Take A Stand

Many years ago, my mother-in-law gave me a small tract-like booklet.  It was called “Others May, You Cannot”.    Written by G. D Watson many years ago, I have it hanging in my office, so that I can look at it over and over again.  It’s too long to put in a Chaplain’s Chat, but I would encourage you to look it up and read it for yourself.

In a nutshell, it encourages believers to take a stand, to get to that point in our lives that we decide “…to really be like Jesus in all your spirit…”, regardless of what the people around us are doing.  I have found out that making that decision to live as Christ dictates, causes me to scrutinize my life and standards.  As I have begun to inspect my life, I found that Scripture directs us to do so:  “Let us search out and examine our ways, And turn back to the Lord” (Lamentations 3:40)

With all the social unrest in the world, it has become imperative for us, as Christians, to take a stand, decide which side we are on.  Are we on the side of light or dark – righteousness or lawlessness?  If light/righteousness, then the Word should take center stage.  Christ’s commands should be what we strive to follow.  The Word admonishes us:  “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God…” (2 Corinthians 6:14-16)

Our mandate as Christians, is to be separate – to be different – so that we attract others by our uniqueness.  We have to be okay with being different when living an authentic life for Christ.  This means doing the right thing, regardless of the sacrifices to ourselves or our lifestyles.  When we act differently from the world, people will want to know why.  When they see the peace with which we walk through this world, they will want to know how.  When they see the pure love believers have for one another, they will want to know what happened to us.    

Knowing the questions are going to come, we believers must “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17 For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.” (I Peter 3:15-17)

Yes, even being willing to suffer.  As Christ suffered for the forgiveness of our many sins, we must be willing to suffer if that will further the cause of Christ. 

Now, with Paul I can attest, I have not “…already attained, or am already perfected…” there is still much I have to learn and much the Lord needs to work on, but I am committed to pressing forward, “…that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.” (Philippians 3:12b)

It is more important than ever to decide which side we are on – Light or Dark, Good or Evil, Christ or the devil.  Are you willing to take a stand?

Standing tall and trusting Him through it all!

Chaplain Robin

Are You Trying To Make Me Feel Guilty?

John 8:3; Then the Scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery.
 
In John 8 we read about the woman, not caught before or after the act of adultery, but right smack dab in the very act! (I have to wonder, what were the Scribes and Pharisees doing to have “caught” her…and where was the man she was with?  Why wasn’t he brought before Jesus too?)  But, I digress…
 
The wrath of God’s law brought the woman, caught in adultery, to the feet of the Savior.  That’s the function of the law, to condemn.  That’s what it does, it reveals to the sinner that he is already condemned. He who does not believe in Jesus is condemned already (John 3:18).
 
Ask a person which one of the Ten Commandments makes him feel guilty?  When the Bible says, “You shall not steal”, do you feel guilty? If so, why do you think that is?  Could it be because you are guilty?  God gave us our conscience so we would know when we break His law.  The guilt we feel when we do something wrong tells us we need to repent.
 
The law is God’s mercy because it shows us there is danger, and we are in desperate need of a Savior.  Unfortunately for them, the Scribes and the Pharisees messed up.  They brought this woman to the wrong man.  You see, this man – the God Man – not only came to fulfill the law, but He also came to save sinners!   Jesus then makes a statement that stands as one of the most convicting statements of Scripture:  “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.”  Of course, we know the men saw the error of their ways and walked away and the woman was saved from death and saved from eternal separation from God.
 
At the Macomb County Jail, we preach the law of God, not to judge, but to simply tell the inmates of God’s judgment on sin.  The most beautiful thing the volunteer ministers find is that you don’t have to convince an inmate that they have transgressed the law.  They know it and, especially after sentencing, they accept it.  That’s why jail and prison ministry is so effective.  Ministers don’t have to get over the hurdle of, “I’m a good person…” because the community knows they are in jail, their friends know they are in jail, their brothers and sisters know they are in jail, and even their mama knows they are in jail!  Luckily at that realization, the cross becomes a glorious sight!
 
At the aftercare, the newsletter tells of two men who have graduated the one year program (completed a six month foundational class, have been meeting regularly with their mentor, have been gainfully employed, and are showing growth spiritually) and are being reestablished in the community.  We are super proud of these two men!
 
We would be remiss if we were to close this Chaplain’s report without mentioning something that will be taking place on Thursday, August 23rd, 2018.  Being in the jail, the chaplains and volunteers see how drug addiction takes over people’s lives, destroying the addict and wrecking their families.  On Thursday, August 23rd, Bethesda Christian Church has graciously offered their church as a venue for a prayer gathering to combat this drug and opioid epidemic plaguing our communities.  We invite all to attend.  Forty to fifty churches from all over Southeastern Michigan are making the time to come and pray that the Lord of Hosts would do battle and end this scourge once and for all. Please plan to come and join us!  Bethesda Christian Church, 14000 Metropolitan Parkway, Sterling Heights, MI 48312 at 7pm.  Doors open at 6:00pm.
 
Guilty no more,
Chaplains Steve and Robin Malek