Pastor John Burke’s “A Life Worth Living” Series
Hi folks – long time no blog, right?
Well, I’m getting back to spending some time on this blog – people are reading the passages and finding comfort in God’s Word here, so I’ll be posting more encouraging scriptures over the coming weeks.
In the mean time, I’d like to share some of Pastor John Burke’s new series from the last few services, “A Life Worth Living”:
Message from 01/04/2009: “A Life of Character”
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Message from 01/11/2009: “A Life of Meaning”
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Spiritual Comfort from Scripture on Politics for Uncertain Political Times
“2 Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. 4 For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.”
- Romans 13:2-4 (New International Version, bold mine)
Wow, did you realize there is a promise in scripture that our rulers are servant’s of God whose purpose is to do us good and bring punishment on people who do evil?
That’s a far cry from what we hear all the time in the popular media, isn’t it?
Yet, God is in control, 110% of the time. He has a plan, and it is working to bring good to those who love Him and are called to His purpose:
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28, NIV (bold mine)
Of course, this doesn’t mean that we should just blindly accept everything our leaders do. Instead, we must accept that God has a purpose for putting leaders into place, and we should trust that the Lord knows exactly what He is doing when He does… even when leaders are seemingly in opposition to what God commands.
There is a peace to be had when we submit to the will of God in this way, as we learn to trust in Him more fully.
So, trust God enough to honor your elected leaders according to the laws of your country.
And, instead of criticizing them, let’s pray for them, that God grants them wisdom and a willing heart to listen to His call.
Second Message in Pastor John Burke’s Series on Feeling Alone and Connecting With Others
The message John shared yesterday at Gateway Church was really worth a listen.
If you have hurts in your past due to family issues (who doesn’t) you’ll want to listen to this message titled, “Nobody Stands Alone: A New Kind of Family” (click below to listen to the streaming audio):
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If you want to listen to more of the recent messages from the pastors at Gateway, just go to www.GatewayChurch.com.
Christian Fiction and Spiritual Warfare – Putting on The Full Armor of God…
So, I recently started reading Jack Cavanaugh’s “Kingdom Wars
More than just entertaining me for a few idle hours, the books got me thinking about the entire realm of spiritual warfare that goes on all around us while we remain mostly oblivious…
“10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his great power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can fight against the devil’s evil tricks. 12 Our fight is not against people on earth but against the rulers and authorities and the powers of this world’s darkness, against the spiritual powers of evil in the heavenly world. 13 That is why you need to put on God’s full armor. Then on the day of evil you will be able to stand strong. And when you have finished the whole fight, you will still be standing. 14 So stand strong, with the belt of truth tied around your waist and the protection of right living on your chest. 15 On your feet wear the Good News of peace to help you stand strong. 16 And also use the shield of faith with which you can stop all the burning arrows of the Evil One. 17 Accept God’s salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times with all kinds of prayers, asking for everything you need. To do this you must always be ready and never give up. Always pray for all God’s people.” – Ephesians 6:10-18, New Century Version (Bold and italics mine)
In the second book, the above Bible passage plays a pivotal role in the story. Of course, you’ll have to read it to find out how – trust me, it’s worth the read.
Despite that the books are fiction, the story serves as a cogent reminder that all we see is not all there is; further, it reminded me how important it is to truly put on the full armor of God, every single day.
Do yourself a favor and pick up Mr. Cavanaugh’s excellent books… I’m sure you’ll be both entertained by the story he spins, as well as inspired to look a bit deeper into spiritual warfare in scripture, as well.
And for practical teachings on spiritual warfare for Christians, check out Spiritual Warfare in a Believer’s Life
Christ Offers Rest for the Weary and Burdened – Words of Spiritual Encouragement
Jesus told us in no uncertain terms that we would have troubles in this world. Yet, as is typically the case when Christ gives us bad news, He couples it with Good News that far outweighs the bad.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33 (NIV, bold and italics mine)
Of particular note to those of us who need encouragement is the fact that Christ defeated the “evil one” at the cross. Christ died for our sins, so that we would no longer stand accused because of our sin. In short, Christ took our shame away.
I know it’s hard to think of spiritual things when you’re hurting so much in the here and now. That being said, if you are troubled about things that are going on in your life right now, just remember what Jesus did at the cross, and know that you have a Savior who loves you so much He died for you.
And, Jesus desperately wants to have a relationship with you, so He can ease your sorrow:
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” – Matthew 11:28-29 (NIV)
Want to know more? A good place to start would be to read the individual study guide at WayofChrist.info – it’s free, and it will help you understand more about Jesus and what salvation in Christ really means.
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