Stay On The Path
Last Wednesday morning, I preached for the chapel service at Life Challenge-Flint Men’s rehab center. I always leave exhilarated in Christ after spending an hour with those guys, who are courageously fighting against addiction with the power of God. From the text of 2 Timothy chapter 3, I drove home this idea: In the face of the world’s sinful darkness, God lights the way for His people as they continue in the truth of His Word.
There’s no denying it.
We live in a culture of increasing darkness, confusion, and death. We are hopeful and prayerful for a spiritual awakening in the world. Yet there is no mistaking our surroundings. We’re not in Mayberry anymore, folks. When you and I walk into our community, we are entering an environment largely opposed to Christ, ignorant of God’s grace, and antagonistic toward His truth.
So how will we stay on the path… when the way is dark, lonely, and dangerous? First, I’d encourage you to read through Paul’s instructions in 2 Timothy 3. Look for the three vital imperatives that rise to the surface. Second, take a moment to ruminate on the 7 Non-Negotiables provided below. Thumb through the Bible verses given with each point. Years back, Dennis Rainey, preached the commencement address at my graduation service from Dallas Theological Seminary. He concluded his message with these simple yet powerful life-keys. Since that day, I’ve kept a small laminated copy of his list in my wallet and often refer to it when facing discouragement, confusion, or temptation.
Something to Chew On…
The 7 Non-Negotiables – by Dennis Rainey
- Seek God – Not sin (Amos 5:4, 6, 14)
- Fear God – Not men (Prov 19:23; Matt 10:28)
- Love God – Not the world (1 John 2:15-17; Matt 22:37)
- Believe God – Not the deceiver (John 8:44; 7:37-38)
- Obey God – Not your appetites (1 Cor 9:24-27)
- Serve God – Not self (Isaiah 6:8; Josh 24:14-15)
- Worship God – Not comfort (Job 13:14-16; Hab 3:17-19)
Week InREVIEW
- ONE RACE: I wrote a brief article last Monday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which included this prayer: “Lord God, our Father in Heaven, may Your name and power be made famous across the earth. May people from every language bow to your reign and rejoice in Your uniting, healing, and redeeming grace. I pray the local church I serve, Mayfair Bible Church, will exemplify Your design, displaying a mosaic of multi-ethnicity to the praise of Your Son. Guard us from the lies of the dividing deceiver, Satan. Protect us from the temptation to lean our hearts toward spiritual pride. Unite us in a love that is only perfected by Your Truth. May Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven, through Christ the Reconciler, I pray, Amen.” Read the rest of the article by clicking HERE: ONE RACE.
- THE WISH OF DEATH: Most of you are probably aware of the decision by New York’s governor to significantly expand provisions for abortion – even up to moments before an infant’s delivery. God offers full healing and forgiveness for those who have made the decision to abort a baby. But let’s also be clear: the hands of those who cheered, lauded, and signed the most recent murderous bill in New York will one day stand before the holy and righteous Judge. May they cry out to Christ for mercy and repent of their wickedness before it’s too late. The heart of God pleads with His people: “This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him.” (Deuteronomy 30:19-20) For those of you who are looking for more biblical and bioethical argumentation, here’s a research article I wrote on the sanctity of life: Click HERE: The Spark of Life and the Wish of Death.
- American Churches are at a Tipping Point: Dr. Thom Rainer (President of LifeWay) is persistently in the field with churches just like Mayfair. This week, he wrote a very important piece: “If current trajectories continue, American churches will pass a tipping point. Our congregations will begin a likely unstoppable path toward decline that will rival many European churches of the past century. If there is not a significant movement of revitalization, there will be an accelerated rate of decline and death.” Continue reading HERE: American Churches are at a Tipping Point.
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