Where is Your God?

Everyone has a god Whether it's a living person, historical figure, nature, or oneself, everyone has a god. We may not all agree on whose god is the most real, important, or powerful, but everyone has a god. It's unintelligent to think otherwise. Some gods are found on mountains, in water, air, or drug-induced experiences. Some are distant, presumed to inhabit a remote region of the world. Others exist in the handed-down narratives of venerable sages, ancient writings, or self-concocted lore. Then there are those who have convinced others of their diety, that they are God, cashing in on the misplaced spiritual hunger of others desperate for reality. So, then, where is your god?

Christmas is celebrated as the birth of Jesus, God's Son, Who grew up to die for the sins of the whole world. In doing so, Jesus made it possible to restore Mankind to a living relationship with One Who loves each of us with an everlasting love. To some this person is Jehovah, to others He is an unreachable God. To those, however, who have found the Bible to be true, He is the Living God, the Heavenly Father of all who have believed on the Lord Jesus Christ.

Unlike all other gods the living God is with, for, and in us, if we are His children. Not distant, far-off, hard to experience, or mystical. With, for, and in us.

Whether it's Christmas, February 29, or Easter, where is your god? The living God lives in those who have confessed Jesus as their Lord, out of a believing heart. Is He in yours? If not, where is your god?

The Only Cause Worth Bowing To

Everyone has a cause; everyone has some cause that he/she strongly believes in. It may not be the cause that you or I do but someone, somewhere, does. Whether it's the environment, social injustice, immigration, or something in the political realm there's a cause, it seems, for everyone. One doesn't have to look far at all to find one to believe in. Some, not liking what they see, start their own. Regardless of which cause-or cause you embrace only one cause is worth bowing ones knees to.  The only cause worth bowing to is the cause of Christ. The only cause worth bowing my knees to is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In the Old Testament the only person Shadrach, Meschack, and Abednego would bow to was God. In the New Testament Jesus was the only person the Apostle Paul was willing to bow his knees to was the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 3:14). That's pretty good company; my kind of folks.

I believe in other causes. There are a lot of good ones out there where you live, where I live. As a Christian I believe in helping other, in getting behind what someone else is doing-as long as it doesn't compromise or become more important than the furtherance of the Gospel; the advancement of God's great Plan of redemption. For the Christian, getting the Gospel out to those around us should that one cause above all other causes that causes us to bow our knees to God.

If you're a Christian, what cause (s) do you support? What cause (s) do you believe in enough to invest your time, resources, and prayers in? Where does the cause of Christ rate among the causes-if any-you support? Share your thoughts.

What Difference Does it Make?

"What difference does it make" has become a well known question in recent months. Depending on your viewpoint it can either ask us to be focused on right now or, for some, be viewed as an attempt to miniaturize an issue, belief, or question. On this question you be the judge and jury of what the right answer is. It used to matter what Christians believed, how they lived, and how they were viewed. The effects of Judeo-Christian beliefs were seen and felt in schools, the workplace, and in Hollywood. In view of prominent government officials, media moguls, and corporate denizens advancing their collective platforms of change, what has happened to the Christian message? Where are the Christian values once espoused in days gone by by our schools and media, and practiced in the market place? More importantly, what difference does it make?

Does it make a difference when religious tolerance ends with Christians and Jews? Does it make a difference when the egg of a bald eagle, our nation's symbol, has more rights than those of an unborn child? Does it make a difference when the color of man's skin matters more than the content of his character? Does it make a difference when a handout is viewed as an entitlement? Does it make a difference when churches compromise their message, rather then change their methods to keep the next generation?

I believe that the answer to each of these questions is a resounding "Yes!" "Yes" is the easy part. The hard part is what are we, as followers of Jesus Christ,  doing about it? What are we doing to make a difference in and to a dying, decaying world we live in? If nothing, then why? If not now, then when? I'm going to share some answers on my next post. In the meantime I'd like to hear from you, to hear what you have to say about us making a difference.

What are some ways you can make-or are making-a difference? Your sharing may make a difference in someone else also becoming a difference.

What's Your Standard?

Outside of Washington, DC sits the National Institute of Science and Technology, better known as NIST. Here numerous calibration devices are housed, including one particular atomic clock. This clock serves as America's source of time. Originally known as the National Bureau of Standards, the agency is the source for lengths, weights, and many other calibrations. Our lives also need standards to live by. A life devoid of standards is a life tossed to and fro at the whim of circumstances.  This kind of life has no purpose to fulfill.  Purposes without standards cannot thrive in any country, culture, or community.

Lots of standards vie for our attention. From "Do your own thing" to "My way, or the highway", standards of varying degrees of commitment are there for the taking, With one exception standards change depending on situations, social demands, and past experience (s). That one exception is the Bible, God's written Word. The B-I-B-L-E.

What's your standard? What is the measuring stick for your life? By what standard is your time, work, socializing, and spending calibrated? Is it what feels good, what worked yesterday, or is your personal standard a work in progress? If not already, have you examined God's Word to see how it can be the standard for your life? For your today, tomorrow, and forever.

God's Word works in every country, culture, and circumstance. It doesn't matter what your background or present circumstances are-God's Word works. God's Word is the one standard everyone can truly live by. In any neighborhood, village, shelter, and locality. On both sides of the tracks, God's Word works. All the time. Every inch along God's path for you.

Our job is to find out what God is saying to us now, then see His Word working in us. A good way to find is by starting with the basics.

For those interested in learning the basics of the Christian life I have written Born To Win: A Study Course for the New Believer. This easy-to-read book is for first-time Christians, as well as those who would like to "brush up" on the basics. No matter how long you've been a believer, the basics will never get old. Timeless standards.

This book retails for $9.99, plus shipping. For a limited time you can purchase as many copies of this helpful book for just $ 5.00, including shipping, while supplies last. Orders must be prepaid by check or money order. Mail orders to: Hubert Gardner Ministries; P.O. Box 35373; Tulsa, OK 74153.  Offer good in U.S. only. Those outside the U.S. are encouraged to purchase the digital version on either Kindle or iBooks.

How would you define your standard? How long have you had it? How well is it working for you, at this time of your life? Discuss.

"Catch and Release" Christianity

Fishing regulations vary from state to state-even from one lake or river to another. Some fishing spots allow a limit of how many fish can be taken, while others enforce a regulation known as "catch and release." This means that whatever fish one catches must be released back into the water; none can be taken and eaten. I'm concerned that this practice of catch and release has carried over into the church world. New converts-new followers of Christ-are too often tossed back into the world, without much, if any, followup. Little or no followup leaves churches and other well-intended ministries with, often, many converts but few disciples.

Jesus never commanded us believers to make converts; He commissioned us to make disciples. There's a difference.

Why isn't more emphasis placed upon biblical, grace-based, discipleship? Perhaps because it's time consuming. Along with having a plan, it requires people and patience.

Over the last 45 years millions have been converted to Christ. I was one of them. Some were celebrities-at least in public. Actors, singers, well-known public figures-at least to some; these were reported to have made professions of Christ. Thank God for all who come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Unfortunately, those in the public eye who come to Christ are all-to-often released back into the environment from which they sought refuge. Rather than given a foundation of God's Word, many celebrity converts were paraded as trophies for Christ, as part of a particular church or other ministry.

Classic "catch and release" Christianity.

Sadly, many of those caught and released converts have grown cold towards God and Christianity. On the other hand those who received a biblical foundation are, for the most part, serving Christ today. Chuck Colson, aide to former President Nixon and well-known Watergate figure, is one example of converts becoming disciples.

We can do more to turn converts into disciples for our Lord Jesus Christ. One way this ministry is addressing this need is by offering brief presentations of foundational truth, called LifeChange. These free episodes are available on our website, at hubertgardner.org. I invite you to check them out for yourself, then share them with someone else needing the basics.

What are some things you are doing to strengthen new believers, turning them from converts to disciples?

Identification By Immersion:

Over the years I've come to be acquainted with numerous teachings on water baptism. Regardless of the teaching of who can be baptized, the method of baptism comes down to three main ways: 1. Infant baptism-wetting the head in sign of the Cross

2. Sprinkling-usually just the head

3. Immersion-the body immersed under water (briefly, thankfully!)

When we are born again, when we confess Jesus as Lord of our lives, God, by the Holy Spirit, baptizes us into His Church. God's Church is also referred to as the Body of Christ. I Corinthians 12:13  shows us that we, as Christians, are baptized into Christ's Body. The way God baptizes us into His Body-His Church-is by immersion.  The original Greek paints us a word picture of one being immersed into Christ. The natural equivalent is believers being immersed in water, as an outward sign of what has already taken place in their hearts.

Our identification with what Christ has done for us in His death, burial, and resurrection is by immersion. Our being placed into Christ forever identifies us as being one with Him; being made one with the Author of Life itself. My mind may not comprehend this foundational truth, but my heart rejoices in this fact: My identification with Christ is by immersion into His Body, His Church.

How do you see yourself as a believer? Helpless? Weak? Running from the devil? Or as being immersed into Christ, being made one with the Creator of the Universe, God Himself?

Share how this post has made a difference in how you see yourself in your walk with Christ.

Choosing the Right Foundation

The world's system of living offers numerous ways to build a life that's "just right for you," one devoid of restraints. Unfortunately, all of these "options" are based on a foundation of selfishness:"what's in it for me?" or "what's best for me?" People spend their entire lives changing lives; discarding one empty life in pursuit of another-each without a proper foundation. A life without restraints is like a house without an enduring foundation. In many countries a dirt foundation is all that's available. Here in America, concrete foundations anchor the majority of homes. The purpose of the foundation is to give solid footing for the rest of the structure to rest on. Restraints of size, weight, and scope of the dwelling are determined by the depth, strength, and other enduring qualities of its foundation.

Are you wanting something that lasts? Make sure the foundation of your life is well able to overcome constant pressure, outside influences, and long-term wear and tear from daily use. The only foundation that can withstand such rigors of life is God's Word. Building a foundation of what God says to and about you, as a follower of Jesus Christ, is paramount to the success God has for you in this life. The enduring foundation of God's written Word, acted upon in your own life, provides the basis for withstanding every wind of doctrine, every storm of persecution, and every temptation, test, and trial the devil throws your way.

What's the foundation of your life? What's the basis for your believing? Is it money, who your parents are, your pastor's sermons, or best friend's beliefs? Only what God's Word says can you afford to be the foundation of your life, for life. Only God's Word can be trusted, regardless of what may come and/or who says what.

God is a perfect Gentleman; He never makes you do anything. The choice of foundation for your life is always yours: the world's ways, your way, or God's way-His Word. What's your choice? How is your choice of foundation working in your life? What challenges have you faced with building your life's foundation?

For more on this, view our Life Change podcasts on building a strong foundation.

Fathom This Mystery

Every woman is a mystery. No matter how old you are, how long you guys have been married, or how wise you think you are, there will always be an element of mystery to women. Having been married to my wife for over 35 years, I know this to be a fact. In another 35 years Pamela will still have an element of mystery about her. Ladies, that doesn't mean that you've figured out the male species; I'm simply acknowledging a fact about women. The Bible is also a mystery-specifically the Epistles, letters written to the churches. What's the big mystery? One mystery is how God is able to actually live inside of us, as Christians. How does God do this? Through the Person of the Holy Spirit. You can see that from reading the books such as Ephesians, and Colossians. For instance, in Colossians 1:27 Paul, the writer of this letter to the church at Colosse, clearly states that this mystery is "Christ in you...." Christ in you. Okay, how? By the Holy Spirit. Ah, now that's the mysterious part: Christ is in me, through the Holy Spirit.

Ponder that truth for a moment: Christ is in YOU. An astounding statement, but not too good to be true. It's true, because God said it. It's up to us to believe it and act like it's so, even when we don't fully understand it.

Don't try to figure out how this is done. It's always somewhat of a mystery how God does what He does. Instead of hurting your mind by trying to figure this all out, just accept it by faith. Remember, you don't have to understand something to have it working for your benefit. I don't understand how a bumblebee flies, do you? The fact that its wings are too short for its body  doesn't stop the bumblebee from flying, or pollinating my wife's flowers.

In secular mystery books the mysteries are hidden FROM us. With the Bible, the mystery is hidden TO us. It's there for us to receive, believe, and achieve in our individual lives.

I love reading about this mystery that God has revealed to us in His Word,  something for our hearts to meditate on and put into practice.

Don't you love it when you're part of a mystery that's in your favor? How has this post changed how you see yourself as a Christian?