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Good Tree, Bad Tree Part 1
March 6, 2011by Josef Urban
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Matthew 7:17-20 - Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
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In the immediately context of this Scripture, the Lord is talking primarily about false prophets (see v. 15). They look like sheep, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. Just as Satan appears as an angel of light, so his servants can appear outwardly to be ministers of righteousness (2 Cor. 11:14-15). Thus, these false prophets can be extremely deceptive. They appear to be true, they appear to be preaching righteousness, and they appear to be of the light, of the truth. Yet they are counterfeits in the church. The Lord tells us that even though they outwardly appear to have everything right, not to be fooled. And the way we are to test them so as not to be fooled is to “know them by their fruits”.
So since false prophets and false teachers need to be known by their fruits, this means that we have to examine every preacher of the Gospel by their fruits, since we don’t know who the false ones are until we examine them. This is not contrary to the Lord’s command in verses 1-5 where He forbids unrighteous, hypocritical judgment. While it is wrong and sinful to judge others when we are guilty of greater faults, or to judge them based on “appearance” with opinion, tainted motives, or wrong judgment, we are commanded to “judge (with) righteous judgment” (John 7:24). We must use some standard of judging righteously if we are to examine the fruits of Gospel preachers. And the standard that we use to judge others must not our own standard, neither our own opinions, but rather, must be according to the standards laid down in God’s Word, and any conclusion we come to must be in line with the judgment that the Word of God has already pronounced upon such things. Then we are obeying the truth, judging righteously and not wrongfully. God is the judge, and my judgment is true when it simply comes into line with and agrees with His just judgment that is already proclaimed in the infallible Word.
That being said, this means that we need to examine every preacher that we listen to using God’s Word as the standard. If they don’t match up to the qualifications therein, then they are false and need to be exposed for what they are in order to try to prevent further damage being done to God’s flock by them.
And while all this is true, and the manner of recognizing false prophets is admittedly the primary context of our Scripture, I believe there is a secondary application that can be made to apply to all of us on a broader scale. There is so much more we could say about false prophets and how to recognize them, but for the sake of this short exposition please suffer me to approach this text from a broader perspective to relate directly to us all. I will now draw out some points of application from this text in the context of how it relates to all who call themselves a “Christian”, because, let’s face it, preachers aren’t the only ones who need to be tested today, but since there is so much false profession and counterfeit Christianity going on, everybody needs to be examined with the tests of Scripture to ensure they are truly brethren in Christ. And not only this, but we each need to examine ourselves to make sure that we pass the tests of Scripture as it relates to the nature of true faith and true fellowship with Jesus.
To be continued on Part 2
Defeating the Depression Giant
February 21, 2011By Rev. Pam Morrison
CBN.com – “Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground. —1 Samuel 17:49 (NIV*)
David’s story has been shared triumphantly for centuries…a young boy, one stone, and a giant crashes to the ground in defeat.
David came to mind as I thought of another giant taunting God’s army of believers. His name is Depression.
Like Goliath, he isn’t alone. Multiple Philistines accompany him: fear, anxiety, and other paralyzing emotions.
I hear many believers reluctantly confess their struggle. Convinced that the judgment “lacks faith” would be theirs if this siege came to light, they often forego support. Feeling weak because they cannot defeat him, they continue on in pain.
When depression is moderate to severe, pastoral and/or medical caregivers may be needed, but what if one is simply beginning to feel unrelenting sadness? Is there something to be done?
In David’s match with Goliath, he selected five smooth stones, but used one. Battling depression, one well-placed “stone” might be all we need. On the other hand, we might require all five stones. Let me suggest some:
Healthy Habits
When we notice depression settling in, one of the very first things to take inventory of is our bodies. Are we getting enough sleep? Are we eating fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fish, lean meat, drinking plenty of water? Dietary needs can vary, but we all need essential proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. .
Another thing that recedes as one experiences depression is activity. Pleasurable hobbies and exercise get neglected. Getting up and going helps to combat chronic sad feelings, particularly getting out in the sunlight.
For some, depression comes as part of a condition that does not permit much exercise, the bedridden patient, chronic back pain. Is there still a way to be active? If legs can’t move, can arms be lifted? If the body is paralyzed, can the mouth sing?
Community
As mentioned, fear of being rejected may accompany depression. Our distorted thinking is, “If I am a Christian, I should not feel this way. If I hide it from others, they’ll continue to approve of me.” But what does scripture say?
“Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord…” James 5:13-16
What is needed is the help of others. Four men carried a paralytic on a mat, dug a hole in a roof and lowered him to Jesus. The text says when Jesus saw “their faith,” the man was both forgiven and enabled to walk. (Matthew 9:1-8, Mark 2:3-12, Luke 5:18-26)
I participate in Prison Fellowship Ministry. The inmates have suffered so many losses and made so many poor choices that there is much to be sad about. Depression stalks them. Recently, we noted one young woman with eyes focused downward, not speaking.
As we went around the table to see “what was new,” we gently drew her in and tears flowed as she spoke of life choices and separation from a dying relative.
We did not contradict her remorse. We simply began to point out the hope in Christ, shared scripture, laughter and affection, and her countenance changed. Joy crept back in. Talking to trusted others is a huge piece of feeling better.
Prayer
Prayer is one of the most essential “stones.”
For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world . . . they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
Paul is speaking, in part, of prayer. It can demolish the strongholds that imprison us. The “arguments” destroyed are those that call us worthless and paint everything negatively. Instead of these dark, depression-driven thoughts, hope and joy, every thought made obedient to Christ, can be the outcome of prayer. Prayer opens the channel for God’s power to transform our perceptions and give us “knowledge of God.” Prayer enlists God’s help to defeat the real Enemy behind the enemy of depression. Jesus said that “the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy…” (John 10:10) Prayer is the way in which we engage the Lord to defend us.
Gratitude
My Bible study group has noted one of the delightful words in Luke, “favor.” We have begun encouraging one another to look for signs of God’s favor. How has God lightened your load? Answered a prayer? It can be as simple as someone inviting you to step in front of them in the check-out line. When you say, however, “Thank you, God, that Your love touched their heart and was shown to me;” or “Thank you, God, that you made this situation a little easier for me,” etc., you begin to feel God more present and helpful. This switch in thinking, alone, takes away Depression’s great twisted taunt that everything is bad and all is hopeless. Certainly, dwelling on the “favor” of God’s exquisite creation can bring more peace.
Service
The Persian proverb, “I lamented my lack of shoes until I saw someone with no feet,” is true. We can see our difficulties as the worst until we look about at the needs of others. Helping them can stop us from dwelling on our pain enabling us, instead, to feel needed again.
Finally, some will say, “There’s not a great deal to be happy about today as unemployment rises, the economy falters, and wars continue,” yet our internal joy, is not intended to rely upon circumstances.
The Apostle Paul was very negatively received at many points. In Psidian Antioch, the crowd turned sour, “…filled with jealousy and talking abusively against what Paul was saying.” (Acts 13:45) Paul and Barnabas were expelled from the region. (Acts 13:50) They could have been overcome with sorrow. But the Bible tells us the disciples left town “filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 13:52)
I am convinced that God desires this to be the standard state of His children and will help us throw our five smooth stones at the Depression giant the moment we see him, if we just ask.
*All verses in this article are taken from the New International Version of the Bible.
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Pam MorrisonRev. Pam Morrison is a pastor and freelance writer who lives in Kansas. She has served five churches, from rural to mega-church. Her husband is a grant-writing consultant and teacher. They have two children, one married, and the other a graduate student in Indiana.
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You can read the original post here.
Righteousness Shields Us
February 14, 2011Time and time again God proves that He is true to His word.
Psalm 37:1-11, Psalm 55:22, Psalms 112, Luke 8:15.
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James 3:18 - Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.
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Poverbs 15:29 - The LORD is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.
Praise God the almighty, let us be encouraged by Khun Glenn’s testimony. Just as how God shown his favor to Esther, Daniel, Joseph, Elisha and other men and of women of the old and new testament, thus God will also show His favor to the righteous of this present generation and generation to come.
Bless and be blessed, this act of righteousness will shield us because God hears the prayer of the righteous. If there is one thing among many things that I will never forget about Khun GLenn, that is, when he ask for a blessing, that is because it is his desire also to bless others. In his testimony this morning he said “my family will benefit, the church will benefit”. I remember also when he prayed for a car, that is Genesis, one of his reasons that he asked for it, is to bless others.
Let us be inspired, encouraged and be blessed by his testimony. Kuya Glenn yan ha super build-up to, treat moko pag nasa Krabi ka na 
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Psalm 91 - Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
Happy REST in the shadow of the Almighty Peacemakers and Lighthouses … God Bless!
How Should We Endure Trials?
February 12, 2011Romans 5:3-4 (ESV)
More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,
Every battle is won through endurance. It is not about how many times we fall, its about our reaction after we fall; its about getting up getting ready and continue on to endure the race to the end. Do we feel weary, lost, defeated or fainthearted when we fall? Do we feel burdened when situations doesn’t agree with our expectations? I do… we all do! That is why we need someone to look up to. And that is Jesus… the battle is His not ours.
Hebrews 12:3 (ESV)
Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.
In Hebrews it is said that in order for us to endure and not grow weary and fainthearted, we should consider Jesus who is God of endurance.
If we consider Christ Jesus, we will endure any trials, for suffering must come to produce endurance in us, and because it is for our discipline that we have to endure.
James 1:12 (ESV)
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
Rejoice while ENDURING… PMs and LHs … God Bless!
The Small First Steps Towards Conversion
February 3, 2011By J.C. Ryle
The first beginnings of the work of grace in a sinner are generally exceedingly small. It is like the mixture of leaven with a lump of dough:
A single sentence of a sermon… A single verse of Holy Scripture… A word of rebuke from a friend… A casual religious remark overheard… A tract given by a stranger… A trifling act of kindness received from a Christian…
…some of these things are often the starting-point in the life of a soul. The first acts of the spiritual life are often small in the extreme–so small, that for a long time they are not known except by the person who is the subject of them, and even by them not fully understood:
A few serious thoughts and prickings of conscience… A desire to pray for real and not formally… A determination to begin reading the Bible in private… A gradual drawing towards means of grace… An increasing interest in the subject of religion… A growing distaste for evil habits and bad companions…
…these are often the first symptoms of grace beginning to move the heart of man. They are symptoms which worldly men may not perceive, and ignorant believers may despise, and even old Christians may mistake.
Yet they are often the first steps in the mighty business of conversion. They are often the “leaven” of grace working in a heart.
You can read the original post here.