Last time, I talked about what a disciple is and now we must see what discipleship involves in the daily life of a Christian.  The best place to start is the Scripture.

Jesus said in Mark 8:34 these words: "Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me."  In this text we find three points of discipleship that we must practice:

I. The Denial of Self   I don't know anything more difficult that to deny Frank.  Everything within me and all around me cries out to serve myself.  It comes naturally through the sin nature.  But it also the message of Madison Avenue and Wall Street. But for sure, Christ cannot sit on the throne of my heart if I am sitting there too!

II. The Desire for Service.  Jesus calls us to "take up his cross"  We know that in the first century, the cross was an instrument of death.  Christ was headed for the cross which was His ultimate act of service to humanity by dying as a sacrifice for sin.  I am to carry my cross to be His servant.  That is in the pulpit, the nursing home and whatever door He opens for me to minister.

III. Devotion to Sovereignty  Jesus said, "Follow Me".  No less than 12 times He says that in the Gospels.  My discipleship is about following Christ where ever He sends me.  I don't tell Him what I want to do. I seek to discover His will and follow it.

How can any of us be His disciple?  It is the daily choice to live for Christ in obedience and loyalty.  I am still seeking to be a better disciple so that I hopefully can honor Him with my life.

Until Later,

Frank

Posted by Frank_Pur on Mon 30 Aug 2010 6:58:18 am     | no comments

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Growing up in the denomination called the Christian Church(Disciples of Christ), the word "disciple" was just what we called ourselves in the church world.  When asked what kind of Christian you are, we would say"Disciples of Christ".  Of course now I look at the word in a much deeper way.  Being a disciple is more than an affiliation, it is to be a lifestyle.

In the Bible, followers of Christ are called disciples some 269 times!  That would lead me to belive that discipleship was a priority in the mind of our Lord.  What is a disciple?  The word means, pupil, leaner, one who sits at the feet of a Master.  The concept is that a disciple seeks to imitate a master.  Literally copy his acts and mannerisms. 

Dietrich Bonhoffer, was a German Lutheran theologian and pastor who stood against Nazism during World War II. His writings eventually got him arrested and later hanged as a traitor to Germany.  Before the war began in 1937, he wrote a book called, The Cost of Discipleship.   He spoke of cheap grace and the having the name of Christian without the role of a disciple.  He wrote "Christianity without discipleship is a Christianity without Christ."   

Truly, one cannot call themselves a Christian who does not seek to be His disciple.  What does discipleship involve?  More on that next time.

Until later,

Frank

Posted by Frank_Pur on Sat 21 Aug 2010 8:08:43 am     | no comments

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We all remember the children's story, "The Emperor's New Clothes" where the emperor walked around with no clothes, thinking he had them on and all followed his deception until a little boy cried out in the crowd that he had on no clothes!  I think sometimes that we as Christians tend to exaggerate our spiritual achievements because of our bible study, prayers and church attendance.  When in fact these things may hide the reality of what we really are.  That under neath the surface there is much that needs to be changed.

C. S. Lewis said, "Those like myself whose imagination far exceeds their obedience are subject to a just penalty.  We easily imagine conditions far higher than we actually have reached.  If we describe what we have imagined we may make others and ourselves belive that we have really been there.  So fool both them and ourselves."

I want my walk and obedience to Christ real and not imagined.  I pray that the Holy Spirit will show me where I fall short and what areas I need to work on so that I can be more authentic in Christ.

Until Later,

Frank

Posted by Frank_Pur on Sat 14 Aug 2010 10:01:12 am     | no comments

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Recently I had to visit a church member having surgery in a hospital out of my area.  Fortunately, this hospital was only 25 miles away from my parents.  So I decided in between hospital visits, i would spend one night with my parents, Dalton And Velma Purvis.  Daddy is 81 and Mama is 77 and they will be married for 60 years this coming  Christmas Day 2010.

Staying with Mama and Daddy is somewhat different than growing up with them. They are not only growing older, but they are also having some minor health problems which is typical of their age.  Staying with them and having supper as we call it in the South, brought about the realization that they are just not as strong as they use to be.  And yet, there is still much determination to live life as much as they can.  Case in point is Daddy.

My Daddy has always been one of those men who just about fix anything.  Sixty years of tobacco farming and just plain hard work has required him on more than one occasion to fix what needed to be fixed.  As a boy growing up, I was all fingers and I guess it was wise of the Lord to call me into the ministry to use my "mouth" since I was no good with my hands.  But as a boy, many times my father would be fixing something in the field, at the house or on a tractor, my job was to hold the next tool he needed or hold the flashlight a certain way if it was dark.  I share this because when I was at their home, the commode in the bathroom needed fixing.  I tried to fix it, but to no avail.  Daddy, like always, knew what to do.  As Daddy worked on the system inside the water tank, I stood there holding the commode lid.  It was a flash back for me.  All my life,I held something for Daddy to fix something. Now, he is 81 and I am 48, and our roles are still the same in some ways.  Though I am a husband, a father and pastor for almost a quarter of a century, he is still Daddy and in some ways, I am still the boy.

In the book of Exodus in the Ten Commandments it says, "Honor your father and your mother; that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you." (Ex. 20:12)  In my heart I honor Daddy who although could not fix everything, but thankfully he could fix many things.  And he placed in my heart a love and honor of him.

Later

Frank

Posted by Frank_Pur on Wed 4 Aug 2010 3:49:48 pm     | no comments

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Over the years as a pastor whenever the opportunity to change something in the local church wether it was a cosmetic change or a new ministry, someone would say "We've never done it that way before".  The love for the tradition and the sameness of local church activities brings security and safety  To change requires a challenge to what is being done and the requirement to change ourselves.

But I have also found that the resistance to change is not only in the church world, it is also in myself!  Over the years of my Christian walk, I like the way I do things.  My habits and patterns of devotion and  service are as regular as brushing my teeth in the morning.  For the Holy Spirit to stir my heart and prompt me to try something different in my walk with the Lord or the way of doing ministry, I find myself resistant. 

Growth and maturity requires me to change.  A seed that is never planted and germinates will never produce a flower or fruit.  The seed has to change and become something it is not to do what it was created to do.  The same is for the Christian life.  What do I need to die to?  What habits do I need to change?  Am I willing to do what is necessary to be more effective as a Christian?  These are questions that I wrestle with in my walk with Christ.  I pray that I will cling to Christ more quickly than to my fear of change.

Until later,

Frank

Posted by Frank_Pur on Mon 26 Jul 2010 7:36:15 am     | no comments

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Years ago, a United Methodist pastor shared a poem with me which has stuck with me as a great philosophy of ministry.

"Where shall I work today dear Lord and my love flow full and free?  Then the Lord pointed to a tiny place and said, "Tend that place for Me."

I cried aloud, "Oh Lord, not there, why no one would ever see.   No matter how well my work is done not that little place for me."

When the Lord answered He was not harsh, but he spoke tenderly, "Tell me precious child of mine are you working for them or for Me?  Nazareth was a tiny place and so was Galilee."

Over the years I have had to refer to that poem again and again when I discovered that the Lord had not called me to build a mega church or be one of those pastors who was on the 'cutting edge" of the latest wind that was blowing in the church.  That the issue is not success or size, but faithfulness to the call of God on one's life.

Maybe you have been called to a "tiny place".  If so, tend it for Jesus and leave the results in His hands!

Later,

Frank

Posted by Frank_Pur on Mon 19 Jul 2010 6:35:47 am     | 1 comments

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Tomorrow marks the 234th birthday of these United States.  We as Americans celebrate our freedom and our rights and the blessings of living in this great land.  We feel that our freedom allows us to have "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."  But is true freedom based on a good job, a new car, a nice house or a great vacation spot?  I think not.

The Bible tells us clearly that we are slaves to sin and are in bondage(John 8:34).  So even if we have all the stuff we Americans say we have to have to be happy and free; without being free from sin we are not free.  This freedom is achieved through the cross of Christ Jesus our Lord.  The price He paid on Calvary's hill sets us free from sin, self and Satan.  Only by and through Christ can we know spiritual freedom.  For those in Christ Jesus are not condemned, but are free due to His grace, mercy and love. "Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed."  John 8:36

I don't under estimate the cost and the sacrifice men and women have given in all the wars that America has fought to protect our freedom.  We are free because they gave their all to guarantee it.  Christ gave His all on Calvary to guarantee the freedom from sin and death that we might live forever in Him.  On July 4th, I will say 'God Bless America"  But I will also praise God for Christ who has set me free from spiritual bondage.

Until next time,

Frank
 

Posted by Frank_Pur on Sat 3 Jul 2010 10:24:29 am     | no comments

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Today marks the 60th anniversary of the beginning of the Korean War.  Some called it a "police action" but ask any veteran and they will tell you it was a war.  It lasted three years, but the men and women who served there during that time did not get a parade or honors.  It is rarely mentioned.  Perhaps because 60 years later, Korea is still a divided nation.  The best way it has been kept in the minds of Americans is the rerun of M*A*S*H episodes. 

But there is another "forgotten war" we Christians need to remember.  That is the war we are in against the enemy of our faith, Satan himself.  Some Christians can get preoccupied with the devil and everything that happens is an act of his hand.  Other Christians see that the idea of the devil is primitive and we have moved beyond that.  The balance is the Scriptures that teach us, "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places."  Ephesians 6:12  (NKJV)

Let us not forget that we are in a spiritual war and let us wear the whole Armour of God.  Satan is no myth with a pointed tail and a pitch fork.  He is alive and well seeking those whom he may devour.  Let us remember not to be ignorant of his schemes and stand firm in this evil day on the promises of God's Word.

Until later,

Frank

Posted by Frank_Pur on Fri 25 Jun 2010 11:43:39 am     | no comments

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Well it is that time of year where churches host Vacation Bible Schools all over the country.  Kids from nursery age up to high school will gather into churches to say pledges to the American and Christian Flag.  And also there is a pledge to the Bible for after all the "B" in VBS stands for the Bible.  Or does it?

Less I be dismissed as some kind of summer Scrooge, let me defend myself.  Growing up in the rural south, VBS was a staple to the diet of church life.  When I was a boy, we met in the morning from 9-12 noon.  Most mothers then did not work outside the home.  And like kids today, we said the pledges, made crafts, sang songs.  Oh, one more thing; we learned the Bible.  While it is true that VBS curriculums have the basic diet of Bible stories, there is one thing different today than when I was a boy.  Kids today have not a clue of what the Bible teaches.  At least in my generation, when a Bible was opened, we knew how to look up a verse.  But today, children along with their parents know very little Bible. So therefore, there is more of an emphasis on the crafts and songs than the Bible.

What is wrong with VBS?  Truly the materials and the songs and the themes are attractive.  It is all well done.  The DVD of VBS songs are professional.  But what is wrong with it is the assumption that kids today know something about the Bible.  And sadly most do not.  One could argue then the Bible stories can be used for evangelism.  This is true and I would applaud such an effort.   However, in my pastoral experience most of the kids that go to VBS are already in church either in the community of the grandkids of church members.

I don't know all the answers.  We can't back up a generation.  We work with the kids where they are.  But I would love to teach kids who had at least an idea of what the Scripture teaches.  And of course that starts in the home with the parents and grandparents teaching their children.  Oh well, that is another blog.

Later, Frank

Posted by Frank_Pur on Mon 14 Jun 2010 11:55:25 am     | no comments

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The recent oil rig explosion in the Gulf region and the perpetual stream of oil being poured into the water anywhere from 5-12 million gallons of oil a day shows how even in the most advanced technological society that there are some problems which are not easily resolved.  At this writing, several attempts have failed to stop the oil leak that is one mile below the surface of the water.  While the experts are trying to figure out what to do, the oil continues to flow, polluting that whole body of water.

Our problems can be like that.  Sometimes they are below the surface and not readily seen, but the flow underneath rises to the surface.  We can say we are not angry, or hurt or  say"I am all right".  However, the real pain comes through our faces, our conversations, our attitudes and  our actions.  There is a false theology in the church that says, "Hide your pain".  We are afraid to look vulnerable or weak.  Some may not think we are not spiritual or have strong faith.

I love the story of Mark 9, where the father with a demon possessed boy is faced with the fact that the disciples of Jesus could not deliver his son. "Jesus said to him,"If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes."  Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, "Lord, I believed; help my unbelief."  Mark 9:23-24 (NKJV)

Though Jesus called for the man to have faith, he admitted he had very little.  The wonder of all of this, is that Jesus delivered his son.  He did not take his pain or lack of faith as a reason not to bless and heal.  As this father confessed his pain and lack of faith with tears and received mercy; I contend we can too!  Let us not hide our pain and try to dismiss it.  Let us own up to it and confess and bring it to the feet of Christ.  Perhaps then, healing can begin.

Later,  Frank

Posted by Frank_Pur on Wed 2 Jun 2010 11:57:42 am     | no comments

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This week, I watched two series finales of two very popular shows: "Lost" and "24".  "Lost" ended after 6 seasons and "24" ended after eight seasons.  Over the recent years I have followed the the very mysterious story line of "Lost" and the attempt by a group of people to get off an island that not only brought them together because of a plane crash; but also the island had a hold on them.  Now "24" was full of action and political intrigue as Federal agent Jack Bauer sought to right the wrongs, (often in violent ways), done by those who sought to destroy the United States.  As these two shows came to an end, the writers sought in both cases to give a "happy ending"  In the "Lost" finale everyone ended up in a "heaven" of some kind and Jack escape the government's prosecution of him though he walked off in the series limping and wounded.

Well, what about my finale?  How will I end my walk on this earth.  I have to admit that compared to "Lost" and "24", my life seems boring and dull.  Not a whole lot of adventure. Just a lot of ordinary!   Pastoring a church, helping my wife Sandy and trying to be a good Dad to my girls.  Some days can be very busy and congested.  But over all, not all that exciting.

But I have to remember that in the Christian view, life is not TV and it is about the daily responsibility of living out my calling and my duty to my family.  All this is done by faith.  That daily dependance of trusting the Lord and serving Him.  Not always adventurous, but it is the stable of my life.  Knowing that I face each day with Christ in my heart, His Word teaching me truth, and the Holy Spirit giving me strength. 

The words of Paul gives the best finale of all, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race,  I have kept the faith." as found in II Timothy 4:7.  My "finale" may not play out well on the TV screen, but it will secure my place with Christ in eternity. 

Later,

Frank

Posted by Frank_Pur on Tue 25 May 2010 4:12:16 pm     | no comments

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I just finish reading the biography of A.W. Pink, a preacher and devotional writer of another generation.  While Pink was an eccentric in many ways, he was a prolific writer who wrote much on the doctrines of grace.  One thing I noted in his life was a verse which compelled him to give his best.

"Cursed is he who does the work of the Lord with slackness..."  Jeremiah 48:10a (ESV)  In context, the verse deals with the role that the Lord was going to use the pagan nation of Babylon, but the principle is true for servants of the Lord today.   I have seen many servants in the church give their best and give 100% to an effort or duty.  But alas, I have also seen so many go about their task with the last minute effort which reflects slackness and a haphazard approach.  Anything done for the Lord is worth doing well.   Was Christ slack in his service?  Did he approach his ministry with a "throw together" effort just to get by?  Was he reluctant and eager to get his passion over with?  No.  Christ gave His all and we are called to do the same to His glory.

While it is easy for me to point to others, I must look at myself.  Do I give my best in sermon preparation and visitation?  What about my motives in all my duties?  Am I doing my all for the Lord or for myself?  Oh Lord, deliver me from spiritual slackness today!  Amen.

Later,

Frank

Posted by Frank_Pur on Sat 15 May 2010 9:11:15 am     | 1 comments

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A pastor friend of mine has recently spoke to me about experiencing some burnout.  The grinding schedule of church demands, the recent deaths of several church members, the losing of his associate pastor and just the feeling of "meeting one self at the door".  The toil has affected his health and he is now having to reconsider his priorities.  To hear that a pastor has burned out is not uncommon.  John Piper, a major pastoral figure, recently announced that he was taking from May to December, 2010 off due to the demands of his schedule and the need to put his family first and get a new vision of how to spend his life.  It has made me look at myself.

Of course, spiritual burnout does not have to be for pastors alone.  I have seen several church lay people over the years burn out of their roles. Losing passion and interest in serving in the church and just needing a break.  Why does this happen?  Well, there could be several reasons, but let me mention a few.  First of all, burnout happens when we lose perspective.  We take our role and contribution too seriously.  As if only "I" can do this.  No one is irreplaceable.  Secondly, we forget that we are to serve the Lord, not man(Colossians 3:23).  When our eyes are on men, and not the Lord, it leads to being disillusioned and disappointed.  And finally, we are burned out because if the truth be known, we have grown slack in our daily 'quiet time".  We have laid aside the priority of prayer and Bible study.  We need a quiet time in order to keep one's walk with the Lord fresh.  We forgo that time because we believe the lie that busyness means blessing.  Christ was always busy, but He was never rushed.  He would spend all night in prayer at times in order to line up with the Lord's will.

I don't have all the answers to burn out and I don't want to sound simplistic.  Let us learn to pace ourselves in His will and not in the hurried pace of our agenda.

Until later,

Frank

Posted by Frank_Pur on Mon 3 May 2010 11:52:00 am     | no comments

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Early this morning, I watched a movie on the Lifetime channel that my wife had recorded on our DVR.  It was called "Amish Grace".  It was based on a shooting at an Amish school a few years ago where ten young girls were shot by a gunman who entered the school.  Now generally speaking, I don't watch the Lifetime movies for they are too sentimental for me.  But this movie moved me to tears to witness the anguish of the Amish families who wrestled with their grief and forgave the gunman who murdered their children. Not only that, with grace they reached out to the gunman's family and showed her the reality of God's power in forgiveness.

Grace sometimes becomes a theological word only for we Christians.  We are "saved by grace" and His grace is "all sufficient".  Which is true.  But to live out the "grit of grace" in a world full of hatred, evil, wickedness and suffering.  That is a different story.  The grit of grace is that ability to apply what you believe is true in the everyday world even if you are in pain and difficulty.  It is more than words or theology, it is reality.

Who knows what holds for me today or any day for that matter.  My prayer is that I not only will belive in grace, love and forgiveness; but will be able to live it out as well.

Until later,

Frank

Posted by Frank_Pur on Sat 24 Apr 2010 6:48:54 am     | no comments

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Early in my Christian walk, I was influenced some by the "Word of Faith" movement which emphasized the "confessed to be blessed" belief.  In other words, if you have enough faith, and confess it enough, the Lord would bring it about.  The theology would cite such Scriptures as. "Therefore I say unto you, what things soever ye desire; when you pray, belive that ye receive them and ye shall have them.'" Mark 11:24

From the very begriming, I had my doubts about the whole scheme.  I mean, too many people, good Christian people, had great faith and did not get all their prayers answered.  Why would God grant my request for a good parking space at Wal Mart and not heal a person dying with cancer who prayed to be healed?  Also, is my faith to be on God or in my faith?  One of the great downfalls of this movement is the idea of doubt.  No doubt allowed!  If you let doubt in, the devil has got a foothold.  Wait a minute.

 I believe that doubt can play a role in the development of faith.  To me there is a difference between doubt and unbelief.  Unbelief says "No way that is true."  Doubt on the other hand says, "I am not sure".  With doubt there is an open door for learning and faith.  In Mark chapter 9, when Jesus came down from the Mount of Transfiguration, He was confronted with a demon possessed boy which the disciples did not know how to handle.  Jesus told the father that all things are possible for him who believes.  I love the father's response, "Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief."

I can identify with the father.  I doubt too.  I don't doubt the Bible, Jesus as Lord and Savoir or that the creeds of the Christian faith are true.  I wrestled with His sovereignty and trying to understand His will at times.  I don't have all the answers like I thought I once did.  I do believe and I do trust.  But in my humanity at times, I am not always so sure about some things.  I do believe, O Lord, help me in my unbelief.

Until later,

Frank

Posted by Frank_Pur on Sat 17 Apr 2010 8:09:20 am     | no comments

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I understand that in the Eastern Orthodox Church that on Easter Sunday, the priest stands before the congregation and says, "The Lord is Risen" and the people respond, "He is Risen Indeed."  On Easter Sunday, it is the heart cry of every Christian that He is risen indeed.  In this world of terrorism, economic  crisis, the breakdown of the family and sickness and disease; Christ is our only hope!

The angel told the women on that first Easter, "Do not be alarmed.  You seek Jesus of Nazareth who was crucified.  He is risen!  He is not here.  See the place where they laid Him."  Mark 16:6 (NKJV)

We do not worship a Christ on a cross or an ancient teacher who lived long ago.  Easter means He is risen.  Yes, He is risen indeed!

HAPPY EASTER

Frank

Posted by Frank_Pur on Sat 3 Apr 2010 6:49:53 pm     | no comments

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On this Good Friday evening, I am so mindful of the crucifixion of Christ on Calvary's hill.  As Max Lucado says He died, "six hours one Friday."  In this current age, so many dismiss the cross and the Jesus who died on it.  Thanks to authors like Dan Brown, many are skeptical of Christ's reality as Lord and Savoir and therefore do not see the wonder of the cross.

Yes, Mel Gibson gave us the "Passion of the Christ" movie which depicts in graphic detail the death of Christ, but for me the movie missed it in explaining not just "how" He died, but "why" He died.  Books and movies in their discussion of Christ really do not make the point.  I suggest that we must stand at the foot of the cross and accept Him as Lord and Savoir and then we shall see.  And in the days as a disciple of Jesus, I must live in the shadow of the cross and grieve over my sin and my walk with Him.  While I am not a skeptic of Christ and I embrace Him, my biggest failure is not living in the "shadow of the cross".  My prayer this Good Friday is that I not only believe in Christ and His cross, but also live in it as well.

Until later,

Frank

Posted by Frank_Pur on Fri 2 Apr 2010 7:06:40 pm     | no comments

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Busy.  It is a word which many people in contemporary society use to define their lives and their schedules.  And there is somewhat of a position of pride in it.  I'm busy because I am doing for my family, my job or my church.  People pat you on the back because you are busy.  They give awards to people who are busy for they do so much.  But at what cost?

In all that we do and for all the places and people we need to see, what happens if we stop.  I mean do we think the world will stop?  No, it will not.  Yes, we may meet needs and fulfill roles for an organization, but the whole thing does not revolve around us.  I've told Eureka Christian Church more than once that if I would drop dead, they would say in six weeks..."Frank who?" 

The question is; where is Christ in our busyness?  No doubt the Lord was a busy man; healing, teaching, casting out demons.  Yet, Christ would not let His busyness block out his walk with the Father.  In Mark 1:35 we read, "Now in the morning having risen a long while before daylight, He went out to a solitary place and there He prayed."  If Christ did this, how much more should I?  We as Christians no matter how busy should never allow our busyness to block our walk with the Lord.  In our busyness we need to not "find time"to pray and seek the Lord, but "make" time.  It was said of the reformer, Martin Luther that he had so much to do that he had to spend at least three hours in prayer before he started his day!

While we may not be Martin Luther, we can discipline ourselves to not let the busyness of life block out our intimacy with the Lord.  We run the danger in the words of Alan Redpath, to have "busyness producing barrenness." 

Are you too busy?

 

 

 

Frank

Posted by Frank_Pur on Fri 26 Mar 2010 9:43:24 am     | no comments

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We are coming down to the final days of Lent.  You know the forty days leading up to Easter.  A time of repentance and sacrifice and giving up something to focus on Christ and His glory.  I must confess, I really have not given up anything for Lent.  It is not because I am against the concept.  It is I guess just a matter of being too absorbed in my own life and agenda.  Perhaps that is what my problem is.  Too much me and not enough Christ!  Oh how I want to be Christ centered and focused on others.  There are moments of self sacrifice, but then I'll come around and justify doing for self for "me time". 

Well I guess the most important thing I can lose for Lent is myself!  Not my personality or individuality, but the self centered self that is caught up in doing for me.  Oh Lord, deliver me from me!

Later,

Frank

Posted by Frank_Pur on Sat 20 Mar 2010 10:36:15 am     | no comments

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Last time I mentioned about having a wasted mind in the sense that we as Christians not only need to know Christ in our hearts, but in our minds as well.  How do we keep a sharp mind for the Lord?

Well, of course we need to read the Word.  Memorizing the Bible is not in vogue these days, but there are many passages which call on us to "mediate" on the Word.  Also, the reading of  good books.  Not the fluff of the recent fad, but the authors who have made an impact.  Like J.I. Packer or John Stott.  What about C.S. Lewis and JRR Tolkien?  And the works of Francis Schaeffer are still speaking to this generation.  And for goodness sake, don't get all your knowledge from the Internet!  Be discerning and ask others what they are reading.  And can I dare say it; study theology!  You don't have to be an "egghead" to know basic doctrine and the themes of Scripture.

In I Corinthians 2:16b, Paul wrote, "...but we have the mind of Christ"  So let us all get to reading and studying more to not waste our minds, but fill it with those things which will draw us to Christ.

Later,

Frank

Posted by Frank_Pur on Sun 7 Mar 2010 12:59:53 am     | no comments

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When I was a boy, the United Negro College Fund, had commercials on TV with this slogan: "A mind is a terrible thing to waste."  That is not only true when it comes to education, but how much more so for the Christian!  When I became a Christian, the "heart" was really emphasized.  Knowing Jesus in your "heart" and putting your "heart" into it.  All that is true.  Yet, not only am I to know Jesus in the depth of my heart, but also with my mind.

The words of Paul ring true in Romans 12:2: "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." 

 It is to be my duty and my discipline to renew and train my mind in a way that holds a Christian world view and not conforming to the values around me that not only can be unchristian, but also ungodly.  It is not just my "heart", it is also my mind that the Lord wants to redeem and use to His Glory.

But how do we do that?  I address that next time.

Later,

Frank

Posted by Frank_Pur on Mon 1 Mar 2010 9:43:22 am     | no comments

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In an age of twitter, Facebook, texting and on line magazines and publications, I must ask a question:  Does anybody read a book anymore?  I mean even if you do read, you can get a Kindle and get e-books that looks even better than a book!  But as a book lover  myself, there is something about holding a book in hand and  high lighter to mark up a good book.  A book that is used or old has a certain smell that is as delicious as any freshly baked cake.

The Dutch theologian and thinker, Erasmus, said, "When I get a little money; I buy books.  If there is any left, I buy food and clothes."  You don't have to go to that extreme, but I would suggest to turn off the TV and the laptop and visit your library and get a good book.  Visit a Christian book store and don't hop on the latest fluff that "everyone is reading".  Go to the old authors, whose works have stood the test of time. 

One Scripture that I like which shows how important that reading was to Paul is found in II Timothy 4:13; "Bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas when you come-and the books, especially the parchments."

 Let us all enjoy the riches of reading!

Later

Frank

Posted by Frank_Pur on Wed 24 Feb 2010 8:35:18 am     | no comments

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Outside my window this morning, the ground is covered with snow.  It glistens as the sun shines upon it in all its purity and beauty.  Hard to see the brown dead earth underneath this white quilt of fluff.

I am reminded of what Isaiah 1:18 says, "Come now, and let us reason together", says the Lord.  "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.  Though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool." (NKJV)  As the snow covered all the deadness of the winter ground, so does His grace cover our sins and failures.  To look outside all you see is the snow. Even the trees with their bony branches are covered with a white stole.  This is how we are forgiven.  When we confess our sins and seek His forgiveness by the work of the cross; His eternal blood covers us and washes us white as snow!  The deadness and the ugliness of our lives are covered by His grace, mercy and love.

There is one exception in this illustration.  When the snow melts, the dead ground will reappear.  But the "snow" of His forgiveness never melts!  His forgiveness last for all eternity!

Until next time,

Frank

Posted by Frank_Pur on Sat 13 Feb 2010 7:51:09 am     | no comments

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I think it was Ben Franklin who said, "Give credit where credit is due".  It is true that we need to give thanks and show appreciation for those who do well.  But sometimes in the midst of that, we end up promoting self.  When someone says to me, "Good sermon" or "I like what you said at the funeral".  I say thank you, but in the back of my mind, sometimes I find myself saying, "Hey they like me!"  What I ought to be saying is, "Thank you Lord for giving me the right words at the right time.'  It is not wrong to be grateful for a compliment.  But the warning for us all is to make sure that we know that the Author of anything we do well is the Lord Himself.

At the end of I Corinthians 1:31, Paul quotes Jeremiah in saying, "as it is written, "He who glories, let him, glory in the Lord."  My prayer for myself and for others is not that we never give the pat on the back or receive a pat on the back; rather our hearts and minds are not seeking self glory, but only the glory that belongs to Him.

Until next time,

Frank

Posted by Frank_Pur on Fri 5 Feb 2010 8:38:35 am     | no comments

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We all have seen the pictures of devastation of the 7.0 earthquake in Haiti on January 12.  The utter ruin of this island nation that was already steeped in poverty added pain on top of pain.  Many people ask the question of "Why?"  Why did this have to happen to a people who already have nothing anyway?  Where was God in the midst of this disaster?  I don't have the answers for all the theological or philosophical  speculations.  I only know that God is with us in our pain and suffering.

While perhaps we have been spared from such horror and the people of Haiti may feel like God has abandoned them, I tell it is an opportunity for the church of Jesus Christ to rise up and show them the hand of God through donations, aid and the rebuilding of a nation.  For every orphan, widow and widower in Haiti, Jesus Christ died for and we need to show them the love of Christ in the midst of their pain.

The Bible says it best, "Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep." Romans 12:15  In these times of suffering, we give them a shoulder and a Savior for their healing.

Until next time,

Frank

Posted by Frank_Pur on Mon 25 Jan 2010 11:32:49 am     | no comments

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