Dr. Aaron Lavender's Blog

Where Is Your Treasure? Matthew 6:19-24

2012-01-19T07:39:00.000-08:00

Have you ever played the game, MONOPOLY? Monopoly is the game where players accumulate property, build houses and hotels, and then wait for the other players to land on their property so they have to pay up. Eventually, you hope to bankrupt everyone else and take all the money and property. But, regardless of who wins the game, when the game is over, the board is folded up, all the pieces put away, and the lid goes on the box. It has only been a game. This is exactly how it is in this "more is better" society in which we live. When our life is over, the game pieces are put away and the lid closed on our coffin. At that point, it won't matter who owned the railroads and Boardwalk. Earthly wealth doesn't guarantee earthly happiness or heavenly treasure. As Christians, we ought to spend our lives laying up "treasures in Heaven." The treasures we send on ahead to heaven are mothproof, rustproof, and burglarproof. How, then, do we make deposits on earth that yield heavenly dividends? We store up treasuress in heaven by investing our money in that which lasts for eternity --- the lives and souls of people! Everything else will decay and/or disappear. As missionary Jim Elliot once said, "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." AMEN!

Transformational Love

2011-11-23T13:51:00.002-08:00

All that God is doing in our lives is not complete without transformational love. This is God's love, agape love, the divine love implanted in the heart of every Christian by the Holy Spirit (Rom. 5:5). This is the love that, while being discerning, knows no limits and has no conditions. This is the love that is at the very heart of God (1 John 4:8, "God is agape"). This love is: (1) the ultimate mark of true believers in Christ (John 13:34-35), (2) the manifestation of being filled with the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22), and (3)that which enables us to build lasting relationships with each other in our churches by showing us how to get along with each other (Rom. 12:9-21).

Transformational Love

2011-11-23T13:51:00.000-08:00

You (We) Are What You (We) Think

2011-09-15T10:37:00.000-07:00

How important is our attitude? Our attitude is more important than: facts, circumstances, what others think or say, our past, our education, and even our money. Our attitude is more important than anything else.

Understand that our attitue is much deeper than just a few thoughts we might think or not think. Our attitude comes from the very core of our being. Our attitude represents our disposition, our outlook, our character; it reveals to others just what we look like on the inside. Good or bad, that which is on the inside of our heart comes forth in/through our attitudes. (Proverbs 23:7, "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he"). Watch Your Attitude!

Living Our Relationship

2011-08-16T09:07:00.000-07:00

As born again believers in Jesus Christ, we need to start living our relationship. We need to begin being righteous, being upright in heart, being glad in the LORD, shouting for joy . . . . WHY? Because according to God's infallible word, we are blessed because our transgressions are forgiven, our sin has been removed, and our iniquity is no longer charged to our life's account. We're blessed because we have embraced Jesus Christ and have received forgiveness (Psalm 32:1-2). We ought to be FIRED UP about God's forgiveness.

Victory in Jesus!

2011-07-27T10:37:00.000-07:00

Professional Wrestling is staged. Before the wrestlers ever go out, it has been predetermined who will win. The contenders go through the battle for entertainment purposes but the point of the battle is not to decide who will win, but to give the crowd a show. The winner of the match does not battle for victory but from victory.

Those of us who are in Christ have already won the battle over sins of the flesh and mind. God allows us to go through our Christian walk, not to win the victory but to show off to the world that "He that is in us is greater than he that is in the world." We battle "from" our victory in Christ, and not "for" our victory in Christ. The Bible says, "But thanks be to God who gives (has given) us the victory through Jesus Christ" (1 Cor. 15:57-58). We have already overcome!

Trusting God Anyhow!

2011-06-28T08:59:00.000-07:00

The Book of Habakkuk teaches Christians how they can trust God during the worst of times. The philosophical question: "Why does a righteous God allow unrighteeousness to prevail?" is asked and answered in Habakkuk. Habakkuk is a book that traces the prophet Habakkuk's journey in life from dout to faith. The book provides practical insight on how to deal with such issues as: greed, covetousness, unholy aspirations, exploitation, and idolatry. To study this great subject, order your copy of the book, Trusting God Anyhow! through Amazon.com or NewBookPublishing.com

Safeguarding Against Heretics

2011-06-07T10:21:00.000-07:00

God's Word makes it plain to all believers in Christ that they, "have an unction (anointing) from the Holy One, and you know all things" (1 John 2:20). This special anointing comes in the Person of the Holy Spirit who indwells each believer, and who through illumination, guides believers into all the truth, especially as it relates to Jesus Christ, God's Son. Christians are protected from heretics and their false teaching by the Holy Spirit through the Word of God. It is vitally important, then, for us Christians to spend daily time reading and studying God's Word, praying to and allowing the Holy Spirit to teach us and apply God's Word to our daily lives (cf. 1 Corinthians 2:9-16).

Avoiding the Big Blowups (James 1:19-21)

2011-05-18T12:21:00.000-07:00

James, the writer of the book that bares his name offers five steps toward overcoming anger:

Be slow to speak (v.19). Weigh your words carefully (Proverbs 17:28 and 29:20)
Be quick to listen (v.19). Avoid erupting into anger. Assume the posture of a listener (Proverbs 18:13).
Be slow to anger (vv.19, 20). No amount of yelling at my (our) children will turn them into the righteous young people I (we) long for theem to be.
Get rid of all moral filth and evil (v.21). When distracted by sin we cannot dedicate ourselves to controlling our anger.
Humbly accept the Word of God (v.21). Submit to the Word of God as the final authority and guide for your life.

CONCLUSION: What If I do blow up? Admit it, ask for God's help, and confess to the people you hurt. (Taken from a sermon by Reverend Mark Hollis)

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-03T10:17:00.000-07:00

Webster's New World Dictionary defines a mother as: "A woman who has born a child; someone that gives birth to a child; someone who is the source of something." When you say "mother" to a little child, he usually thinks of her functions first, then her feelings. A child thinks of being fed, clothed, cleaned, etc. Motherhood is a bestowed honor, especially when looked at from a Biblical perspective. There are many things we fail to remember when we think of "motherhood." Here are just two of them:

Mothers have needs - These needs grow out of the fact that mothers play a number of roles ---- mother, woman, and wife.
Mothers meet needs - Mothers are educators, financiers, budget directors, nurses, dietitians, baby-sitters, chauffers, referees, philosophers, dishwashers, and waitresses, just to name a few.

WOW! What a terrific position to be in ---- A Christian Mother. Christian mothers are those who demonstrate genuine faith in Jesus Christ. Thanks, to all moms who take their God-given responsibilities seriously, for they realize that "the hand that rocks the cradle, rules the world."

"When I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois, and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also" (2 Timothy 1:5).

Hallelujah! Jesus is Alive!

2011-04-22T06:35:00.000-07:00

The Easter Season is a great time for the Christian to reflect on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The great event called the RESURRECTION OF CHRIST, was of such a nature that it secured, forever, our redemption. Biblically speaking, the death of Christ was not sufficient in itelf to secure total redemption for sinners. His death paid the total price for our sins, whereas His resurrection is what guarantees our final victory over sin, Satan, and the second death. It is the resurrection of Jesus Christ that assures believers of their resurrection when Christ returns for His Bride, the Church. Hallelujah! Jesus is Alive!

"For Christ also hath once suffered for sin, the just for the unjust, the He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened (made alive) by the Spirit" (1 Peter 3:18)

There Is No Other Name!

2011-03-10T06:39:00.000-08:00

Today, with so many religious belief systems, with so many people claiming to have a relationship with God, with so many denominations claiming to have a monopoly on God's truth; we need to be reassured of our convition that Biblical salvation is only through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ (cf. Acts 4:12, "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved"). Biblical salvation is based solely on the merits of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4). This is the "good news" (Gospel), the only message from God that provides the answer for man's greatest need - his need of a Savior due to sin! Have you received Jesus Christ into your life as your personal Lord and Savior? If not, why not pray to God right now, confess your sinfulness, tell God that you believe what His Word says about Christ's death and resurrection for your sin, then humbly asked Jesus to come into your life. God says that if you do that, you will be instantly and forever saved (cf. Romans 10:9, "That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has rraised Him from the dead, you will be saved"). If you prayed to receive Christ, please contact me. I have more great news to share with you. God bless.

"Revive Your Church, O God"

2011-02-03T09:51:00.000-08:00

Friends, I firmly believe that Western Christianity as we know it might very well be in its death throes. The Church in America may well be breathing its last breathe, struggling to survive. Let's face the bare cold facts. Churches in America are in deep trouble. They are in desparate need of a "Heaven sent revival." It has been estimated that no matter the growth and development of local churches, only about 25% of the church membership is totally committed to Jesus Christ, and dedicated and committed to the overall vision aand mission of their church. That means that about 75% of every church's membership roster has members who are irregular in their attendance, unfaithful in giving their tithes and offerings, indifferent when it comes to sacrificing time and evergy to serve Christ, and insensitive to the need of cultivating lasting relationships within the body of Christ. Perhaps our cry to God on behalf of ourselves individually, and our local churches collectively, should be as the psalmist, when he cried out, "Wilt thou revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?" (Psalm 85:6). Only God can bring about a "Heaven sent revival."

The Superiority and Splendor of Jesus Christ

2010-12-01T10:58:00.000-08:00

The Book of Psalms is the largest and perhaps the most widely used book of the Bible. The reason is that it explores the full range of human experiences in a very personal and practical way. Psalms is the hymnal of the Bible. The word psalm comes from a Hebrew word meaning, "a poem sung to musical accompaniment." Written over a lengthy period of Israel's history, the book of Psalms has a wide range of subject matter (jubilation, lament, war, peace, worship, judgment, praise,and messianic prophecy). Many of the psalms specifically anticipate the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Messiah (known as the "Messianic Psalms"). Psalms 22, 23 and 24 are historically known as the "Shepherd Psalms."

Psalms 22, 23, and 24 bear an interesting relationship with one another. In Psalm 22, Christ is the Savior, in 23 Christ is the Shepherd, and in 24 He is the Sovereign. In Psalm 22 Christ Dies for His sheep; in 23 He Cares for His sheep, and in 24 He Rules His sheep. Psalm 22 tells of Christ's Grace; 23 tells of His Guidance, and 24 tells of His Glory. In Psalm 22 we see the Cross, in 23 we see the Shepherd's Crook, and in 24 we see the Crown. Psalm 22 is past, 23 is present, and 24 is future. Truly, Jesus Christ's Supremacy and Splendor reigns over all things and every one.

Restoring Pastoral Integrity

2010-10-06T09:56:00.000-07:00

PRESUPPOSITION: Pastoral Integrity Must Be Restored. Today, Christian Ministry is suspect largely in part to the lack of integrity in pastoral ministry. Christianity is increasingly becoming the object of unnecessary ridicule, scorn, and critticism. Some indignaation is to be expected because of the believer's relationship to Jesus Christ. Jesus said of believers, "I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, eveen as I am not of the world" (John 17:14). Consequently, some ridicule, scorn, and criticism are to be expected. However, there is a great deal of criticism leveled against the body of Christ because of the inconsistency seen in pastoral leadership. Much of this is in large measure due to the number of uncalled, untrained, and unqualified men who serve as shepherds over God's flock. Horror stories abound regarding pastors and other church leaders who drink, smoke, gamble, and use profanity. Other pastors and church leaders are accused of having resorted to a flirtatious and sexually promiscuous lifestyle. Still others are said to be manipulators, using their church authority to accomplish their personal goals and agendas. As a result, disenchanted church members have all but abandoned mainline denominations and some have even embraced religious cults. We need pastoral integrity restored. We need every pastor to seriously consider what God says as to the basic qualification of the pastor ("The bishop must be above reproach", 1 Tim. 3:1-2)

Homosexuality (Sodomy) Is An Abomination Before Almighty God

2010-09-21T08:48:00.000-07:00

Much is being said these days in the government, media and church about "same sex" relationships as being an approved sexual alternative for humanity. What people forget is that Almighty God in His Holy Word has already spoken to this issue. Let me share four specific aspects from God's Word:
First, God created only two genders and made people either male or female (Genesis 1:27, "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them"). The idea of male and female was God's, and He built into each gender the necessary ingredients needed to conform to His will regarding their sexuality. As such, He has never nor will He ever make someone gay or homosexual! Any desire for the same sex comes from one's own depraved desires.
Second, God created sex to be the means for procreation and enjoyment experienced by husbands and their wives only (Genesis 1:28, "And God blessed them (male and female) and said unto them, be fruitful and multiply," Genesis 2:25, "And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed" and Hebrews 13:4, "Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge"). The only sexual intercourse that God smiles upon is between a husband and his wife. Any form of sexual activity outside of the husband and wife relationship is an abomination before Almighty God --- this includes the sin of homosexuality as well.
Third, Homosexuality goes against the natural or normal sexual expression of a man or woman (Romans 1:26-27, "For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burnbed in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet"). According to God our Creator, it is unnatural for men to have sexual desires for men, and for women to have sexxual desires for women.
Finally, God condemns homosexuality (Leviticus 18:22, "Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination"). God has given us a specific commandment against the sin of homosexuality.
As Christians we must at all times ask ourselves, "Am I a follower of God's holy, inspired Word, or a follower of today's trends"? The Good News is that Jesus Christ died for all sin, including the sin of homosexuality. Thank God that Jesus Christ's death, burial and resurrection, makes it possible for all sinners to be saved. Have you received Jesus Christ as your personal LORD and Savior?

The Test That Detects False Preachers

2010-09-07T14:23:00.000-07:00

In this last blog on the subject of false teachers we will concentrate on the practical test that will detect false teachers. According to Matthew 7:16-22, Jesus tells us how we can know if a preacher is true or false. Jesus said, "Ye shall know them by their fruits" (v.16), and, "Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them" (v.20).

According to the context, false preachers are known by the fruit they feed on and the fruit they feed to others. If they feed on thorns and thistles and not on grapes and figs, they will feed others the same. Thorns and thistles are false food (false theology and practice) while grapes and figs are good food (sound theology and practice). False preachers are known by their fruits, that is, who they are, what they teach, and what they produce. They are counterfeiters who masquerade around as men who supposedly speak on behalf of God. God's Word is designed to test the validity of those who claim to speak on God's behalf. Jesus is simply teaching His followers that a preacher's production is to be critically evaluated. The fruits of his profession and production are to be carefully evaluated in light of God's Word. If what he says and what he does fails to line up with Biblical truth, he is false. All teaching and preaching, to be considered true, must be consistent with what "Thus saith the LORD."

The Danger Posed By False Preachers

2010-08-13T04:59:00.000-07:00

In our last blog we noted the "Presence of False Preachers." In this blog we will note the "Danger Posed by False Preachers." Jesus said, "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves" (Matthew 7:15).

Jesus states that false prophets do indeed exist, and that they also pose a threat or danger to His followers. There are two interesting characteristics of the danger posed by false preachers and teachers. First, the danger posed by them is deceptive. Jesus says, "they come to you in sheep's clothing." In other words, false preachers and teachers come with the outward appearance of being sheep of God. They give the outward appearance of being true believers in and followers of Jesus Christ. They come in sheep's clothing and can easily deceive because they appear as messengers of light (cf. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15).

The second characteristic of the danger posed by false preachers and teachers is that it is destructive. Jesus says, "but inwardly they are ravening wolves." While outwardly appearing to be innocent, inwardly they are anything but sheep. They are vicious pretenders who prey on the immature, the unstable, and the gullible. CHURCH BEWARE!

False Teachers (Preachers) Are Everywhere!

2010-07-30T04:47:00.000-07:00

In Matthew 7:15-20, Jesus Christ warned His disciples of the presence of false teachers (preachers). By extension, the body of Christ is also warned of their existence, and the dangers they pose to God's people. My next three blogs will be devoted to analyzing the three truths Jesus taught in this passage regarding false teachers. These are: (1) the presence of false teachers (v.15a), (2) the danger posed by false teachers (v.15b), and (3) the practical test that detects false teachers (vv.16-20).

The Presence of False Teachers (v.15a, "Beware of false prophets"). Jesus Christ states emphatically that false teachers do in fact exist. The word "beware" is from a Greek word meaning "to turn one's mind or attention to a thing by being on guard against it." Jesus tells all Christians that they need to take heed, be on guard, pay close attention to the fact that false teachers exist. I personally believe the existence of false teachers today is due to two things. First, from spiritually impoverished churches that resist and reject the truth (2 Timothy 4:3-4). Second, from a group of malicious spirits called demons (1 Timothy 4:1). Whatever the source, the fact remains, false teachers exist and we as believers in Christ must be aware of their presence in churches, on television, in magazines, in religious literature, on the web, and on the radio. We must never get to the point where we believe any and everything we hear. To do so opens the door for "seducing spirits and doctrines of devils."

Can The Bible Really Be Trusted?

2010-07-13T05:56:00.000-07:00

Today's pluralistic society would have us believe that, in terms of what is truth, all religious writings are of equal importance and have equal value. For many, it doesn't matter which religious group or organization a person belongs to, so long as that person is sincere in their efforts to follow the guidelines proported and handed down by the founder of the group or organization. Truth, therefore, has become relative. Everyone is entitled to discover or create their own brand of truth. What is truth for one may or may not be truth for another. Consequently, the Bible is viewed as just one of many books where truth can be found. It is no more or no less truth than the Book of Mormons or Holy Koran.

The question born again Christians need to ask is not "Is the Bible a rule of faith and practice," but rather, "Is the Bible the only full, sufficient, clear, authoritative rule of faith and practice?" For true believers in Jesus Christ, the Bible is not one of many sources of divine authority. It is the only source of divine authority. Such truth statement is based on the clear teaching of God's Word (2 Timothy 3:16, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, instruction in righteousness"). God says Himself that His Word is infallible, authoritative, and sufficient. To deny this is to call God a liar!

Yes, the Bible can be trusted because it is God's Word, our final authority in all matters related to faith, principle, and practice! Hallelujah!

How Many Roads Lead to Heaven?

2010-06-26T19:33:00.000-07:00

It is the false claim of many religionists today that there are many roads that lead to Heaven. In our pluralistic society, people have been duped into believing that while there are many religious beliefs, somehow, each system of belief will eventually lead to Heaven. Quite the contrary! Jesus Christ, God's Son, states emphatically in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man comes to the Father except by (through) Me." Jesus is essentially telling us that there is only one road that leads to Heaven. That road is Jesus Christ Himself, the One who suffered, bled and died for the sin of the world. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the "Good News" that Christ died, was buried, and rose from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). To believe this Gospel and receive Christ as Savior is the only guarantee that you are on the road that leads to Heaven. Praise the Lord!