Till death do us part?

     The words “till death do us part” are used commonly in marriage ceremony after marriage ceremony. In today’s culture, it has become clear that many people do not mean what they say. They are just empty words.

     I grew up in a broken home. Dad was not around to watch us grow and to teach us how to be men. He was not there to teach me how to be a good husband and father. Mom had left my dad when he was serving in the Navy. She broke the marriage covenant. She did not mean what she said.

     This is something I see in families every day. People are so willing to walk away. They did not mean what they said either. Innocent people are hurt over our selfishness and unwillingness to be committed. Kids are caught in the middle and deal with a lifetime of insecurity and inconsistency.

     Ten years ago tomorrow, I married my bride Amey. I said that I was committed to her and to our family “till death do us part.” This is not only a commitment to her and the kids, but more importantly, it is a commitment to God whom I serve. I meant what I said “till death do us part.” I am celebrating 10 years of commitment and I can’t wait for the next ten!

Greg Edens

When is enough enough?

     I was asked recently, “when is enough enough?” In context, the question was basically “when do we stop helping someone in need, especially when they have bad habits that could add to the problem?” The answer is simple if we are willing to look at Scripture on the issue. In this case, we cannot do too much to love people to Christ!

     In Acts chapter 2:42-47 Luke writes, “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles.  All the believers were together and had everything in common.  Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,  praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”

     I agree that every situation is different so we need to pray about being good stewards of God’s resources, but I do not see God putting a limit on how much we , the Church, should help. Some people who are coming to Christ have so much baggage that they need help unpacking. The Apostle Paul said, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).

     No matter where you land on this topic, there is a level of compassion and patience that, as believers, we are expected to extend to people who are searching out their faith. I think we would all agree that Christ has handled us patiently and compassionately. Never did he say to us enough is enough! Instead, when we were in the worst possible condition, Jesus sacrificed everything, giving his very life for us (Romans 5:8).

 

So when is enough really enough?

                                                                                                      

Greg Edens

Read and Remember!

     We are more than half way through this year of “surrender” at the Valley. At the beginning of the year we made our own commitments to pray, read, sacrifice, serve, and belong. Many of us made the commitment to read through the entire Bible this year. How is that commitment going for you? Have you continued in the commitment you made to the Lord? I hope so.

     I am sticking to my commitment to not only read through the Bible this year, but I have also memorized more Scripture this year than ever before. In fact, I have memorized Psalm 1:1-6, Psalm 27:13-14, Isaiah 53:1-12, Philippians 4:8-9 and now I have memorized Philippians 2:1-11. This is a text that we are supposed to be memorizing together. Have you memorized Philippians 2:1-11? If not, why not?

     Memorizing Scripture serves several purposes. First, it allows us to meditate on God’s Word throughout the day. Second, while we are praying we can pray Scripture. Third, it is much easier to call Scripture to mind when talking with someone who could benefit from it. I cannot tell you how many times God has used specific Scriptures I have memorized to speak into someone’s life. Finally, it gives us a hunger to know more of God’s word.

     If you have not memorized Philippians 2:1-11 yet, I challenge you read it, meditate on it, memorize it, pray it, and share it with someone else. You will be blessed.

Be biblical. Be faithful,

Greg Edens

PUT IT ON!

Hello friends,

     This past Sunday we talked about putting on the full armor of God which Paul spoke of in Ephesians 6:10-18. In fact, Paul says, “Put on the full armor of God” twice in just a few verses (11, 13). When it’s repeated it’s important. Paul wants to get our attention as soldiers of Christ in order that we be prepared for spiritual battle.

     The phrase “put on the full armor of God” in the original Greek language is written in a way that means to put it on immediately and leave it on permanently. How do we put on the full armor of God? We pray it on!

     We need to tell God that we want to put on the “belt of truth.” Much like the belt holds our clothing together, God’s truth holds together our faith and trust in Him. The “breastplate of righteous-ness” protects our heart from being misled by the “devils schemes,” just as it protects the vital organs of a soldier in combat. “Feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” Roman soldiers wore shoes to protect their feet especially when running. The “gospel of peace will protect us as we are pre-pared to take the gospel to others. We need to “run” with the gospel because the message is urgent and lifesaving. We also need to “take up the shield of faith” to protect us from Satan’s attacks and he will attack! Finally, we need to “take up the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” The soldier’s helmet protected his head and his sword was the primary weapon for battle. Likewise, we need to “put on the helmet” to protect our minds from the evil one and we need to fight with our primary weapon, the Word of God.

Are you ready for battle?  

Be biblical. Stay faithful,

Greg Edens

So What?

     Hello church. We just finished our sermon series Walk The Line which challenged all of us to be more surrendered to Jesus in the pivotal areas of life. We said that we want to “walk the line” of moral decency according to the Word of God with our values, our minds, our bodies, our relationships, our attitudes and our speech.

     Now I have to ask the question, So What? What I mean is, so what impact has it had on you? I am asking all of you to post a testimony or story, on the blog page, telling how God has changed you in this series. Are there some things you are doing differently? Did the Holy Spirit convict you in a certain area or situation that brought you to an attitude of repentance? Please give me your response.

     I shared a few stories about me and how God challenged my thinking and behavior during the series. God convicted me of some of the television programming I watched. The things we allow in our minds affect our behaviors. God also convicted me of the way I respond sometimes in conversations. It raised the question, “How do I respond to Amey and the kids when I am busy or frustrated?” I need to be aware. Remember we need to think biblically so that we live biblically. I look forward to hearing from you.

Be biblical. Stay faithful.

Greg Edens

God is moving in this place!

What an incredible Easter celebration we had at the Valley. Nearly 90 people attended the two services and Jesus was exalted at the Valley. That’s not all! Dessalena Graw and Antonia Pope both made a decision to be baptized this Sunday, April 30^th right after the service. What a powerful morning at the Valley. God is moving in this place!

 

Be biblical. Stay faithful,

 

Greg Edens

 

Replacing Behaviors

    

Yesterday, in our sermon series Walk the Line, we talked about replacing behaviors that take our minds where they need not go. In fact, we said that biblical thinking leads to biblical living. Do you and I want to  walk the line when it comes to our minds? Do we long to honor God with the things we allow in our minds?

    Philippians 4:7-8 says, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

     As I told you, the message had a great impact on me as I was writing the sermon last week and has already caused me to make changes in the television programs I watch. This week, I am considering what other behaviors I need to replace in order to surrender my thinking to the Lordship of Jesus even more in 2011. What about you? What are some of the behaviors you need to replace? Is it movies, music, people, places, video games, etc.? Simply put, trash in, trash out!

Be biblical. Stay faithful,

Greg Edens

Comfortable Christianity?

Friends,

     I just watched the controversial video by Pastor Rob Bell that promotes his book Love Wins. In this video he discounts the fact that God will judge all of mankind. Bell also discounts the fact that there really is a Hell, a place where people, by their own choice, are eternally separated from God. In fact Bell poses the question, “Do we know this for sure?” To answer your question Rob, YES!

     This topic came up in our Bible study this morning and it is amazing how God works. I came to the church, The Valley, to do my personal devotion time with the Lord and opened the Bible where I left off yesterday and there it was, Matthew 13! If only Rob Bell would have read the words of Jesus before he wrote this book maybe he would have found the answer to his question without misleading others too.

     Matthew 13 is all about God’s judgment. Several times, in this chapter, Jesus speaks in parables and he is speaking about judgment day. In fact, in Matthew 13:24-30 Jesus tells the parable of the weeds, but then he defines the meaning of that parable in Matthew 13:36-43.
     Later, Jesus tells the Parable of the Net. In this Parable, Jesus says, “Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. “Have you understood all these things?” Jesus asked. “Yes,” they replied.  He said to them, “Therefore every teacher of the law who has been instructed about the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old” (Matthew 13:47-52 NIV).

     By-the-way, Jesus also preached in his Sermon on the Mount, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it” (Matthew 7:13-14).  We have to be willing to preach both sides of God’s message. God is love and God is judge. We have a choice to make. Choose God or not! Jesus said, “Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven” (Matthew 10:32-33).

     Bell's book is a reminder to me that we would rather be comfortable with God rather than confronted by Him! Rob Bell is right in one sense, love does win! Jesus paid it all when no one else could (John 14:6). The question is, whose side are you on?

Be Biblical. Stay faithful,

Greg Edens

Tsunami

     By now everyone has heard about the earthquake that hit Japan on March 11^th. The tsunami that followed only added to the devastation. Many of us have read the news articles and watched the videos of people and property being swept away so easily by the waves that were nearly four stories high. It is amazing to witness the destructive power of water.

     The Associated Press (AP) released an article this morning telling the story of Minami Sato. The article said, “Growing up in this small fishing town on Japan's northeastern coast, 16-year-old Minami Sato never took the annual tsunami drills seriously. She thought the town's thick, two-story-high harbor walls would protect against any big wave.” In other words, Minami did not believe it was even possible that a tsunami could have this type of devastating impact on her community.

     This story could really be about us. All of us are guilty of refusing to admit the devastating impact that sin has had on our culture, community, country and across the world. There has been a tsunami of sin in our culture and like Minami, many do not take the warning signs seriously. The immorality in this world is having a major impact on the generations behind us.

     Think with me for a moment. Sexual immorality alone has grown considerably in our culture. Statistics show that many would rather cohabitate and have the benefits of marriage without the risk of commitment. Sex before marriage, as well as sex outside of marriage  have become more accepted. Divorce is on the rise and family is being redefined by our government as they try to force the acceptance of homosexuality. God designed family! Who are we to change God’s design?

     Minami Sato trusted that the two story harbor wall would protect her small town off the northeast coast of Japan but it failed to do so. The same is true for the Church. People expect that the church would protect their community from a tsunami, but just as the harbor wall failed Minami, the church is failing people. Many times we fail to stand in the face of immorality and slow the destruction of sin. In Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus called us salt and light. Salt slows the decay and light shines in the darkness. This is exactly what the Church, the body of Christ, should be doing. We should be slowing the decay of immorality. We should be shining the light of Jesus in this dark world.

Let’s go and be the Church,

Greg Edens

Marriage

     During my devotion time this morning in 1 Corinthians 7 God showed me something about my marriage. In this chapter, Paul writes to believers about the responsibility each spouse has in the marriage, as designed by God. But what struck me this morning was what Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 7:8-9. Paul says, “Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I am. But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion” (NIV).

     I have read 1 Corinthians several times and these two verses have never caught my attention quite the way they did today. It is a good reminder to me that the Word of God always speaks even when we have read it again and again. While reading these two verses my mind immediately thought about my wife, Amey. In particular 1 Corinthians 7:9 reminded me that Amey is a gift that God has placed in my life in order that I would not sin against him by burning with unholy passion and being tempted by sexual immorality. My marriage is an incredible picture of God’s protection over me if I am willing to honor him. My marriage to Amey is designed to keep me from sin! I am passionate for my bride.

     This does not mean that marriage is always easy. Marriage takes work. Gary Thomas, in his book Sacred Marriage, asks the question, “What if God designed marriage to make us holy more than to make us happy?” This morning, I am grateful to God that He designed marriage, and more specifically that he designed Amey to make me holy. What about you? For those who are married, are you grateful to God for the gift of marriage today?

Stay faithful

Greg Edens

"Pass it on"

     An article was released this past Tuesday by The Lookout stating that Coca Cola’s secret ingredients may no longer be a secret at all. In the article, writer Brett Dykes said, “One of the most closely guarded trade secrets in the history of commerce may be a secret no more: the radio show "This American Life" thinks it has found the exact recipe for the world's most popular soft drink in a 1979 newspaper article.” Dykes continued, “According to the show's host, Ira Glass, the drink's secret flavoring component, which was created by pharmacist John Pemberton in 1886, is something called "Merchandise 7X." The show's staff recently stumbled across the February 8, 1979 edition of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, which published an article on page 28 about a leather-bound notebook that once belonged to Pemberton's best friend, another pharmacist in the Atlanta area named R. R. Evans. The notebook contained a number of pharmacological recipes--but the main entry, for students of commercial history, was what's believed to be the exact recipe for the soft drink: all of the ingredients listed with the exact amounts needed to whip up a batch.”

     John Pemberton, the inventor of Coca-Cola, passed on a very important document with some very valuable information to someone he was close to, his best friend. In this case, Dr. Pemberton did not want this information “leaked” to anyone. No pun intended! The information was top secret.

     Not so with the Book of Life (The Bible). You see, God passed on some very valuable information to all of us through His Holy Word. In it, He teaches us about himself as the Creator and Sustainer of life. He teaches us about the “fall” of mankind, our need for Him, His love and desire for us through the sacrificial death of His Son and our Savior Jesus. In it, God teaches us how to have a successful life by living according to his standard and truth. It is of greatest value, and I am happy to say that it is not “top secret.” Instead, God has made His Word available to everyone and much like John Pemberton, we should desire to pass it on to those we love. Not for the purpose of keeping it secret, but for the purpose of sharing the recipe for salvation. It’s no secret that His name is Jesus.

Pass it on!

Greg Edens

January 30th "Take the land"

     In Deuteronomy chapter 34 Moses dies. For 40 years Moses and the Israelites wandered in the desert. After Moses death God spoke to Joshua, Moses aide, saying “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites. I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates—all the Hittite country—to the Great Sea on the west. No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:2-9).

     In other words, God was commanding godly people to “Take the land.” He wanted the people to lead in a way that pleased God. But remember that not everyone was willing to go. In fact, in Numbers chapter 32 we read that the Reubenites, Gadites and the half tribe of Manaseh stayed east of the Jordan. In other words, they refused to go. This must have broken God’s heart. Some of God’s chosen people were unwilling to lead. It was all about what they wanted instead of what God wanted.

     God still commands godly people to “take the land.” In Matthew chapter 5 Jesus calls us “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world.” Salt preserves decay and so Jesus is saying that we are called to slow the moral decay in our culture. Light illuminates dark places and we are called to be light in a dark world. In Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” In other words, we are commanded to “take the land.” Things have not changed though. Still, people refuse to go. Even people who claim to follow Christ refuse to go.

     So what about us at the Valley. God wants a healthy church that is united to “take the land.” Are we willing to go or do some refuse to move forward because they want to stay where they have been? God does not want a church that wanders. Instead, God wants a church with vision that is willing to “take the land” for Christ. Lives depend on it!

 

Stay faithful,

Greg Edens

 

The Dangers of Easy Believism

     One of the most devastating things to plague American Christianity is the teaching of  “Easy Believism.” This is the belief that all one needs to do in order to have salvation is believe in Jesus and say the “sinner’s prayer.” Many of us know it as an “altar call.” This false teaching was first developed in the mid-19^th by Presbyterian evangelist Charles G. Finney and became more popular through the teaching of D.L. Moody. All you have to do is pray a prayer, nothing else, right? In other words, easy believism teaches people that all you have to do is pray a prayer and there does not have to be any life change, no repentance! But is this what the Word of God teaches us?

     James, the half-brother of Jesus, wrote, “My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does” (James 1:19-25).

     Does this sound like that all we have to do is pray a simple prayer and we are saved? James says that when someone truly experiences Jesus there will be evidence. There will be a desire for changes. It is called repentance. You have heard the saying “actions speak louder than words.” Well, when someone claims to have surrendered to Jesus as Savior and Lord, the evidence will speak for itself.

     So what about us? Do we fall into the trap of “Easy Believism?” Do we believe that all we have to do is pray a prayer and go on about  life unchanged? God wants commitment. He wants lives changed. He wants us moved to the point of repentance so that we can become holy people. He wants holy people to advance the kingdom of God, not simply by what we say, but by what we do! Scripture says that the world will recognize believers by their fruit! Join me as we confront the scam of easy believism in our culture.

Stay faithful, 

Greg Edens