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May 19 2008

“Forgive” is a verb


 

Have you heard these words? “I’ll never forgive him….” Or “I will never be able to forgive her for what she has done to me…” Have you heard those words? Said those words?

“Forgive” is a verb, a word that requires action. One who forgives releases resentment, or a claim against another for a wrong. One who forgives grants relief from a debt owed to him by another.

For a Christian, to forgive is not optional. God’s commands are never up for debate. And, in some way I don’t pretend to completely understand, your forgiveness and mine is tied to the way we forgive others.

“Forgive” is a verb, it is an act of the will. God has said “forgive” so don’t say “I can’t”, or “I’m not able”, or “I can never”, be truthful and say “I choose not to”. That is the truth isn’t it? God says do it and you say…….”no”?

Forgiveness is love in a different container. Love is not complete until it is given by an act, like faith, love if alone is only a warm emotion. Only when the object of your love is able to appreciate it is it complete and full. Try to forgive in the same way. Treat the person you want to forgive as if you have. Acts of kindness, greeting with a smile, never mentioning wrongs (real of imagined), but speaking only what is pure, true, and uplifting, and before you know it your heart will catch up with your mind and you will find that you have really forgiven. What a cleansing release!

Forgiveness freely given, expecting nothing in return, given even to one who is undeserving perhaps in your view, is God’s way of wiping bitterness out of your heart and mind forever.

“Forgive” as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven you. Can you hear Jesus say from the cross? “Father forgive them, they don’t know what they are doing”. The next time you are faced with the opportunity to be Christ to someone in the wrong, just forgive.

His peace,
Royce Ogle

May 5 2008

Pay the Preacher


One of the reasons we church members should give generously is so that the preacher can be paid well. I find it very odd indeed that some fringe groups do not believe in paying a preacher at all. They didn’t get that zany idea from Paul the Apostle.

“One who is taught the word must share all good things with the one who teaches. Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Gal 6:6-9)

I am sure that many Christians who are familiar with the passage “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap” have no idea it was written in the context of paying the preacher.

1. “The one who is taught must share ALL good things with the one who teaches.” The principal is clear, take care of the man who teaches you God’s word. One who does the work of preaching the Word invests lots of time, time that could otherwise be used to get gain.

Are you one who is taught? Then it is your Christian duty to share what you have with the person who teaches you.

2. Not doing so mocks God and is selfish. “God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption.” It is clear, not sharing your bounty with the one who teaches you is a dangerous course. One who consumes all that he has upon himself and “his” own is a foolish and selfish person. His end will not be what he had hoped.

3. The one who gives is sowing to the Spirit and is doing right. “the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”  Do not become weary of giving, you are doing good. There is a reward for those who sow to the things of God, we must never give up.

What about you? Do you give as you should, and for the right motives? Someone said “The water of life is free but someone must put in the plumbing”. How true. Preachers are people too. They have the same kinds of expenses the rest of us do. Houses, cars, food, children’s educations, etc.,etc. cost the man of God just the same as you and I. If you have a good man (or men in my case) who are fulltime, faithfully doing God’s work and weekly telling you what God wants you to know, then dig a little deeper and do your part in assuring that he is taken care of.

In my view you will pay one way or another. You might pay the transmission shop, or the emergency room, or the plumber… Or you can pay the preacher. Remember, God doesn’t settle his books in December.

His peace,
Royce Ogle

 

Apr 28 2008

The Bible, Which Version is Best?


Recently I have read some posts on friends blogs asking questions like “What is your favorite Bible and why”, What version do you preach and teach from and which do you use fore personal study and devotions? I answered New King James Version to both questions. A few years ago I switched from the trusted KJV to the NKJV because the archaic words frequent in the KJV are changed to contemporary language.

Most of my friends at church I believe use the NIV. I do have a copy but have never really liked it very much. It is very readible but in my view strays too far from the original documents and even omits some phrases or verses. And now I have made what for me is a new discovery, the English Standard Version.

I was reading a sermon on-line and saw references to “ESV” and became curious. I Googled “ESV” and after some research ordered an English Standard Version from Amazon. (On another blog a brother was chastised because he bought from Amazon rather than from a “Christian” bookstore….Oh boy!)

I encourage my friends and even those who are unfriendly to consider buying an ESV Bible. It was translated with great fidelity to the original manuscripsts with a “word for word” theory of translation. I recommend you read for yourself about this Bible. Also you can compare it to the version you are using now here. I believe the comparisons are thoughtful and fair. I was especially impressed with an article entitled “Translation Philosophy“.

I am interested in what you think of the ESV?

His Peace,
Royce Ogle