Evangelism; August 12, 2023

Posted on August 13, 2023 by jgarrott

John 4:42 They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.”

The woman was an extremely effective evangelist, but all evangelism must lead to the result expressed here, with the person being evangelized encountering Christ personally. Testimonies are powerful and effective, but only to the degree that they lead their hearers or readers to open their own hearts to the Lord. The problem with the various systems of evangelism is that they all depend on a logical progression of ideas. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with logic, but by itself it will save no one. What each person needs is an encounter, and since we don’t have the advantage these Samaritans did of seeing and hearing Jesus in the flesh, that has to be by faith. I have the greatest admiration and respect for Dennis Prager, but he hasn’t made that last step. He is mightily used by God in rescuing people from the lies of the devil, but his marvelously logical mind can’t believe that the Creator, of whom he is fully convinced, loves him personally enough to send His Son to be his Savior. That is tragic. He says clearly that he chokes on the idea of loving and being loved by God. The woman in this story was overwhelmed by Jesus’ love in treating her as a valuable human being, when she had been so used by men in the past, and the villagers in turn were touched by the love that radiated from Him. We have to express the facts of the Gospel to as many people as possible, but it is love that will draw them into the family of God.

This is perfectly applicable to the message I’m to bring tomorrow on Family. I prepared it for last week, but God superseded it with one on Walking. I just added, as the climax to the message, that we need to share the facts of the Gospel with people but it is love that will draw them into God’s family. We are never to be satisfied with a simply intellectual agreement with the Gospel, either in ourselves or in others. I got trapped in that, which quickly devolved into pride, because I knew the facts better than most, so I thought I was a better Christian than most. Salvation is in some respects a contract, but God wants far more than a contract; He wants a relationship. My focus is to be on that relationship, both for myself and drawing others into it as well.

Father, thank You for this clear Word. Help me express it clearly to everyone tomorrow, so that they too may turn on to sharing such a loving Savior with as many people as possible, for the salvation of many and for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!

Posted in Christian, encouragement, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Divine Appointments; August 11, 2023

Posted on August 12, 2023 by jgarrott

John 4:25-26 The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” Then Jesus declared, “I who speak to you am he.”

Either John talked to the woman over the next two days, (verse 40) which seems likely, or God gave him a clear revelation of what went on, because Jesus and the woman were the only people physically present at this encounter. That said, this is an absolutely amazing incident. In the first place, Jesus knew that He had an appointment at this well, because there was no particular reason why He would have been more tired than His disciples, but He stayed behind. In the second place, the woman herself brought up the socially and culturally unusual, even inappropriate, elements of a Jewish man having a conversation with a Samaritan woman. In the third place, this is the first time, and one of the clearest times, Jesus told anyone that He was the Son of God. God certainly has a way of doing the unexpected! We have no record of how many of the townspeople believed in Jesus over the next couple of days, but it was quite a few at least. God’s plans may be unexpected, and even strange from our perspective, but they are always good. What Jesus told this woman, that doubtless resonated strongly in her heart, has opened the eyes of countless people down through the centuries since John recorded it. This is yet another illustration that nothing is impossible with God! (Luke 1:27)

I’ve had assorted unexpected/surprising encounters with God over the years, and I look forward to the next! The term, divine appointment, has resonated with me ever since I first heard it, because it so well describes many experiences I’ve had. I do make plans and set up schedules, but I am very aware that God is the One who controls what actually happens. Nothing I could plan would equal what He has in mind! I have learned that He can use absolutely anything to bring about blessing, (Romans 8:28) and I am to expect Him to do so. I have learned that He can speak through me even when I have no idea it’s happening, and I am to expect Him to do that, too. I have also learned that He can and does speak to me in ways and through people and things that I would not have expected, and I am to seek to be open and sensitive to Him whenever that happens. We’re back to the uncontestable reality that God is far smarter and more powerful than we could ever be, and that’s a very good thing indeed.

Father, thank You for Your plans for my life. At this age I might think those plans are finished, but I remember Moses, whose ministry really began when he was 80. Help me meet all Your appointments for me and recognize them when they happen, rejoicing in being part of Your plan, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!

Posted in Christian, encouragement, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Being Used by God; August 10, 2023

Posted on August 11, 2023 by jgarrott

John 3:34 “For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit.”

For once the NIV and the Japanese agree on a minor departure from the literal Greek. The Greek says, “He gives the Spirit,” but both translations in front of me replace the pronoun with God. The translators didn’t want anyone thinking that ordinary humans could go around giving the Spirit without limit, simply because they had been sent by God. In a sense that is true, but it is also true that God can use someone as a channel for Him to pour His Spirit through. We aren’t to draw back from that, but rather earnestly desire that it happen, for God’s glory alone. The moment we try to take the glory for something God does through us we lose the benefit of it, and the thing itself is immeasurably cheapened. I think that’s a major part of what Jesus was talking about when He said, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” (Matthew 7:21-23) The prophecies, deliverances, and miracles had to be works of God, because humans can’t do those things, but if they took the glory for themselves, they alienated themselves from the very One they claimed to serve. I read a quote just yesterday from a popular singer that was very pointed and, I think, accurate: “Success doesn’t change you. Fame does.” When we are used by God our flesh and the devil want us to take the credit, but that is a terrible mistake. It is indeed God who pours out His Spirit without limit, and we must never try to take any credit for that.

I have long desired to be a “fire hose of the Spirit,” so to speak, but God has known that would destroy me, because of my innate tendency to pride. He’s still working on me in that area! My mind has run in many different directions thinking about what God might have in store for me after my retirement from secular teaching. It was said around 30 years ago that I would have a major part in revival in Japan. I would be absolutely thrilled if that were the case, but I certainly can’t make it happen. If God does use me, I’ve got to be very clear to myself and to others that it’s not me, it’s Him. Maybe I’m old enough and tired enough to get out of the way and let Him do whatever He likes through me, for His glory. I certainly hope so!

Father, thank You for this reminder. Help me indeed stay out of the way of whatever You want to do in and through me, so that Your will may be accomplished on Your schedule for Your pleasure and glory. Thank You. Praise God!

Posted in Christian, encouragement, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Walking in the Light; August 9, 2023

Posted on August 10, 2023 by jgarrott

John 3:20 “Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.”

For some reason I’ve been referencing verses 18-21 a lot recently! As Intercessors for America was saying just yesterday, the prayer focus for 2023 has been truth and justice. With whistleblowers and the like we’ve been seeing a lot of truth come out, and we need to keep praying for justice. I think the truth of this verse is something everyone has experienced, not just in those around them or in the news, but in their own heart. We don’t like it when the bad stuff we do comes out! That’s why honesty before God is so essential. As came up two days ago, we can’t hide anything from God anyway, so it’s really a matter of being honest with ourselves. If we indeed confess our sins in repentance, He will truly cleanse us from the filth we’ve gotten ourselves into, just as John wrote. (1 John 1:9) When we know we are forgiven and clean, we run joyfully to God to fellowship with Him, which is what we were created for. This verse describes the reverse of that, and it’s absolutely tragic. As we pray for truth and justice in all things, we need to pray God’s mercy for those who have been deceived by the devil. Yesterday I saw a video of a man who seemed like a nice person, but he was convinced of things that are opposite the truth. It takes courage to admit, even to yourself, that you’ve been immersed in a lie! The ultimate answer is of course Jesus, since as He Himself said, He is the Truth. (John 14:6) He is the light in whom we are to walk, just as He says here.

I had the huge advantage of being raised by a man who held Absolute Honesty as one of his foundational principles. Coming to the light has been comparatively easy for me, though there have certainly been things in my life that I can’t brag about and would rather not discuss! However, I must never deny that they have happened, but rather give glory to God and delight in His grace and mercy. The Internet brings me an immense flow of facts, as well as a lot of attempted deception. I must let Holy Spirit be the filter on my eyes, ears, and heart, so that I will not be led astray but stay on God’s path consistently, doing His will on His schedule for His glory.

Father, thank You for Your grace and mercy. Thank You for not discarding me when I refused to follow what I knew You were saying. Help me be a faithful guide to help others likewise walk in Your light, for their salvation and Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!

Posted in Christian, encouragement, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Symbols; August 8, 2023

Posted on August 9, 2023 by jgarrott

John 3:14-15 “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.”

The verse after this gets the most attention, but this part also is justly famous. The thing is, the average person isn’t particularly familiar with the story of Moses lifting up the snake. The story is in Numbers 21:4-9. The people had been complaining again, this time about the lack of water, and they had become completely jaded with the miraculous provision of manna every morning and wanted something different to eat. The Lord decided they needed to be reminded that things could be worse, and He sent venomous snakes among them to teach them that lesson. Under the Lord’s instructions, Moses made a bronze snake and put it on a pole, and everyone who had been bitten, if they looked at that bronze snake they recovered. That sounds like a bizarre story to us today, but it’s interesting that it’s specifically the stories that secularists tend to choke on – Noah, Jonah, the bronze snake – that Jesus explicitly references. That should teach us not to take any part of the Bible lightly! The image, as Jesus expressed it, is remarkably apt, because Jesus was indeed lifted up in much the same way as that snake, and it is by believing that His death was for our sake that we receive the gift of eternal life. We do, however, need to be careful that we treat crosses and crucifixes as reminders, rather than as having power in themselves. 2 Kings 18:4 records that good king Hezekiah had to break up the bronze snake, because people had made it an idol, which they called Nehushtan. Our focus needs to be on God Himself and not on anything else, even if God gave it to us for our good.

Raised in a Baptist home, I was taught that symbols are no more than symbols. That in itself is good, but sometimes those symbols are very important. My view of baptism shifted after reading a book titled If You Care to Accept It, which is about a move of God in New Guinea. Baptism itself certainly doesn’t impart sinless perfection, but we should expect it to make a real difference in the person receiving it. Likewise, I am particular about the bread and the cup of Communion. (We use grape juice, for a number of reasons.) They are symbols, certainly, but we need to be reminded to give our bodies to Christ, just as He gave His for us, and we daily need His blood to wash our hearts and minds of the filth in which we live. As a pastor, I need to keep pointing people to the invisible reality behind the symbols we use.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Sometimes we get confused as to what is symbolic and what is real. Help me keep it straight in my own heart and mind and lead others to do likewise, for their blessings and Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!

Posted in Christian, encouragement, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

God’s Omniscience; August 7, 2023

Posted on August 8, 2023 by jgarrott

John 2:25 He did not need man’s testimony about man, for he knew what was in a man.

Sometimes we forget that God is omniscient. We do all sorts of things to try to hide from Him, but it’s like a little kid denying that they got into Mommy’s makeup when they have lipstick all over their face. Actually, the amazing thing isn’t that God knows everything about us, it’s that He loves us anyway. He doesn’t love everything we do, but He loves us. Really grasping both sides of that will give us peace that can be had no other way. Sometimes we get frantic that “God will find out” something about us, when He knows us better than we know ourselves! Conversely, we can get completely torn up over something we have done, when God knows the sin and the repercussions of it far better than we do. All we have to do is ack­nowledge it before Him and ask His forgiveness and cleansing, and He will do what we never could. (1 John 1:9) Recent advances in astronomy, courtesy of the new telescopes we’re now able to put into space, are showing us the incredible size of the universe, quite literally beyond our power to grasp. That makes it all the more miraculous that God both knows and cares about every detail of our existence. (Luke 12:2) When God already knows every detail about us, better than we know ourselves, the only logical course is to walk open and honest before Him, never attempting deceit but asking and allowing Him to keep working on us, correcting and growing us as He knows we need it. After all, that’s far easier and more peaceful than trying to maintain any sort of facade. However, we won’t do that unless we know in our deepest being that He loves us in spite of ourselves.

I think the greatest gift my parents gave me was the assurance that I was loved, by them and especially by God. I don’t remember all the details of how they did that, but they were certainly effective. It is recorded, in my parents’ Christmas newsletter when I was five, that I went to my mother and told her, “Mommy, I really, really love you, but I don’t love you nearly as much as I love Jesus.” I would never have had that attitude if I hadn’t been strongly aware of the love that was poured out on me. That love didn’t spoil me; I was very used to being told “No.” However, it certainly penetrated, and I am deeply grateful. Now, my task is to help others know that God loves them as much as He does me. People don’t seem to have trouble believing that God loves me, but they choke on the idea that He could love them just as much. I can’t force them to believe, but I can give them the information as winningly as possible and let Holy Spirit work it into their hearts and minds.

Father, thank You for this reminder, and for Your incredible love – in spite of Your omniscience! I ask You to enable me to locate that carbon copy of the Christmas newsletter that I quoted. I just looked for it, and didn’t turn it up. There are many things from my past that are worth preserving, but I’m not a very good archivist! May all that You have done, are doing, and will do in my life accomplish what You intend, for Your pleasure and glory. Thank You. Praise God!

Posted in Christian, encouragement, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Reasons to Believe; August 6, 2023

Posted on August 7, 2023 by jgarrott

John 2:11 This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed at Cana in Galilee. He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him.

Having been raised as a tea-totaling Baptist, it’s always been impressive to me that Jesus’ first miracle in front of His disciples was changing water to wine. That said, there are several points about this that are worthy of meditation. The first is that this was in response to someone else’s felt need, it wasn’t to satisfy Himself. The second is that the result was of the highest quality. The third is that there was no big show about it, no mysterious incantations or gestures. It is also worth noting that water in those days wasn’t necessarily potable; wine was in that sense a much safer drink. We don’t know how many disciples were with Jesus at this point. When they all got invited to the wedding banquet, I have a feeling it wasn’t the full 12 yet. All of that said, this was the first incident to make those disciples believe that Jesus was more than an impressive teacher. Teachers abound, but there’s only one Son of God! We aren’t in the same situation as those disciples, following Jesus around, watching Him and listening to Him, but we all have our reasons for believing in Him. Those reasons are countless, and in some ways different for every individual. If we try to convince someone to believe for the reasons we do, we aren’t so likely to succeed. That’s why packaged evangelism techniques have a very spotty track record. It is Holy Spirit who opens people’s eyes and hearts to Jesus, and we need to listen to Him. He knows each person’s deepest needs, and what will touch them. After all, we can’t force anyone to believe!

I am hardly a gifted evangelist, but I have had the privilege of leading some to commitment. I think every one has been different. Just last night over the phone I was able to share the Gospel in a way that confirmed the commitment in someone’s heart. By the time I finished praying, he was crying to the point of not being able to talk. Holy Spirit was really working in him. I rejoice at such opportunities, but I can’t make them happen. All I can do is pray to be sensitive to them when God presents them to me, and as Paul said, make the most of them. (Colossians 4:5) My upbringing gave me something of a head start on faith, but I must never take it for granted and get lazy about it. I am to exercise the faith I have been given and allow God to use it to draw more people to repentance and faith, for their salvation and His glory.

Father, thank You indeed for last night, and for bringing that young man through to this point. I pray that his faith would be strengthened daily as he chooses to live it out in every area of his life, drawing others to You by his example, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!

Posted in Christian, encouragement, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Discipleship; August 5, 2023

Posted on August 6, 2023 by jgarrott

John 1:35-37 The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus.

I am struck by the fact that Andrew and John, who were considered, and probably considered themselves, to be disciples of John the Baptist, so quickly left him and followed Jesus. That shows that John’s disciples were seeking more of God, not more of John the Baptist. That is in distinct contrast to cult leaders – and many who don’t think they are cult leaders – who seek allegiance to themselves first of all. Sadly, I have known quite a few pastors who were like that. Andrew and John the son of Zebedee were convinced that John the Baptist spoke truth from God, so when he said that Jesus was the Lamb of God, they immediately followed Jesus. There have been “Discipleship Movements” in the past that have essentially been exercises in control, and that is not what genuine discipleship is about at all. A disciple is one who follows his master to learn from them. That does indeed involve discipline, as the English words make clear, but believers are to be disciples of Jesus Christ, and only secondarily disciples of any simply human leader. The problem is that control can be addictive; receiving obedience can be heady stuff! The devil loves to use that, and he has ruined countless churches and ministries using it. Likewise, some people actually enjoy being controlled, because it frees them from responsibility (or so they feel). Genuine Christian discipleship is all about responsibility, and submission to Jesus Christ alone. Often that will involve obedience to a human leader, but that must never be the focus. Every Christian leader must say with John the Baptist, “He must become greater; I must become less.” (John 3:30)

As a pastor myself, this is extremely applicable to me. To be honest, adulation makes me uncomfortable, but at the same time there is a part of me that likes it. I’ve got to be on my guard! My goal in ministry is to raise up disciples of Jesus, just as He commanded in the Great Commission. (Matthew 28:18-20) I am grateful to say that I have raised up a few, but that number never approaches the number of people in the church. However, I’m never to give up, but always keep pointing people to Jesus. One thing I think I’ve done right was commented on by a believer who moved here from another part of Japan. He said, “I’ve never encountered another pastor who was so open about his weaknesses and imperfections.” I’ve messed up in so many different ways that I don’t see how I could be otherwise, but at the same time I know I wouldn’t be that way if I weren’t convinced that God loves me anyway. I can make true disciples of Jesus Christ only to the degree that I am one myself.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You for Your incredible, gracious faithfulness toward me, even though my own faithfulness has certainly been less than perfect. Help me be an effective example and mentor to draw many more into genuine discipleship, for the sake of the Body of Christ and for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!

Posted in Christian, encouragement, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Family; August 4, 2023

Posted on August 5, 2023 by jgarrott

John 1:12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.

This first chapter of John is so loaded with deeply meaningful, glorious passages that it is difficult to choose what to write on. Out of it all, though, I probably quote this verse most frequently, so here goes. Everyone has the innate need to be family, to belong, to love and be loved. Some people are blessed with an abundance of that “in the natural,” so to speak, but many are not. God, however, has a plan that more than compensates for any deficiencies in that area: when we believe in His Son, we become His children, members of His family and thus brothers and sisters to one another. The highest privilege is being able to call the Creator of the universe Daddy, but along with that comes the reality that He’s got a lot of kids like us, and they are our brothers and sisters. Occasionally that’s irritating, because no two people get along perfectly, even if they are genetic twins. However, most of the time it’s enormously comforting and encouraging, because it meets that need of belonging. Physically only children sometimes have trouble grasping that, because they don’t grow up with the frictions and connections of siblings, but God can teach them if they will open their hearts. Sibling rivalries can be an issue, even among the children of God. However, spiritual and emotional growth brings us to the place of rejoicing in our siblings’ successes, encouraging and supporting one another. The better we realize that we ourselves are hopeless without Christ, the more we rejoice to be part of God’s provision for those around us.

Physically speaking I have one brother and two sisters, but spiritually speaking it would be impossible to count them all, even the ones with whom I have specific connections. Being an introvert, (which some people have difficulty believing) part of me feels I would be happy with just my wife for companionship. However, 54 years of marriage to a woman who never met a stranger has taught me a lot about interpersonal relationships! I have learned to rejoice not only in being a child of God myself, but in drawing others into His family as well, and everything involved in family fellowship. My genetic family is far away geographically, but I interact with my spiritual family daily, and it is a blessing. Today I expect to be talking with a young man whom I was involved with when he was still a child, but I haven’t seen him in several years. He currently lives in another part of Japan but will be back for a visit, and I heard through his mother that he wants me to baptize him. I of course need to confirm his repentance and faith, but I rejoice in the birth of another little brother. God’s family keeps growing!

Father, thank You for this reminder. Help me be an effective brother to my many spiritual siblings, guiding and encouraging them as You direct, so that we may all be the children You desire, for Your pleasure and glory. Thank You. Praise God!

Posted in Christian, encouragement, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Too Good to be True; August 3, 2023

Posted on August 4, 2023 by jgarrott

Luke 24:41-43 And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence.

There are two things about this story that strike me. The first is the proof that our resurrection bodies will still be able to eat. Whether we will need to eat is a different question, but the pleasure of eating won’t be taken from us. However, that strikes me as a very minor, peripheral issue. Of more significance, at this point at any rate, is the way the disciples had trouble believing Jesus was really there with them in the flesh, after they had seen Him brutally crucified. We have the expression “too good to be true,” and that was exactly their response. Sometimes that phrase is an appropriate cautionary note, particularly with get-rich-quick schemes, but sometimes God just likes to dump good things on us. A recent news item comes to mind, where a woman got fired, went home, and discovered her husband had bought a lottery ticket on his way home and they had won a million dollars. We shouldn’t live our lives counting on such things, but we need to remember that God is certainly capable of doing them. It can be a delicate balance. We shouldn’t be following God because of all the good stuff He can do for us, because as Jesus said, in this world we will have trouble. (John 16:33) At the same time, we need to remember that Jesus also said, “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32) Paul rightly pointed out, “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all–how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:32) The more we meditate on that, the more we get into too-good-to-be-true territory! In no way are we to be greedy or focused on physical pleasures and satisfactions, but we need to remember that we serve a loving heavenly Father who delights to do good things for us, and not doubt Him.

This is easy for me to talk about because I feel I have been incredibly blessed. That doesn’t mean I’ve escaped the “trouble” Jesus talked about, but it does mean that I have no trouble recommending the life of faith to anyone. Several times when I have told people about my life they have said, “You should write a book!” I might yet do that, but the reason for people’s reaction has been that God has been so very gracious to me. We have had problems along the way, chief of which being my wife’s medical issues, but I have every reason to be grateful, and even in awe of God’s grace. The whole story of salvation, that God would love His creation so much that He would send His own Son, part of himself, really, to earth to take the penalty for human sin and provide salvation for all who would believe, is the ultimate good that seems unreal because of its very magnitude. There are perhaps some people who haven’t become Christians because they can’t wrap their minds around the idea that God would be so gracious. The flip side is the many people who look at all the negative things in the world and decide that God either isn’t good and loving or He isn’t omnipotent. They need to open their eyes and realize that mankind has earned the bad stuff, but God loves us anyway. My calling is to help them open their eyes!

Father, thank You for this reminder. I could go on and on, writing about Your goodness and grace. Help me be an open, effective channel of that grace to all around me so that they may be drawn to repentance and faith, for their salvation and Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!

Posted in Christian, encouragement, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments