Christian Tabernacle Ministries

18940 Johnson Rd                                                                                                                                          
Lincoln DE,19960                                                                                  Real Life Devotionals
302-422-6471                                                                                             November 2009


                                                                                                  


                                                                       What is Salvation?

     This is a tough subject to tackle in a relatively short devotional, or is it?  While eating breakfast with Pastor John and Derrick the other morning this exact subject came up.  While discussing this subject it was brought up that many people, saved and unsaved, make this issue far more complicated than it is.  The decision to accept Christ as our savior is a BIG decision but probably not as complicated as we make it out to be.  There is so much information out there.  Just do a Google search on it and hundreds of answers will populate.  In reading some of the answers that come up, it is no wonder there is much confusion about this. 


     What many of the Google answers don't contain is that we should go to the Bible for the truth. Imagine that, actually going to the word of God to let God explain this to us!  In doing so, one verse, yes one verse breaks down the tangled mess we have made of Salvation.  We see it all the time on TV, at many sporting events, someone is holding up a sign that reads simply "John 3:16".  This verse reads "“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (NIV).  The background on this verse is as follows:

1.  The believer knows that the Son that God sent was Jesus Christ
2.  The believer knows Jesus was born, was crucified, to pay the penalty for our sins, and then 3 days later rose again                                 
3.  The believer places his faith in Jesus Christ alone and in doing so will have eternal life
 

     Can the gift of salvation that God offers be as simple as that belief?  What about Baptism? What about repentance? What about good works? What about _________________? (Fill in the blank)  Acts Chapter 16 answers this question pretty candidly.  Paul and Silas had been thrown into prison for removing an evil spirit from a slave girl.  During the night there was a tremendous earthquake that opened all the doors to the prison.  The jailer, assuming all the prisoners had escaped, was about to kill his self out of shame and fear when Paul called out "Don't harm yourself we are all here".  In Acts 16:30 the jailer asks Paul and Silas, "Sirs what must I do to be saved?".  The answer is in the next verse, Acts 16-31, they replied "Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved". 

To further explain the simplicity of salvation I will refer to the Gospel of Luke.  While Jesus and the two criminals were hanging on the cross a conversation developed between them. One criminal was hurling insults at Jesus while the other one recognizes Jesus is truly God.  Verses 40 and 41 read “But the other criminal rebuked him,  "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence?  We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong."  Now that the criminal’s belief Jesus is God is established what follows will clearly show how faith in Jesus Christ alone is the way to salvation. Verse 42 Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom”.  Verse 43, Jesus answered him “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.  Jesus promised him salvation as the criminal was hanging on the cross dying!  There was no time for good works, baptism, or whatever else we care to try and add to salvation. 

     Jesus paid the price for our sins on the cross.  He accomplished something none of us are capable of, living on this earth the perfect child of God.  He suffered tremendously and for us to add ANYTHING to the Gift (Salvation) that is offered to every person living on this Earth just does not line up with the word of God. 

     Many people "believe there is a God".  Many people believe Jesus Christ, was born, died on the cross and rose again. Many people believe that God in the form of the Holy Spirit guides us through life at present, but the question is does that make them a Christian, are they saved?  In short,  no.  Those people believe in just the historical facts about God and Jesus and the Holy Spirit.  To obtain the gift of Salvation YOU must make those historical facts become personal.  YOU must tell God you know he died for YOU, YOUR sins and rose again to be able to offer you the gift only he can give. You must tell God you want to accept his gift and want to let God be the priority in your life. Most people say a simple prayer to God to let him know all of these things.  Some people are a little uncomfortable in doing this and I would urge you to see a Pastor or another Christian, (who believes these things) you are comfortable with.

     If you should have any questions about salvation Please see Pastor John, an Elder, or Church Member.  Don't let fear stand in your way on this issue, take action TODAY.  For other questions, comments or special prayer requests please call or e-mail me. 

                                                            In Christ
                                                        Lou Pisapia

302-531-7507
louispisapia@aol.com                                                                                  

ENTITLEMENT - The Silent Threat

Webster’s Dictionary defines entitlement as “belief that one is deserving of or entitled to certain privileges.”  This belief or attitude is slowly chipping away at the character that most parents want to see built into their children’s lives. If left unchecked, this mindset will manifest itself in adulthood.  The inability to handle life’s disappointments, unrealistic expectations of one’s spouse, inability to keep a job, a victim mentality, and depression plaque the life of the “entitled.”  The world-and the public school system-promote the philosophy that, “life owes me something” (health, a good job, peaceful retirement.)  It is a lie.  The truth is that everything we have is a gift from God.  When we embrace this truth we can begin to live a life of gratitude.  The result of living a life of gratitude is JOY.

As parents we may be unwittingly fostering this attitude in our children.  Many times our good intentions as parents can lead us down the path of entitlement for our children.  “How do I know if my child feels entitled?”  Some indicators are:

self-centeredness (How will it affect me?) unwilling to share - stingy

anger - especially when I don't get my way overly opinionated, or argumentative

taking things or people for granted expectation of privileges

overly demanding or needy attitude of "It's not fair!"

manipulative behavior lack of empathy toward others

push and nag to avoid limits or boundaries dissatisfaction

inability to distinguish between what is a "big deal" and what is not.

must have the best (name brand clothes, video games, phones) 

failure to take responsibility for actions (blaming others, making excuses)

expectation to be rewarded for ordinary or mediocre service

Identify possible parenting traps by asking yourself the questions in the following categories.

PRIMARY CAUSES

Child-Centered Parenting - Parent's lives completely revolve around the child(ren).  The child's needs are put before everyone else's needs and must be met when the child deems necessary.   Do you make special food for your child because they don't like what everyone else is having for dinner?

Does your child decide what time he/she will go to bed and where will he/she will sleep.

Does your child expect you to help with homework?

Does your child habitually expect you to bring things to school or work that were left behind?

Guilt Parenting

This often happens in families of divorce.  Often divorce brings with it a sense of failure and guilt that causes parents to be reluctant to say "No" to children.  Purchases and privileges are based on what the child wants rather than their merit.  In addition the extra stresses placed on single parents can result in a "purchase rather than parent" pattern.  What every child truly needs is time.  You are the most valuable thing you can share with your child.

Are you afraid of how your child will feel if he/she is the only one without the latest (cell phone, game,etc)?

Do you think that your child's self image will suffer if they don't wear brand name clothing?

Do shop for yourself at Good Will but would never suggest buying something from there for your child?

Do you feel that the latest toy helps to compensate because you cannot be at home when they come from school?

Do you have fear that they may prefer to be with your ex-spouse if you don't keep them entertained or happy?

Do you want them to have all the stuff you didn't have as a child?

Excuse Parenting

Wonderful parents that love their children more than life itself can fall into this trap as well.  It makes us uncomfortable to recognize the sin nature that is present in our children.  The slow progression from the innocence at birth, to the rebellious teen years, is so gradual that we can miss the Biblical truth that sin causes children to be self-biased.  It is easy to make excuses for misbehavior, especially when you’re away from home such as: 

"He has missed his nap and is really tired." "I don't think she meant to hurt you." 

"I don't think she understood that it was wrong." "No really, she doesn't lie" 

"I just think that teacher doesn't like him." My child tells me everything...we have a really good relationship"

If you have recognized yourself in any of these primary causes, don’t despair you’re not alone!  It is possible to reverse the destructive mindset of entitlement

What is your initial response when:  (circle the number)

Another child gets the first place ribbon when you know your child has worked very hard at the Science Fair.

        1. That's not right.  She didn't work as hard and her display was not.......

        2.  Congratulations!  I'm happy for you.......

        3.  I'm thankful for all the work that goes into Science Fair because my         child always learns a lot.

Your child brings home a discipline note.

        1.  If that teacher would.......

        2.  I've seen other kids do that, how come you got in trouble?

3.  What are you responsible for?  Where your choices wise or unwise?

You pay a bill late.

1.  I can't believe they charged me a late fee.  I've been doing business there for ......yrs.

2.  It should be "written off" because it was my first time.

3.  I need to organize my bill paying better so this doesn't happen again.

Your parent's estate was equally distributed to help with the grandchildren's college, but you have 2 more children than your sibling.

1.  I always thought he/she was their favorite.

2.  This isn't fair, our children will have less because there are more of them.

3.  This will really help because college is expensive.

A policy and procedure change was made at work which alters your schedule.

1.  That's the time that I usually.... we never did it this way before.

2.  Now I can't take lunch when I like to.

3.  I wonder why management is trying this.

A new music director was hired at your church and you don't like the music.

1.  I'm not singing in the choir anymore.

2.  I don't care for the music, but maybe others do.

3.  I hope the change brings about a good response.

The pastor announces that the building fund money will be used for new windows, but you thought it should be used for new carpeting.

1.  I'm not giving my money to the building fund anymore

2.  I think the congregation should have voted on it.

3.  We really do need new carpet, but the windows are in bad shape too.

You have to give evaluations that affect pay raises at work.

1.  I'm going to give everyone the same raise because they all could use it.

2.  I'll rate everyone medium high because we could all improve and nobody's perfect.

3.  I'll give raises based on job performance.

REMEDIES FOR ENTITLEMENT

1.  Recognize and eliminate entitlement attitudes in your own life.  Begin modeling a life of gratitude.

2.  Build your child's self esteem by setting goals and encouraging achievement.

3.  Say "yes" to your child as often as possible except when it causes harmful stress or sacrifice on the part of others.

4.  Allow failure and its consequences to be tools for teaching.  Lowering standards or making exceptions for your child only perpetuates entitlement.

5.  Replace the "princess" or "you are special" mentality with a Biblical "you are unique" mindset.  This teaches that our Creator blessed them with gifts and abilities that are designed to glorify Him by serving others.  Gratitude to God for our bodies, personalities, and abilities is liberating.

6.  Teach your child perseverance through adversity.  One of life's hardest lessons is to learn to continue to do something when it is no longer fun.  It is important that our children learn to work past the point of discomfort.  If we remove their struggles, we also remove their victories.

7.  Put them to work.  When children work to earn the perks that they are so used to freely getting, they learn the value of a dollar.  They are more likely to take care of the items they buy because they worked for them.

8.  Eliminate the concept of a weekly allowance for chores.  Give an allowance to cover weekly expenses such as money for sports events or food.  Chores need to be completed just because your child is part of the family and with that comes responsibility.  Provide "extra" jobs to earn money for the "extras" that they want.

9.  Teach the importance of charity by creating or requiring service to others.  Serving others can be an enlightening and rewarding experience.  It reinforces the Biblical principal of serving the Lord by serving others. (Mk. 10 :45)

10. Replace "things" in their life with you.  Children equate love and importance with time.  Watch a television show with them.  Show an interest in something they like.  Listen, listen, listen!  Really pay attention when they are talking.  We all want to be heard.  This will do more to build self worth, independence and confidence than any designer label or new gadget.