David George Montalvo | Communicate Christ

The New You | #1 - Not The Same Ole Sinner

Anyone that knows anything about me knows this: I've led a jacked up life. Period. There's no denying it. I've had more moral failings than any several people most of you know.

Because of the guilt I carried around, because of the shame I let torture me, because of the belief that I was horribly wicked I had some incredible struggles...

• For years, I would literally wake up astonished that God didn't kill me while I slept...
• I almost expectantly looked over my shoulder waiting to get what I deserved...
• The guilt I felt about my deeds drove me to move and hide; no one could find me...
• And then while looking to comfort myself I'd spiral into behavior patterns that inflicted more pain... That's a crazy wacked-out cycle.

What really threw me over the edge was when 2 pastors sat me down at a restaurant and literally told me to my face how evil I was, how worthless I was, how disgusting I was, etc etc. You get the picture.

I spent the rest of the afternoon driving around thinking about how to end the game, how to take myself out, how to end the misery I doled out. How could I ever come back to God? How could I not burn in hell's fires. How could I not be who these men of God said I was?

If you've led a semi-charmed life, you probably won't get the depths of this post. If you've hit the bottom of the barrel, knocked it out, then kept on falling, then this is probably for you. Because what I found out drove me into the loving security of a God who cares for every single one of us, no matter what.

1. This post is for people who have committed to live for Jesus but find that at times, maybe even all the time, they fight feeling like miserable sinners unworthy of the full mercy and grace of God.
2. This article is for people who have decided to love Jesus with all their mind, and heart, and strength but because of their past struggle with identifying themselves by their past actions.
3. This 3 part study on who God says you are will help you realize that you are not who people say you are but you are who God says you are.
4. And finally, what I will be spending some time writing about is the almost oxymoronic truth that your belief about yourself doesn't determine your behavior.

You're Not The Same Old Sinner - You Are Accepted:
Let's take a look at what the Bible says about who we are, at who people who have had their lives changed (or in the process of change) through the message of the cross have become (through the power of Jesus).

• John 1:12
  But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,
  
  The Bible clearly says it, if you have believed (not only mentally as a factoid but also living out what you believe) then you are a child of God. God loves his children just like a good parent would love their own kidz.
  
  
• John 15:15
  No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.
  
  You are not just a child of God but also a friend of God. It's way more than a Facebook friend request or clicking a Fan Page. You are on best of terms with the creator of the universe.
  
  
• Romans 5:1
  Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
  
  Justified is an old fashioned word that means you've been made right, basically. You were wrong with your relationship with God because of the filth of your sin, but you trusted in Jesus and He gave you peace about how your relationship.
  
  
• 1 Corinthians 6:17
  But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him.
  
  You and Jesus are like peas and carrots, you just go together. You are one just like members of a football team are one team. There's power in that. Security in that!
  
  
• 1 Corinthians 12:27
  Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.
  
  See above.
  
  
• Ephesians 1:1
  To the saints...
  
  I like this old fashioned word, "SAINTS." We're not the same ole sinner, we're new, we're SAINTS or people set apart for God's use. We're dedicated to him!
  
  
• Ephesians 1:5
  he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,
  
  We're adopted as God's children. He sought us out, found us, and took us in!
  
  
• Colossians 1:14
  in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
  
  My life has been redeemed, like a Coke bottle, for something. But instead of cash, we've been redeemed for use by God, to be His child, His SAINT, His prized possession... Our sins are forgotten and even their weight is taken off of us... They're gone. We're free.
  
  
• Colossians 2:10
  and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.
  
  We're no longer empty inside, we are filled in Jesus. We're filled with courage, conviction, and the counsel of God. We're able and ready to live up to all that God requires of us. We're on the Lord's side.

Upcoming Blog Post Titles:

Part 2 - Rock Solid

Part 3 - VIP

BOLD

I once knew a young man who took off down South Broadway talking about Jesus to everybody he literally ran into. I knew another man who literally picked up a 100lb cross and dragged it around neighborhoods in the Azalea district. And I knew yet another man who walked the streets of Jacksonville and talked to strangers, leading them to the Lord and then sneaking into churches to baptize the new converts.

These men were bold. These men had been captivated to do something with what they had. These men wanted to live what they believed. To them, they were but an extension of the Book of Acts. It was like they were writing their own chapter to the story of God (they were!). Acts 29.

Was it youthful abandon? Was it unrestrained love of God? Was it psychosis? Was it back woods ignorance?

I am reminded of a scripture; Acts 17:6: "These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also..." Are you turning your world upside down? To quote Jay Ferguson, Headmaster of Grace Community School, "Are you starting with your neighbors?"

In chapter 18 of The Book of Acts we clearly see a BOLDness in Paul & Apollos. This isn't something they worked up inside themselves like WWF wrestlers. This was a genuine inspiring by God that led to them being unable to contain it. They BOLDly proclaimed Jesus where they went.

I am not saying that you should walk into the nearest Starbucks, jump on a chair and start preaching. What I am saying is that if the opportunity arises, don't be shy about what God has done in your life. In fact, I am certain that if what you have is real, there'll be a genuine want and desire to share the good that God has done.

Yesterday, I met with a sales rep for Yellow Book who is also a Grace Community Church member. She and her fiance had been living as the world when the felt the call of God to give their lives to Him. Within months, they quit their former lifestyle, they got in church, they got engaged, they started inviting friends to church and now there is no denying that the love of God is in them both.

They've been changed and others see it. Co-workers see it. Friends & family see it. That's Jesus, baby!

Be BOLD. Live what you believe!

1. ACTS 18:4 - Learn scripture so you can make sense of it to others...
   
   "he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and tried to persuade Jews and Greeks."
   
2. ACTS 18:6 - If somebody disregards the message of the cross, then it's not on you...
   
   "Your blood be on your own heads!"
   
3. ACTS 18:19 - Go to where people are and share... It could start a friendship that leads to life-change.
   
   "he himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews."
   
4. ACTS 18:26 - Don't see shy.
   
   "He began to speak boldly in the synagogue..."

reTHINK THINKING

Here are a few scriptures for you to think about and mull today... They've encouraged me, they'll do the same for you...

• Isaiah 54:13
  
  All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children.
  
  Be a student of the things of God and you'll have peace of mind.
  
  
• Ephesians 4:23, 24
  
  and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
  
  Be renewed in your mind. Put on your new self, the real you. If you are a child of God and you act like the devil, you're not being who you really are. Put the old junk aside. Be the new you.
  
  
• Ephesians 4:15
  
  Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,
  
  Grow up in every way in the knowledge and spirit of Jesus. There's way more to this rodeo and just a few scriptures like John 3:16. There's more to Jesus than fire insurance or a get out of hell free card. Grow up into it...
  
  
• Proverbs 8:6-8
  
  Hear, for I will speak noble things, and from my lips will come what is right,  for my mouth will utter truth; wickedness is an abomination to my lips. All the words of my mouth are righteous;
  there is nothing twisted or crooked in them.
  
  This is a tough one... But let's watch the words we use and speak. Are you speaking like a child of the King or like a commoner who knows neither God nor the truth?
  
  
• Psalm 119:36
  
  Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain!
  
  I love this one, it's about God not us... So seek God's best not the best you can devise for yourself.
  
  
• 1 John 2:15, 16, 21
  
  Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth.
  
  Do not love the world of the things of it. What is the world? The world is this present system of things (political, economic, social, cultural, etc). Don't love it. Don't be like Lot's wife who couldn't help but look back at Sodom wishing she didn't have to leave. Don't let your soul be turned into dust. Love the truth instead and God is the truth. He's the constant variable. He's the infinite.
  
  
• Proverbs 4:7-8, 20-23
  
  The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight. Prize her highly, and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you embrace her. My son, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Let them not escape from your sight; keep them within your heart.
  
  For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh. Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.
  
  
• Philippians 2:2-5
  
  complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,

How To Share & Receive The Words of God; Acts 17

This morning I continue my random observations from the Book of Acts. We're in Chapter 17 if you are following along.

One theme running through Acts 17 is How to Share & Receive The Words of God as evidenced in scripture.

• Reasoning; Verse 3
  
  "he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, "This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ."
  
  Point 1, Paul & his preacher buddy Silas are running around Thessalonica, hopping in and out of places of worship when they decide they're going to launch into what we call a sermon series. At this particular place, none had yet believed in Jesus as The One (to quote the Matrix), the Saviour of the world. So Paul, having a solid understanding of scripture launches into a 3 Sunday Sermon Series I bet we could safely call, "Jesus, The Christ!"
  
  What I love about this verse is that it doesn't say Paul yelled at the crowd after heaving like a lunatic. It doesn't account for some high-minded nonense that would require advanced linguistics and a doctorate to figure out.
  
  No, instead it says "he reasoned." He made the insights God had shared with him plainly evident. He spoke their language and met them where they were.
  
  I also love how he proved what he was saying. He was what some would call an apologist or someone who defends a point of view. He would take prophetic verses from scripture speaking about the saviour and then compare them to Jesus of Nazareth.
  
  He made Jesus real, evident.

Random Observations On Acts 12-15

Random Observations on Acts 12-15 By A Non-Seminary Trained Disciple of Jesus.

• Acts 12:5, "but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church."
  
  So one of the leaders of the early church finds himself in jail with no hope of escape, there's no way out. He's literally running into brick walls all around him. His friends know this and instead of sending MacGyver to go bail him out or the A-Team, they hit the floor and do some serious praying. I love how the scripture reads, it starts with a "BUT." That word implies something is coming. And boy did it ever. God answered prayer. God answers prayer.
  
  Are you taking matters into your own hands or are you praying?
  
  
• Acts 12:29, "because he did not give God the glory..."
  
  At a ceremony a particular wicked King takes praise from the people when they start shouting, "He's not a man, he's the mouth of God," or something like that. This ruler had no problems. He was no doubt highly gifted in oratory. But as soon as he took glory from God instead of giving God the glory, BAM, an angel shows up and literally STRIKES HIM DOWN!"
  
  That's heavy! Whatever gifts and talents you may have, they're gifts from God so give God the glory when you expertly use them. It's a sure fire way not to get struck down by a jealous angel.
  
  
• Acts 13:3, "Then after fasting and praying..."
  
  Got some difficult decisions to make? Got to pick and choose from among a lot of great options? Or are things unclear and you need peace about a matter? Why not start off with a little prayer and fasting?
  
  Now fasting is a difficult thing for me. As you can tell, I got a little chubby thing working. But there's something very appealing about fasting. It is an ancient practice that would acquiant us with those who are without, it would deprive us, it would do us good. I am picking this practice back up!
  

Are You A Priest?

If you're a Christ follower you'e not relegated to sitting on the sidelines watching some pros do the work required of your faith. No, you're suited up for action! So are you going to just sit or are you going to get in the game?

Like Jesus, are you proclaiming the favor of God? Freedom & liberty from evil & sin? joy instead of mourning? If you're a Christ follower, a Christian, then you're to be about doing the work of the ministry...

1. Isaiah 61:6... but YOU shall be called the priests of the LORD; they shall speak of you as the ministers of our God;
   
   
2.  1 Peter 2:9... But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of the darkness into his marvelous light.
   
   
3. Exodus 19:5... Now therefore if you will obey my voice and keep my covenant you shall be my treasurer possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.
   
   
4. Ephesians 4:11... And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for 1) the work of ministry, 2) for building up the body of Christ, 3) until we all attain the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God...
   

Fulfill God's greatest purpose for your life, namely to glorify him in every way possible... begin by loving people & telling others about the love of God so deep & pure.

Acts 5 - Holy Dread & Holy Discontent

At any time in your life you've probably experienced fear. Fear of displeasing someone you love. Fear of failure. Fear of punishment for something you have done wrong but have yet to be caught for. And in scripture fear is present. Please read on, because I am not saying that fear is normal or good but I am also saying it isn't all bad...

Scripture does say that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom"... but scripture also says "God didn't give you a spirit of fear but of love, power and a sound mind." Let's dive into Acts Chapter 5 and take a look at how fear is covered...

The 5th chapter of the Acts of The Apostles seems to have a mega theme running through it... Fear. There are two kinds of fear mentioned.

1. A Holy Dread - Knowing the displeasing God is a serious offense to those who count themselves as followers of "the way."One fears punishment or discipline.
   
   
2. A Holy Discontent - Knowing that God's desires for your life are the only priority and must be obeyed. One fears not fulfilling the highest purpose of glorifying Jesus.

Let's take a look at a few key points...

1. Acts 5:11 "great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things."
   After a couple fell dead in front of a few teachers of the new way of Life (Christ followers) also called "The Way" for the offense of lying or testing the Spirit of God, people freaked in a good and godly sort of way. Later in the chapter the story unfolds to let us know some people were even afraid to join the new church because they had a healthy respect for the God the Christ followers served. This God wasn't your ordinary god made of stone or wood that you fashioned yourself or bought as a trinket at an idol shop and then carried around in your pocket.
   
   This was the invisible God who made Himself plainly evident with power. The shadow of some of these teachers (also called Apostles) healed ALL and weird spirits that bothered people LEFT. It was an amazing time.
   
   This same God, the only true God, deserved holiness. His presence was literally in their midst. And if you've ever encountered that special moment where you've come face to face with the awesome majesty and splendor of who God is then you know you don't jack with God. You shoot straight. You don't go all "father of lies" on the "Author of Life."
   
   In this particular instance, God brought them into this world, then He took them out. God disciplined. And this private discipline did corporate good. A healthy fear of displeasing a Holy God who deserves our best struck the people. When you encounter God you have this fear. Remember that when God disciplines or punishes, He does it because you are a child. You're not a bastard child who belongs to this ruler of this evil world system. NO. You are a child who is co-heir to the kingdom of His dear son, Jesus!
   
   Discipline is for our good, but if you can avoid it by doing what is right out of a heart that wants to glorify Him then BINGO, go for it... Sign up... What are you waiting for... And conversely, if you have decided after following Him that it is time for you to "turn to your own way" then don't be surprised if punishment comes.
   
   Remember, punishment is for our good. It is meant to redirect us.*
   
   
2. Acts 5:29 "We must obey God rather than men."
   This is real simple. At work, home or play there are influences in our lives that pull us toward being people pleasers. Sometimes it is because, as in this case, if we don't do as somebody wants we're gonna kick our tail kicked. Other times it is because a boss wants you to do something unethical or a family member wants you to hold something over another family member or a friend wants to lead you down the path of destruction right into the arms of sin.
   
   So what are you going to do?
   
   Are you going to consider God and all His ways? Are you going to go all dark and hide while you go do your wrongs? It is a choice.
   
   In this particular instance after being jailed, these Jesus freaks decided that they'd better obey "the angel of the Lord" who showed up and TOLD them go and preach... We have the Word of God, the Bible, that tells us how we should obey God. The Apostles obeyed knowing they'd probably be beat senselessly. But they took the lashings and counted it all good because they did it for Jesus.
   
   You want purpose for this life? You want meaning in this meaningless world? Find it in service to Jesus. Give him all you got and then some. He's is worthy. Obey God rather than men.

* If you want to hear of how God punished me and set my feet back on the solid rock of His mercy, love and grace, call me, we'll do lunch. I'd love to help spare you the punishment I've experienced for falling away.

ACT'in UP & OUT!

This morning as I watched the clouds coloration change from baby blues to the bask of warm golds I dove back into The Acts of The Apostles (commonly known as Acts). Morning time on my back porch is a treat. It is quiet, beautiful, and delicious.

If you can read this book and fall asleep or think it boring or do not get inspired by it or wonder what good it may be then you've better check yourself. Why?

Because this book contains magnificent stories of the awesome power wrought at the hands of men who gave themselves completely over to Jesus. If you are a Christ follower there is every reason to love ACTS. It is a story of how the Church started, of the miracles that first happened, of the way it spread across the Middle East, Mediterranean, and Southern Europe.

It's about the Church!

Here are a few highlights from Chapters 1-4 that really got me jazzed early this a.m.

1. 1:14 "And these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer..."
   These guys literally were of one mind of one purpose of one goal, to chase after Jesus. These people had witnessed Jesus with their own eyes, some of them after Jesus was resurrected. They were in earnest expectation of God moving in their midst to do His good pleasure... and they prayed asking for it...
   
   
2. 1:16 "Scripture had to be fulfilled..."
   What was written down by Holy men hundreds and sometimes thousands of years before, as they were inspired of God, had to be fulfilled. God has to be true to himself. What does scripture say, "Let God be true and every man a liar." If it was written, it is going to happen. You can have faith in scripture because it is authored by God himself.
   
   
3. 2:11 "We hear them telling... the mighty works of God..."
   How mighty is God in your life? If you know that you are utterly degenerate in every way apart from Christ then you know how mighty of a work it is to make you as pure as the driven snow. Do you see the hand of God at work in your life leading you to Him? Has He blessed you, healed you, found you, sought you, overcome you, inspired you only for you to keep the magnificence of it all to yourself? Nonsense! Testify! Tell it! Share it! Glorify God with the great stories of what He has done!!!
   
   
4. 2:16 "For these people are not drunk as you suppose..."
   There's a lady in church who gets soo excitable during worship that I wonder if guests think she's drunk. Sometimes I get soo excited about the work of God in my life that I am overenthusiastic. We're drunk! But not as you think. We're not liquored up but we're filled up with the joy of the power of Jesus in our lives. Are you walking around like you've been baptized in pickle juice? Are you devoid of joy? That ain't right guys. If you are in Christ, you're happy happy joy joy!
   
   
5. 2:23 "according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God..."
   God has a plan! Period. This whole enchilada we call life is not some great mystery. God knows it all, designed it, instigated it, and will see it through. Trust in God.
   
   
6. 2:38 "Repent and be baptized..."
   I've done a lot of this. I suspect I'll continue to. Repent. Turn away from the God dishonoring and turn toward being completely devoted in every way to his will.
   
   
7. 2:39 "For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself."
   Hey all you parents out there! Got some kidz that are chasing sin 150mph? Are they as lost as the people watching LOST? Do you fear for their eternal security? The promise of God is that this Jesus isn't just for you, it is for the lost, the far off, for everyone God calls to himself.
   
   
8. 2:42 "And they devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers."
   This is good stuff right here! If you aren't in the word and being encouaged by teachers of the faith, if you aren't in community with other Christ followers or praying, then get to it. If you feel God tugging at you, reminding you, and you keep ignoring it, then STOP IT! Start doing the good you know to do. God wants to bless you. Stop being your own worst enemy.
   
   
9. 3:19 "Repent therefore and turn again that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord..."
   Turning from your sin doesn't leave you sorry... Turning from wickedness brings peace of soul.
   
   
10. 4:12 "There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."
    Jesus! Jesus! Jesus! If you feel funny saying that in a crowd, to your friends, or talking about it with strangers, remember it is all about Jesus! They'll get over it. Be bold!
    
    
11. 4:13 "And they recognized that they had been with Jesus."
    This hits me hard! Can people tell that you've spent time with Jesus? If not, then maybe you haven't...
    
    
12. 4:20 "we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard."
    If you've experienced the power of Jesus in your life, then no threat, no demon in hell, nothing will be able to stop you from sharing what God has done in your life. Are you sharing at work, with family, are you sharing here and there? Are you sharing everywhere?