been waiting for this day for years, decades, and even centuries. The hopeful audience anticipates his words of vision and direction. They are eyewitnesses to history.
Throughout the discourse, there is a heavy emphasis upon change. The speaker notes keys to economic success. It’s impossible to miss the theme of loving and helping others. There’s even a part about being correct with oaths.
This moment in history didn’t take place in the capital of a 21st century world-power, but rather in 1st century Palestine. The speaker really was the Messiah; He actually brought hope and change to a people repressed by the consequences of sin.
When Jesus spoke what we commonly call the “Sermon on the Mount,” he did so without the aid of a microphone; there were much less than 2 million people in attendance. Yet, as far as speeches go, there’s likely not a more important one in the history of the world. Even though many would still reject Him as the Messiah and Savior, it serves as a pivotal moment in Jesus’ ministry and in God’s revelation of the new covenant.
Words of God > Words of men. We must always remember to hang our hopes and confidence on the unchanging words of our Lord. We as men can write and deliver powerful messages; none of those, however, come from the pen of the Creator and Sustainer. May we hear, hallow, and obey His words (Matt. 7:21-23).
Change is easier said than done. Much of Jesus’ sermon is fashioned around the thesis, “Unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, your will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:20). He then outlines specific areas of change by saying, “You have heard that it was said...but I say to you…” Notice some of the things to which he alludes: anger, lust, divorce, honesty, revenge, loving enemies. Don’t we as 21st century America still struggle with many (or all) of those? What about within the church? What about you and me? Two-thousand years ago, Jesus ushered in an era of change; one that starts in the hearts of individuals. Even though it’s not easy, may we have the courage to change the world by changing our lives.
Only one foundation lasts. The riveting conclusion of Jesus’ sermon describes two normal men with two normal houses who face powerful storms. Only one house survives the storm—the one built upon hearing and doing God’s words. The other house is destroyed (Matt. 7:24-27). No matter how important, powerful, and discerning politicians and governments are, they will not withstand the storms of this life or the next if they are guided by anything other than the truth of God’s word. Our lives are no different.
Let’s make sure our faith is founded upon Him and His word. He's where we find hope.
In BCS Title Games:
Big East: 1-2 (Miami, Va Tech)
ACC: 1-2 (FSU)
PAC 10: 1-1 (USC)
Big 10: 1-2 (OSU)
Big 12: 2-4 (OU, Texas, Neb)
SEC: 5-0 (Tenn, LSU, Fla)
Over the past several months, Trey Morgan has published what has become a good series on men, sex, pornography, and marriage. These issues need to be addressed from a Biblical perspective much more often than they currently are. I figured linking to his articles was the least I could do for the present. Don't miss the two chilling emails from female readers. Powerful stuff. Most recent posts are listed first.Peter was one of Jesus closest apostles. We might know more about him than we do any other figure in the New Testament, outside of Jesus himself. And yet, time and time again, Peter ends up displaying his shortsightedness and immaturity.
The most immature moment of Peter’s life—the time when he was spiritually weakest—likely came when Jesus needed him the most. When Jesus was arrested and carried off to the cross, Peter followed. He would later buckle under pressure and deny association with Jesus. Some of the circumstances regarding Peter’s situation are similar to ones we face when we make weak and immature decisions.
Jesus was taken from the disciples (Matthew 26:47-56). Jesus was obviously important to the disciples as they followed him around for almost three years. They heard his teachings and saw his miracles. Peter’s faith was built upon his direct interaction with Jesus. His overall faithfulness is to be commended; but he failed to be strong when Jesus was taken away from him.
Most everyone develops their personal faith because someone else influences them in that direction. Yet, basing faith only on someone else will prove detrimental when tested. This is one reason many young people fall away upon leaving home—their sources of influence, support, and encouragement are no long around. May we respond with strength when our faith is tested. May we train and strengthen young people to handle this necessary part of growing up.
The crowd was pressuring Peter (Matthew 26:69, 71, 73). When Peter claimed he had nothing to do with Jesus, he was prompted on all three occasions by someone in the crowd. This was a crowd, by the way, who was trying to condemn Jesus. No matter his motives for being there, Peter was in the midst of the wrong crowd. And he couldn’t handle their pressure.
With good reason, we emphasize the dangers of peer pressure to our young people. Young or old, we should all remember warnings about evil companions from Solomon (ie, Prov. 22:24-25) and Paul (1 Cor. 15:33). Being a part of the wrong crowd will lead us in the wrong direction. Likewise, not being prepared with spiritual strength will leave us defenseless when we’re in unavoidable situations with ungodly people. If we’re going to be spiritually mature, we must have the strength to stand up and stand out for good, no matter who else is around.
Peter was forced to choose his allegiance (Matthew 26:69-75). Not only was Peter in the midst of the wrong crowd, but he was forced to choose his true allegiance. He couldn’t remain neutral. He had been with Jesus or he hadn’t. Peter’s decision to deny Jesus is heartbreaking because it went against his earlier claim of faithfulness (Mt. 26:35).
The true strength of our faith is evident when it is tested. Football players don’t know the effectiveness of strength training until they’re blocking or tackling an opposing player. Marathon runners don’t know the effectiveness of their training until they push themselves for mile after mile. Likewise, we will have our faith tested. We will prove ourselves genuine or phony. We must develop the strength to choose Christ no matter the cost.
In order to learn from Peter’s example, we must commit to developing healthy spiritual habits and attitudes that give us true spiritual strength.
Well, dancing certainly has not become any more moral over the years. If anything, the modern dance is more sensuous today than it ever was...So then, what then has changed? What has changed are the attitudes and respect (or lack of) God’s people have for His will. Some apparently seem to be more willing to justify their “pet” sins than they are willing to justify God’s high moral standard.
Leadership is a stewardship. It is temporary. And you're accountable.
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