Needed: Reformation – Chapter 5

Posted by & filed under Franks Blog.

Reformation in the Past

 

If we look at church history it would seem that there were two other times when there was reformation.

 

From the 1st century to about 300 AD the church spread throughout the Roman world.  There were many things against the early church: the Roman Empire, pagan gods, superstitions, etc. Yet within 60 years the Gospel of the church had been planted throughout the Roman Empire.

 

The second reformation took place in 1500 AD. Martin Luther discovered an old truth (new to him): justification by faith alone – that stepped out and into the pages of history. Most of what we have in our Western civilization can be traced back to this reformation.

 

In the first reformation the Gospel got into the hands of the people and transformed the Roman Empire. In the second reformation the Word of God got into the hands of God’s people again. It is electrifying to see what happened. Two college professors did a study on whom and what made the biggest impact upon the United States. They went through thousands of documents, essays and speeches that had made the biggest impact upon our nation to see who was quoted the most. They discovered three men: John Locke, Mononisque and Blackburn. They discovered also that when these three men were quoted it was when they were quoting the Bible.

 

Studying our history, as well as what we have in Western Europe, the Word of God has made an impact in our culture. It is interesting to see that the new EU Constitution was recently rejected in France. In that constitution they had left out the Word of God and anything to do with Christianity.

 

Today we need a reformation that will bring the work of God back into the hands of God’s people. For too long it has been in the hands of the professionals: clergy, priests, paid pastors etc. Now it is time for the work of the Lord to be brought back into the hands of God’s people. We read in 1 Peter 2:9 “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”

 

Just as Martin Luther discovered the truth of justification by faith and brought in the second reformation – so we also need to bring in another reformation of the truth; one where every believer is a priest and able to proclaim the “praises of him who called us out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9

 

We need a new reformation that frees God’s people from church – or perhaps what I should say – out from the four walls of what we call “church.” The real work of God is not done within the four walls of a building, but in the market place. The four walls are to train us for the work ‘out there.’

 

This reformation will shift us from strategic planning to spiritual guidance, prayer, etc. So much of what we do today is done through worldly marketing ideas, planning, etc. instead of realizing that God’s work must be done God’s way and through prayer.

 

One last thing that I would like to share about reformation is how we need to see a shift to ‘apostolic’ leadership. This doesn’t mean that pastoral leadership is not necessary, because it is, but we will begin to see that a part of the Body of Christ has been in a locked down situation of not being recognized. 

 

However, this is beginning to change and new wine skins are being developed that will engage the world in bringing hope to the millions who now have no hope. God is on the move.

Ready To Face Death?

Posted by & filed under Michael K Dietz, Mikes Blog.

Ready to Face Death?

 

I was talking with a man about a 9/11 video I just watched. In one scene it showed people in the tower looking out the windows above the flames knowing that death was coming. I asked him how would you meet death. Will you try and run from it or will you meet it head on? He asked me what I would have done. I told him, “I hoped I would get as many people together, calm them down and tell them that this is not the end but only the beginning, because of what Jesus did for them.” He did not like my answer so he finished the conversation with, “I believe in re-incarnation.”

 

Lord, today Your children are mocked; an object of scorn and ridicule by those around them. Therefore, help us to stand up for the glory of Your name, and forgive us for not bringing honor to You. People treat what You have done for them as a joke, and when they are on the brink of death, they will reject what You have done for them.

 

Revive Your children once more, so that people will know that we are a people that You have blessed. Help us to pray day and night continually, taking no rest, so that the message of Your truth will go out throughout our land. Help us to shout out, “Look, the Savior of the world is coming, and He brings His reward with Him.” Then we will be called, “Holy people; the people redeemed by the Lord.” For You have anointed Your children to bring the good news of salvation, to comfort the brokenhearted, and to proclaim that people can be released and freed from the bondage of sin. Today is the day to know the Lord’s favor, and it will help you to not be afraid to meet death face to face.

 

Remember, that there are three things that will last forever: faith, hope, and love; the greatest of these is love. So let love be your highest goal! For love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

 

Needed: Reformation – Chapter 4

Posted by & filed under Franks Blog.

What We Need Reformation – Part 2

 

The third thing that we need to ask ourselves is in regards to our culture: Is the church making an impact in our culture today? Who is in control in our culture? Is it God or is it Satan?

 

When we turn on TV what do we see: programs that honor God or Satan? When we listen to modern music what do we hear: music that honors God or Satan? When we consider art, music, films, etc. what are we confronted with: do we see something that honors God or Satan?

 

Chuck Colson was speaking to a group of pastors about engaging our culture today. He said that one of the pastors came up and asked a question: “But won’t engaging the culture this way interfere with fulfilling the Great Commission? Isn’t it our job to win people to Christ?”

 

Chuck’s response to this was: “Of course we’re called to fulfill the Great Commission, but we are also called to fulfill the cultural commission. Christians are agents of God’s saving grace in bringing others to Christ, but we are also agents of His common grace. We are to sustain and renew His creation, defend the created institutions of family and society, and critique false worldviews.”

 

I was reading a book on the Nazi conscience. I was wondering how a nation that had a Christian heritage turn in such a way that millions would be killed.

 

We all have a conscience, but the question is: What is the conscience set on? For example, I think of some of the different religions in the world such as Hinduism. They have what is known as Sati (wife burning). When the husband dies they throw the wife (alive) on the burning pyre so that she might be with him in the next life in reincarnation. Their conscience does not seem to bother them. My conscience would. What makes the difference?  It depends on what their conscience is set on. For me it is set on the Bible with a biblical worldview. This makes a difference. The Hindu has a Hindu worldview. It is a difference of belief. 

 

So it would seem that what we believe is very important.  What is remarkable to me is that a nation that supposedly is a Christian nation (nominally) would have a Christian belief and still do what they did during the war? How was a nation’s conscience cauterized to allow something like that to happen? Also, where was the church in the midst of it all?

 

Then I think of the USA with over fifty million babies that have been aborted. Where was the church? What happened to bring us to this point? Where is the church in the midst of it all?

 

While reading this book several things stood out for me. First, we see that it was a time of lax moral codes in the country. No morals, no truth. It was a time when the moral people (probably the church) felt that something needed to be done, but what and by whom? It seemed that there was a sense of impotence. It was at this time that the man Hitler rose up. At first he appeared as a man of morals giving voice to what many felt. He was a good speaker and a charismatic character. He was sharing what many people felt and through his charisma many fell for his propaganda.

 

Next we find that Hitler had a tremendous propaganda mill and through this he began to pour out the poison. In one sense what he was doing through his propaganda mill was to engage the major issues of the day and give an answer. What the German preachers should have been doing we find Hitler doing. We know the rest of the story with the Holocaust. Biblical preaching is engaging the major issues of the day and giving a biblical response.

 

Through the constant barrage of propaganda, people’s thinking and belief began to change which in turn affected their conscience, setting the barriers for the conscience. Once that happened it was easy to lead them to other things as well. This is what we see today in our own culture.

 

Later when Hitler took more and more power, it was even more difficult for any opposition to what he was doing. He also used thugs to help bring about his message by fomenting fear in the hearts of anyone who did not agree with the propaganda. What do we encounter today when we speak out against a homosexual lifestyle?

 

So where was the church? Did they see? Did they understand the dynamics that were taking place? Perhaps some did and they did speak out to their own detriment. I think of Bonhoeffer who was eventually put into prison and later hanged.

 

Looking today at our culture in the West makes me want to cry out for reformation.

Daily Devotional – This is the last one for 10 days

Posted by & filed under Mikes Blog.

Who can know the Lord’s thoughts? Who knows enough to give Him advice? How impossible it is for us to understand the wisdom behind His decisions and His ways!

 

So don’t think highly of yourself, but fear what could happen if you stop trusting Him. Have we become tired of trusting Him, is that why we no longer ask for His help? Instead, give your bodies to Him, because of all that He has done for us. Remember, true worship of Him is living a holy life that He finds acceptable. Don’t copy the rituals and customs of other religions, but let Him transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

 

Remember,  God’s gifts and His call can never be withdrawn from you. So listen to the Lord who created you, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; and you are Mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up. Others have given up their lives so that you might have My book of truth! I allowed them to die, some were martyred and died horrible deaths so that you might have this book of truth. Remember that you are precious to Me, and I love you.”

 

When we become His witnesses, and His servants, we can bless those who persecute us; we can pray that God will capture their heart and bless them with His salvation. We will not pay back evil with more evil. We will do things in such a way that everyone can see we are honorable. Then evil will not conquer us, but we will conquer evil by doing good. So let us all wait quietly before God to hear Him and obey Him. Because your hope is in Him pour out your heart to Him, and understand that He is God. There is no other God- there never has been, and there never will be. From eternity to eternity He is God. Therefore, no one can snatch you out of His hand, and no one can undo what He has done.

 

Thank You Lord!

 

Daily Devotional – I will not post another devotional for 10 days

Posted by & filed under Mikes Blog.

Son, I am your God; I will strengthen and help you. With My unfailing love, I will stand with you. I will be your refuge, a place of safety when you are in distress. With My help you will do mighty things. So don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I will hold you up with my right hand. I am here to help you.

 

Today I call on My children to stand for the truth and righteousness. When they do what I ask I will take them by the hand and lead them down My path. The key that unlocks the gate to My path is that you must confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, and you will be saved. For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved, and they will be My children; the children of the living true God.

 

Son, what I am about to do – all of My children will understand it’s meaning. Everything I prophesied in the past has come true, and now I will prophesy again. I will tell you the future before it happens. So who will truly hear these lessons from the past and know the ruin that awaits those who refuse to listen? “America, since your leaders have refused to walk on My path, and obey My law, I will pour out My fury on them. They will be enveloped in flames, and be consumed by fire, but even after this they will not learn their lesson, and turn to Me.”

 

Listen to what the Muslims will say after this; for they have great enthusiasm for their god, but it is only misdirected zeal. Listen to what comes from their mouths, and all of the sinful things they say. They say that they have the only way, how false this is! So they will be captured by their pride, and any nation that accepts this teaching will be split.

 

Tell these Muslims to present their case – that their religion is the only true way. Let them show what they can do. Ask them to tell what happened long ago before the words, “In the beggining,” so that everyone may consider the evidence. Have them tell you what the future holds, so we can know what’s going to happen. Since they cannot do either – they are less than nothing. Their teachers are as empty as the wind. Those who choose this false religion will pollute themselves in believing their lies, and they will become foolish, and worthless to Me.

 

For I will not share My glory with this worthless religion. Because, they are people who rob, plunder, trap, enslave, imprison and threaten to kill people if they don’t follow them – when they stand before Me on judgment day they will have no one to protect them, and no one will stand up for them.  I, The Lord, have spoken!

Daily Devotional

Posted by & filed under Mikes Blog.

People today say, “Let there be peace in my lifetime!” But what about the next generation?

 

People, haven’t you heard? Don’t you understand? Are you so deaf to the words of God-that you don’t know that the Sovereign Lord is coming in power, and that He will have His righteous rule, just like He said?  People, have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth, and He has never grown weak. He has never become weary of listening to our humble prayers. People, have you become so ignorant, to think that the Lord does not see what is taking place today! People, remember what He said, in that the grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever!

 

People, does it mean God no longer loves you if you have troubles, and are persecuted, hungry, destitute, or threatened with death? Those people who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint, and with God’s help they will do mighty things in His Name.

 

People who trust in The Lord are convinced that nothing can ever separate them from God’s love. Not death, demons, fears of today and not even the worries of tomorrow. No, not even the powers of hell can separate them from God’s love. Yet, we suffer in this flesh, but it is nothing compared to the glory He will reveal to us later. For we long to be released from sin and suffering. But, we must wait for the day when God gives us full rights as His adopted children, including the new bodies He has promised us.

 

Oh, what a miserable person I am to think, “Let there be peace and security during my lifetime.” Who will free me from thinking like this, for my life is still dominated by sin? What will happen to the next generation following behind me? The answer is Jesus Christ, in surrendering to His Spirit and allowing Him to control my mind and way of life; for this will lead me to the peace I need. When I am controlled by the Spirit, I am confirming that I am one of God’s children. Therefore, I can know that God causes everything to work for the good of those who love Him. What can I say about such wonderful things as this; nothing can ever separate me from Christ’s love!

Needed: Reformation – Chapter 3

Posted by & filed under Franks Blog.

Why We Need Reformation

 

In Chapter 2 we saw something about reformation – that of bringing us back to our foundation in our Christian faith. But the question might be asked: Why do we need reformation?

 

In this chapter I would like to answer this question by asking other questions.

 

The first set of questions is dealing with our personal lives, starting with: Is our life in tune with what we profess to believe? Let’s take our faith in what we profess to believe. George Barna made waves by citing statistics showing that only 9% of all born again adults and just 7% of Protestants possess a biblical worldview.

 

What is a Biblical worldview? It includes a belief in absolute moral truth as defined by Scripture, as well as the acceptance of six core biblical beliefs:

 

*The accuracy of biblical teaching

*The sinless nature of Jesus

*The literal existence of Satan

*The omnipotence and omniscience of God

*Salvation by grace alone

*The personal responsibility to evangelize

 

Only 9% of all born-again adults and 7% of Protestants believe these six core beliefs, according to researcher Frank Barna.

 

“The low percentage of Christians who have a biblical worldview is a direct reflection of the fact that half of our primary religious teachers and leaders do not have a biblical worldview.” (Barna quote) 

 

In most of our homes in the West you will find a Bible or two and many will know some of its content, but very few know how to integrate its teaching into a coherent life style and being able to respond to the challenges and opportunities that come our way. Like Frank Barna said: “We’re often more concerned with survival amidst chaos than with experiencing truth and significance.” However, those that do operate from a Biblical worldview will have widely different views on morality and the choices they make daily.

 

Reformation will bring a Biblical worldview back into our daily lives.

 

The second set of questions that we need to ask ourselves is: Are our ministries in tune with the Word of God? Before we answer this question let me ask some other questions about “ministry:”

 

  1. Our ministry – is it competition or completion? Do we find ourselves “competing” with other ministries rather than trying to see how we can “complete” them?
  2. Our ministry – is it “focused” or “fragmented?” We know that the opposite of focus is fragmentation. Do we see our purpose in the light of God’s Word and are we focused on that?
  3. Our ministry – is it a “relinquishing” or a “resisting” ministry? So often we (the professionals) hang onto the work and do not know how to relinquish to those that have been prepared for the task. We see this with Jesus when He ascended back to heaven and gave the task to His 12 disciples.
  4. Our ministry – is it “reconciliation” or “alienation?” In 2 Corinthians 5:18 we see that we have been given the message of reconciliation, but when we see the disunity in the church we wonder what happened to the message of reconciliation.
  5. Our ministry – is it the “letter of the law” or the “Spirit of life?” Is it rules and regulations or is it laying down Biblical principles to govern ourselves by?
  6. Our ministry – is it a “movement of God” or is it a “monument of man?” Many movements and even denominations that start out as a movement of God become more of a monument of man after one or two generations

 

These are questions that I ask myself when I read the Word of God and then look at the ministries that are taking place today. Reformation will bring us back to a Biblical ministry. You can go to www.menwithfaith.com and on the “teaching” page read more on this in my book: MINISTRY OF THE 21ST CENTURY where these questions are asked and answered.

 

We will take up the third question regarding our culture in our next chapter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Daily Devotional

Posted by & filed under Mikes Blog.

Today is the day of choosing, whether to serve the living God, or the god of this world.

 

Tell me what does the god of this world offer that so many have chosen? What promises has he made to those who follow his teaching? What future is ahead for those who keep their heads down so that they cannot see what is coming? It is easy to follow him and his diciples that require you to live and think only of satisfying your flesh. They shout out at those who follow the living God, “Don’t be deceived by the promise of your God that our rein will be short lived.”

 

Our leaders have sold out to the god of this world, and look at what it has lead to. Do they know the meaning of the word ‘justice?’ No! These leaders plot evil and the results are violence throughout the land. Therefore, today is a day of trouble, insults, and disgrace.

 

The true follower of Jesus must not follow the crowd in doing wrong, or be swayed by the crowd to twist justice. They need to pray, and lay out before Him all of the atrocities being done in our land, and say, “O Lord rescue us from their power; then everyone will know that You alone are God.”

 

Therefore, since we have been made right with God through Jesus Christ by faith, we have His peace and promise for the future. We can rejoice when we run into problems and trials, because sin does not control the way we live. We need to have control over our bodies and not allow the body, both physical body and Christ’s body, to become an instrument of evil. Instead, we will use our whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. Remember that we are a slave of whatever we choose to obey. So choose to do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life. There truly is a reward for those who live for God.

Daily Devotional

Posted by & filed under Mikes Blog.

Lord, everything is falling apart: wars throughout the world, threats of terrorism, lying leaders, and no one is safe on our streets. No one evens knows the truth, or even cares to know it. They have been told lies upon lies in our schools. We are governed by the sinful minority, who tell us that You do not exisit. They shout out at Your children, “What are you trusting in that makes you so confident? What makes you think that the Lord can rescue you?”

 

Do not ignore the cry of Your children for help! Please listen for we are overwhelmed by all of this. My heart pounds in my chest, because of the anger I have about what these wicked people say and do. They twist everything and Your people have become overwhelmed.

 

Son, these people don’t know where to find peace. But, what joy there is when a life has been cleared of sin. Being clear of sin is not based on being good, but on a right relationship with Me that comes by faith. 

 

So give your burdens to Me, and I will take care of you. In the days ahead there will be a great revival, and My children will stand for the truth and they will be martyred for it. Even though they have no reason for hope, they will keep believing, and will not waver in believing My promise even if it means death. In fact, their faith will grow stronger, because they will be fully convinced that I am able to do what I promised, and that is to raise them to life again with Me forever! 

 

So be strong, and do not fear, for I am coming! Soon you will walk on My Highway of Holiness; for only the redeemed can walk on it. The key to overcoming all that you see in the world, is you must learn to trust Me!

Daily Devotional

Posted by & filed under Mikes Blog.

Are you ready for Jesus’ return?

 

He is coming, so His children must make a declaration! Shout it out for all to hear that you follow Jesus. Tell everyone who will listen that, “God is my helper, and it is by His power that keeps me alive! He has and will continue to rescue me from my troubles.” Now is the day and time for His children to be united and stand up; showing the world God’s salvation with His power and might.

 

When His children search the Bible, they will know what is coming and how to be prepared. What He has promised in the Bible – He will do, and by His Spirit will make it all come true. So take courage! For It will be just as He said.

 

Only fools say in their hearts, “There is no God, and what is said in the Bible will not happen.” These people are corrupt, and their actions are evil; not one of them does good! Will these evil people ever learn? They never think of praying to God. Therefore, in the days ahead terror will grip them; terror like they have never known before. Why? Because God has rejected them, and tells them, “In the days ahead when you hear the truth, you will not understand it. When you see the way to go, you will not grasp it.” And all because their hearts have become hardened to the truth;  they will not turn to Me.

 

Therefore, My children prepare for my arrival!