The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. — 2 Chronicles 16:9 NKJV 

1. Remember that people who live on and must have contacts through social media are living behind the screen of a computer or digital device.
2. Remember that sometimes social media gives us an insight into a person true personality.  However, it does not give us an opportunity to condemn that person.  Remain loyal to them.
3. Remember that communication is a two-way street and those memes are not an effective means of communicating.   Take the time to talk to people not use pictures to communicate. Using pictures devalues the person and says you don’t want to hear any more – this damages the tendons of relational communication and sometimes severs them.
4. Remember that if you have something to say, say it to the people who need to hear it not to everyone who is on social media. This type of action creates rifts in your loyalty meter.
5. Remember that connecting with people through the establishment of relationships transforms lives, not just the other person’s life but our lives too.
6. Remember that transformation can be positive or negative.  Choose to make your relationships with others a positive transformation fostered of realistic loyalty expectations. This is what He wants for us.
7. Bear in mind that we cannot threaten people to be loyal to us. People must experience our loyalty to them as well as before they will invest their energies into us. But ensure that your expectations for loyalty are realistic. There is a difference between enabling and loyalty.

REGARDING THE SOVEREIGN ONE:

1. He is our most loyal friend.
2. His love for us never changes, and no matter what we do.
3. He loves us unconditionally, and we should love each other in the same way too. Then loyalty will be evident, and His best for us becomes a reality that we can and will accept.
4. He is not human and He does not waiver His loyalty.
5. He remains loyal to us no matter what we say or do.
6. His love for us in unfathomable and He does hear and answer prayers
7. Lastly, remember that YHVH remains loyal to us even when we sin and He does not have a ticker list of our disloyalty to Him.

Moral relativism appears to be the buzz concept of the year. So, let quickly explore that concept.

Moral relativism may be any of several philosophical positions concerned with the differences in moral judgments across different people and cultures. Descriptive moral relativism holds only that some people do in fact disagree about what is moral; meta-ethical moral relativism holds that in such disagreements, nobody is objectively right or wrong; and normative moral relativism holds that because nobody is right or wrong, we ought to tolerate the behavior of others even when we disagree about the morality of it. What in the world does that mean?  If I say it is ok to commit an act as long as it does not offend a person’s culture, it is ok. Really? If it is wrong from God’s perspective, it is wrong. If the Word of God says it is a sin, then it is a sin.  It is not righteous if a person of stature does it.

What does God say about morality?  He defines wrong as sin.  Our sense of morality is of no importance to Him. He is just, righteous, and holy.  He does not to measure sin.  What He thinks of sin does not change with the century or culture. So, the bottom line is what does God’s word say about my actions?

• What does God say about sin? He hates it!
  • Psalm 5:5, “The boastful shall not stand before Thine eyes; Thou dost hate all who do iniquity,”
  • Psalm 11:5, “The Lord tests the righteous and the wicked, and the one who loves violence His soul hates.”
  • Lev. 20:23, “Moreover, you shall not follow the customs of the nation which I shall drive out before you, for they did all these things, and therefore I have abhorred them.”
  • Prov. 6:16-19, “There are six things which the Lord hates, yes, seven which are an abomination to Him: ¹⁷ Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, ¹⁸A heart that devises wicked plans, feet that run rapidly to evil, ¹⁹ A false witness who utters lies, and one who spreads strife among brothers.”
  • Hosea 9:15, “All their evil is at Gilgal; indeed, I came to hate them there! Because of the wickedness of their deeds, I will drive them out of My house! I will love them no more; All their princes are rebels.”

• Who has commits sin?

Galatians 5:19-21  When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division,  envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

“None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless;    no one does good,    not even one” (Ro 3:10-12 ESV). 

We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf,    and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away (Isaiah 64:6 ).

• How should the church respond to the construct of sin?
  • The fact is God is holy and righteous that He hates the sinful acts – He does not want to look at a person or listen to a person who just spews out sin (Psalm 5:5; Lev. 20:23; Prov. 6:16-19; Hos. 9:15 (NASB).
  • Therefore when a person compares their sin with another person’s sin, they are using moral relativism to notify us that they are in fact better than the other person. But God’s word says… For we are not bold to class or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves; but when they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding (2 Cor. 10:12(.  Comparing one person’s sins against another person’s sin is pointless. Sin is sin period! There isn’t one sin that is better than or worse than another sin. One politician’s lie is no better than the other politician’s lie.  One church member’s lie is no better than another church member’s lie.  One Pastor’s lie is just as bad as the other Pastor’s lie.  One Congressperson’s lie is not better than the other Congressperson’s lie. A lie is a lie even if it is told by a Republican compared with a Democrat. In God’s eyes, it is egregious.

Historically we have arrived at a point in time where we are actually measuring sin and we are making our decisions based on moral relativistic guidelines.  That is a dangerous premise on which to base one’s belief system.  It is this type of philosophical construct that led the church to accept behaviors from others simply because it justified our means or accomplished our desired outcome for our enemy.  The Church must judge as God judges.

This morning I was reminded of who and when I was created and what I was created along with me. Then I was reminded of what happens to God’s people when they turned away from the one who created them.

The nation of Israel was led into idolatry because Jeroboam did not want to lose his throne. He forgot that God gave him that throne. He started idol worship, with his own priests etc.,  Due to the northern kingdom’s blatant disregard for the God who created them He took his presence from his people because they were led astray. The peoples’ recalcitrance was supported by the leader of the nation.  He led them into idol worship.

Why is this example important to us today?

It is essential for leaders to realize that they set the tone for the people whom they lead. If they revel in sin, then so will the people. If a leader encourages, or subjugates gossipping, slander, name calling, pride arrogance and dissonance among the brethren, Then he/she has essentially become a modern day Jeroboam.  God will remove His presence from any person, group, or entity that willfully disobeys Him and lead others to do so.

The nation of Israel is a perfect example of that. WOW..can you imagine God’s presence leaving you? Him turning His back on you because you choose to live a lifestyle that is so contrary to what He wants for you that He cannot stand to dwell with you anymore?

Jeroboam loved his people…but he also wanted to keep them to himself.  He was afraid that the people would return to Jerusalem, the anointed place of worship, if they knew how he became king and the debauchery he committed to gain the throne. He began with a simple compromise and led them down the garden path to dark and vile sin. He didn’t start off that way, but as time passed the sin was deep.  Initially, He was God’s instrument to carry out his sentence again Solomon and his line. But power is the elixir of sin.  The enemy will always use the lust of power to derail leaders.  

Throughout the history of the church arrogance, pride and false humility mixed with power brought disgrace to the Church of the Living God – just read about the crusades. The time of the Reformation. The infiltration of the Medici family into the church and their stronghold on it.  The murder and destruction brought on by people who realized that being the leader of a large body of believers gave them absolute power.

So what?

Look at our nation today. In what way do we see Jeroboams rising up within the body of Christ, in local government, state government, and national government? I speak to the church because as the church walks so walks the nation. Whom do you choose to follow?

Questions

1. Do you unquestioningly believe everything that you are told by a leader without searching for the truth – through the guidance of the Holy Spirit?
2. Do you unquestioningly support a leader even when you “smell” that something is fishy?
3. Do you make excuses for a heads behavior because you believe that they are the only “hope” for the community/nation?
4. Do you – God Forbid – worship your leaders regardless of their inappropriate behavior? You see when Jeroboam made the golden calf the people had a choice. They could have walked away. They knew the law. They knew that he was leading them to commit an act that was egregious to God.  But for fear of repercussions they went with the flow.  They wanted to leave the leadership of Rehoboam.  They wanted change. They wanted to be rescued. They made excuses for his behavior. They chose the lesser of two evils. WOW!!

Leaders

²³ Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. ²⁴ Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. ²⁵ The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”²⁶ He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.²⁷ The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” (Matthew 8:23-27 New International Version (NIV)

Were the disciples experiencing a crisis of faith or did they not know any better?

Sometimes we experience some crisis in our lives for a particular reason.  I have heard folks declare that the devil is “messing” with them. Is it possible that this crisis occurred because it was an opportunity for us to stand on the promises of God our Father?  James tells us that we do not grow not on our merit, but through trials and tribulations. So, we determine if we will grow kicking and screaming, or if we will be joyful as we grow. In the flesh, we can do nothing.  We do not have to plead to God for Him to stand by us when the storms of life are raging. His word declares, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12). So, will you praise Him in the storm?

Father forgive us when our faith wanes, and strengthen us with the resolve to trust in you regardless of how bleak the situation may present itself in Jesus name Amen!

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. – 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (NKJV)

As I got excited about my favorite athletic event last night, all sorts of things ran through my mind.

1. I looked at the athletes and thought about how they “subjected their bodies” to prepare for the Olympic games.
2. Then I thought about my body physical and spiritual and asked myself these questions.
   1. What am I doing each day to prepare myself for the race that began when I answered God’s call on my life?
   2. How do I plan, exercise, and feed my spiritual muscles to ensure that maximum muscle strength and achieved God’s desired outcome for my life each day?
   3. Do I ensure that I am mentally and spiritually prepared for the rigors of “The Race of Faith”?

The spiritual track meet started for me – oh wait a minute and you too – when He said, “”Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”  You see I can relate to this event because I was a sprinter. I ran track for 7 years. My mind went back to how it felt back then.

As I was crouched in the starting block NOTHING entered my mind. I looked at the finish line. That was my final destination. My goal – to be the first one to cross that finish line.

• Yes, I was the speed demon of my school.
• Yes, I was unbeatable.
• Yes, I enjoyed receiving those medals at the end of the race.

But do you know which event I loved the most? The 4 x 100 meters relay.  Why? I loved team activities because we were able to help each accentuate the best that each person had to offer. I loved to see the precision and the rhythm of my school’s track team as each person on the team shot around the track, and with amazing speed, carried out the defined purpose – to win the race for our school.  Second place was not an option.  We were the defending champions each year.

On the day of the event, the captain – me – motivated the team. I reminded each member what their strengths were.  We did not discuss the weaknesses.  As the race started, this was the scenario.

• As runner number 1 started the race – I screamed out their name for their entire section of the contest and told them that they could do it!!
• Runner 1 handed the baton over to runner number 2, and the screaming started again!
• As runner number 2 approached runner number 3 I screamed out “We are almost home – break out!”
• Then I assumed the position – said another prayer – and extended my right hand to receive the baton. The stadium would erupt – everyone knew that I could bring it home – you see we were ahead all I had to do was stay ahead and decrease our time for this event.  Winning was not enough we were competing against our time. We had to do it in less time in this race! In less that 12 seconds my part of the relay was over and once again Aylesbury Secondary High School won another relay race. TEAMWORK made the DREAMWORK.

I looked at the sea of humanity on the floor of the Olympic stadium last night, and I remembered that….

1. I am still on a team. Team Jesus!
2. I still had many team members on my team who needed to be coached on how to take their particular gifts and tailor them to their part in the race – sharing Jesus is the race.
3. I was still in the relay – my job today is to create people like myself who will hand the baton of the Gospel over to the next person in the race.
4. I am still excited about receiving the prize – “but [now it would be]. . . . for an imperishable crown.
5. I am still surrounded by a “great a cloud of witnesses,” all of the saints from Peter to modern day saints who had “. .[laid] aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnared [them,].[People who, like my relay team had]run with endurance the race that is set before [them], looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of [their] faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. – Hebrews 12:1-2 New King James Version (NKJV)

• Are you running in this race with me?
• Are you preparing your spiritual muscles each day to carry out our mission?
• Are you a member of Team Jesus?
• Can you sense the excitement in heaven as you wake up each morning to spend another day on Mission For Team Jesus!
• Do you know that God our Good Good Father is cheering us on?
• Do you know that – like many of the Olympic athletes last night – we have “stuff” we are overcoming? He calls us His overcomers. Let’s win the race for Team Jesus!!

This is my baton. A Sharing Jesus Video. Let’s run the race Team Jesus!!

The Bible says that we should examine everything, and hold on to the good.

The questions in this list help you take a step back so that you can honestly evaluate your church, its leaders, and your church experience.

Is your pastor fully accountable to a board of elders, presbyters, etc?
Is loyalty to Jesus and to one’s own calling placed before loyalty to pastor and church?
Does your pastor encourage questions and suggestions? Is he approachable?
Does your pastor give equal attention to all kinds of people in his congregation?
Does your pastor readily admit his errors?
Does your pastor avoid boasting or hinting at a “special anointing”?
Is your pastor truly humble?
Are the sermons based on clear Biblical truths, not on “original revelations” or ax-grinding?
Does your church interact with other churches?
Does your church staff avoid secrecy?
Is power shared in your church (rather than preempted by a hierarchy)?
Does your church see itself as just one organ of the Body of Christ, and not the main one?
Is your church truly friendly?
Does your church emphasize ministry to people rather than church programs?
Are especially needy people cared for lovingly in your church?
Are church members encouraged and loved even when they leave?
Are relationships with former members encouraged or allowed?
Do the pastor and congregation avoid attacking and using as object lessons, former members or those who disagree?
Are families encouraged to stay together and spend time together?
Does your family worship Sunday service include children, at least for part of the service?
Are you encouraged in your own calling?
Are pleas for money rare and unemotional?
Are your children happy to attend church?
Are you happy to bring unsaved friends to your church?
Is there a diversity of classes, races, dress styles, ages, and occupations in your church?
Are people encouraged to hear from God for themselves?
Is there a single behavior standard for all people in the church?
Are all types of people considered welcome at your church?
Is the joy of the Lord present in your church?
Are you free from fear in your church?
Do you think more about God and Jesus than you do about your pastor and church?
Does your pastor include himself in any calls for repentance and forgiveness?
Are you clear that the pastors and elders never exaggerate or lie to make themselves look good?
Is your group encouraging of each other and free from gossip and rumoring?
Is there a humility of doctrine that points to the grace of God and His mercy for sinners?
Are you encouraged to serve in ministries or missions outside the local body?
Is there ever any pressure put upon members to give or lend money to leaders for their personal or business use (exclusive of church business or projects)?

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places –Ephesians 6:12King James Version (KJV)

“The greatest hindrance to Christianity is NOT the worldliness outside the church, but the worldliness inside.” – Zwingli

I had a disturbing conversation with someone this morning.  After I had calmed down, I realized that this is not a human issue it is just the enemy using a situation to divide and conqueror.

• Know that you will face roadblocks.
• Know that although we seek to live peaceful lives we are slated to be in a continued battle that involves spiritual warfare against the evil powers of this dark world (Eph 6:10-20).
• Know that we are in a battle between two worlds: God’s Holy Scripture and the unbelief that is riveted into the minds of humanity by the devil (2 Cor. 10:3-5). And, as every Christian knows, there is a fierce inner battle that goes on between the flesh and the spirit, the old man and the new.
• Know that sometimes that same battle goes on within a Christian as they wages that wage against the flesh and the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:17). If we do not learn how to overcome the strong inner urge to gratify the flesh, sin will take us captive and enslave us. Paul describes this war within in
• Know that when a believer does not hand that battle over to the Lord sin holds them captive and enslaves them. Paul identified it in Romans 7:14-25 That is how strife and division flourish within the body of Christ – James addressed it in James 4.
• Know that we can win the war that rages within (Romans 7:21-25).
• Know that when strife presents itself within the body of Christ, it is coming from the Devil.  Then ..
  • The hurt will not be as intense.
  • The anger is aimed at its correct source – the enemy.
  • The Christian can easily take the high road recognizing that they too are engaged in the same battle like the one who has hurt their feelings.
  • The Church can strengthen its horizontal relationship with the heavenly father.
  • The Church can heal and re-establish horizontal relationships with estranged brothers and sisters in Christ.
  • This statement will become a memory, “The greatest hindrance to Christianity is NOT the worldliness outside the church, but the worldliness inside.” – Zwingli

Hunger for the things of God and use the Scripture and prayer to fill that desire and the greatest hindrance to Christianity will cease to exist!