Archive for January, 2018

Wise as Serpents – Part 1

Thursday, January 25th, 2018

When I think of serpents, more so in a Biblical context, I most commonly think about the enemy’s involvement with humanity, his deception and his hatred for the people of God, the imagery of his work in the garden, or maybe his involvement through those who worked so hard to destroy Jesus. Jesus often called out the hypocrites and referred to them as a “den of vipers.”
But on one particular occasion, Jesus told his disciples to simulate characteristics commonly displayed by serpents. “Be wise as serpents,” He said.

Snakes display patience and strength when placed in a difficult encounter. They never seek out a fight, yet are, I think, clever in their response to confrontation. In our personal lives, and on the world stage, christians are coming under fire more and more each day. Christianity has become the most persecuted religion world-wide in the past two years. Clearly we are being backed further and further into a corner by the work of the enemy. Yet, how are we to respond? Or maybe a better question would be, who are we really?

On the world stage, it is very easy to spot those who are able to stand against the tactics and propaganda of a power-hungry media, coupled with their counterpart in politics. It is those that are well-learned, who choose to believe that their beliefs are worth knowing and understanding well, instead of being bullied, these men and women are causing their assailants to step back and realize they have no answers for the wisdom they have spoken.
Could it be that this may be the answer to common attacks in our personal lives? Studying, searching, seeking, and being prepared to answer. We have the words of life and we should always continue to learn, never stop drawing from the one who holds every answer to any question. Do not think that you are not able. For because of Christ, we are able.

The Israelites allowed themselves to be fooled out of serving the true God as they took on other belief systems. God spoke to them through the prophet Isaiah, “My people are destroyed by a lack of knowledge.”

Let our story speak to the world today that our fate was not because of our ignorance, but our successes were because our words answered the difficult questions of our time. Our words confounded those who thought they were wise and our words brought light to a dark world and changed the world that we were given to change.

Please prayerfully consider giving towards our ministry.
Our church website (tax deductible): http://vccalbany.com/online-giving/

Or PayPal:  http://paypal.me/goinstobrazil

~Chad

Wise as Serpents – Part 2

Tuesday, January 2nd, 2018

“Wisdom is justified of her children” ~ Luke 7:35
Jesus spoke these words, not about true wisdom that comes from God, but rather a wisdom that only appears to be wisdom. Or in other words, it is a perception of the world only with the simple shallow look or view tainted by our own agendas. A good example might include the desire to take the easy road, which at times, might seem best. Or that of having a mind not to offend others, maybe for the purpose of not creating for ourselves a difficult encounter. I do not enjoy hurting other people’s feelings, yet telling the truth may cause unfavorable results.
More and more commonly today I see the body of Christ bowing to worldly views, accepting ideas that are clearly in opposition to the Word of God. One such idea would be that all belief systems can be compatible, that we are all seeking the same purpose and the same God, but only in different ways. If this were true, then what was the reasoning behind God giving the command to have no other gods before Him? And why was Israel and other nations disciplined for serving these other gods? And why did every prophet warn vehemently against serving these other gods? Of course it would be easier to just accept the belief system the world demands and we could simply relax in the flow of conformity to political correctness.
The Prince of Peace once said, “Do not think that I came to bring peace, but a sword.” His actions reflected this idea and it cost Him His life here on earth. His words, that Christians sometimes worry will offend in today’s culture, offended in the culture on the day in which they were spoken. Why? Because He was confronting what was not right and they hated Him for it. Jesus taught us that if they hated Him, they would hate us also.
If we are “wise as serpents,” we will not be fooled by enemy tactics. Serpents never ignore potential threats, nor let down their guard against an enemy that intends to destroy them. We must always see the enemy for who he is and know that our families, our friends, and our world must be guarded faithfully. As the tempest rages, would it be wise to call out, “All is well and there is nothing to be concerned for?” Can we enjoy the view and ignore the cries of people who are devoured by a relentless enemy? Or must we speak up for the helpless and make a genuine effort to bring a stop to their destruction?
I would like to visit one account of a faithful hero from Scripture. Daniel and all the wise men of Babylon were seemingly up a creek without a paddle. There was truly no reasonable way to answer the king’s request and tell him what his dream was, let alone interpreting it. Keep in mind that the entire predicament was not stirred up by an enemy attack, but by the Prince of Peace Himself. The king was given a dream by God and God’s intent was completely for the good of their time. Yet the king’s troubled heart could only seek within the realm of what he knew. What was truly astounding was Daniel’s immediate response. He and his close trusted friends instantly reached for the throne. The throne of the One who is all wise, all knowing, the One who cannot fail. Read the story for yourself in Daniel 2.
God used Daniel to reveal the answer to the most difficult question of their time, and because he was unwilling to go along with the wisdom of the day, he and his friends turned to the answer of all ages. If we are faithful to the call, we will come under fire and will experience great opposition. It is even possible we could lose our lives for His sake. Or maybe prove God and His perfect will to a world that is desperately in need!
It is important that the gospel that goes out is always at full potency. Scripture tells us that Christ is a stumbling block and it is not our job to ease the world’s ability to accept it. A cheapened gospel will not reach the world, it rather has the potential of deceiving them. Christ died for the lost, and in particular, a great deal of His focus was a compassion and concern for the poor.
Please prayerfully consider helping us continue to reach out and meet immediate needs and share the love of Christ.

Our church website (tax deductible): http://vccalbany.com/online-giving/give-online/

Or Paypal:  http://paypal.me/goinstobrazil

~Chad