The July 1998 Newsletter

Why do new believers often show more evidence of spiritual life than those who've been around for a while? Sometimes, when I look at my own heart, and then at those just coming into the family, it seems as if those who've known the Lord for the shortest period of time love Him the most.

The honeymoon effect. The enthusiasm of new believers seems to parallel the honeymoon phase of marriage. What starts in the soft light and warmth of a new day soon cools in the deepening dusk of mutual disappointment. Because of the tendency to go backward rather than forward, our Lord had to ask one of the best of all first-century churches for a renewal of "first love" that had been left behind (Rev. 2:4).

The impact of contrast. A new look gets more attention than a familiar one. Just as we notice changes of appear-ance in a friend or coworker, it is natural to be impressed by the "new look" of a babe in Christ. The apostle Paul reminded Christians in Thessalonica that as new believers, they'd become examples to all when they "turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God" (1 Thessalonians 1:7-9).

The casualties of war. Another reason for new believers' enthusiasm may be that they've not yet been neutralized or sidelined by the enemy. Bad blood, burnout, bitterness, moral scandal, disappointment, distraction, and disillusionment are common human reactions. They also play into the hands of the "Serpent stalker" who is trying to make sure that we're all distracted by good times or the bitterness of bad times.

I'm convinced, however, that it would be a mistake for those of us who've been in Christ for a while to blame our loss of momentum and affection on the natural course of time, or the supernatural influence of our "accuser." Other factors also explain why new believers are often our best examples. For many reasons, seasoned Christians lose enthusiasm for the Word of God, for prayer, for spreading the gospel, or helping others. And here's what I think happens.

The effect of "club rules." As new converts, we're defined not by the rules we've kept but by the beliefs we've embraced. We experience spiritual birth not by mastering a list of laws but by believing that God has come into our world and into our lives to help us. But these beliefs are soon subject to competing interests. As new believers are welcomed by older Christians, the spiritually young are faced with a new set of expectations (see the discussions in Romans 14 and Galatians 3). New converts must learn not only the ropes of biblical essentials, but the cultural preferences of the group they have joined. The possibilities are endless.

Understanding church culture and "club rules" is important. Good manners, social courtesies, and shared values are the way we look out for one another. But stated or unstated rules of preference eventually take on a life of their own. Subtly but surely, the number of expected meetings, dress codes, political and economic alignments, and doctrinal fine points are subject to group control.

Quite unintentionally, living by "club rules" becomes more important than living by right beliefs. It's understandable. Groups can't control hearts but can apply social pressure to unacceptable behavior. At the same time converts eventually discover that it's pretty easy to live by "club rules" of appropriate dress, conduct, and attendance at required meetings. It's much more difficult to trust God in the inevitable tests and strains of relationships.

There's a pitfall in this shift from beliefs to external appearances. Even in essentials, the life of Christ isn't found from rule to rule, but from faith to faith (Rom. 1:17). It's from one act of believing to the next that an admitted sinner discovers what it means to be declared legally righteous, mercifully forgiven, warmly adopted, and spiritually empowered by the Father in heaven.

Beliefs are so important because affection and enthusiasm for God are formed in belief before they are formed in action (Gal. 3:5). Even though the existence of faith can be challenged if there are no actions (Jas. 2:20), it is also true that acting without a heart of faith is merely going through the motions.

When we become less likely to act in a Christlike way, when our enthusiasm and love for the Lord cools, when we go through the motions without gratitude of first love, the problem isn't that the honeymoon is over. The problem isn't just that we no longer have a new look. Nor that we've succumbed to our enemy, or to mindless conformity to club rules. The real problem is that we've stopped thinking and believing in our hearts like real followers of Christ.

Father, You know how often I've lost my first love for You. You know how often I've tried to find acceptance in the expectations of the important people in my life. You know how inclined I am to hide behind poorly kept external rules and conformity.

If it were not for what Your Son believed and sacrificed in my behalf, I'd have no hope. Please renew in us the beliefs that deepen the faith of the aged and bring enthusiasm to the young.

For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith." Romans 1:17

Mart De Haan is heard on Radio Bible Class Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. Been Thinking About...New Believers reprinted with permission from Times of Discovery, Volume 58, Number 7.

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Looking Ahead

INSIGHT FOR LIVING
(Weekdays 8:30 a.m. & 7:30 p.m.)
Chuck Swindoll
Series on Joseph: A Man of Integrity and Forgiveness continues through July 24. Signposts Along Life's Journey starts July 27 and features topics such as Narrow Bridge, Dangerous Curve Ahead and Roadside Park.

FOCUS ON THE FAMILY
(Weekdays, 1:30 & 9:00 p.m.)
Dr. James Dobson
July 1 & 2 - Counsel for Engaged Couples- Dr. Norm Wright
July 3 - Four Freedoms: Fourth of July Celebration - Johnny Mann Singers, poet Hastings Smith
July 6 & 7 - Escaping the Past (* may not be suitable for children). Dr. Dobson presents the story of Jack Price
July 8 & 9 - Internet Safety - I & II. What kids are finding on the web
July 10 - Internet Safety III - Dr. Dobson and guests share Christian-friendly websites
July 15 - Special Children: Special Joys and Challenges - panel of parents of challenged children
July 16 & 17 - Women and Friendships - Dee Breston
July 20 & 21 - A Son's Loving Look at His Father - Michael Reagan, son of former President Ronald Reagan
July 22 & 23 - Experiencing a Fulfilled Marriage - Patricia Ashley's humorous account of a marriage restored
July 24 - Dealing With the Death of a Spouse - Dr. Dobson and guest Mrs. Verdell Davis offer hope in the grieving process
July 27 & 28 - A Counselor's Search for Wholeness - Jim Conway
July 30 & 31 - Coping With Sibling Rivalry - Dr. Dobson discusses how to handle sibling conflict and bring peace to your home

IN TOUCH
(Weekdays, 2:00 & 9:30 p.m.)
Dr. Charles Stanley

June 29 - July 2 - The Healing of America Four Part series on how God can change the direction of our nation
July 3 - When We Ignore God. Dr. Stanley encourages us not to be a nation who forgets the Creator.
July 6 - When We Seek God
July 7 & 8 - How to Handle Criticism and Praise. Handling these two powerful forces with Biblical tools.
July 10 - The Ways of God
July 13 & 14- The Holy Spirit: An Absolute Essential. Discover the power to grow in grace; the ministry of the holy spirit.
July 15 - 24 - The Book of Books. Eight Part series on the Bible
July 27 - July 31 - Grace: God's Second Chance. Five Part series on living in the freedom and peace of God's Grace

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For most prisoners, the real torture is in waiting for such a decision to be handed down. Paul spent at least two years in this narrow, restraining set of circumstances, never once knowing if the sunset he had just witnessed would be his last. Yet he wrote, "I can do all things..." And though he was held in physical bondage, Paul was an incredibly free man in his heart and spirit.

Words like these in Philippians convey a hope that supersedes even the darkest trial and leads to a confidence that gives rise to pure victory. And while Paul's words do not detail the heartache, tears, and frustration involved, they certainly tell of a strength and power that reaches far beyond human ability to withstand emotional pressure and unrest. Paul's plan in writing his prison epistles (Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians) was to address the freedom that was his despite the darkness of his circumstances. Mentioning his imprisonment and how he was fairing seems more like a sidebar than the major focus of his letter. For us, his confidence in Christ becomes a central theme-something that underscores the faithfulness of God and has the ability to revive our dry and battle-weary souls. Confidence such as Paul's reminds us that no matter what we face, God is with us. And He is training us to be strong and not to give up. Paul was facing a tremendous spiritual battle. He had been arrested for preaching the gospel of Christ. Yet his confinement was not of stone or earth. Instead, it was from being held in a narrow place over a long period of time. Chained to one of Caesar's personal guards, Paul was unable to enjoy even the simplest of freedoms. His bondage was a twenty-four hour ordeal.

Still he did not become discouraged. Paul's love for the Lord was well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else" (Phil. 1:13). This included Caesar's guard in Rome which numbered nine thousand strong.

Confidence grows when we realize that in times of trouble we can fall back into the secure, accepting arms of the Lord Jesus Christ. No one holds you tighter, no one will ever love you more than He does.

However, the confidence Paul had in this particular situation was the confidence of a conqueror. It was the kind of confidence that marches into battle proudly displaying the standard of hope. It is the confidence of a seasoned warrior returning home from a battle fought and won. Paul was sure that no matter what came his way he could handle it, not because he was smarter or well-trained, but because he had placed his trust in Someone greater than himself.

You may do many great things in this life, but if you do them without God, you do them with limited resources. In 2 Corinthians Paul writes: "Such confidence we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, who also made us adequate.." (v.3:4-6a). As a Christian, if confidence gathers at any point other than where God resides, it is fleeting and easily swayed.

Confidence built on Christ empowers us, energizes us, and strengthens us not only to do what God has given us to do, but to live each day with a hope and peace that comes from knowing we are eternally linked to God through Jesus Christ.

Confidence like this holds firm no matter what the challenge. It does not shrink back or cave in to fear. It is infused with miraculous power because it is established in Christ and not in a human source. It is dunamis power which, in the Greek, means to make strong in a super-natural way.

When Paul says in Scripture, "I can do all things," he is not saying, "I can do any thing that comes my way." Instead, he is stating a fact that he can do everything that God has given him to do without thought of failure. He is not relying on his strength but on the strength and power of God. It is God that enables us to do the tasks He has given us to do. Paul was confident about the work that God had given him. Therefore, when trouble came, he did not give up or lose his vision. He fought feelings of discouragement like anyone of us. However, he refused to yield to them.

You can be confident that God has a plan for your life and your future. (Jer. 29) You may not be a worker in Christian ministry. Most are not. But your life, family, friends, and vocation are opportunities for God to show Himself through you to others. One of Paul's greatest accom- plishments was telling the entire Roman guard about the saving love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ.

If you are the source of your confidence, then you will struggle with feeling defeated and disappointed. However, when your confidence is based in Christ, you can stand firm on the fact that God loves you and will do exactly what He promised. (I Thessalonians 5:24).

CONFIDENCE IS LOST WHEN YOU . .
Listen to the negative comments from others. While the Bible tells us there is wisdom in many counselors, there can also be folly in listeneing to the words of others without seeking the counsel of God. Go to the Lord first and others second. If you feel the Holy Spirit is cautioning you in a given situation, dedicate yourself to listening to His voice above the clamor of those around you.

Yield to sin, feelings of unworthiness, and false guilt. Each of these can undermine the flow of God's grace in the life of a believer. God has saved you. You are His child. No one is more important in His eyes. (Proverbs 28:20a) His greatest joy is for you to experience the fullness of His love to the point of giving yourself completely to Him, forsaking the very things that Satan uses to hinder you spiritually and emotionally.

How can you live a life of confidence and not regret? Begin by studying and meditating on God's Word. Be honest with your emotions. God will never condemn you. (Romans 8:1) Ask Him to help you understand the broader aspects of His love, mercy, and grace.

Excerpted from In Touch, July 1998 Copyright In Touch, 1998. Reprinted by permission.

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Happy Birthday

Each month we list our broadcasters that have birthdays that month. We encourage you to remember these friends and their ministry with special prayer on that day.

July 15 Dr. Harold Sala
"Guidelines"
Weekdays, 5:OOPM
Box G
Laguna Hills, CA 92653

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Letters

MELBOURNE - For the #1 station which I love.

SATELLITE BEACH - Thank you for your faithfulness through the years. For great Bible teaching programs, inspirational music, for practical information twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Everything that comes over the air waves is in good taste and honors our wonderful Lord. I am thankful that I live in this Melbourne area and for our Christian radio station.

MELBOURNE - Thank you so very much for the tape I received for my pledge during the April radio show. It is a blessing. I will be sharing it with others. I'm enclosing my pledge for June, and will catch up with the April and May as soon as I am able to.

COCOA - I've enjoyed your programs for years so it's more than time to send you money. I especially like Sunday Moody Church, Billy Graham, J. Stowell, since I'm a Moody grad. May God richly bless you and keep you on the air.

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WCIF Day Sponsors

July 2 - Frederick and Winifred Herscher, in memory of their son, Garry Lee on his birthday

July 5 - Anonymous - To the Glory of God in grateful appreciation for all their grandchildren and Happy Birthday to Jill Reding.

July 6 - Micky Bagg, in honor of the staff and volunteers at WCIF

July 7 - Mr. and Mrs. Harold Guiles, Sr., in memory of their grandson, Kevin Guiles on his birthday

July 9 - Irvin and Betty Derrick, in honor of their fiftieth wedding anniversary on July 10

July 10 - Homer and Anne Mason, in honor of their fifty-third wedding anniversary

July 11 - Terry and Karen Myers in honor of the marriage of their daughter Kimberly Myers and WCIF announcer Scott Terry

July 12 - Nancy Platt, in honor of her mother Inez Platt on her birthday

July 15 - Robert and Cathy Klein in memory of their nephew, Jeremy Eli Reeves

July 16 - Kenneth and Brenda Dudley, in honor of their twenty-first wedding anniversary

July 31 - Wishing happy birthday to Joseph John Irwin on his ninetieth birthday from the entire family who loves him.

Thank you to our Day Sponsors who have underwritten the cost of a broadcast day on WClF. If you or your church would like information about being a Day Sponsor call 725-9243 or send E-mail to
 

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Pastor of the Week

A program featuring pastors of local churches heard weekdays at 5:30 p.m.

July 6 - 10 Pastor Mike Buford
King Street Baptist Church, Cocoa

July 13 -17 Pastor Clark Scott
Palm Bay Christian Church

July 20 - 24 Pastor Richard Phipps, Sr.
First Baptist Church, Micco

July 27 - 28 Dr. Dan Gilbert
Peace Lutheran Church, Palm Bay

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VOLUME XVI, No. 7 Free subscription sent upon request

HAPPY JULY 4th - REMEMBER TO PRAY
"Even now," declares the Lord, "return to Me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning." Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and He relents from sending calamity.

Joel 2:12-13