Life in Cities

The Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1 – 11:9) 

Confounding the languages was an act of MERCY from God. 

"In general almost every sin of man is intensified by the existence of large cities. However, in rural areas, there is less crime, a more peaceful life style and a higher degree of morals. Life is more satisfying and fulfilling. God's way has always been to instruct us to do that which was best for us. But today as it was in the time of Babylon, sinful men had evil intentions and wanted the power and wealth associated with large numbers of people." 

Source: "The Tower of Babel & The Ancestry of Abraham (Genesis 11:1-9)" <www.bible-truth.org/GEN11.HTM>

Question, consider “country folk” and “city folk” for a moment. Country folk tend to be stereotyped as being innocent in their thinking, naive, and (traditionally) to some extent more God-fearing. Contrast them with city folk, and you can see quite a difference in thinking and behavior. Country folk tend to be more relaxed while city folk tend to be more uptight and stressed. Country folk do not understand the evils of the city, while city folk often do all manner of evil. When people are confined to a city, the evil imaginations are multiplied. 

People in less sparse surroundings such as the countryside seem to have less of a concentration of evil imaginations, and indeed don not because there are less people to concentrate on evil. The imaginations are still there no doubt, but they are not as collected as those in the city. A second point, is that when more people are together, there is more money to be made, more power to be gotten, and more false teaching to be believed by more people. 

Thus, God confounding the languages at Babel was an act of mercy in order to retard the immediate development of wickedness en masse at such an early stage. Later in Genesis we will cover Sodom and Gomorrah. Nevertheless, in Genesis, not long after the Flood, we read of such wicked cities. How much more if the Lord had allowed man to begin city life at such an early stage? One lesson to learn: where people are concentrated in large groups, there will be greater variety and concentrations of evil present.

Paradise or Prison?

Look closely. Any similarities? Could it be that we are being "contained" for a reason? Easier "management"? Better control? More mind control / influence? Easier access to? Easier (financial) "gleaning." Doesn't living in such close proximity create undue hostility between people of different cultures, religions, temperaments, ways of thinking who have convinced to live in such concentration? Could it be many of the social problems we have are because we have been "imprisoned?" 

Sadly, not much we can do to change the world system, but we can cry out to Christ for freedom, spiritual freedom: John 8:31-32 "If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (also Matthew 11:28-30; Romans 6:14-22; Galatians 5:1).

The elderly

Among the myriad of processes that the Lord has ordained in His creation is that of AGING. We know from human development that as we age we enter another stage from the previous. With that in mind, the Lord has ordained that the BEAUTY (take note, "beauty") of old men is their gray head, and the glory of young men is their strength: 

"The glory of young men is their strength: and the BEAUTY of old men is the grey head" (Prov 20:29). [Emphasis added]

However, we live in a day where older people are not commonly appreciated; where they are put away and forsaken. Where they are not given ear or even permitted to lead. Yet they have so much to share (experiences, wisdom, life knowledge); a SHAME especially if the elder is in mature in Christ: 

"The HOARY HEAD is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness" (Prov 16:31). [Emphasis added]

Having gray hair (from age) in society today is considered a drawback, a flaw, a negative point; but how far we have fallen from God to think such things. Elders ought NOT be ashamed of their gray heads. God's design is that aging is a TRADE-OFF: young people do have strength and energy, but as they grow older they become wiser (especially if they are rooted and grounded in the Word). The trade is this: that the older have wisdom with which to guide the younger, and the younger have the strength and energy to accomplish the wisdom of the elders. 

However, the common thinking of today deems older people of little value; quite CONTRARY to the Word and will of God (note that the world is always at odds with God's will, and this is yet another aspect): 

"Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and FEAR thy God: I am the LORD" (Lev 19:32). [Emphasis added]

Notice in Leviticus, that the Lord associates honoring the aged with fearing Him. If for no other reason, respecting elders and honoring them is respecting the wishes of God. Yet, we live in a society today where elders are dismissed and replaced with younger, vibrant, energetic youngsters. But, who's going to run the show if all we have are young people? Young people? 

Wait a minute! God explains to us that young people have the strength, yes, it is true, but they LACK the wisdom of the elderly. Just by virtue of living 'x' amount of years on earth, an elder automatically has life wisdom. Add to that new life in Christ and a righteous spiritual walk, there can be great amounts of untapped wisdom available for leadership, especially in churches. How many churches today suffer from inexperienced young pastors? Could it be that they may not yet have been prepared to lead? I dare say, yes. Compare that with what Paul instructs Timothy regarding leadership in the church: 

"Not a NOVICE lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil" (1Timothy 3:6). [Emphasis added]

True, "novice" here could mean a rookie (and old people can be rookies too); but when taken in comparison with other Scripture on the topic, the implication may very well be that the "order" is that a novice would be a young person who was recently converted; whereas an older person may very well have been converted for some time and has matured to a point of leadership. A kind of natural progression. Nevertheless, notice the the instruction regarding elders:

"Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren; The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity" (1Timothy 5:1-2). 

A father of course would be older than the child. As a matter of fact, in the New Testament, it is understood that elders (men) are expected to lead:

"Let the elders THAT RULE well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine" (1Timothy 5:17). [Emphasis added]

"For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain ELDERS in every city, as I had appointed thee:" (Titus 1:5). [Emphasis added]

Notice the term "elder" which means denotes one who is aged. The connotation of elder is that the person being ordained is of an elevated age. This term, contrary to popular belief does not mean "pastor." Elders are natural leaders, "pastoring" is a gift (see Eph 4:11, and read it carefully). Why? The aged have more maturity and understanding. But they are neglected in churches and society, and so they degrade and "deteriorate" (mentally, physically, and spiritually). So, instead of being useful in providing wisdom to the younger as God has ordained they should, they are prevented from it. 

This is why we must be concerned when young people are allowed to lead. Based on Scripture, I believe that when youth are put in leadership positions, the organization has deviated from God's plan, and will suffer for it (reaping what has been sown) which of course is the result of being in a fallen world. 

May we return to the GOD-ordained design and actually SEEK qualified elders to lead and teach. It works in the Church, and it works in society: Elders KNOW, and young people can DO: both work together toward a common goal: in the church and in society.

Scriptural reflections on wages

Sadly, there are employers who, although able to pay, "keep back" the wages of their employees. Many who might even call themselves brethren "defraud" their workers by withholding or delaying their wages for perhaps their own personal convenience, perhaps poor management, or perhaps evil intentions. Nevertheless, be reminded that your workers hope for their wages at the time appointed, for they too have lives, and families, expenses, bills to pay, graduations, gifts to buy, medical expenses, offerings of good cheer to give to the Lord, and the list could go on.

Be reminded too that the Lord, in His Word, has strong words for those employers who keep back ("defraud") their employees:

Leviticus 19:13 "Thou shalt not defraud thy neighbour, neither rob him: the wages of him that is hired shall not abide with thee all night until the morning."

Jeremiah 22:13 "Woe unto him that buildeth his house by unrighteousness, and his chambers by wrong; that useth his neighbour's service without wages, and giveth him not for his work."

Malachi 3:5 "And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not me, saith the LORD of hosts."

James 5:4 "Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth."

Matthew 10:10 "... the workman is worthy of his meat."

1Timothy 5:18 "... The labourer is worthy of his reward."Clearly, from Scripture, God is against such practices. From the Scriptures, we also know that one day, those who do such things will stand before God and answer to Him for their behavior (Romans 14:12; 1Peter 4:5).

Far too often I have witnessed the withholding of wages ("defrauding") by local employers and the hardships it creates for those who labor. It is a hard thing to watch as fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, endure the grief of delayed or withheld "paydays," when it is in the power of the employer to give them (Proverbs 3:27).

An added heaviness: that often it is "brethren" who are defrauding "brethren:"

1Corinthians 6:8 "Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that your brethren."

1Thessalonians 4:6 "That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified."

There is another "wage" that all men will receive -- the wages of sin (Rom 6:23). Every one of us is guilty of disobedience to God, and one day the wages will be paid to every one who is not found in Christ. God offered His Son 2,000 years ago, and provides us His Son Jesus Christ, by faith, as our "payment" to Him for sin (2Corinthians 5:21). Be wise and turn from sin, and do good and not evil for the Lord is gracious and kind:

2Peter 3:9 "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."

Gospel focus in church

Recently, I received the following message on my cellphone from a fellow pastor: 

"A church is nothing better than an ethical club if its sympathies for lost souls do not overflow, and if it does not go out to seek to point lost souls to Christ. A healthy church knows the gospel, and a healthy church shares it! May the Lord make our churches healthy."

While at first reading, it looks great, there is a flaw with the thinking: 

The Bible is certainly clear that Christians are to be evangelical; but to be healthy, church meetings must not focus on the Gospel. The focus should be on the Source of the Gospel, Jesus Christ (Hebrew 12:1; Revelation 2:4) and the "first works" will follow (sharing the Gospel among them). We must first exalt Christ in His church, the rest will 'naturally' be an outflow of a soul enraptured with the Lord.

Succeeding this, in the church, we are to exhort and edify one another that we may be the more refreshed and encouraged and even more ready to share Christ with others (Hebrews 10:25b; 1Corinthians 14:3-4, 26; Ephesians 4:12, et al.). This comes not through the 'non-participatory' church meetings of sitting and listening to long sermons by one man, but by the mutual sharing and fellowship found in 'participatory' church meetings as clearly patterned in Scripture (1Corinthians 14:26-27, 29, 31).

Perhaps many sitting in pews today know little beyond Jesus Christ than the Gospel. However, believers are commanded to "grow" beyond that (Hebrews 6:1-2; 2Peter 3:18; et al.) and Paul prayed that we would enjoy Him (Ephesians 3:17-21). This is the "abundant life" of the Christian which compels them to gladly, and without restraint tell others about (John 17:3, 10:10).

The words of the Lord were not an imperative form (command) in Acts 1:8, but declarative, stating that of a truth, His people would certainly be His witnesses into the uttermost parts of the earth. As people would become converted, they would naturally share Christ, witnessing what He had done in their lives. It was the Lord expressing the fact that we "shall be" His witnesses. It wasn't a command for us to carry and try to "do," but a declaration of what His people would "be" (i.e. His "witnesses").

These subtle words of men on the surface sound good, but they become pale in the light of God's Word. I often hear from the pulpit "about" the Gospel ("the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ") and how people need it; but so little is told of what the Gospel IS (our need for the righteousness of God and how to receive it; Romans 1:16-17), and Who it came from (2Corinthians 5:21). Sadly though, it's this kind of thinking that proliferates our churches; and brethren, following the philosophy of men, leave the commandments of God; making God, His Son Jesus Christ, and His Gospel offensive to non-believers, as they try to force the Gospel "creed" ("you are a sinner ... repent! ... You will go to hell ... accept Jesus Christ as your Savior ...") upon others rather than living it in front of others (Matthew 5:16; Ephesians 5:15; et al.).

Notice what the book of Acts (2:47) describes as the new converts' relationship with the people around them: "Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." This and other passages in the epistles (Philippians 2:15; 1Peter 2:9, 12; 1Corinthians 14:24-25; et al.) show us that people are won over not by beating them on the head with a Bible, or yelling at them, or laying guilt trips on them, or by other 'tactics,' but by the conversation of believers. All the while, believers were: continuing "stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.... continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart ..." (Acts 2:46). The brethren, when gathered together (church meetings) were learning, fellowshipping, eating together, praying together, rejoicing together . . . no mention of the Gospel being preached to the saints, for they had already believed, "and the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved."

Let's worship God in His church first, in spirit and truth, and the evangelization will follow from the transformation of the brethren as they grow in grace. 

A word to local missionaries

1Corinthians 9:18-23 

18 What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.

19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.

20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;

21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.

22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

23 And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.

"Missionaries," would do well to consider these words from Paul, a seasoned, God-blessed, successful 'missionary.' Brethren we ought to consider that we are to be "all things to all people" for the "Gospel's sake,"so that they may "come to Christ." We must consider this example before we think to insist on our own cultural mindsets and practices. We must minister to people as they are, not force our ways upon them, with little regard for their culture or feelings. As Paul said, "I abuse not my power in the Gospel." 

We must remember our Greatest Example, the Lord Jesus Christ, who humbled Himself, and came to us as a man, that we might be saved. He left His home in glory, to enter our "human" culture. Fellow "missionaries" (American, Korean, or other) consider these words, as the servant is not above his Lord (Matthew 10:24). If it was the manner of Paul, and the example of our Lord, let us be wise and follow it, lest we offend some, and they hear not the Gospel. 

"Of these things put them in remembrance ..." (2Timothy 2:14);

"If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness (4) He is proud, knowing nothing ..." (1Timothy 6:4).

A note on teaching in the local church

Second Peter 3:18, But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

From this passage we can see that we are commanded to 'grow' in 'knowledge' (and grace) of our 'Lord' and 'Saviour,' Jesus Christ. It is evident then, that Jesus Christ must be presented, exalted, and at the center of all teaching within the local church.

Local church teachers are to take the brethren beyond the basics (Hebrews 6:1-2), and into a fuller, deeper relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ by way of accurate interpretation and presentation of Scripture. That means going beyond the typical 'preaching' of many-a church today. According to Ephesians 4:11-13, teachers in the local church are to consider the welfare of the sheep, rather than 'preaching' to those who have already been evangelized. As Scripture points us, the responsibility of the teachers in the local church is to “… teach the Word of God to the people in order to establish them in the faith and bring them into perfection (Ephesians 4:12) … [and] to train all in the local assembly to look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).”

Preaching is "associated with evangelism or heralding the Good News about Jesus the Messiah." Saints cannot be evangelized (they're already saved), neither can they be preached to (they've already believed the Good News). Believers then are EDIFIED, STRENGTHENED, and BUILT-UP. And this comes about as a result of "mutually teaching, instructing, sharing, and loving one another," in addition to a firm foundation built through the apostles’ doctrine to equip ALL of the saints for the work of ministry.

NOTE: This has been an excerpt from an ongoing research into Christ-Education within the local church, to be released later this year. Statements in quotations are from other authors which can be found at: <biblicalelders.com> and <churchrestoration.org>.

Christianity is NOT about ...

It's not about "BOYS wear pants" and "GIRLS wear dresses." It's about an inward transformation by faith in Jesus Christ and spiritual growth in the Word of God which creates in us a dialogue that says . . . 

"Skin tight pants or revealing clothes clearly show my upper and lower body which draws (sexual) attention to me:

(Ro 13:14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof)

But looser, less revealing clothes hide my upper and lower body, keeping fleshly thoughts off of me and makes provision for thoughts to be more aptly focused on God." 

This is the spirit of "Christian" dress for both men and women as seen in Scripture. Attire is NOT a system of "do's" and "don'ts." It's an attitude not a checklist.

----------

It's not about what music Christians CAN play or CANNOT play in church. It's about an inward transformation through faith in Christ and growth in His Word that says, "Hey. Does this music draw me to look at Christ or on how I FEEL about Christ?"

Re 15:3 And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. 

4 Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.

Revelation 15:3-4 gives us a glimpse of the "music" in heaven. It seems quite different from what passes as "Christian music" in churches today. Can you imagine these same lyrics attached to a modern beat and rhythm? 

No, no, the believer's music is about focusing on the Lord Jesus Christ, NOT on making us FEEL good about Him. This is why spiritual music is so unappealing to the flesh. The flesh likes the 'beat' and the 'rhythm' but the spirit is the 'melody.' You never really hear the melody in these modern 'Christian' songs, which seem more on entertaining than worship.

Eph 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Scripture teaches us to make MELODY, and NOT 'beat' or 'rhythm' in our hearts unto the Lord. Why? Clearly it is because the 'melody' is what God desires. The beat and rhythm appeal to the flesh. Examine the natural order: Children require whistles, gongs, baby bells, beep, and anything else that makes noise to get and maintain their attention. But as Paul says, 

1Co 13:11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. {thought: or, reasoned} 

As we grow into adulthood (traditionally speaking) the symphonies, with their melodies can be appreciated. They stir us to greater heights so to speak, as we have outgrown the need for 'noise.'  

Apply that same order spiritually, and we can see there are what are called "carnal" Christians, or "babes" (1Co 13:1) who may need that banging,clanging, foot-tapping, hand-clapping music that makes us FEEL good ABOUT the Lord, but as we grow, the Lord teaches us a better way: to be filled with the Spirit (Eph 5:18) and let HIM 'make' melody in our hearts to the Lord. 

----------

Christianity is NOT a set of rules to be followed. It's about an inward transformation (2Co 5:17) by faith in Jesus Christ which creates in us a new heart (Jer 31:33) and new desires that cultivate that new heart with the seeds of the Word of God, and seeks to please God and follow Christ in knowledge, righteousness, and true holiness (Eph 4:24; Col 3:10). 

Real Christians do/don't ...

Have you ever heard these words from pulpits? Have you ever spoken them? 

"You're not a real Christian if you are not 30 minutes early to church."

"You're not a Christian if you don't travel a long distance or endure hardship to come to church."

"Real Christians give out Gospel tracts."

"A real Christian is concerned about his pastor."

"A real Christian ..." 

"You're a not a Christian if ..." 

Be careful "pastor." I challenge you to find Scriptural references ANYWHERE for those kind of statements, especially form the pulpit. 

Let me remind you of the Corinthian church of the New Testament, who were behaving in unseemly ways, as "babes," and "carnal" (1Co 3:1) yet Paul addressed them as "brethren." 

Or, let me remind you of David, who sinned with Bathsheba. Many might say, he "wasn't a Christian" in today's age. Or perhaps even Peter who thrice denied the Lord, with cursing.  

Or, why would Paul say: 

"LET your speech..." 

"LET no corrupt communication ..." 

"LET all bitterness and wrath ..." 

"LET this mind be in you ..." 

"LET the peace of God ..." 

And many more "lets?"

Why would these need to be said if being a Christian referred to "automatic" maturity in the faith??

This is why we are commanded to: 

"Grow" in grace;

To "follow" the example of those brethren who are mature in the faith; 

To "be not drunk with wine;"

To be "filled with the Spirit;" 

To "walk in the Spirit;" 

To "follow" the example of Christ

And more . . . 

If becoming a Christian meant that we were instantly mature in the faith on this earth, I suppose we would be in heaven. 

No Sir, while we are on this earth, it is a purging, growing, sanctifying process, which will never be complete until heaven. So, pastor, please take it easy on the flock of God. Don't "beat" them into submission with your opinions and biases. Don't burden them with the "traditions" of men. Preach and teach the Word of God as it is written, and let the Spirit of God work in the hearts. You do not need to "whip" them to get them to move where they ought to be. God is perfectly capable of doing that on His own. 

Pastor, choose your words carefully and do not ADD to the Word of God. "Search the Scriptures," "study," "labor in the word," and consider the things you are telling the sheep who hold you in high regard, and who would obey the Word of God as taught by "God's man" in the pulpit. 

This is my challenge for you pastor, this Sunday: 

Speak only what is written: 

"If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God" (1Pe 4:11);

Speak with "grace: 

"Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man" (Col 4:6);

Speak with "love:" 

"But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ" (Eph 4:15);

To the end that the people of God might be "edified" (built up) and not "beaten up:"

"Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another" (Ro 14:1).

Helpers not dominators

"Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand" -1Co 1:24

As "pastors" (spiritual leaders), we do not have the authority to "exercise control" over the brethren, as Paul mentions here. Compare this also with1Corinthians 16:12, where the "Apostle" Paul, "greatly desired" Apollos to go to Corinth, but it was not Apollos' will to go at that time. What did Paul do? Did he "order" or "command" Apollos to go? No, he did not, because Paul knew that "to his own master he standeth or falleth" (Ro 14:4), and respected Apollos' will. But, how many "pastors" today would have done the same? How many would get angry and "order" the brethren to do what they wanted them to do? How many pastors would "demand" that the brethren "obey" them because they are "God's man" or "the Lord's anointed? - Terminology which has been greatly confused and abused in the modern church. 

Apostles, were the highest level of spiritual leaders in the early New Testament church (c/w Ep 2:20, 1Co 12:28). Having such authority, Paul did not "lord" it over the brethren, but in fact realized his role as a spiritual leader: That he was in fact a "helper" of the people of God, who stand by their OWN faith before God and not by the "control" of a man. Christ demonstrated Himself as a "servant" rather than a "lord" over His people. And if it is good enough for the Lord, it certainly must be good enough for us. 

"Pastor," please remember this as we come together in churches throughout the land. We are not given this privilege to "demand" of the brethren, but to "help" them know the will of God, to feed the flock of God, to gently correct them, and lead them in the ways of God by our example, allowing them to "stand" by their OWN faith. The faith which they have between God and them. 

A message for you dear pastor this Sunday morning.

Forced devotions in the workplace

Occasionally, I encounter a school or business that REQUIRES its personnel to attend morning "devotions" prior to the start of the work day. This might sound all fine and good, but what the "commanders" of these devotions do not seem to realize is that Jesus said "follow me" to His disciples. He did NOT "require" them to follow Him. These organizers may say "well, Jesus had early morning prayer time" and to that I would remind them that it was PERSONAL time with God NOT group devotions. It was an EXAMPLE to believers to develop a personal relationship with Him, NOT to non-believers. 

Members of these organizations should be nurtured and encouraged to seek personal time with the Lord, NOT be "required" (often as part of their "job performance") to attend early morning (or even after hour) devotions. It's hard enough for people to get moving in the morning and get to work on time without the added PRESSURE of attending early devotions (not to mention the sleepy heads during the devotion - how much is really getting in anyway). Another point: Isn't YOUR devotion interfering with THEIR personal devotions (those that have them)?

Would this not tend to give both Christian and non-Christian a poor image or a dim view of life with Christ? 

Would it not create a feeling of resentment towards the "religion" of Christianity - a system of do's and don'ts? 

God does NOT pressure people, neither does He force people to follow Him. It is evident from Scripture (and Scripture is our authority, not our "traditions"). What we do see in Scripture is that God "gently" draws people unto Him and "gently leads" His people through life. 

Why then will YOU force people to attend daily morning/after-work devotions when it is clearly creating a hardship for many? 

Why not make it at a more convenient time DURING the WORK day (show your "grace" and let them CEASE from their labors to hear [NOT preach] the Word of God)? 

Why not make it VOLUNTARY (without retribution for non-attenders)? 

Why not ENCOURAGE them to have their own personal devotions? 

Why not encourage them to attend a good, sound, Bible-centered, Christ-exalting CHURCH?

There is just NO call or cause to FORCE people to hear the oft-flawed devotions of employers/supervisors who themselves are probably NOT exampling it and or clear on RIGHT doctrine. If that is your view of Christianity and "evangelizing" than it is faulty, and may even serve to DRIVE people AWAY from the very God we wish to show them/point them to. If you really want people to come to know the Lord or nurture their walk with Him, do not FORCE devotions on them. SHOW them the grace and mercy of God in the face of Jesus Christ. BE an EXAMPLE and show them the BEAUTY of the Lord rather than incorrectly showing them the STRICTNESS of their "boss."

Why go to heaven?

Q: Why do you want to go to heaven? 

A: To escape hell? 

Okay, that's certainly understandable and not without merit, but frankly, all we are going to be doing in heaven is worshiping the Lord, singing His praises, and glorifying Him (e.g. Revelation 4:11, Revelation 5:12, Revelation ch. 21-22). So, if you are bored with it here on earth, not interested in, or it doesn't seem appealing to you to:

Attend church meetings

Know the Bible

Talk to the Lord in prayer

Fellowship with brethren

Listen to the teaching and preaching of God's Word . . . 

Imagine an eternity doing that! 

Furthermore, we must ask ourselves "what's wrong" if I DON'T desire to do those things. 

Let us examine ourselves if we are truly interested in knowing and loving the Lord, and nurturing our relationship with Him through Jesus Christ (our primary purpose cf. Revelation 2:4-5), or if we are simply trying to avoid something (the secondary benefit of knowing the Lord); because KNOWING the LORD "IS" eternal life: 

John 17:3 And this is eternal life, that they may know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thous hast sent.

How long do you pray?

Some Christians ask others, "How long do you pray every day?" 

My answer: "All day!"

The Lord tells us to pray without ceasing (2Thessalonians 5:17). Thus, God is NOT impressed with our hour-long, two-hour long prayer times, then after that "finished! . . . No more talking to God today! I did my 'Christian' duty!" Doesn't this smack of religion and pharaseeism? 

According to this verse in 2Thessalonians, the whole day (in fact our entire lives) should be one big long communication or dialogue with God: depending on God throughout the day; making requests; confessing; sharing our day with God. This is what we are missing. 

The Christian life is not about checking off boxes each day and saying, "I'm done with that today" or accomplishing your "duty." The Christian life is about a communicative RELATIONSHIP with Someone who is with you all day and all night (e.g. Hebrews 13:5 "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee").

Christian songs

Some "Christian" songs sung in churches go like this:

"I WILL celebrate ... " 

"I WILL worship you Lord ..."

"I WILL give my life for you Lord ..."

"I WILL follow you Lord ..."

"I WILL sing of your love forever ..."

And so on . . . 

Hhmmm, Lucifer was also fond of "I WILL ..." : 

Isaiah 14:13 For thou [Lucifer] hast said in thine heart, I WILL ascend into heaven, I WILL exalt my throne above the stars of God: I WILL sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: [emphases added]

His sin was "pride" (self-exaltation). So, WHO is at the CENTER of these songs? WHO is being EXALTED? WHO is being PRAISED? 

How about this instead: 

Revelation 4:11 THOU art worthy, O LORD to receive GLORY and HONOUR and power: for THOU hast created all things, and for THY pleasure they are and were created. [emphases added]

Boasting in self

Before we begin to BOAST in ourselves, let's remember that BEFORE that "great idea" came to you, it was known of GOD in eternity past; BEFORE that "great accomplishment" you had, GOD paved the way for it; and BEFORE that "great deed" that you did, GOD already saw the need and used you to meet it. Give the GLORY to GOD this day, and always (Luke 2:14; Isaiah 42:8; Psalm 115:1).

Speak up

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing" 

Speak up! Care enough about the people and the world around you to SAY something. Do not fight or harm others, but point them out. 

The Lord would not have us spend our energy "fighting" injustice: 

"Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence." -John 18:36

But, we are to REPROVE them rather:

"And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them" -Ephesians 5:11

How do you reprove them? How do you know what to reprove? READ the Word of God, a light in the darkness: 

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." -Psalm 119:105

And speak out: 

"If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God" -1Peter 4:11.

And remember: 

"the righteous are bold as a lion." -Proverbs 28:31.

Love gifts

Some "Christian" institutions refer to the salary of their workers as a "love gift" instead of a "paycheck." Why? Does this term permit them to feel better about paying their employees low wages under the guise that it is a "ministry"? Are not the laborers, "laborers"? What does God say? He doesn't use shifty terms: "the labourer is worthy of his hire" (Luke 10:7); "The laborer is worthy of his wages" (1Timothy 5:18).

Your church?

Paid in full

Patience

People use such words as "patience" to put responsibility upon others instead of accepting their own faults.

Digging for gold

Just as we have to dig for gold and drill for oil - so too, we must "search" and "study" the Bible (John 5:39; 2Timothy 2:15). Only then will we discover the "treasure" (Proverbs 2:4) and that treasure is a deeper personal knowledge of Jesus Christ (Colossians 2:3; 2Peter 3:18)! There is no easy way to access this treasure, which is why God tell us to "study," and to "search" and to "cry" out for it (Proverbs 2).

Flexible, ministry, sacrifice

"Be FLEXIBLE" is a catch phrase for management INCONSISTENCIES.

"It's a MINISTRY" is a catch phrase for procuring FREE labor.

"You must make SACRIFICES" is a catch phrase for management INCOMPETENCE.

Time we spend

How much time we spend talking ABOUT God, but how little time we spend talking TO God.