NOW. . .  HERE IS MY SERMON FOR DAD !

By: Pastor Mike Stahl

Brothers and Sisters ; First allow me to humbly thank each and every one of you for your condolences and words of support for my family and myself  upon hearing of my Dad’s being called home by The LORD , your prayers , kindness , and thoughts are very much appreciated .

Now , this sermon may make me even MORE "unpopular" , especially among certain family members , than I was before - but so be it , eventually we must ALL be honest with ourselves , and , after many days of prayer , meditation , and talking to God , I believe the Holy Spirit has directed me to write it .

So , where to start . Hmmm , that’s a tough one , but I’ll try .

First off , as I told my kids - we DO NOT pray for the "dead ‘ !! INCLUDING MY DAD !! Why should we ? If a person is saved , they DON’T NEED PRAYERS !! If they’re NOT SAVED - then all the prayers in the universe won’t help them !!

What we DO pray and ask God for , is strength in carrying on , help in overcoming and dealing with the loss (missing) of our loved one , until we can meet again in heaven , ( assuming they , AND us , are in fact going there ) , and asking Him to comfort us during our time of mourning .
Also , let me start by saying that when Christians leave this earth ( "die" )  , we are GUARANTEED a place in heaven ! , Romans 10:9 -10 , tells us , " That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation . " Now , once we’re saved , we CANNOT become "unsaved" - and the people who have said they were once saved , but now they’re not , well , my friends - believe what you will - but if they say that , THEY WERE NEVER SAVED IN THE FIRST PLACE !! Because in John 10:28-29 , Jesus tells us , " And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand . " So , just as a shepherd protects his sheep , Jesus protects His people from eternal harm . While Christians can expect to suffer on earth , Satan CANNOT harm their souls or take away their eternal life with God . There are many reasons to be afraid here on earth , because this IS Satan’s domain . But choose to follow Jesus and He will give you everlasting safety !

Now . . .(and I saw this coming from a zillion miles away ) - people will start accusing me of being "hypocritical" and/or "contradicting" myself , because they will say that since my dad was a Catholic (which he WAS ) , and citing my topic " CATHOLIC OR CHRISTIAN " , as well as me listing Catholicism as a cult and false doctrine ( which I have , and IT IS ! ) , will probably want to know how , (since my dad WAS a Catholic ) , can he be "saved" and in heaven .

Well , bear with me here , and I’ll explain .

First , and foremost , I NEVER say - ANYWHERE - on this site , that ONLY Christians can be saved and go to heaven ! Christians do NOT have a monopoly on heaven .

That said , was my dad a Christian ? I say " NO ! "

But HOLD ON NOW . . Before y’all get ready to have me drawn and quartered , let me tell you WHY my dad wasn’t a Christian .

We must FIRST look at the BIBLICAL definition of "Christian" .

There is a view prevalent today that claims a person can be a Christian without being a disciple of Jesus Christ, that he can accept Jesus as Savior without accepting him as Lord (a word which means Master). Yet this view is not compatible with the way the Bible uses the word "Christian." The word "Christian" occurs only three times in the ENTIRE BIBLE , ( Acts 11:26 ; Acts 26:28 ; 1 Peter 4:16 ) ,  and when we examine the passages in which it occurs, we discover that, in each instance, it is compatible (or even synonymous) with the word "disciple." In one instance, it is directly connected with that word. In the days of the apostles, the word "Christian" was a term of derision that was used by their enemies. Instead of being a compliment - or even a status symbol (as it sometimes is, today) - it was an insult. A person who became a follower (disciple) of Jesus experienced a radical change in values, attitudes and actions - and the world mocked such people by calling them "Christians , " just as they do today . As we examine these three New Testament passages which use the word "Christian," we will discover - perhaps with great sadness - that most people who claim to be "Christian" don't have the characteristics which the Bible associates with that word.

 And so, this leaves us with three choices:
 1) Accept the New Testament concept of "Christian" - which means that most people today who claim to be Christians aren't. 2) Accept the modern definition of that word - which means denying the New Testament's concept and reducing the word to something that is almost meaningless. 3) Close our eyes and ignore the issue - which means almost the same as accepting the second choice.

Regardless of how we might choose, it still stands true that, in the days of the apostles: 1) Only a person who was willing to accept Jesus as "Lord" ("Master") would be willing to be the type of person described as a "Christian" in these passages. 2) Only a person who was willing to accept the necessary life changes (involving both attitudes and actions) would be labeled a "Christian" by the unsaved people around them. (After all, why would unsaved people mock such a person, by calling him a "Christian," if he was no different from them? What reason would they have, to claim that he was imitating Christ, if he wasn't following the ways of Christ?) 3) Only a person who was willing to be like Jesus, even when it meant suffering for him, would be called a "Christian" - and his willingness to be like Jesus would often be the reason the world would try to make him suffer ! These are the marks of a disciple - a follower of Jesus, in the true (New Testament) sense of the word !

When we consider how often the word "Christian" is greatly abused and misrepresented today, we could find ourselves wondering if this was one of the reasons that God rarely included this word in the Bible ! Normally, the Bible uses other words to describe the followers of Jesus - words such as "disciple," "brother" (or "sister"), "saint ", "the elect," "the faithful," or "believers" (that is, people who put their trust in Jesus ). We also find terms such as, "the church of God" (referring to people who are "united with Christ," rather than to a religious institution), "servants (or slaves) of God," and "those who call on the name of the Lord." When we correctly understand the New Testament definitions of these terms, we discover that they, too, have little in common with many of the people who call themselves "Christian" today.

 Acts 11:22,23,26: The Word "Christian" is associated with...

- Visible Evidence of God's Grace (God's undeserved kindness
- "grace" - had a visible effect on the people)

-  Being a Disciple of Christ

Acts 11:22-23, 26 ; " Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. "

There was a visible change in the people's lives - something that was proof that God's grace was present, and something that Barnabas could see. (Contrast this with people today, who claim to be "Christian," but whose lives remain unchanged.) This passage specifically states that it was the disciples who were called "Christians." They were being mocked (by those who opposed them) because of the changes (the effects of God's grace) which had occurred in their lives. (To better understand what these changes were, we can look throughout the New Testament and see what it says about being a disciple.)

 Acts 26:20, 22-23,27-28: The Word "Christian" is associated with...

 - A Change in Lifestyle (demonstrated by one's actions)

- Accepting the Message of the Prophets

 Acts 26:20, 22-23, 27-28 [Paul:] " But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles. King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. "

Here, it was King Agrippa, not Paul, who used the word "Christian." The king was using this word as a term of contempt or ridicule - and his comments need to be understood in the light of that fact. He was not claiming that he was almost ready to become one, for to him, the word "Christian" would have had a connotation similar to what the term "weird religious fanatic" might have today ! It would have been "political suicide" for him to "convert" over to the view that some obscure, dead, Jewish criminal named Jesus had come back to life ! (Compare with Acts 25:19.) In this passage, Paul made comments about the need for people to change their ways, and said that the Messiah (Jesus) fulfilled the message of the prophets. To the king, accepting these things (believing and living by them) meant becoming a "Christian" (with all the negative connotations that the word had) - and he was unwilling to do this.

 1 Peter 1:6-9;4:12-19: The Word "Christian" is associated with...

- A Willingness to Share in Christ's Sufferings

 - A Willingness to Continue in Doing the Good Things Which Caused That Suffering

 1 Peter 1:6-9 ; " Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. "

1 Peter 4:12-19 ; " Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God ? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator. "

 In the verses given above, 1 Peter 1:6-9 is included, because the passage explains the purpose of trials. 1 Peter 4:12-19 shows us that genuine disciples may experience trials - and if they do so, they should interpret them as being the "will of God" (see 4:19).

 Salvation has past, present and future aspects - all of which occur in the life of a person who is truly saved. Here, Peter focuses on the future aspect of salvation, and how it is accomplished. A purification of our faith is necessary for us to receive the "goal of our faith." All who are truly saved (past tense, referring to what Jesus accomplished for us) will be purified by God (a present tense action), so that their salvation (future tense) will be accomplished.

 These verses show us that this purification may require suffering or trials of some sort. A non-disciple may claim to be "saved," even though he lives a life that contradicts his claim. If he sees no need to live for Jesus (that is, to be a disciple), he might not have to endure the suffering that is caused by those who oppose Jesus. In contrast, a genuine disciple will accept the fact that salvation and living for Jesus are inseparable, like two sides of one coin. He will acknowledge that genuine disciples are recognized by their "fruit" (actions, etc.) - and that those who hate Jesus will recognize the disciple's "fruit" and will hate them, just like they hate Jesus. (Compare to John 15:18-19+.)

 It has always been this way - compare to Matthew 5:10-12, which refers to opposition even before Jesus died on the cross ! The non-disciples, who claim to be saved, yet see no reason to change, do not have the fruit of salvation, because they were never really saved in the first place. It was only a "skin-deep" religious experience, not a change of heart. The world won't hate such people in quite the same way. (They may hate them, but it would be for different reasons.) In 1 Peter 4:16, Peter uses the word "Christian" within this context of suffering. God uses trials to cause our faith to "grow up" - and so trials can normally be expected by those who belong to Jesus. (The trials prove whether or not our faith is truly genuine !) It should not surprise us, says Peter, when we must "suffer as a Christian." In this passage, Peter quotes the Old Testament, to confirm that difficulties are a normal part of being righteous - and that we should entrust ourselves to God (who is our future judge) and continue in doing what is good.

All people will be judged. We (the genuine disciples) are experiencing a purifying judgment even now - a saving judgment which is described as sometimes difficult or hard (4:18). But the apostle compares our "judgment" with what the unsaved will receive, and tells us that it will be much worse for them. God will use our trials to purify our faith, and to get us to the goal of eternal salvation. In contrast, those who reject God's good news about salvation have no such assurance. The godless sinner has no chance of surviving his judgment, for he has rejected the only one who can cause good to come out of it. In the end, we, the disciples (followers) of Jesus, will be like the gold that has been made pure by the fire. But those who do not follow Jesus will be like the dross - an impurity which is unable to be refined.

Originally, the word "Christian" was a term of derision that enemies of Jesus labeled his followers. It was intended as an insult or mockery. When the followers of Jesus were called "Christians" at Antioch, or when Paul was called a "Christian" by King Agrippa, it was not intended as a compliment ! This is the reason that Peter associates the name "Christian" with suffering. A person had to be seriously willing to follow Jesus as a disciple (someone who accepts Jesus' teachings and follows his example), before he would be willing to be called a "Christian" !

Knowing these things, we must make a decision. Unless we're simply going to ignore the issue, we must decide whose definition of "Christian" we are going to accept. We can choose the modern (often "politically correct") concept, which will include just about anyone who wants to be called a "Christian" - regardless of what they believe or do. Or we can choose the New Testament concept which equates "Christian" with: 1) being a follower (disciple) of Jesus, 2) having a changed way of thinking and living, 3) having a willingness to accept what the Bible says, and 4) having with a willingness to suffer for Christ (along with an avoidance of sinful conduct which would result in deserved suffering). If we accept the New Testament definition, we may discover that, not only will we have to revise our views about who is and who isn't "Christian," but we may need to make some changes in our own lives, before we can rightfully claim that name. We will also discover that any suffering we may experience, because of those changes, will be worth the trouble - when we consider the wonderful outcome that God has in store for us !

NOW , was my dad a BELIEVER ? . . YES , HE SURE WAS !!!

He was also a TRUE BELIEVER !

John 3:16 tells us , " For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. "

Now , I know many people say  they "believe" , but to believe is more than intellectual agreement that Jesus is God . It means to put our trust and confidence in Him that He alone can save us .  It is to put Christ in charge of our present plans and eternal destiny . Believing is BOTH trusting His Words as reliable and relying on Him for the power to change .

And I witnessed these qualities in Dad ! ( as opposed to just the "lip service " many Catholics , and others give ! )

Now , as I mentioned earlier - Christians DO NOT have a monopoly on heaven ! ANYONE , can be saved and go to heaven . That INCLUDES Catholics , Muslims , Mormons , JW’s ,and YES . . EVEN ATHEISTS !! IF . . And I REPEAT , IF . AT A MINIMUM - they " confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.  " AND . . . They MUST be sincere about it ! ( and ONLY God and them will know if they are ! )

Salvation is EQUALLY available to ALL people ! The key word being " available " . Jesus says in Luke 10:21 ; " In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight. "  Jesus thanked God that spiritual truth was for EVERYONE , not just the elite . We come to Jesus , not through strength or brains , but through childlike trust . Now , Jesus is not opposed to engaging in scholarly pursuits ; He is opposed to spiritual pride ( being wise in one’s own eyes ) .

Also , what people need to understand is that with God , "ignorance" of the Law , IS AN EXCUSE ! In other words , my dad , (and mom ) , as well as probably many other Catholics , and other followers of various cults , who HONESTLY do not KNOW what the Bible says about False Doctrines , teachers , and so on - God will not hold it against them . And , this is where the bold Christians come in - by exposing these cults and false doctrines , teachers , and "prophet’s " - so that NOW . . IF the followers read the Bible for themselves and UNDERSTAND what it says , yet STILL choose to follow "Man’s Law " as opposed to God’s Law , well , my friends ,they then have a REAL problem with The LORD , and have some heavy explaining to do at the final judgment ( the SECOND and FINAL death ) . As I have stated numerous times in the past , no one HAS , or EVER WILL , hear CONDEMNATION  coming from my mouth - BUT . . . They WILL hear plenty of CONVICTION ( of my Christian Faith and the Word of God ! ) .

Many people of these various denominational cults will indeed be rejected by God ! Many so-called "devoutly religious "people will be rejected by God ! How do I KNOW ? Because Jesus HIMSELF says so - THAT’S HOW !! All we have to do is take a look at Matthew 7: 21-23 to see what Jesus tells us , " Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. " To use an analogy here , some self-professed athletes can "talk" a great game , but that tells you nothing about their athletic skills . And not everyone who talks about heaven belongs to God’s Kingdom . Jesus is more concerned about our WALK than our TALK . He wants us to do right , NOT just say the right words . What we do cannot be separated from what we believe .

Jesus also exposed those people who sounded religious but had no personal relationship with Him . They "appeared clean " on the outside , as He told the scribes and Pharisees in Matthew 23:25; " Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. "  Jesus was condemning the Pharisees and religious leaders for appearing saintly and holy OUTWARDLY - but INWARDLY , they remained full of corruption and greed ! 

At "that day " ( the day of judgment ) only our relationship with Christ - our acceptance of Him as Savior and our obedience to Him - will matter.  Many people think that if they are "good" people and say religious things , they will be rewarded with eternal life . In reality , faith in Christ is what will count at the judgment .

So , what are the "qualifications" to enter heaven ? 

Well , the answer is in Mathew 5:3-12 ; "  Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. "

With Jesus’ announcement that the Kingdom was at hand ( 4:17 ) , people were naturally asking , " How do I qualify to be in God’s Kingdom ? " Jesus said that God’s Kingdom is organized differently from worldly kingdoms . In the Kingdom of heaven , wealth and power and authority are unimportant . Kingdom people seek different blessings and benefits , and the have different attitudes . Are your attitudes a carbon copy of the world’s selfishness , pride , and lust for power , or do they reflect the humility and self-sacrifice of Jesus , your KING ?

Now , in verses 3-5 ; ( " Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. " ) , Jesus began His sermon with words that seem to contradict each other . But God’s way of living usually contradicts the world’s . If you want to live for God , then you must ; be willing to GIVE , when others TAKE ! To LOVE , when others HATE ! To help when others abuse . By giving up your own rights in order to serve others , you will one day receive everything God has in store for you .

In verses 11-12 , ( " Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. " ) Jesus said to rejoice when we’re persecuted . Persecution can be good because ( 1 ) it takes our eyes off  earthly rewards , ( 2 ) It strips away superficial belief , ( 3 ) It strengthens the faith of those who endure , and ( 4 ) our attitude through it serves as an example to others who follow . We can be comforted to know that God’s greatest prophets were persecuted ( Elijah , Jeremiah , Daniel ) . Our persecution means we have shown ourselves faithful . In the future , God will reward the faithful by letting them enter His eternal Kingdom , where there is no more persecution .

In conclusion , as I stated earlier , ANY ONE can be saved - if they TRULY believe , and are following CHRIST - and HIS DOCTRINES ! - NOT " MAN’S " ! And the ONLY people who know for sure are YOU AND GOD !!

But from what I personally saw and  heard from my Dad , and observed how he  lived his life , I am confident that he IS in the presence of the LORD  .

Until next time - May God bless and keep you ALL - ALWAYS .  .

Your brother in Christ ;
Pastor Mike

And , Dad - we ALL love and miss you , and we KNOW in FAITH , that we will  be reunited with you when The LORD decides to call us home . . . Love from us all ;

Mike ,Gerri , Dylan & Ciara