What The Bible Says About Dancing

I posted this on facebook, but for those not on facebook...

Tis the season... proms, weddings, parties - and DANCING. Yes even Christians (so called) get involved in the ungodly practice of dancing. What does the Bible say about it?

If you really want to know, check out the following link:

http://www.frmbc.com/biblestudies.html

then click on the PDF file "What The Bible Teaches About Dancing"

Hymn History - HALLELUJAH, WHAT A SAVIOR

HALLELUJAH, WHAT A SAVIOR
Philip Paul Bliss (1838–1876)

PHILIP BLISS was one of the most prominent hymnwriters in the heyday of gospel hymnwriting. Bliss grew up working on a farm and in lumber camps, but eventually became a music teacher. He sold his first song at age twenty-six and later worked for a hymn publisher. D. L. Moody urged Bliss to become a singing evangelist, and so he did, beginning in 1874. This hymn was published in 1875. In 1876, while traveling through Ohio, Bliss and his family were involved in a train wreck. Reportedly, Bliss went back into the fiery train to save his wife, but they both died.
It was a tragedy for hymn lovers around the world, but you might say that Bliss just changed his address. Certainly he continues, even now, creating new praises for our wonderful Savior in glory.

HALLELUJAH, WHAT A SAVIOR
“Man of Sorrows!” what a name
For the Son of God, who came
Ruined sinners to reclaim!
Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Bearing shame and scoffing rude,
In my place condemned He stood—
Sealed my pardon with His blood:
Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Guilty, vile and helpless we,
Spotless Lamb of God was He;
Full atonement! can it be?
Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Lifted up was He to die,
“It is finished!” was His cry;
Now in heav’n exalted high:
Hallelujah, what a Savior!

When He comes, our glorious King,
All His ransomed home to bring,
Then anew this song we’ll sing:
Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Hymn History - GRACE GREATER THAN OUR SIN

GRACE GREATER THAN OUR SIN
Julia Harriette Johnston (1849–1919)

GRACE is one of the hardest lessons for us to learn about God. Some show their ignorance of God’s grace by working hard to be good enough. They pay lip service to the idea of God’s grace but cannot stop trying to earn their own way. Others display their misunderstanding of God’s grace by concluding it’s inaccessible to them. They know they cannot be good enough for God, so they despair of ever having a relationship with Him.
It is this second group that Julia Johnston was writing for. She knew how important it was to understand and experience the simple, yet difficult, truth of God’s gracious forgiveness. Johnston was a Sunday school teacher herself and became a noted expert in Sunday school curriculum. Though she penned texts for more than five hundred hymns, this is the only one widely known. It powerfully teaches this essential Christian truth: You cannot out-sin God’s grace.

GRACE GREATER THAN OUR SIN
Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured—
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilt.

Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within,
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin!

Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold,
Threaten the soul with infinite loss;
Grace that is greater—yes, grace untold—
Points to the refuge, the mighty cross.

Dark is the stain that we cannot hide—
What can avail to wash it away?
Look! there is flowing a crimson tide—
Whiter than snow you may be today.

Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
Freely bestowed on all who believe!
You that are longing to see His face,
Will you this moment His grace receive?

Persecution

WHY DOES GOD ALLOW HIS PEOPLE TO BE PERSECUTED?

BIBLE READING: Matthew 5:1-16
KEY BIBLE VERSE: 11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. (Matthew 5:11-12)

PERSECUTION BUILDS CHARACTER.
Jesus said to rejoice when we’re persecuted. Persecution can be good because (1) it takes our eyes off earthly rewards, (2) it strips away superficial belief, (3) it strengthens the faith of those who endure, and (4) our attitude through it serves as an example to others who follow. We can be comforted to know that God’s greatest prophets were persecuted (Elijah, Jeremiah, Daniel). The fact that we are being persecuted proves that we have been faithful; faithless people would be unnoticed. In the future God will reward the faithful by receiving them into his eternal kingdom where there is no more persecution.


BIBLE READING: Matthew 24:1-51
KEY BIBLE VERSE: 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. (Matthew 24:12-13)

PERSECUTION STRENGTHENS OUR FAITH.
Jesus predicted that his followers would be severely persecuted by those who hated what he stood for. In the midst of terrible persecutions, however, they could have hope, knowing that salvation was theirs. Times of trial serve to sift true Christians from false or fair-weather Christians. When you are pressured to give up and turn your back on Christ, don’t do it. Remember the benefits of standing firm, and continue to live for Christ.


BIBLE READING: 1 Peter 1:1-12
KEY BIBLE VERSE: Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: (1 Peter 1:6)

PERSECUTION BRINGS MATURITY.
Peter mentions suffering several times in this letter: 1:6-7; 3:13-17; 4:12-19; 5:9. When he speaks of trials, he is not talking about natural disasters or the experience of God’s punishments, but the response of an unbelieving world to people of faith. All believers face such trials when they let their light shine into the darkness. We must accept trials as part of the refining process that burns away impurities and prepares us to meet Christ. Trials teach us patience (Romans 5:3-4; James 1:2-3) and help us grow to be the kind of people God wants.

SUBMITTING TO GOD’S GUIDANCE

HOW IS OUR OBEDIENCE RELATED TO GOD’S GUIDANCE?

BIBLE READING: Exodus 11:1-10
KEY BIBLE VERSE: 9 And the LORD said unto Moses, Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you; that my wonders may be multiplied in the land of Egypt.
10 And Moses and Aaron did all these wonders before Pharaoh: and the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, so that he would not let the children of Israel go out of his land. (Exodus 11:9-10)

GUIDANCE FOR THE FUTURE COMES WITH OBEDIENCE IN THE PRESENT.
When Moses gave God’s message to the people, they were too discouraged to listen. The Hebrews didn’t want to hear any more about God and his promises, because the last time they listened to Moses, all they got was more work and greater suffering. Sometimes a clear message from God is followed by a period when no change in the situation is apparent. During that time, seeming setbacks may turn people away from wanting to hear more about God. If you are a leader, don’t give up. Keep bringing people God’s message as Moses did. By focusing on God, who must be obeyed, rather than on the results to be achieved, good leaders see beyond temporary setbacks and reversals.


BIBLE READING: 2 Chronicles 18:1-34
KEY BIBLE VERSE: 12 And the messenger that went to call Micaiah spake to him, saying, Behold, the words of the prophets declare good to the king with one assent; let thy word therefore, I pray thee, be like one of theirs, and speak thou good.
13 And Micaiah said, As the LORD liveth, even what my God saith, that will I speak. (2 Chronicles 18:12-13)

SEEKING GUIDANCE WITH NO INTENTION OF OBEDIENCE IS SELF-DESTRUCTIVE.
Wicked Ahab asked Jehoshaphat to join forces with him in battle (18:2-3). Before making that commitment, Jehoshaphat rightly sought God’s advice. However, when God gave his answer through the prophet Micaiah (18:16), Jehoshaphat ignored it (18:28). It does us no good to seek God’s advice if we ignore it when it is given. Real love for God is shown not by merely asking for direction, but by following that direction once it is given.


BIBLE READING: Acts 8:26-40
KEY BIBLE VERSE: And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. (Acts 8:26)

GOD’S GUIDANCE SELDOM FOLLOWS OUR PLANS.
Philip was having a successful preaching ministry to great crowds in Samaria (8:5-8), but he obediently left that ministry to travel on a desert road. Because Philip went where God sent him, Ethiopia was opened up to the gospel. Follow God’s leading, even if it seems like a demotion. At first you may not understand his plans, but the results will prove that God’s way is right.

God's Guidence

HOW CAN WE EXPERIENCE GOD’S GUIDANCE?

BIBLE READING: Numbers 9:15-23
KEY BIBLE VERSE: At the commandment of the LORD they rested in the tents, and at the commandment of the LORD they journeyed: they kept the charge of the LORD, at the commandment of the LORD by the hand of Moses. (Numbers 9:23)

DEPEND ON GOD’S GUIDANCE BOTH NOW AND IN THE FUTURE.
A pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night guided and protected the Israelites as they traveled across the desert. Some have said this pillar may have been a burning bowl of pitch whose smoke was visible during the day and whose fire could be seen at night. However, a bowl of pitch would not have lifted itself up and moved ahead of the people, and the Bible is clear that the cloud and fire moved in accordance with the will of God. The cloud and the fire were not merely natural phenomena; they were the vehicle of God’s presence and the visible evidence of his moving and directing his people.
The Israelites traveled and camped as God guided. When you follow God’s guidance, you know you are where God wants you, whether you’re moving or staying in one place. You are physically somewhere right now. Instead of praying, “God, what do you want me to do next?” ask, “God, what do you want me to do while I’m right here?” Direction from God is not just for your next big move. He has a purpose in placing you where you are right now. Begin to understand God’s purpose for your life by discovering what he wants you to do now!

BIBLE READING: Ruth 2:1-23
KEY BIBLE VERSE: “And Naomi said unto her daughter in law, Blessed be he of the LORD, who hath not left off his kindness to the living and to the dead. And Naomi said unto her, The man is near of kin unto us, one of our next kinsmen.” (Ruth 2:20)

GOD GUIDES US THROUGH EVERYDAY EVENTS OF LIFE.
Though Ruth may not have always recognized God’s guidance, he had been with her every step of the way. She went to glean and “just happened” to end up in the field owned by Boaz, who “just happened” to be a close relative. This was more than mere coincidence. As you go about your daily tasks, God is working in your life in ways you may not even notice. We must not close the door on what God can do. Events do not occur by luck or coincidence. We should have faith that God is directing our life for his purpose.

God Shields Us With Love

"For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield." Psalm 5:12

Using the imagery of war, David reflects on God’s protection in the battles of life. The Lord surrounds us with a shield of love that protects us from enemy attack. But even when the force of the blows knock us down, leaving us with a feeling of defeat, the Lord picks us up again and gives us strength to continue. We can rest in God’s protection and thank Him for His shield.

Lord of Kings

"The king answered unto Daniel, and said, Of a truth it is, that your God is a God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, seeing thou couldest reveal this secret." Daniel 2:47

King Nebuchadnezzar had an amazing vision, and God revealed the meaning of it through Daniel. The vision concerned the rise and fall of future kings and kingdoms. The final kingdom to rise would conquer all others and last forever, for it would come from God. The Lord was the one who controlled these things, and Nebuchadnezzar came to recognize this. After Daniel finished his interpretation, Nebuchadnezzar declared, “Of a truth it is, that your God is a God of gods, and a Lord of kings.” As we reflect on human history, and especially the current times, we can thank and worship God, who is the Lord of kings.

God Is Faithful To His People

Hosea 2:19-20
19 And I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in lovingkindness, and in mercies.
20 I will even betroth thee unto me in faithfulness: and thou shalt know the LORD.

Hosea was a loyal husband who faithfully loved his wife, Gomer. Even after she left him and committed adultery, he still loved her and called her to come back to him. Hosea’s love and concern for Gomer provide a beautiful picture of God’s love for His faithless people. The Israelites had repeatedly turned to other gods, but the Lord never abandoned them. He always longed for their return and promised to welcome them back.
We ought to thank God for not abandoning us when we turn away. He has always been faithful.

Thoughts as Camp Plans Progress

I've been doing a lot of meditating as I have been planning our summer youth camp that will be held in July. As I think about how God designed man to carry out His will, I'm amazed at how simple the whole concept is. It is only because of man's distortion of God's plan that it has become "seemingly" difficult. Yes our culture is putting the pressure on as never before; but we must rely on the strength of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. When we realize that there is a direct connection between what God wants us to be and what God wants us to do, it clarifies and simplifies the Christian life.
God's people are different by design, and our lives should show it.

I'll have more to say about this in the upcoming days.

Leaving The Job Unfinished

"Howbeit the high places were not removed: the people sacrificed and burned incense still in the high places. He built the higher gate of the house of the LORD." 2 Kings 15:35

Although Jotham's official reign lasted twenty-five years, he actually governed longer. When his father, Uzziah, was forced into quarantine because of leprosy, Jotham performed the day-to-day functions of the crown.

Much good can be said of Jotham's time as king of Judah, but he failed in a most important area: He didn't destroy the high places of idol worship, although leaving them clearly violated the first commandment (Ex. 20:3). Apparently, Jotham preferred to build. He added to the architecture surrounding the temple. He constructed cities, forts, and towers around Jerusalem. But his failure to remove the pagan worship places undermined the good that he did. The consequences were apparent in the life of his son Ahaz, who became one of Judah's most wicked rulers.

Like Jotham, we may live basically good lives and yet miss doing what is most important. A lifetime of doing good is not enough if we make the crucial mistake of not following God with all our hearts. God sometimes requires that certain habits or influences be removed from our lives. Our lives only have room for one god. A true follower of God puts Him first in all areas of life.

Our obedience to God is sometimes measured by what we don't do.

Training A Leader

"And he laid his hands upon him, and gave him a charge, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses." Numbers 27:23

Regardless of what some people claim, leaders are made, not born. Gifted individuals must have training, hands-on experience, and good role models if they are ever going to realize their leadership potential. Joshua got it all.

He had led the attack on the Amalekites. He had accompanied Moses (at least halfway up the mountain) when God issued the Law on Mount Sinai. He had been at the tent of meeting when God spoke to Moses face-to-face. He had been one of the twelve men sent to spy out the land of Canaan. All in all, his was an impressive resume.

But perhaps the most valuable aspect of Joshua's leadership preparation was the privilege he had of observing Moses in action. As his personal aide, he got to watch him deal with jealous and rebellious and stubborn people. He saw how Moses handled national crises and smaller administrative nightmares. Most important of all, Joshua got an insider's look at Moses' intimate relationship with God.

In fact, the Bible frequently features this kind of leadership mentoring program. Elisha had Elijah. The disciples had Jesus. Timothy had Paul. Do you have an older, wiser role model to whom you can look? That is how the Lord situates people in His churches; to provide a model to follow in order for the next generation to successfully carry out the Lord's will. Follow the Moses God has placed in your church. Then ask God to help you become a Joshua.

Before one can be a leader, one has to be a follower. Spiritual leadership is God-given.

A Warning to Believers

Oprah Winfrey has begun promoting a year-long course entitled, "The New Age Christ." Her text for the course is a book entitled A Course in Miracles. Below are a few quotations taken from this book:

"There is no sin."
"A slain Christ has no meaning."
"The journey to the cross should be the last useless journey."
"Do not make the pathetic error of clinging to the old rugged cross."
"The name of Jesus Christ as such is but a symbol. It is a symbol that is safely used as a replacement for the many names of all the gods to which you pray."

It is no surprise that many Hollywood figures are going full-bore into new age psychology and teaching . And it is no surprise that many of them believe in reincarnation and other such eastern philosophy.

The fact is that if "there is no sin," then there is the removal of the eternal absolutes of the Word of God and a removal of the accountability factor that is so clearly found in His Word.

If "there is no sin," then we need no Saviour. If there is no Saviour, then we have no purpose for living our lives!

I am so thankful that Jesus Christ shed his blood and rose again so that we might have redemption for our sins. In these last days of false teaching, along with the promotion of new age philosophy, may we each be ready to earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

More practical thoughts on Elijah

The “Elijah complex” can rob you of power and joy, so beware! Elijah went from victory to defeat because he started walking by sight and not by faith (19:3). He believed the queen’s words but not God’s word, and he forgot how God had cared for him for three and a half years. Fear replaced faith, and he ran for his life.
He became concerned about saving himself rather than giving himself (Mark 8:34–38; John 12:23–28). Note the sequence (chp. 19): “thy life” (v. 2), “his life” (v. 3), “my life” (v. 4). If he had said, “Take my life,” as an act of surrender to God, the Lord would have worked mightily; but his “Take my life” was a confession of pride and defeat. Beware when you think you are the only faithful one left!
God taught Elijah that He does not always work in the dramatic big events, like the contest on Mount Carmel, but that He works by means of a “still small voice,” ministries that are neither big nor loud. Elijah was not forsaken, for God was with him. He was not alone. Seven thousand people had not bowed to Baal. His work would go on. You see, God had a young man ready to take his place.
We need to obey these words: “Be not afraid; only believe” (Mark 5:36).

PBI From the Prophets - Elijah (Part 1)

Practical lessons from the prophet Elijah:

1. All life is surrounded by spiritual forces.

2. Prevailing prayer settles issues.

3. National righteousness is more important than national power.

4. No man who stands for right stands alone.

5. God does not discard us when we run away but He finds a way to revitalize and use us.

6. Sufficient physical rest and nourishment are required if we are to know, understand, and do God's will.

7. One Spirit-filled man can make a difference in a nation.

8. "Vales of trouble are separated from mountains of triumph by a few moments of prayer."

9. One is fitted for his life work by seasons of quiet meditation and waiting on God.

PBI From the Prophets - Samuel

Practical lessons of pertinent value from the prophet Samuel:

1. What a work one man can do when God controls and directs him!

2. Personal piety can never be a substitute for parental discipline (Eli).

3. It is good to listen for the voice of God (1 Sam 3) - God's Word.

4. It is just as essential to answer when He calls.

5. Obedience is better than sacrifice - but don't forget to sacrifice.

6. The value of early godly training in a godly home.

7. The happy state of the man who has lived a life above reproach.

8. God is never satisfied with partial obedience.

9. A true servant of God may be called upon to train a younger man who will overshadow him in the estimation of people.

10. It is not necessary for one to withdraw from political life in order to exert spiritual leadership.

11. Compromise with evil is expensive and deadly.

12. God can only use men who are willing to be used and only so far as they will let Him use them.

13. A child has no trouble learning the voice of God when he has been conceived in prayer and reared in the house of God.

PBI From the Prophets - Moses (cont.)

Insights from Moses continued:

10. Confidence and power come through experience and victory.

11. We are hardened for hardships by hard work.

12. The value of patience and perseverance.

13. Unbelief in God's appointed leader brings reproach on God.

14. We see ourselves as God sees us only after time spent alone with Him.

15. When God commands us to go forward He will lead the way.

16. Unselfishness is one of the chief marks of a great man (Deut. 9:18-20, 25-29).

17. A successful leader must love his people so much that he is willing to die for them.

18. God may take many years to prepare His chosen leader for a great task.

19. The importance of keeping alive the hope that "the bush will burn" for us. A great experience may be only a short way ahead.

PBI From the Prophets - Intro & Moses

It has been a while since I've posted on the PBI blog. However, a study of some of the Old Testament prophets has yielded some practical insights that I would like to begin sharing.
In order to fully grasp some of these insights, it would be helpful to overview the books which pertain to the prophets under consideration. Warren Weirsbe's concise commentaries would be an excellent source to gain this overview. Of course, your King James Bible would be the best source of information. I hope these insights will be as much of a blessing to you as they have been to me.

Moses:

1. The value of early religious training in the home (Ex. 2:7-10; Deut. 6:6-9; Ecc. 12:1).

2. Necessary qualifications for leadership.

3. The futility of trying to run ahead of God (Ex. 2:11-15).

4. The extraordinary power of intercessory prayer (Ex. 32:9-14, 31, 32; 34:9; Num. 11:2; 12:13; 14:11-24; Deut. 9:12-20, 25-30).

5. Excuses anger God (Ex. 4:13, 14).

6. Men whom God places in positions of authority are held to a strict account.

7. A heavenly light shines through the face of one who has been alone with God.

8. The penalty for disobedience and loss of temper is severe (Num. 20:12; 27:14).

9. When God calls a man He proceeds to qualify him.

(to be continued)

Why Have Standards For Church Workers? (Part 5)

HIGH STANDARDS ARE NECESSARY TO MAINTAIN THE CHURCH'S GOOD REPUTATION.

The workers and teachers represent the congregation in the eyes of the church members and the community. The church as a whole will be judged by the lives of its workers. If the community observes Sunday School teachers and youth workers from the church dressed immodestly or involved in ungodly activities, it will assume that the church accepts this. And in one sense they are correct. Even though many times the community will see nothing wrong with these low standards, seeing that more than likely, their standards may be even lower; the church's reputation is stained. If the world doesn't recognize this, other sound Baptist churches will. Oh yes, the Lord recognizes it too. If a pastor does not maintain definite and high standards for all of the church workers, he is sending the message that these matters are not important. Hence, the community hears that message loud and clear, and the testimony of that church is hurt. Of course, these things are often done without the pastor's knowledge and against his will. Members need to respect the pastor's position on standards and follow his leadership, because "they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you." (Hebrews 13:17b)

Why Have Standards For Church Workers? (Part 4)

HIGH STANDARDS ENCOURAGE AND SUPPORT THOSE WHO HAVE HIGH STANDARDS.

It is a tremendous frustration for a family to have high standards if workers in their church do not have the same kind of high standards. Likewise, if the church maintains high standards for its workers, it is a tremendous encouragement to the families who are striving to maintain good standards. It reinforces their position. Parental standards are undermined when churches allow workers with unbiblical standards to minister. The parents' job is made more difficult. This creates tremendous confusion and great potential for problems. The young people are tempted to fault their parents with being unreasonable legalists. The youth workers cannot back up the parents because they live contrary to godly standards. This makes them uncomfortable, so they are tempted to speak against those parents and label them as "legalistic," "self-righteous," "holier than thou," etc. The parents who have the higher standards can be seen as the "trouble makers" no matter how perfect their hearts are toward the Lord.

If the standards for the church are set low, it produces carnel Christians. The standards should be set at the higher, Biblical level for the purpose of discipling and bringing those with low standards up to a higher level.