Serving Jesus Christ

Welcome to Saturday, August 7th!

Today’s episode of The Cross Talk Daily Devotional is titled:

Rules For Growth: Witnessing

Thanks for listening!

If you desire further information, you may request it from [email protected].

Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995}

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Rules For Growth: Witnessing

If we poll a group of Christians, most will say that witnessing is the aspect of Christianity they do not like or fear.

Why is that? Many of us have the nagging thought of "Who are we to be telling someone they must get saved." Culture and society push the view that everyone is free to believe what they want. Perhaps you have tried to witness and were met with the retort of, "I have my beliefs, and you have your beliefs."

How should we define witnessing? Witnessing is professing and proclaiming  Christ. We accomplish its essence by publicly living our lives for Jesus Christ and taking every opportunity to tell others how to find the same peace, purpose, and meaning in life.

Why should we witness? As with many other aspects of our Christian life, it is the command of Christ.

Matthew 28:18-20 NAS95

And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.  [19]  "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,  [20]  teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

These verses are known as the Great Commission. The early New Testament church took these verses to heart along with:

Acts 1:8 NAS95

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth."

By the end of the first century, the Gospel had spread across Central Europe, throughout the coastal countries of Africa and the Middle East.

We should also witness because we are the custodians of the ministry. When Jesus ascended, He turned this aspect of the church over to believers. God's Holy Spirit works through us as we tell others the Good News. People will not be saved unless someone witnesses to them.

Romans 10:14 NAS95

How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?

The Holy Spirit is actively working in the hearts of men and women, preparing them for the day you tell them about Jesus. This would suggest that if we say no to an opportunity to witness, we could be condemning that person to an eternity without Christ.

John 4:35 NAS95

"Do you not say, 'There are yet four months, and then comes the harvest'? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest.

Let's address the fear aspect for a moment. I am also a little scared when witnessing opportunities come my way.

• What if I say the wrong thing?
• What if they get angry with me?

We are not in this alone. Jesus declares at the end of the Great Commission that He is always with us as we seek to share Him with the world. The Holy Spirit also guides our thoughts and words as we testify.

The boldest and perhaps the scariest prayer of all is to ask God to create opportunities for witnessing as you go throughout your day.

We possess the most important news that ever entered into this world. Besides, someone told us where to find the living water. Perhaps they were scared as well, but they did it anyway.

I encourage you all to intentionally and prayerfully prepare to be faithful witnesses in the world.

1 Peter 3:15 NAS95

But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.

May we all step out in obedience and faith!

Let's Pray,

Gracious Heavenly Father,

Help us not to be frightened over the prospect of sharing our faith.

May we remember that someone told us where to find the Living Water.

Help us understand that You will be there with us as we tell others of the Good News.

May we faithfully prepare so that we are ready when opportunities come our way.

In the Name of Jesus,

Amen!

Welcome to Friday, August 6th!

Today’s episode of The Cross Talk Daily Devotional is titled:

Rules For Growth: Christian Fellowship

Thanks for listening!

If you desire further information, you may request it from [email protected].

Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995}

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  Rules For Growth: Christian Fellowship

Our Rules For Growth topic for today is Christian Fellowship.

So far, we have considered two of the four foundational aspects of the Christian faith - Bible reading and prayer. Christian Fellowship is the third.

The general definition of fellowship is a friendly association with people who share one's interests. So when you and I say that somebody is our friend, it is almost always based only on our shared interests. One could then make the case that aside from this, our lives have nothing in common.

Christian fellowship adds a further dimension to the standard definition.  The New Testament word for fellowship is the Greek word koinonia which means sharing in common.

Between believers, there exists much more than just a shared interest. Our Christian faith is also a shared interest, but the phrase does not accurately describe our connection because it is so much more. The believer's relationship with others is on a spiritually intimate level.

We sometimes note that we could engage in Christian Fellowship with a believer within any country of the world regardless of language because our connection is on a spiritual level.

God's Word states very clearly that we are to seek out and spend time with other believers. Why? Because we desperately need the encouragement of our shared Christian experiences. These are people who believe as we do and experience life much the same as we do.

The writer of Hebrews notes the following:

Hebrews 10:23-25 NASB

Let's hold firmly to the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful;  [24]  and let's consider how to encourage one another in love and good deeds,  [25]  not abandoning our own meeting together, as is the habit of some people, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.

We encourage one another by gathering together and sharing our lives. This might include worship services and Bible studies or any gathering of believers or even meeting one-on-one around a cup of coffee.

Often, when someone shares a struggle in their lives, you and I have gone through the same battle at some point in our lives. We can then share how God met us in our time of need and encourage them.

Genuine believers need each other - their presence, fellowship, strength, encouragement, care, and love.

One of my favorite verses is:

Proverbs 27:17 NASB

As iron sharpens iron, So one person sharpens another.

As we engage in Christian fellowship, it sharpens our faith walk. Our friends may see areas in our lives that need to be changed, confessed, or honed so that we become effective as the hands, feet, and voice of Jesus Christ.

As we gather with other Christians, we also benefit from their insights into God's Word. It is also a great encouragement to pray with other believers.

During this last year, Covid interrupted many possibilities of face-to-face Christian fellowship. However, if you are computer savvy, don't forget about meeting with others on various video and audio platforms. Using the phone can even be an excellent way to make contact.

The point is that we should seek out Christian fellowship at every opportunity. God knows that it benefits us greatly to know that others experience life in much the same way we do.

Tomorrow we will consider the fourth and last in our series on Rules For Growth . . . Witnessing.

Let's Pray,

Gracious Heavenly Father,

Help us understand that going it alone in our Christian walk is foolish.

May we find encouragement and strength in our interactions with other believers.

Strengthen our desire for Christian fellowship.

In the Name of Jesus,

Amen!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Welcome to Thursday, August 5th!

Today’s episode of The Cross Talk Daily Devotional is titled:

Rules For Growth: Prayer

Thanks for listening!

If you desire further information, you may request it from [email protected].

Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995}

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  Rules For Growth: Prayer

Yesterday's Rules For Growth topic was Bible reading and study and was the first of four foundational aspects concerning our Christian faith. Today's emphasis is on prayer.

First of all, what is prayer? Prayer is a personal heart-to-heart talk with God.

Every time that I pray, I am in awe over what I am doing. I am having a conversation with the Creator and Sustainer of the heavens and the earth. Think about that!

Isn't that the most fantastic privilege that you could ever imagine?

Why do we pray? We are commanded to pray.

At the end of 1 Thessalonians, the Apostle Paul notes this command in:

1 Thessalonians 5:17 NASB

Pray without ceasing.

Jesus begins the parable of the Persistent Widow in Luke 18 with the words:

Luke 18:1 NASB

Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not become discouraged.

These words indicate to me that we should always carry around an attitude of prayer.

Paul makes the point in Philippians 4:6 that all areas of our lives are of concern to God.

Philippians 4:6 NASB

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

If asked, we often overstate the time we spend in prayer. Take a moment to add up in your mind the time you have spent praying the last three days. Was it much less than what you thought? For most of us, that is the case.

Too often, prayer is the short opening and closing to our devotional time. Our prayers repeatedly even use the exact phrases and the same thoughts. As a result, we end up praying by rote.

How can we improve our prayer lives?

An excellent first step is to acknowledge that our prayer life needs improvement. Once we admit to this fact, then we must determine to set aside time to pray. It might sound strange to you that I must include both Bible reading and prayer as a line item in my own calendar, even as a pastor.

Life tends to get so busy that we forget to engage in both. Deciding on a time and place to have your devotions will significantly improve your spiritual life.

You say, what should I pray about? My mind sometimes goes blank, and I end up praying the same short prayer over and over again.

For myself, I find it helpful to use the acronym CAST when praying to structure my prayers. The letters stand for Confession, Adoration, Supplication, and Thanksgiving.

We confess and repent of our sins, asking God to forgive and cleanse us because we all struggle with daily sin. Then, continuing, we spend time worshiping and recounting who He is. As human beings, we also need God's help in so many areas of life. Consider all that is going on in your life and the lives of your family, friends, neighbors, and country. Lastly, we express our gratitude for our salvation and the many blessings God bestows upon us.

Being intentional in your Bible reading and prayer time will create a consistent growth process in your Christian walk.

Tomorrow’s devotional will consider the Rules For Growth topic of Christian Fellowship.

Let’s Pray,

Gracious Heavenly Father,

Help us not to substitute busyness for that which is truly important.

Help us to find joy in prayer and studying Your Word.

Guide and direct our hearts and minds towards intentional fellowship with You.

In the Name of Jesus,

Amen!

 

 

Welcome to Wednesday, August 4th!

This episode of The 7-Minute Cross Talk Bible Study is titled:

Absalom's Death

For this Bible Study, we are considering the words of this week’s Old Testament Lesson - 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33.

If you desire further information, it may be requested from [email protected].

If the link to download the worksheet is not present within your podcast feed it may be downloaded at: https://servingjesuschrist.libsyn.com/

Scripture Quotations: New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995).

This podcast is a ministry outreach of Our Savior's Lutheran in Argyle, Minnesota - United States.

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Absalom's Death

Would you please pause the audio and download and print the 7-Minute Work Sheet before continuing?

The link is located right below this audio player.

For this Wednesday Bible Study, we will consider the words of this week's Old Testament Lesson: 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33.

Hopefully, these studies encourage you to engage in a deeper study of the current passage. But, more importantly, I hope these studies deepen your love for the Word of God.

Let's begin:

Last week's Old Testament Lesson related Nathan's encounter with King David over his sin with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband, Uriah.

Though David confesses his sin, the consequences of what he has done will follow him and his family for generations. 

This record is found in:

2 Samuel 12:9-14 NAS95

'Why have you despised the word of the LORD by doing evil in His sight? You have struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword, have taken his wife to be your wife, and have killed him with the sword of the sons of Ammon.  [10] 'Now therefore, the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised Me and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife.' [11] "Thus says the LORD, 'Behold, I will raise up evil against you from your own household; I will even take your wives before your eyes and give them to your companion, and he will lie with your wives in broad daylight.  [12] 'Indeed you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel, and under the sun.'"  [13]  Then David said to Nathan, "I have sinned against the LORD." And Nathan said to David, "The LORD also has taken away your sin; you shall not die.  [14]  "However, because by this deed you have given occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also that is born to you shall surely die."

When we confess our sin with a penitent heart, God does indeed forgive us. Sometimes, the lasting consequences are not publicly evident, but nevertheless, they exist.

In David's case, the consequences of his sin will be on display for all of Israel to see. David was reminded to his dying day of the cost of sin. As I noted in last week's sermon podcast, David learned some very important lessons.

Sin will take you farther than you ever thought you'd go; it will keep you there longer than you ever intended to stay, and it will cost you more than you ever expected to pay.

This week's Old Testament Lesson relates to one of those consequences. Listen as I read:

2 Samuel 18:5-9 NAS95

The king charged Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, "Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom." And all the people heard when the king charged all the commanders concerning Absalom.  [6]  Then the people went out into the field against Israel, and the battle took place in the forest of Ephraim.  [7]  The people of Israel were defeated there before the servants of David, and the slaughter there that day was great, 20,000 men.  [8]  For the battle there was spread over the whole countryside, and the forest devoured more people that day than the sword devoured.  [9]  Now Absalom happened to meet the servants of David. For Absalom was riding on his mule, and the mule went under the thick branches of a great oak. And his head caught fast in the oak, so he was left hanging between heaven and earth, while the mule that was under him kept going.

2 Samuel 18:19 NAS95

Then Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said, "Please let me run and bring the king news that the LORD has freed him from the hand of his enemies."

2 Samuel 18:31-33 NAS95

Behold, the Cushite arrived, and the Cushite said, "Let my lord the king receive good news, for the LORD has freed you this day from the hand of all those who rose up against you."  [32]  Then the king said to the Cushite, "Is it well with the young man Absalom?" And the Cushite answered, "Let the enemies of my lord the king, and all who rise up against you for evil, be as that young man!"  [33]  The king was deeply moved and went up to the chamber over the gate and wept. And thus he said as he walked, "O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Would I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!"

Certain verses suggest that King David was a permissive parent. After his daughter Tamar was raped by her brother Amnon, Scripture records:

2 Samuel 13:21 NASB

Now when King David heard about all these matters, he became very angry.

When his son Adonijah seeks to take the throne instead of Solomon, the Bible records the following:

1 Kings 1:6 NASB

And his father had never rebuked him at any time by asking, "Why have you done so?" And he was also a very handsome man, and he was born after Absalom.

Both of these cases tell us that though he was a man after God's own heart, David failed to discipline his children, to raise them to have good sense and follow the Lord.

Absalom, who is mentioned in this week's lesson, also orchestrated the death of Amnon for raping his sister.

2 Samuel 13:28-29 NASB

Then Absalom commanded his servants, saying, "See now, when Amnon's heart is cheerful with wine, and I say to you, 'Strike Amnon,' then put him to death. Do not fear; have I not commanded you myself? Be courageous and be valiant."  [29]  And the servants of Absalom did to Amnon just as Absalom had commanded. Then all the king's sons got up and each mounted his mule and fled.

This lesson records the death of Absalom after he attempts to overthrow his father as king.

In these verses, David makes an unwise decision by telling his commanders to Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom. This must discourage them after all the death, destruction, and upheaval that Absalom's rebellion has caused the nation.

As you might remember from Sunday School, while trying to escape, Absalom runs into a tree and wedges his head and neck in the crook of a branch. The king's military commander, Joab, knowing the danger of allowing Absalom to live takes matters into his own hands.

2 Samuel 18:14 NASB

Then Joab said, "I will not waste time here with you." So he took three spears in his hand and thrust them through the heart of Absalom while he was still alive in the midst of the oak.

Once David is informed of his son's death, he weeps. Regardless of what Absalom had done, he was still his son. However, David's weeping over Absalom is considered shameful and affects the loyalty of his soldiers.

If not for the intervention of Joab, his military commander, David would have lost his kingdom.

2 Samuel 19:5-7 NASB

Then Joab came into the house to the king and said, "Today you have shamed all your servants, who have saved your life today and the lives of your sons and daughters, the lives of your wives, and the lives of your concubines,  [6]  by loving those who hate you, and by hating those who love you. For you have revealed today that commanders and servants are nothing to you; for I know today that if Absalom were alive and all of us were dead today, then it would be right as far as you are concerned.  [7]  "Now therefore arise, go out and speak kindly to your servants, for I swear by the LORD, if you do not go out, no man will stay the night with you, and this will be worse for you than all the misfortune that has happened to you from your youth until now!"

I wonder that if at any point David thought back to God's declaration in:

2 Samuel 12:10 NASB

'Now then, the sword shall never leave your house, because you have despised Me and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife.'

I encourage you to go back and read 2 Samuel 11-12 to remind yourself of how seriously God regards sin.

Let's Pray,

Gracious Heavenly Father,

We are grateful that You forgive our sin when we come before You with a penitent heart.

Help us to think of the consequences as various temptations come our way.

Strengthen our walk with You this day.

In the Name of Jesus,

Amen!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Welcome to Wednesday, August 4th!

Today’s episode of The Cross Talk Daily Devotional is titled:

Rules For Growth: God's Word

Thanks for listening!

If you desire further information, you may request it from [email protected].

Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995}

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  Rules For Growth: God's Word

A couple of months ago, an individual complained that he didn't think he was growing in his Christian faith.

I inquired about what he was doing to promote his spiritual growth. His response provided the answer he was seeking. "Not much, I guess!"

My reply was, "No investment, no return!" I reminded him that we will not grow in our faith unless we do what God commands us to do. I continued with, "In all likelihood, without doing so you will go backward in your faith."

He wanted to know where to start. I told him that he needed to begin reading and studying his Bible and that the gospel of John was an excellent first book. I encouraged him to read the entire book and then to re-read and study a chapter a day for 21 days. I often recommend the Gospel of John this book provides an understanding of the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Many of us are lax in our study of God's Word. Oh, we do open it to follow along with the sermon on Sunday morning or to participate in an adult Bible Study, but do we read and study it every day?

As we ingest the Word of God, it causes our faith to grow.

Romans 10:17 NASB

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.

As we read and study the Word of God, we recognize its truth and have the desire to more fully commit and yield our lives to the God of the Bible. By definition, that is spiritual growth.

God's Word also points out our sin. Since we still have our old nature, we are still prone to sin. Hebrews 4:12-13 NASB points out the effectiveness of God's Word to shed light on our sin.

Hebrews 4:12-13 NASB

For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, even penetrating as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.  [13]  And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him to whom we must answer.

Our goal is to head off falling into sin before it happens. As we delve into God's Word, we come into contact with verses such as:

Psalms 119:11-16 NASB

I have treasured Your word in my heart, So that I may not sin against You.  [12]  Blessed are You, LORD; Teach me Your statutes.  [13]  With my lips I have told of All the ordinances of Your mouth.  [14]  I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, As much as in all riches.  [15]  I will meditate on Your precepts And regard Your ways.  [16]  I shall delight in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word.

By definition, God's Word provides a standard by which are to live.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 NASB

All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness;  [17]  so that the man or woman of God may be fully capable, equipped for every good work.

The individual I noted at the beginning of this devotional checked back in with me several weeks ago. He now feels like he is making progress in his spiritual walk.

Tomorrow I will share another Rule for Christian Growth . . . Prayer.

Let's Pray,

Gracious Heavenly Father,

Help us to realize the privilege we have of free access to Your Word.

May we find joy in reading and studying it every day.

We ask that You would guard our hearts against falling away from the Christian faith.

Strengthen our faith and trust in You today.

In the Name of Jesus,

Amen!

 

 

 

 

 

Welcome to Tuesday, August 3rd!

Today’s episode of The Cross Talk Daily Devotional is titled:

Do You Need A Little Encouragement?

Thanks for listening!

If you desire further information, you may request it from [email protected].

Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995}

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  Do You Need A Little Encouragement?

As I listened to the news this morning, the news anchor reported on several serious shootings across the United States with loss of life and injury. Following that report, she talked about the possibility of masks and shutdowns being implemented again in various areas.

I changed channels over to a western show. Why? Because these reports were discouraging! The world seems to be out of control! When people ask me about the conditions of the present world, I remind them that when God is excluded from society, men and women do what comes naturally.

As a result of this, I have been thinking lately about the last verse of the Book of Judges.

Judges 21:25 NAS95

In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.

Granted, this verse is talking about a human king but think about this as well. The people had set aside their real king; they forgot that God was their King.

We all understand what it means to do what we desire to do. However, we also know that when God's Word and rule are rejected in society and culture, men and women become the standard by which they live.

Have you noticed that man's reasoning these days is often upside down?

Isaiah 5:20-21 NAS95

Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; Who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!  [21]  Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes And clever in their own sight!

This is undoubtedly the direction of our current world. We live in a day of great moral confusion where nothing is off-limits. There are no boundaries. The movers and shakers of this new so-called enlightened culture seek to use clever arguments and deception to overturn all moral values in society.

So, how are we, meaning you and I, to remain encouraged, hopeful, and full of joy?

When I pray and list out all of the things that discourage me, the Lord meets me in my time of need. So we can pray for a joy that extends beyond both our personal and cultural struggles.

I also find that if I acknowledge that these struggles in my life and the world are a test of my faith, it causes me to turn to the Lord even more. Do you remember James' words:

James 1:2-3 NAS95

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,  [3]  knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.  

God gives us the ability and assurance to see beyond this world even though trials and temptations surround us.

During these difficult times, there is no better place to turn than the Bible. It is the word of God. How about beginning by reading through the Book of Psalms?

During these times, it is also essential to be around other believers. We are not meant to walk the Christian life alone. You can find the encouragement that you need by surrounding yourself with other believers.

I know that it is hard at the moment to be encouraged and joyful in light of what is going on in the world. Yet, God is still the same. He is there for you. He knows what is happening and is in control of all.

Let's Pray,

Gracious Heavenly Father,

We live in discouraging times.

We wonder how it came to this and where it is going.

Help us realize that You are there for us and that You are fully in control.

Draw our hearts and minds to You this day in faith and trust.

In the Name of Jesus,

Amen!

 

 

Welcome to Monday, August 2nd!

Today’s episode of The Cross Talk Daily Devotional is titled:

Missing The Boat!

Thanks for listening!

If you desire further information, you may request it from [email protected].

Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995}

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  Missing The Boat

When the Titanic sailed on April 10th, 1912, several important people could not make the voyage as they had expected. Individuals such as Milton Hershey of milk chocolate fame and J.P. Morgan of U.S. Steel. Many others had thought of booking a fare but were glad they did not.

In this case, missing the boat was a good thing. However, we often use the phrase: They missed the boat – to indicate when someone misses a great opportunity.

We all have done things equivalent to missing the boat.

• We might have failed to take advantage of a job opportunity.
• Or, we missed a financial investment prospect that could have been worth a good deal of money.

I am old enough to remember traveling without the aid of Google Maps. Now, I don’t believe I could get along without it.

Without such navigational aids, people often made honest mistakes when traveling. However, no matter how sincere they were, they did not reach their desired destination if they headed off in the wrong direction.

Missing a turn while driving is one thing. However, missing an opportunity to have a relationship with God Himself is something altogether different.

Such a blunder could genuinely be described as missing the boat.

What if someone does miss heaven? The simple answer is that they go to hell. However, God tells us how He provided the way we can get our ticket to heaven in:

John 3:16 NAS95

"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.

No one intentionally misses a turn and keeps on driving. When I miss a turn, I get angry with myself for not paying more attention. I want to be on the right road so that I arrive at my desired destination.

Why is it that men and woman so often put on blinders and seek to exclude God from their lives? By doing so, they tacitly admit that God exists and can demand certain behavior from them.

Romans 1:20 NAS95

For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.

When men and women observe nature, they not only see the majesty of the creation, but the supreme intelligence and force behind it, that is, God. They can also see that God cares for and provides for what He has created and as such, He deserves our worship and obedience.

If you are a believer, you have your ticket to heaven but what about those in your circle of influence? Are some of them still going to miss the boat? As a believer, you possess the navigational aid that they need.

Take a moment to pray for them and to ask God for opportunities to share your faith.

Let’s Pray,

Gracious Heavenly Father,

We ask that You would give us the boldness to both live out and share our faith with the lost around us.

Help us fully realize that they are missing the boat.

Help us to realize that if You were to return today their destination will be hell.

Strengthen our resolve to be evangelistic Christians.

In the Name of Jesus,

Amen!

Welcome to Sunday, August 1st!

Today’s episode of The Cross Talk Daily Devotional is titled:

Who Is God?

Thanks for listening!

If you desire further information, you may request it from [email protected].

Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995}

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  Who Is God?

A few weeks ago, one of my grandchildren asked me the question, “Who is God?” He followed up the question with “What is God like?” He knows that his grandfather is the pastor and thought that I should surely know!

He and I talked about his questions for a bit. To be honest, we had a great conversation about Creation, salvation, and how God watches over and cares for us day by day.

No matter who asks these questions, part of our response will always be that God is not like anything we can imagine.

Another question for those who are older is, “Who is God to you?” Do you think the following questions are important?

• Does the way we think about God matter?
• Does our view of God affect our lives?
• Does our view of God affect our Christian walk?

A book that I highly recommend is A.W. Tozer’s The Knowledge of the Holy.

The first words of chapter one are:

What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.

The history of mankind will probably show that no people has ever risen above its religion, and man’s spiritual history will positively demonstrate that no religion has ever been greater than its idea of God. Worship is pure or base as the worshiper entertains high or low thoughts of God.[1]

I sometimes think that the church and individual Christians have lost the concept of the majesty of God. Tozer understood how important it was to have a correct understanding of God.

Listen to David’s words about the majesty of God.

1 Chronicles 29:11 NAS95

“Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Yours is the dominion, O LORD, and You exalt Yourself as head over all.

Or,

Psalms 8:1 NAS95

O LORD, our Lord, How majestic is Your name in all the earth, Who have displayed Your splendor above the heavens!

Not only are we to have a correct view of God, but we are to also worship Him in spirit and truth. So how do we know if we are truly honoring God?

I think we can answer this by determining what our core priority is in our lives. True worship, in other words, is defined by the emphasis we place on who God is in our lives and where God is on our list of priorities.

Worshiping “in spirit” means that you sincerely mean it, that you are worshiping the one true God. Worship is a time when we pay deep, sincere, incredible respect, love, and fear to the one who created us.

I believe that examining and evaluating our lives in light of God’s standards is an important exercise. There is no doubt that you and I live busy lives. But, we don’t want to fall into the snare of keeping track of a thousand good things while we miss the truly important.

Let’s Pray,

Gracious Heavenly Father,

Help us to have a right view of who You are.

May our desire be to both acknowledge and live for You every day.

May we worship You in the way we ought.

In the Name of Jesus,

Amen!

[1] A.W. Tozer, The Knowledge of the Holy (New York: HarperCollins, 1961), 4.

In this episode of Serving Jesus Christ, Pastor Swanson shares a Sunday message titled,

Sin's Increasing Spiral

After King David's confession and repentance of his sin with Bathsheba, I wonder if he looked back on the many months that had passed since he had stood on his roof and saw Bathsheba bathing and said to himself:

How could I have been so stupid?

I am not sure who coined the following saying, but King David would have truly understood the words:

Sin will take you farther than you ever thought you'd go; it will keep you there longer than you ever intended to stay, and it will cost you more than you ever expected to pay.

If you are living in sin at the moment, I encourage you to understand that Jesus is waiting to forgive you.

If you desire further information, it may be obtained at [email protected].

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If the link to download the worksheet is not present within your podcast feed, it may be downloaded at: https://servingjesuschrist.libsyn.com/

Scripture Quotations: New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995).

The music "Be Thou My Vision" and "He Is Lord" are arranged and played by Don Wigton. Used by Permission. The music "The Love of God" was arranged and played by Greg Howlett. Used By Permission.

Welcome to Saturday, July 31st!

This episode of The 7-Minute Cross Talk Bible Study is titled:

Walking Worthy of Your Calling and Gifts

For this Bible Study, we are considering the words of this week’s Epistle Lesson - Ephesians 4:1-16

If you desire further information, it may be requested from [email protected].

If the link to download the worksheet is not present within your podcast feed it may be downloaded at: https://servingjesuschrist.libsyn.com/

Scripture Quotations: New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995).

This podcast is a ministry outreach of Our Savior's Lutheran in Argyle, Minnesota - United States.

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Walking Worthy of Your Calling and Gifts

Would you please pause the audio and download and print the 7-Minute Work Sheet before continuing?

The link is located right below this audio player.

For this Saturday Bible Study, we will consider the words of this week's Epistle Lesson: Ephesians 4:1-16

Hopefully, these studies encourage you to engage in a deeper analysis of the current passage. But, more importantly, I hope these studies deepen your love for the Word of God.

Let's begin:

The first section of this week's Epistle Lesson notes that the believer is to walk worthy of his calling.

The second half of the lesson notes that the believer must use the gifts that God has given Him in His service.

Follow along as I read this week's Epistle Lesson:

Ephesians 4:1-16 NAS95

Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called,  [2]  with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love,  [3]  being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.  [4]  There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling;  [5]  one Lord, one faith, one baptism,  [6]  one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.  [7]  But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift.  [8]  Therefore it says, "WHEN HE ASCENDED ON HIGH, HE LED CAPTIVE A HOST OF CAPTIVES, AND HE GAVE GIFTS TO MEN."  [9]  (Now this expression, "He ascended," what does it mean except that He also had descended into the lower parts of the earth?  [10]  He who descended is Himself also He who ascended far above all the heavens, so that He might fill all things.)  [11]  And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers,  [12]  for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;  [13]  until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.  [14]  As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming;  [15]  but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ,  [16]  from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.

A moment ago, I noted that the Epistle Lesson's first verses encourage the believer to walk worthy of his calling.

What does that mean?

As we read these first verses and connect them with the overall works of the Apostle Paul, we can see that Paul wants us to understand how much God did for us and then to serve and obey Him out of gratitude.

We are citizens of God's kingdom and should operate as such.

Paul begins here by noting that he is a prisoner of the Lord. Since Ephesians is one of the Captivity Epistles, this statement embodies a double meaning.

Paul is noting that Jesus Christ has captured his heart and life and that he is also in prison because of his faith.

The believer is always to remember to whose family he belongs.

In high school, when I would leave for a movie or a date with my girlfriend, my father would tell me, "Remember who you belong to!" What he meant by this was that I should be careful to bring no shame upon him and the family name.

As we look back on our earlier years, we might comment that we owe our parents and family a great deal.

What do we owe God? We certainly owe Him more than we could ever repay. He provided a Substitute who died for us, a substitute who bore our sin and thereby offered a new life for us.

Since this is the case, we are to live lives that honor and please Him. We are to walk in a manner worthy of the calling.

If we claim the name of Christ as our own we must now live in such a way as to bring honor to the name of Christ and His church.

Ephesians 4:1 NAS95

Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called.

When are we to walk this way? We are to walk this way regardless of where we are and what we are doing.

As a pastor, I have experienced the violation of the following two verses many times.

Ephesians 4:2-3 NAS95

With all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love,  [3]  being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Too often, Christians show less humility, gentleness, patience, and tolerance within the church and with each other than one would experience working with non-Christians.

Why is that when we are part of the family of God? All of us have come to faith the same way; through Jesus Christ. Therefore, unity should be present between all believers.

When our old ways and old self are allowed to enter the picture, divisiveness enters the church, and unity disappears.

The second half of the lesson notes that believers must use the gifts that God has given them in His service.

Ephesians 4:11-16 NAS95

And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers,  [12]  for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;  [13]  until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.  [14]  As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming;  [15]  but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ,  [16]  from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.

Many folks have told me that they have no gift to use in the church and kingdom work. Does Scripture say that some have gifts and others do not?

Listen to the words of:

1 Peter 4:10 NAS95

As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

The Apostle Paul says the same thing in:

1 Corinthians 12:7 NAS95

But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.

Why did Jesus provide these gifts to the church?

Ephesians 4:12 NAS95

For the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;

Ponder this: Jesus gave us the greatest gift of all - the gift of meaning, purpose, and significance in life. He then gave each of us a gift that we are to use to honor Him.

Perhaps, you have never thought about what gift you might have. I encourage you to ask God to show you what your gift is and to step out in faith and use it. You have been given a gift, and God expects you to utilize it.

As we use our gifts and grow in maturity, it causes us to be solid unmoveable Christians not affected by the tides of this world.

Ephesians 4:14 NAS95

As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming;

Pastors and teachers equip the church so that each believer has a solid faith. As a pastor, I take my position very seriously. What I teach must be solidly based on the Word of God.

There are too many pastors and teachers out there today who teach false doctrines, which cause their listeners to follow the false trails of false doctrine.

We are all to do our part in building up the church through our gifts so that it operates as the body of Christ should.

Ephesians 4:16 NAS95

From whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.

As members of God's family, we are to give all that we have to get the job done.

Let's Pray,

Gracious Heavenly Father,

May we see our involvement in Your church and ministry as a great privilege.

Help us always to walk worthy of who we are in Christ.

Help us to walk in faith and trust in You this day.

In the Name of Jesus,

Amen!