Church History: The Secret of Success

Why bother to study Church history? For the same reason we study World History and American History and human history in general – to know where and whom we came from and to learn from their successes and failures. The early centuries of Christianity were exceedingly fruitful. We need to discover again their “secrets” to success.
The most obvious secret is their deep conviction that the gospel was true. That man was condemned and had no hope of rescuing themselves. That Jesus, the Son of God came from heaven to earth as a baby, grew to a man who lived a perfect sinless life and died, taking the sins of all mankind with Him to the grave. That He rose again, appeared to hundreds of people, and ascended to the right hand of God in heaven. Those who believe the gospel to the marrow of their bones will declare it. They can’t help it – it just bubbles forth like lava from a volcano.
Another insight we gain from church history is the practical expression of love among Christians. They took to heart Jesus’ command to “Love one another as I have loved you” (Jn 13:34). It was a different kind of love – a selfless, generous, genuine love that stood out in the world. Tertullian said that the pagans remarked, “See how these Christians love one another.” Christians who were filled with the love of Christ expressed that love in practical ways within the church and without.
And strangely, persecution watered the soil of many souls. Huge crowds gathered to watch Christians meet their death in the colosseums of Rome, drawn by the thrill of blood and gore. But the courage, faith, and Joyful disposition of the martyrs pierced their own hearts so that many of the onlookers came away as believers in Jesus Christ.
Now look at the witness of the church today. Are we still convinced that the gospel is true? Are we living out the command of Jesus to love one another? And what of persecution? Here in the U.S., it is largely a minor matter, but in other places in the world, it is life and death. In either case, how we respond to persecution can speak louder than anything we say. And we dare not leave out the presence of the Holy Spirit who is the power behind it all. Are you filled with the Spirit, Beloved? Then be bold, be loving, and be brave. The lost world is watching. Be a witness to someone today.

Doctrines of the Faith: The Spirit and the Unbeliever

We’ve considered the work of the Holy Spirit in creation and in the believer, but how does the Holy Spirit work with the unbeliever? The Spirit has one chief responsibility regarding the unregenerate person: conviction. Jesus said, “When [the Spirit of God] comes, He will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment” (John 16:8-9). The word “convict” means to refute something or someone with a suggestion of shame. And that is the heart of the matter. Shame has become the enemy. But sin is shameful. The Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin by calling it what it is: something to be ashamed of.

Perhaps now you see the problem. Our culture has made sin something to be proud of, something to celebrate, and something to hold up as the highest goal for humanity. Those who are caught up in sinful lifestyles are told there is nothing to be ashamed of. Any message from the church that even hints at the shame of sin is shot down. Honestly, I would expect that from a world that is under the devil’s control (1 Jn 5:19).

Unfortunately, the church is falling right in step. Many churches are doing away with the conviction of sin. There is no shame. And that is to humanity’s detriment. Paul explained it like this: “Where there is no law there is no transgression” (Rom 4:15). When the church refuses to preach and teach the truth about sin, the world reasons that there is no such thing. Thus, they feel no shame for their actions. Shame is not a weapon, it is an arrow that points sinners to the cross.

One other way the Holy Spirit convicts of sin is through Christians. No, not bashing people over the head with the Bible or pointing self-righteous fingers in their faces. Christians convict unbelievers of sin by living holy lives. The truth is, a faithful Christian doesn’t have to say a word to bring about the Spirit’s conviction. The contrast between light and dark is obvious. Paul said, “God did not call us to be impure, but to live holy lives” (1 Thess 4:7). Lives that stand out. Why do you think the world hates true believers? Why do you think satan is working so hard to make the church look like the world?

The question is, are you and I helping the Spirit’s cause or hurting it? Beloved, what does your life say?

Acts: The End?

As we bring the book of Acts to a close, Paul and company wash ashore on the island of Malta. They are met with kindness and a warm fire. Paul, gathering firewood, is bitten by a viper, an extremely venomous snake. This is certain death, but Paul shakes the snake from his hand and has no ill effects from the bite. The islanders were amazed and assumed that Paul was a god. The chief official of the island gets word of the miraculous event and welcomes the refugees to his estate. Paul heals the man’s father who was gravely ill and the people send them on their way, refreshed and replenished.
With favorable winds behind them, they continue their journey and the promise of Paul’s Lord is fulfilled. Paul/Saul was chosen to carry the name of Jesus to the Gentile world, including Gentile kings and emperors (9:15). He was reminded of his calling while in prison: “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify about me in Rome. (23:11). And again during the storm at sea: “Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar” (27:24). Finally promise became reality: “And so we came to Rome” (Acts 28:14).
Luke’s account in Acts does not take us into the Roman palace, but we learn that Paul indeed testified in Rome – He declared his innocence – and the gospel. He was allowed a rare measure of freedom and “Boldly and without hindrance, preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ” (28:31).
The entire book of Acts is about the power of the Holy Spirit, the sovereignty and providence of God, and the bold and devoted men and women who dedicated – and surrendered – their lives to the gospel of Jesus Christ. You and I are living in the continuing story of Acts. The work of the church is ongoing. We are granted the same Holy Spirit and have the same sovereign God guiding and guarding our steps. What is missing? Why do we not see the results they saw? Because we are not as bold and devoted to the Man, the mission, and the ministry of the gospel.
What will it take for us? The first-century church grew in spite of – or perhaps because of – persecution. The church today will grow stronger and deeper under the same conditions. It is coming. But this is not a reason for fear. It is a reason for preparation. It’s time Beloved. Get your armor on and stand up, stand up for Jesus.

Acts: What the World Doesn’t Want to Hear

Do you know why the world is filled with such hatred toward Christians? Because we are a constant reminder of their unrighteousness. I know how judgmental that sounds, and believe me, that’s not my intent. But it is the truth. And let’s be honest, some “Christians” leave a very bitter taste in people’s mouths – but I am talking about Christians who talk the talk and walk the walk as they follow in Jesus’ footprints. People like Paul. Please take a minute to read Acts 24:24-27. Remember that Paul is in custody in Caesarea, awaiting trial for accusations brought by his fellow Jews. Because of an encounter with Jesus, Paul’s life had radically changed and he devoted himself to preaching the gospel – and living it out.
Felix, who would decide his fate, found Paul’s testimony intriguing. One day he brought his wife, who was also a Jew, to hear the man speak. His topic, “righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come” stirred fear in Felix’s heart. Wonder why? Probably because his wife, Drusilla, who was a strikingly beautiful woman had, at the age of fourteen, been married to Azizus, the king of a small, insignificant Syrian state. She was unhappy in her marriage, and Felix, who was captured by her beauty, wooed her away from her husband and married her when she was sixteen. Scholars contend that she was the likely source of Felix’s information about “the Way,” and probably requested the private meeting with Paul. Little did she or Felix know what was to come.
Was Paul pointing his finger at their sin? Maybe. Maybe not. Either way, Felix was afraid and quickly dismissed Paul. Therein lies the animosity towards Christians. Paul broached the subject of righteousness, self-control, and judgment – all things a ruler who stole another man’s wife – and a sinful world – would rather not confront. Christians who speak about righteousness shine a blinding light on sin. And we don’t even have to say a word. Believers who live righteously are offensive to the world because their lives stand in sharp contrast to the darkness and wickedness of their own.
Did you notice Felix’s response to Paul’s words? “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.” Those who are lost in sin only want God when it is convenient for them. If it ever is.
Don’t let the world squelch your message of righteousness – whether spoken or lived out. Beloved, shine your light.

Advent 2023: Christmas is . . .

Despite what my family and friends claim, I love Christmas. I just don’t like what Christmas has become. Beautiful Christmas hymns give way to the ka-ching of the cash register. With all the nicely wrapped boxes, there’s no space left for the manger and the baby under our festively decorated trees. “Merry Christmas” is for sale on blankets, dishes, doormats, toilet seat covers, and ugly sweaters. Every celebrity offers their version of “songs of the season,” delivered in over-produced T.V specials. And do not get me started on cheesy “Christmas” movies. The entertainment industry has done a good job of redefining Christmas for us. Ask most people what Christmas means and the answers are usually:
“Christmas is about caring.”
“Christmas is about sharing.”
“Christmas is about family.”
Christmas, according to the secular world, is about very different things than the biblical story.
Or is it? Maybe that’s good common ground for telling the true Christmas story.
Christmas is about a God who cared enough about His lost creation to offer a rescue plan that would cost His One and Only Son His very life (John 3:16).
Christmas is about Jesus Christ who was obedient to the Father’s will to share His glory with once-sinful men (John 17:22).
Christmas is about the Father in heaven lavishing His love on us and adopting us into His family “that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1).
For all the ways that we identify Christmas, it always comes back to the Baby in a manger. But we must also look ahead to see to rest of this Baby’s life. We must see the Man on the Cross, otherwise, the story is incomplete – and that is where the culture misses the heart and soul of Christmas. This Baby came to die, otherwise we are without hope. The wise teacher had to go to the grave, else His great words have no power for us. His greatest miracle was more than healing broken bodies and casting out demons, it was rising three days after His last breath.
Beloved, when you tell the Christmas story about a God who cared and shared and calls us His own – be sure to tell the whole story about how He accomplished it all. Tell them that Christmas means more than trees and presents and bad Christmas movies. Christmas means life, forgiveness, and eternity. Above all, Christmas means love.

Acts: Tell Me the Story of Jesus

I love to hear testimonies of how people came to salvation. Some of those stories are very dramatic – being rescued out of a life of drugs, alcohol, immorality, even satanic involvement. Mine is very mild in comparison. I grew up as a church kid and was 9 years old when I accepted Jesus during VBS. I didn’t always follow in in His footsteps, especially in my teens and early adult years. But God would not let me go and in my 30s I surrendered fully to Christ and He has been my Lord ever since. I have stumbled more than a few times, but He never let me get too far away. I cannot imagine my life without Him.

Please read Acts 21:27-22:29.

Paul is now in Jerusalem and preparing to go to the temple to fulfill a vow when he is accosted by an angry mob who falsely believed he had taken Gentiles into the temple with him. Such a violent ruckus was raised that the Roman guard arrested him. Paul mounted a defense by sharing his testimony. He told of his early life under the tutelage of Gamaliel a Pharisee of great reputation. He told how, in reverence to God, he persecuted followers of the Way, the new sect of believers in Jesus. Then he shared his experience on the road to Damascus when this same Jesus appeared to him and turned his life upside down and inside out.

Paul was obedient to the Lord’s calling and when He sent him away from Jerusalem, his mission field became the Gentiles – the ones Jews considered to be unworthy of salvation. God used Paul to change the first-century world and the waves are still washing over sinners in the twenty-first century. Throughout history God always uses fallen people to reach the world for Christ – it’s the only kind of people there are. He used great religious men like Paul, Tertullian, Augustine, Martin Luther, Jonathan Edwards, John Wesley, Deitrich Bonhoeffer, and Billy Graham, to name a few. He also uses VBS and Sunday School teachers, local church preachers, street evangelists, unnamed missionaries, coworkers, neighbors, friends, family members, and yes, gray-haired grandmothers from South Alabama to spread His Gospel and declare His salvation.

Beloved, you and I have a calling and a mission to share the Gospel. If we don’t a whole generation – and every generation that follows will be lost eternally. Somebody you know needs to hear the story most precious, Sweetest that ever was heard.

“Tell Me The Story of Jesus” 1880, written by Francis J. Crosby (1820-1915) and John Sweney (1837–1899).

Acts: Receive the Holy Spirit

It is a sad truth in our churches; not everyone who claims to be a Christian is a true believer and follower of Christ. Some put up a very good front, and we’ll see an example in a couple of weeks. But some who believe themselves to be Christians are sadly wrong. Case in point: read Acts 19:1-7.

Paul traveled to Ephesus where he encountered twelve disciples – but not disciples of Jesus. A disciple is not a solely Christian concept. Disciples are learners and followers and go back in Scripture to Moses and Joshua, Eli and Samuel, and Elijah and Elisha among many others. The secular version of disciples are apprentices, learning a trade or craft from a master.

When Paul questioned the disciples, he realized they did not know fully about Jesus and life in Him. That speaks volumes to the present state of the church. They had no knowledge of the Holy Spirit. They had received “John’s baptism” but John the Baptist baptized for repentance of sins, which is the first step to full conversion to Christ. Another point at which the modern church falls flat. John was beheaded before Jesus’ death and resurrection and before the filling of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Thus, John’s disciples taught what John taught, which was true, but incomplete. Paul brought them up to speed on Jesus and they believed and “were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.” They also received the baptism – or filling – of the Holy Spirit, who comes to every true believer.

Paul would later write to the churches in Rome saying, “If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ” (Rom 8:9). How can we know if we have the Spirit of Christ? “Those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires” (v. 5). They produce the “fruit [or evidence] of the Spirit: love, Joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Gal 5:22-23). They “keep in step with the Spirit” (v. 25), and they live so as not to “grieve the Holy Spirit” (Eph 4:29). The Spirit of Christ is the mark of a true Christian.

When I meet a fellow Christian for the first time, the Holy Spirit in them and the Holy Spirit in me confirms to each of us that we are family in Christ. Beloved, don’t settle for an incomplete faith that cannot save you. Know Jesus. Be all in. And be filled with the Holy Spirit of Christ.

Follow Me

I love the way Joy follows me around the house. I love to hear her behind me, those little feet slapping on the wood floor. My heart desires to be a person worthy of being followed. And I don’t mean social media “followers.” I mean followed in the same way Paul meant it when he told the church in Corinth, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1). I want to be a model of Christ for others.  That’s a huge responsibility so I need to always be conscious of the example I am providing. I know all too well that I’m not always going to get it right. Yet even when I fail, I can model repentance and the sweet consolation of God’s forgiveness.

It is good to have Christ-like examples you can follow. Many godly women and men have played a huge part in shaping who I am as a woman, a disciple, and a witness just by the way they lived their lives. They weren’t perfect, but they have been a wonderful grace gift on my Christian path. They walked what they talked and followed the Lord in imperfect obedience. I am deeply grateful to God for them.

I want to offer you some challenges today. First, find someone who follows Christ, whose life is patterned after His, and get close to them. Learn from them. Listen to them. Pick up their holy habits. Don’t expect them to be perfect; learning to give others grace is an important part of the Christian life. Second, follow Christ so closely that others can follow you. Live your faith out loud where others can see it and can see Jesus in you. Do your best to be conscious of who may be watching you. And consider bringing someone close to you so you can help them grow. And third, – or first and foremost – follow Christ.  Mentors and seasoned saints are a blessing as we grow. But people may fail and disappoint you, Jesus never will.

I pray that I will always be a godly example for my granddaughter to follow. I pray that I can be a good example for others as they witness my life, even the slips and failures. Beloved, let’s commit to be the kind of disciples of whom people can say, “Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you” (Zechariah 8:23).

A Divine Appointment

It was a Sunday morning twelve years ago and we went to Waffle House for breakfast because we had to bug-bomb our house. We took a seat and waited for the server. And waited. And waited. If you’ve ever been to a Waffle House, you know service is always swift. We decided to leave after 15 minutes – it’s like we were invisible. We headed up the road to McDonalds, quickly placed our order, and sat down. A young man caught my eye, shivering in a corner of the restaurant. Holy Spirit spoke to my heart. “He’s cold and hungry – what are you going to do?”  

I approached and asked him if he was okay. He told me he had spent the night with a friend whose dad came home drunk and kicked him out at 4 in the morning. He had called his mom to come get him but she didn’t get off work until 9. I asked if I could buy him some breakfast. He was very grateful so we headed to the counter together. He asked for a small coffee and a muffin. I told the girl to give him a big breakfast and a large coffee instead. I sent my son out to the car to grab a jacket and sat him down at our table. He thanked me profusely with tears in his eyes. I put my hand on his shoulders and told him God had sent me there to help him. Then I looked him in the eye and said, “God loves you and sent His Son Jesus to die for you and save you and give you eternal life.” His mom drove up just then and the young man hugged and thanked me again and headed out the door.

I’m not bragging on myself. I’m piggybacking on yesterday’s devotional about God’s sovereign hand over all of the events of our lives. Think about it – He used bugs to get me out of my house that morning. I’m convinced He made us invisible to the staff at WH to get us to that exact McDonalds at that exact time to meet that particular young man. Remember Paul’s message to the Athenians in Acts 17? God determines the times and places that are set for us so that we can encounter Him.

Bugs and bad service. How like God to use the worst things to accomplish His good plans.  Beloved, always look for His hand in the good and the bad. You may be heading to a divine appointment.

How to be Saved

I was reading at the very end of Luke’s Gospel about the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus in chapter 24. Jesus appeared on the road to Emmaus and joined two disciples walking there. They talked about what had occurred in Jerusalem in recent days. They were talking about Him. But “they were kept from recognizing Him” (v. 16). He explained the prophecies from the Scriptures about Himself and joined them for a meal. “He took the bread, gave thanks, and broke it and began to give it to them.” And something happened. “Their eyes were opened and they recognized Him . . .” (vv. 30-31). Hold that thought.

A few verses later, after the two men rejoined the Eleven, Jesus appeared to them again. But they did not believe it was really Him – “because of Joy and amazement” (v. 41) – until he again joined them for a meal of broiled fish. He reminded them that He had told them these things must happen to fulfill all that had been written. Then Luke said, “He opened their mind so they could understand the Scriptures” (v. 45).

In my Bible, verses 31 and 45 are parallel to one another and I have drawn a line to connect the two because this is how the Holy Spirit works to bring people to Christ. He opens their eyes so they can recognize who Jesus is – the Son of God and He opens their minds so they can understand the truth about Him – that He is the risen Lord. Jesus also said the Holy Spirit will convict the sinner (Jn 16:8) – an act that takes place in the heart.

Paul said, “If you confess with your mouth that “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Rom 10:9). Salvation is not a decision merely based on emotion. It is the conviction that you are a sinner in need of a savior. It is recognizing and accepting Jesus as the Savior you need. And it is a conscious choice to follow Him day by day.

Is there someone you love who needs salvation? Pray that the Holy Spirit will touch their eyes, their mind, and their heart to see and know and believe. Or maybe the one who needs salvation is you. Beloved, Please reach out to me and let me share Jesus with you. It is the most important decision you will ever make.