CLINGING TO CHRIST

"My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me." - Psalm 63:8

You are following God as close as you want to.  That statement may seem to be false.  Popular Bible teachers sell books, CDs and DVDs that are advertised to help believers get closer to God.  While some of these resources may be beneficial, the fact is that our closeness to God is not some "secret" that only a few preachers know. 

The phrase, "My soul followeth hard after thee," is really translated to mean, "I cling close to Thee."  The choice to cling close to God is a personal decision that each believer makes daily.  Why aren't believers clinging close to God?  I believe that the enticements of this world distract many from the One who matters most.

What is keeping you from clinging close to God?  God is certainly willing for you to be close to Him. 

I need to clarify something.  We do not cling to God in order to be saved or remain saved.  Instead, we cling close to God because we want Him.  We want His fellowship.  We long to enjoy His company. 

Our security is found in the last part of our text, "... thy right hand upholdeth me."  We cling to God because we want Him.  He holds on to us to protect us and help us.  We are not secure because we hold on to Him.  We are secure because He is holding on to us.

God invites us to come close to Him.  He wants us to abide in Him.  Don't be satisfied with a long-distance relationship with God.  He desires more.  You need more.  There is no long-term satisfaction found in any other place than Christ Himself.

Don't disgrace your Lord by choosing something of lesser value to embrace.  Don't dishonor God by clinging to anything less than Him. 

Like the Fanny Crosby hymn, we should say,

"Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer blessed Lord, to the cross where Thou hast died;

Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer blessed Lord, to Thy precious, bleeding side."

REJOICING IN THE SHADOW OF HIS WINGS

"Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice." - Psalm 63:7

My job often requires a lot of technical insight.  Numerous times I've been at a job site and encountered a problem I couldn't solve.  It is always good to know that I can call someone and get technical support. 

In life, I encounter many problems that I can't solve myself.  Unfortunately, there's not a technical support phone number I can call for many of my problems.  Yet I have found Someone I can call when I need help.  I am thankful that there is help available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  In humble prayer, I can call upon One who knows the problems I face --- and the solution to my problems.

In our text, David refers to God's help:  "... thou hast been my help..."  God has a great track record when it comes to providing help.  Saints through the ages have made it through the most difficult situations because of divine grace.  Often, I think it would be beneficial if we'd put everything on hold for a few minutes and simply remember the times God has come through for us in the past. 

Because of God's help, David writes, "... therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice."  Figuratively, David refers to God's protection as being like a bird that protects her little ones by hiding them under her wings.  It is comforting to know that our Lord provides shelter and protection for His children. 

Do you recall your childhood days?  It was assuring to know that your parents were there to help and protect you.  Now as adults, we yearn for such peace.  The good news is that the help and protection we experience from our Lord is far greater than the safe haven we enjoyed at home when we were growing up.

God gives us help and protection from the storms we face.  God does not promise us a life void of storms.  However, He does provide us shelter from the storms.  God does not promise us freedom from pain, but He does provide us sufficient grace for the pain we experience.  

The source of our rejoicing is not found in peaceful circumstances, for many times our circumstances are difficult.  Instead, we rejoice because of the One who guides us through the difficulties and preserves us through our storms. 

Like David, we should say, "Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice."

MEANINGFUL MEDITATION

"When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches." - Psalm 63:6

There are times I have problems going to sleep.  Sometimes it is due to stress.  I admit that sometimes I struggle going to sleep because of worry.  Yet there are times I lie awake for seemingly no reason at all.  Sleepless nights are most troubling when I know that I have to get up much earlier than usual the following morning.

I don't claim to have all the answers for insomnia.  Although I don't practice it as well as I'd like, my policy is to allow myself 30 minutes to go to sleep.  If I am not very sleepy after 30 minutes, I get up and read.  Usually I read from the Bible or a Christian book.

From our text, we learn that David would think about God while lying on his bed.  Apparently for him, sleepless nights were times of worship and reflection. 

First of all, David remembered God.  "... I remember thee upon my bed..." David's thoughts were not wasted on the cares of this world.  Instead, his thoughts were very noble.  He remembered God. 

Secondly, he meditated on God.  Meditation is more than a passing thought.  Meditation involves deep concentration.  David's meditation of God was a delightful time of contemplation and adoration.  What a way to go to sleep!

Notice that David meditated on God, "... in the night watches."  During the dark, lonely hours of the night, David found comfort while meditating about his Lord.

Let me confess something.  Most of the time, I get ready for church a few minutes early on Sunday mornings.  I sit in the recliner, lean back, close my eyes and think about the Lord.  In a short period of time, I find myself deep in sleep. 

This leads me to ask myself the question:  why don't I do that more often during those sleepless nights? 

Perhaps if I did, the sleepless nights would not remain sleepless.

A SATISFIED SOUL

"My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips." - Psalm 63:5

I love to eat.  I especially enjoy a great steak.  To me, there is nothing like savoring the flavor of a juicy steak.  It makes my mouth water to even think about it.

In our text, David writes, "My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness."  Marrow and fatness refers to the tender, juicy part of meat.   What David is saying is that God satisfies his soul like tender, juicy meat satisfies his taste buds.  Think about that.  God satisfies the soul.  Complete satisfaction.  

Why don't we experience that kind of satisfaction with God?  When I was growing up, I'd come home from school, ready to eat.  However, we normally didn't eat supper until Dad got home (an hour or so later).  Mom would give us this warning:  don't eat any junk food.  Why was junk food forbidden close to suppertime?  If I ate a lot of potato chips before supper, it would ruin my appetite.  Eating junk food before a meal removes an appetite for better food.

Most believers do not have a hunger for God because they are eating too much worldly junk food.  When we have a daily intake of worldly junk food, our appetite for God and His Word suffers. 

Although potato chips are enjoyable, they don't compare to a juicy steak.  Yet if we eat enough potato chips before a steak dinner is served, we don't enjoy steak very much. 

The junk food of the world does not compare to the satisfaction found in our Lord.  Yet the junk food will keep us from enjoying Him as we should.  We need to change our spiritual diet.  We must remove worldly junk food so that the savor of our Lord may be enjoyed.

Finally, David writes, "... my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips."  In response to the satisfaction found in the Lord, David feels the need to put on a concert for the Lord.  His praise is directed toward an audience of One.   Notice that David promises to praise the Lord with "... my mouth..." David was neither shy nor timid concerning his faith.  Praise would often flow from his lips.

David promised to praise the Lord, "... with joyful lips."  David's praise will come from a heart full of joy.  Joyful lips would offer praise to his Lord.

When I enjoy a great meal, I have a desire to thank and praise the cook.  The spiritual meal that we enjoy at the Master's table should create a desire for us to praise Him for the bountiful provision we've enjoyed.

Our Lord satisfies the hungry.  Let us accept Isaiah's invitation:  "... harken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness." (Isaiah 55:2)

PRAISING THE LORD

"Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name."

- Psalm 63:4

David was a man after God's own heart.  He was a man who praised the Lord.  He wrote many of the psalms.  David was not afraid to express his adoration of God.  In the 63rd Psalm, David expresses his love and worship of God. 

In the first three verses of the psalm, David states his desire for God and his high view of the Lord.  In our text, he writes, "Thus will I bless thee while I live."  David had many reasons to praise the Lord & so do we. 

The word, "bless" in the King James Version is literally translated, "praise."  David writes that he will praise the Lord, "... while I live."  While it is true that we'll be praising God throughout eternity in heaven, it is wrong to wait until heaven to begin praising Him.  He deserves our praise right now. 

I believe that we tend to spend more time complaining than we do in praise.  This is a mistake.  Our blessings far outweigh our complaints.  Despite the problems we face, God is worthy of our praise.  He deserves our praise because of who He is. 

Our text closes with this promise from David:  "I will lift up my hands in thy name."  I must admit that I grew up in churches that didn't actively promote lifting up hands in worship.  Yet our text teaches us that lifting up hands in praise is a good thing.  When we lift up our hands, it is a sign of surrender.  We need to daily surrender our lives to God.  When we lift up our hands, we physically extend ourselves toward God.  We should continually offer ourselves in the service of God.  Also, when we lift up our hands, we are physically posturing ourselves to receive.  In worship, it is not God's blessings that we seek, but God Himself. 

We have much to praise Him for.  Like David, we should say, "Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name."

BETTER THAN LIFE

"Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee." - Psalm 63:3

Here in America, we place a lot of value on human life.  It goes against the grain for us to believe that something is better than life itself.  As humans, we fight and struggle to stay alive.  We think that survival is essential in life.

In our text, David states that the lovingkindness of God is better than life itself.  The King James uses the word, "lovingkindness," to indicate love in action.  God's love is an active love.  As far as God is concerned, love is not just an adjective.  Love is also a verb.  Love is not an empty concept.  God's love is a shameless love for His people.  His love for us is demonstrated through His overt acts of kindness and grace. 

The greatest display of God's love is shown in the person of Jesus Christ.  Romans 5:8 states, "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."  God demonstrated His love toward us through the glorious gift of His Son.  Yet, God continues to demonstrate His love toward us in diverse ways.  We tend to take His benevolent gifts for granted. 

When I was growing up, my parents did not have much money, yet they found numerous ways to show their love for my brother and me.  I recall one night when Mom & Dad surprised me with the gift of a huge dictionary.  I was excited to receive a gift!  (By the way, I still have that dictionary).  I was thrilled to be given gifts by my parents.  In hindsight, I appreciate the love that prompted them to give. 

Think about the gifts God has given us.  He proves His love over and over again.  No wonder David felt that the lovingkindness of God was better than life.  The Giver of life is much better than the gift of life.

Because the lovingkindness of God is better than life, David writes, "... my lips shall praise thee."  David's praise could not be suppressed.  He had to let it out.  His praise would start within, but it wouldn't stay inside of him.  His lips would praise God.  He praised God verbally.  Whether others heard him or not, he wanted his lips to utter the praise of the One who loved him so much.

If we have experienced the saving grace of our Lord Jesus, shouldn't we be in the business of praising God?  His lovingkindness is better than life.  The Giver is sweeter than His gifts. We should love Him and praise Him because of His amazing and abundant grace!

WORSHIPING GOD

TEXT:  "To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary." - Psalm 63:2

David wrote the 63rd psalm while he was in the wilderness.  Although he was far from the comfort of home, his greatest desire was to be back in God's house again. 

In our text, David longs to worship God.  What is worship?  Some think that worship is all about getting a "special feeling" during a church service.  Notice in our text that David does not mention his feelings.  Some identify worship with the "praise and worship music" that is common in some areas.  Again, our text does not mention music.  Here are the facts about worship:  worship is all about God, not about us.  Worship is about adoration, not a music preference. 

From our text, note three things about David's desire to worship God:

1.  GOD'S POWER.  First of all, David's worship focuses on God's power.  David viewed God as being awesome and mighty.  We need a renewed understanding about the greatness of God.  In our minds, we've demoted God to be like a vending machine --- available to give us what we want at any time.  We fail to grasp the truth that God is omnipotent.  He is all-powerful.  Tragically, we underestimate the power of God.  In our lives, we need to view the Lord as He really is --- a God of power.

2.  GOD'S GLORY.  Secondly, David's worship focuses on God's glory.  This refers to God's majesty.  The fullness of God's presence is best described as His glory.  Marvin Rosenthal once defined the glory of God as being, "God's intrinsic eternal perfections."  Moses prayed for God to reveal His glory to him.  Instead, God revealed only part of His glory to Moses because Moses could not view the full nature of God's glory and survive.  I believe that Isaiah caught a glimpse of God's glory in Isaiah 6, when he saw the Lord, "high and lifted up."  On the mount of transfiguration, Peter, James and John saw Jesus in a glorious way. In our text, David adored the splendor, majesty and perfections of God.  That is worship.

3.  GOD'S HOUSE.   Finally, David wrote, "... so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary."  I truly believe that God's presence is manifest in a special way at His house.  When His people gather to worship, adore and praise Him, He meets them there.  Can a person worship while walking in the woods?  Of course.  Can a person worship while looking at a star-lit sky?  Sure.  Yet David knew that public worship was an important component in his life. 

We express worship when we focus on God alone and enjoy His presence.  David desired to worship God.  What about you?

LONGING FOR GOD

TEXT:  "... my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is." - Psalm 63:1

Sadly, there is little spiritual passion among professing Christians these days.   The things of this world often distract believers.  We tend to be enamored by worldly issues instead of having a longing for the One who made the world.  Like Esau, we have carelessly traded spiritual blessings for the taste of temporary worldly stew.

In Psalm 63, David declares his passion for God.  He describes his passion in graphic terms:  thirsting and longing.  Does this describe your pursuit of God?  Can you honestly say that you have a longing for Him?  Does your soul thirst for Him?  In Psalm 42:1, the psalmist writes, "As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God."

Why do we lack such intense desire for God?  For one thing, we no longer see God as being precious.  We no longer have the awe and wonder of God that once captivated us.  We are not amazed at God's grace and love like we used to be.  Sadly, we no longer find Him to be worth longing for.  It is tragic!

The problem is not with God, but with our perception of God.  Although most believers would not admit it, we have more desire for family, possessions and success than we do for the Lord.  We fail to heed John's warning:  "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world."

Even in our churches, our worship of God has been diluted with sentimentalism, tradition and selfishness.  Slowly, our focus of God has been clouded by sin. 

We need to have a fresh revival of spiritual passion.  Like the church at Ephesus, we have left our "first love."  What was our Lord's challenge to them?  Remember, repent and return.  "Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works." 

I can't help but feel that God is calling believers in America to do the same today. 

  

SEEKING GOD EARLY

TEXT: "... early will I seek thee..." (Psalm 63:1)

Some things are more important than others.  Too often, we are often guilty of emphasizing the minor issues to the neglect of the most important matters.

David's passion for God is vividly demonstrated in his writing of the 63rd psalm.  In our text, David address God with this statement, "... early will I seek Thee."  Do you seek God?  I have to admit that I am often guilty of seeking things from God rather than seeking God Himself.  Many times I have sought the blessing rather than the Blesser.

The gifts we receive from God should show us the love and glory of our Lord.  Gifts are not the end, but merely means to an end. Blessings reflect the bountiful generosity of a wonderful God. While we enjoy the blessings, these blessings should cause us to have a deeper love for the One who gave them.

Notice that David sought God, "... early."  I have to admit that I am not an early riser. When I awake in the mornings, it is like a resurrection. Yet one of the blessings of rising early is the time I can spend with God & His Word.  I've found that the morning hours are the best time for me to meet with God.

Corrie Ten Boom once wrote, "Don't pray when you feel like it; make an appointment with the King and keep it."  Be honest about it.  If you had a doctor's appointment early in the morning, you'd do your best to keep it, wouldn't you?  Isn't a meeting with God more important than meeting with a doctor?

I have found that my days go better if I start the day with the Lord.  I do not hold myself up as a "poster child" for daily devotions, but I try to read from the Word of God and pray each morning.  What about you?

Seeking God early in the day demonstrates His importance in our lives.  We need His fellowship.  We need His wisdom.  We need His guidance.  We need Him.

The pace of our society is hectic.  There doesn't seem to be enough time in each day to get things done.  Yet time with the Lord is too important to neglect.  Start the day with God and you can enjoy Him all day long.

Seek the Lord daily. Start the day with Him. Make an appointment to meet with God every day --- and keep that appointment! You'll find He'll keep His appointment with you.

MY GOD

"O God, thou art my God..." (Psalm 63:1)

Psalm 63 is one my favorite psalms. It is a psalm that captures David's passion for God. I am challenged and encouraged when I read this psalm.

David begins the psalm with a declaration: "O God, thou art my God..." I am afraid that many people would declare the same thing David did --- except their words would be empty. You see, many claim that God is Lord of their lives, but their profession is far from reality. Can we honestly say that God is our God?  Let's look again at David's statement and notice a few things in our text.

1. HIS PROFESSION. First of all, note David's profession. "O God..." He is addressing the only true God. "... thou art my God." He professed his faith in God alone. Notice that David did not say, "O God, thou art one of my gods..." No. David was not an idolater (though many are today). His faith was in one God ---- the only God.

2. HIS POSSESSION. Secondly, notice that David stated, "... thou are MY God" (emphasis added). David had a personal relationship with God. David was known as "a man after God's own heart." God belonged to him and he belonged to God. I'm reminded of the old Dad Speer song, "I Am His & He Is Mine." If a man possesses Christ and has nothing else, he is rich beyond words. If a man possesses everything, but lacks Christ, he is a miserable pauper.

3. HIS PRIORITIES. Finally, we see David's priorities. No one but God occupied the throne of his heart. God, alone, was Lord and Master of his life. To be rather blunt, most Americans can't say that. Instead, money, work, family and pleasure typically occupy the throne. Some will permit God to occupy the throne for a few minutes on Sunday (and many won't even do that). For David, God was more than just a Sunday attraction. God was the One he focused on daily.

There's no doubt that God deserves to sit on the throne of our hearts, but do we permit Him? He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Let us join David in saying, "O God, thou art my God."

LIES THAT MANY BELIEVE, Part 7:  "EVOLUTION IS A SCIENTIFIC FACT"

"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." - Genesis 1:1

I'm amazed that "intelligent" people still consider evolution to be a "scientific fact."  Evolution has always been a theory and remains a theory to this day.  Evolution is man's invention, his way to remove God from consideration.  Those who refuse to use rational thought and common sense usually embrace evolution.  Those who accept evolution as truth try to use science as a crutch to support their belief.  It requires more faith to believe in evolution than it does to believe in Biblical creation. 

Let me clarify something up front.  I am not saying that science is always wrong, but there have been times scientific theories have been wrong.  Here's the main problem:  no human was a witness to the "big bang" or evolution process.  However, Christians realize that there was a witness to the creation of the world --- God Himself.  We have His testimony of that event --- and the creation of mankind.  Scientists are guessing about the beginning of the universe, but Christians know how the universe began and they are personally acquainted with the One who created everything.

An honest scientist will admit that science is still exploring unknown areas and concepts, thus they cannot teach evolution with 100% certainty since many aspects of the universe's beginning are still unknown and unexplored by scientific means.  However, the Bible gives a clear description of creation:  "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth."  The concept of God is so appalling to many that they reject creationism simply out of spite. 

Let me share some things for you to consider:

1.  A CREATION REQUIRES A CREATOR.  A clock does not make itself.  A book does not write itself.  A house does not build itself.  A clock has a clockmaker, a book has an author and a house has a builder.  In similar manner, our complicated solar system has a creator.  The Psalmist wrote, "The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament showeth his handiwork." (Psalm 19:1)

2.  A DESIGN REQUIRES A DESIGNER.  Our solar system is uniquely made to continually orbit in a specific fashion.  Plant Earth is exactly at the right distance from the sun with exactly the right elements to permit life to exist.  Consider the human body.  The human body is distinctively designed to function a specific way.  There are still many things scientists are learning about the human body.  Take the human eye.  The human eye is so uniquely made that we should all be amazed with its design and function.  It is obvious that such design requires a designer.

3.  ORDER REQUIRES A PLANNER.  Our world has specific natural laws (like the law of gravity) that indicate that a superior intellect mapped out the required forces required to permit the human race to continue.  Human reproduction, for instance, is a mystery that scientists have studied for years.  Yet it is obvious that this natural phenomenon didn't just happen by chance.  The natural order was planned by Someone --- and we know Him to be God.

While I am criticizing the theory of evolution, I want it to be known that science EVENTUALLY comes into full agreement with the Bible.  Just because scientists cling to a theory doesn't make the theory a fact.

What bothers me most is the indoctrination of our society.  Evolution has been taught as a fact in classrooms for several years --- slowly changing from a theory to a "scientific fact."  The Biblical account of creation has been forcibly removed from public education because of "the separation of church and state."  The real reason is because of the separation of man and logic.   As a result of the diabolical indoctrination of our youth, Biblical creation is treated as a childhood fairy tale while evolution is exalted as an infallible truth.  Whenever evolution is challenged, there is an overt attempt to shame and embarrass the Christian for "believing in foolishness."

Evolutionists will be surprised to learn that I do believe in evolution --- but not the way they believe it.  I do believe that man has evolved.  Man was created perfect, but because of his rebellion against God, he sinned and, over time, has evolved into even darker & wicked degrees of sin.  Man is sinfully depraved.   Just when I thought our society had reached the bottom of the depravity barrel, mankind began to dig even deeper into sin.  That is why mankind needs a savior.

The theory of evolution may give atheists and agonistics a soothing place of comfort, but evolution still does not eliminate the truth that God created all things. 

Mankind has removed God from his thoughts and deeds.  Furthermore, mankind has tried to remove God from the schools, the government and even the public square.  Yet mankind will never remove God from His throne.  Rejecting the existence of God will not keep you from judgment.  Denying the existence of hell will not prevent you from roasting there. 

It is time to open your Bible, your eyes and your heart.  You need to know the truth.  While mankind marches proudly to hell, you need to question where you are going.  Stop believing the lies of the devil.  Repent and believe the Gospel.  The One who created the universe can make you a new creation today.

LIES THAT MANY BELIEVE, Part 6:  "ALL LIFESTYLES MUST BE SUPPORTED"

"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness." - Romans 1:18

The big buzzword of our day is "tolerance."  The problem is that our society has redefined tolerance to mean that we should accept all lifestyles as being equally correct.  Any person who condemns a specific lifestyle is labeled as "intolerant," and is publicly shamed for their narrow-mindedness.  In other words, those who promote "tolerance," are tolerant of everything and everyone except those who disagree with them.  Do you see the flaw in their position?

There is an overt attempt to manipulate people into believing that all lifestyles are equally correct.  To say that all lifestyles must be affirmed is to state that we agree with every lifestyle.  A born-again, Bible-believing Christian cannot do this.  The Bible clearly condemns sin.  How can we please God and support what He rejects?

I believe that we should be kind towards others.  I do not believe that Christians have the right to be arrogant or conceited.  I do not believe that the Bible gives us permission to practice hate toward those we disagree with.  I have no desire to hurt or destroy those who have opposing views to my own.  That is what tolerance is really like.  Society's attempts to sway my convictions in the name of "tolerance" are really an attempt to undermine Biblical authority.  It is an act of sinful rebellion against a holy God.

So when it comes to issues like gay-marriage, co-habitation (without marriage), evolution and such matters, the Christian's convictions should not be based upon political rhetoric or social pressure, instead our convictions are based upon the unchanging Word of God. 

I realize that unbelievers accuse Christians as being "narrow-minded."  That is a fact that we do not dispute.  The Bible is very strict about sin. 

At the beginning of this message, I shared a verse from Romans chapter 1.  In the first chapter of Romans, Paul described the depravity of man's sin.  It is a thorough examination of the sinful condition of mankind.  Please read Romans chapter 1 yourself.  You'll find that Paul wrote about sinful rebellion (verses 21-22), idolatry (verse 23), sexual sin (verses 24-25), homosexuality (verses 26-28) and a host of other specific sins (verses 29-31). 

What is the ultimate conclusion of this long list of sins?  Paul wrote, "...they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them." (verse 32).  I use the King James Version in my ministry, but the wording of this verse needs clarification.  Paul not only condemned those who commit such sins, he also condemned those who "... have pleasure in them that do them."  The NASB translates this as those who, "... give hearty approval to those who practice them."  In other words, a person may be a heterosexual, but if he or she gives approval to homosexual relationships, they stand just as guilty and worthy of spiritual death as those who are homosexuals.  The same truth applies to every sin listed in Romans chapter 1.

Do you see why Christians must stand for the truth and righteousness?  We may be considered intolerant by a sinful, God-hating world, but to compromise would be an act of high treason against our Lord. 

Ultimately, we are not going to be judged by the ACLU, the U. S. Supreme Court, or our co-workers.  Instead, we will stand before God.  His laws have not changed.  His standards remain high.  His truth is eternal and absolute.  It is not our job to redefine His Word.  Instead, it is our responsibility to believe His Word, live by His Word and proclaim His Word.

God is intolerant of sin and wickedness.  Social pressure, "political correctness," and changing attitudes will never cause Him to change His position.  Instead of changing God's Word, we need God's Word to change us.  God is not the problem with our nation ---- He is the solution.  Receive Him and you will live.  Reject Him and you will perish.   

LIES THAT MANY BELIEVE, Part 5:  "ALL ROADS LEAD TO GOD"

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." - John 14:6

These days it is not uncommon to hear someone say, "All roads lead to God."  This view is popular among talk show hosts, politicians and entertainers.  According to this view, every person is going to heaven, regardless of his or her religious affiliation.  Those who believe this, consider all views and beliefs as being equal and true. 

Obviously, the belief that "all roads lead to God," is false.  It is another lie of the devil, meant to deceive and destroy countless souls.  It is surprising how many people are duped into believing this lie.  It bothers me to know how many people will be eternally doomed because they embraced this lie.

Jesus said, "... no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."  Notice that Jesus said that NO man comes to the Father apart from Him.  Apart from faith in Jesus Christ, it is impossible to approach the Father.  Jesus said that no one comes to the Father, "but by me."  Jesus is not just a good way to the Father.  He's not just the best way to the Father.  He is the ONLY way to the Father.

The exclusivity of Biblical Christianity has caused many to say that Christians are narrow, bigoted and arrogant.  Furthermore, when a Christian states that Jesus is the only way to heaven, he or she is portrayed as being intolerant or ignorant. 

The real issue is Jesus' statement.  He claimed that He was the only way to the Father.  The bottom line is that either we believe His statement or not.  You cannot claim that Jesus is a way to the Father without claiming He is the only way to the Father.  If Jesus is wrong in claiming He is the only way to the Father, then we shouldn't believe that He is a way at all.

All roads do not lead to God.  For instance, the atheist does not even believe in God.  Can you honestly say that the atheist road actually leads to God?  What about those who commit terrorists acts in the name of their religion --- can you honestly say that their heinous crimes lead them to God?

It may be unpopular to believe that there is just one road to heaven.  However, consider this.  There are many towns in America that have only once access road to them.  You may not like the fact that these towns have only one access road, but it doesn't change the fact there is just one access road. 

When I was in school, math was a required subject.  If I were asked to solve a math problem, there was only one right answer.  When it comes to access to the Father, there is only one right way. 

Again, we come back to Jesus' statement that He is the only way to the Father.  Ultimately, we must come to a conclusion about Jesus Christ.  Did He tell the truth or not?  There are three options to consider:

1.  JESUS WAS A LIAR.  If Jesus' statement is false, then He told a lie.  If He lied, He is not who He claimed to be.  Those who believe that all roads lead to God believe that Jesus was a good teacher.  Yet, He cannot be a "good teacher," if He is a liar.  Furthermore, if He is a liar, then none of His words should be considered believable.  Obviously, the early disciples saw His miracles, heard His teaching & ultimately gave their lives for Him.  They didn't think He was a liar.

2.  JESUS WAS A LUNATIC.  Perhaps Jesus was mentally unstable or even "crazy."  There are many examples of lunatics who believed they were deity.  If Jesus was a lunatic, He may have been sincere --- but sincerely wrong.  If Jesus was a lunatic, He could not be referred to as "a good teacher."  Those who walked close to Jesus during His ministry didn't consider Him to be a lunatic.  When people heard that Jesus was in a neighborhood, they brought the sick to Him, so they would be healed.  Obviously, these people didn't consider Jesus to be a lunatic.

3.  JESUS IS LORD.  If Jesus was not a liar or a lunatic, that leaves just one option:  He is who He claimed to be.  He is Lord.  If Jesus is Lord, then He knows how a person can access the Father.  Jesus' death upon the cross gave us access to the Father.  Through repentance and faith, men & women can go to heaven.  Jesus cast out demons.  He healed.  He delivered.  He changed lives.  In fact, Jesus still changes lives today --- because He is Lord.  Jesus claims to be the only way to heaven and you can count on the fact He told the truth --- because He is Lord. 

To summarize, all roads (apart from Christ) actually lead to hell.  Jesus is the only way to the Father.  Believe in Him and you will live.  Refuse to believe and you'll be damned eternally. 

There is just one way to heaven ... and Jesus is His Name.

LIES THAT MANY BELIEVE, Part 4:  "IT IS ALWAYS WRONG TO JUDGE"

"Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment." - John 7:24

I am convinced that the most quoted verse of the Bible is Matthew 7:1, where Jesus said, "Judge not, that ye be not judged."  Although that verse is the most quoted verse, it is also the most misinterpreted & misapplied verse of the Bible.  When the verse is quoted, it is normally used in this context:  "You can't judge me or anyone else.  The Bible says, 'Judge not, that ye be not judged.'"  Those who quote the verse believe it means, "It is always wrong to judge people." 

As we continue examining lies that many believe, we must examine the popular lie, "It is always wrong to judge."  Going back to Matthew 7:1, Jesus DID say, "Judge not, that ye be not judged."  However, like all Scripture, it needs to be understood properly, which can only be done when we read the verse IN CONTEXT.  As we read Matthew 7:1-5, it is clear that what Jesus is saying is to avoid hypocritical judgment.  Jesus is NOT teaching that it is ALWAYS wrong to judge, but it is wrong to judge hypocritically.  Look carefully at the context:

"1Judge not, that ye be not judged.

2For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

3And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

4Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?

5Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye."

If you read the passage carefully, it is obvious that Jesus is teaching that hypocritical judgment is wrong and is harshly condemned.  In the passage, Jesus is not teaching that it is wrong to get a speck out of your brother's eye.  Instead, He is teaching that it is wrong to condemn the speck in your brother's eye if you have a beam in your own eye.  Obviously, Jesus is NOT teaching that it is always wrong to judge. 

That being said let me share some things we can judge ... and some things we shouldn't judge.  First of all, let's look at some things we should judge.

1.         WE SHOULD JUDGE SIN

Clearly, we should judge sin.  Our understanding of right and wrong is illuminated by the truth of Scripture.  God gave us a moral law, by which we can discern what is right & what is wrong.  For instance, we know that lying is wrong.  We know that is stealing is wrong.  We know that murder is wrong.  We know that adultery is wrong.  We have the insight to judge right and wrong, which should motivate us to make right decisions.  The laws of our land are based upon a judgment that some things are right and others are wrong.

2.         WE SHOULD JUDGE OUR OWN SINS

Secondly, we should judge our own sins.  Some of our sins are obvious and immediately should be judged as wrong, which should lead us to repentance.  At other times, God uses the mirror of His Word to show us sins that we tend to overlook or condone.  Again, this should lead us to repentance.  When it comes to judging, most of our time and effort should be focused on ourselves.  We are ultimately responsible for our own lives, not the lives of others.  We are more aware of our own faults and flaws than anyone else's.  I have found that when I focus on my own sins, I have little time to deal with the sins of others.

3.         WE SHOULD JUDGE THE OBVIOUS SINS OF OTHERS

If we should never judge the obvious sins of others, that would make us ineligible to serve on jury duty.  In fact, no one could serve as a judge in our judicial system.  We would have anarchy in our land if we were not permitted to judge the obvious sins of others.  Is it wrong to judge a man who kills his neighbor in cold blood?  Is it wrong to condemn a man who rapes a woman?  Is it wrong to judge and condemn a man who abuses children?  I think all of us would condemn such sins --- and it would not be wrong to render such judgment.  Jesus said that we should judge a righteous judgment. 

4.         WE SHOULD JUDGE FALSE TEACHING

Many Christians hesitate to judge or criticize false teaching, yet the Bible clearly does so.  Read this challenge from the Apostle Paul:  "But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.  As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed." (Galatians 1:8-9).  How can we be silent when polished TV preachers proclaim unbiblical doctrine and misrepresent Biblical Christianity?   It is time for the true believers to declare these false teachers to be heretics --- because they are.

We've looked at four things we can judge, yet there are some things we should not judge.

1.         WE SHOULD NOT JUDGE THE MOTIVES OF OTHERS

We may have the right to judge the actions of others, but we cannot judge the motives of others.  Sometimes people do wrong things, but had intentions of doing right.  There are times we are tempted to question the motives of others.  However, we cannot look at the hearts of others.  We should refuse to judge the motives of others. 

2.         WE SHOULD NOT JUDGE SUPERFICIALLY

Sometimes it is easy to rush to judgment without knowing all of the facts.  It is easy to take sides on an issue when you only hear one side of the issue.  We should not judge superficially.  There are times we need to hear facts from several sides before judging a situation.

3.         WE SHOULD NOT JUDGE HYPOCRITICALLY

As we've already seen, Jesus clearly condemns those who judge hypocritically.  Get your own life cleaned up before you start pointing out the dirt you see in the lives of others.

We've looked at some things we should judge ... and some things we should not judge. 

Let me close by telling you the obvious:  God has the right & obligation to judge everyone.  Every person will ultimately stand before Him.  Perhaps you arrogantly tell others, "Only God can judge me."  You may think that is a good way to tell others to stay of your business.  While it is true that God will bring final judgment, that thought shouldn't comfort you, instead, it should bother you.  God's judgment will be strict, swift and severe.  God will not judge you by your standards, but His.  He will not grade you on the curve.  You will not be judged in comparison to others.  You will be judged by His high and Holy standard.  God can & will judge people --- including you.  Instead of rebuking others, you need to get ready to meet the final Judge.  

Prepare to meet thy God.

LIES THAT MANY BELIEVE, Part 3:  "ABORTION IS A WOMAN'S RIGHT"

"Thou shalt not kill." - Exodus 20:13

In recent days, disgusting videos have appeared online, demonstrating the evil act of abortion, conducted by Planned Parenthood.  The ruthless actions taken during the procedure called into question the organization's integrity and worthiness to continue receiving Federal funding.  From my own point of view, Planned Parenthood should have never received Federal funding to begin with.  I find it appalling that my tax money is being used to fund an organization with such a bloody purpose.

For several weeks, I've dedicated my blog message to the specific issue of "lies that many believe."  Today we are examining this popular lie:  "Abortion is a woman's right."  Let me clarify this.  Those who support abortion claim that the issue of abortion is really all about the woman's health.  They believe that a woman has a right to decide what to do with her body and the medical procedures she may choose.  Furthermore, they conclude that the unborn baby is not a human being, merely a piece of tissue. 

I believe a woman has rights, but so should the unborn.  The unborn's right to live certain trumps the woman's desire for convenience. I believe in a woman's choice about pregnancy, but that choice comes before conception and not afterwards.  The mother's womb should be the safest place for an unborn child, but often that is not the case.  Since the unborn cannot speak for themselves, who will speak for them?  I think Christians should be the voice of the unborn, speaking out against the evil nature of abortion.

The fact is that abortion has become a legal way for people to try to avoid the responsibility of their actions.  Abortion doesn't really remove responsibility because every person will one day answer to God for his or her actions and decisions.  The fathers and the mothers of the unborn ARE responsible and will be held accountable. 

Certainly, this subject is a hot-button political matter.  Although the subject of abortion is a hot topic among politicians, I know that the subject is far more than a political matter.  On the authority of God's Word, we know God sees the unborn as people, not tissue.  The slaying of the unborn is murder, pure and simple. 

Are you not convinced?  Then open your Bible to these passages:

• "And the woman conceived, and sent and told David, and said, I am with child." - 2 Samuel 11:5.  Notice she said, "child," not "tissue."
• "Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me." - Psalm 51:5.  Notice that sin was part of his being from conception ... not from birth. 
• "Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations." - Jeremiah 1:5.  God formed Jeremiah in his mother's womb and ordained him to be a prophet BEFORE HE WAS BORN.
• "For their mother hath played the harlot: she that conceived them hath done shamefully: for she said, I will go after my lovers, that give me my bread and my water, my wool and my flax, mine oil and my drink." - Hosea 2:5.  Notice she "conceived them..."  They were people at conception, not tissue. 
• "And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren." - Luke 1:36.  Please note that she conceived "a son."  God considered the unborn to be a child, shouldn't we?
• "And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb." - Luke 2:21.  Please note that "... he was conceived in the womb," a person was conceived in the womb.

In the womb, the unborn has a heartbeat and human form.  If a pregnant woman suffers a miscarriage, she feels loss because she has lost a child.  It takes a cold-hearted, evil person to tell a woman that she shouldn't feel loss over a miscarriage because all that died was a "tissue."  The woman has such built-in motherly emotions about her pregnancy because that which is within her IS A CHILD.

Those who support or perform abortions have blood on their hands.  There is nothing worse than the diabolical, cold-blooded murder of children --- born or unborn.  Furthermore, each person who supports or performs abortions will stand before God one day as murderers. 

Let me close by sharing a few things.  First of all, from my pulpit I do not and will not give an endorsement to any political candidate.  However, let me be clear about this.  Personally, I will not support a Presidential candidate from any party that supports abortion.  If abortion is murder, I can't imagine any born-again believer supporting a candidate that endorses the murder of the unborn. 

Some dismiss the subject of abortion as being only a political issue.  If abortion is murder in the sight of God, we need to treat the subject with the serious nature it deserves.  The subject of abortion is far more important than the economy or any other popular political issue.  Abortion is a moral, spiritual issue.  It is time for government-sponsored murders to cease.  America needs to repent.

Finally, let me say something to the women who've had abortions.  While I believe that abortion is murder, it is not an unpardonable sin.  God offers forgiveness and grace to those who will repent and trust in the Savior.  You don't have to carry a burden of remorse for the rest of your life.  Look to Jesus today and experience salvation through His shed blood.