CMCC's First YouTube Video!

I video recorded my wife Nancy at our mid-week service a few weeks ago and I thought this sound bite was really awesome. It is strong stuff but really a true indictment of the modern church culture. I hope it speaks to you as it did to me. Don't forget to post your comments!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mIp4ddw5oY

Happy Birthday America!

Happy Birthday America! Let us never take our freedom for granted and let us always fight the fight of faith to keep America's Christian heritage burning brightly for all the world to see. I know that the founders of this great nation would be proud to be asssociated with godly men and women of character and conviction who refuse to roll over to any authority that calls evil good and good evil. They bled and died for an ideal that we must now contend for all over again. This fourth of July we must wake up as the church of Jesus Christ and begin to reassert the force of righteousness and call upon God almighty to deliver us from darkness. Let freedom ring!

Live Joyfully

Terrible news last week as three American celebrities died; Ed McMahon, Farah Fawcett and Michael Jackson. Not that these three lives were any more valuable than the rest of us, however, when someone dies who was rewarded by our culture with fame and fortune for their talents and charisma it captures our attention. We like our celebrities... we like their music, their acting, their beauty, their sense of humor, their style and pizazz. Many times, we'd like to meet them or we wish we could know them. Sometimes we feel bad that we are not one of them.

But the death of a celebrity also teaches us a very poignant lesson. No matter how popular, powerful, rich, attractive or talented a person is in life; in death all are equal. All opportunities to do good are over. All opportunities to make provision for the afterlife are over. Everyone's case file is sealed. Conviction, conscience or cause will never again move that one to action.

Only while living do we have an opportunity to store treasure in Heaven. Only while living do we have opportunity to mend a broken relationship. Only while alive can we right injustice, cry out for the poor or tell others of God's grace through Jesus Christ. Consider the words of King Solomon in the book of Ecclesiastes:
This is an evil in all that is done under the sun: that one thing happens to all. Truly the hearts of the sons of men are full of evil; madness is in their hearts while they live, and after that they go to the dead. But for him who is joined to all the living there is hope, for a living dog is better than a dead lion.

For the living know that they will die;
But the dead know nothing,
And they have no more reward,
For the memory of them is forgotten.
Also their love, their hatred,
and their envy have now perished;
Nevermore will they have a share
In anything done under the sun.
Go, eat your bread with joy,
And drink your wine with a merry heart;
For God has already accepted your works.
Let your garments always be white,
And let your head lack no oil.

Live joyfully with the wife whom you love all the days of your vain life which He has given you under the sun, all your days of vanity; for that is your portion in life, and in the labor which you perform under the sun.Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going. Ecclesiastes 9:3-10

I especially like the line, "for a living dog is better than a dead lion." Many of us waste our lives away wishing we were something that we are not. Ed, Farah and Michael are now dead lions and those of us who would have desired to be like them are now glad we're not. Living dogs truly are better than dead lions. There is much to be said for living in an attitude of gratitude for the blessings God has given in our today.

The New Testament says it like this: "Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 1 Timothy 6:6-10

With that in mind, it is important to remember during this season of economic and cultural stress to be content and grateful with what we have. Let's all enjoy God's gift to the living of summertime in the Catskill's. See you Sunday.

The Satan Temptation - Rebellion Against Authority

How you are fallen from heaven,
O Lucifer, son of the morning!
How you are cut down to the ground,
You who weakened the nations!
13 For you have said in your heart:
'I will ascend into heaven,
I will exalt my throne above the stars of God;
I will also sit on the mount of the congregation
On the farthest sides of the north;
14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds,
I will be like the Most High.'
Isaiah 14:12-14

The Satan Temptation identified:
The Satan Temptation is named for Lucifer’s rebellion against God which resulted in his ejection from heaven and can be similarly applied to any rebellion against rightful authority motivated by pride. In everyday life, it typically begins with a personality conflict, offense or disagreement with a leader. Over time and fed with more perceived offences, it grows into a temperament of resentment and resistance. Eventually the subordinate begins to seek opportunities to undermine and inwardly wishes to see the leader removed or struck down.

Although it is almost always disguised as a justified issue with a particular leader, any rebellion against rightful authority is really just a repackaged version of the oldest attempted governmental overthrow in the universe.

The Satan Temptation originates with feelings of impatience, frustration or dissatisfaction against someone in charge. As they germinate, these feelings create an open wound and manifest by either knowingly or subconsciously resisting the leader rather than submitting from the heart and trusting God. If allowed to grow unhindered, these wounded emotions will develop into resistance, betrayal, stalling, subverting, sabotaging, contending against, second guessing, usurping and/or, inwardly or outwardly, mocking a leader’s decisions, policies, personality or direction.

Who is susceptible?
The Satan Temptation can poison any angry, weak or willing person who is required to yield to somebody else’s will. It can destroy harmony in any organization: family, government, school, business, church, civic organizations, sporting teams, military, or any other entity requiring leadership. It is biting the bait of inner discord felt when under authority.

Correlated with Isaiah 14:12-14
The Satan Temptation consists of a private individual resolution (For you have said in your heart, I will…) to tear down a rightfully seated leader of any organization with the ultimate goal to ascend to that position. It is a desire to be out from under authority (to be exalted above the stars of God). It ultimately longs to be the person in charge of the organization (sit on the mount of the congregation). It is the rebellious spirit of Satan, ‘the god of this age’ (2 Corinthians 4:4) reaching through his human puppets, in his attempt to: be like the Most High.

The Satan Temptation: A Contagious Disease
Satan Temptation rebels tend to attract others, gathering supporters either openly or unwittingly. This is part of Satan’s original pattern as evidenced by Revelation 12:4 referring to one third of the angels having followed the devil in his rebellion and being cast to earth becoming his demon hoard. It also explains why unity is such an important issue with God (Psalms 133, John 17), obedience is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22), and God hates someone who sows dissension among brethren (Proverbs 6:19).

Common victims of the Satan Temptation:

1. If churches are fragmented today—ineffective in changing lives and introducing God’s Kingdom into society—it is largely because of our culture’s rejection of rightful authority and acceptance of the Satan Temptation. When church leaders realize that many so-called Christians will only obey Jesus within their own comfort zones and local church politics allow carnal people to gain influence through undermining spiritual leadership, the church cannot accomplish her mission. Therefore it is written, “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you” (Hebrews 13:17).
2. If homes are contentious war zones instead of nurturing discipleship centers it is because of our culture’s love for the Satan Temptation. It is relevant to note here the seemingly forgotten fact that God addressed one of the Ten Commandments specifically to children. Number six, Honor thy father and thy mother (Exodus 20:12), clearly institutionalizes the importance of not only obeying but esteeming from the heart, parental leadership. This shows that learning to grow and prosper under (imperfect but legitimate) human leadership should begin at the earliest ages and become a life principle translating to success in every organized endeavor thereafter.
   
   In our modern society which nurtures resentment and rebellion towards traditional parental authority, many parents fear their children’s rejection and refuse to dive into their God-given roles as righteous authority figures. This is mainly because parents have been brain-washed by the culture to have resentment and unforgiveness towards their own parents and do not appreciate the value of righteous authority and discipline. It is a small wonder, therefore, that so many Christian children are lost to the world.
3. The Satan Temptation can affect marriage. In fact, in marriage, husbands and wives each have certain established authorities over the other. For example: The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. And likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does (1 Corinthians 7:4). This shows why married couples, unwilling to yield to one another in kindness and tenderness, fall prey to hardened hearts towards each other.
   
   The Satan Temptation always reveals a lack of love and/or a hard heart toward someone in authority. Jesus said, "Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, permitted you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so” (Matthew 19:8).
4. If companies lack productivity, sporting teams lack unity, armies are without morale, local, state or federal governments are corrupt and ineffective, it is many times, at least in part, because of the Satan Temptation.
   
   A businessman recently shared about one of his employees who is a friend of mine: “Yes, Joe is the nicest guy in the world,” he said, “as long as he doesn’t work for you. He is a terrible employee because he is always bucking against my decisions as boss. Everyone seems to love the guy but he is my worst nightmare.” Rebellion against authority is the mark of the Satan Temptation.
   
   In closing this section, it is a reliable general statement that any so-called Christian, not able to successfully follow a human leader is fooling himself if he thinks he can ever follow God. Truth is: God is much harder. That is why many Christians today prefer house churches, Christian TV, and informal fellowship where no one is in charge as opposed to true New Testament Church leadership. The Satan Temptation mindset ultimately desires freedom from any and all accountable authority.
   

Guidelines and balances for understanding authority:

Only God has Absolute Authority
Only God has absolute authority and therefore any leader who tries to force a subordinate to sin is directly opposing the only true authority in the universe. This leader is off target and God expects His people to ‘obey God rather than men’ (Acts 5:29). The book of Daniel gives wonderful insight into the way righteous people resist the unrighteous commands of a legitimate governmental leader.

Any leader who expects someone under his charge to lie, cheat, steal, mislead, participate in inappropriate conversation, look at inappropriate media, engage in illicit relations, or to break any clear principle of God’s Word, is set against God’s revealed authority.

Resentment of Authority is Nothing New
Many are suspicious and resentful of all authority. This is the devil’s character being projected through people and represents nothing new at all. In fact, essential disdain for God’s authority is the only plausible explanation of why one third of the angels apparently followed Lucifer in his original rebellion. Therefore our ability to honor and obey any human authority must first be rooted in our Holy Spirit-born commitment to trust God. Trusting God includes believing that He has the power to deliver His own from the abuse of harsh or unrighteous authority.

We are surrounded by reports and experiences of people who misuse their authority. That is why legitimate human authority exercised with good sense is a precious gift of God and followers must do everything in their power to support it. A righteous leader attempting to lead rebellious followers is a waste of a good leader but a perverse leader over righteous followers will be dealt with by God (see Pharaoh and Saul).

All Authority Besides God’s Authority is Limited.

1. Marital authority is limited. Acts 5:1-10 tells of Ananias and Sapphira, the husband and wife team who colluded to lie to God about an offering. Both the husband and wife were given separate opportunities to come clean but each of them was harshly judged based on his/her own lie. This is an important example because it is common for married people to feel that they must disobey God in order to keep peace in their home. God’s Word is the highest authority in life and sinning to keep peace with husband, wife, child, parent, boss, friend, teacher, professor, pastor, brother, sister or anyone else is unacceptable to God.
2. Parental authority is limited. An interesting New Testament verse says, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right” (Ephesians 6:1). The qualification, ‘in the Lord’ is an important one, the inference being that parental authority, when exercised in opposition to God’s Word is contradicting God. Therefore, children should obey parents only so far as parents’ instructions are, ‘in the Lord.’ Again, all authority is limited to God’s revealed Word and any human authority, including parents, contradicting this constitutes a rogue use of legitimate authority and is rooted in the Satan Temptation.
   
   If a parent enforces right authority over his young child, this is good and right. However, if the same parent is still trying to control the decisions of their grown offspring, this is inappropriate and illegitimate. Parental authority is limited to an appropriate age and maturity level of the child.
   
   Actually, as the child begins to mature, his/her judgment needs to be trained, tested and tried time and time again and there is a long period when neither child nor parents have full authority. During this stage there should be an incremental movement towards the complete transition of authority to the young adult. The youth, during this phase, should be learning to look more closely to God as the main authority figure.
   
   This is illustrated in Luke chapter two when twelve year old Jesus stays behind in Jerusalem at the temple for three days while his parents have headed home. Mary finally finds him: “So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, "Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously." 49 And He said to them, "Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business?" (Luke 2:48-49).
   
   Remember, parental authority is only a limited and temporary slice of God’s absolute authority. Jesus was already, at twelve years old, tending to God the Father’s business over Mary and Joseph’s authority. But He was still not done being obedient to His earthly mother and step-father. Immediately after this the Scripture says, “Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” (Luke 2:50-52).
   
   He returned home with them and was subject (obedient) to them. Jesus Christ, the very Son of God, was obedient to two common, flawed, imperfect and limited human authority figures and, as a result of his obedient spirit, increased in wisdom and stature and favor with both God and with other people. His time under Mary and Joseph’s parental authority must have served some benefit and His obedience to the Father God was intimately connected to his obedience to His parents—they were not exclusive of each other.
   
   Jesus’ being subject to Mary and Joseph was a legitimate but limited portion of God the Father’s authority, and part of His plan of preparation for the Son. As the Son was finally sent into His public ministry, the Father, said from heaven, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." (Matthew 3:17)
   
   Also, Jesus even though submissive to His earthly parents and His heavenly Father clearly did not consider himself a doormat or puppet of some identity-stealing oppressive authority or over-parenting. He said, "When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things. 29 "And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him" (John 8:28-29).
   
   “I always do those things that please Him.” Children of God should thrive under both human and divine authority: It is our proving ground.
   
3. An employer’s authority is limited, sometimes a little more or less, depending on the level and contractual agreement of the position. It may be that an employer requires a dress code or particular protocol in phone etiquette when on the job. But when the employee is off the clock the employer does not have authority over what you wear or how you answer your phone. The authority is limited.
4. Church authority is limited. The Church leadership is limited to her scriptural definitions which include organizational oversight and administration, five-fold ministry activity and development, leadership training and Christian discipleship; plus providing Bible education, worship services, producing the vision of the church and confronting sin issues in her member’s lives. The authority is limited.
   
   It is simply amazing how frequently people misunderstand church leadership. If I apply for work at McDonalds, they make it clear that I will be expected to wear certain clothes, say certain things to the customers, make the food in a very specific way, show up at a certain time and promise to pay me a certain wage. If a church, on the other hand, requires biblical criteria and ongoing accountability for membership, leadership involvement, ministry opportunities or ordination as deacon or elder, the church is frequently criticized as overly controlling.
   
   Not infrequently, new believers will come into a church and be offended at the leadership in place. A good number, in fact, seem to become genuinely stunned and disillusioned when they find that churches actually have human leaders and that the leaders are in charge. Remember, Lucifer wanted to ‘sit on the mount of the congregation’ or in modern terms, speak from the pulpit, and therefore, he is always trying to replace God’s man with his own. Church is the prize of the great cosmic war for the soul of the universe.
   
   A rule of thumb seems to be that a newly born again, formerly unchurched person who comes from a traditional loving healthy family will typically have no trouble acclimating to church life and understanding church authority. On the other hand, a formerly unchurched person or someone who has recently quit a church or who has had serious issues with his/her parents is far more likely to misunderstand, resent and rebel against church leadership.
   
   Some people are famous for reminding church leaders that they are not infallible… a reference to the Catholic doctrine of papal infallibility. However, legitimate leaders are leaders. Joseph and Mary were not infallible but it didn’t stop Jesus from being subject to them. John the Baptist was not infallible but Jesus submitted to his baptism. In fact when Pontius Pilate told Jesus he had the power to crucify Him or release Him, Jesus said "You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above” (John 19:11) Legitimate human authority is brought to you by God Almighty!
5. Governmental, political, cultural, military, police, tribal, family, school and higher educational authorities are limited.

Obedience or Sacrifice?

Any author has legal ownership over his literary work, including the setting and characters he creates. God authored the universe and everything in it with His words (Genesis 1), Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2) and He also clearly proclaimed that all authority has been given to Him both in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18).

Therefore, God alone possesses all authority and no other. He has willed to release limited measures of legitimate authority to nations, families, churches, schools, armies, businesses and other human organizations in order to fulfill His will in time and space. Satan, the enemy of God, will always attempt to undermine, twist and destroy this.

God also loves obedience much more than sacrifice. The reason for this is that choosing sacrifice over simple obedience is filled with selfishness. It says, “I have made a decision when, where and how much I want to give. Nobody is going to tell me what to do. I feel good about myself because these people who run the organization do not know what they are doing. I want something with my own name on it. I am not going to obey anyone. I will be like the Most High”

Obedience, on the other hand, is the denial of self and the humble acknowledgment of a position as servant.

The Roman Centurion

In Matthew 8 the Roman Centurion impresses Jesus deeply with his faith, based not on a deep knowledge of spiritual doctrine, but on his understanding of the universality of authority. He said, “…only speak a word, and my servant will be healed.” For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it." When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, "Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!” (Matthew 8:8-10)

Five thoughts on the Centurion’s faith:

1. The Centurion understood that Jesus was not a rebel but was covered under God’s authority carrying out orders. For I also am a man under authority…
2. The Centurion readily acknowledged that he was not himself the big boss but was under someone else’s authority making him a servant to his own leader. For I also am a man under authority…
3. The Centurion recognized that the way to properly exercise authority is to just speak a word to subordinates and a true leader should expect to see results. “…only speak a word, and my servant will be healed."
4. The Centurion understood that the essence of authority is directing subordinates to obey your will. And I say to this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."
5. The Centurion had no problem referring to subordinates as being under him. "For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me.

Legitimate authority is a universal force derived from God and flowing through Jesus Christ the King. It is used to build, establish, protect, produce great works, do awesome things and generally accomplish God’s will in heaven and on earth.

In closing: The Satan Temptation has weakened nations (Isaiah 14:12), destroyed families, torn churches to pieces and ruined companies, communities and armies. It originates from the hateful spirit of the original rebel and ignites selfish ambition, accuses the innocent, wins at all costs, hates authority, devises wickedness, trips up leaders, grumbles, complains, keeps accounts of wrongs and plants discord among brethren.

The Satan Temptation must be exposed and defeated because without right authority the Church will never have the unity necessary to please God. As long as the devil keeps marriage a sour institution, parents and children at odds, the Church afraid of her own people, schools teaching rebellion rather than humble obedience and communities divided, there cannot be the agreement needed to truly work together and usher in the Kingdom of God.

The unity necessary for the Scripture to be fulfilled requires not only obedience to God but the humble submission to legitimate human authority.

Psalms 23 - Part VII

Psalms 23 verse 5: “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.”

One of the most distressing truths for many modern Christians to come to terms with is the idea that God has enemies. But as we reflect on Psalms 23 verse five as a prophecy of Jesus’ life, one event clearly jumps out: The Last Supper; a table prepared by the Father for the Son; a table eaten in the presence of His enemy: Judas, the son of perdition. (John 17:12)

Judas: The Enemy of God

Judas was one of the twelve Apostles. He was chosen by Jesus and served side by side with Peter, James, John and the others. He saw Jesus walk on water, heal the sick and raise the dead. But for all of that he either never really got it—or didn’t really want to get it. Apparently nobody, beside Jesus himself, ever caught on that Judas was of a different spirit than the rest.

Did Judas know he was Judas?

Did Judas know who he was? Did he imagine himself as the most infamous traitor in human history and the betrayer of God’s only begotten Son? What was going on inside of his head? Did he secretly think that Jesus was just another phony holy man, putting on a dog-and-pony show, or did he just not get the gravity of who Jesus really was? It certainly seems that Jesus was very clear in explaining Himself. So the question remains: Did Judas know that he was Judas?

I do not think he did. As a matter of fact, because of his remorse and resulting suicide, I am positive that Judas never had a clue how serious his betrayal was until after Jesus was crucified. I think he reacted to the events around him based on faulty values and carnal hidden ambitions, like many Christians do today.

How do I know if I am a Judas?

Therefore, if Judas did not know he was Judas, if he believed himself to be a ‘normal’ guy—perhaps a guy who was not really into all the hocus pocus or someone just holding back a little—the question every Christian deserves to ask ourselves is: How do I know I’m not a Judas?

Are there enemies at our table?

If the Lord prepares a table before His sheep in the very presence of their enemies; if Judas walked with comfort and ease beside Jesus and the disciples undetected by all but Jesus Himself; if the sacrament of Communion is the Lord’s Table for the Body of Christ today; is it possible, or probable, or even a promise of God, that God’s enemies are at the table (in the church) undetected today? If so, how can I tell who Judas is? And most importantly, how would I know if I were a Judas?

In looking up the Scriptures relating to Judas, a number of traits become apparent. Although there may not be an absolute litmus test, the best way to do an examination and take the edge off a bit for detecting the Judas bug is using a tool borrowed from comedian, Jeff Foxworthy.

You Might be a Judas, If…

Foxworthy is famous for his line of jokes, “You might be a redneck if...” For our purposes, let us slightly alter the wording and offer insights that believers can use to detect Judas-like tendencies in our own lives. Therefore, citing the Scripture references, consider the following series of observations indicating that, ‘You might be a Judas, if…’

Be forewarned – seeing Judas in one’s own life can be disconcerting, but knowing the truth will make us free. As long as we have the humility to repent, there is every reason to hope.

1. You might be a Judas if you really love money.
   
   There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him. Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. Then one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, who would betray Him, said, "Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?" This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it. (John 12:2-6)
   
   Now jumping over to Matthew’s telling of this same story, it records the disciples accusing the woman of wasting money, and Jesus defending the woman’s act of extravagant kindness. As John’s Gospel just showed, it was Judas in particular who voiced his displeasure. Next, Matthew says, Judas immediately seeks out the chief priests: Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, "What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?" And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver. So from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him. (Matthew 26:14-16)
   
   You might be a Judas if you really love money.
   
   This incident exposes the love of money in Judas. He ‘kept the money box’, meaning he was clearly the ministry treasurer. He was a thief, taking money all along. He was so upset about this much money, in his mind, being wasted on the preacher’s personal use, that he became infuriated and literally betrayed Jesus for money.
   
   Righteous outrage is not always what it seems.
   
   Judas’ money-hungry heart was furious because he craved getting his hands on the funds from the sale of this perfume and saw it slip through his hands, so he put up a smoke-screen of phony sanctimonious outrage, pretending to care for the poor. Secretly, he was only mad because of the lost money for himself. Judas was not that deep in his evil; just shallow and greedy.
   
   When selfish sinful flesh is offended it squeals and screams for retribution, craving an excuse to lash out. And if it discovers an unrelated moral point to protest, it will boldly rise up and demand satisfaction like Johnny Cochran defending a million dollar client. This is a decoy tactic used to divert attention from the true sinful issue of the heart and retaliate against the one who denied the lustful desire.
   
   In the mind of the offended sinner, they can even go so far as to eventually deceive themselves, swearing on all that is holy that this objection is based on only the most pure of motives.
   
   In today’s church, this Judas spirit might sound like this:
   
   “We should keep the pastor poor so he doesn’t get a big head. If he’s too successful, we should knock him down. We’ll be doing God a favor by keeping him humble”
   
   “Why did they buy the pastor a new motorcycle for his fifteenth anniversary at the Church? That money should have gone for the needy! I mean, I go to that church but I can’t really blame my family members who don’t. Sometimes I think that all they care about is money.”
   
   “How much did that new church building cost? Shouldn’t we just meet from house to house like the early church and use all that money for the poor? What do we need pastors for anyway? Nobody is closer to God than anyone else. We’re all kings and priests.”
   
2. You might be a Judas if you are a spiritual chameleon.
   
   “While He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, with a great multitude with swords and clubs, came from the chief priests and elders of the people.” Matthew 26:47
   
   When you can change loyalty due to the crowd that you’re with you might be a Judas. When you’re with your church friends, you have a presence of mind of being one of God’s people but when you’re at home, work or away from Christians you blend in and mix easily with those who despise and criticize God’s family, you might be a Judas.
   
   Judas’ courage to betray Jesus was reinforced by the numbers, weapons and violent attitude of the crowd. Besides, how could he possibly turn back now with all these people watching? People who are chameleons seek strength in numbers.
   
   This is the coward’s way of overriding righteous authority through the power of the mob—it is very common human fare. It is humans voting Jesus out of power. It is democratically led morality using brutal human intimidation. It is sheep teaching the shepherd a lesson. It is the essence of most church splits. It is Korah’s rebellion (Numbers 16).
   
   This is the devil’s favorite disguise—a weak angry human, a chameleon—one who can look like a Christian among Christians but reveals his true nature at the perfect time to do the most destruction.
   
3. You might be a Judas even though you are one of the main disciples and a member of Jesus’ ministry team.
   
   “Then He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach, 15 and to have power to heal sicknesses and to cast out demons: 16 Simon, to whom He gave the name Peter; 17 James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James, to whom He gave the name Boanerges, that is, "Sons of Thunder"; 18 Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Cananite; 19 and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him.” Mark 3:14-19
   
   Being in ministry doesn’t guarantee anyone an exemption from being Judas. If any person is not personally committed to Jesus the head and the visible Body of Christ—the Church, though you be an inner circle disciple does not guarantee you that you’re not a Judas. Character weaknesses and sin issues not dealt with are sure warning signs.
   
4. You might be a Judas if you succumb to an evil presence of mind.
   
   Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called Passover. 2 And the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might kill Him, for they feared the people. 3 Then Satan entered Judas, surnamed Iscariot, who was numbered among the twelve. 4 So he went his way and conferred with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray Him to them. 5 And they were glad, and agreed to give him money. 6 So he promised and sought opportunity to betray Him to them in the absence of the multitude. Luke 22:1-6 (NKJV)
   
   Judas was a thief, stealing money all along (John 12). The sin ‘nest’ inside him gave Satan permission to enter and mastermind the betrayal of Jesus. This shows if anyone continues in sin, even though a church member, he is inviting the devil to come in. Eventually, Satan will exploit that sin weakness to enter and strike. When Satan does enter him through the open door of the sin practice, the host human’s mind is darkened and reasoning becomes clouded resulting in an evil presence of mind.
   
   Satan is a spirit and when he enters, he brings an irresistible resolve to lash out in a vengeful or spiteful way. The sinful person now becomes single minded in his determination to fulfill his evil intention. Any inner voice of conscience is, at least temporarily, completely silenced because of the overwhelming evil presence of mind. The catalyst for Satan entering is usually through a perceived offence like the spikenard incident.
   
   The Bible says that the kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost (Romans 14:17). That is the presence of mind when one is filled with the Holy Spirit. That’s where the Holy Spirit dwells. On the other hand, when your mind is outside of holy counsel, if you succumb and give yourself over to an evil presence of mind, Satan enters in and results in a Judas mindset. I’m not saying that you are a Judas, but you might be.
   
5. You might be a Judas if you love Jesus on the outside, when your heart is turned to darkness on the inside.
   
   And while He was still speaking, behold, a multitude; and he who was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them and drew near to Jesus to kiss Him. But Jesus said to him, "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?" Luke 22:47-48
   
   If you continue to serve Jesus on the outside, when your heart is turned to darkness on the inside, you might be a Judas. If you go to church but inwardly resent the pastor, his wife, the church people, the preaching, the music, the church in general, you might be a Judas.
   
   If you kiss Jesus publicly but hate His church privately, you might be a Judas.
   
   I’ve heard people say things like, “I love Jesus but hate the church.” That is what Judas did. In his mind I’m sure he believed that he loved God in heaven but was offended at Christ’s wasteful use of money. If you love Jesus on the outside and your heart is dark on the inside, you might be a Judas.
   
6. If you think that being chosen by Jesus guarantees that you are saved, you might be a Judas.
   
   Jesus answered them, "Did I not choose you, the twelve, and one of you is a devil?" 71 He spoke of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, for it was he who would betray Him, being one of the twelve. John 6:70-71
   
   If you think an experience in the past means you are righteous today, you might be a Judas. Salvation is a marathon race and just because Jesus chose you and you answered a call once doesn’t mean that you’re living in the light today.
   
   “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,” Hebrews 12:1
   
7. You might be a Judas if you rob God.
   
   Then one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, who would betray Him, said, "Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it. John 12:4-6
   
   Judas robbed God by taking the money from the box. The main way many Christians rob God today is by withholding tithes and offerings:
   
   "Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, 'In what way have we robbed You?' In tithes and offerings." Malachi 3:8
   
   People rob God by belonging to the church and refusing to pay their way. When someone has this knowledge but their heart continues to resist over time, they are no different than Judas. They are God robbers. People who begrudge God His portion and think they are equal with the other disciples are self-deceived.
   Salvation is a free gift but when someone answers Jesus’ call, they are, like Judas, given the job holding the money box. The modern money box is the tenth part of our income that belongs to God. It is Jesus’ ministry fund and we do not have a right to take it for our own use. It is given to the local church—the storehouse.
   
   It is uncanny that the people who complain the most about how church money is spent are overwhelmingly non-tithers. Judas was robbing God and his thievery poisoned his heart, causing him to protest the apparent wasteful use of the expensive ointment. Unless one tithes to his local church, like Judas, he cannot fully understand Jesus words.
   
   Therefore, if you get upset frequently, thinking that more of the church money ought to be given to the poor, you might be a Judas. If you angrily rationalize in your mind that the church is wasting expensive ointment and you are just a poor person so how can they expect you to tithe… you might be a Judas. If you think you make too much money for your church to handle, you might be a Judas.
   
8. You might be a Judas if you are waiting and biding your time to get somebody back.
   
   And supper being ended, the devil having already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray Him. John 13:2
   
   If you’ve already made a decision in your heart to put someone down or if you are holding an offence and simply looking for an opportunity to pay someone back for what they did to you, you might be a Judas.
   
   If you keep an account of wrongs and have the capacity to plan to hurt someone or to settle a score, you might be a Judas.
   
9. If you rationalize ungodly decisions with “God told me to,” you might be a Judas.
   
   Now after the piece of bread, Satan entered him. Then Jesus said to him, "What you do, do quickly." John 13:27
   
   Jesus said to Judas, “What you do, do quickly.” Does that mean that Jesus occasionally tells His disciples to do evil? Absolutely not! However, when someone mulls over evil in their heart long enough, Jesus will eventually release them to their evil heart. He will release them and sometimes even seem to provide a Scripture to confirm.
   
   Does that mean it was right for him to betray Jesus? No. In ministry, it is common to hear someone say “God told me” to do this or that, but many times it is how people justify decisions they have made on their own and do not want anyone’s interference. At times the Holy Spirit will try to resist through conscience but will eventually release a person to their plans.
   
   This, ‘God told me’ device can be really dangerous when these plans are originally born, like with Judas, through a sin door in the person. This gives way for the devil himself to enter and mastermind the idea. These are events when people who think they are Christians become pawns of the devil and ultimately bring about God’s plan but by playing for the bad guys. Ouch! Sometimes Jesus will simply say, “Well, go ahead and do what you’ve got to do.”
   
10. You might be a Judas if you shut off your conscience and stick your fingers in your ears and do wrong.
    
    Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Him to them. 11 And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money. So he sought how he might conveniently betray Him. Mark 14:10-11
    
11. You might be a Judas if you want to be near the money.
    
    “For some thought, because Judas had the money box, that Jesus had said to him...” (John 13:29).
    
12. You might be a Judas if you look for a group to agree with your rebellious attitude against legitimate authority.
    
    Then Judas, having received a detachment of troops, and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. (John 18:3)
    
13. You might be a Judas if you give phony Christian hugs and affection.
    
    But Jesus said to him, "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?" (Luke 22:48)
    
14. You might be a Judas if you stir up trouble in the Church.
    
    Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. 4 Then one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, who would betray Him, said, 5 "Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?" John 12:3-5
    
    And when Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, 7 a woman came to Him having an alabaster flask of very costly fragrant oil, and she poured it on His head as He sat at the table. 8 But when His disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, "Why this waste? 9 "For this fragrant oil might have been sold for much and given to the poor." Matthew 26:6-9
    
    And being in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, as He sat at the table, a woman came having an alabaster flask of very costly oil of spikenard. Then she broke the flask and poured it on His head. 4 But there were some who were indignant among themselves, and said, "Why was this fragrant oil wasted? 5 "For it might have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor." Mark 14:3-5
    
    John records that it was specifically Judas, the son of perdition, who vocalized opposition to the anointing oil being used for Jesus personal use. But because the other accounts mention that a number of disciples disagreed, it is a fair conclusion that Judas stirred up the problem. The Bible has much to say about the danger of poisoning someone else’s heart. As a matter of fact, Proverbs 16:19 says that God hates one who sows discord among brethren.
    
15. You might be a Judas if you come to the point where you give up on the hope and love of Jesus—the hope of His forgiveness.
    
    Then Judas, His betrayer, seeing that He had been condemned, was remorseful and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 4 saying, "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood." And they said, "What is that to us? You see to it!" 5 Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went and hanged himself. (Matthew 27:3-5)
    
    The Word of God is clear when it says: And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.' Acts 2:21
    
    I am always convinced that Jesus is willing to forgive. Jesus’ forgiveness is eternal. His Word is truth. No matter how far we stray; how evil we act; how vicious we can be to one another; He is able to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness if we will repent and confess our sins.
    
    Conclusion
    
    The comparison of Judas to Peter in the few days after the last supper is remarkable. Judas led an angry mob and identified Jesus with a kiss and Peter in the midst of a mob denied Jesus with cursing (Matt. 26:74). Judas’ spirit was never right from the beginning so the devil swallowed him up with despair. Peter’s spirit was resilient and his heart was pure so when he heard of the empty tomb he sprinted toward Jesus.
    
    You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. The sure way to know that we are not Judas is to confront and confess our own sin and mortify the deeds of the flesh by the Holy Spirit—it is to be transformed by the renewing of our mind by the Word of God and to desperately depend on His grace.

Psalms 23 - Part VI

Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. Psalms 23:4

The rod and staff are extensions of the shepherd. They are symbols of his position and tools of his trade. As a sheep passing through the valley of the shadow of death, I am not afraid because my shepherd is with me. I have seen him use his rod and staff, time and time again, to handle danger, correct me and the other sheep, keeping us all safe and together.

I am not an undisciplined sheep. I recognize the shepherd’s authority and I take comfort in knowing that when I begin to stray, my shepherd loves me enough to chastise me. I know the power of that rod and staff because I’ve seen him handle wolves with it. I also know that all I have to do is follow that staff and I will always be cared for, well fed, watered and protected from harm. His strength and authority comfort me.

My Dad was a Shepherd… sort of

As a child, my Dad loved his children enough to discipline us. I remember a time when I was a first grader my two older brothers and I got into trouble on the school bus. The driver, Mrs. Conrad, was so upset by our poor behavior that she made the three of us sit in the front seat as punishment and called my parents to report. We dreaded what would happen when Dad got home from work later that evening. But the shepherd is wiser than his sheep!

As we sat together that day, quarantined on the death row cell-block of that front seat, the bus crested the hill at Hotaling’s farm and began the final half mile down the country road to our house. As we got closer, I realized that something was out of place. There was something, no, someone, standing where our bus stopped. Slowly, like a magic-eye picture coming into focus, it became terrifyingly clear—it’s Dad… and he’s holding a strap in his hand. You see, Dad was never home from work this early… never!

The entire bus filled with local kids of all ages became eerily silent as the wheels screeched to a halt and we ‘sheepishly’ exited. The wise shepherd, rod in hand, marched us into the house and we lined up to take our ‘lickins.’ Chuck, the oldest, went first and took his medicine like a real trooper. Donald next—he was a great crier, beggar and screamer… no holding back for him.

Somewhere in the middle of all of this mayhem I had a brilliant desperate idea—my daily chore (which I usually fought) was walking three doors down to the Post Office to retrieve the mail.

“Mom,” I said already moving for the door, “I’ve got to go and get the mail.”

Miracle of miracles, it worked! I was out the door as I heard Mom say, “You’ll get your medicine when you get back.”

But the moment was over and I dodged the bullet. Now just lay low for a few days and avoid Dad and its clear sailing.

Truth be told, as the youngest of the three sheep, I was spared this time, although Chuck and Don—not so lucky—sorry guys.

But oddly enough that event had a profound effect on my soul. Here’s how:

1. I never got into trouble on the bus again. I didn’t get the strap that time but my earthly shepherd effectively communicated to me that he would go to any ends to ensure my conformity to the standards of the fold. Having the name Engelhardt demanded that we conduct our lives above public disgrace. Likewise, to God’s sheep it is written, “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” 1 Peter 2:9
2. The fact that I had a real father, who took his role in my life very seriously, was scary but at the same time made me feel very secure as a kid. The boundaries he set were enforced.
   In the same way, the rod and the staff of the Good Shepherd comfort me today. The Word of God says, “For whom the LORD loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights.” Proverbs 3:12
3. As a kid, when my buddies got stupid attacks and wanted to do something really bad, I could always use the excuse, “I can’t do that, my father will kill me,” and the guys believed me. They had seen for themselves the commitment my shepherd had to his sheep.
   Today, when people want to do ungodly things, most times they do not even let me know about it. They know that the Lord is my shepherd and that I follow the family standard. Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Romans 11:22
4. Another advantage I received as a kid was that my friends were at times jealous because we had an old-school disciplinarian father. And believe it or not many of them looked at us in awe after that infamous day. It gave us a bit of a swagger simply because we had a higher standard than they.
   As a child of God under the Good Shepherd, I am proud to be associated with the highest, toughest, strongest, coolest and wisest Father in the universe. He who spares his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him promptly. Proverbs 13:24

The Cross

Another way to think of the rod and staff of the Good Shepherd is as the Cross—the wooden tool of the Good Shepherd’s trade used to defeat the enemy and save His sheep from death. The rod and/or staff are what the shepherd lifts up and the sheep follow. No matter where you are, eating your grass or frolicking around—whatever sheep do—out of the corner of their eye, you can always see that staff. You just know you are safe and secure. Such is the cross of Jesus Christ.

I was in Kenya, Africa many years ago, out in the bush, walking along with Bishop Julius Wafula, and we happened upon a shepherd out in the middle of nowhere. He was sitting on a rock, and he had his sheep around him. Those sheep were just as content as could be and this man had his staff in his hand and his full time job was the care of those couple dozen sheep.

The single most important element in all of our lives is the Cross of the Good Shepherd. If you don’t have your heart set on the Cross of the Lord Jesus Christ as your salvation, if you don’t know for sure that He died for your sins, that everything’s going to be okay... If you don’t know positively that that Cross is the place where you transition into eternity, you will absolutely get lost.

Correction not Rejection

As we’ve seen, the shepherd sometimes uses his rod for correction. Modern people, however, frequently confuse correction with rejection and resent the prodding of the Good Shepherd. I have learned over many years to praise God that we have a shepherd who will correct us when we do wrong. For example, if I were a serious athlete, I would not want a coach who only told me how perfectly I played my sport, especially if I keep losing games. Elite coaches make huge salaries just to show people what they are doing wrong!

In the same way, I do not want a shepherd to tell me how good I am when my heart can hold so much darkness. If we are honest we know that what is inside of us is not always good. You see, there is only one thing in life that truly terrifies me. Losing Jesus.

Fearing God is the Beginning of Wisdom

Imagine waking up one day and feeling mixed up, disoriented and separated from the Good Shepherd. You look inside but cannot find Him anymore. Lee Strobel, in his book, The Case for Faith, tells of an old man who was a preacher in his youth and became disillusioned and left God. He eventually became an atheist and even wrote books against God.

And then, as a dying man with a terminal disease and with Alzheimer’s setting in, Strobel interviewed him and asked him what he thought about Jesus now that he had spent many decades away from God. The man began to cry, he said, “Oh, I miss Him terribly.”

You see, if you don’t know why we celebrate Christmas, if you don’t know why we celebrate Easter, if you don’t have a love affair with Jesus Christ, Himself, you don’t know the Good Shepherd.

My prayer: Please, Jesus, never let me stray from You, so that I don’t know where You are anymore. Please, let me keep that Cross in focus, where you paid for my sins. Please, Jesus, keep me close to You always!

Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. The wonderful Cross of Jesus Christ is a comfort to me. I am a sinner. I need a savior. There is an ‘X’ on the timeline of history where my savior, the Good Shepherd, conquered death, hell and the grave and now He lives for evermore and waits for me beyond death’s door. I will fear no evil!

Psalms 23 - Part V

1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. 3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever. Psalms 23:1-6 (NKJV)

THIS WEEK:

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;

The Valley of the Shadow of Death Redux

One of the funniest, most intense, amazing and revealing stories in the Gospels is when the Good Shepherd leads His sheep through the valley of the shadow of death—not literally, but certainly in principle.

23 Now when He got into a boat, His disciples followed Him. 24 And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep. 25 Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, "Lord, save us! We are perishing!" 26 But He said to them, "Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?" Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. 27 So the men marveled, saying, "Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?" Matthew 8:23-27

The Boat is Like the Church

Jesus’ sheep found out that they were safe in the care of their shepherd even in the valley of the shadow of death. They had followed Him into the boat that night and suddenly a storm hit. Doesn’t that sound familiar? I have heard many people say things like, “My life used to be easy, but when I decided to follow Jesus, all hell broke loose.” Just like that night long ago, His present day sheep follow Jesus into the boat of the Church, (the vehicle designed by God to take us to the proverbial other side) and everyone outside seems to be safely on shore while we go through many fierce storms.

Waking the Shepherd

In the midst of a horrifying storm that night, on the brink of disaster, as the shadow of death had been cast over them, His sheep became gripped with fear and finally woke the shepherd. I’ll bet if they had a cell phone they would have called the Coast Guard first. It is a sad testimony how bad life has to get before many sheep wake the Good Shepherd. People are quick to blame God for their misfortune, shrugging their shoulders and glibly asserting that He works in mysterious ways, but never spend much energy crying out for Him to save them.

The importance of the raw energy of desperation aimed at waking Jesus like the disciples did that evening has much biblical precedence. Remember the following stories that show our need to appeal to the Good Shepherd in a gutsy, robust and consistent way:

1. Blind Bartimaeus. (Mark 10:46-52)
2. The parable of the woman with the unjust judge. (Luke 18: 1-8)
3. The woman with the issue of blood. (Matthew 9: 19-22)
4. The Syro-Phoenician woman. (Mark 7: 26-30)

Sheep Are Not Very Smart

Next, Jesus wakes up and banishes the storm like a shepherd chasing off a predator. Imagine the disciples as sheep, not understanding the intelligence, power, authority or the strength of a competent human shepherd. Jesus is as high above His disciples as Heaven is above earth, drawing his power from a source that these men cannot even grasp. They are bleating like confused and terrified lambs facing a lion and Jesus uses the power of his heavenly influence to silence the storm—it is a power his sheep do not yet comprehend.

Eternal truth: No sheep of the Good Shepherd ever needs to fear evil.

But here’s the rub… Jesus criticizes their fear. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me. He doesn’t comfort and coddle their fears; He confronts their fear and identifies their pitiful lack of faith as an unacceptable but correctable flaw. He is introducing them to a new reality that goes beyond human power to the realm of Divine authority. This is the invasion of the kingdoms of this world by the Kingdom of our God. Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, "The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!" Revelation 11:15

For You Are With Me

The aspect of Jesus being present but asleep is what adds almost a comedic aspect to this story and gives the sense of a Divine set-up. First of all, why go to a sleeping preacher for help with a boating problem in the first place? At least a few of the disciples were fishermen by trade and Jesus as a rabbi/carpenter would really add nothing to their technical ability to navigate the storm. But still they cried out, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” When all else fails, pray.

I have been amazed in my ministry as a pastor how some people cling to self-sufficiency and resist asking for help even though they are not in the least bit equipped to handle the storms of life. In some cases a person may be entrusted with a brand new ministry assignment and then resent accountability and input as if it is interference by the covering leadership. Only this desperate life-threatening storm, suddenly and violently blowing up and catching the disciples off guard penetrated their pride and terrified them enough to wake Jesus. But God was proving that nobody in Jesus boat ever needs to be afraid.

And, even as Jesus was asleep in the boat, now we must accept His silent presence by faith and trust His ability to save us from life's storms. Consider the following Scriptures showing Jesus present power and presence:

1. All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20
2. "For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them." Matthew 18:20
3. "I will never leave you nor forsake you." Hebrews 13:5
4. "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. John 14:23
5. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8
6. "And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever-- John 14:16
7. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. John 14:18