Perry’s Scope: Christian sermons, lessons, and resources for teachers

It is “that time” of the year again. All over America we go to the stores and hear the bells clanging,  music playing, and see people rushing to buy gifts to exchange with loved ones. As I sit in my office, reading a publication from The Voice of Martyrs, and reflecting on what is going on in my world, I have a rush of emotions.

First of all, I am reminded of the great blessing we have as Americans to worship God — or not. No one is standing over me with a rifle declaring how I am to worship or if I will be allowed to worship. What a privilege that I take for granted.

Second, I am more aware of the fellow-believers who do not have these rights. Daily they fear for their lives. They worry that they will be imprisoned, beaten, and separated from their families.

Third, as I reflect on my blessings and the trials of others, I am ashamed of myself. How easy I have it and how little I contribute to the kingdom of God! How often I am consumed with my selfishness and let weightier matters go.

Fourth, I look at American Christianity in general and realize the we have really missed it. Look at how many trivial issues we get hung up on while people in other countries are serving God with their very lives. They know that today may be their last day on earth. Look at our level of discipleship. Generally, we are committed to Jesus – as long as it is convenient or we are in agreement with leadership policies. When the church relocates or leaders make judgment calls that we do not like, we step away.

In this recent VOM issue, I read about Muslims who are converting in Iraq and Iran. I read about believers in China and Uzbekistan. All of these people are putting Christ on and living him out. The least I can do is pray for them. I can also live out my faith right where I am knowing that I may be rejected, too (although not as severely — YET).

These modern witnesses inspire me to live closer to Jesus. How about you?

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

As I mentioned in a previous post, RVL tells several powerful stories that are useful to our studies. One of these stories involves an ancient Rabbi who was powerful in his prayers. In fact, he was so powerful that people came from miles to ask him to intercede for them.

On one occasion, during a Hebrew feast time, a poor woman approached the Rabbi as he was on the way to synagogue. She asked him to pray for her as she needed money to practice hospitality for the feast. The Rabbi prayed and went on to the synagogue service.

When the service was over, the Rabbi met the woman in the town squarer. She was holding a bag of money and talking to a man. The man had offered her money if whe would tell him where to find the Rabbi. Her prayer was answered.

The man said to the Rabbi, “You probably do not remember me. You prayed for me a few years ago and I was healed of a terrible disease. Now I have come to ask for your prayers again. My wife and I want to have children and so far we have not been able. Please pray that we may have children.”

The Rabbi replied to the man, “In the spring you will have a child. I promise that God will grant you this request. Go in peace.”

As the man went happily on his way, a voice boomed from heaven. God said to the Rabbi, “It was not my will that the man and his wife have children. However, since you promised them, it will be so. But, you will lose your place in the world to come.”

The old Rabbi was stunned. He stopped and thought for a moment. Suddenly, tears began streaming down his face and he began to dance.

The onlookers were surprised at his happiness and questioned him. He said, “For all of these years I have served the Lord in order to receive something from him. Now I can just serve him for who he is.”

Over the years we have criticized the “health and wealth” gospel and its advocates. We have accused them of trying to manipulate God into giving them something for their service. Think for just a moment of why many mainline Christians serve God. Is it not to get to “go to heaven”? What is the difference between trying to manipulate God for health and wealth or for heaven? Either way, the motive is the same – “I serve God to get something for me.” The truth is, God deserves our worship and service just because of who he is, not what we can get.

If you read the book of Job some things become clear. One is we do not always know what our trials are about. God never tells Job what is going on. Another is that God is God and deserves our respect and service even if we do not get anything for it. The “icing on the cake,” however, is that we do receive blessings from him when we serve selflessly from the heart. He is a generous and loving God. Serve him for who he is. Honor him by your life – no strings attached.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

There are times when we are surprised at who God calls to be in his presence. Maybe the greatest surprise is that he calls us.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

I recently attended a Ray Vander Laan seminar. In the course of the seminar he told a number of enlightening stories. I will share some of those with you over the next few postings. Here is the first.

About the time of Jesus a rabbi was walking home about dusk. As he walked, he became so enthralled in his meditation of the Shema (found in Deuteronomy 6) that he took the wrong fork in the road. Instead of coming to his house, he found himself at a Roman fortress.

The rabbi was shaken out of his meditation when a guard in the fort shouted at him. “Who are you? What are you doing here?

The rabbi paused for a moment. Then he asked, “Roman, how much do they pay you to ask me those questions?”

“Three denarii a week,” shouted the Roman. “Why, Jew?”

“I will pay you twice that if you come to my house and ask me those questions each morning when I leave,” said the rabbi.

These are soul-searching questions. As we read the Bible, let’s ask God to help us find the answers to those same questions. The Bible is more than a “good” book. It is more than a “fact” book. It is the very words of God. He wants us to know WHO we are and WHAT we are doing.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

We toss around the name, “Christian” rather casually these days. It has a social perspective for most Americans. But there is much more to it.

The bible uses the word “Christian” three times. It is a rare but important word. It reminds us of the depth of our discipleship to Jesus. We are to be fully devoted followers of the Son of God not mere “churchgoers.”

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

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The Israelites slipped into idolatry and worshiped Baal as well as some of the other ancient gods. At the same time, they tried to appease God by attending the temple activities. God, however, did not accept the split worship of the Hebrews. He called them to accountability.

Today Christians follow the same pattern in many cases. We want to appease God, so we come to church, thinking that going through the motions of worship will satisfy him. We also want to enjoy the pleasures of the world so we compromise our loyalty to God. Just like the Hebrews, God will not accept our divided hearts.

The bible teaches that we become like what (or who) we worship. God is indeed a jealous God. He has our best interests in mind. He knows that we need to be like him, after all, we were created in his image!

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

One of the things we need to remember is that as disciples of Jesus, we are to live like him. As disciples, we not only want to hear the things he says, we want to do them. We also want to seriously be like Jesus in every aspect of our lives. He is our rabbi and our example in all things.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene