Does God love "saved" people more than "unsaved" ones?

I don't believe the Lord makes a distinction at all between the two.  Let me take you to two verses that most Christians are quickly introduced to after their conversion:

1. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).  God didn't just love the world (lost people everywhere); He SO LOVED the world!  Do you sense the divine passion in that phrase?  God is madly in love with everyone--saints or sinners.  I believe the Bible illustrates that God loves people the same--regardless of their spiritual condition.  Saved people, of course, delight His heart, but I don't think that the lost state of unbelievers lessens His love toward mankind.  God's very nature is to love people.  His passion is to see everyone (the world) come into a relationship of the saving kind with Him.  His love is all-encompassing.
2. "But God commends His love toward us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).  The Greek word for "commends" parallels our word, "directs."  In other words, "For God so directed His love toward us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us."  1 John 4:17 tells us that "God is love."  The beloved disciple of Jesus makes no distinction between saints and sinners.  God loves us--period!

Surely, unsaved people must sadden the heart of our loving God.  But that doesn't mean He loves them any less than He does we who have accepted His Son's sacrifice on the cross.  Let me give you this example:

A couple may have children who delight their hearts and who walk in total obedience to their parenting.  That same couple may also have children who openly defy them and walk in harsh rebellion.  That couple may grieve over their prodigal children, but their love for them remains intact and equal.  Keep in mind that love is not an emotion; it's something we set our hearts to do.  Those parents may experience anger, frustration and every emotion in between the two, but that does not mean they love their difficult children any less.  God's love is not established on emotion, but on His character.  He can't do anything BUT love.

Yes, continued spurned love will one day bring His judgment and wrath, but until then, I believe this wonderful "hound of heaven" relentlessly stays on the trail of both the saved and unsaved.  It is love that drives our heavenly Father, and it "is the kindness (goodness) of God that leads men to repentance" (Romans 2:4).  That verse is tucked away in the middle of a discourse on God's righteous judgments.

Do you remember the story of the prodigal son (Luke 15)?  That father loved both of his sons, even when one chose to squander his inheritance.  How it must have hurt his heart to see his son waste his life "on riotous living."  Yet, he loved them both and it was his fierce determination that held out for the boy's comeback.  Love certainly does cover a multitude of sin, doesn't it!

Perhaps you have a question that you'd like for me to address? Send it to me by Facebook or email it to: loomisrl@windstream.net.

Am I Supposed to be AFRAID of the Lord?

Am I supposed to be AFRAID of the Lord?

The Scriptures do speak of the fear of the Lord, but perhaps not in the way you may be thinking.  To begin, let me give three dictionary definitions of fear:

1. Feeling of anxiety--an unpleasant feeling of apprehension caused by the presence or anticipation of danger.
2. Frightening thought--an idea, thought or other entity that causes feelings of fear.
3. Reverence--respect or awe for somebody or something.

Sadly, many unbelievers and even many Christians fear God according to definitions 1 and 2.  These definitions, however, do not describe the fear of the Lord as mentioned in the Bible.  Simply put, a healthy fear of the Lord involves a respect or awe of His Person and presence.  He is an awesome God who is worthy of our highest admiration and praise.  We need not be afraid or scared of the Lord, but we should honor and reverence His Name.

Several verses in the Bible mention the fear of the Lord, but none more poignantly than in the Proverbs.  Let me list a few:

1:7 --  "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge."

2:1-5-- "My son, if you receive my words,  and hide my commandments with you: so that you incline your ear unto wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding; if you cry after knowledge, and lift up your voice for understanding; if you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasure; then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God."

3:7--"Don't be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord."

8:13--"The fear of the Lord is to hate evil..."

9:16--"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom..."

As you have read, the fear of the Lord is a positive thing--so necessary, and its benefits are wonderful!  Generally speaking, scriptural teaching on the fear of the Lord produces believers who seek after godly knowledge, understanding and wisdom.  Mostly, those who fear the Lord will want to live above the pull of sin, the flesh and the devil.  They will weep over those things that cause God to weep, and rejoice over the things that gladden the heart of God!

Perhaps you have a question that you'd like for me to address? Send it to me by facebook or email it to: loomisrl@windstream.net.

Blindly Follow Leaders? Really?

Psalm 105:15 is often quoted in defense of preachers who ask their followers to blindly follow them.  Anyone who asks questions or who disagrees with those in authority, even when their concerns are expressed in love and respect, is branded as being rebellious.  What is this verse REALLY saying?"

Thank you for asking a very legitimate question.  Being one of the preachers and leaders you mention, I too have wondered about this verse.  I think it's time to put it into a proper context, and then to confront any misapplications.  The psalmist writes, "Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm" (NIV).

While I appreciate those around me who pray for, love and support me, I'm always mindful of the fact that I, too, need accountability.  Nobody is right all the time.  Preachers are not infallible; however, the Scriptures require that those who labor in the gospel be treated with respect.

Admittedly, God uses imperfect vessels to deliver His perfect message!  To be sure, the Bible tells us in 1 Timothy 5:17 that "the elders (pastors) who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching."  The writer to the Hebrews tells us to "obey your leaders and submit to their authority.  They keep watch over you as men who must give an account.  Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you" (13:17).

With this being said, I personally find it difficult to receive correction, criticism and/or rebuke from those who do not support my calling and ministry with their prayers, friendship, and respectful attitudes.  It is equally difficult to submit to leaders who seldom come around, or who never invest themselves in my life.  However, these verses need to be put into balance.

I don't believe anyone should be manipulated, maligned, or mistreated in the house of God.  It should be a safe haven.  Pastors should not lord over their people and the "sheep" should honor the position of pastor, each submitting to one another in the fear of the Lord.  The Apostle Peter makes this clear: "To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who will also share in the glory to be revealed.  Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted  to you, but being examples to the flock.  And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away" (1 Peter 5:1-4).  It's both wonderful and sobering to know that true pastors one day are going to receive a crown of glory!

Let's go back to the original question.  I do think that some misguided pastors and church leaders who maintain unreasonable control and who micro-manage their people sometimes quote Psalm 105:15 to support their delinquency.  This is tragic.  Yes, there are "Alexander the coppersmiths" (2 Timothy 4:14) in every church at some point.  I know, because I've pastored some of them!  You may recall that Alexander the coppersmith was the "metalworker [who] did the Apostle Paul much harm."  He was an evil man who followed Paul and continually undermined his ministry.  However, such people are very rare.  Thank God!  Surely you would agree that blatantly evil people should be dealt with decisively and harshly.  Souls are at stake!

I keep diverting...Psalm 105:15 is nestled in a brief account of Israel's wanderings.  God had promised the children of Israel, the descendants of Abraham, the land of Canaan "as the portion they would inherit" (verse 11).  When kings and nations tried to oppress God's people, He intervened.  His people never suffered destruction, even when famine destroyed the land.  God always raised up a leader, a protector, a guardian of His covenant.  In this case, He raised up Joseph (verses 17-19).

The "anointed ones" in verse 15 refer to the people of Israel--God's covenant people.  The "prophets" refer to God's spokesmen who revealed God's Word and ways for each successive generation.  Psalm 105:15 balances God's loving concern for those who lead with those who are led.  By the way, this same passage is found in 1 Chronicles 16:19-22.  In today's economy of grace, we who are indwelled by the Spirit are all "anointed."

As far as I can tell, the psalmist understood the priesthood of all believers--those who are indwelled by the Holy Spirit--and reminds them that God is their covenant maker and covenant protector.  None of us--preachers included--should use this verse to justify wrong attitudes and actions in the house of God.  The Christian life is best lived out in mutual love and respect for others.  None of us should try to control, manipulate, judge, or wrongly use our influence, and when challenged use this verse to justify our actions.

You see, we do the Word, God, others and ourselves a gross injustice when we pull Bible verses out of context to support our misguided attitudes.  Pulling rabbits out of a hat may be alright at the circus, but pulling verses out of context and at random always gets us into trouble.

Yes, honor the men and women of God who teach and preach.  And pray that they "live a life worthy of the calling [they] have received" (Ephesians 4:1).  Remember, however, that verse 2 balances out the whole thing:  "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."

The Bible was not given to be used as a club when we need support and justification.  It is a double-edged sword that exposes the thoughts and intents of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).

Perhaps you have a question that you'd like for me to address? Send it to me by facebook or email it to: loomisrl@windstream.net.

We Give...But Yet We've Lost. What's Up With This? (Part 2)

We have consistently paid our tithes and given considerably large offerings over the years.  We recently lost our home to foreclosure and my husband lost his job.  Can you help me understand the apparent contradiction in what we were taught?

If you missed Part 1 of this answer, please go back and read it as a background for my continuing response.

I believe we should give generously and cheerfully.  I believe we should give not because we have to, but because we love Christ!  Attitude when we give is always more important than the amount we give.  Obedience always follows love!  Simply stated, I believe that God honors giving.  He gives us resources to use and invest for Him.  Paul uses the illustration of seeds to explain that the resources God gives us are not to be hidden, foolishly devoured or thrown away, but cultivated in order to produce more crops.  When we invest what God has given us in His work, He will provide us with even more to give.  We all understand that we won't reap if we don't sow.  If we plow and don't plant, we won't reap!

However, along with finances, Paul emphasizes spiritual rewards for those who give generously to God's work.  We should not expect to become wealthy through giving.  Those who receive our gifts will be helped, will praise God, and will pray for us.  As we bless others, we are blessed!

Now, back to the foreclosure and unemployment.  How do we incorporate these realities into the before-mentioned verses of Scripture?  I believe that giving to God does place a protective bond around our lives.  However, we live in a world where inequities abound. Many things that happen to us in life are unfair.  The important thing, and I believe the overriding principle for believers to remember, is that giving to God assures that we will not be "devoured."

People of all ages, races and descriptions suffer loss of properties and things every day.  But God still causes us to triumph!  Obviously, losing a house or a job is a very heart-rending, difficult thing.  However, there are worse things that can happen to a believer.  During times of loss, I believe we have to look to God for a deeper interpretation of the facts, and for His grace, which sustains us even in the darkest of times.  If we compare our plight to other believers, we may very well become discouraged and bitter.  Asking "why" during times of loss is perfectly okay; however, dwelling on the apparent inequity may cause us to stumble in our faith.  I believe in the sovereignty of God, which says to me, that no matter what may happen in my life, Jesus is still Lord and He will provide a way of escape.  

Sometimes the promises of God do seem to contradict our way of thinking.  For example, what about those heroes of the faith in Hebrews 11, who walked in faith and yet did not realize the outcome of promises received?  God's promises are unfailing, but His timing is often called into question by we who hold on indefinitely without seeing the results of promises given.  God sees the larger picture, so we are called upon to place our total trust and faith in His all-sustaining grace.

May I share a personal struggle I had when a promise in the Scriptures seemed to contradict reality?  Psalm 91:11 says, "For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways."  However, in March, 1995 my in-laws (pastors) were traveling in a foggy rain to visit a man in an Indianapolis hospital.  Just outside of Frankfort, another preacher ran a stop sign, resulting in the instant death of my father-in-law and five weeks later my mother-in-law.  That accident ushered in some of the most trying days of my life.

What happened seemed to directly contradict the promise of Psalm 91:11.  No, I did not get bitter, but I certainly questioned the Lord as to His ways.  Is the Bible true?  Yes indeed!  However, God's ways are above ours; His thoughts are higher than ours.  He's sovereign (all-powerful) and we're not.  He makes decisions based out of His sovereignty.  To us, these times may seem to contradict His Word.  Times of inexplicable loss have always plagued the hearts of men.  Ask Job!

You have lost your home and your job.  I don't know the reasons why, and I would not begin to wax eloquently or even to defend what may appear to be God's indifference.  What I do know, however, is that because you have been faithful with your tithes and offerings, God is obligated to fulfill His Word in your lives.  What appears to be so unfair and contradictory in the scheme of life and God's promises, I believe, will "produce for [you] an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal" (2 Corinthians 4:17-18).

This is not "preacher talk," but if we obsess over the inequities and all the unfair things that happen to us in this life, we could very well jeopardize our faith and become cynical, even bitter.  Let me encourage you to look ahead and believe that God has placed a "replacement clause" in your life.  Job came out on top and you will, too!  Keep tithing.  Keep giving offerings as He directs.  And know that in the future you have every right to make heavenly withdrawals because you have made earthly deposits.  Let me know how God turns your circumstances around for your good and His glory.

Perhaps you have a question that you'd like for me to address? Send it to me by facebook or email it to: loomisrl@windstream.net.

We Give...But Yet We've Lost. What's Up With This? (Part 1)

We have consistently paid our tithes and given considerably large offerings over the years.  We recently lost our home to foreclosure, and my husband lost his job.  Can you help me understand this apparent contradiction in what we were taught?

Out of all the questions I've received, perhaps this is the most difficult.  I trust the Lord will guide my answer.

First, let me say how sorry I am you're going through this time of loss.  My heart goes out to you, and even though I don't know who you are, I will pray for you.  There are a number of approaches I could take with your question, so I'll first look at the purpose of giving tithes and offerings.  Tithing reminds us that everything we have belongs to God, and keeps our affections turned toward eternal, not earthly things.  We simply steward what God gives us!

It would appear that your losses defy God's promise in Malachi 3:8-11 regarding the tithe; however, before we become too cynical, let's explore what the text is really saying.

"You are cursed with a curse: for you have robbed Me, even this whole nation.  Bring all your tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in My house, and prove me says the Lord of Hosts, if I will not open before you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be enough room to contain it.  And I will rebuke the devourer for your sake..."

May I direct your attention away from what you've done to what God does?  He says in verse 11, "I will rebuke the devourer..."  I must be honest and admit that I, too, have wrestled with this passage of Scripture.  In my opinion, I think that perhaps we have misapplied what the minor prophet is really saying.  

Early in our marriage, my wife and I also suffered the loss of earthly possessions and a good credit score due to financial lack in our home.  But let me say that the credit industry in this country operates according to demonic principles, so maintaining a high credit score is not the goal of my life.  It may give me lower interest rates when I go to borrow money, but it is not an idol in my life.  That's not to say we shouldn't pay our bills on time; it simply overrides the condemnation and guilt the credit industry places upon us when, for reasons beyond our control, we're not able to meet our financial obligations in a timely manner.

Luke 6:38 is another verse that throws earnest believers into a quandary.  "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure  pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom.  For with the same measure you give out, it shall be given back to you."  I refuse to defend God in either one of these verses.  They appear to be iron-clad principles, but life simply does not work that way.  Let's rightfully divide the Word!

Malachi 3 was written to the nation of Israel who had become arrogant and rebellious toward God.  Their open defiance took them from blessings to curses.  In Luke 6:38, Jesus is not talking about money.  If you look at verse 37, you find that the subject of His discourse is judging and criticizing others.  When we judge and criticize others, it comes back to us many times over--always more severely.

In Malachi, the prophet does not suggest that tithing and giving offerings insures a never-ending supply of money or a problem-free financial existence.  I've seen people who faithfully tithed, and then mishandled the other 90%.  Psalm 23:1 reminds us that, "The Lord is our shepherd, and we shall not lack" [what we need].  However, I think we need to re-define "needs versus wants."  In the original Hebrew, the words, "there shall not be room enough to receive it" do not appear in the original manuscripts (Malachi 3:10).  This possibility certainly confuses those who wrestle with greed and get-rich-quick schemes.

The real emphasis lies in verse 11: "And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes..."  Some years ago, the Lord gave me insight into this portion:  If a dog attacks you, and sinks his teeth into your leg, he may badly hurt you, but he can't wholly devour you.  In the same way, if the devourer (Satan) tries to devour you, God will not let him completely destroy you.  You may suffer loss, but you still come out on top!  In 1 Peter 5:8 it says, "Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour."

Personally, I tire of the imbalanced preaching I hear regarding the giving of tithes and offerings.  I'm upset with the crowd who teaches that God blesses according to how much we give.  In other words, the size and amount of your blessings are determined by how much you give.  While I believe the Bible supports tithing, I equally believe that God looks at the motivation behind giving.  2 Corinthians 9 is the New Testament correlation to Malachi 3.

I'll continue this discussion in the next post...See you in a few days!

Perhaps you have a question that you'd like for me to address? Send it to me by facebook or email it to: loomisrl@windstream.net.

What's So Wrong With Lust?

Why did Samson keep going back to Delilah when he had to know she was toying with his life?

Your question comes from the story of Samson, specifically recorded in Judges 16:4-22.  Samson is found consorting with a prostitute named Delilah.

Herein is a man who has spent his life toying with his call and the anointing that God placed upon him at an early age.  He loved playing "cat and mouse" with the Philistines, Israel's arch enemy.  He refused to take seriously the call of God upon his life and literally used the anointing to achieve his fleshly objectives.

Always remember.  The anointing, even if great upon one's life, does not necessarily constitute valid, solid ministry.  Godly character and integrity are the acid tests of any ministry.

Clearly, Samson had an on-going problem with sexual lust.  In Judges 16:1-3 we read of him spending the night with a prostitute in Gaza.  He was perhaps a sex addict, or at least flesh-ruled.  Your question, however, refers to his tryst with Delilah.

Lust reduced the strong man of Israel to a weak buffoon.  Lust made him foolish, even stupid.  Lust clouded his righteous thought processes and most certainly, lust caused his ultimate downfall.  I think verse 21 summarizes the effects of sin in Samson's life:

"Then the Philistines captured Samson and tore out his eyes.  They took him down to Gaza, where they put bronze chains on him and made him grind in the prison."

Sin blinds.
Sin binds.
Sin grinds.

In Samson's case, sin blinded him.  His fleshly impulses (lust) stole his reasoning abilities.  He spurned the inner voice of conscience and returned to Delilah four times!  The fourth time brought his ruin.  I've seen many men fall prey to the stronghold of lust.  It is a captor and a killer!  Lust made a fool out of Samson and it cost him everything.

Perhaps you have a question that you'd like for me to address? Send it to me by facebook or email it to: loomisrl@windstream.net.

How Can Two People Who Say They Love Jesus Divorce?

Pastor Roger, I frequently hear about Christians divorcing.  How can two people who say they love Jesus Christ go ahead and divorce?

I, too, am saddened by this reality.  We believe that Jesus Christ makes a difference in the lives of those who trust Him as Savior.  I will do my best to answer this most difficult question.  Divorce between unbelieving mates is still sad, but at least we can understand how unregenerated hearts make such decisions.  It it most disconcerting, however, when two professed believers opt for divorce.

The reason that immediately comes to mind is due to the hardness of men's hearts.  Husbands and wives can harden their hearts toward the things of God, refuse to forgive one another and ultimately choose divorce.  They harden their hearts much the same way that Pharaoh hardened his heart toward the Israelites regarding their exodus from Egypt.  

Proverbs 28:14 warns, "He who hardens his heart falls into trouble."  Unfortunately, the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible translates Pharaoh's actions this way:  "And God hardened Pharaoh's heart..."  The truth is that Pharaoh allowed circumstances to harden his heart.  He made a conscious choice not to heed Moses and Aaron's repeated warnings.  Judas Iscariot also chose to harden his heart against the Master.  We, too, are given choices!  We can either submit to God's Word or we can reject it.  The preached Word hardens or softens men's heart, depending on their choice.  And the more we reject the Word, the more heart-hardened we become.

Jesus touched on this principle in Matthew 19:7-8.  "'Why then,' they [Pharisees] asked, 'did Moses command that a man give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away?'  Jesus replied, 'Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard.  But it was not this way from the beginning.'"

In His parable of the sower in Matthew 13, Jesus talks about the different types of ground (hearts) that the seed of God's Word falls on.  Husbands and wives, when in the throes of relational difficulties have a choice.  They choose their own soil condition--hard, rocky, shallow, thorn-infested, or good soil.  Hardened soil does not allow the Word to be sown in our hearts.  "The devil comes along and snatches away what was sown" (verse 19).  Rocky conditions may even receive the Word with joy.  "But since (the individual) has no root, he lasts only a short time.  When trouble comes...because of the Word, he quickly falls away"(verse 20).

Years ago I heard this quote: Marriage is the union of two forgivers.  This is so true!  Life has a way of bringing offenses into all relationships, but none more impacting than our marriages.  Satan loves to destroy Christian marriages.  That's why we need to walk in forgiveness.  Jesus' "seventy times seven" principle must be put into action from the very beginning of all marriages.  He's not relating a mathematical formula as much as He's saying to forgive one another as often as it is necessary.  

Don't let offenses "get on you."  Relinquish your hurts and pain through the power of forgiveness!  I'm convinced that through Christ all things are possible.  Even the worst of scenarios--unfaithful partners, adultery, etc.--can be forgiven.  Christ in us enables us to be "more than conquerors."

I'm not saying these times are easy, but do we really believe what we preach?  I know there are many times extenuating circumstances, but for the most part, God's people have Someone living inside them Who is able to walk us through the darkest of days into the light of God's mercy and forgiveness.

Divorce is a "hot potato" in the church world.  Still, I believe Christian couples should take advantage of every means available to save their troubled marriages.  What a testimony it is for the Lord when struggling couples stand up and give testimony to God's righteous intervention in their homes!  I believe that serving the Lord SHOULD and DOES make a difference in our marriages and homes.

It's time that God's people rise up and say, "ENOUGH!"  In a day when Christian marriages are failing percentage-wise with those of unbelievers, we need to prove to the world that serving Jesus DOES make a difference.  His power is mighty to save, heal and deliver!