ARE YOU A BEREAN? (NOT THE ONE IN KENTUCKY)

Are you a man or woman of the Spirit? Are you a man or woman of the Truth? Are you a follower of Jesus Christ, the Creator and Savior of the World? We are not speaking of the current age run by those who are worldly, with their untested theories and notions? We speak of that which each individual, who is saved and born again with the indwelling Spirit alive inside,  knows as Truth.

The "world" we speak of, the "cosmos" is the entire package. We know that God Himself said in His revealed Word of Truth - the Bible, just WHO He is, WHO we are, WHAT we did and HOW we come back to a right relationship with Him. The Bereans were a different breed of Christian believers. They didn't have powerpoints, never-used smartphone bible apps and dusty multiple bibles on the shelf at home. They probably had one scroll which their two or three teachers could read, rolled up in receptacle as found in any Judean synagogue, and the Rabbi or newly converted Christian leader would read for them.

What distinguished them from everyone else was their Passion for the Truth, the Word of God. Their passion for rightly dividing the Word caused them to double-check every teacher with what God says to see if they were actually telling the Truth. Oh, that we would have such Christians in the West today. Oh that people would be so passionate about accuracy and the Word of God, in context, and would then seek Him out even more through prayer and supplication.

Scripture tells us thus, about these amazing small band of believers. Contrary to some of the Hebrews under persecution (in the Book of Hebrews) who were about to bolt, the Bereans studied and were encouraged. We read here in Acts 17:10-11: The brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.

As we embark on an expository overview of Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible, let us look at the attributes of a Berean, then let us look at ourselves to see if we come close to matching up to these, because these are the characteristics of a bold and knowledgeable child of God. These are the characteristics which the Lord loves to see in His children.
CHARACTERISTICS OF A BEREAN (verse 11, Acts 17):
- The Bereans were Noble-minded. This literally means, in the original language, one who has a spiritual heart and mind which was lovingly taught to think beyond the natural, and look into the higher calling and meaning of something or somebody. A high view of God equals a proper view of His Teachings and His Word. A low view of God, except of mouthing words at politically correct times, makes you and I like the lost world around us.

- The Bereans were receptive. On Judgment Day, most people outside of communist or islamic or other countries, cannot say they never heard the Gospel of Christ. There is no excuse which says "we didn't know". The Gospel has been saturating most of this world for over 300 years now. It is a free gift of Salvation to ALL who believe and receive. The Bereans not only believed, they gladly grasped the lifeline and made it their own. They accepted, with an understanding heart, that which was offered and, as the original word means, warmly welcomed it daily.

- The Bereans were eager (prothumia). In modern terms, they were "on fire for Christ" like you and I.The Bereans were not just high-minded about Yahweh, the God of Heaven and Earth AND receptive to hearing what He said, (while checking it all out for themselves), but they were eager and gung-ho about it. What the original word used in the Bible means is a complete passionate longing for the Truth. 
This spanned the spectrum from first, being prepared in their spirit to learn about God. Secondly, they had the willingness to listen and verify, to promptly acting on the preaching/teaching of the Gospel. Third, they were then ready to proclaim it with eagerness once it was heard - in their own community AND on mission! All of this is what this ONE original word "prothumia" means!

If we were on a Gospel teaching missionary trip anywhere, it would be more advantageous to have a Berean-minded person alongside us in the team. Here is someone who is passionate, knowledgeable, eager, willing and able to share the Truth, from their OWN life experience and would be more effective than just another guy or lady from your Sunday school class, who happens to be the one with the finances to pay for the trip. This is what the Apostle Paul did intentionally when he was called and sent by the Holy Spirit to Macedonia (around Greece). He brought in a Berean to travel with him: (Acts 20: And Sopater of Berea accompanied him to Asia—also Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians). Sopater continued to assist but Paul and Timothy after this trip, as he did during it.

The Bereans are the premier example of a wonderful Truth-loving Christian and disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ. So therefore, let us resolve to be thought of, in the same way, as we journey along the highway of Life together.

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PRAY FOR.....PERSISTENCE

Jesus said that we, Christians, should pray to the Father “In My Name” is so much that whatever we asked, will be granted unto us.  He also said, we have not because we ask not. Prayer is the only means by which we can communicate with our great God in Heaven and the Savior. We are doubly blessed among all people in that our Savior – Jesus Christ – also intercedes for us. Now, wrap your mind around that for a second: the Creator of untold galaxies; the human body and everything that lives and breathes – prays for us! (Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them - Hebrews 7:25).

One of the most important qualities the Messiah imputed and embedded in us, is the ability to persist, press on, press forward and stay glued to Him, in prayer. Notice, He gave us the ability. For some reason, most do not access this part of the spiritual brain, choosing instead to let others pray for them when the chips are down.  But we should – God has not given us a spirit of fear but the ability to defeat it and conquer through prayer. He does want us to persist in our prayer and worship life – DAILY.

Jesus gave us an example of persistence here in Luke 18:1-5: “Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, 2 saying: “There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man. 3 Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, ‘Get justice for me from my adversary.’ 4 And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, ‘Though I do not fear God nor regard man, 5 yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.’”

So how does this look, on the ground –where the rubber meets the road? How do we persist in prayer when we, as a people,  hardly ever pray because of culture, wealth or  whatever?  From personal experience,  Persistence in Prayer begins with Fasting.  Jesus did not do away with Fasting in the New Testament and in fact, in His Great Sermon on the Mount,  He explained Fasting as a given (i.e. “When you fast”  …three times - click link here to read ).  He also rebuked His own disciples who were unable to cast the demon out of a man’s son in Mark telling them that this type of divine victory can only be accomplished by fasting!

But what does fasting have to do with anything? In essence, it reminds me of discipleship on steroids. Jesus told us that unless we are willing to take up our Cross and follow Him (i.e. deny ourselves and our worldly desires) we cannot be His disciples. Fasting is a proactive step in denying our physical wants and needs for a day or two per month, or for as long as you wish. It is saying, in our spirits to the Lord,  “Lord, I desire You more than that sirloin steak or chocolate ice cream after a cheese burger. Lord, I want to put aside the desires of the flesh today, so I can pursue a closer walk with You, in spirit and in truth….a closer walk which will set me on a path in the pursuit of a more powerful prayer life. Lord, I believe, help me in my unbelief and help me to press on and press in and forge ahead, just like the woman and the unjust judge in Your Parable, in Jesus’ Name amen”.

The Lord will not despise such a prayer, such an action or such longing for holiness even if we are new at this process of Fasting. Some may say they are medically unable to go without food for more than 4 hours etc. This is fine. Consult a doctor and see if a vegetable diet once a week will harm you. I use vegetable broth which is found in small containers in the organic aisle of the local grocery store. Nothing fancy.  The main idea is to give up something of earthly value, then to come to the Lord humbly with a repentant heart, and your bible, then to sit, pray, persist and worship and press on in His Presence.

Persistence in Prayer is very important if you and I are the only ones praying for a certain matter, concerning another person,  issue or condition. We stick with it and travail along in prayer until the Holy Spirit sends Word from heaven that we can stop praying now for this or that person or issue, because the answer is at hand.  We never let go until such time. However, this point is never attained to, unless we first understand the starting point – coming to the Throne of Grace completely in pursuit of His Presence and Power in our Prayer.
Amen

Therefore Father, in the Mighty Name of Jesus, I surrender myself at the Altar of Christ to be taught by You, just how I can lay a hold of what You have already pre-destined for me.  I desire knowing all there is about You and the Lord Jesus Christ and I pray for release from my bondage of self, sin and smugness so I can humbly yet boldly see You through prayer and fasting and supplication. Lord, please strengthen my ability to first start on the path to persistent and travailing prayer and to stay that course, no matter what the distractions and disappointments in life.  Lord, I pray  You take the focus of my heart, mind body and soul away from the mundane things of life this very day, and reorient me into the foundation of Prayer, so that I may flow naturally into the stream of sweet fellowship with You, according to Thy Will and Thy Purpose, in Jesus’ Name amen.

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THIRTY ONE DAYS OF BIBLE TRUTHS - DAY 18 (ON MISSION)

BIBLE VERSE: (But) sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence (1 Peter 3:15)

TRUTH:  While waiting for a flight recently from Chicago's O'Hare airport, I ran into a group of teenagers and their pastoral leader who were returning from a missions trip to the Far East. Knowing where this group was from and who certain members were, I knew, absolutely, that it was love for their fellow man which carried this missions trip. By the work and outward care this group showed at the various orphanages they spent time at, where babies were held and loved in a pagan society with various class systems which are set by birth, one major thing was accomplished. That thing was the opening of THE door to spread the good news of the Gospel.  It is one thing to stand on a corner preaching that people are going to hell if they do not repent and trust Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. It is quite another to SHOW that Love Who gave His life as a ransom for many. 

When we go on mission like this, and purpose to love the unlovable and touch the untouchable - hearts will be open almost everywhere to hearing what compels these young girls or boys, who gave up a lot to come to the recipients of this mission trip benefit. Christianity is the only belief system ever in existence whereby we are explicitly commanded to give all of ourselves, expect nothing in return and make it about nobody else but Jesus. If this equation is followed to a "t", it is only then we will have a receptive audience whereby we can give "an account for the hope (Christ and Eternal Life).....and that hope is the Gospel of Jesus Christ and His promise of Eternal Rest. Therefore, do you wish to be on mission? Well, let's put actions to our feet and be the "church on the go"! Amen.

(Image Credit Here)