Tag: God

Understanding Your Idols

On By Dr. Casey LewisIn Devotionals3 Comments

Are you aware that there are two types of idols present in our lives? One is more evident than the other. However, the one that is less evident is the one controlling everything. The two types of idols I am referring to are “Deep Idols” and “Surface Idols” [1].

Deep Idols

Some “Deep Idols” we may have in our lives are a desire for (1) Influence and Power, or a craving for (2) Appreciation and Approval. Others may be (3) emotional and physical Comfort, or a desire for (4) Security and Control [2]. One of these categories is typically more prevalent in our life and is our “Deep Idol.” They control our actions and desires, and are often hidden well by those who are enslaved by them.

Surface Idols

“Surface Idols” are things such as our house, money, sex, possessions, our spouse, or our children [3]. The purpose of these “Surface Idols” is to appease and satisfy our deeper idols [4]. This means eradicating our “Surface Idols” may not always rid us of our “Deep Idols.” As a result, we must work to understand the different between “Deep Idols” and “Surface Idols”, and seek change at the deepest level.

Example

Surface Idol = Money

Deep Idol = Power or Approval or Comfort or Control

People will tend to use money as a means to gain power and influence people. Others will use money as a means to gain approval from the world. Still some will use money as a means to gain comfort, living a lavish lifestyle. While others may save all their money because they are seeking to satisfy their desire for control and security [5].

The Gospel

Only the Gospel can break the hold these “Deep Idols” have on us. When we understand the Gospel, we will no longer have a desire to obtain power and influence because we will see others as made in God’s image, not pawns in our own chess game. We no longer are stingy with out money because we see the grace God pours out on us as a result of the cross, remembering that Christ gave up everything and became poor, so we might live. In the Gospel, we also recognize that God is the only one in control of this chaotic world, allowing us to feel secure knowing whatever happens is the result of God’s plan, not our own. Lastly, in the Gospel we seek comfort in God, not in a lavish lifestyle, realizing only in Him will we find true and lasting comfort since only He is eternal and true [6].

Conclusion

We all have idols, some of our idols are “Deep Idols” and some of our idols are “Surface Idols.” When we are aware there are two types of idols, we will not be satisfied to rid ourselves of our “Surface Idols” only. Rather, we will want to tunnel down deep into our heart to see which idol we have more of a propensity toward, and rid our “Deep Idol” from our lives. While some of us may have more of a propensity toward Power, some Control, while others Approval, and still others Comfort, we can be assured that by applying the Gospel to our lives, we can rid ourselves of these idols.

Resource

[1] Timothy Keller, Counterfeit Gods: The Empty Promises of Money, Sex, and Power, and the Only Hope that Matters,64.
[2] Ibid.
[3] Ibid., 65.
[4] Ibid.
[5] Ibid., 66.
[6] Ibid., 67-68.

Image: Sura Nualpradid / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Are You a Witness to the World?

On By Dr. Casey LewisIn Devotionals, EvangelismLeave a comment

Unity amongst believers, even in the face of persecution, has a direct bearing on our witness to the world. Paul in Philippians 1:27-30 says,

“Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have. ” (Php 1:27–30)

Paul tells us the way we live should be worthy of the gospel of Christ. The purpose of such living is to be a witness to the world. In order to understand how this works out, let us look at what Paul is telling us to do.

A Unified Front

As believers, Paul desires we stand firm in one spirit, striving side by side for the faith of the gospel. In other words, Paul is telling us to have the same intent (spirit) and same feelings (mind), which is to see the gospel message spread to the world.

The Opposition and Suffering

As we stand unified in our spirit and mind, striving side by side for the gospel, we are not to be frightened by those who oppose us. It is only natural that we will be opposed, and Paul even tells us it has been granted to us, by God, that we face persecution. He tells us the same God, who granted us our salvation, also granted us to suffer for Christ’s sake.

Why is this so?

When we stand unified and strive together for the gospel message, even in the face of persecution and suffering, we prove our salvation and Christianity to be true, because the only way we can stand strong is through the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives (Phil. 1:19-20). We also prove the message of those attacking us to be false.

Conclusion

So then, through our collective desire to see the gospel message spread and our willingness to suffer for the sake of Christ, we act as a sign of destruction for those who oppose Christianity. Meaning Christians do not face persecution without reason, it actually is granted to us by God to suffer for Christ’s sake, so that we can be a witness to the world for the gospel message.

Image: dan / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Interestingness

On By Dr. Casey LewisIn InterestingnessLeave a comment

Here are some articles and videos from around the web that I found interesting this week. Check them out, and let me know your thoughts.

A Meal With Jesus

Tim Chester’s book is reviewed by Shelley Bingham over at The Gospel Coalition. Here is a little of what the book is about:

Chester’s main burdens in this book are: to explain the startling significance of Christ’s desire to eat with sinners and Pharisees alike; to reveal the deeper spiritual realities that these shared meals with Christ point to; and to encourage us as Christians to make sharing meals an integral part of our fellowship with others, so as to regularly enact and reflect upon the grace that Christ so freely gave to us.

You can read the full review by clicking here.

Make God’s Word Your Thing

Make God’s Word Your ‘Thing’ from The Gospel Coalition on Vimeo.

What Do the Religions Teach About God?

The Resurgence put out  a great article about different religions and their teachings on God. Check it out here.

The Culture of Death

In a recent article, Al Mohler highlights how some cities are cracking down on and attacking the work of Crisis Pregnancy Centers. You can read it here.

Business Practices and the Church

9Marks did an excellent interview with John Hardin about his dissertation regarding the history of business practices in the church. This is a great discussion that will help you to see the necessity to think through different methodologies you may be considering introducing to your church. You can listen by clicking here.

Count the Cost

I Know Their Sorrows

On By Dr. Casey LewisIn Devotionals1 Comment

It has been a while since we have had a dose of Spurgeon. Here is something I came across this in Morning and Evening. It is good stuff, and I wanted to share.

“I know their sorrows” (Exodus 3:7).

The child is cheered as he sings, “This my father knows.” We will be comforted when we realize that our dear Friend and tender Husband of our soul knows all about us.

He is the Physician

If He knows all, there is no need that the patient should know. Hush, fluttering heart, which is always prying, peeping, and suspecting! The things that you do not know now, you will understand hereafter. Jesus, the beloved Physician, knows your soul in adversities. Why should the patient analyze all the medicine or ponder all the symptoms? This is the physician’s work, not mine. It is my business to trust, and his to prescribe. If he writes his prescription in characters which I cannot read, I will not be uneasy on that account. Rather, I will rely upon his unfailing skill to make all clear in the result, however mysterious in the working.

He is the Master

We are to obey, not to judge. “The servant knoweth not what his lord doeth” (John 15:15). Shall the architect explain his plans to every construction worker on the site? If he knows his own intent, is it not enough? The vessel on the potter’s wheel cannot guess to what pattern it shall be conformed. But if the potter understands his art, what does the ignorance of the clay matter? My Lord must not be questioned any longer by one so ignorant as I am.

He is the Head

All understanding centers there. What judgment has the arm? What comprehension has the foot? Why should the member have a brain of its own when the head fulfills for it every intellectual duty? Sweet Lord, be the eye soul, and head for us. Let us be content to know only what You choose to reveal.

Resource

Charles Spurgeon, Morning and Evening, August 14 Evening Reading

Is Your Worship Acceptable To God?

On By Dr. Casey LewisIn Practical2 Comments

Do you worship God with a pure heart, or do you just go through the motions of the Christian life? Attending church because your wife, husband, boyfriend, girlfriend, parent, or child wants you to. Reading your Bible because you feel it is what you are supposed to do. You may even sing in the choir, or serve the church as a deacon, but if your service and actions are not the result of a heart broken and contrite before the Lord, one whose affections have changed from the world and self, to God, then you are no better than the Israelites in the time of Amos.

Amos

God called Amos from his shepherding duties in the field to prophesy against Israel. At this time, Israel had no desire to obey God’s commandments, nor worship Him from a pure heart. Instead of providing for the poor and widowed, they exploited them. Instead of honest and fair business practices, they rigged their scales in their favor, so they could make an extra few dollars with each purchase. Instead of processing their wheat like they should have, they sold the chaff, in order to make more money. Instead of worshipping God alone, they also sacrificed to other gods. It is no wonder God said to them:

“I hate, I despise your feasts, and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies. Even though you offer me your burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them; and the peace offerings of your fattened animals, I will not look upon them. Take away from me the noise of your songs; to the melody of your harps I will not listen. But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. ” (Am 5:21–24)

Isaiah

Amos’ prophesy was nothing new. Isaiah had prophesied the same before him:

“When you come to appear before me, who has required of you this trampling of my courts? Bring no more vain offerings; incense is an abomination to me. New moon and Sabbath and the calling of convocations— I cannot endure iniquity and solemn assembly. Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hates; they have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them. When you spread out your hands, I will hide my eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not listen; your hands are full of blood. Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes; cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause. ” (Is 1:12–17)

Conclusion

We find out in Psalm 51:16-17 that God’s desire is not for us to simple go through the motions. He wants us to worship Him with a heart that is broken and contrite. Our motives for worship must be pure and our heart must be truly repentant. God does not desire actions that look righteous to others; rather, He desires that our actions stem from a heart that is truly affectionate toward Him, one desiring to worship Him and Him alone. If we do otherwise, we are no better than the Israelites and we will be rejected by the Lord. Outward actions may fool the men around you, but they will not fool an all-knowing God.

Further Reading

After considering your life and actions you may be wondering if you are a Christian. If so, you might consider reading one of my earlier posts entitled: How Do You Know You are a Christian? You can do so by clicking here.

Community: Why is it important?

On By Dr. Casey LewisIn Church Life, PracticalLeave a comment

Biblical Mandate for Community

Members of the church have a biblical mandate to assemble in community with one another. The writer of Hebrews says,

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. ” (Heb 10:24–25)

According to Hebrews, church members need to be consistently meeting together, in order to encourage one another, and to stir each other up to love and good works. If this is the case, why do people often not assimilate into communities?

Assimilation Problems

Several problems exist as to why members do not actively participate in the church’s community:

1) Individualism – A lot of church members are individualistic believing they can change by themselves.

2) Compartmentalism – Most people tend to compartmentalize their lives having a church life, work life, and family life. These are all kept separate and one compartment is not to interfere with the other.

3) Busyness – Almost all Americans are busy some families may want to participate, but they are too busy to do so. The “I am too busy” excuse means living in community with other Christians is not important.[1]

4) Consumerism – Most Americans are consumerists they come to church in order to get, but are not willing to give. They are content sitting in the pew week after week because they have been conditioned by society to consume and shop around instead of plugging in and getting involved.

All of these problems tell us many church members do not see the value of living in community with one another or being involved in the church. They do not understand why it is necessary for their Christian growth and their ability to reach the community for Christ.

The Value of Community

Even though many church members do not see the value of living in community with one another, I am convinced community is necessary for growth to occur in our spiritual lives. These communities are much more than fellowship clubs, even though fellowship is important and necessary for the spiritual growth of the community. These groups (read also ministries) are to be Authentic Gospel-Centered Missional Communities, which have a dual purpose of both speaking into the lives of its participants and reaching the community for Christ. As these communities study Scripture together and begin to increase in their affections for their Savior (upreach), they will want to serve others in the group, as well as seek to rid sin out of their own lives, while helping others in the group do the same (inreach). When upreach and inreach are taking place, the desire to take up God’s mission of reaching neighborhoods and the world with the gospel will begin to increase and take shape (outreach).

In order for these communities to grow in their affections for their Savior, the gospel needs to be proclaimed and studied in-depth, understanding its content and how it comes to bear on the individual’s life. When one understands what Christ has done for them and how they fit into God’s plan, their affections for their Savior will grow.

As their affections grow, they will desire to rid their lives of sin, because they realize that their desires do not match Christ’s desires. I focus on desires here because they stem from the heart, which is the real cause of man’s sin. Pumping different information into man’s mind does not necessarily cause change in one’s life. Rather, the desires of man need to be changed. The only way that will occur is through the work of the Holy Spirit in a person’s life. Before one can seek change, they need to first recognize their wrong desires, which happens through the teaching of the Word in their community. Second, false desires are rid from ones life through prayer and the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives.

As man seeks to align himself with Christ’s desires, he will then take up God’s mission, which is to reach the world with the gospel.

Here is where community comes in. In order for men to understand that their desires are different than their Saviors, they need a group of people who are allowed to probe their heart, dig deep, understand their sins, and surface the desires that lie behind those sins. This can only happen if members are committed to regularly attending a group where they allow its members to probe their hearts, challenge them, speak into their lives with the gospel, and pray for them.

Conclusion

I am convinced it is important that we live in community with one another. The Bible, in more than one place, talks about us as a family, and in Hebrews we are commanded to gather together with the purpose of stirring one another up in love and good works. If we do not come together, then we are living as an estranged brothers and sisters, as a dysfunctional family who only sees each other on major holidays. This type of living is one thing the church simply cannot afford. We cannot afford it because authentic community is necessary to reveal our own sinful desires and root those desires out, which happens through Bible study, prayer, and walking alongside one another. If we never get together, these things will not happen. As well as God’s mission will not be advanced through our church, which is to reach the world for Christ. So my challenge to you is to make time for your church family, get off the sidelines and get involved in one another’s lives and God’s mission.

[1]Brian Hedges, Christ Formed in You: The Power of the Gospel For Personal Change, 239-42.