February 3, 2014

Posted on February 5, 2014 by jgarrott

Romans 1:5 Through him and for his name’s sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith.

It is worth noting that Paul wrote this not as something past, but in the middle of a very active ministry. It was before he went to Jerusalem and was arrested, and he had no idea how his remarks about visiting Rome, in verses 11-13, were going to be fulfilled. He speaks of “receiving grace and apostleship.” He dwells on the grace aspect elsewhere, not only in his descriptions of his conversion but also in 1 Timothy 1:15-16. He mentions his apostleship at the beginning of almost every letter, as well as scattered throughout the text of those letters. This was not bragging, but seeking to help his readers understand that he was writing not on his own, but as Christ’s agent. That’s a heavy responsibility! Some today claim apostleship as though it were simply a rank, and I would say that is dangerous as well as foolish. Proverbs has a lot to say about fools! An apostle is one sent as a representative, and so must faithfully execute not his own will, but that of the one who sent him. Paul expressed that using a term more familiar to us today, ambassador, in 2 Corinthians 5:20. Even today ambassadors are not (or should not be) chosen lightly, but on the basis not only of ability but of faithfulness to the government they represent. Anyone who puts “apostle” on their business card but is not living as an active representative of Jesus Christ is a lie and a sham.

This is a matter of great concern to me, because as was pointed out in the Baptist seminary I attended, the modern term that is closest to “apostle” is “missionary.” Growing up as the youngest child in a missionary family, on a visit to the US I recall hearing, actually and not in jest, the expression “real live missionary” applied to my family. I felt like an animal in a zoo, and the temptation to act up in response was distinct. Now as an adult I find myself as what most people call a missionary, though with no sending organization. I recall, back when we were wrestling with the Baptist mission board over whether they would accept and appoint us, that my wife said clearly, “We’d rather be Lord sent than board sent.” That was true then, and it’s true today. At the time we came to Omura I thought my commission was strictly to the Japanese, but in the Lord’s plan I have ministered to people of many different nations, baptizing people from several countries other than Japan. I guess my commission isn’t so different from that of Paul, even though I haven’t been itinerant the way he was. The point for me to remember is that if I am not a faithful representative of the One who sent me, my commission is meaningless. My words are empty if I’m not living them out. Just yesterday I had the privilege of talking with someone who said they now know God really exists, and they believe in Jesus. I must use the authority God has given me to build them up, (2 Corinthians 13:10) leading them into full, active discipleship, because that is my privilege as well as my calling.

Father, thank You for Your grace and patience indeed, as well as Your calling. Help me be faithful, because I can’t do it on my own. May I be a useful instrument in Your hands on every level, so that many may be brought into Your family, Your kingdom, for their salvation and Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!

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February 2, 2014

Posted on February 5, 2014 by jgarrott

Acts 26:17-18 “I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.”

I don’t think God could have been any clearer than this in expressing Paul’s commission to him, but it took him the rest of his life to grasp all the implications. Everywhere he went, he was God’s agent in proclaiming repentance and faith leading to salvation and sanctification. That took many forms indeed, and I’m sure that at times he wondered if he was really doing his job. However, God was faithful, and from our perspective we can see that he did the job magnificently. If we analyze this commission we see that it starts with opening people’s eyes. No one can be saved if they are unwilling to look at themselves honestly. All sorts of things make people open their eyes physically, and the same can be said of spiritual recognition. Sometimes it takes a really painful jolt, but that should never be our goal. However, splashing water in someone’s face, spiritually speaking, is a kindness, and we should not be afraid of the reaction if we do so. After all, it is only once people are awake that they can leave Satan’s realm of darkness to enter into the light of God’s salvation. Like Paul, we are called to offer people the greatest treasure in the universe, admission into the family of God. We must never minimize the necessity of repentance, but we also should never undervalue what we have received and what we offer to others.

This is of course my commission, as it really is for every believer. As a pastor, I am to help people understand and accept this commission for themselves, training them in the work of ministry. (Ephesians 4:12) Some are specifically gifted in evangelism and some are not, but all are called to proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom in one way or another. No one has eyes that are completely open to all we could profitably see, so I am to seek to see more fully myself, while helping others to be more perceptive as well. However, I must remember that I am no more than an instrument; the power to accomplish this, to transform people’s hearts and lives, is in the Holy Spirit. The messages for the past few Sundays have focused on that, and today is no exception. I am to desire and allow God to pour His Spirit through me to those around me, so that we may all be raised up as a mighty army to do His will, for His glory.

Father, thank You for this powerful reminder of what Your will is, and that I’m called as an instrument of that will. May I be fully submitted and obedient, fully pleasing to You as Your will is done in and through me, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!

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February 1, 2014

Posted on February 2, 2014 by jgarrott

Acts 22:16 “‘And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.'”

Ananias was certainly not of the “Six weeks of training before baptism” school! Every time I read Acts, particularly, I am reinforced in my conviction that whereas a degree of understanding is called for, making baptism contingent on any sort of formal training program is not Biblical. The teaching, the training, is to come after baptism. It is certainly essential, even though it is the most overlooked part of the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20: “teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you.” Even in the Great Commission it comes after the command to baptize. I hardly think that most of the people mentioned as being baptized in Acts had a very complete understanding of Christian doctrine, but that’s not the point. After all, you can’t require a baby to speak before you allow it to be born! This is in no way an endorsement of “dunk ’em and drop ’em;” nurturing is essential for any infant, no less spiritual than physical. Spiritually speaking we do have the huge advantage of the Holy Spirit, who is of course the perfect Teacher, (1 John 2:27, John 14:26) but all too often we fail to be sure that new believers have opened up to the Holy Spirit. Anyone who has done so is going to be eager to learn more of Christ and how to follow Him. Schedules being what they are, it can be very difficult for some people to make it to regular classes, but everyone needs mentoring to some degree. After all, none of us know everything, or are made perfect while we are on this earth. (Philippians 3:12)

This issue has been a major factor in my life and ministry. This church became an independent entity over the question of whether someone had to jump through organizational hoops before they could be baptized, but I, myself, was not properly guided and mentored after I became a Christian. I know the problems from both sides! I have indeed baptized some people who had not genuinely repented, and all it really got them was wet. I’m not happy about that. I also have failed to mentor quite a few people, and that is a bigger regret. I’m looking forward to a conference on discipleship that’s coming up in a few days, because I need to do that better, certainly. It all comes down to pressing in for more of God on a continuous basis, seeking to listen obediently to Him however He chooses to speak to me, so that I may be an increasingly effective tool in His hands, for His glory.

Father, thank You for all the things You allow me to experience, both to train me and to help me realize I need to keep growing. Help me recognize and appropriate all the things You teach me, so that I may not get in Your way but rather be an effective conduit of Your truth and love, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!

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January 31, 2014

Posted on February 1, 2014 by jgarrott

Acts 21:13 Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”

There is speculation even today over what would have happened if Paul had stayed away from Jerusalem at this time, and whether he went in genuine obedience to the Spirit or out of sheer stubbornness. We cannot know the answer to that, but we do know that God used Paul’s time in captivity to write half the New Testament, and that is certainly something of great value. I don’t think Paul went to Jerusa­lem wanting to be martyred, but he was ready for it if that was what God had in mind. He was definitely not unmoved by the tears of those around him. That is certainly an admirable attitude! I have seen some Christians who seemed to desire martyrdom, and I think that is a perversion. However, laying everything on the line for Christ, not holding anything back, is an attitude every believer should have. Nate Saint perhaps said it best: “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” Nate’s martyrdom was hard on his wife and children, but they were indeed comforted, and Nate’s example and story have been an inspiration to countless believers in the years since he was killed.

I’ve never been in a situation that remotely hinted of martyrdom, but I have been challenged in more subtle ways: whether I would choose comfort or obedience, convenience or conviction. I wish I could say I’ve always chosen wisely! Following Christ isn’t for wusses, and it never has been. Jesus laid it on the line when He said, “Anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” (Matthew 10:38) We sometimes forget that when Jesus said that, a cross was purely and simply an instrument of horrible execution. I must not resent any inconvenience, any cost, but rather rejoice that I am counted worthy to follow my Lord, just as the early disciples did. (Acts 5:41)

Father, so often I whine and complain at the smallest things. Forgive me. Help me accept and face each challenge You give me, big or small, with faith, trust, gratitude and joy. Whether it’s something with my own body, something involving someone I love, dealing with interpersonal issues in the church, or whatever, help me rest in the assurance that Your grace is sufficient for me, and give You all the glory. Thank You. Praise God!

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January 30, 2014

Posted on January 31, 2014 by jgarrott

Acts 19:11-12 God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them.

A couple of things here. First of all, it is notable that whereas we are amazed at any miracle, miracles were so common in Paul’s ministry that Luke felt he needed to call attention to “extraordinary” miracles. Roland and Heidi Baker and Reinhard Bonnke are the only people who come to mind today who would really fit into that category. That’s not to say that every valid ministry is to be marked by what we call miracles, but every valid ministry will certainly be marked by the miracle of transformed lives. The other thing that catches my attention is that the “extraordinary miracles” involved healing and deliverance being transmitted through objects. These were items that Paul had used in his trade as a tent maker; they were not mass-produced “prayer cloths.” I have heard of contemporary examples of people being healed through such things as handkerchiefs, but the operative factor there is faith. Such things were unusual enough in Paul’s ministry that Luke called them “extraordinary,” but some “televangelists” have twisted that to generate income, mailing out “prayer cloths” for a certain fee. Any good effect from that has nothing to do with the cloth!

I have prayed over objects to be taken to suffering people a few times, but I would certainly put that in the category of unusual, at least. My own focus is to be on Jesus, to the point that He is free to do whatever He desires through me. I must remember that, as Luke says here, God did these things through the hand of Paul, it wasn’t Paul doing them on his own. There have been a few times that I so wanted a miracle to happen that I tried to bring it about on my own, and naturally failed. I want to be so submitted to Christ by His Spirit that my reputation precedes me among my spiritual enemies, as it did with Paul. I want God’s Name to be hallowed and His kingdom come as His will is done in, by, and through me, for His glory.

Father, You know my heart better than I do myself. I ask You to continue to work in me to will and to do Your good pleasure, just as is promised in Your Word. (Philippians 2:13) May I be totally responsive and obedient to You, whether that means what people would call miracles or not, so that Your will and Yours alone may be accomplished, for Your pleasure and glory. Thank You. Praise God!

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January 29, 2014

Posted on January 31, 2014 by jgarrott

Acts 19:6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.

Acts 19 is another “proof text” for the Pentecostal/charismatic movement, but that doesn’t make it any less valid. Problems arise when we try to make religious experiences formulaic, because human religion is not the same as a relationship with the living God. Those who have reacted most strongly against the idea of a “second blessing” have done so largely in anger at the suggestion that their own experience was in any way deficient. Human pride is a strange thing! Humility is required to receive through the laying on of hands, and we don’t like to admit that someone might have something that we don’t. The thing is, everyone has more that they could receive from God, and any believer is eligible as a conduit of that blessing. It’s not a matter of one person being above another, spiritually speaking, but of both being available to God for what He wants to do in equipping and empowering. Every believer should be hungry for more of God: more depth, more power, more intimacy. When that is our heart’s cry, we will be open to whatever God wants to give us, however He wants to do it.

In my own experience of the baptism in the Holy Spirit, there was no prayer meeting and no hands laid on me. I had been seeking to be baptized in the Holy Spirit, but I had so identified that with speaking in tongues, because of the books I had read, that I was effectively seeking to speak in tongues rather than seeking the Person of the Holy Spirit. A friend pointed out to me that we receive everything from God by grace through faith, so I needed to ask, trust God to be faithful, and thank Him, whether I experienced any “manifestations” or not. I tried that, sitting on the edge of my bed that night, and felt nothing, but I thanked God anyway. Two days later I abruptly realized that for the first time in my life I was talking to a total stranger about Jesus. Acts 1:8 came to my mind, and I knew that God had been true to His Word. A couple of months after that, a Pentecostal friend was mystified that I was evidently filled with the Holy Spirit, but didn’t speak in tongues. I told him what I had experienced, and he suggested that I again ask God in faith for a “prayer language,” if that was part of His best for me, because my friend felt I was hung up on the terminology of “tongues.” I tried doing that after going to bed that night, and strange words started running through my mind. I thought, “Is this tongues? Nah,” and I went to sleep. The next evening I saw my Pentecostal friend again, he took a look at me and said, “Speak!” and I spoke in tongues out loud for the first time. The whole point is that God isn’t limited to formulas. As a pastor, it is my heart’s desire that every believer have a relationship of great intimacy with God by His Spirit, whatever that means. It is not going to be the same for any two believers, but there are going to be points in common. I need to pray that all obstacles, and most especially pride, be taken out of the way, so that we may all be more and more empty of self to be more and more filled with God, for His glory.

Father, I remember how my father modified the words to a little chorus: “I want More of Jesus.” The original says, “And He wants more of me,” but my father changed that to, “So I’ll give Him more of me.” That is my prayer, for myself and for the believers here. Help us give You all of ourselves, so that You may fill and transform us as You desire, for the blessing of many and for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!

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January 28, 2014

Posted on January 31, 2014 by jgarrott

Acts 16:25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.

In this very well-known story verse 31 is probably the most famous line, but this one struck me just now. The point is, other people are paying attention to how we are living our lives. If we say one thing and do another, any attempts at evangelism will likely be futile. However, when we are under real stress, as Paul and Silas undeniably were here, when our response is to cling even closer to God and sing His praises, then that has a massive impact. The Bible doesn’t record it specifically, but I’d be willing to bet several of the other prisoners got saved that night, too. Actually, I can think of no other reason why at least some of the other prisoners wouldn’t have made a break for it once the earthquake shattered the locks. Healing and the like are certainly notable miracles, but we sometimes overlook the miracle of transformed lives. We forget that God can transform lives, for one thing, and so fail to pray in faith and expectation. As Paul was sharply aware, (1 Timothy 1:15-16) when God can take someone like he was before encountering Christ and make him to be like he was by the end of his life, then God can work with anybody!

As I keep trying to get through to the believers in this church, we are our own best evangelistic material. We do need to have a good grasp of the love and grace of God, to be able to explain it, (1 Peter 3:15) but our own experiences of that love and grace are the best illustrations for sharing that love and grace with others. Japanese are very private people, and sharing personal details isn’t easy for them. I’m never to put them down for not being a “TMI” person like I am, but I am to encourage them to share so that they may experience the joy of leading others to salvation in Christ. When they go through rough stuff, I need to help them recognize that God will later give them opportunities to help others going through similar trials, so they need to pay attention to what they are learning, and give God thanks for it all. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4) This is what “being a witness” is all about, even more than getting up before a group and saying a few choice words.

Father, thank You for Your gracious plan in this area. Thank You for the example of this that Cathy is. She has certainly impressed her doctors by her response to her assorted medical problems, and a lot of other people as well. She doesn’t deny that she has the problems, but the testimony of her life is that Your grace is sufficient for her. I pray that we would see a massive harvest from that seed she is sowing so faithfully, and that You would keep her from any unnecessary pain and suffering in the process. Thank You. Praise God!

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January 27, 2014

Posted on January 28, 2014 by jgarrott

Acts 16:18 She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so troubled that he turned around and said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!” At that moment the spirit left her.

Three things struck me about this famous story as I read it just now. The first is that Paul was as human as we are. This girl was proclaiming truth, even being a publicist for Paul, so to speak, but after a few days it really got under his skin. Accordingly, he responded in irritation. The second thing is that, even when operating under less than perfect motives, commanding in the Name of Jesus accomplished a clear deliverance. We don’t have to be perfect before we can operate in the power of God! These two points together should be an enormous encouragement to all believers, because the devil is quick to point out our weaknesses and failures and tell us we are ineligible to be used by God. Obviously, that’s just another of his lies. The third thing that struck me is that operating in the power of God can get us into real trouble. I don’t know if the response would have been any different if the deliverance had been done in a quieter manner, but I rather doubt it, since the reason for the strong reaction was the profit motive. If we are going to do the things Jesus did, (John 14:12) then we have to be prepared, at least emotionally, for people to respond as they did to Jesus, and He was scourged and crucified. (John 15:20) However, we shouldn’t let that hold us back, but like Jesus, fix our eyes on the joy that is set before us. (Hebrews 12:2, Philippians 3:12-14)

Well, this certainly applies to me! I have made all of the mistakes I just mentioned, failing to act because I was looking at myself instead of at Christ, fearing the response of men instead of seeking the approval of God. I am to speak the truth in love at all times, even when that truth seems harsh or is unwelcome. That’s easier said than done, because I want people to like me as much as anyone does. I’ve got to love them enough to risk their not liking me! Also, deliverance is an area in which I’ve not seen the results I wanted. I need to be fully submitted to my Lord so that I may stand against the devil and his spirits in full assurance and have them flee, just as Paul did. I am not to be bound by political correctness, but speak God’s truth in love, so that His dominion may be established in lives and hearts all around me, for His glory.

Father, You know the people who came to mind as I was writing about deliverance just now. I ask for Your timing, Your clear guidance, Your boldness, and Your love, so that those people and more may be set free indeed, for their great blessing and Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!

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January 26, 2014

Posted on January 28, 2014 by jgarrott

Acts 15:16-17 ” `After this I will return
and rebuild David’s fallen tent.
Its ruins I will rebuild,
and I will restore it,
that the remnant of men may seek the Lord,
and all the Gentiles who bear my name,
says the Lord, who does these things'”

Various teachers and groups have caught the significance of this quote from Amos 9 being used at this crucial point in Church history. David’s tent, referenced here, was the one he erected on Mt. Zion for the Ark of the Covenant when he brought it to Jerusalem, as recorded in 2 Samuel 6. The reason that was so significant was that the Ark was not hidden from the public, as it had been in the Tabernacle of Moses and later was in Solomon’s Temple, and it was not only visible, it was honored with 24/7 worship by choirs of Levites. Since from the time God commanded its construction through Moses the Ark had signified the manifest Presence of God, this was a huge deal. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit had indeed brought the Presence of God to all believers, and not just a select few. That James quoted this from Amos at this juncture was an affirmation that Gentiles were included without discrimination in God’s plan. We tend to focus on this Jerusalem Council from that standpoint, but we need to remember what God’s plan was, into which Gentiles were being accepted. That plan was for intimate, direct interaction between God and individual believers, through praise and worship by the Holy Spirit. In recent decades we have seen a huge revival of praise and worship in churches of all denominations. That’s a good thing, even though some make it into a show from which the Holy Spirit has been excluded, invalidating the whole thing. The “Tabernacle of David” is another way of saying what Jesus said to the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s Well: “Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:23-24) Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, every believer has direct access to God by the Holy Spirit, and that is what God desires.

This is something I discovered years ago and which I have been trying to communicate ever since, but many people are like the children of Israel at Mt. Sinai, desiring an intermediary rather than direct access to God. (Deuteronomy 18:16) I seek to help them understand that He loves them just as much as He loves me, but they won’t make the time to get to know Him on a daily basis. This is both amazing and frustrating to me. I am very aware from my own experience that there is no end to the distractions that try to pull us away from intimacy with God, but if we will make it a priority, He will more than meet us halfway. I can’t force anyone to make it a priority, but I can demonstrate the benefits of doing so and encourage them to join me. At the same time, I need to stand in the gap for them in prayer, doing battle against the enemy of our souls so that they may have a better chance of appropriating all that God has provided for them in Christ.

Father, in many ways this is the whole of the ministry You’ve given me. Help me never give up, but draw closer and closer to You so that Your Spirit through me may impart Your truth and set people free, for their salvation and Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!

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January 25, 2014

Posted on January 28, 2014 by jgarrott

Acts 10:43 “All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

We tend to forget that when the events recorded in the New Testament took place, the New Testament didn’t yet exist. In 2 Peter 3:16 Peter refers to Paul’s letters as on a level with “the other Scriptures,” but when this happened, Paul hadn’t yet written any of the letters that are currently part of the Bible. However, they did have the Old Testament, and Jesus had no trouble explaining the things about Himself using the Old Testament, when He walked to Emmaus with a couple of believers after His resurrection. (Luke 24:27) Some churches focus so exclusively on the New Testament that you might not even know the Old Testament existed, from attending their services, but God spoke through all of the writers, from Moses through John, and we do well to pay attention. The historical records are given to encourage us (Romans 15:4) and to give us examples of what it is to follow or not follow God. (Hebrews 4:11) Jesus is, of course, central to the whole Bible, but we miss a lot if we think He isn’t in the Old Testament simply because He isn’t mentioned by that Name.

I don’t think I was ever given the impression that the Old Testament wasn’t important, by my parents or any of my other teachers. I like to refer to Isaiah as “The Gospel according to Isaiah” because it has so much in it about the Messiah. I’ve always loved Psalms, and in recent years Habakkuk has become very meaningful to me. I find I am more and more approaching the attitude of the writer of Psalm 119, and that is very pleasing to me. I want to be a “Biblioholic!” I want to soak in the richness of the Word of God, as it is recorded and as He speaks it to my heart. More than that, I want to be one who puts it into practice, not deceiving myself into thinking that because I admire it, that’s enough. (James 1:22) Words are an expression of the will of the one speaking or writing them, and I want to be an expression of the will of God, for His glory.

Father, thank You for the environment in which I was raised, which was steeped in Your Word. Thank You for the generations before me who loved, studied, and applied Your Word. Thank You for the joyful privilege of opening the treasures of Your Word to others. Thank You for the guidance of the Holy Spirit in everything regarding Your Word. May I indeed handle it correctly, (2 Timothy 2:15) so that it may accomplish everything for which You send it. (Isaiah 55:11) Thank You. Praise God!

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