Backsliding 

pjimgallagherLeave a comment

Jeremiah 3:22
“Return, you backsliding children, and I will heal your backsliding.”

Paul warned against having an attitude toward grace that encourages sin. Some were suggesting, since God is gracious, it is okay to sin, knowing we will receive forgiveness. He put it this way,

“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?” Romans 6:1

This attitude not only cheapens the grace of God, but also leaves a door open for sin to damage our lives. I think we often forget that sin is not bad because God forbids it, but that God forbids it because it is bad.

Jeremiah alludes to the dangers of sin when he declares, if we return to the Lord, He will “heal our backsliding.” Jeremiah understood that backsliding has grave consequences and will do us much harm. Some of the most common scars on the backslidden Christian include, shame, defeat, a shattered witness, broken families, lost years and even addictions. If we think we can toy around with sinful behavior without any consequence, then we are failing to understand the danger of sin, or the purpose of Grace.

Judah failed to heed the warnings of the prophets. They thought they could continue down a road of compromise without any lasting impact. It was not long after Jeremiah uttered these words that the nation collapsed. It would do us good to examine our lives and see if we are allowing compromise to keep us from complete commitment to Christ.

Pastor Jim

 

Time For A New Path

pjimgallagher1 Comment

Jeremiah 3:3
“Therefore the showers have been withheld, And there has been no latter rain.”

Difficulties in life are not always the result of personal sin, but sometimes they are. Sometimes our struggles could be alleviated by getting things right with God. Haggai wrote, the people in his day were ignoring the Lord and their relationship with Him, and as a result he wrote, “You have sown much, and bring in little; You eat, but do not have enough; You drink, but you are not filled with drink; You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm; And he who earns wages, Earns wages to put into a bag with holes. ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts’: “Consider your ways!'”” (Haggai 1:6&7) It is possible that the hardships you are enduring are not actually trials or even the natural results of living in a fallen world. It is possible that you are facing the consequences of certain behaviors, or even the chastening of God. The solution to alleviate those types of difficulties is through what the Bible calls repentance; a word meaning to change both your mind and your direction.

A few years ago, I was involved in taking a group of high school students to the mountains for a retreat. We decided to take them on a hike that led to a deep water creek. As we ventured down the path, we realized that it was much more difficult and dangerous than we expected. Instead of walking, we were forced to sit down and “scooch” our way down the hill. Once we finally reached the bottom, we saw some local teenagers who informed us that we had taken the wrong path. They pointed us to a much easier and safer way in and out.

Perhaps the solution, for the troubles you are facing, is to get on a different path. Instead of living like those in Jeremiah’s day, who “followed the dictates of their hearts” (which is a fancy way of saying they did whatever they wanted), we need to turn to Christ and live pleasing to Him. Don’t take another step down the road of self will. Stop, surrender to Jesus, and start following Him.

Pastor Jim

Prescription That Works 

pjimgallagher1 Comment

Hebrews 1:3
“…and upholding all things by the word of His power…

When the children of Israel were in the wilderness, God supernaturally provided for their needs. Each morning, as the dew settled on the ground, a substance known simply as “manna” would appear. Manna was similar to a pastry sweetened with honey, and contained all the nutritional needs of the children of Israel, throughout their wilderness journey. When the kids arose and were hungry, they were given manna, at lunch time, manna, after school snack, manna, dinner, manna. No matter what the hunger, the answer was “manna”. For those who lost site of the miraculous nature of this “Angel Food”, this may have become somewhat monotonous.

A similar thing often happens with believers. We face a fear, struggle, temptation, disappointment, challenge, or trial, and when we seek counsel, we are told to read the Bible. We might even be given a prescription of a couple of key verses, and told to memorize them, and meditate upon them. There are times when we may feel like “Come on man, I am in real trouble and need some real help, how is a Bible verse going to help me?”

“…and upholding all things by the word of His power…

Hebrews 1 describes the value of the Word of God and why, no matter what the diagnosis, the prescription is more of the Word. We are told the entire universe is held together by the Word of His power. I remember learning that within the nucleus of an atom, are two opposing charges that should repel one another but are being held together with what scientists refer to as “atomic glue.” Two thousand years ago, the Bible described the atomic glue holding all things together, as the Word of God.

The reason we prescribe the Word to be ingested daily, is because there is no substance in the universe which carries the kind of power that the Word of God does. It has the power to reveal to the sinner their need for a Savior, leading them to Christ. It has the power to transform the life of the struggling Christian, giving him strength to withstand temptation, and follow after Jesus. It has the power to equip the saint for service, providing him with a “sharp, two-edged sword” (Hebrews 4:12), with which to influence others for the kingdom of heaven.

Don’t get tired of the Word. Don’t think because you ate from it yesterday that you can skip your meal today. Like Manna, we must arise every morning and partake of the Word if we are going to benefit from its miraculous power.

Pastor Jim

Walking In Sunshine 

pjimgallagher1 Comment

Jeremiah 2:13
“For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, And hewn themselves cisterns—broken cisterns that can hold no water.”

Water is a necessary element for life. Ancient cities were founded with two main concerns; first there must be an ample water source to support the people and second they must be able to defend themselves from enemies who might attack. In arid climates, it became necessary to capture any rainfall and store it for the dry season. Without the advent of poly tanks or cement, the method for creating a reservoir was to cut a pool out of a massive bolder. Imagine the amount of work it took using hand tools, to hollow out a bolder into a swimming pool. This would not be the work of days or weeks, but that of years, and perhaps a lifetime. What a tragedy it would be if, after it was finally completed, you found that it had a leak and would not hold  water. Jeremiah uses this vivid imagery to illustrate the impact of turning away from the Lord. He describes the backslider as one who has both turned from the source of living water and spent his life digging a pool that will not hold water.

Fortunately, it is not too late to mend your ways. If you have turned from Christ in pursuit of other things, all you need to do is turn back to Him. In life, if we make a wrong turn and travel an hour out of our way, it will take us an hour to get back, but the same is not true as it relates to returning to the Lord. If you walked away from Jesus five years ago, it will not take five years to get back. It takes only a moment. All you need to do is turn to Him, confess your sins, and start following Him and His word.

I was in an open air church building in a tropical climate when, just as the service, ended it began to rain. Because of the way the building was designed, I could exit from either the front or the back of church. As I looked more carefully, I observed that it was only raining in the back. I had a choice to make, I could walk in the sun or I could walk in the rain. I chose the sun and made my way out without getting wet. The same is true as it relates to life. We get to make a choice. We can choose to turn to the Lord, and walk in His ways, or we can choose to ignore Him, and continue down a path that will never satisfy, and leave us wanting, when we face eternity.

I think it is time to start walking in the sunshine.

Pastor Jim

 

Called To Serve 

pjimgallagher1 Comment

Jeremiah 1:5
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you;
Before you were born I sanctified you;
I ordained you a prophet to the nations.”

There are many fields where we must leave the work to the professionals. It would be utter folly to attempt dentistry on yourself, and working on gas lines or electricity, without proper training, can be deadly. However, when it comes to ministry, we need to realize that each and every Christian has been called. Paul explained, it is actually the believers, not the professionals, who are called to the work.

Ephesians 4:12 “. . .for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.”

That being said, Jeremiah’s experience is a perfect example of the call of God on our lives. Four critical truths are revealed.

First, God explains to Jeremiah that “He formed him.” In other words, all of the gifts, talents, abilities, strengths and weaknesses that made up the man Jeremiah, were designed by God. It seems to me, our first response whenever we sense a call of God on their life, is to immediately bring up all the reasons we are not qualified. It is almost as though we have forgotten that God designed us the way He did so when ministry is accomplished, He alone receives the glory.

Second, Jeremiah is told that God “knew him.” Notice the tense. God has been watching Jeremiah; and all his faults, failures and sins were not a surprise to Him. While unrepentant sin will shelve us from usefulness in the Kingdom, our past sins and even present struggles, do not. One of the great pitfalls in the Christian life, is when we are constantly looking back at our faults, instead of keeping our eyes on Christ and pressing on.

Third, Jeremiah was told God sanctified him. The term sanctified means to set apart. God is explaining that Jeremiah was selected specifically for the task at hand. Sanctification carries at least two ideas. First, God has set us apart from all others, for the task at hand. Second, we set ourselves apart to God, from worldliness and sin, so we can be effectively used by Him. Many, who have the call of God on their lives, fail to remove themselves from worldliness, and as a result, never accomplish the task for which God designed them.

Finally, Jeremiah was told that God ordained him. Ordination today is often reduced to a church or ministry organization giving an individual a certificate of some kind, allowing them to do certain tasks within that organization. Biblically, the word means that God has placed His hand upon a person, equipping them for all that He has called them to do. When we are called by God, we are also equipped by God. You will never find a passage in Scripture where God asks someone to do the impossible and leaves them to their own strength. Nor will you ever find God calling you without equipping you. The problem is, the enabling only comes when the tasks is being accomplished.

One parting thought. In Verse 17, God tells Jeremiah to “prepare himself.” If you are sensing the call of God, it is time to get prepared. Personal study of the Word, and getting plugged into your church’s discipleship program, are essential to preparation for ministry.

Pastor Jim

That’s Refreshing 

pjimgallagher1 Comment

Philemon 1:7

“For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother.”

The world honors men for many reasons. We have a Hall of Fame for most sporting endeavors. Men’s lives are immortalized for throwing a ball, riding a wave, or taking a punch. What an amazing thing it must be for a living legend to see a bronze statue of himself outside a stadium, or a street in his home town, named after him. Here, in our text, we find God is immortalizing the actions of a man named Philemon. In it we learn something very important about the economy of God.

“. . . the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother.”

While we do not know a lot about this man, we do know his life was a source of encouragement for others. There are many things in life that can tear us down, wear us out, or discourage us from continuing to follow and serve Christ. However, there are also many things that can build us up and keep us going. What a blessing it is, when we find a man like Philemon who will refresh our hearts.

We are not told exactly how he did that, but a story from the life of David may shed a little light on how we can refresh the hearts of one another. The Bible tells us, David became discouraged. After being called by God and used by God, as a general and a worship leader, David was forced to flee like a fugitive, from the increasing threats of King Saul. He left his wife, home, friends and ministry. He was forced to hide away in one of the many caves in the Judean wilderness. At times, the difficulties of his life took their toll on David, and he became discouraged. On one such occasion, we are told he received a visit from his friend, Jonathan, who “strengthened his hands in God.” (1 Samuel 23:16) A phrase that is synonymous with the “the hearts of the saints are refreshed by you”

The question is, how did Jonathan refresh David’s heart or strengthen his hands? The story, told in 1 Samuel, explains that Jonathan simply reminded David of the promises found in the Word of God. Saddened, overwhelmed, defeated and afraid, David heard the great and precious promises of the Scripture and was suddenly strengthened from within. He was not alone in this experience. When Daniel was weakened by seeing the direction the world was taking, moving farther and farther from God, we are told, he heard God speak and was strengthened and rose to his feet to continue the task to which he was called.

If you find yourself weary, you may need a nap, a Sabbath, or a vacation, but you also need to sit down with the promises of God and allow him to refresh your heart. If you see someone else who is worn out, instead of rehearsing with them how unfair or difficult things may be, remind them of the promises of God, and watch as their hands are strengthened in the Lord.

Pastor Jim

 

Famous People 

pjimgallagher1 Comment

Isaiah 66:2
“For all those things My hand has made, And all those things exist,” Says the Lord. “But on this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, And who trembles at My word.”

Imagine walking into someone’s home, where, on the mantle, they had a picture of themselves with a famous or powerful person. As you looked closer, there was not one picture but many. You saw them having a meal together, strolling down the street, and perhaps even sailing the deep blue sea. If you are anything like me, you might begin to wonder how that was possible. How did they get to be so close to that person, so that they were able to be a part of their daily life?

Isaiah declares, God is so vast and majestic that the heavens themselves are His throne, and He uses the earth as if we were a foot stool. He is the one who both, created all things, and the one who holds it all together. It would seem impossible for anyone to gain an audience with someone so great. Yet Isaiah declares, God looks on those who are poor, contrite and trembling.

The word poor is used to speak of a person who is in want. This could be physically, monetarily or even emotionally. It is a word that could speak of a person suffering depression. Isaiah declares that God Himself looks down upon those in need. It is His desire that we look back to Him as the one who can meet that need. It is natural for us, when in need, to look to others for help. We run to whoever we think can give us the prescription to make our difficulty disappear. Often however,  we fail to look up to the God who sees, and has allowed these things to draw us to Himself. If you are needy, He is watching, and wants you to draw near.

The word contrite speaks of a person who is stricken, lame or broken. It is natural for us to look away from a broken person. If an advertisement comes on the TV for an organization seeking to give aid to suffering children, it is natural to look away. We feel guilt and we feel powerless to help. What a blessing to know that God looks upon the broken. In fact God is actually looking for the broken. He is the only craftsman who selects the broken tool to accomplish the task.

Finally, those who have an audience with God, are those who tremble; not at a scary movie, or the uncertainty of the future, but those who tremble at His word. God is looking for people who will fear His word and do what it says. It seems, we live in an age where most people have only enough Bible knowledge to hurt themselves. They are able to pull a verse or two out to accuse the Bible of wrong, or to justify their sinful behavior. God is looking for those who will hold the Word of God in high esteem, and practice what it preaches.

Let’s seek to fill our photo albums with scenes of walking through life with the Lord. Let’s be people who look to Him, follow His word, and enjoy the sweet communion of the Holy Spirit.

Pastor Jim

 

Holier Than Thou

pjimgallagher1 Comment

Isaiah 65:5
“Who say, ‘Keep to yourself,
Do not come near me,
For I am holier than you!'”

“Holier than thou” is defined by a modern dictionary as, “having a superior attitude or view of one’s self.” It is most commonly used as an accusation against a Christian who calls out sinful behavior. Have you ever been accused of being ‘holier than thou’? If you have, it was probably because you attempted to share Christ with someone. This verse is often coupled with Jesus’ command not to judge lest we be judged, and is used as a defense mechanism by those who are involved in ungodly practices. I think it is worth noting, this statement was actually first used by unbelievers who claimed they were holy enough on their own, and did not need a savior. In fact, anyone who refuses Christ and the cross, is essentially claiming to be ‘holier than thou’.

The fact is, the cross declares, universally, that all of mankind is not holy on their own. As Jesus pleaded with God in the garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:39), we realize salvation is not possible apart from the cross. It is there, and there alone, where sin can be pardoned. If we do not see our need for Christ as our Savior, we are confused about who God is, and who we are. If we truly examined the God of Scripture, we would find He is holy and just, and must judge sin. If we truly examine ourselves, we will find that we are sinners in need of salvation.

Instead of ignoring sin and thinking you are fine the way you are, take your sin before the cross and allow Jesus to wash you and make you new.

Pastor Jim

 

Looking Back

pjimgallagher1 Comment

Isaiah 63:7
“I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the Lord And the praises of the Lord, According to all that the Lord has bestowed on us, And the great goodness toward the house of Israel, Which He has bestowed on them according to His mercies, According to the multitude of His loving-kindnesses.”

I recently attended a communion service where we were encouraged to think back upon who we were and where we we going. My mind immediately took me back to being a carefree young man, who gave no regard to the things of God. I allowed myself to imagine what my life would be like had I continued on that course. I could see myself walking down a road in pursuit of pleasure, only to find that road leading to vanity. We were then encouraged to think about all Christ accomplished for us, and to reflect upon the things He has done in our lives. My mind immediately filled with images that would never have been there had I not said yes to Jesus. I reflected upon my marriage, family, and ministry. Soon my heart began to burst forth in praise, I could hardly contain the thanks I felt for my redemption and the sweet but painful experience of sanctification. Like Isaiah, I wanted to mention the loving-kindness, goodness and mercies of the Lord.

Take some time this morning to reflect upon all God has done for you. Think upon the cross, and upon the fact that while you going through life, He was drawing you to Himself, by the work of His Spirit. Look back at all the ways He has shown Himself good to you, and begin to express praise. Perhaps it would be of value to write out a list of some of the ways God has shown His unfailing love to you over the years.

Pastor Jim

 

Old Faithful 

pjimgallagher1 Comment

Titus 3:8

“This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.”

Sometimes, when we want to emphasize the importance of something, we might add a phrase like “to tell you the truth” or “honestly speaking” or “without a doubt” or “without question.” It was common for Jesus to use the term “verily, verily” or “truly, truly”, when driving home a particular truth. For Paul, the favorite lead-in was “this is a faithful saying.” He used it five times in his writings, and each time emphasized a different truth.

1 Timothy 1:15 “This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.”

Beyond any doubt, the reason for Jesus coming into the world was to save sinners. He did this by willingly laying down His life on the cross. The Jesus who called the dead back to life, walked upon the water, and commanded the demons to depart, is the same Jesus who allowed Himself to be tortured and crucified; all this to save sinners. For us to benefit from His work on the cross, we must, like Paul, realize we are the sinner He died for, and receive the pardon He provides.

1 Timothy 3:1 “This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work.”

Something happens when we begin to grow in our relationship with Jesus. Within us, a desire grows to serve Him. People, who prior to coming to Christ, may have been extremely selfish, now find themselves wanting to help others, or serve in the local church. Paul explains, wanting to serve the Lord is a good thing, and wanting to serve in the capacity of a pastor is a call of God. If you are being called, answer.

1 Timothy 4:9 “This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance.”

Before making this statement, Paul had declared, “godliness is profitable for all things in this life and the one to come.” Whenever making an investment, we want to know the profitability of it. Will I get back what I am putting in? Paul explains that with godliness you will get a return far greater than the investment you make. Godliness will affect every part of this life, and will leave a storehouse of treasures awaiting you in the next.

2 Timothy 2:11 “This is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him, We shall also live with Him.”

This is the first line of a chorus sung by the early churches. It declares, without question, there is life after this life. For those who trust Christ, we will live with Him for all eternity. Heaven is filled with glory, but the heaven of heavens, is the presence of Jesus. To be absent from this body is to be present with the Lord.

Titus 3:8 “This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.”

This is the final use of the phrase in Paul’s writings. Here, he is emphasizing the fact that all who trust in Christ for salvation should be filled with good works. Doing good things will not save you. However, if you are saved, you will long to do good works. You will desire to show your trust in Christ by living a brand new life. These good works should show themselves in your home, neighborhood, place of business, school, hobbies and circle of influence. How do you think your world would be affected, if today, you walked out the door seeking opportunities to do good works unto others, as a way to reveal Christ to them?

Let’s be sure to maintain good works, after all, the salvation of our loved ones may depend on it.

Pastor Jim