Bob Coy on Coexisting...

Coexist?? from Craig DeStefano on Vimeo.

Youth Camp

We had a great week of Camp at Student Life at Palm Beach Atlantic. 7 kids stood up to recieve Christ from our group and we grew closer together while growing closer to God!

The 3 Mistakes Of Herod

Matthew 14:1-12. 1At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the reports about Jesus, 2and he said to his attendants, "This is John the Baptist; he has risen from the dead! That is why miraculous powers are at work in him." 3Now Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, 4for John had been saying to him: "It is not lawful for you to have her." 5Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of the people, because they considered him a prophet.

6On Herod's birthday the daughter of Herodias danced for them and pleased Herod so much 7that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked. 8Prompted by her mother, she said, "Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist." 9The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he ordered that her request be granted 10and had John beheaded in the prison. 11His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl, who carried it to her mother. 12John's disciples came and took his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus.

In this passage Herod makes 3 mistakes that ultimately moved him even further from God’s will and blessings. These same 3 mistakes are being made by many today. I hope you will take the time to consider and reflect upon these things, so that you don’t make the same deadly mistakes yourself.

Mistake #1. Herod depended upon popular ideas of right and wrong instead of unchanging Scriptural truth about right and wrong.

Herod had convinced his brother’s wife (Herodias) to divorce Philip and marry him. This liberal view of marriage and divorce was not considered a problem by the majority of people. The culture considered Herod’s actions acceptable. Herod followed those popular ideas of right and wrong in his own life. The Bible teaches that that divorce in such circumstances is wrong. (Matthew 5:31-32.) The Bible teaches that it is forbidden to marry the wife or ex-wife of a living brother. (Leviticus 18:16.) Herod chose to follow the crowd instead of the Bible. This is a serious mistake that is being made by many today in areas like sexuality, abortion, marriage, honesty, revenge, foul language, and so forth.

Mistake #2. Herod was angered by biblical preaching/proclamation instead of being humbled and convicted.

God sent John the Baptist to warn Herod that his actions were immoral despite the approval of the masses. This warning was an act of love, just like a doctor’s warnings about the dangers of smoking. Herod should have responded with humility, confession and repentance, then he would have been forgiven. Instead Herod became angry with the messenger and had him thrown in jail. The Bible specifically tells us that becoming angry at the preaching of God’s Word does not bring about the righteous and blessed life that God desires. (James 1:19-22, especially verse 20.) Today many people are like Herod in that they become angry at any preaching or proclamation that does not agree with what they want to hear. I hope that you will not make the same mistake as Herod.

Mistake #3. Herod allowed his concerns for the opinion of others to dictate his decisions, when he should have been solely concerned about God’s opinion of him.

Herod went through with the execution of John the Baptist even though he knew it was wrong. He did this because of his concern for the approval of others. (Verse 9.) How many people today, including Christians, are more concerned about the opinion of others instead of the approval of God? Rarely will the crowd be in favor of doing the right thing, so every Christian must be prepared to be disliked and unpopular. The applause of Heaven is far more valuable that the applause of man.

Easter

What do you think was the most significant event in human history?

Unquestionably, the greatest event was the faint sound of a heartbeat in a cold and lifeless body in a tomb, two thousand years ago. The sound of blood rushing through the heart of Jesus of Nazareth was a sound that will thunder throughout eternity, because of its incredible implications.

The fact that God raised someone from the dead is not really significant. He raised the dead a number of times both in the Old and New Testaments. But this resurrection had enormous lawful repercussions. It was evidence that the Judge of the universe had acknowledged that the payment for our sins was acceptable. It was the key that unlocked the door to immortality for humanity.Here's another question for you. What is the most precious substance in the universe? It was unquestionably the blood of Jesus Christ. Nothing else could redeem us from the just curse of God’s Law. When eternal justice called for our blood, and Jesus gave His blood to atone for our crimes. We were not redeemed with silver and gold…but with the precious blood of Christ.Many Jews had been crucified as criminals by the Roman cross. All suffered unspeakable pain. But this Jew's suffering was different because He was the Lamb of God, whose blood did not contain the taint of sin carried by the lineage of Adam. He was truly the Lamb of God.

These are wonderful biblical truths that Christians know and rejoice in. But, this Easter, millions of both Jews and Gentiles will celebrate biblical events that they don’t fully understand. For one or two holy days they will give God thanks for His mercy and for the Passover lamb. Christians celebrate Easter and the resurrection of the Passover Lamb every day of the year.

May you have a happy Easter.

A Christian's To-Do List (Part 2)

6. Serve the Lord with diligence and enthusiasm.

Read Romans 12:11

In this verse Paul gives us a two-fold description of how we should serve the Lord. First he says, "Never be lacking in zeal." Second he says, "Keep your spiritual fervor." The word "zeal" is the same Greek word translated as "diligence" in Romans 12:8. The word means to give earnest effort. If we were using this word to describe an employee, we would be speaking of the employee who always arrives early, leaves late, and does not slack off throughout the day. If we were using this word to describe an athlete we would be speaking of the football player who never takes a play off, the batter who always goes for the home run ball, or the Olympian who will not be satisfied with anything less than a gold medal.

This intensity or earnestness of effort, this diligence is how we’re always to serve the Lord. This means we’re to give 100% whatever ministry we’re engaged in, whether children’s church, the worship team, helping others, serving, hosting a fellowship, intercessory prayer, senior’s ministry, or helping on a workday, etc... To serve the Lord with diligence means giving 100% in ministry, worship, in meditation on the word of God, in our prayer lives and so forth.

After telling Christian’s to serve the Lord with diligence (zeal), Paul goes on to say, "Keep your spiritual fervor." This refers not so much to what we do (our actions), as it does to our attitude. "Spiritual fervor" is a reference to spiritual enthusiasm. Not only should we give whole hearted efforts in serving the Lord, but we should be excited and enthused about it. The word for "fervor" here is the Greek word for boiling. It was figuratively used to describe a passionate attitude. This is the attitude of enthusiasm we all should have toward the things of the Lord. We should be passionate in our worship, excited about our time in God’s word, and enthused about serving God with our gifts.

Sometimes we may think that we just cannot maintain that level of diligence and enthusiasm, especially enthusiasm since that is an emotion. After all we have no control over our emotions, or so we think. I beg to differ with that conclusion. I think that we can decide to give 100% to Jesus and to be excited in doing so. If we could not do that, the Bible would not tell is to be spiritual fervent.

I believe the Holy Spirit renews our enthusiasm for the things of the Lord when we to decide to be enthusiastic for Jesus and make efforts in that direction. When you think about it, is it really that hard to be excited about worshiping the living God? Is it difficult to be enthused about reading the words of the Creator of everything? Is it hard to be passionate about praying when we understand that we’re praying to a wise, caring, and powerful God? The answer to all these questions "no."

Before I move on to the seventh thing on the Christian’s "To Do" list, I want to point out that our enthusiasm is not mindless or directionless, but is focused on "serving the Lord." I say this because sometimes people in the church get caught up in emotional hype that has little to do with the Lord. They’re excited and fervent because of the emotional atmosphere of a meeting or because of manipulation by the evangelist, speaker, or worship leader pumping up people like at a high-school pep rally. Now let’s move on to the seventh thing on the Christian’s "To Do" list.

7. Trust in and depend on God, especially in difficult times

Christian should be joyful for many reasons. First we’re forgiven of our sins, and that is certainly reason to be joyful. Second we’re continually, blessed by God which is another reason to be joyous. Paul’s concern in Roman 12:12 is that we be joyful in difficult times because of the hope that we have for the future. We must believe what God says about the future being much better than the present; otherwise we will lose our joy and give in to despair. This is why Paul says, "Be joyful in hope."

Through the years we’ve had many ladies become pregnant in the church. I’ve never met one of those ladies who were not joyful despite the pregnancy.How can a woman who has gained 30 lbs., whose back hurts constantly, and who knows of the excruciating pain of labor that lies ahead be joyful? The answer is she knows that the difficulty and the pain will not last forever but rather that the future is bright, i.e. she is "joyful in hope."

It is the same with the Christian. We will undergo difficult times, emotional and physical pain, sickness, persecution, etc. but we know by faith that the future is better so we can be "joyful in hope." When we encounter hard times we need to remember the seventh thing on the Christian’s "To Do" list.

Hope for Those Who Hurt

Bum Phillips, former coach of the Houston Oilers (now the Tennessee Titans) once made the comment, "There are two types of coaches in the NFL: them that have been fired, and them that are gonna be fired." His statements applies to our topic today as well. There are two types of people in the world. Those who have been hurt, and those who will be hurt. We can’t escape it. Neither can we avoid it. At some time or another, we’ll all get hurt. When you make a commitment to follow Christ, you don’t receive an exemption from getting hurt.

Even though all of us will experience hurts, sometimes very deep hurts, in life, we do not have to lose hope. Jesus offers hope to the hurting. Why is there hope for the hurting? Why can you be encouraged even if you are currently enduring a seemingly hopeless situation?...Because Jesus Notices And Cares for Hurting People.

Read Luke 13:10-13:17

One of the first things I want you to observe in these verses is that Jesus was not indifferent to the hurt, pain and despair this woman was going through. She did not go unnoticed by Jesus. He has an eye for the hurting. He noticed and called to her even though there is no record that she ever approached him. He reached out to her in the midst of her pain because He is aware and concerned with her hurts and all of our hurts.

This was not a typical way to conduct the synagogue service! Jesus response to her was not socially expected or even accepted. Women in that culture were generally thought little of and usually ignored. Why then did Jesus take notice of her and make a point to respond to her need immediately and publicly? Because Jesus notices and cares for hurting people! He has great compassion on those who are burdened, depressed, overwhelmed, and often ignored by people in general.Yes, Jesus cares for all people but those who were hurting always seemed to receive special attention and responses from Him.

In New Testament times women, lepers, prostitutes, tax collectors, and widows were the most oppressed, ignored, hurting, and hopeless of people yet these are the very people to whom Jesus ministered most often and most powerfully.

You do not ever need to think that Jesus is not aware of your situation or unmoved by your tears. Jesus is not indifferent to or willing to ignore your pain. Some people have an erroneous idea that God does not take personal and emotional interest in us petty humans. This just isn’t the truth. Jesus expressed compassion for the hurting on numerous occasions and He is the perfect expression of God the Father. Through His life we know that God cares deeply for hurting people. You may not understand many things that you are going through or why your prayers go unanswered but you can be confident that God notices and cares about your pain.

We have a Lord who notices the hurting and has compassion on the burdened. As His followers we have the responsibility to do the same! We should not be indifferent to the hurting or unresponsive to the sorrowful and troubled. When we gather we should take the time to give attention and sympathy toward those in need. When we pray we should care enough to genuinely pray for those who are hurting, confused, sick or in pain. Hurting people should not be an afterthought in our prayers or our daily lives rather they should be our first priority.

There is a message for us in this text. Jesus is saying, you can have your praise and worship, teachings, and communion but never forget that hurting people matter to God. Make sure you reach out to them. This religious leader basically said to this woman and to the crowd that now is not the time or the place for healing but to comeback at another time. What hypocrisy! She has been this way for eighteen years! You wouldn’t let your animal go without water one day because of religious tradition or scruples why should this "daughter of Abraham", an Israelite, wait another moment? Jesus expects hurting people to be the priority. Jesus cares for the hurting and He insists that we do so also.

Six young men were slated to compete against one another in Seattle, Washington. The event was the hundred-yard dash. The men lined up, waited for the starting gun and took off in a sprint. About halfway down the track the man in front stumbled and fell, skinning his hands and knees. The other five men stopped and helped him up. After they brushed him off they decided to finish the race together, holding hands. None of the judges could tell who won the blue ribbon; none of them could see through their tears. No one in the stands that day would ever forget this demonstration of compassion. As the race ended the crowd stood and cheered for 10 minutes. These young men were competing in the Special Olympics; and they showed that they cared more for a hurting friend than for winning a race.

We are to have the same attitude to those who may be hurting in life. We need to stop and help, not proceed with everyday life in hypocritical indifference.There is hope for you if you are hurting today because God does not forget you and He is not in different to your pain.

Sir Isaac Newton on a Creator

Sir Isaac Newton said, "Atheism is so senseless and odious to mankind that it never had many professors. Can it be by accident that all birds beasts and men have their right side and left side alike shaped . . . and just two eyes and no more on either side of the face and just two ears on either side the head and a nose with two holes and no more between the eyes and one mouth under the nose . . . These and such like considerations always have and ever will prevail with mankind to believe that there is a Being who made all things and has all things in his power and who is therefore to be feared."

Truth in a "Whatever World"...

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Feeling Small in the Face of a Big God

A Christian’s "To Do" List (Part 1)

In the early years of our marriage, Amy and I both worked outside the home and often had different days off. On my days off, Amy would often leave a "To Do" list attached to the TV, where she knew I would have to see it. The "To Do" list often contained a variety of things that needed to be done: Mow the lawn, pay bills, go to the bank, etc.. Although the list did not elaborate or give specifics, it was very clear what needed to be done. The only thing that connected the items on the list was that they all needed to be done as a part of my responsibilities within the marriage.

The later half of Romans Chapter 12 is a Christian’s "To Do" list. This is a list of a great variety of things that Christians need to and should be doing. The list contains short exhortations things to do without much elaboration or necessarily any connection with what proceeds or precedes the particular exhortation.

1. Love others sincerely.

"Love must be sincere" as Paul says in the beginning of verse 9. This verse could also be translated as, "Love must be without hypocrisy." In other words, our love for others must be genuine or authentic, not counterfeit or feigned. What is the difference between real love and fake love? Actions! Real or sincere love demonstrates itself by doing, i.e. by actively helping others whereas hypocritical love is characterized by inaction. Hypocritical love is characterized by words, hugs, smiles, and best wishes without actually doing are sacrificing anything for others.

When we’re walking in sincere love it will be evident by the way we live our lives and in the things we do, i.e. in our actions. Those with sincere love: visit the sick and imprisoned and lonely, give to the needy, pray for the hurting, and take time to help others. This love is the real deal. This love is the genuine article. The first thing, the preeminent thing on the Christian’s "To Do" list is to love others sincerely. Now let’s look at the second thing on the Christian’s "To Do" list.

2. Hate what is evil. Paul’s words here about our attitude toward sinful, immoral things are quite strong. We’re literally to "abhor" those things in life that are wicked according to the word of God. We’re to feel and react to them in the same way as we would react to really messy diaper, "I want nothing to do with it and I want it out of my house and life as soon as possible." This is the attitude that we’re to have toward evil. We’re not to endure it, accept it, or live with it, we are to hate it. We are to hate things like: gossip, promiscuity, deceit of any kind, thievery of any kind, jealousy, lust, pride, divisiveness, etc…

My wife hates bugs, especially roaches and spiders. I know that she really abhors bugs and does not just dislike having them in the house. I know she really hate bugs and does not find them just slightly offensive because of how she reacts to them when she sees one. After screaming for me if I’m around, she will take an entire can of bug spray and use it on one bug. She hates bugs and therefore passionately tries her best to be rid of them, even if that means going overboard. Paul is saying that we’re to have the same attitude toward evil in our lives as my wife has toward roaches. There is to be no place or acceptance of it. Do not endure it, ignore it, put up with it, or be lackadaisical about evil in your home, thoughts, entertainment, words, or the attitude of your heart. Do everything you can to be rid of it, even to the point of going overboard.

3. Cling to what is good.

With the same kind of passion we’re to have toward ridding our lives of evil, we’re also to have in holding on tightly to what is good. Recent news reports have been filled with reports of child abductions. This has caused most parents take extra care in watching their children. They are holding their hands in malls, they are personally watching them as they play in the front yard, they are avoiding public parks, and they are securing their homes with extra locks and alarms systems. They are in effect clinging or holding tightly to their children so that they will not be lost. This in a sense is how Paul is telling Christian’s to act toward those things in our lives which are good. Hold on to them tightly. Do everything you can to insure they stay in your lives.

What is meant by the word "good?" The Greek word translated as "good" was used of things that were morally good and of things that are beneficial or useful for productive Christian life. Taking this dual meaning into consideration, Paul is telling us to hold tightly to things that are morally good and are beneficial for growing in the Christian life. Things that are good would include things such as: holy and righteous living, Christian fellowship, church attendance, daily Bible reading, daily prayer, time with God, and dedication to serving God’s purposes.

Even though these things are good, they will not stay in your life unless you make the extra effort to "cling to what is good." How many people have let the things that I just mentioned slip from their lives so that they’re hardly present anymore? The answer is far too many. The third thing on the Christian "To Do" list is to cling to what is good. Now let’s take a look at the fourth thing.

4. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.

This verse could also be translated, "Love other Christians as part of the family." The main emphasis of this verse seems to be on making sure that we maintain a warm affection for our brothers and sisters in Christ. When a person becomes a Christian, they really become a part of a new family, not just as a child of God, but also as a spiritual sibling of other Christians. This spiritual kinship and the love that accompanies it is mostly manifest in the local congregation. This family love of the church is often so intensive that it even supersedes the love and affection natural families have for one another.

This is why it hurts to see Christians move away after all we’re now losing a part of our family, someone who we love. This is why it is such a joy to see Christians who have been away for an extended time return to the congregation; they are family and we react to their return as we would a family member. This is why we rejoice when a fellow Christian gets a job promotion and this is why we’re saddened when a fellow Christian is hurting. The church is not just the club or group of people but it is a family where people love one another as family.

This affection and love for one another is a wonderful thing but it is a love that can be extinguished. A fire in a fireplace will dwindle if it is not stoked and supplied with fuel. A fire in a fireplace can be extinguished if it is doused with water. The same is true of our brotherly love for one another if we are not careful to maintain that devotion to one another. Our brotherly love will dwindle or be extinguished if we do not do our part. Our part is to make every effort to stay close to one another, to guard against developing a hardness of heart that doesn’t care for other’s concerns, and especially to watch out for those things that could put out the fire of brotherly love. Things like: pride, unwillingness to forgive or overlook offenses, petty disagreements, jealousy, demanding our own way, and responding to minor theological differences as though they were major. We must guard against all these things

5. Honor one another above yourselves.

Whenever my children get a good grade at school they’re anxious to tell me about their accomplishment even though they know their sibling also did something worthy of recognition and honor. They never say, "Guess what Dad, my sister got an "A" on spelling." Rather they say, "Guess what Dad, I got an "A" in math." Their normal behavior is to seek recognition and honor for themselves. This isn’t true only of children; it is also true adults, although we tend to be more subtle in our approach. As Christians though our minds to be to be transformed into a new way of thinking and part of the new way of thinking means seeking the honor of others above ourselves. This is the fifth thing on the Christian’s "To Do" list.

In essence what Paul is saying is that we should consider others more important than ourselves and that we should strive hard to see that other, not ourselves, are recognized for their contributions and that their desires are attended to. I’ve been in churches were just the opposite attitude was prevalent. People were seeking recognition for their own sacrifices, talents, spiritual gifts, or spirituality. We must be very careful about such an attitude developing in our own hearts. We must be always ready to play second fiddle to others.

I want us to take a moment and ask ourselves some questions honestly. "Am I’m more concerned when others are overlooked or when I am overlooked?" "Do I delightfully strive to see that others are recognized for their value to the body of Christ or do I secretly hope that my value is recognized and appreciated?" The only way the church can operate in a way that glorifies God and fulfills his purposes is if we can truly seek the welfare and honor of others above ourselves.