Category: Knowing God

The Leading of the Holy Spirit

Mark Copeland wrote an extremely insightful and well explained description of what the Bible teaches about the leading of the Holy Spirit: http://executableoutlines.com/hs/hs_09.htm It describes the leading of the Spirit through the word and the implications of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Christian. In my life I have seen brethren who believe that the Holy Spirit speaks to them directly telling them what Bible passages mean, what job to take, where to live, etc. Though Francis Chan called the Holy Spirit “The Forgotten God”, He is also subject to the most misunderstanding and speculation. Scripture doesn’t give us many details of much of His work but that doesn’t stop people from attributing messages and direction to Him. (Great review of that book by Gardner Hall here: http://www.gardnerhall.com/articles/reviewForgottenGod.html note: Hall also talks about scriptural problems with Chan’s “Spirit leading” teaching).

The clear problem is that the Scriptures do not teach a direct leading of the Holy Spirit in the revelation of God’s will when we study or specific direction in our lives. There are no instructions for Christians on how to listen for the Spirit or how to discern between the message of a person’s spirit or the Holy Spirit after the period of spiritual gifts have ceased. There is no scripture addressing the consequences when we don’t move to the place or take the job as the Spirit directs (is it the same as breaking an explicit command of Scripture?–why not?). Furthermore, those who believe the Spirit speaks to them directly cannot explain how so many people who claim to be divinely led by the Spirit speak contradictory things when “God is not the author of confusion.” Where are the explicit miracles to accompany the revelation of God’s will as that which accompanied the revelation of God’s word in the Scriptures?

Many years ago I knew some people who first believed that the Spirit helped them understand God’s word and that He would set up “appointments” for them. Eventually, they became so “Spirit led” that they felt the Spirit was dictating what they should wear, where they should eat, and would give them words to say–essentially becoming puppets of the Spirit who no longer made decisions for themselves. This is a departure from the Bible description of lives transformed by the study and application of the Spirit-inspired scripture that become  spiritually discerning, kingdom focused, looking for opportunities to teach and edify, and making life choices (such as careers and where to live) in view of how the choice can glorify God.

When Christians Think Their Nation Is Wasting Away

Whether you are a citizen of the United States or another nation of the world, at times you may look at the choices of your fellow citizens and feel that the nation is wasting within and interpret events such as election results and natural disasters as the punishment of God on the wicked. It could be, for who can know the mind of God. But it may be that other purposes are being accomplished.

As I’ve written before, I do believe God rules in the kingdoms of men.  However, I think that while one cannot rule out that a particular natural disaster may be God calling some to repentance, we also cannot rule out that it may just be the product of the natural laws that God put in place when He created this world. In a series on God and suffering, I addressed this (particularly in the second article)

A question from my young friend Dana about the trends towards wickedness in the United States prompted my thoughts on this subject. In particular, could God allow America (or any other country) to elect leaders who encourage ungodly practices?

Since we ultimately trust that God rules in the kingdoms of men one can interpret certain outcomes as punishment on a people, but those outcomes could also serve other functions.

  • A preacher friend suggested that if the US falls, perhaps it will demonstrate the foolishness of building a government on humanistic wisdom.  When a nation builds on a foundation that does not incorporate the principles of God’s word, it can be our Tower of Babel so to speak. Those who know me well understand that I love history and two periods in particular: ancient history and the establishment of America. It is easy to get me to watch a documentary on the American Revolution and I would be hard pressed to pass on an opportunity to visit a historical site from that period. Yet, for all the mentions of God and providence by the founding fathers, the revolution was also a product of Enlightenment humanism. And while I will not complain about the formation and principles of our government, when we seek to establish a nation whose citizenry embrace the works of the flesh more than the fruits of the Spirit and “put their trust in chariots and horses (Psalm 20:7),” we should not be surprised when it weakens from within. It may be the punishment of God but it can also be the consequences of wickedness that is part of God’s order (i.e., Proverbs 5:21-23).
  • If our nation becomes more immoral (not determined by an election but the choices of each citizen), perhaps it will provide opportunities for the gospel since people are often seeking the light when they have journeyed far into the darkness and realize they are lost. Remember in Luke 7:36-50, it was the immoral woman who realized her wickedness that sought Jesus with a sorrowful heart and washed His feet with her tears. Simon was just as lost yet he didn’t realize his perilous condition because his wickedness was not so obvious in his own eyes. Perhaps a nation is allowed to wander into wickedness for the salvation of souls.
  • Maybe another purpose accomplished is that Christians will realize that God’s purposes will not be achieved through worldly leaders and legislation but taking the gospel to their neighbors. There are many immoral practices that are legislated and approved by worldly governments. Though Christians do not have to participate in these ungodly behaviors and can speak out against them, they should not expect that governments will consistently legislate in ways that harmonize with God’s will. As mentioned before, even allowing citizens to participate in such behaviors may ultimately work out for the good when some realize that the behaviors do not provide peace or joy and seek God’s way.

Regardless of whether our nation wastes from within or repents in sackcloth and ashes, God’s people, citizens of that heavenly kingdom, can take courage that their kingdom shall stand forever.

God Rules in the Kingdoms of Men

Nebuchadnezzar, king of the mighty Babylonian Empire, remembered the words of God but it was too late. Walking the roof of his palace, he boasted to himself “is not this great Babylon, which I have built by my mighty power as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty?” (Daniel 4:30 ESV) He then remembered the prophet Daniel’s interpretation of a troubling dream foretelling the great king being humbled by God for a period of time until he recognized that “the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will,” (Daniel 4:25 ESV). God raised Nebuchadnezzar to power for his own purposes and his great empire would fall at a time of God’s choosing.

God Raises and Destroys Kingdoms

This central thought, “God rules in the kingdoms of men,” fills the Bible. It is demonstrated in visions of Daniel foretelling the rise of the Persian, Greek, and Roman empires. Isaiah and Jeremiah contain many prophesies of the rise and fall of the Assyrians, Babylonians, Moabites, Ammonites, Ethiopians, Egyptians, and others. When God divided Israel into Israel and Judah, God determined what person would divide the kingdom, the proportion of tribal division, and the preservation of David’s family rule in Jerusalem, 1 Kings 11:30-36. God punished the northern tribes (Israel) by raising the Assyrian Empire to take them into captivity and later bringing the Babylonian Empire to power to subjugate Judah and punish other nations. Yet God was in control of the situation and determined the time of Judean captivity (70 years) and raised Cyrus to power to allow the Jews to return to their homeland (Jeremiah 29:4, 10-14; Isaiah 44:28-45:7). God brings kingdoms into power. Romans 13:1 and 1 Peter 2:13-14 tell us that the authorities exist because of God and they are sent by Him for His purposes.

Some Kingdoms are Oppressive to the Faithful

Even though authorities exist because of God, this does does not mean that it will always be peaceful and calm for the Christian. The Christians in the first few centuries were persecuted by local and national leaders because of their faith. Jesus was delivered to political powers to be crucified. Presented before Pilate to be crucified, Jesus reminded Pilate that the power to condemn or release was given to him by God, John 19:7-11. Jesus warned his apostles that they would be brought before kings and political leaders and persecuted.

Why Would God Allow Oppressive or Wicked Kingdoms?

  1. Opportunity for the gospel: In his warning to the apostles, Jesus said that they would have opportunity to share the gospel with the kings and rulers, Luke 21:10-19. Paul stood before many leaders and proclaimed the message to those with whom he might never have had an audience with otherwise (Acts 22-26). Through his “oppression” Paul was able to teach the whole palace guard (Philippians 1:12-13) and there were believers in Caesar’s household (Philippians 4:22). The persecution of the church in the early chapters of Acts scattered Christians who went everywhere preaching the word, Acts 8:4.
  2. Magnify the wickedness of mankind: When people will not retain God in their knowledge, their hearts become darkened and they become oppressive and fleshly (Romans 1). Some of the most wicked nations, like Nazi Germany, remind us what can happen when a nation bows down to the idols of power, oppression, eugenics, and hatred. There have been evil political movements carried out in the name of God, such as the Inquisition and the “holy” wars of the Middle Ages, but the focus was on political power and struggle with a facade of, or misapplication of, a godly cause. Jesus said that His kingdom was not like these earthly kingdoms and its power did not reside in the armaments of men, Matthew 20:25-28; John 18:26. Evil kingdoms remind us how bad mankind can be and the importance of vanquishing evil in our hearts and the world’s need for the gospel.

The Christian Role in Earthly Kingdoms

When the Herodians challenged Jesus on service to the government, He told them to render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God what belongs to Him, Mark 12:13-17. Peter echoed this obligation in 1 Peter 2:13-17 in the exhortation to render obedience and honor to the government for God’s glory. Even though the Caesar occupied the highest religious office in the idolatry of Rome, the Christians still had to honor and respect him and obey the laws. Paul equated resisting the government to resisting God, Romans 13:1-7. Obedience and respect is not based on whether we agree with the laws the ruling party, but in obedience to God. Acknowledging God’s overarching rule, we obey those who are his ministers below.

The only exception to obedience to the government is when “Caesar demands what is God’s.” When the political power requires the Christian to act in a way that disobeys God, the Christian must obey God. The Jewish leaders forbade Peter and John to preach the gospel but Jesus gave the great commission to take the gospel to the world. Therefore, when confronted by the Sanhedrin, Peter and John said, “we must obey God rather than men,” Acts 5:27-29. When the Caesar’s demanded Christians sacrifice and worship them, the Christians had to resist even through they would faithfully obey other laws that were not in conflict.

How we respect and obey the government is an example to non-believers! The world will observe our respect for authority in our obedience to laws we consider inconvenient or disagreeable. They will observe when we pay our taxes and fulfill other obligations to glorify God, not out of fear of the government’s “sword.” They will also observe whether we are respectful of our leaders (“Honor the king”) or spew hateful personal venom towards those with whom we disagree. They will observe if we are respectful of those with whom we disagree. Ultimately, they will see whether the fruits of the Spirit permeate our life as citizens of an earthly kingdom.

Our Greatest Citizenship is in Heaven

As much as we may love our homeland, we must remember that the greatest citizenship is heavenly, Philippians 3:20-21; Hebrews 11:13-16; and Ephesians 2:19-22. We live as pilgrims, exiles, and aliens in this world and that includes worldly citizenship. The nations of this earth will rise and fall but the kingdom of heaven remains forever. Let your greatest loyalty and service be for the banner of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Be more concerned with advancing the gospel into the hearts of men than an earthly agenda in an ever changing political climate. I do not believe it is wrong to be involved in the earthly political system, but do not let it be your god and do not expect it to accomplish the work of moral change that is inherent in the gospel’s power.

Related Post: 5 Reasons I Don’t Get Freaked Out During an Election Year

The Saint Jesus Saw In A Sinner

A medical MRI exposes bone, muscle, and organs in detailed three dimensional pictures for detailed examination. The doctor sees every normal and abnormal feature to find what is wrong and determine a course of treatment. Imagine a spiritual MRI exposing memories of words spoken and actions taken, and the inner thoughts that you share with no one. In the presence of God, the thoughtful person realizes his own unworthiness and inferiority.

When God spoke to Job of his great power and wisdom, Job said he would cover his mouth and say nothing else, Job 40:3-5. When the prophet Isaiah beheld the glory of God, he cried out for he was “a man of unclean lips dwelling among unclean people” (Isaiah 6:1-7). The apostle had a similar experience with Jesus on the shores of Galilee.

In Luke 5, Peter allowed Jesus to preach from his boat to a large multitude on the shore. I imagine the powerful words of truth echoing off the water to the eager multitude and Peter listening attentively in the boat, perhaps mending his nets after the long night of fishing. Jesus asked Peter to go fishing again. Peter and the other fishermen had an unsuccessful night having caught no fish and his words suggested that fishing now would produce no better result. Encouraged by Jesus, Peter lowered the nets and caught so many fish that James and John were called to bring back the bounty. Peter returns to the shore amazed but troubled.

Peter saw Jesus as he really was

Peter heard the words of Jesus. The preaching of Jesus caused guards sent to arrest him to return empty handed marveling that no one spoke like Jesus, John 7:46. Jesus amazed the people by speaking with authority, Matthew 7:28-29. The preaching of Jesus pricks the heart and leads hearers to examine themselves. The reputation of Jesus’ power had spread throughout the region and Peter witnessed that power in his own boat. Peter did not see a great teacher; he saw the Son of God.

Peter saw himself as he really was

Jesus’ power and holy teaching cut Peter to the heart. Peter begged Jesus to depart from his sinful presence. Peter was not holy like Jesus and considered himself unworthy to be in the presence of such righteousness. Like lepers forced to warn others to avoid their defiled diseased bodies, Peter warned Jesus to depart from his spiritually wretched body.

Jesus saw Peter as he really was

Jesus didn’t contradict Peter’s self-condemnation. Jesus knew the hearts of men and knew Peter’s sinfulness. Though Peter begged Jesus to depart from him, Jesus invited Peter to follow him as a disciple. Far from being repulsed by Peter, Jesus wanted Peter to remain in his presence.

Jesus saw Peter as he could be

Jesus looked beyond the boats, the fish and the sea to a future Peter casting the net of the gospel into the mass of humanity to catch the souls of men. Peter the sinner would be transformed into a godly servant doing great work in the Lord’s kingdom. Peter’s heart was pricked by the presence of Jesus and he would prick the hearts of others by preaching the gospel of Jesus, Acts 2:36-38. Jesus saw the man Peter would be before Peter would see it in himself.

What Jesus sees in us

When we experience the presence of Jesus through his word, we are exposed for who we really are. If we do not resist him, his word will peel away the illusions we have about ourselves and expose our sinfulness in the brightness of his light. Do not fear this intimate dissection of the inward person (Hebrews 4:12-13) but understand that facing the sinful self is necessary to heal the cancer of sin within.

Instead of driving us from his presence, Jesus calls us to follow him. When we obey his gospel, the filth of rebellion and disease of sin is cleansed with his holy sacrificial blood and we are transformed to reflect his glory in our lives, 2 Corinthians 3:17-18. We reflect his light into the dark world (Matthew 5:14-16). Our sinful self becomes part of our past and we are declared righteous though we do not deserve such a title, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11.

Jesus can use us, as he did Peter, to accomplish great things in the kingdom. We can rescue others from the darkness and slavery of sin by sharing the gospel. We can build up fellow Christians and rescue those who stray from him, James 5:19-20. We can see in others what they do not see in themselves and encourage them to follow Jesus.

Jesus sees us as we can be when we see Jesus as he is.

Blessings With Car Troubles

My son and I were traveling to college out of state recently. I drove the family van and he followed with his truck. We got to our halfway point at 3 am the night before and were up at 8 am the next day to finish the trip. After a quick stop when we had been on the road a couple of hours, I noticed my son pull onto the freeway shoulder. He called to say that the truck was overheating.
At that point I could have gotten very frustrated and agitated. After all, we still had many miles to go until we arrived at the college. We were far from home as well. This was an unnecessary and inconvenient interruption in my schedule. I was still tired from a long drive the day before and little sleep. Honestly, I would have often reacted negatively in such a situation but I’ve been working on improving my attitude and to have more gratitude for the things that are going right.
Here were the blessings I observed about the situation:
  1. My son was watching the temperature gauge and noticed the engine was hot. We didn’t find the problem by the engine overheating and becoming damaged. By monitoring the gauges he identified trouble before it became an expensive and time consuming problem.
  2. We were between two exits that were not far apart and both had several stores where I could purchase premixed antifreeze. We had come along stretches where the exits were many more miles apart and some did not have stores at the exits. This could have taken much longer if the problem developed in those areas.
  3. A short time later we were driving in extremely heavy rain which would have made fixing the problem more difficult and messy. It was still dry when the problem arose.
  4. The problem did not develop a 2 am when we were tired and trying to reach our destination the night before.
  5. We left in plenty of time so we weren’t in a rush to fix the problem in order to meet a tight deadline. My son had an event scheduled that night and he still was early even with this problem because we planned to leave early to accommodate potential problems.
  6. This didn’t happen after I left him at college. I was able to help him fix the problem.
  7. My son has a vehicle. That is a blessing.
I could probably list more blessings in this problem but I think these illustrate my point. We can look at the bad in any situation or we can see the good, at the very least, how it could have been worse but it was not. We cannot control a lot of the things that happen in our lives but we can control our attitude about the situations!
It is that type of attitude that James describes when he urges us to have joy in trials because of the fruits it produces (James 1:2-4). The problems you endure teach you lessons if you will listen. They can make you wiser in planning better in the future to meet or prevent problems. Dealing with problems gives you experience to help others when they face similar trials. Problems can help you depend on God more than yourself.
Going through trials gives you opportunities to develop a good attitude when facing trials. The reaction I had to this incident was truly a learned response because I have not always reacted in a positive way to obstacles in my life. However, I have learned that obstacles are going to come my way whether my attitude is negative or positive. Why not face it with trust in God’s care, looking for the best in the situation, and actively working to resolve the issue? When I face problems with a more positive attitude, I realized how blessed I am, even when I’m having car troubles.