THAT WAY!

That way!

Acts 19:9“But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.”

No matter what day you live in, you are always going to have people who do not want anything to do with walking in the old paths. Paul certainly experienced this firsthand. In the verse above, there were those who wanted nothing to do with the way that Paul preached and lived. They hated the way that Paul preached and lived so much that they referred to it in a disdainful way by calling it, “that way.”

“That way” that these people were talking about was the way of the Scriptures. 

“That way” was the way that Jesus taught the disciples to live. 

“That way” was the way that Paul’s life was changed. 

These people may not have liked “that way,” but it was “that way” that is the only way for lives to be changed.

What is sad is that you will find those who call themselves Christians are the biggest critics of “that way.” It is sad that many who criticize “that way” are those who once used to walk in the way but are now the greatest detractors of those who teach and preach “that way.” You must never let the voices of these critics slow you down are cause you to change what the Scriptures teach. The verse above shows several reasons as to why people would criticize “that way,” which is the way of the old paths.

First, they criticize “that way” because of their hard heart. One thing you will learn about those who criticize is that you will never change them because their heart is hard towards “that way.” A hardened heart is a choice. It is a choice to become stubborn and obstinate towards “that way.” In fact, those with hardened hearts towards the old paths are simply rebels who try to cloak their worldliness in Christianity.

Second, they criticize “that way” because of their unbelief. The critics of the old paths have chosen not to believe in the old paths. It is not that the old paths don’t work, it is that they don’t want to believe in them. My friend, you will never change someone who doesn’t want to be changed. It is a choice not to believe in “that way” as much as it is to choose to believe in it.

Third, they criticize “that way” because of a desire for a following. You will notice that those who didn’t follow Paul were those who had to make their voice known among the multitudes. You will always find that the voices of criticism will never keep their negative thoughts to themselves because of their desire for a following. You will often find that the critics are those who are often filled with pride and will choose the largest medium to criticize in hopes of getting a following.

Fourth, they criticize “that way” because of their dislike for separation. It is interesting that Paul’s critics “departed from them.” The critic’s desire is always leaning towards the world. If these people were so right, why didn’t they continue to walk in the way of the Scriptures? Those who criticize the old paths are only revealing their desire to live in the world, but they try to appease their conscience by having worldly, religious worship.

My friend, don’t worry about the critics of “that way.” Don’t let their voices stop you from doing what you are supposed to do. Ignore them and stop trying to change them. The greatest way to silence their voice is to keep walking in the old paths and reaching the lost for Christ.

FOR THOSE WHO ARE TROUBLED!

John 14:1“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.”

What is bothering you right now? What is it that is causing you anxiety and stress? We live in times when people are filled with anxiety disorders, and sadly too many times these people run to vices to calm their nerves and to take an edge off their problems only to find that the problems are still there when the vice wears off. God gives the answer to your troubled heart in this chapter when He says, “Let not your heart be troubled…” It is after this statement you will find the answer to calm your troubled heart. Let me point out the solution that the Saviour gives to your troubled heart.

First, believe God. My friend, whatever you are facing today, you are not facing it alone. You have God’s Word that the Saviour is there with you. He says in 1 Samuel 12:22, “For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name’s sake…” God promises the believer in verse 18, “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” You are going to have to believe God’s Word that He is with you to help you with every trouble you face.

Second, don’t focus on the trouble, but on the trouble-solver. You will never overcome your problems by staying focused on your problems. Take your eyes off yourself and lift them up to see the Saviour who is there to help and comfort you in your troubles. You will never see the help the Saviour has for you as long as you focus on your troubles.

Third, believe in a better place. One day all problems will be gone, and you must believe that there is a better place called Heaven where your problems will be gone. You don’t have to get an artificial escape from your problems when the real escape is found by believing in a Heaven that Jesus is preparing for you.

Fourth, believe in God’s way. Jesus says in verse 6, “I am the way…” God’s way is always better than any way, and His way always leads to abundant life. Don’t add to your troubles by continually going to the world’s way, but dissolve your troubles by walking in the LORD’s way. The LORD’s way is the way that leads away from the world’s troubled life, and you will always find that you will have the sweet fellowship of the Saviour when you walk in His way.

Fifth, believe in God’s Word. Jesus continued to say in verse 6 that He is “the truth.” God’s Word has the solutions to your problems, and you must spend time in His Word if you are going to get those answers. Only God’s Word can give the balm to calm your troubled soul.

Sixth, believe in God’s life. Jesus also said in verse 6 that He is “the life.” I can attest that the life Christ wants the believer to live is the best life. Don’t add to your troubles by living in the world, but leave the troubles the world gives by living the Christlike life that leads to peace, joy and blessing.

Seventh, get busy in God’s work. This may be the most important part that you follow. In verse 12, Jesus compels the believer to get busy doing His works. You will find when you are busy serving Christ and helping others, you won’t have time to think about your troubles. You will find when you get busy serving Christ that the giving of yourself to others is the answer to solving your troubles. The best way to overcome your troubles in life is by helping others through the problems they face; by doing this you will forget all about your troubles.

GOD THE PAGE TURNER!

GOD THE PAGE TURNER!

“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven” – Ecclesiastes 3:1

You see we serve a God of season. 

We see it in creation... God created the four seasons that are based upon the rotation of the Earth as it orbits the Sun. 

The seasons change as the earth moves, but the sun in our planetary system remains constant, and everything revolves around it.

In many ways we see the signature of the same artist in our lives. 

Much like the earth, our lives should revolve around the Son, Jesus Christ. 

Our lives will change, and we will enter and exit many seasons, but the Son remains constant yesterday, today and forever.

But just like our Scripture verse says, to everything there is a season...

Every aspect of our lives is as to a season. And there is a purpose for those seasons. There is a reason for the season. There is a purpose for the process.

1. There are seasons you didn’t want to go through... But through those seasons you learned some things. And you wouldn’t have learned them if hadn’t gone through some things.

2. There are seasons you’ve gone through, that you don’t know why you had to... left scratching your head... But there is a reason for that season.

And just because you are going through some stuff, or have gone through a rough season, doesn’t mean God is finished with you because “He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” It’s not just any old work, but a good work. You’ve just stepped into a new season.

3. The season of abundance... which ever way you turn God is with you...

Whatever season or chapter you are in... remember it doesn't define you... it is not the whole story!

The greatest encouragement is, That at any moment God can turn the page & you are in w hole new chapter! A new season... 

Abram- Abraham the father of our faith.

Jacob-Scammer to Prince of a nation...

Joseph-slave to prince...

Jepthtah-Outcast to deliverer...

The list is endless... God has a new season... He wants to turn a page in your life!

RUNNING IN YOUR LANE!

“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, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12:1-3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Have you ever tried to do something that just wasn’t you? Only to find you really had no business doing it in the first place? 

I had a friend. Named Wally., he was great builder and with very good with hands. But he decided he wanted to play guitar & have a band for outreach purposes. He did some lessons... got a band together! BUT he was not a musician, when he played it didn't sound right or look right!

Have you ever found yourself running in a lane that you should not be in? Do you even know what lane you should be running in?

I’ve been thinking about lanes for several months.  More specifically, I’ve been asking the Lord what my lane is and how I can represent him in that lane.

So many times (in the church, in the business world, in our homes, etc), we run races.  Whether we are running a long marathon, a short sprint, or a team relay, we are running races. 

 It’s the race set out for us by the Lord

1. We have a lane to run in the race. A lane designed by God... where we fit with all our weaknesses & strengths & talents & giftings... a lane with our name on it!

But often often do we try to run in a lane that’s not for us? Or play a position we weren’t made to play?  

When I was younger I often struggled to be ok with the way God made me. I try to be someone I’m not. I try to preach like Smith Wigglesworth... I try to…well, you get the picture.

Here’s why I won’t do any of those things: I am Who I am.  I am unique.  I have my own set of gifts, personality, experiences, talents, calling, etc.  I was made to be me. I have to be me. 

2. Stay in your lane...

God didn’t ask me to run in their lane.  He asked me to run in mine.

Paul says it so well in Romans 12:6-8, “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”

3. This is not a competition. Its a marathon!

SEPARATED FOR A CAUSE!

Romans 1:1 “Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,”

Many people will separate themselves from many things because of something they want to do. An athlete will stop eating certain foods because they want to perform at their peak ability. A young couple will separate from friends because they love each other and want to get married. In both of these instances, the purpose of separating was so that they could do something better.

In the verse above, Paul said that he was “separated unto the gospel of God.” In other words, he purposely lived a separated life so that he could spread the Gospel better. There were certainly things that he could have done that would not have been bad, but for the sake of the Gospel he separated himself from those things so that more people would get saved.

Many Christians are afraid to talk about the doctrine of separation. So many worldly preachers have shamed people into being silent about separation. The fact is that the Scriptures teach the importance of separation. Anyone who avoids this doctrine is only shunning part of the Scriptures and not helping others to do what God wants them to do. Let me point out several observations about separation.

First, separation is not a dirty word. Everyone lives a separated life, but they just live it to different levels. Anyone who says that they don’t believe we should talk about separation is only showing their hypocrisy, because everyone practices separation to some level.

Second, separation of itself doesn’t make you a superior person. The purpose of separation is to do what the LORD wants you to do better. A Christian separates from the world because worldly living will keep you from performing God’s will to the ability that you can perform it. Separation isn’t a badge to wear on your chest to show everyone how great you are, but it is done because you have a cause that is worthy of you separating from the world.

Third, you will never obey God’s will without living a separated life. God demands that you separate from things so that His will can be done in your life. For instance, God’s will for my life is to be a preacher of the Gospel. Some things are not exactly wrong for me to do, but they would keep me from doing His will to the best of my ability. Likewise, God has a will for you, and you will never be able to perform it to the best of your ability without separating from the world. The whole reason you must come out of the world is so that you can do God’s will for your life.

Fourth, separation will keep you from sin. The purpose of separation is to do God’s will, but the result is that it will keep you from sin. You come out of the world so that you can serve the LORD, but coming out of the world keeps you from the world’s temptations. Yes, living a separated life will keep you from sin, but the purpose is so that you can do God’s will for your life.

Fifth, separation will bring greater attention to the Gospel. Paul was separated “unto the gospel of God.”When you live a separated life, it will not point people to you, but it allows people to see you so that you can point them to Christ. Don’t let the purpose of your separation be so that people look at you; rather, use it to show people the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

THE POWER OF YOUR STORY!

One of the most effective tools in your evangelistic toolbox is YOUR PERSONAL STORY! It is often called your testimony! Everyone who has put their faith in Jesus has a testimony. True some are more dramatic then others but every story is valid, including YOURS!

Think back to the woman at the well…her story… married & divorced 5 times… a woman with a reputation!!! After her conversation with Jesus…she believed in Him & immediately went out & began to tell others! I’m sure everyone knew her story & they could see the radical transformation that had taken place after her encounter with Jesus. Her testimony was powerful! John 4:39, And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, “He told me all that I ever did.”

A person can argue all day with you about certain fact! But they cannot argue with your personal story of how you came to faith. Using your testimony is as a bridge is very effective because it helps to find that common ground with the person you are speaking with. They may be surprised that you were not always the way you are now! That you did not always believe what you do now! I have a tattoo on my shoulder and any are surprised when they see it and consequently it always a talking point for believers & non-believers!

You are showing them how & why you changed your direction in life-how & why you became a follower of Jesus! You may struggled with alcohol or drugs…immorality… addicted to anything or everything. Maybe you were successful but still remained empty! The main thing is just tell your story! Every testimony is valid because there is someone out there who is a lot like you!

Some might be moved & convinced after hearing a former criminal who came to Christ but not everyone can relate to that story! Might even dismiss it! Thinking I’M NOT THAT KIND OF PERSON! That kind of person needs Jesus but I don’t! They need to understand that everyone needs Jesus because everyone has sinned!

Even if you were raised in church & never went out & tasted all things that the world has to offer, that is still a testimony! Let me tell you your story without even knowing you…

You were in rebellion against God because of your sin…

You heard the gospel…

You believed in Jesus & turned from your sin…

He forgave you all of your sins & gave you a peace & purpose in life…

Now instead of going to hell, you are going to heaven…

Everyone of us can tell our story… You don’t have to be an expert in Theology.

Its worth noting that Paul often sued his personal testimony when he spoke. Though he was a brilliant communicator & extremely knowledgeable about Scripture.

He often started by telling his own story to build a bridge to his listeners.

Standing before king Agrippa… Acts 26:12-17, “While thus occupied, as I journeyed to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests, 13 at midday, O king, along the road I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who journeyed with me. 14 And when we all had fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me and saying in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ 15 So I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 16 But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. 17 I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you,

Now that is a dramatic testimony! But then Paul gets to what it really means to be a Christian… Acts 26:17-18,  I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, 18 to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’

Tell your story as it unfolded, then transition to the message of what the gospel is!

Here are a few tips!

1. Accuracy is really important… so is truthfulness… I have noticed that some peoples testimony gets more dramatic with the passing of time! Perhaps they think that will make their story for appealing but if it is not truthful then it is counterproductive. Just tell the truth about your life! God doesn’t need your made up story! Just tell the truth about your past & present.

Another problem is making your past sound better then your present! I have heard

believers go on & on about the wild parties they attended then when they talk about

what happened when the y got saved, sounds like their life ENDED! What about the things that God has done for you!

2. Don’t boast about your work, boast his! I’ve heard people talk about the great sacrifices that they have made to follow Jesus! GET OVER YOURSELF!

Compared to what Jesus gave for you…that nothing!

Paul summed up his past this way… Phi 3:8, Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ

Now that’s perspective! Fact is Paul had a very impressive pedigree in his family line & training under the finest teachers of Israel! But he understood it all meant nothing without Christ-DUNG… thrown in the garbage!

What sacrifices did you give up? Ever present guilt… a deep emptiness… & a future separated from God in hell! Instead Jesus removed your guilt, filled the void & gave you the certainty of heave in as your home! You gave up nothing in comparison to what Christ gave up to save your soul! Make sure you emphasis that when sharing your story!

3. Its not about you…its about Him! Our story is a bridge not the destination! He point of telling your story is so you can share his story!

His love for humanity, his death on the cross, & is resurrection from the dead. Just give the big picture! & sum it up as Paul did before a Roman leader!

We don’t want people marveling over our story but over His-the sacrifice that Jesus made, the price He paid because of his great love for us! When the woman at the well told her story, she pointed to Jesus & the result. John 4:39, And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, “He told me all that I ever did.”

As you tell your story, I pray something similar happens for you!

GODS ANSWER TO LONELINESS!

I once read about an elderly Christian lady who lived all alone. Partly crippled, she had to rely primarily on the good will & help of her neighbours. She spent some of her weary hours keeping a diary, although no one knew why; for she had precious little to record. Finally the Lord called her to himself. It is reported that she lay dead for several days before anyone missed her! In looking through her few belongings, someone discovered her diary. Most of the book contained nothing of interest. In fact, near the end of her life, as one monotonous day followed another, she wrote only three pathetic words on page after page: "No one came! NO ONE CAME!" In essence, she left a record saying, "I am so lonely!"

Read these quotes...

Alfred Lord Tennyson visited Queen Victoria and wrote, "Up there in all her glory and splendor she was lonely!"

Vance Havner was one of America’s greatest preachers for many years before his death. Before he went home to be with the Lord, his wife of many years died. After his wife passed, Havner called himself, "God's lonely old man." He was looking forward to being reunited with her in heaven.

Albert Einstein reportedly once said, “It is strange to be so universally known and yet to be so lonely.”

Loneliness strikes at the heart of the most famous & the totally unknown people of the world. 

Loneliness is a real problem and a real issue for everyone at one time or another.

Most of us do not think of loneliness when we view the Great Commission. This passage is often looked at as one dealing with evangelism, missions & church growth, & certainly those elements are in this passage; however there is much more here. Note in the Great Commission that the greatest person in the world, gave the greatest group in the world, the greatest task in the world, but He still realized that they would need the assurance of the divine presence with them in order to complete it. I do not believe Jesus told us of His abiding presence simply because of the need for power to carry out the task, but He promised His presence because He knew that all who live in this world face loneliness. 

Matt 28:18-20, And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “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.” Amen.

The question is, If Loneliness is such an issue! How can we be rid of loneliness! 

One man went to the psychiatrist and said, "Please doctor, make me a split personality." The doctor asked why. The man replied, "So I can talk to myself." Well, many of us talk to ourselves but the conversation can be depressing!

Note in the Great Commission that we find the answer for loneliness.

1. You Must have a Supernatural Identity... Jesus came to His disciples because they belonged to Him. He spoke to them. He commanded them. He promised them. He loved them. He led them. When you belong to Jesus, He comes to you, He speaks to you, He commands you, He promises you, He loves you & He leads you. He can remove your loneliness.

2. You Must have a Spiritual Community... The disciples were sent out two-by-two. Why didn’t the Lord send them out alone? The Lord knew we needed to have the presence of fellow servants along the road of life. Even serving Him requires fellow servants by our side. The Bible tells us not to abandon our meeting together. God meant for us to be in a community of believers. 

We need each other. The Lord is with us as Christians all the time, but He promised a special presence when we meet together. 

Jesus said, “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.””

The Pentecost event, when the Holy Spirit was first poured out on all believers, is an interesting occurrence. You see, Pentecost was the reversal of Babel! When the Tower of Babel was built, God confused the languages & people were separated from each other. At Pentecost, God brought all the believers together in unity even though they came from different languages, various countries and multiple backgrounds. They understood each other. 

Loneliness was replaced with love and partnership! Separation was replaced with association & fellowship. Those deeply involved in God’s work in the local church have a community of life and support around them at all times.

3. You Must have a Servant Mentality... "Go..make..teach..baptise.." Jesus tells us to reach out to others. One way to overcome loneliness is to minister to others. No matter how lonely you are, there are people out there that are lonelier than you are. 

Someone once said, “To have a friend, be a friend.” God says, “To have a friend, have the Friend closer than a brother & go serve in His name.” When we reach out to help others in Jesus name, loneliness evaporates. People are waiting for someone to take away their loneliness; God calls on you to go help someone else know of His salvation and love. When we obey Him, our loneliness flees!

A young boy named Bill was walking home from school with his arms filled with various things when suddenly he tripped and dropped them on the sidewalk. Books, a tape recorder, a baseball bat, baseball glove, & two sweaters spilled all over the place. Another student named David was walking behind him. He hurried over to Bill, whom he did not know, & helped him pick things up & carry them home. Bill invited David into his home. They drank a soft drink & watched Television. They became good friends. They did many things together over the next three years until they came to high school graduation night. Bill came up to David and said, "There is something I must tell you. You remember the day I was walking home from school & dropped my books and things? Well, have you ever wondered why I was carrying those things home that day? I had cleaned out my locker & was going home to kill myself. I was so lonely and life had no meaning, I was ready to kill myself. I had saved a few of my mother's sleeping pills & I was going to take them that afternoon. David, the day you picked up my books, you picked up my life. You saved my life."

If you want to overcome loneliness, look for someone to help. It will not only rid you of loneliness, you just might save someone’s life – or better yet, you might help them come to know Christ & experience a soul that is saved for eternity.

Someone has said that we need three basic things in life:

1. We need to be loved... You are loved and in Christ you are identified with Him. No one ever cared for me like Jesus. He loves you and abides with the Christian at all times.

2. We need to be understood... In Christ, you are understood. In God's loving family you discover who you are and what you are do with your life. I have found that a church family is a wonderful place to dispatch loneliness. There are people in the family of God who will love you, help you, pray for you, & work for the Lord alongside you.

3. We need to be needed... In the family of God you are needed. Everyone has something to do in God’s kingdom.

When I was a disciple my pastor told me I belonged & God has something for me...I asked what can I do! So I started setting up the chairs for chair. As time went on I was appointed as an usher. That ministry it locked me in & I was so busy, no time to be lonely! 

What can you u do for God in this church? You are needed! Find a place to serve God’s people. Don’t wait around to be served. You can defeat loneliness by being a servant to others.

Jesus told us to go out into the world & reach people! He promised to be with us. Because of His presence with us, & our presence in serving Him among others, loneliness can be dispelled & defeated! As we serve Him, He promises to be with us.