From my CD, “Treasures Old and New.” A new take on an old hymn.

Recent polls have revealed that church attendance in America is going down drastically. It is reported that an estimated 4,000 churches close their doors every year, and that about 3,500 people are leaving the church every day!

What does this say about our triumphant Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? Is He failing to build His Church – the one that He declared that the very gates of hell could not withstand?

Or are we really looking at the same church He spoke of, the one depicted in the New Testament?

First let’s look at the word “church.” In our English translations of the New Testament, this word is translated from the Greek word, “ekklessia.” In the First Century it was used to describe an assembly of people that was called together for various occasions. In one example from Acts 19:32 we see the word used to describe an angry mob. Then in verse 39 the crowd is told to return later to meet in a lawful, “ekklessia” or assembly.

In time then, we see how this word ekklessia came to be the common word used to describe gatherings of the people of God in different cities or locations. These are local expressions of the one Church which Jesus calls His own, that Universal Church which encompasses all locations and periods of time! When we read the various passages, it is important that we discern from the context if they refer to the Universal Church, or to specific local churches.

What constitutes a church? In Acts we see a brief portrait of the early days of the Church at Jerusalem in Acts 2:41-47:

“So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles.

And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.”

NASU

Churches in other locations are described in Acts 14:21-23:

“After they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying, “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.”

When they had appointed elders for them in every church, having prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.”

NASU

So, in a very practical sense, New Testament churches are gatherings of believers, who are in fact a community within the society where ever they happen to live. Because they were all saved by the same faith in Christ, they cared for one another, strengthened one another in the faith, and simply wanted to be together because of Him!

But don’t let the simplicity of this picture mislead you! These simple gatherings of humble believers in Christ are God’s means of transforming the world! Within the first 3 centuries after the appearing of Christ, the Roman Empire was largely converted to Christianity, or at the least greatly influenced by the values of Christ.

Today we have orphanages, hospitals, and a greater sense of equality among people mainly because of the influence of the Church of Jesus Christ!

Some of us even need a greater revelation of Jesus and His purpose for His people in the earth….Ephesians 1:15-23:

“For this reason I too, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which exists among you and your love for all the s[...]

In the Bible we see a contrast between what it means to be physically dead or alive, and spiritually dead or alive. Remember God’s word to Adam in the beginning. He could eat the fruit of all the trees in the garden, including the Tree of Life, but if he ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, he would die that very day. Even though he lived to be 930 years old, he did surely die that very day. He lost something. He lost the dimension of life that can only come from an intimate relationship with God. There was a thief at work. This has been the story of humanity ever since.

The Bible describes those who are dead while still living (1 Tim 5:6). Many unconsciously realize this. From the beginning of motion pictures there have been stories of zombies and creatures like those in the popular TV series “The Walking Dead.” What a dramatic picture of mere existence, when we were actually destined to an abundant life in Christ!

Abundant Life

Jesus said in John 10:10:

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it more abundantly.” (NASU)

Life is a recurring theme in the Gospel of John. We need to understand, however, that he is referring to a quality of life that in uncommon. If everyone was already living life in the full sense that God had intended, it would not have been necessary for Jesus to come!

Listen to what John writes in His gospel:

“Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.” (John 20:30-31)

is fascinating to me to learn of the confidence he had in both the story of Christ and how the Holy Spirit would use it to generate faith in our hearts. It is a faith in Jesus that has immediate results!

John 7:37-39:

“On the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.'” But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.”

In the early chapters of Acts we see how the time had come for the Holy Spirit to be given, and the powerful affect it had upon all the believers there in the Upper Room. They were indeed filled with Abundant Life, depicted as Rivers of Living Water that flowed out into the community, resulting in thousands coming to know Jesus and His Salvation!

Eternal Life

Probably the most well-known verses in the Bible are John 3:16-17:

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. “

Also in John’s Gospel we see Jesus praying these words:

John 17:3: “This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.”

Those who know and believe in God and Jesus Christ have a dimension of life that is eternal. Yes, they do have a life that extends beyond the grave, but also a quality of life that is eternal now. It does not diminish in any way. It is real and perpetual.

In the Bible we also learn of an aspect of life known as “Resurrection Life.” Paul writes in Philippians 3:7-15:

“But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith i[...]

In the late 1960’s a Rock band by the name of Chicago had a hit song containing this line, “Does anybody really know what time it is? Does anybody really care about time?”

For people in many countries in the world, today’s date, December 31, marks the end of a year. Midnight at the end of this day is recognized as the beginning of the new year, 2016. There will be various traditional gatherings where people like to “bring in the New Year together.” Here in the U.S. the first day of the year is a national holiday and many businesses and institutions will be closed. So I guess people to really care somewhat about time.

Robert Lamm, the author of the song by Chicago seemed to be asking a deeper question. Listen to these lines:

“People runnin’ everywhere

Don’t know where to go

Don’t know where I am

Can’t see past the next step

Don’t have time to think past the last mile

Have no time to look around

Just run around, run around and think why …..”

Times and seasons are really important to us. Maybe the actual date on the calendar isn’t as important as our need to stop and reflect on the passing of time, what we have done and intend to do with the time that has been given unto us. A Biblical Psalm that is attributed to the great prophet Moses brings this request to God:

He says, “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12).

Those who love and worship their Father and Creator God have the potential of receiving valuable wisdom from Him concerning the time they have been given on this earth. They need not run everywhere, not knowing where to go, or where they are. They can, to some degree actually see past the next step, for their steps are directed by the Lord. They can look back and see His Hand upon their lives. And because they know a glorious future in Him awaits them, they can fully live in the present.

For over two thousand years now, Christians have been looking for a great event in the history of the world. This event has to do with the culmination of all that God has been planning and bringing forth from the beginning of time. It has to do with the full, final and complete revelation of Jesus Christ to all of humanity. We have searched the prophecies of the Bible with great enthusiasm to determine just when He will appear, and what will actually transpire at that time. The many divergent interpretations of these prophecies from the most devout and dedicated scholars from various times and backgrounds can be confusing. Lately I have come to the understanding that God Himself has hidden some of the details from us for some good reason, which we will eventually learn.

At the same time, I believe that He plans to make more of these details known to this generation. We must have open hearts and minds to hear from Him, and be diligent as were the wise Orientals who followed His star to Bethlehem. Certainly we can become too preoccupied with “the signs of the times,” or the “end times.” But Jesus Himself complained to the people of His day for being unaware of the significance of they day they were in. They should have observed the signs pointing to His arrival and of His Kingdom breaking forth upon the scene.

Where is our country heading? What is God doing among His people? Are we following Him or are we hoping He will endorse the plans we have made? Is the Church of Jesus Christ becoming too inwardly focused? Do we have a vision for His greater purpose which can give more meaning to our everyday challenges and activities? Or is it all about me? My needs. My happiness?

Some of the most powerful words ever spoken will lead us all to the true happiness that God desires for every one of us.

Luke 9:23-25:

“And he (Jesus) said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

For whosoever will save [...]

We are excited to present to our friends a Christmas song recently produced in Higher Ground Studio in Columbus, Ohio. It is entitled, “Night to Day.” The words were written by Dana Berry, music and arrangement by Larry Hakala. Lead vocal is by Dana Berry, backup by Larry Berry, with Larry Hakala on vocals, guitars, and keyboards, Dan Beaty on bass and drums. Mixed and mastered by Dan Beaty.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Anyone who listens to the news these days has reason to wonder about the state of the world and perhaps our own personal safety. For over a century now, many groups of Bible-believing Christians have interpreted the many tragic events as signs that the end of the world is very near. But it might surprise many to know that this has not always been the dominant view among Christian scholars. In fact, from the colonial days in North America up until the mid to late nineteenth century a more optimistic view prevailed.

Many of the hymns from that time reflect the expectation that the Church of Jesus Christ would triumph in this world, and that Christ would come to claim that victory in person, not to destroy the world, but to solidify His righteousness, peace and joy forever in His Creation.

This is not heresy. It is based on serious, sound Biblical interpretation and reflection on the nature, power and love of our wonderful God and Savior. While no reasonable person would deny that the nations of the world are in great jeopardy, we know from scripture and history how things can turn around when people seek the Lord.

Could I pose this question? How much faith would it take to accept the fatalistic view that mankind will eventually be destroyed? Even many secular people embrace that idea. No effort would be required either. Just let things continue to go as they have been.

The Lord has not given His people that option. They are called to light up the world with the Good News of Jesus, the Good News of His righteous reign over the earth! Our hope is in Him, and He takes no pleasure in the death of unbelievers. His joy and that of all heaven is when they repent and turn to Him! What can you or I do about the state of the world? We can look unto Jesus for hope and guidance, and serve in what ever capacity He has prepared for you. What ever part He has for you, what ever gift he has given to you, that is the area of your greatest power and effectiveness in Jesus name!

Luke 3:16-17: “John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I comes, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire: Whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable.”

Acts 1:8: “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”

Acts 2:3-4: “And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

Rom 12:10-11: “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”

same.

For forty years the United States engaged with the USSR in what was known as the cold war. When the Berlin Wall was torn down, and that period of our history seemed to be over, I began reflecting on the existence of a different kind of enemy. This is one that threatens to erode the security and well-being of every worthwhile cause or institution. This is not a cold war. It is not even a war at all by normal definition. This enemy is very deadly just the same. It is the condition of a heart that has become cold and indifferent. Like a contagious disease it spreads from soul to soul, aided by the power of the electronic and paper mass media. It effectively divides and weakens us, by robbing us of the love we both need to share and receive. Even the most passionate and caring are vulnerable to this malady. It’s roots are fear and hopelessness, as it feeds pride and selfishness. The result is a loss of desire and zeal for those things we need the most, and a relentless pursuit for vain and unprofitable diversions.

The fact of this problem is undeniable. We are living in a time when many have become very callused and insensitive, and others do not seem to care much for anything other than a good time. Ah, but this condition presents another glorious opportunity for the Word of God and the Good News of Christ’s Kingdom! In His Voice is the power to arouse the people of God to become a demonstration of what this mighty King of the Universe can do! While millions continue to await a word that will set them free, God is already speaking very loudly and very plainly to those who have ears to hear from Him.

He is at work in this present time, actively kindling His fire in the hearts of many with a zeal to satisfy His Great Heart of Love! No cause could be greater, and no flame could burn brighter than the fire of God Himself, as He consumes us with a vision of His purpose for us and all humanity. How we have tried to stir up and motivate ourselves and others to good works and worthy goals, only to find the desire becoming a dying ember! Oh how it is high time for all to tune in to the Heart of God and become ignited with His Eternal Flame! His is a fire that cannot be quenched, and once we have experienced it, we can never be satisfied with anything else!

Let us take some time to examine the disease, before we implement the cure. This condition has become common to us all at various times. Often those who are inspired and passionate for a message God has given them, become offensive to others who have not been touched similarly. In reality, we may not ever possess the exact same focus or direction from God. He uses each one in a different way to accomplish His overall plan. One thing we must share, however, is the same zeal, love and desire for Him, that liberates us all from the spirit of competition and selfish ambitions.

How do we become cold and complacent? Is it because when we hav[...]

In these past few weeks we have been underscoring the fact that the great emphasis of Jesus in His earthly ministry was the Good News of the Kingdom of God.

It is interesting to note that in the New Testament, the phrase “Kingdom of God” is found 69 times, while the phrase “Kingdom of Heaven” occurs 32 times and all in the Gospel according to Matthew.

While neither of these phrases are found in the Old Testament, there are numerous references to the subject. In fact, the prophecies in Daniel are very important in showing how both phrases developed.

Consider Dan 2:44: “And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.”

Here we see the fact of the one Kingdom. It is the Kingdom of God, for He alone reigns over it. It is the Kingdom of Heaven, for Heaven is the location of His throne, and the sphere in which all of His subjects actually dwell! In Ephesians 2:6 we read how we who were dead in trespasses and sins, have been made alive in Christ, and even now are seated in heavenly places in Him!

When Jesus prayed, “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done in earth, as it is in heaven,” He knew that God was calling His children unto a heavenly life, which would actually have profound affects on the earthly plane. This is the nature of Kingdom authority. In one sense it is the ability to manifest heaven on earth!

This is in stark contrast with worldly authority, which is a forcing of one’s will over another. Jesus exemplified this authority that was of a heavenly nature, and He also instructed his disciples to follow suit. No mistake can be made concerning His attitude towards human authority, in favor of the power of the Life-giving Word of God!

Mat 20:25-28: “But Jesus called them unto him, and said, “You know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.'”

Luke 22:24-27: “And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest. And he said unto them, ‘The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. But you shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that does serve. For whether is greater, he that sits at the table, or he that serves? is not he that sits at the table? but I am among you as he that serves.'”

Kingdom authority is the ability to serve and give life, but never to control or coerce!

An example of this is found in the sixth chapter of the Gospel according to John. This was a point in time when many of His followers left Him. They said His teachings were just too hard. And so Jesus put to the twelve who remained:

“Will you also go away?”

Then Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life?”(John 6:68).

Jesus never violated anyone’s freedom of choice, but He did wield an authority such as no man has ever known! His authority was in the life that He possessed, and in His ability to share it with others!

To Peter and the others, no other choice would have been reasonable. There was nowhere else to go to satisfy that hunger for true divine, abundant and eternal life!

Reigning with Christ

It is important that we fully understand Biblical rulership. It is based on one’s inner light. Remember when in Genesis the greater light was to rule the day, and the lesser li[...]