A Spiritual Calling

(1 Sam 2:29) Why do you scorn my sacrifice and offering that I prescribed for my dwelling? Why do you honor your sons more than me by fattening yourselves on the choice parts of every offering made by my people Israel?'

(1 Sam 2:25) If a man sins against another man, God may mediate for him; but if a man sins against the LORD, who will intercede for him?" His sons, however, did not listen to their father's rebuke, for it was the Lord's will to put them to death.

(1 Sam 3:12-14) 12At that time I will carry out against Eli everything I spoke against his family--from beginning to end. 13For I told him that I would judge his family forever because of the sin he knew about; his sons made themselves contemptible, and he failed to restrain them. 14Therefore, I swore to the house of Eli, 'The guilt of Eli's house will never be atoned for by sacrifice or offering.'"

I am forced to contemplate my own use of God’s resources. I hope that I would never be involved in the grievous sins of Hophni and Phinehas; extortion against worshipers, stealing their meat before they could sacrifice it and sleeping with women trying to give themselves to the Lord (or any women besides my wife). However, I still see how serious a sin God considers it to use any spiritual position or trust God has given to take advantage of others influenced by our words and actions.
Eli’s words are so wise in 2:25. Especially hopeless is a priest, who serves as a kind of mediator between men and God and offends God. Thankfully, today we have Christ as a mediator who will never extort, mislead, or take advantage for personal gain. So, should those who minister before the lord in a specific way still be held to a higher standard? (Luke 12:48, James 3:1) Yes! We are also only human, but God takes very seriously the actions of those who have spiritual influence.
Eugene Peterson wrote, “Culture has a fairly high regard for pastors as custodians of moral order.” If there is a large contrast between the message and the messenger, the message will be rendered null and void. How tragic if messengers of God’s word portray His message void! If we are going to preach it and teach it, we should live it. I fear some are afraid to proclaim the radical life of Christ because they are not willing to live it out. Is this me?
Intimidating? Yes! Paul asked, “…who is equal to such a task? (2 Cor. 2:16b) Then, he answers his own rhetorical question a few verses later, “...but our competence comes from God.” (2 Cor. 3:5b) If God has called you to this, He will give you what you need to accomplish His purpose. He will give you the tools to live the message He wants proclaimed. Albeit not perfectly, but consistent enough as to enhance the message and not hinder it. He asks for a willing servant.
What a commentary that the sins of Hophni and Phinehas were so heinous before God that He proclaimed, “Therefore, I swore to the house of Eli, 'The guilt of Eli's house will never be atoned for by sacrifice or offering.'" (1 Sam. 3:14) God will fight for His own, even if we are the ones in the way.
May all those given a spiritual calling in any capacity take that task seriously. Ministers, parents, elders, teachers, deacons, older siblings – all Christians have been given this calling. “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do.” (1 Peter 1:15)
God bless you in your calling.

A Simple Commission

I think a lot of people are intimidated to evangelize because you have to know the next step. It may be easy to engage a non-Christian in a conversation about Christ, but then what? What if I don't know the answers?

Jesus gave a very simple outline for simple evangelism in Matthew 28:19-20.

First, He said "Go."
If we are truly salt and light like he commands (Mat. 5:13-14) then when we go, people will see Christ in us. To be salt and light we need to first live the example of Christ out in the open. Second we need to talk about how Christ makes the difference in our lives.

Second, He said "Make Disciples"
The word for disciples in the original language means "students" or "pupils." I wonder, "students of who?" Of Christ! Point people asking questions to the Word. Some non-Christians what to ask calculus questions or challenges when they don't yet know arithmetic. Before we should try to answer questions about complicated doctrines - there should be a foundation of Jesus. I find it effective to start by directing them to the book of Mark or another of the four Gospels. Mark is the shortest and so often the least intimidating. The story of Jesus is convicting. Since "evangelism" is sharing the "good news" and the "good news" is about Jesus - point to him. Do whatever you can to get them into the word - therein lie the answers.

Third, He said "Baptize"
This is a call for commitment. Most people come to a point when they simply need to be asked "Are you ready to commit your life to Christ?" Even Paul required the nudge in Acts 22:16. Baptism requires more than just water. As Peter says in Acts 2:38, baptism is preceded by repentance (a redirection of the mind and life). Later, in 1 Pet. 3:21 he describes baptism as a pledge of a good conscience toward God. Baptism is the culmination of a process - giving one's self to Christ. When someone is ready to make that commitment, look through Acts with them to see how believers give themselves to Christ - keep it in the word and out of opinion.

Finally, He said "Teach"
"Teach them to obey everything I have commanded." We all need follow-up. In Matthew 12:43-45 Jesus said that when an evil spirit leaves a person, it returns. All Christians are attacked by the demons of temptation. It is okay to hold each other accountable. When we became Christians we said "I want to live the way Jesus wants me to live (He is Lord of my life)." Therefore, it is right and good for Sisters and Brothers in Christ to help protect each other from temptations. We can't do that if we are not involved in each other's lives. If you have been through the "Great Commission" process with someone, you have likely discussed things in their life (and in yours) that need to change. You have the foundation to follow up with accountability. Also, this is a great time to discuss more complicated doctrinal issues as we all grow in our understanding of the finer points of Christianity.

Jesus said in Matthew 11:29 to learn from Him. We don't have to have all the answers. We can simply go back and read the gospel with someone and let it speak for itself. Every time I go to scripture with a non Christian (and Christians too) I ask the questions 1. What does this passage teach me about God and Christ?, 2. What does this teach me about myself and God's relationship with me?, and 3. What changes do I need to make to be more like Jesus?

Jesus said "Go," "Disciple," "Baptize," and "Teach." It's a pretty simple formula.
Do you have the courage to carry it out?

Lifehouse skit

The link below is for a skit that has been reproduced in youth groups across the nation. The message is so clear and confrontational. I have shown it to grown men and watched them sob at the reality of its message.

The one I've linked to is not the original, but I think one of the better adaptations from the original.

God Bless

http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=d5facecd0a4039c6494e