Jesus – Page 9 – Resounding Shophar Ministries

The Point of No Return

The other day I was approaching a traffic light that was green. I knew it was going to turn yellow soon but didn’t know when so I approached it with caution. There came a point when approaching it that I knew even if the light turned yellow I was going to have to keep going. It was what is commonly referred to as “the point of no return”. Ever been faced with such a situation?

The other night my wife and I were with some friends and we were talking about different cultures reaching their “point of no return” regarding the direction they were going. We talked about how America is speedily reaching its point of no return as it is racing as far from God and the Judeo-Christian values it was founded and built upon. Some may argue that there is no such point for a culture, a country, a family, or even an individual. We like to hold out hope that the God of the impossible, the Judea-Christian God, can always reach and restore those who are far from Him, and He’s more than able to do so. But the problem with this line of thought is that while they believe God is sovereign and there is nothing He can’t do, they forget that He’s given humanity a free will to choose whether or not to serve Him, and with that free will He will respect each person’s decision.

While there have been some who many thought would never change or give their lives to following and serving Jesus were reached, a testament of His abilities to reach people especially when prayer is involved, there are many more that won’t be reached because they’ve passed the point of no return. At some point in their life they made a conscious decision to have nothing to do with God, or to even allow Him to be a part of their lives, and God has honored that decision. Does that mean we don’t need to pray for those who seem to be unreachable with the Gospel? Absolutely not! We need to keep praying for them because we don’t know what is ahead, and it could be Gods response to our prayers that afford them more time in this life to change their mind.

Only God, and I want to emphasize only God, knows when a person has gone past the “point of no return” and that they will not have any more opportunities to accept and follow Jesus as their Lord and Savior. With that in mind, we need to keep reaching out to and praying for people, especially loved ones that don’t truly have a saving relationship with Jesus, that God will in some way be able to capture their hearts for salvation. Time is short and eternity lies in the balance. Eternity in Hell is an eternity no one really wants, but sadly enough many won’t believe that statement until they are there and it’s too late.

There are people that are so adamant against the God of the Judeo-Christian faith that they will not hear the Gospel, and in some cases will even fervently oppose Him and anyone who represents Jesus one way or another. Some will even go so far as to keep their eyes out for any possible discrepancy in a Christian’s life, or to twist and misrepresent things spoken by them, thereby giving them more of an excuse to reject Jesus. But, when it’s all said and done, when they stand before the God of all creation, the only thing they will be judged for is what they did with Jesus, and any excuses they have to offer now will not be allowed then. God can reach these people, but we need to keep them in prayer and hope they haven’t gone past the point of no return, the point that ONLY God knows.

Let’s keep these people in prayer, asking God that they have an encounter with the risen Savior, Jesus.

John Johansson

The Triumph of Truth

Have you ever had someone lie about you before? More than likely, most, if not all of us, have had that happen to us at one time or another. And for some of us, we are still feeling the impact of such lies several years after the fact. How many of you would agree with me that going through something like that isn’t real fun?

Lies can destroy someone, including their reputation, faster than most anything else. Lies hurt, and often times are accompanied with betrayal, where someone you trusted apparently thought it okay to speak so negatively about you. I knew someone years ago that taught me that there are always two sides to every story, and how true that is. While we know that to be true there is a tendency by many to make a judgment before hearing both sides. This is another situation where betrayal can be felt, when someone you trusted and respected, a friend, decided to make a judgment against you without first getting your side of the story. The impact of lies can make the person lied against feel alienated and alone, thinking that no one really cares about or likes them. Lies can forever taint or twist the perception of people against the one who was lied about, destroying relationships that have been decades in the making in one fail swoop. Lies can even lay to waste any opportunity for that person to advance themselves in any way.

When someone or some group begins to spread lies about you, it hurts and can trigger a desire to retaliate in some way. It is in these times that bitterness and resentment can begin to take root within us if we are not careful, and we do need to be careful. Oh, we may not become vindictive and seek to avenge ourselves, but we may hang onto it through unforgiveness. As Christians, to not forgive is not an option if we want God’s forgiveness for ourselves. It’s just that simple. I’m not saying that it’s always easy to forgive, or that the person even deserves the forgiveness, but then again when and how did we deserve God’s forgiveness? Forgiveness is not necessarily emotional, though emotions can follow and become a part of it, but forgiveness is a conscious choice we make. One thing I’ve learned over the years is that it is far easier to forgive someone right away than if we wait till later. The longer we choose to not forgive someone, not only does it become harder to forgive them in the future, but it also makes it easier to not forgive others when they hurt or offend us even though they have absolutely nothing to do with it.

We need to remember a couple things when lies are spoken against us, things that will help you remain healthy emotionally and spiritually. I already commented on the first one, being forgiving, and the sooner the better. I might add that God is always ready to help us forgive when it’s hard to do so, but we have to want to and to let Him help us. If we choose to not forgive, we will be miserable and full of anger, both of which will continue to eat us up, either until we decide to forgive or throughout eternity apart from God. So, forgive, and don’t waste any time in doing so. Don’t wait!

The second thing to remember when lies are spoken against us comes from a comment I heard a minister once make. He made the comment, “The truth will always outlive the lie”. Wow, what a statement. That is so very true when you think about it. It doesn’t matter how powerful the lie was, how impacting and destructive it is, or even who was behind it, it will at one time or another be exposed for what it was. No, it may not be exposed in the very near future, but it will one day be exposed. It may not even be in this lifetime, but it will be exposed. When we, and we all will, stand before God the lies will be exposed and the liar will be judged accordingly. When the lies are exposed and the liar judged, the judgment will be final. So, if we can remember this truth and rest in it then we have nothing to fear. God will take care of us and defend us against our accusers. It may not come as we think or how we would like it, it may not even come when we want it to, but He will defend us if we keep our hearts right before Him. If we keep our hearts right before Him, which requires forgiveness on our part towards the liars, we will see Him defend us and He will do a much better job of it than we could ever imagine.

Are you forgiving? Or should I ask is there anyone that you haven’t forgiven? If so, you need to forgive them because God desires to forgive you, otherwise He won’t forgive. It’s our choice to make, but as followers of Jesus to not forgive is not an option.

And, if we can rest in the fact that the truth will always outlive a lie, trusting that God is watching over us and will defend us, then retaliation and vengeance is not an option and we can have a peace that goes beyond the wisdom of man. Can you trust God knowing that He will take care of and defend you?

Truth will triumph over lies. Truth will outlive the lies. And, God’s truth will triumph!

John Johansson

Distractions

I remember a time more than 15 years ago when there was a tremendous amount of anxiety within the Church in America. At the time “special interest” groups were attempting to push their agenda against churches and Christianity through political processes. I remember sitting in a church service where many were voicing their concerns and fears regarding what was happening and one could feel the heaviness in the atmosphere. It was as if God wasn’t around and the issue was too great even for God to deal with.

As I sat there I remembered something a friend of mine once told me and I asked the Pastor if I could share something to the congregation, to which he allowed me to do. I began to share with the congregation how that God is greater than the issues we were facing, and that this was merely a distraction. I told them that no matter what God was still in control and that He has us covered. I reminded them that our primary concern was to live for God, and to let the light of Jesus shine through us to those around. As I began to share these things to the congregation I could see the countenance of the people dramatically change. Where they at first we’re caught up with fear of what could happen they began to relax and be at peace.

Zipping through time to the present we can see many things that have become a distraction, pulling our focus and energies away from where they should be. It’s not that any of these aren’t good, because many of them are good, but they are a distraction. For many, these distractions become a ‘cause’ that they embrace and fight for, all the while they lose sight of our primary calling to be Ambassadors of Christ with the ministry of reconciliation, reconciling man back to God. Often times, these distractions do very little, if anything at all, about promoting or building the Kingdom of God, and in some cases even hurt or destroy the influence of the Church to a lost and dying world.

I’m not saying that we shouldn’t be willing to take a stand for morality, plead the case on behalf of others, or even be influential in the world and culture around us. What I am saying is if these distractions are distracting from or undermining our influence to build the Kingdom of God then we need to take another look at our focus and priorities. Sometimes we tend to jump to fight or defend something that God hasn’t called us to do, and when we do we bring about more damage to the Kingdom than if we hadn’t. And, just because God calls someone else to embrace a distraction doesn’t mean He’s calling you to it.

When we let go of the distractions in our lives and realign our focus to what God has called us to, then we don’t have to worry about what is happening in the world around us or what is on the horizon. We can have a peace that God is in control and that He will take care of us. It’s when we lose sight of our calling or even of Jesus, Himself, that we become apprehensive and struggle with anxiety and fear, fear of either being taken advantage of or suffering in ways we may not like. We become fearful that God has forsaken us or can’t protect us from those who threaten us or our way of living. We become fearful that the God we said “yes” to will not be there for us when we need Him. All of this leads to a pride that says we can do it better ourselves.

If you find that you’ve been caught up with distractions, or even suspect that you may have been, I encourage you to take some time aside and ask God about them. Get alone with God and share your heart with Him, and then ask Him to share His heart for you. Be open to hear what He may have to say to you and don’t be so quick to shoot Him down or say what you’re hearing isn’t from Him. And before you end that time with Him make sure what you’ve heard is in unity with and supported by scripture. If what God has shared with you requires a change on your part, then make the necessary changes including in the area of priorities. What’s more important, embracing and fighting for a distraction that keeps you from what God has for you, or pursuing God and what He has for you which brings true peace and contentment to your soul.

What’s It Going To Take?

As we see Bible prophecies unfold before our very eyes at breakneck speeds, a thought that crosses my mind is, “what is it going to take?” What is it going to take for people to get serious about their relationship with Christ?

There are so many things happening that it’s almost dizzying trying to keep up with it all. It doesn’t matter if it’s local or on a state level, or even on a national or global scale, there is just so much happening that people know that something is up. There’s talk of an impending economic collapse not just here in America, but also in other countries and foreign economic institutions. In America the government is developing more and more into “big brother” where we have less rights, less say, and less privacy. Natural disasters are almost becoming common place and their impacts are immeasurable. Let us not forget that there are wars all over the place with the grim projections of major wars on the horizon.

With everything going on in the world around us, and seeing Bible end-times prophecies being fulfilled right before our eyes as never before, what is it going to take for people to take their relationship with Jesus more seriously? It’s as if people would rather play a fiery game of “Russian Roulette” with eternity. Does this make sense to you? Is ones eternal destination really not all that important to them? Do they not truly understand what Jesus offers them in regards to eternity in Heaven, or even how bad hell is?

Often times it take a pretty traumatic or devastating chain of events or experiences that causes one to change and take things seriously with their relationship with Jesus. For some, it takes a devastating economic setback of some sort. For others, it’s the loss of a loved one, and for others poor health or the onset of a serious and potentially terminal disease or health condition. It may be the end of a marriage or the betrayal of ones you love and trust. The list of things that could cause one to stop and re-evaluate where they are in their relationship with Christ can be limitless. In any case, something had to happen in order for God to get their attention.

When these things happen, people have two options presented to them, so to speak. They have the option of allowing whatever it was that got their attention to propel them into the loving and gracious arms of Jesus, or they can choose to be angry, mad, and bitter towards God. The choice is theirs to make. The choice is yours to make.

So, if your relationship with Jesus is not of utmost importance to you, or it isn’t something you even care about, what is it going to take for that to change? What is it going to take for God to get your attention? What is it going to take? Think about it.

La, la, la, la …

The other day I was reminded of something many of us did when we were young, and for some even as adults. You know what I’m talking about, when we would cover up our ears when someone was talking because we didn’t want to hear what they were saying. Often times this behavior would be accompanied with the sound of “la, la, la, la ….” or some other gibberish coming out of our mouths. Why did we do that? We did it because we didn’t want to hear what they were trying to say, either because we simply didn’t care what they had to say, or we were afraid of what we thought they were trying to say and didn’t want to be held accountable for it. Once we’ve heard something we are then accountable to respond accordingly, so if we can avoid hearing it then we’re off the hook. Or, are we?

Just because I choose to not hear someone tell me a car is racing down the street heading my way doesn’t make it suddenly disappear or bring the car to a stop. If I decide I’m not going to hear what the person is trying to tell me then the odds are pretty high that I’m going to get hit by the car. So, why is it that we try so hard not to hear what others are trying to say to us, especially when the intent is for our benefit and best interests? Could it be that pride is possibly the main reason for this, thinking that no one knows better than we do as to what is best for us?

I mentioned that I was reminded recently about this kind of behavior. The context was in regards to our relationship with Christ. It was said that we are only accountable for what God speaks and deals with us about, and that just reading about something in God’s word isn’t enough to hold us accountable for it. I wonder, though, how often God does try to speak to us about something but we’ve in essence covered our ears so we can’t hear him, and if that’s not enough we begin making all kinds of “noise” to make it clear we don’t want to hear him? Many times Jesus would state, “he that has ears to hear, let him hear what the Spirit (of God) says …”. As I’m writing this a thought comes to my mind. Ears on a dead body can’t hear, so if ears can hear that would mean one is alive? How can one hear what the Spirit of God is saying unless they are first alive in Christ? So, when Jesus makes the above statement, I can’t help but wonder if He’s referring to those who have entered into a relationship with Him. If that is the case, then He’s indicating that not everyone who has ears to hear will hear what He’s saying to them.

Why is it that we may not be hearing what He’s trying to say to us? Is it because we don’t care what He’s saying, thinking He doesn’t know what is best for us? Or, could it be that we are just afraid of what He may be saying knowing that if we hear it we are then accountable to it? And the “noise”, well that could be just about anything from boisterous behavior to a busy lifestyle, or even the projection of a spiritual mask that we want others to see. Either way, just as the car mentioned above won’t stop simply because we didn’t want to hear what was being said to us, even so we will still be accountable for what God is trying to tell us even though we figuratively cover our ears with our hands. Are you covering your ears to block what God may be trying to say to you? Do you think He’s asking or requiring something from you that you don’t want to give up or change, and if you don’t hear it He won’t hold you accountable for it? Are you keeping yourself preoccupied with other various activities to keep your mind off of it?

This is not the time to be plugging our ears to what the Spirit of God is trying to say to us. The return of Christ for His bride is believed by many, including myself, to be imminent, and if that is true then you don’t want to be caught off guard and unprepared with your “ears” covered up. If you’ve been busy covering or plugging up your ears, now is the time to uncover them and hear what God is trying to tell you. Does that mean you’ll hear everything He’s trying to tell you, not necessarily, but at least your heart will be telling Him that you’re open to His direction and correction which will help you become more like Jesus, and more importantly prepare you for His soon return. So, set some time aside and allow Him to speak freely to you about any and everything He desires to, allowing Him access and say over every area of your life.

John Johansson

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Is It For Itchy Ears?

Over the years I have heard many proclaim from the pulpits of local churches and on TV and radio that there was a great revival coming to America. Oh, wouldn’t that be awesome if that were to happen! I’ve been in places where God was moving in a powerful way among all those in attendance, I’ve heard of the great revivals of the past, and I would love to be a part of another one. Wouldn’t you?

When I first heard these people proclaim a great revival yet to come, I was one that was excited and looking forward to it. But in recent years I’ve begun to view things from a different perspective, wondering if the great revival some are talking about would be post-rapture. When I look at the Biblical description of the end times, the last days, I don’t see a great revival taking place before the rapture. Instead, the Bible is very clear that those days will get bad, and it’s not just referring to the world at large. We also read that there would be a great falling away from the faith (2 Thessalonians 2:1-12), not the revival that is so often times promoted.

Several years ago it was easy to believe for a great revival coming to America, partly because America appears to be absent from Bible end-time prophecy, and partly because no one would ever think that the persecution experienced in other countries would ever come here in any form. Well, we live in a very different America now compared to just 10 years ago. We’re seeing the very liberal, anti-Christian movement infiltrate every aspect of our society more and more all the time. The very real threat of both domestic and foreign terrorists is growing every day, not to mention that there have been reports of ISIS within our borders. We’re experiencing an exponential increase of illegal aliens cross over into our country relatively unhindered, tremendously increasing our vulnerability to terrorist’s attacks within our borders, greatly increasing the threat of uncontrollable and incurable diseases to our citizens, creating an overwhelming demand on our economic system and financial stability, all of which could mark the end of America as we have known it to be since its inception in more than 200 years ago. This doesn’t take into account all the other aspects that seem to be tearing away at this great nation we call America, chipping away at it with greater enthusiasm than we’ve ever known before.

Despite all these things, I find it interesting and disheartening at the same time that many not only proclaim great revival is on its way, but also that things are going to get much better. They proclaim that things are going to get better, prosperity will increase for the believers, and that the threats facing America will suddenly be defeated by God before America is destroyed.

I’m reminded of Hananiah the prophet in the Old Testament. Do you remember him? In Jeremiah 27, God told Jeremiah to put yokes upon his neck to signify the bondage and captivity of Israel under King Nebuchadnezzar. We also read that God spoke with the kings, the priests and all the people that they were to be under Nebuchadnezzar’s rule until God said otherwise. God also told them that if a prophet, or someone else, were to tell them the time for them to break the bonds and come out from under the bondage of Nebuchadnezzar had come, that they were not to listen to them because that was a lie that did not come from Him. In Jeremiah 28, the prophet Hananiah came to rest of the prophets, the priests, and all the people telling them that the time of their bondage would end within two years. Because he was a prophet everyone took notice of what he had to say, including Jeremiah. Hananiah went even further by breaking the yoke that was around Jeremiah’s neck to symbolize that the time of bondage was about to end. It wasn’t until Jeremiah left and went his own way that God spoke to him letting him know that the words of Hananiah was not His words. So Jeremiah went back and confronted the prophet Hananiah, telling him that because he misled the people of God into thinking a lie as though it came from God, God would take his life within a year. I say that to say this, it doesn’t matter who it is that says it (a pastor, a teacher, a prophet, etc.), if they are proclaiming things that are contrary to what God says in His word, then it’s not from God and we ought not to listen to it.

Whether you look at Matthew chapters 24-25, the book of Revelation, or even some of the prophets of old who prophesied regarding these last days, and we are in the last days, you will find that the days we live in only get worse as time goes by until Jesus returns at the end of the tribulation period to defeat His enemies and establish His reign here on earth. The people that promote the idea that things are only going to get better are either “sticking their head in the sand” regarding what is in the news and happening all around them and how it all relates to Bible prophecy, or they’re reading from a different Bible. The difference between what they are promoting and what the Bible foretells about these last days is great.

I’ve recently became aware of a theology embraced by some that says it is the churches responsibility to overcome the enemies of Christ in any way they can, primarily through the government system, and that Christ cannot return until they do so. Obviously this group of people seems to think that things will get better because it has to in order for Christ to return, but there is a problem with this way of thinking. To begin with, they are not referring to the rapture, or the catching up of the Bride of Christ, because they don’t believe in it. So when they talk of Christ’s return, what they describe lines up with what we know to be Christ returns at the end of the tribulation period. Second, their idea that the church must first overcome the enemies of Christ before He can return is faulty and flies in the face of scripture. In Revelation 13:1-10, in the midst of the tribulation period, the Apostle John tells us that when the beast arises from the pit he was going to be given power and authority for 42 months, and with that he will be given the power and ability to not just make war with the saints, but also to overcome them. Third, in Revelation 17:12-14, John also tells us that when Christ returns the beast and those who are with him will make war against Jesus, but when they do Jesus will overcome and defeat them.

When the disciples asked Jesus regarding the signs of His return to set up His kingdom, and the signs of the end, the first thing He told them was to not be deceived (Matthew 24:3-5). A lot is said in the New Testament about being deceived, but for Jesus to indicate that is the first thing to watch out for tells us how bad the deceptions will be in these last days. The Apostle Paul tells us in 2 Timothy 4:1-5 that people will not listen to sound doctrine, but instead their own desires and because of their itching ears they will heap upon themselves teachers, turning their ears away from the truth and to fables. When I think of some of the things that people are saying in the times we live in, how that things are going to get better and things will be restored, including America, I can’t help but wonder if it is merely wishful thinking and having itching ears to those who support that wishful thinking. Yes, I would love to see God stop the surge of wickedness in all its forms and restore us into what He would have us to be, individually and as a nation, but the Bible tells me that is not the case for the days we now live in.

What does this mean for Christians? What this means is that we are in for some very rough days ahead, but we also have that blessed hope of His return for us, and if not then most assuredly on the other side of eternity. Some people like to scoff or attempt to discredit what the scriptures say about a rapture of the church, saying it is a doctrine of escapism, and I would like to know what is wrong with that? Jesus told us in Luke 21:34-36 to watch and pray that we’re counted worthy to escape that which is coming to pass. In Revelation 22:12-20 we read that the Spirit and the Bride both say “come quickly!” to Jesus, which must be a cry made before the rapture since the Bride will be with Him forever more from that time on. What we need to remember, though, is even though we are watching for His return to escape that which is coming to the earth, it is also important for us to be about the Father’s business while we’re here. Be mindful of the signs pointing to His return, and reaching out to others as His ambassadors until He returns. This is what we must be doing, both to be watching and praying and also to be working for the Father.

The good things that we’re hearing promoted and proclaimed regarding revival and the restoration of America, is it for itching ears?? I wonder.

The House of God

A few weeks ago on a Wednesday, while helping to take up the offering, I saw almost a dozen of our youth with their cell phones out texting, surfing on the internet, or playing games. This was very disconcerting to me as it became even more apparent how far we’ve come from honoring God and the house of God. Churches have in many ways, and for a number of different reasons, evolved more into a social club than a place of worship to the Creator of the ends of the universe. Churches, in the eyes of many, have become a place of optional attendance where many can go to get the latest updates on what’s happening with others instead of meeting with the one true God. Don’t get me wrong, we do need to interact and fellowship with other believers, and we don’t have to attend church to meet with God, but we’re talking about a place set aside for the purpose of gathering together to meet and worship Him in a corporate setting. Yet, we often time treat it no differently or no better than the local grocery store, a school or place of employment, just to name a few places. In many ways we treat church more as a social club than as a place of worship.

How is that an overwhelming number of churches, places set aside as a place of worship, have become more of a social club of sorts? Is it because we have as some call it, lost the ‘fear’ of the Lord? Do we not value or revere God for who He is anymore? Have we become so caught up with our own life, and our pursuit of it and the happiness we hope to attain by it, that we are no longer concerned about the God who created us? The same God who is more than able to, as Jesus put it, to destroy both body and soul in hell?

You say that I’m wrong, and that churches are still revered as a place of meeting and worship of the one true God? Think about it. If students had their cell phones out to text, surf the internet or play games while in class and their teacher is talking, would that be considered acceptable and overlooked by the teacher or school administration? Or, what about the employee who is having to receive some training but keeps talking to others, either intermittently or continuously, especially about things that don’t pertain to what the training involves or could wait until afterwards? Would your employer be okay with that? I venture to say that neither of these situations would be allowed nor tolerated, and that there would probably be some negative consequences to such behavior either immediately or shortly thereafter.

I’ve heard some argue that there is nothing wrong with this behavior in church, citing various different reasons to justify it. Recently, however, I thought of another situation that discounts many of the reasons I’ve heard and at the same time shows the lack of regard or value some have for the house of God. Or should I say how much they value other places and events above that of our churches which are to be a place of worship? Cell phones have become for many a necessity in life, something that provides a ‘life-line’ of communication and entertainment for many. It’s as if some can’t bear the thought of just turning it off or ignoring it when it beckons for their attention. I’ve known many, both past and present, that can’t seem to leave their phones alone, so much so that some felt just checking their phone was more important than keeping their job, and it cost them.

I told you I thought of a situation that demonstrates how much we’ve lost respect and reverence for the house of God, so I’ll tell you what that is. Now, I must start by saying that it’s been years since I’ve visited a movie theater, but I venture to say that things haven’t changed much since then. When a person goes to a theater to watch a movie they are expecting to see the movie without any interruptions or distractions of any kind. If there is anyone that seems to have a problem staying quiet by continually having to say something or make a lot of noise, that wouldn’t be tolerated and the person would be asked to leave. If someone kept using their cell phone, people wouldn’t appreciate the repeated distraction of the display lighting up or the various audio sounds it would broadcast. I know that there are some who will go so far as to either turn their phones off or put them on silent, and if someone needs to get a hold of them they will have to wait until after the movie ends, unless they will step outside into the lobby area. The idea is that many will keep their phones off or ignore them until after the movie is over, not wanting to be distracted from the movie or to be a distraction to others, not really worried about checking it or making people wait, but will they do the same thing during church? Do they approach their time at church the same way? For myself, my phone goes on silent before church starts and remains silent and unchecked until after Sunday school, the only exception possibly being between the service and Sunday school if not preoccupied.

Like the movie theater, there are other places that we frequent where we have reasonable expectations of what to expect when we get there. When we go to the grocery store we expect to get groceries, not an update on the current events in the Middle East. When we go to our place of employment we expect to do the work our employer assigns us to do, not to take out some golf clubs and practice our golf swings. When we go to school or some other form of training we expect to learn from those giving the instruction, not to sit back in our seats with an espresso coffee in one hand and in our other hand texting others with our cell phones. Yet, when it comes to church, a place set aside for the corporate worship and learning of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the Creator of the ends of the universe, we find it hard to avoid the various behaviors associated with a very casual social club and to focus on the purpose the church is set apart for. We can gather with fellow believers at other various locations and times where a more casual time of fellowship is expected and enjoyed, but the House of God should be recognized as such and given the respect and reverence it deserves and requires.

So, I conclude by asking you a few simple questions I hope you will honestly ask yourself over the next few days. Are there one or more places that you frequent where you have no problem leaving your cell phone alone for the duration of time you are there no matter what, whether that means it is turned off or on silent? Are there one or more places that you frequent where you have no problem focusing on both the purpose the place is set aside for and the leaders giving instruction instead of trying to catch up or talk with others in attendance? Did you include the House of God in your answers to the last two questions? If you did, is at the top of your list? If the House of God was not included in either of your answers, or if it wasn’t at the top of the list, then it could be surmised that you do not value the House of God as much as other places, or as much as we ought as both children of God and Ambassadors of Christ. Take the time these next few days and honestly ask yourself each of these questions, then ask yourself if your actions and behaviors support what you say is important and valuable to you.

John Johansson

www.resoundingshophar.com

What About You?

Several years ago a very well-known and highly respected man of God had a significant shift in his ministry. He had seen the suffering of some in other countries and found himself wrestling with a God who would send people apart from Jesus to hell. He came to the conclusion that there was no such thing as hell outside of what is experienced here on earth, whether it was brought on by ourselves or forced upon us, and that when it comes right down to it everyone would end up in heaven for all eternity. To come to such a conclusion this once respected man had to ignore certain scripture, twist or take out of context other passages, and draw from other writings found in the New Age movement and other secular sources. Many, including those closest to him, tried in vain to help him see the error of this thinking but has since had to distance themselves from him. The reason behind this distancing is that the theology he is embracing is spiritually a fatal poison for a believer. He’s not the only one whose been embracing such theologies.

Ever see the bumper stickers that say “coexist” with a bunch of symbols relating to various religions? There is a trend in society that seeks to meld all the religions together in the name of tolerance, believing that everyone is going to end up in heaven one way or another. In a nutshell, many believe that all roads lead to heaven and eternity with God. There are many that believe it doesn’t matter “who” you serve or worship, thinking that we all serve the same god and will end up in the same place. Even if not there are some who believe people will have the opportunity to get out of hell or purgatory only to find their eternal destination in heaven. These are nothing less than poison to the body of Christ, much like cancer or gangrene to the human body.

I just finished reading the book “Tortured for Christ” by Richard Wurmbrand. More than 30 years after it was first written it still packs a powerful punch. One of the things found in this book is the recounting of the price many have paid for the gospel and the name of Jesus. Almost sounds like something we would read about regarding the early church, but this is about people throughout the world who have lived within the past 70+ years. The last part of Hebrews chapter 11 being lived out in the days we live in. These people were largely uneducated especially in the area of the Christian faith, but yet they suffered and paid much for Christ, sometimes even their very lives. Why would people be so willing and committed to suffer and give their lives for something or someone when in the ends it doesn’t really matter? Why be willing to go through all of that if everyone is going to end up in heaven when it’s all said and done? Doesn’t make much since, does it? Think about it, how many of the apostles and members of the early church suffered and gave their lives for Jesus? After all, they knew the truth and the reality of the gospel far better than we do, yet they suffered and died for it. That should only work to discount the beliefs of many that everyone is going to end up in heaven one way or another.

So, what about you? Would you be willing to die for someone or something if you knew it wouldn’t matter in the end? I can’t say that I would go through all that if it didn’t matter, in fact I probably would live as I wanted to since it didn’t matter.

Think about it. Can Jesus count on you when the “rubber meets the road”?

John Johansson

Surely Not I

The other night while studying a seemingly unrelated subject the word “blaspheme” came up. I thought it strange this word would be associated with the subject I was studying especially in the context it was used. Usually when the word is used it referring to what is being spoken, but in this case it seemed to refer to ones actions, and even then indirectly ones attitudes. I was a bit perplexed and began to do some more research on the word “blaspheme”, and what I found was both surprising and unexpected.

Over the years I have heard many different interpretations on what “blaspheme” means, especially since Jesus indicated in Matthew 12:31-32 that blaspheming of the Holy Spirit would not be forgiven. This is what many have identified as “the unpardonable sin”. As I looked deeper into what it means to blaspheme I was surprised by what I found. I saw many different definitions of the word, both from spiritual and non-spiritual sources, and the underlying idea is any speech, action or attitude that is expressed with a mocking or deep, vehement contempt or disdain for God, or to claim for oneself the attributes and rights of God. Wow. I don’t know about you but that sure makes me stop and take notice.

In my search of the word blaspheme and the actual Greek words translated as blaspheme, one word kept coming up, “revile”. I don’t know about you, but I’ve heard this word used at times and had a general idea of what it meant, but seeing it in my research propelled me to delve deeper and find out what it actually means. Again, I was surprised by what I discovered.

When I think of the word “revile” my thoughts immediately go to I Peter 2:21-24. In this passage we read that Christ suffered for us, leaving us an example we are to follow. When we continue down to verse 23 we read that when Jesus was reviled He did not revile in return, so what does it mean to be reviled and to revile? Do we have an accurate understanding of what these words mean, and would others say that we are following Jesus’ example in this area?

One of the best definitions I found for the word “revile” came from the Cambridge Dictionary Online. The definition they give is, “To criticize someone strongly, or say unpleasant things to or about someone”. It isn’t hard when looking at this definition to see how it flies in the face of the speech, attitude and behavior we are told to have as followers of Christ. Whether we look at Philippians 4:8, or the fruit of the Spirit outlined in Galatians 2:22-26, or even at the “Love chapter”, I Corinthians 13, it is evident that there is no room for a follower of Christ to revile anyone. So, how does this play out for the follower of Christ?

Based on the above definition we can see that Jesus had been reviled often, usually by the religious leaders. Jesus was possibly the most reviled during His trial, beatings and subsequent crucifixion, yet He didn’t revile in return. Oh, what a temptation there is to respond negatively when others revile us. When people strongly criticize us, or when they say unpleasant things to us or about us to others, it is very hard to not respond in like fashion. We tend to respond in like fashion by being just as critical or unpleasant with our words and behavior as they are, and in doing so we tarnish our witness as followers of Christ. After all, isn’t that our right? Not if we are followers of Jesus, following the example He laid out for us to follow.

Jesus was confident in who He is, what He was doing, and for which purpose He had been sent to earth for. It didn’t matter what others said about Him, or even what they thought about Him, because He committed Himself to Him who judges righteously. Jesus was willing to endure whatever came His way and to trust that the Father had His ‘backside’ at all times, and this attitude and mindset was evident in His refusal to revile those who reviled Him. In a nutshell, are you confident that you are Gods, and that He is watching out for you with your best interests at heart? Are you willing to commit yourself to Him fully with your life, and to withhold any form of retaliation whether in heart, mind, speech or action when others speak or act negatively towards you or about you to others? James tells us in James 3:1-12 that the tongue is untamable, and Jesus tells us in Matthew 12:34 that out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks, so it is vital for us to make sure what we fill our heart with is of God and glorifies Him. Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 10:5 to take every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. Also, we need to focus our thinking in line with what Philippians 4:8 tells us and to pursue the fruit of the Spirit for our lives. If we will do that then our responses to those who “revile” us will be in accordance to the example Jesus left for us to follow.

I challenge you to stop and take a moment to re-evaluate your conversations and comments in recent weeks and see if what’s been said would fit the definition of “revile”. If it has, this is the time to repent of such and to honestly begin making the necessary changes to remove this behavior from your speech and lifestyle. This should not be something that others can say you’re guilty of as a child of God, a follower of Christ, or as an Ambassador of Christ.

John Johansson

Doctor Said …

The other day I was thinking about people who have received a bad report from a doctor. It may not have been a report of some type of cancer or the shutdown of kidneys, but nonetheless it was a report that said the person was going to die sometime within the next few months if they didn’t make some immediate changes. While there have been some who have ignored the changes that the doctor told them to make, for the most part people have made those changes no matter how inconvenient or distasteful they may have been and thereby extended their life beyond the months the doctor indicated. The “doctor said …”, and they listened.

People may not like change especially when it infringes upon the conveniences, comforts and the lifestyle they enjoy, but many have a distaste or fear of dying that is stronger than the changes they would have to make that propels them to change. In fact, many don’t want to wait for the doctor’s report to make changes and will attempt to be proactive by going to the gym, start jogging, change their diet, or even integrate various herbs and nutrients as a replacement for any medical treatments or prescriptions. Either way they’ve felt the need to make changes to both extend and to enhance their life.

What I find interesting is that people will make changes when a doctor tells them they will die soon if they don’t, even if the changes are hard, difficult or very distasteful, but when Jesus speaks it figuratively goes in one ear and out the other. We tend to put more stock in what a doctor says than what Jesus says, but Jesus is the Great Physician who created us. When Jesus tells us we need to make some changes in our life to make ourselves ready for His soon return or get left behind, why is it that it is so easy for us to push it aside and ignore it? Just because He tells us to love and forgive others, or to flee all malice and sexual immorality, or to think only on that which is true, pure and just, or to let go of anything that He believes gets in the way of our relationship with Him, why do we ignore it when it could be the very things that keeps us from a good, healthy relationship with Him and eternity? What about those instructions we find in the Bible to be faithful to church, reading His word, and to be a person of prayer and thanksgiving?

Notice I said that which He believes gets in the way of our relationship with Him? It isn’t an issue of whether or not we think it gets in the way because the real issue is whether or not He thinks it does. One of the traps we tend to fall into is to think that we know best as to what does or does not get in the way of our relationship with Him, or even what is or is not acceptable in His sight. We have a tendency to not only think we know what’s best, but also to think even subconsciously that we are exempt from some of things He tells us to change. In thinking like that we are in essence pushing aside what the Bible and Jesus tells us regarding the way we need to live.

Do you see yourself in this article? Are you one that values the opinion and instructions of a doctor or health professional over and above what God tells us through the Bible? Is physical, emotional or mental health more important to you than your spiritual health? One way to know is to see how much we as individuals discount as necessary or important the things we’re told in the Bible, verses what our doctors or health professionals tell us? Are we more apt to cut out caffeine and some other types of food to extend our life, or are we more apt to cut out various behaviors or activities that will help strengthen and deepen our walk and relationship with Jesus?

Spend some time in prayer and ask God to show you where you fit into this. Ask Him to show you what is most important to you as well as how you make those determinations. Is it based on what a doctor or health professional says, or is it based on what you think and “feel” is best, or is it based on what God tells us through His word the Bible? Think about this and be open to make any changes that God may ask or require of you. After all, your eternal destination hinges on it. “Doctor said …”, or “Jesus says …”? Which will it be?