Talk Tuesday-The Question of Faith, The Persistent Widow

In the gospel of Luke Chapter 18 verses 1 to 8, Jesus teaches using the Parable of the Persistent Widow. In this particular illustration He speaks of a widow who is determined to exact justice from a judge who neither fears man nor God. She eventually wears him down.

"For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, 'Even though I don't fear God or care about men, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won't eventually wear me out with her coming!' " (vs 4-5)

Jesus begins the parable with the intention of showing His disciples that, "..they should always pray and not give up," (Luke 18 vs 1) and concludes it with a description of the character of the One in whom we put our faith, God our Father.

"And will not God bring about justice for His chosen ones, who cry out to Him day and night? Will He keep putting them off? I tell you, He will see that they get justice, and quickly. " (vs 7-8)

Chapter 11 of the book of Hebrews is dedicated to a discourse on faith. Faith defies logic as it comes from the belief in a God whom the eye cannot see, yet the heart can perceive. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as '..being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.' Later on in that same chapter it details the faith of the patriarchs, some of who died 'in faith',without receiving their promise in this life.

The Bible warns us that we are to be, "..self controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith..."

We live in a world which the Bible describes as being under the control of the Evil One (1 John 5:19). We are instructed that while we are in the world, we are not to be of the world. "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Romans 12:2

There are storms that come to destroy your faith, some seen and some unseen. They come in the form of trials and persecution, some subtle and outright. Often the subtle storms attempt to change your reality and thwart your knowledge of God's truth. One of the most common, enduring storms for Christians is waiting in faith-waiting for your promise. How can we endure these storms and even thrive through them?

Habakkuk 2:4 & Romans 1:17 state that, 'The just shall live by faith.'
What does this mean? What is this thing called faith and why is it so precious?

What causes the widow in the parable to be persistent? Is it her belief in the justice of her cause? Is it her faith in the legal system or is it her tenacity? What propels her unwavering determination? What are the things that come to destroy our faith? Why does Jesus end the parable with these words?

"However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?" (Luke 18:8)

We look forward to hearing from you! Please share your knowledge, rich experience and thoughts with your brothers and sisters in the Lord or those just searching. Click on the comments link below and simply select an identity. You can choose 'Anonymous' or any name you desire, we want to hear from you!

Movie Monday - Absolute Truth Skit - Red Ballon

Talk Tuesday-The Cult of Entertainment

Does the media play a pivotal role in shaping our culture or does it simply reflect what is already there? What impact does entertainment have on our walk as Christians?

I was once called upon to sing for two Sunday services as a soloist. The song was, 'Worthy Is the Lamb'. It is a very powerful song that brings glory to Jesus Christ, my Savior and the Son of God. I vividly recall that the Friday preceding the solo I was all practised up and bored. I decided to watch T.V. Now, I must confess, I love a good spy movie so when I saw the "Bourne Ultimatum" showing on pay-per-view, I decided to purchase it. As a general rule of thumb we only watch PG-13s and below, so I was safe...or so I thought. I ordered the movie and sat back with baited breath as the beginning scenes unfurled in a fury of breathtaking action. Then, out of nowhere, I heard my Savior's name exclaimed as an expletive! I felt an instant pang in my chest. I was caught between the pain of those words and the addictive intensity of the action on the screen. Then, I felt the Holy Spirit prompt me, "Will you continue to watch this movie and then stand in front of hundreds of people on Sunday and sing 'Worthy Is the Lamb'? Now I would love to tell you that it was a no-brainer for me, but it wasn't. I paused for a few minutes and pondered my dilemma. I switched off the t.v. and walked away from the show, literally aching to watch it to the conclusion. Jesus, how much do I love thee? It was a question that lingered in my heart. I desired to continue watching the movie almost to the point of desperation, yet I was convicted of the hypocrisy of doing so. I walked away, but I must confess, I did it grudgingly.

Sunday's solo was anointed by the Holy Spirit and many were ministered to.

I share this personal anecdote as an opening to the discussion on popular culture and its influence on our Christian walk. The Bible teaches us in 1 Peter 1:15 (NIV),

'But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do'

In popular culture we are exposed to many things that are antithetical to our Christian beliefs. When we watch movies or t.v programs with people engaging in adultery, fornication and lustful behaviour, this not slowly desensitize us to sin? When we allow ourselves various forms of entertainment that reflect violence, selfish ambition and greed, are we not eating spiritual junk food?

It is not easy being a Christ-follower. 1 Peter 4:4 talks of the tension between those who hold onto pop culture's worldview vs. that of the Christian.

'They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you.'

Galatians 6:7, Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap

I admit that I often feel overwhelmed by the darkness around me. It almost feels as though it is easier to conform than stand firm in the faith. When everyone else is doing it, why should we be different? Consider Romans 12:1-2

'Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual^a]">[a] act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.'

Brothers and Sisters in Christ, walking in God's good, pleasing and perfect will can only reap the reward of blessing and much fruit in our lives. We live in a culture of immediate gratification amidst the Cult of Entertainment.

How does this affect us? What can we do to 'be in the world, yet not of the world?' Can we secretly live a duality and yet have the peace of Christ reign in our hearts? Please, share your comments and feelings with the BGO community by clicking on the comments link. We REALLY want to hear from you!

Movie Monday - I'm Singing

Testimony Thursday

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Web Wednesday - Promise Keepers

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