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Good News for Bad People

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Most people have some concept of what will happen when they die.  Many see themselves going to a place where some type of benevolent God will judge them based on how good a person they were. They’re hoping God has noticed the things they did right, the things they did for others, and most importantly the things that differentiated them from “bad people.”

The bad part about good

The trouble with this kind of thinking is that it’s based on each person’s opinion. If what God has said in His word were brought up, it would argued that there are lots of different viewpoints. But which one is right? They can’t all be right.  

If being “good” is the qualifier of what happens on the other side of this life, then who or what defines “good”?  Is it words, acts, gifts, attitudes, or all the above? And how much, how often, and how consistently does it have to be to be done to qualify?


Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness. (Romans 4:4–5, NKJV)

The simple, yet absolute truth is that we do not, and cannot “earn” something from God.  If we could, it would not be a gift, but wages.

Headline News

I was reading about television entrepreneur Ted Turner, who was lashing out at Christianity.  “Christianity is a religion of losers,” Turner told the Dallas Morning News. Referring to Christ’s death on the cross, Turner said, “I don’t want anybody to die for me. If I’ve had a few drinks and a few girlfriends, and that’s gonna put me in hell, then so be it.”

He’s actually right…but only partly.  


For the truth about God is known to people instinctively. God has put this knowledge in their hearts. From the time the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky and all that God made. They can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse whatsoever for not knowing God. Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. The result was that their minds became dark and confused. Claiming to be wise, they became utter fools instead. (Romans 1:19-22, NLT)

“I’ve tried to be a good person”

No one who is in hell will ever be able to say to God, “You put me here,” and no one who is in heaven will ever be able to say, “I put myself here.”  

Although Ted Turner is somewhat right about people choosing their eternal destiny, he’s completely wrong about Christianity being a religion of losers.  Whether or not Mr. Turner, or anyone else, doesn’t want someone to die for them, it’s already happened.  Jesus Christ of Nazareth died on a cross at place called Calvary.  He died so that anyone who would receive Him as Lord will not go to hell, but to heaven.

That’s good news for bad people!

On Any Given Sunday

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On Any Given Sunday

It’s an incredibly beautiful Sunday morning, and I’m on my way to church.  It’s what I do every weekend. I love going. I love what we do there. I love being with the people who are there.  We have something in common.

While on my way to church I thought about all the other things people were on their way to do.  There were motorcycle clubs, bicycle clubs, and horse riding clubs headed out on group rides. There were hiking clubs, rock climbing clubs, and botanical clubs headed out to local trails. There were gun clubs gathering at shooting ranges. There were families headed to the beach, people headed to the mall, and others headed to the movies. Some people were sleeping in, some people were doing yard work, and some people were watching sports on the TV. 

Clubs, families, and individuals love Sundays. It’s a day where they can do what they want, the way they want, with or without people if they want. Enjoying this kind of freedom is especially rewarding when you’re with others who like the same thing. They have something in common.

The Less Obvious Question

Seeing people going everywhere except to church on a Sunday makes it’s easy for a church-going person like me to wonder, “What’s wrong with those people?” (vis–à–vis Dana Carvey’s church lady). But on a gorgeous Sunday morning like this, the more important question for me to ask is, “Why am I going to church?”

People go to church for different reasons. Some go out of guilt and fear, others out of tradition and habit, and then there are people like me who go because we love it. Let me elaborate.

We love Jesus. We love being around people who love Jesus.  We love singing songs about Jesus.  We love learning more about Jesus. And we love being reminded how much Jesus loves us, and how much Jesus wants to be with us.

They Got Me Into It

If you ask someone how they got interested in a particular activity or hobby, most likely they’ll tell you about somebody who was already fanatic about that area.  The passion that person had attracted them, intrigued them, and as a result got them involved. 

Here’s the key: when you really love something, you’ll want others to experience the same thing. This doesn’t mean everyone will love it like you, but someone will. And it’s that person who’s gonna skip a whole lot of other activities to do what you love.   

So instead of getting bummed about why so many people want to do other things rather than go to church, let’s continue love going. It this kind of passion that is actually more enticing than anything else.

When Defeat and Lack Ruled

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Back in the 80’s

There was a movement in the church that became mockingly referred to as the “prosperity gospel.”  With such notions as equating one’s faith to the type of car a person drove (a Cadillac seen as entry level), or the brand of watch they wore (special kudos for a Rolex), criticisms of this movement were justifiable.

The prosperity movement found its roots in the “Word of Faith” movement, which also received criticism for its over-emphasis of material things. I can remember one prominent Word of Faith preacher say that if Job had had more faith he wouldn’t have suffered the things he did. But God said this about Job…

He is the finest man in all the earth. He is blameless—a man of complete integrity. He fears God and stays away from evil. (Job 1:8)

Powerful Kernels

Notwithstanding some of the errors that came out of the prosperity and faith movements, there were some powerful things contributed. 

Prior to these movements, you would rarely, if ever, hear any teaching/preaching about the authority of the Believer, nor about the idea that God wants to bless His people. Defeat and lack were seen as the badges of true holiness.  

There’s a pendulum swing between two positions: you’re either a poor ol’ wretch eking out an existence until the sweet by-and-by, or, an upwardly mobile Bible-quoting expert, naming and claiming your way to blessing in the here-and-now. Obviously these are extreme positions, but finding a middle ground can prove a little tricky.

There are strengths and lessons gained during seasons of shortages and attacks, but I believe it’s wrong to see them as the destiny for God’s people.  It brings no praise to God to live helpless in the face of demonic attack, or to give into a poverty mentality.  Whether it’s spiritual or circumstantial, Jesus has overcome everything on our behalf and has given us the necessary resources to be overcomers.

Unworthy and Entitled

Walking in authority and blessing can be difficult when the pendulum starts swinging.  We can see ourselves as totally unworthy, or see ourselves as totally entitled, but Paul centers this issue by saying, 

We are to have no confidence in the flesh. (Philippians 3:3)

This means there’s nothing in the natural we can do to merit or demerit what God has given to us. God’s not impressed with our doing without, nor is He coerced by the natural things the signal success.

You may feel that you deserve the difficulties and attack you’re under. Or, you may have a hard time believing that God would want to prosper you. But these principles are built upon our faith in what God has promised. Not because of anything we’ve done or deserve, but because He is God and we are His people.


Let us continually say, “The Lord be magnified, Who has pleasure in the prosperity of His people.” (Psalms 35:27)

Calling In Blessings

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Financial and Material Supply

People who truly believe in God would never doubt His ability.  They would say with confidence that He is powerful and that nothing is impossible for Him.  But when it comes to the miracles or supernatural breakthroughs needed, especially in the area of finances, doubt quickly arises.  

Many have be been taught to be suspicious of the suggestion that God wants to provide money or anything material to people. God is put into mysterious terms, where His sovereignty trumps His promises, and where the truly mature believer settles for less.  Holiness is seen as being content and poor, or somewhere in the middle.  

But scriptures seem to contradict this idea.

And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:19)

And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. (2 Cor. 9:8, NLT) 

His and Ours

God made everything, and everything belongs to Him. God owns everything in this world. 

The earth is the LORD’s, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein. (Psalm 24:1, NKJV) 

“The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine,” says the LORD of hosts. (Haggai 2:8, NKJV) 

When God talks about owning the cattle on a thousand hills (Psalm 50:10), He’s not just saying that He owns some animals. He’s demonstrating that He is the creator and owner of all of the wealth in the world.

When God created man, He said, “…let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” (Genesis 1:26) 

Everything God has created has been given to us. God owns it all, and He gives to us out of His own abundance. We have been given everything we need pertaining to life (2 Peter 1:3). We just have to start exercising our dominion.

Calling In Blessing

Just as God has the power to bless and curse, we also have the power to bless and curse. We can speak words of life, which call in supply and abundance; or we can speak words of death which call in poverty and lack.  

You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it! (John 14:13–14, NLT) 

God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did. (Romans 4:17, NKJV) 

God has infinite resources at His disposal, and He uses them to meet our needs and to bless us. God is greater than any business, government, or economy. It doesn’t matter how much doom and gloom there is in the media, or what the experts say. God owns everything, and gives us the needed resources when we call on Him…even money.

Good Defense

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“The best offense is a good defense.”

While this statement is true in many different areas, it is certainly true when it comes to the area of spiritual warfare.  When we ask the Lord to place His shield around us there will be an advance of God’s kingdom in our lives against the forces of darkness. In Ephesians 6, Paul tells us: 


Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (Ephesians 6:11)

The word “wiles” has to do with specific deceptive schemes and plans that Satan has directed toward each of us.  In other words, Satan tailors his attacks to fit each person.  The hierarchy within Satan’s organization is also mentioned in this passage and reveals that we are fighting a countless host of demons and fallen angels who are now in league with him.

Since we are in a very real and deadly war, God has supplied us with armor. The only unprotected area is our back. This means that we cannot not turn and run, but we must stand in faith against these “wiles” of the enemy. 

Faith must be mixed with God’s Word 

All the pieces of the armor of God have one thing in common—the Word of God. But these pieces of armor also must be coupled with faith…


…the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it. (Hebrews 4:2)

Without faith in God’s Word, the power of God is totally neutralized in our lives. He can do no mighty works for us. We can go to church every Sunday. We can even read our Bible every day. But if the Word we read and hear isn’t mixed with faith, nothing will come of it. 

That was proven in Jesus’ ministry. He went to Nazareth and preached to the people but “He could there do no mighty work…because of their unbelief” (Mark 6:5-6). Think about that. Those people had the Healer right there with them, but they couldn’t be healed. They had the Deliverer right there, but they couldn’t be delivered.

Exercise your rights

The devil is an outlaw, and even though Jesus has taken away his authority in the earth, and even though he has no legal right to kill or steal from the children of God, he’ll do it anyway. You can let him get away with it, or you can tell him to get lost.


Resist the devil and he will flee from you. (James 4:7)

You can enforce Satan’s defeat by speaking the Word of God in faith, by acting on what God’s Word says. Demanding that the Enemy leaves you in the name of Jesus. Then refuse to back off that demand. Resist the devil with all you’ve got! He might fight you for a while, but sooner or later, he will have to flee from you! It’s God’s Word!

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The Best Comfort

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Misery enjoys company

When we go through tough times, there’s something comforting about knowing that another person is also going through similar stuff.  This can be healthy in that it reminds us we’re not alone. And if a person has gotten through similar difficulties and uses their experience to encourage and provide wisdom, this can be helpful. 

However, while finding solace in another person’s pain may feel good, it can be a subtle form of vengeance.  And more importantly, it brings no solution to what we are facing. 

The “fellow-strugglers” myth

It feels awesome to have some one come to us when we are struggling, hurting, under attack, etc. and say, “You poor thing, bless your heart. I know exactly what you’re going through, I’m facing the same thing.” But that solves nothing.

Many sectors of the Church have been infected with a view that problems and difficulties are things that God allows in our lives to teach us, or make us more holy.  God is viewed as distant and mysterious. When it comes down to individual, specific circumstances, very religious sounding deceptive language is used. 

“God is sovereign. His ways are higher than our ways and his thoughts are different than our thoughts, therefore you can’t be entirely sure what He’s going to do.”

God’s not a liar, is He?  

If God has said in His word that He would heal us (Ps. 103:3; 1 Pet. 2:24); or that He would deliver us from the Enemy (Col. 1:13); or that He would give us whatever we ask (Mk. 11:24), but then doesn’t do what He said, that makes Him a liar.  However the Bible tells us that God cannot lie (Titus 1:2). In fact the Bible tells us it is actually impossible for God to lie (Heb. 6:18). 

This is part of understanding the absolute nature of God’s character. But many people don’t want to reconcile these things. 

Listen to Joshua and Caleb

The best kind of comfort in difficult times comes from people who know how to stand of God’s promises.  People like Joshua and Caleb who have faith in God, and know that nothing is impossible for Him.

Get around people who know that God is ready to perform His word (Jer. 1:12); and that His word is unchangeable and settled forever (Ps. 119:89); and that every promise God has ever made is YES and AMEN in Christ! (2 Cor. 1:20)

This may not feel as good as commiserating with a fellow-struggler, but it will bring about a breakthrough that’s guaranteed by God.

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Waiting for Me All Day Long

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I loved 1992!

When I’d pull in the driveway, adrenalin would start running through my veins.  I then could hardly wait to get to the front door. I always made a little extra noise as I opened it to signal my arrival. Then like a shot from a gun, the thing that I was expecting would come flying at me.  

It was my 2-year-old son, Cameron Scott Phillips  

All day long Cameron had been waiting for me to come through that front door. No matter where he was in the house, the moment he heard me opening the front door he would run like a miniature freight train full speed until he plowed into my legs. BAAAAM!!!! Then he would wrap his arms around me until I pealed him off and pulled him up to my chest. He loved me and I could feel it, literally.

One day Jesus told a story to a group of notorious sinners and tax collectors illustrating how God felt about them. It was about a son who had left his family and began living a crazy life. He did a lot of partying, and eventually spent all his inheritance. Having hit bottom, he decided to return to his father, just hoping to get a job. On the way back home he nervously rehearsed what he would say to his father.

Dad, I’ve been an idiot. Would you hire me to mow your lawn? I’ve lost everything. I don’t deserve…

Before he could get the words out 

Out of nowhere someone ran and tackled him to the ground. It was his father. Whoa, I was expecting him to be angry but this is crazy, he thought.  What was strange though was that his father wrapped his arms around him and starting kissing him.  

The son tried to talk, but his father interrupted him,

‘We must celebrate with a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began. (Luke 15:24, NLT) 

There are some parallels in this story with what Cameron used to do to me. However what’s different is that it’s the father who does the running and hugging. And it’s a picture of God’s heart for people. No matter how far away from him they’ve gotten, no matter how stupid they’ve acted, or how many mistakes they’ve made, he’s waiting for them to come to him.

It’s a picture of God’s love for you. All day long he’s been, and will continue to be, waiting for you.

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Generous Measurements

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My dad was something else

To have known him was to love him.  To have known him was also to have learned something.  He was one of the best teachers you could ever meet. He knew more about the Bible and its application then anyone I’ve ever known.  

The great thing about my dad’s teaching abilities was how he put things in practical terms.  He used all sorts of unforgettable sayings that brought every lesson home. For instance, if you got him talking about dieting and eating healthy, it wouldn’t be long before you’d hear him say, “It ain’t whatcha’ eat, but what eats you.”  That’s a classic!

He had a another saying he used often,

“There’s a direct nerve between your heart and your pocketbook”

I didn’t fully understand the depth of that quip until the first time I did some teaching on giving.  To say the response to my teaching was unenthusiastic is an understatement.  However, I’ve come to firmly believe that the principle of generosity is one of the most important keys to blessing in our lives.

Dad’s teaching wasn’t just folksy one-liners  

Everything my dad taught he also lived.  Being generous was something he believed important for a person to be blessed. Within a few moments of being with him you’d see him in action.

If you ever went to a restaurant with dad, he’ll fight you for the check.  And then when it came to the tip, forget all those little calculators, he would just round things up to the nearest ten.   You may think that’s extravagant, but dad would tell you, “Put yourself in the position of this person who’s serving us. Trying to make ends meet, maybe raising a family.  I want them to know that there’s a God who not only loves them, but wants to bless them.”

Dad’s generous measurement

Besides wanting to bless people, dad understood that the level of his generosity determined how God would pour back blessings to him. He would regularly quote this verse…

For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. (Matthew 7:2, NLT)

The measurements we use with people, whether or not we’re kind to them, whether or not we minister grace to them, and whether or not we’re generous with them, are the same measurements God will use on us.

May dad taught me how to be generous, but he also taught me how to be blessed.

Super Impressive, Almost Worthless

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What was your New Year’s resolution last year? Did you stick to it? If not, don’t feel bad, only about 20% of people stick to their resolutions.  Most fail within the first month.  

Was there a time when your passion and love for Jesus was stronger than it is now?  Do you remember when you were more interested in sharing your faith with others?  Do you remember when your joy and hope was greater than it is now?  The fact is time has a way of taking passion away.

A Man After God

David was a man full of passion for God.  He loved God with everything he had. 

God raised up David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, ‘I have found the son of Jesse, a man after my own heart, who will do all My will. (Acts 13:22)

A Son Satisfied with Stuff

David’s son Solomon was one of the wisest men that have ever lived.   He knew God and built the first temple for Him.  But Solomon’s real passion was for material things.  76 times in Ecclesiastes Solomon tells us,

Nothing is better for a man than he should eat and drink, and that his soul should enjoy good in his labor.  (Ecclesiastes 2:24)

A Self-Absorbed Grandson

Solomon had a son name Rehoboam who also became king.  But Rehoboam had no passion for God, in fact he wanted nothing to do with God. He only was interested in himself.

When Rehoboam had established the kingdom and had strengthened himself, he forsook the law of the Lord.  (II Chronicles 12:1)

Time has a way of taking away our passion

One of the greatest churches of the New Testament was in the city of Ephesus. For three years the Apostle Paul was the pastor, followed by his favorite apprentice Timothy, and then the Apostle John.  This church accomplished incredible things.  Jesus said to them,

I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. (Revelation 2:2–3)

A Successful Church Failing

This was an impressive church with an impressive pedigree, doing very impressive things.  They would not tolerate compromise.  They were combatant against false teachers and teaching.  And they were active in ministry—going, helping, doing, serving—working hard for the Lord.  Over time they had grown to love doing things for Jesus more than anything, including him.

Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent. (Revelation 2:4–5)

Their spiritual heritage was the best.  Their doctrine was impeccable.  Their commitment was thorough.  Their determination was unmatched.  The church at Ephesus was very impressive, but they were almost worthless to God.

God wants us to spend time with him more than he wants us to do things for him.  He wants us to love being alone with him more than we love working for him.  Our love for God is only satisfied with our love for God.

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Vision and Doubt

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A important concept used in organizational strategy is connected with word “vision.” 

Vision puts into understandable language what the hopes and goals of the organization are. Ministries and churches often use the word vision in connection with something the Lord has shown them, and how they see the fulfillment of that. 

Especially when we are in the first stages of serving Jesus 

There are hopes, dreams, desires, and even visions that are birthed in our hearts.  They seem to be so tangible that there is no doubt that they WILL happen.  But, time has a way of diminishing our vision and causing us to doubt.

Kathie and I have been leading The Center Church for over 17 years.  I remember distinctly the things that the Holy Spirit put within our hearts in the days leading up to our appointment here.  We were convinced that God had brought us here, and that there were things He was going to do.  

It was our vision

With energy and zeal we launched out. Doing this. Saying that. Trusting. Hoping. Praying. What’s strange though is things didn’t quite go according to our plans.  And not everyone was as enthusiastic about our ideas. 

Doubt, underlined by the foul lies of the Enemy, began to assault our thoughts…

Maybe we don’t have what it takes…

Maybe this isn’t the right place…

Maybe God’s given up on us…

But with God’s help we begin to learn that these kinds of thoughts are common to people who are attempting to do something great for God.  

People who’ve seen the vision God gave them come to pass

Whether it’s about how to lead a ministry, raise kids, make money, or what restaurant to eat at, people have all sorts of ideas and opinions. What’s dangerous, is like Israel who listened to the negative advice from the 10 spies and were exiled into the wilderness, we often put more stock in what people think, rather than in what God has said.

There are many plans in a man’s heart, nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand. (Proverbs 19:21)

It actually doesn’t matter how things look, or what people say, or even how we feel.  If God has given you a vision, He will bring it to pass. But it may not happen exactly the way you think, and that’s a good thing—because then it will succeed!