May 28, 2014

Never mistake simple for important. It’s a simple step to board an aircraft or get in a car, but nothing is more important if you plan to reach your destination.

“if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.” (Romans 10.9-10)

Verbal confession and wholehearted belief are the key steps. Indeed; these are simple, but so very important. But, it’s imperative that we not oversimplify either. In Romans 6 Paul mentioned the priority of water baptism. In chapter 12, verses 1 and 2 he speaks about the totality of our lives and mindset as a living sacrifice. These are important action steps that consistently follow confession and belief. So, to believe is to be so resolutely persuaded so as to take action. Heartfelt belief moves us to repentance, baptism, and entrance into a lifestyle governed by Holy Spirit (Acts 2.38). Confession, then, is verbally affirming these steps and actions. Confession and faith also are based on a specific understanding of the character and nature of Jesus (see Matthew 16.16). Why would we believe in One whom we do not truly know? 

Simple, but vital steps. Again, like boarding an aircraft or getting in to a car, these are merely the beginning of the journey. Discovering Jesus’ revolutionary teaching and demonstration of the kingdom of God is a vital part of that journey. Learning and practicing humble service are also of utmost importance. Walking in obedience to the internal Spirit, and cultivating Spirit fruit, are essential. All these are part of the “new territory” that faith and confession are the doorway to.

Have you begun the journey through these key steps? Are you faithfully following the pathway to the kingdom through Spirit lifestyle? There’s never a better moment to consider the importance of these simple steps than right now.

©Steve Taylor, 2014
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May 27, 2014

The saying goes, “everyone is entitled to his/her opinion”. In many areas of life, opinions are personal and inconsequential. But, there are some crucial areas where personal opinions carry far more weight than many realize. And there is one that is top of the list.

“Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He was asking His disciples, ‘Who do people say that the Son of Man is?’ And they said, ‘Some say John the Baptist; and others,Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.’ He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ ” (Matthew 16.13-15)

What others think about Jesus is interesting, but what we personally conclude is of the utmost importance. And, it is imperative that our answer be the same as Peter’s: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." (Matthew 16.16)

Much controversy surrounds the true nature and identity of Jesus. Most doctrinal statements adhered to by denominations and churches bear little resemblance to this simple and God-inspired confession. And yet, this is the first, and truly authentic, statement of faith. Nothing must ever negate or displace it. To be the Son of God is radically different that being God, the Son. And, lest we think this is all a matter of personal opinion or preference, consider the priority Jesus Himself attaches to it: “This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” (John 17.3)

The key point is this: do not allow doctrinal statements, church tradition, or the opinions of others determine your conclusion as to who Jesus is. Make certain that you diligently search the Bible, and humbly pursue this issue in a spirit of prayer, because God alone provides the insight (“flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 16.17) 

This key conclusion as to Jesus’ identity is the starting point. From here, our goal must be to personally know and walk with this Jesus whose identity God reveals to us. As the apostle Paul so well said, “that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.” (Philippians 3.10-11)

May today be an important day of discovering and walking with the Christ that our Father wants to truly reveal to us.

©Steve Taylor, 2014
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May 20, 2014

Alexander Pope famously wrote, “Hope springs eternal in the human breast”. Even amidst the most desperate times, there is a general sense that better things and times are yet to come. Human hope is vague and baseless, but students of God’s word readily see that there is clear and substantial evidence for a better future. 

"On that day the deaf will hear words of a book, And out of their gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind will see. The afflicted also will increase their gladness in the LORD, And the needy of mankind will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.” (Isaiah 29.18-19)

There will be a day of hearing, seeing, gladness, and fulfillment. And, we’ve been given a preview of that day through the actions of God’s Son. The forerunner of Jesus, John the Baptist, inquired as to whether Jesus truly was the Messiah. “Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Go and report to John what you hear and see: the BLIND RECEIVE SIGHT and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the POOR HAVE THE GOSPEL PREACHED TO THEM. And blessed is he who does not take offense at Me.’ ” (Matthew 11.4-5) In the miracles of Jesus, we see a glimpse of a better tomorrow - the perfect kingdom age to come.

I recently witnessed how someone can truly “hear words of a book”. I was privileged to introduce an individual, who had never read it before, to the Bible. This person at first read what I had suggested, but was frustrated in understanding it. But, a great miracle occurred the second time through in which God truly opened her eyes to see how personal and applicable His word was to her desperate situation. Illuminated by His Holy Spirit, this spiritually deaf person heard the words of His book, and has found new understanding and clarity.

The kingdom to come is at work today as lives are changed through true hearing, sight, gladness, and fulfillment. But, it’s all a foretaste of far greater things to come. A better day will come, and it offers true basis for hope that “springs eternal”. 

Savor that goodness of the age to come as you taste and experience it today, and let this remind and encourage you as you anticipate our great hope to be realized in the not-too-distant future.

©Steve Taylor, 2014
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May 14, 2014

We are convinced of better things for you.  Does that mean you’ll get that new job you applied for? A raise? Approval for a mortgage to buy a home? Healing from your current illness? The perfect spouse you’ve been waiting for? The “better things” aren’t necessarily any of these. 

“But, beloved, we are convinced of better things concerning you, and things that accompany salvation, though we are speaking in this way. For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints.” (Hebrews 6.9-10)

Some follower of Christ regress, according to the writer of Hebrews, to their own peril (Hebrews 6.4-6). It’s a sobering warning not to be taken lightly. But, for those who take such warning seriously, there is the assurance of “better things concerning you, and things that accompany salvation”. We serve a faithful God who does not forget those who take dedication and service seriously. The “better things” are qualities and attributes that accompany the salvation of those who are progressing and growing.

Fact is, we are either progressing or regressing as disciples; standing still isn’t an option. As such, those who take progress seriously will take these words to heart: “And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” (Hebrews 6.11-12) Followers of Christ, dedicated to growth and progress, will show diligence as they anticipate the fullfilment of hope. Rather than being sluggish, they will imitate those who excel in faith and patience.

We ARE convinced of better things for you. Those who read these words are those committed to a serious pursuit of “things that accompany salvation”. Diligent Bible study and prayer matter to you. Participation in growth with like-minded believers is a priority. Dedication to serving and advancing the kingdom of God is top priority. Loving God and loving people characterizes your life. 

In a broken and decaying world, we’ll not always get the “better things” commonly hoped for. But, with our “eyes on the prize” of the coming age and the gift of immortality, we will ever be reminded that the truly “better things” are before us as we faithfully progress day by day. 

©Steve Taylor, 2014
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May 13, 2014

Spiking the punch at a wedding seems like an odd way for God’s Son to kick off His public ministry. But, that’s essentially what His first miracle consisted of.

“Now there were six stone waterpots set there for the Jewish custom of purification, containing twenty or thirty gallons each. Jesus said to them, ‘Fill the waterpots with water.’ So they filled them up to the brim.” (John 2.6-7)

Lest we think this miracle consisted of turning water into grape juice, notice: “When the headwaiter tasted the water which had become wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the headwaiter called the bridegroom, and said to him, ‘Every man serves the good wine first, and when the people have drunk freely, then he serves the poorer wine; but you have kept the good wine until now.” (John 2.9-10)

It’s all rather confusing, and maybe disillusioning, unless we look more closely at the story. Let’s begin with the containers chosen for this twenty to thirty gallon miracle: waterpots for purification. Perhaps in this we see that it is Jesus who comes as the “new wine” to bring purification for God’s people. And, performing this amazing miracle at a wedding is a lesson in itself. The coming kingdom age is described as a lavish feast, complete with “refined, aged wine”, in Isaiah 25.6-8. Something of that celebration began that day when the King of the kingdom provided wine for a wedding celebration.

The take away for us today is to return to that celebration, and to drink deeply of this intoxicating wine. No, I’m not advocating drunkenness, but rather a deep and satisfying drink from the cup of the King, who welcomes us to the kingdom celebration. A stimulating drink and taste of the coming age is just what we need to live in the present age. It is only when we drink of this good wine that we realize how superior it is to what the world offers. 

The analogy changes from wine to bread when we consider how Jesus taught us to pray: “Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6.11). The essence of this request is, “feed us today of the bread of tomorrow”. Thus, may the kingdom be our nourishment and refreshment today. Indeed; may each of us be nourished and refreshed today with the bread and wine of the coming age, and may we live and serve in eager anticipation of this great coming celebration.

©Steve Taylor, 2014
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May 7, 2014

To be devoted to something or someone is to be all in. We might call it extreme commitment, or to use the popular catchword for it today: “passion”. All other interests and pursuits are secondary; this one obsession is something we never veer far from, or neglect to think about often. 

“Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving" (Colossians 4:2)

Honestly, it is difficult to be devoted to prayer. Time commitment to its practice is no guarantee of singular focus. Fact is, a great arena of spiritual battle is on our knees, in the prayer closet. We WANT to pray and commune with our Father, but often times every imaginable distracting thought comes into our minds at the very time we want to be wholeheartedly devoted to prayer. It’s a real battle.

Paul prescribes something very practical and helpful to help us in devotion to prayer: “keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving”. The so-called “attitude of gratitude” in prayer is key in keeping alert in it. Recounting specific instances of reasons for personal thankfulness goes far in keep awake and focused on the priority of prayer.

“praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned; that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak.” (Colossians 4:3-4)

Opportunity, boldness, and clarity were priorities for Paul. The very cause that landed Paul in prison was his continued focus. The “mystery of Christ” - His servant lifestyle, atoning sacrifice, and declaration and demonstration of the kingdom of God - were Paul’s prison priorities. Seeking opportunities, taking advantage of them, and being crystal-clear in communication, were what mattered most.

Paul’s connection between prayer and proclamation in this passage are not accidental. A devotion to prayer, characterized by alertness and thankfulness, are foundational to effective communication of the Good News. Personal persuasion will never be effective in spiritual rebirth. For one to be “pierced to the heart” (Acts 2.37) requires the deep conviction of Holy Spirit, energized through prayer. In other words, no one can will or argue anyone into conversion; it is a supernatural act, requiring supernatural power, brought about by supernatural prayer.

May grateful prayer be our passion, and may that passion lead us to life-changing gospel opportunities.

©Steve Taylor, 2014
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May 6, 2014

Character assessment is essential in life. It must begin with self, but it also is vital in determining who are friends and close associates will be. Fact is, we become like those we associate with. 

Proverbs 10 is a side-by-side comparison of the foolish person and the wise. Hopefully we’ll most closely identify with the qualities of the wise as we consider the list. If not, this passage serves as a great guide to direct us to essential changes. 

So, let’s consider a summary of the qualities of the wise: honest (verse 2), hard-working (verse 4), respectful of the opportunity of the moment (verse 5), teachable (verse 8), character integrity (verse 9), correctable (verse 17). By far, the quality most often mentioned in this passage is that of wise words and speech. A wise person blesses others with his words, and weighs them carefully (verse 19). By contrast, the unwise person is called “a babbling fool” (verse 8 & 10). The words of a wise person are literally life-giving (verse 11). They spring from love (verse 12), and from a storehouse of knowledge (verse 14). 

A wise person is characterizes by work ethic and integrity, but ultimately by his/her words. Walk is validated or invalidated by speech. And, few things are as difficult to manage as our words (James 3.7-8). Our minds must be regularly and thoroughly saturated with God’s word, and our tongues under control of Holy Spirit. 

Proverbs 10 is designed to be words to the wise. A wise person will carefully consider the qualities listed, and prayerfully and carefully seek to implement them. And, a wise person will surround himself with those who desire to do the same.

May we live wisely and righteously for our Father, and His Son, this day and every day.

©Steve Taylor, 2014
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/ 

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