21 Characteristics of Lukewarm People
by Rick Ezell
"I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! ...you are lukewarm-neither hot nor cold" (Rev. 3:15, 16 NIV).
Jesus is saying that rather than "hot" or its synonym found in verse 19 "earnest" there is lukewarmness. William Hendriksen describes the condition: "The people of Laodicea were lukewarm, tepid, flabby, half-hearted, limp, always ready to compromise, indifferent, listless: that ‘we're-all-good-people-here-in-Laodicea‘ attitude." Shockingly, Jesus prefers coldness to lukewarmness.
How can you tell if a person is lukewarm? Here are twenty-one characteristics of lukewarm people. (Most of these are from Francis Chan in his book Crazy Love).
1. Lukewarm people attend church fairly regularly. It is what is expected of them; it is what they believe "good Christians" do, so they go. Isaiah 29:13.
2. Lukewarm people give money to charity and to the church as long as it doesn't intrude on their standard of living. If they have a little extra and it is easy and safe to give, they do so, After all, God loves a cheerful giver, right? 1 Chronicles 21:24, Luke 21:1-4.
3. Lukewarm people crave acceptance. They tend to choose what is popular over what is right when they are in conflict. They desire to fit in both at church and outside of church; they care more about what people think of their actions (like church attendance and giving) than what God thinks of their hearts and lives. Luke 6:26, Revelation 3:1, Matthew 23:5-7 4.
4. Lukewarm people don't really want to be saved from their sin; they want only to be saved from the penalty of their sin. They don't genuinely hate sin and aren't truly sorry for it; they're merely sorry because God is going to punish them. Lukewarm people don't really believe that this new life Jesus offers is better than the old sinful one. Consequently, they tolerate and rationalize unconfessed sin. John 10:10, Romans 6:1-2.
5. Lukewarm people are moved by stories of people who do radical things for Christ, yet they do not act. They assume such action is for "extreme" Christians, not average ones. Lukewarm people call "radical" what Jesus expected of all his followers. James 1:22, James 4:17, Matthew 21:28-31.
6. Lukewarm people rarely share their faith with their neighbors, coworkers, or friends. They do not want to be rejected, nor do they want to make people uncomfortable by talking about private issues like religion. Matthew 10:32-33.
7. Lukewarm people gauge their morality or "goodness" by comparing themselves to the secular world. They feel satisfied that while they aren't as hard-core for Jesus as so-and-so, they are nowhere as horrible as the guy down the street. Luke 18:11-12.
8. Lukewarm people say they love Jesus, and he is, indeed, a part of their lives, their money, and their thoughts, but he isn't allowed to control their lives. They have changed the words of their favorite hymn from "Take My Life and Let It Be" to "Take My Life and Let Me Be." Luke 9:57-62.
9. Lukewarm people love God, but they do not love him with all their heart, soul, and strength. They would be quick to assure you they try to love God that much, but that sort of total devotion isn't really possible for the average person; its only for pastors and missionaries and radicals. Matthew 22:37-38.
10. Lukewarm people love others but do not seek to love others as much as they love themselves. Their love for others is typically focused on those who love them in return, like family, friends, and other people they know and connect with. Little love is left over for those who cannot love them back, much less for those who intentionally slight them, whose kids are better athletes than theirs, or with whom conversations are awkward or uncomfortable. Their love is highly conditional and very selective, and generally comes with strings attached. Matthew 5:43-47, Luke 14:12-14.
11. Lukewarm people, in many respects, are practical atheists. While they believe in God they live as though God does not exist. They do not consult with him much less follow his leading.
12. Lukewarm people think about life on earth much more often than eternity in heaven. Daily life is mostly focused on today's to-do list, this week's schedule, and next month's vacation. Rarely, if ever do they intently consider the life to come. In fact, they are prone to say when asked "How are you doing?" "Not well, but better than the alternative," as though the alternative of sending eternity with Jesus is worse than life on this planet. Philippians 3:18-20.
13. Lukewarm people are thankful for their luxuries and comforts, and rarely consider trying to give as much as possible to the poor. Matthew 25:34, 40, Isaiah 58:6-7.
14. Lukewarm people do whatever is necessary to alleviate their guilt. They want to do the bare minimum, to be "good enough" without requiring too much of them. 1 Chronicles 29:14, Matthew 13:44-46.
15. Lukewarm people are continually concerned with playing it safe; they are slaves to the god of control. This focus on safe living keeps them sacrificing and risking for God. Matthew 10:28.
16. Lukewarm people feel secure because they attend church, made a profession of faith at age twelve, were baptized, come from a Christian family, vote Republican, or live in America.
17. Luke warm people do not live by faith; their lives are structured so they never have to. They don't have to trust God if something unexpected happens-they have their savings account. They don't need God to help them-they have their retirement plan in place. They don't genuinely seek out what life God would have them live-they have life figured and mapped out. They don't depend on God on a daily basis-their refrigerators are full and, for the most part, they are in good health. The truth is, their lives wouldn't look much different if they suddenly stopped believing in God. Luke 12:16-21.
18. Lukewarm people probably drink and swear less than average, but besides that, they really aren't very different from your typical unbeliever. They equate their partially sanitized lives with holiness, but they couldn't be more wrong. Matthew 23:25-28, Luke 14:34-35.
19. Lukewarm people pray more in public and when called upon than they do in private. Prayer means little to them. If it means anything to them it is a help line to God when things go wrong in their lives not a private conversation to know the God of the Universe.
20. Lukewarm people rarely read the Bible. They have plenty in their homes, mind you, but they seldom pick it up to read, let alone study or meditate on or follow its commands.
21. Lukewarm people get upset about the little stuff while being unconcerned about the big issues. In other words, they will get angry over being personally inconvenienced-especially at church-while indifferent to the plights of injustice, ethnic cleansing, and racial hatred that exist in the world.
What's frightening about these statements is that many of those statements apply to me. And, if we are honest, they apply to most people in our churches who call themselves Christians. At times I am lukewarm. Are you?
Francis Chan in his book Crazy Love adds: "As I see it, a Lukewarm Christian is an oxymoron; there's no such thing. To put it plainly, church goers who are lukewarm are not Christians. We will not see them in heaven." That's a frightening thought.
as seen in Rick Ezell's "One Minute Uplift" weekly email devotional. Dr. Ezell is pastor of First Baptist Church in Greer, South Carolina.
Taken from “firstIMPRESSIONS - Vol. 10.46 - Friday, November 12, 2010”
byTimothy Satryan
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Monday, November 29, 2010
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Where "U" are Needed...!
Where "U" are Needed...
"U" are needed in Bible ST_DY, but not in IGNORANCE.
"U" are needed in S_PPORT, but not in NEGLECT.
"U" are needed in _NITY, but not in DIVISION.
"U" are needed in D_TY, but not in IRRESPONSIBILITY.
"U" are needed in B_ILDING, but not in TEARING DOWN.
"U" are needed in CH_RCH!!
"U" are needed in Bible ST_DY, but not in IGNORANCE.
"U" are needed in S_PPORT, but not in NEGLECT.
"U" are needed in _NITY, but not in DIVISION.
"U" are needed in D_TY, but not in IRRESPONSIBILITY.
"U" are needed in B_ILDING, but not in TEARING DOWN.
"U" are needed in CH_RCH!!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Thursday, November 18, 2010
The Prodigal Life – Part 6
The Prodigal Life – Part 6
Luke 15:17-24(KJV)
17And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
18I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
19And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
20And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
21And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
22But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
23And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
24For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
The next stages of the return of a prodigal/backslider are found in verses 22-24 of the above scripture.
After the initial stages of reconciliation comes the best of the upward climb back home for the prodigal. The final stages of the process of reconciliation has to do with the RECLOTHING AND REJOICING. The son who just knew he wasn’t worthy to be called a son anymore is experiencing the fullest measure of grace and of mercy as dad has placed on him the best robe, one I call the robe of righteousness and he has a ring placed on his hand. Restored to the family with the ring of what I call the ring of reconciliation. Shoes were placed on his feet and the fatted calf was killed for the party in the sons honor. A party and merriment in place of gloom and pending doom for the prodigal. The Father is glad the son is accepted and restored. It reminds me of when a sinner gets saved all the angels of heaven rejoice.. a son has come home….to a welcome mat and to a Father’s glad heart.
Be blessed
Pastor Kitner
Luke 15:17-24(KJV)
17And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
18I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
19And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
20And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
21And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
22But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
23And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
24For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
The next stages of the return of a prodigal/backslider are found in verses 22-24 of the above scripture.
After the initial stages of reconciliation comes the best of the upward climb back home for the prodigal. The final stages of the process of reconciliation has to do with the RECLOTHING AND REJOICING. The son who just knew he wasn’t worthy to be called a son anymore is experiencing the fullest measure of grace and of mercy as dad has placed on him the best robe, one I call the robe of righteousness and he has a ring placed on his hand. Restored to the family with the ring of what I call the ring of reconciliation. Shoes were placed on his feet and the fatted calf was killed for the party in the sons honor. A party and merriment in place of gloom and pending doom for the prodigal. The Father is glad the son is accepted and restored. It reminds me of when a sinner gets saved all the angels of heaven rejoice.. a son has come home….to a welcome mat and to a Father’s glad heart.
Be blessed
Pastor Kitner
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
The Prodigal Life – Part 5
The Prodigal Life – Part 5
Luke 15:17-24(KJV)
17And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
18I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
19And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
20And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
21And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
22But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
23And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
24For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
The next stages of the return of a prodigal/backslider are found in verse 20 of the above scripture. RECONCILIATION It is in this stage of comeback that we see the heart of the Father. The son had made his steps and his journey to fulfill his plans to return to the Father's house. He came to his father. I can feel his heart beating with anxiousness as he approaches and now we see the father running out to meet him while he was a great distance off yet. The father has been awaiting this day with a different attitude that that of the son. He was not thinking of revenge, giving a long negative speech of how he had sinned etc. But his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. (much) You see the heart of the Father is about reconciliation The first thing the son experiences is the Father's love. In fact the Father gives to us that ministry of reconciliation as well..2 Cor.5:17-21
It would be like saying I missed ya and have been waiting for you. Come with me I have something for you..
the rest is next...stop back.
Be blessed
Pastor Kitner
Luke 15:17-24(KJV)
17And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
18I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
19And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
20And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
21And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
22But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
23And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
24For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
The next stages of the return of a prodigal/backslider are found in verse 20 of the above scripture. RECONCILIATION It is in this stage of comeback that we see the heart of the Father. The son had made his steps and his journey to fulfill his plans to return to the Father's house. He came to his father. I can feel his heart beating with anxiousness as he approaches and now we see the father running out to meet him while he was a great distance off yet. The father has been awaiting this day with a different attitude that that of the son. He was not thinking of revenge, giving a long negative speech of how he had sinned etc. But his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. (much) You see the heart of the Father is about reconciliation The first thing the son experiences is the Father's love. In fact the Father gives to us that ministry of reconciliation as well..2 Cor.5:17-21
It would be like saying I missed ya and have been waiting for you. Come with me I have something for you..
the rest is next...stop back.
Be blessed
Pastor Kitner
Books in Review
I have several books that I am reading and I will be posting my reviews on this blog about them.
The Books are as follows:
Radical
by David Platt
The power of a Whisper
by Bill Hybles
and
Spiritual Rythm
by Mark Buchanan
I just got Radical last evening and I am half way through the other two books.
The Power of a Whisper has a lot of testimony in it so far and Spiritual Rythm is as the author suggests a slow read but powerful as you digest the truth in the words offered by Mark.
Be sure to check back for the reviews on each in a seperate blogspot.
be blessed
Pastor Kitner
The Books are as follows:
Radical
by David Platt
The power of a Whisper
by Bill Hybles
and
Spiritual Rythm
by Mark Buchanan
I just got Radical last evening and I am half way through the other two books.
The Power of a Whisper has a lot of testimony in it so far and Spiritual Rythm is as the author suggests a slow read but powerful as you digest the truth in the words offered by Mark.
Be sure to check back for the reviews on each in a seperate blogspot.
be blessed
Pastor Kitner
Thursday, November 11, 2010
The Prodigal Life – Part 4
The Prodigal Life – Part 4
Luke 15:17-24(KJV)
17And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
18I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
19And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
20And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
21And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
22But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
23And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
24For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
The next stages of the return of a prodigal/backslider are found in verse 18 - 20 of the above scripture. After the realization and resolution has come into play in the situation there is seen something that is vital to both the prodigal/backslider but also to those who would come to the saving knowledge of Christ. It is called REPENTANCE. Seeing where you are and the desire to turn around and head in the right direction. Repentance is part of the whole restoration process “I have sinned” etc. See Psalm 51 which is David’s testimony of repentance and restoration. The actions were against God and man and with humility one comes back without the haughtiness of the original attitude of you owe me give it to me, but with an I’m not worthy but I’ll take a servants role just to be there in the house with you attitude.
Next is the actual RETURN. He arose and came to the Father. No more just wishful thinking and feeling self pity but the actual humbling of all that is self and with pride being swallowed the journey home is embarked on. This takes a lot knowing that you are wrong and actually doing something that says it to all concerned.
Next we will look at the outcome of the decision that was made by the prodigal.
Be blessed
Pastor Kitner
Luke 15:17-24(KJV)
17And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
18I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
19And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
20And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
21And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
22But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
23And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
24For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
The next stages of the return of a prodigal/backslider are found in verse 18 - 20 of the above scripture. After the realization and resolution has come into play in the situation there is seen something that is vital to both the prodigal/backslider but also to those who would come to the saving knowledge of Christ. It is called REPENTANCE. Seeing where you are and the desire to turn around and head in the right direction. Repentance is part of the whole restoration process “I have sinned” etc. See Psalm 51 which is David’s testimony of repentance and restoration. The actions were against God and man and with humility one comes back without the haughtiness of the original attitude of you owe me give it to me, but with an I’m not worthy but I’ll take a servants role just to be there in the house with you attitude.
Next is the actual RETURN. He arose and came to the Father. No more just wishful thinking and feeling self pity but the actual humbling of all that is self and with pride being swallowed the journey home is embarked on. This takes a lot knowing that you are wrong and actually doing something that says it to all concerned.
Next we will look at the outcome of the decision that was made by the prodigal.
Be blessed
Pastor Kitner
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
The Prodigal Life - Part 3
The Prodigal Life – Part 3
Luke 15:17-24(KJV)
17And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
18I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
19And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
20And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
21And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
22But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
23And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
24For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
I looked into the downward journey of those who would run from the Father’s House in two previous blogs. Today I want to look at the beginning of the journey back to the Father’s House. That starts with REALIZATION!
The journey back begins in verse 17 with the words “and when he came to himself”. The dire circumstances of life are not all bad, if they cause one to reflect on the reality of life and come out of the fantasy that was created in the mind, seeing where they had been and where they are now, and to come to a place of humility leaving pride behind.
Once that has happened the next step back is RESOLUTION! This is seen in verse 18. “I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him….” The process takes thinking it through and follow through as an act of ones will. That is to say, my mind’s made up and there is no turning back. No more, I’ll do it my way but saying “I blew it – I was wrong”.
These are the first steps back to the Father’s House. I will deal with the next 5 steps over the next few days. Check back.
Be blessed
Pastor Kitner
Luke 15:17-24(KJV)
17And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
18I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
19And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
20And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
21And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
22But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
23And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
24For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
I looked into the downward journey of those who would run from the Father’s House in two previous blogs. Today I want to look at the beginning of the journey back to the Father’s House. That starts with REALIZATION!
The journey back begins in verse 17 with the words “and when he came to himself”. The dire circumstances of life are not all bad, if they cause one to reflect on the reality of life and come out of the fantasy that was created in the mind, seeing where they had been and where they are now, and to come to a place of humility leaving pride behind.
Once that has happened the next step back is RESOLUTION! This is seen in verse 18. “I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him….” The process takes thinking it through and follow through as an act of ones will. That is to say, my mind’s made up and there is no turning back. No more, I’ll do it my way but saying “I blew it – I was wrong”.
These are the first steps back to the Father’s House. I will deal with the next 5 steps over the next few days. Check back.
Be blessed
Pastor Kitner
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
A Tithing Illustration - from the garden
As a pastor I use examples to illustrate things for the folks so they can get a handle on the spiritual or invisible.
Once I used an illustration in which I took a cantaloupe to illustrate the tithe and what comes with what is given.Out of ten cantaloupes the first one becomes the tithe or what you bring to God in the storehouse.One might think that the cantaloupe is the only thing given. However when you bring the cantaloupe to God, you also have brought all the tithe to God. By this I mean that everything that is involved with the cantaloupe is brought to God.To illustrate, I cut the cantaloupe in half and what we saw was that within the cantaloupe that we brought to God were seeds of more cantaloupe.So within the tithe you bring to God are the seeds then of your future harvests.
It seems that what God makes always bears the seeds of more in it, even man. This perpetuates or continues ongoing blessings and/or provision.
Be Blessed
Pastor Kitner
.
Once I used an illustration in which I took a cantaloupe to illustrate the tithe and what comes with what is given.Out of ten cantaloupes the first one becomes the tithe or what you bring to God in the storehouse.One might think that the cantaloupe is the only thing given. However when you bring the cantaloupe to God, you also have brought all the tithe to God. By this I mean that everything that is involved with the cantaloupe is brought to God.To illustrate, I cut the cantaloupe in half and what we saw was that within the cantaloupe that we brought to God were seeds of more cantaloupe.So within the tithe you bring to God are the seeds then of your future harvests.
It seems that what God makes always bears the seeds of more in it, even man. This perpetuates or continues ongoing blessings and/or provision.
Be Blessed
Pastor Kitner
.
The Prodigal Life – Part 2
The Prodigal Life – Part 2
Luke 15:11-24(KJV)
11And he said, A certain man had two sons:
12And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.
13And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.
14And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.
15And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.
16And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.
17And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
The next 6 steps of 7 away from the safety of the Father’s House were SELFISHNESS, SEPERATION, SENSUALITY, SPIRITUAL DESTITUTION, SELF ABSEMENT and STARVATION. He gathered it all together and took off to distant lands to do his own thing and live the way he wanted.
Being self-willed and selfishness go hand in hand because you begin to live by the, if it feels good do it way of life. He, being irresponsible, took what someone who was a responsible person, and had worked for what they had, and squandered it on “riotous living”. Perhaps we would say he spent all he had on wine, women and song so to speak. However he found out that there was an end to party time, big tips, living the fast and loose life. With no one to help him in a time of famine in a strange land he had to attach himself to a stranger and feed the swine because he had used up all of his money.
Being in want is sometimes what brings us around to doing what is right to do because one begins to think about what they have done and what they are doing. When you hit rock bottom there is no other way but up. The prodigal here began to think about what he had in the father’s house because reality had set in.
When you see a person living in such a way pray for their eyes to be opened so they can see clearly and begin to make some right decisions.
Next we will see the steps back to the Father’s House.
Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner
Luke 15:11-24(KJV)
11And he said, A certain man had two sons:
12And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.
13And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.
14And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.
15And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.
16And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.
17And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
The next 6 steps of 7 away from the safety of the Father’s House were SELFISHNESS, SEPERATION, SENSUALITY, SPIRITUAL DESTITUTION, SELF ABSEMENT and STARVATION. He gathered it all together and took off to distant lands to do his own thing and live the way he wanted.
Being self-willed and selfishness go hand in hand because you begin to live by the, if it feels good do it way of life. He, being irresponsible, took what someone who was a responsible person, and had worked for what they had, and squandered it on “riotous living”. Perhaps we would say he spent all he had on wine, women and song so to speak. However he found out that there was an end to party time, big tips, living the fast and loose life. With no one to help him in a time of famine in a strange land he had to attach himself to a stranger and feed the swine because he had used up all of his money.
Being in want is sometimes what brings us around to doing what is right to do because one begins to think about what they have done and what they are doing. When you hit rock bottom there is no other way but up. The prodigal here began to think about what he had in the father’s house because reality had set in.
When you see a person living in such a way pray for their eyes to be opened so they can see clearly and begin to make some right decisions.
Next we will see the steps back to the Father’s House.
Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner
Monday, November 8, 2010
The Prodigal Life ~ Part 1
The Prodigal Life ~ Part 1
Luke 15:11-24(KJV)
11And he said, A certain man had two sons:
12And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.
13And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.
14And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.
15And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.
16And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.
17And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
18I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
19And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
20And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
21And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
22But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
23And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
24For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
This is a portion of scripture dealing with a prodigal son. I took an outline that I found in the Thompson Chain Reference Bible and looked at the life of one that perhaps is backslidden or even lost altogether. I preached this in one sermon but will deal with it here in several excerpts.
I dealt with the seven steps in the downward pattern of that ones life and then the upward pattern of that one coming back to dad’s place. Looking at every action with comment on life today as well.
The downward steps are found in Luke 15:11-17 with verse 17 being a pivotal point in the process of coming back to the Father’s House.
The first noticeable step of 7 away from the safety of the Father’s House is SELFWILL . I want what would be mine now – a give it to me now attitude. I want to be my own boss and do life my way.
Yes it would have been his anyway but it wasn’t time yet for him to receive it, however he said give me ~ one needs to guard their heart for out of the heart are the issues of life.
What I have noticed is this: when a person sees life revolving around themselves without considering others around them, it is a warning sign of impending destruction in some way in their life. They become like a horse with blinders on and it is full steam ahead without restraints. This leads into the next step which I will post tomorrow…
Be Blessed
Pastor Kitner
Luke 15:11-24(KJV)
11And he said, A certain man had two sons:
12And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.
13And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.
14And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.
15And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.
16And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.
17And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
18I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
19And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
20And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
21And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
22But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
23And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
24For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
This is a portion of scripture dealing with a prodigal son. I took an outline that I found in the Thompson Chain Reference Bible and looked at the life of one that perhaps is backslidden or even lost altogether. I preached this in one sermon but will deal with it here in several excerpts.
I dealt with the seven steps in the downward pattern of that ones life and then the upward pattern of that one coming back to dad’s place. Looking at every action with comment on life today as well.
The downward steps are found in Luke 15:11-17 with verse 17 being a pivotal point in the process of coming back to the Father’s House.
The first noticeable step of 7 away from the safety of the Father’s House is SELFWILL . I want what would be mine now – a give it to me now attitude. I want to be my own boss and do life my way.
Yes it would have been his anyway but it wasn’t time yet for him to receive it, however he said give me ~ one needs to guard their heart for out of the heart are the issues of life.
What I have noticed is this: when a person sees life revolving around themselves without considering others around them, it is a warning sign of impending destruction in some way in their life. They become like a horse with blinders on and it is full steam ahead without restraints. This leads into the next step which I will post tomorrow…
Be Blessed
Pastor Kitner
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Our adopted MomMom Lola
This lady's life is truly a testimony unto the Lord. She was a godsend for us as I went to Bible College at Valley Forge Christian College. She was a mom to us, my wife and me, and grandmom to our children. WE can never forget her and have been enriched in our lives from our relationship with her over those important years. She now sees HIM clearly!
Be Blessed
Pastor Kitner
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