Lord willing, we will look at Ephesians 3:1-13. In this passage, Paul takes a deeper look at the mystery of the gospel: "that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Jesus Christ through the gospel" (Eph. 3:6, ESV). Paul's reflection on his ministry to the Gentiles is meant to remind them that in Jesus "we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him" (Eph. 3:12, ESV).
Please pray for me as I study through this passage. Pray that I would understand the passage correctly and be able to preach it with clarity.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Sermon Recap 11-29-09
Morning: "He Didn't Have to Love You, But He Did, Be Thankful," was the title of the sermon that came from Ephesians 2:11-22. In this passage, Paul reminds Gentile believers that God's love for them is especially gracious. God demonstrates his love for us by giving us a place, by giving us peace, and by giving us a purpose.
He brings those who are far off near through the blood of Christ. The distance is describe in bleak terms: separated from Christ, aliens, strangers to the covenants of the promise, without hope and with out God. Yet, God has brought us peace. He has bought our peace with himself and reconciled Jew and Gentile, in Christ, as one new people. Finally, he gives us purpose. We are his people, his family, and his temple. These truths demonstrate the praiseworthiness of God.
Evening: We continued to look at the doctrine of Scripture. We focused on 2 Tim. 3:14-17, 2 Pet. 1:20-21, and Jer. 36.
He brings those who are far off near through the blood of Christ. The distance is describe in bleak terms: separated from Christ, aliens, strangers to the covenants of the promise, without hope and with out God. Yet, God has brought us peace. He has bought our peace with himself and reconciled Jew and Gentile, in Christ, as one new people. Finally, he gives us purpose. We are his people, his family, and his temple. These truths demonstrate the praiseworthiness of God.
Evening: We continued to look at the doctrine of Scripture. We focused on 2 Tim. 3:14-17, 2 Pet. 1:20-21, and Jer. 36.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Warning: Ignoring This Post Could Be Dangerous
"Whoever walks in integrity will be delivered, but he who is crooked in his ways will suddenly fall" (Prov. 28:18, ESV).
Do you ever read warnings? Warning: do not use this blow dryer in while taking a shower. Warning: do not stick a fork in this toaster while it is plugged in. Warning: this coffee is extremely hot and will burn you if you spill it. Warning: this plastic bag is not a toy and could cause suffocation. Why are there so many warnings? It is probably because there are so many people who do foolish things. There is a reason that common sense is called common and not universal sense. The term "common" implies that it is a "sense" generally experience by most people. It is common as opposed to rare.
Do you listen to warnings? I have to admit the thought of using a hair dryer in the shower never occurred to me until I read a warning against such practices. Why would anyone attempt to dry their hair while still in the shower? It seems counter productive, not to mention extremely dangerous. Yet someone somewhere sometime ago, most likely entered into eternity because they decided to multitask at shower time. It probably went something like this, "I bet I can shave five minutes off of my prep time if I dry my hair while I'm scrubbing my toes." Thus, the warning was born. The inventor of the hair dryer probably thought that using the product outside of the bathtub went without saying, but obviously he was wrong.
It may be that hair dryer companies were thinking ahead. They may have tried to think of every possible situation in which their products would be used (and misused). Foreseeing that there maybe some individual (or several such individuals), that lacked common sense, they may have issued the warning to be on the safe side. However the warning came about, its purpose was to head off severe and dangerous consequences. Let's return to the question. Do you obey warnings?
Solomon here issues a warning to the wise. He states, "Whoever walks in integrity will be delivered, but he who is crooked in his ways will suddenly fall." This warning is placed in simple, clear, and concise language. It is so logical, we are tempted to dismiss it without actually heeding it. You might be tempted to voice a sarcastic, "Well, duh!," but it doesn't remove the obligation to respond. Solomon's warning is meant to head off eternal consequences. Let's look at it in more detail.
Often in the Scriptures, the imagery of walking is used to speak of one's way of life. Thus, your walk is how you live. Walking in integrity means that you are living in wholeness, your words and your life are in harmony. A person of integrity practices what they preach. They are the same when they are alone as they are when they are in a crowd. It doesn't mean that they are sinless, it means that they are very candid (and repentant) about their sin. The person of integrity can have confidence that they will be delivered.
However, those who fail to heed the warning will suddenly fall. The imagery here suggest a person taking a very nasty spill while walking down the road. Imagine walking up a very narrow and winding path that curled up the side of a very steep mountain. Such an adventure would require care and effort. You would have to be vigilant, because if you weren't you might fall down the mountain to your destruction.
God has determined the way of integrity. Jesus Christ is the way by which we enter into it. He, through the Holy Spirit, enables us to walk in integrity. As we walk in him, he ensures our deliverance. He has taken the penalty of our crookedness upon himself, and shed his blood for our redemption. He was struck down on the cross, so that we might be raised up. God the Father has raised us up with him, so that we might walk in a manner worthy of his gift.
Do you ever read warnings? Warning: do not use this blow dryer in while taking a shower. Warning: do not stick a fork in this toaster while it is plugged in. Warning: this coffee is extremely hot and will burn you if you spill it. Warning: this plastic bag is not a toy and could cause suffocation. Why are there so many warnings? It is probably because there are so many people who do foolish things. There is a reason that common sense is called common and not universal sense. The term "common" implies that it is a "sense" generally experience by most people. It is common as opposed to rare.
Do you listen to warnings? I have to admit the thought of using a hair dryer in the shower never occurred to me until I read a warning against such practices. Why would anyone attempt to dry their hair while still in the shower? It seems counter productive, not to mention extremely dangerous. Yet someone somewhere sometime ago, most likely entered into eternity because they decided to multitask at shower time. It probably went something like this, "I bet I can shave five minutes off of my prep time if I dry my hair while I'm scrubbing my toes." Thus, the warning was born. The inventor of the hair dryer probably thought that using the product outside of the bathtub went without saying, but obviously he was wrong.
It may be that hair dryer companies were thinking ahead. They may have tried to think of every possible situation in which their products would be used (and misused). Foreseeing that there maybe some individual (or several such individuals), that lacked common sense, they may have issued the warning to be on the safe side. However the warning came about, its purpose was to head off severe and dangerous consequences. Let's return to the question. Do you obey warnings?
Solomon here issues a warning to the wise. He states, "Whoever walks in integrity will be delivered, but he who is crooked in his ways will suddenly fall." This warning is placed in simple, clear, and concise language. It is so logical, we are tempted to dismiss it without actually heeding it. You might be tempted to voice a sarcastic, "Well, duh!," but it doesn't remove the obligation to respond. Solomon's warning is meant to head off eternal consequences. Let's look at it in more detail.
Often in the Scriptures, the imagery of walking is used to speak of one's way of life. Thus, your walk is how you live. Walking in integrity means that you are living in wholeness, your words and your life are in harmony. A person of integrity practices what they preach. They are the same when they are alone as they are when they are in a crowd. It doesn't mean that they are sinless, it means that they are very candid (and repentant) about their sin. The person of integrity can have confidence that they will be delivered.
However, those who fail to heed the warning will suddenly fall. The imagery here suggest a person taking a very nasty spill while walking down the road. Imagine walking up a very narrow and winding path that curled up the side of a very steep mountain. Such an adventure would require care and effort. You would have to be vigilant, because if you weren't you might fall down the mountain to your destruction.
God has determined the way of integrity. Jesus Christ is the way by which we enter into it. He, through the Holy Spirit, enables us to walk in integrity. As we walk in him, he ensures our deliverance. He has taken the penalty of our crookedness upon himself, and shed his blood for our redemption. He was struck down on the cross, so that we might be raised up. God the Father has raised us up with him, so that we might walk in a manner worthy of his gift.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Continue to Express Gratitude
As we reflect on all the blessings that are in our lives, we should be filled with a profound sense of gratitude. What do we have that was not given to us? What do we truly possess that can not be taken away? The answer to both questions is nothing. Everything we have has been given to us by God. The Lord gives and the Lord takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord.
Holidays present us with opportunities to slow down and reflect on the numerous ways in which we have been blessed. Family, fellowship, food, and fun are often things we take for granted when they are common in our lives. But there are some many people around the world that do not have these things.
Even as we praise the Lord for his gracious love toward us, we must offer up prayers for those who lack. Many around us tonight lack salvation. Many lack food. Many lack friendship. So we must pray that God would use us to be part of the solution by giving us compassionate hearts, boldness to speak, and tender consciences. I hope you had a blessed Thanksgiving and that you continue to give thanks to the Lord for all he has done.
Holidays present us with opportunities to slow down and reflect on the numerous ways in which we have been blessed. Family, fellowship, food, and fun are often things we take for granted when they are common in our lives. But there are some many people around the world that do not have these things.
Even as we praise the Lord for his gracious love toward us, we must offer up prayers for those who lack. Many around us tonight lack salvation. Many lack food. Many lack friendship. So we must pray that God would use us to be part of the solution by giving us compassionate hearts, boldness to speak, and tender consciences. I hope you had a blessed Thanksgiving and that you continue to give thanks to the Lord for all he has done.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving
There is something about holiday gatherings that stir slumbering memories. Even in the midst of laughter and festivities there is a hint of sadness. For some, the losses are so great or so fresh that sorrow becomes almost overwhelming. We rarely mention the absences that create such obvious discomfort. We play through the pain, so to speak. Yet, even in the pain there is joy. Joy of being gathered with family, joy of good food, and the joy of living. The Lord has blessed with so many wonderful gifts that we will be eternally grateful.
We remember those have passed on with fondness and affection. We celebrate their legacy (and sometimes mourn it). Yet we must move forward and thrive in the present. We honor who they were and who they helped us become, by rejoicing in life. We must remember that physical absence does not mean absence in heart. I say all of this to say that there are many people for which I am grateful. Many of them are no longer present. They shaped and molded me into the man I am today. God used their influence to draw me toward himself. My love for them has not waned. So today I say thank you to the Lord of life for his love and all his blessings.
We remember those have passed on with fondness and affection. We celebrate their legacy (and sometimes mourn it). Yet we must move forward and thrive in the present. We honor who they were and who they helped us become, by rejoicing in life. We must remember that physical absence does not mean absence in heart. I say all of this to say that there are many people for which I am grateful. Many of them are no longer present. They shaped and molded me into the man I am today. God used their influence to draw me toward himself. My love for them has not waned. So today I say thank you to the Lord of life for his love and all his blessings.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Sermon Preview 11-29-09
Morning: The sermon, "He Didn't Have to Love You, But He Did--Be Thankful," will look at Ephesians 2:11-22. Paul writes directly to the Gentile believers in Ephesus and explains the reasons God's grace towards them is especially amazing. This passage is a continuation of Paul's explanation of the "spiritual blessings" that belong to Christ's followers. It flows from his explanation of those blessings (Eph. 1:3-14), his prayer that his audience would understand those blessings (Eph. 1:15-23), and his explanation of grace's role in salvation (Eph. 2:1-10). In this passage, Paul is going to showcase the exceedingly graciousness of grace. Ephesians 2:11-22 demonstrates grace abounding toward us who believe.
Evening: We will continue to look at the doctrine of Scripture.
Evening: We will continue to look at the doctrine of Scripture.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Some Reasons to be Grateful
"Remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants and the promises, having no hope and without God in this world. But now in Christ Jesus you who were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ" (Eph. 2:12-13, ESV).
Apart from the bad news, it is impossible to really understand the good news. Ephesians 2:12 paints a grim picture of our life before Christ. We know from Ephesians 2:11 that Paul is speaking to Gentile believers. He describes their plight in terms of separation, alienation, hopelessness, and God-forsakenness.
First, Paul expresses that Gentile believers were separated from Christ. As non-Jews they had not access to God. Jesus said that his earthly ministry was only to the lost sheep of Israel. The nations were not God's chosen people. That distinction fell to the Israelites.
Second, they were "alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise." In the narrowest sense the covenants were given to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. At least that is how they were interpreted by the Israelites. They were lawbreakers, idolaters, and unclean.
Third, they were without hope. They had no expectation of Messiah. As Israel understood it God's Anointed was coming to strike the nations and crush them in his wrath. They were going to subjugated under Israel's rule as the nation's eternal King sat enthroned above them. They were trapped, by heredity, in their sin, with no hope of escape.
Finally, they were without God. The Creator had rejected them to wonder in their blindness. He had passed over the nations and chosen Israel. In so doing, he had sealed the fate of both. The Gentiles had marched along their merry way down the broad path to destruction toward their doom. From an earthly perspective, it appeared that God had forsaken them.
If we were to stop at this description, it would leave us terrified. Fear would tear through our heart like an rock-splitting earthquake. Our hearts would melt like butter held over a fire. Paul's expressions seek to drive home the nature of God's grace to non-Jewish believers. God didn't have to include anyone into his plan of salvation, but he especially didn't have to include the Gentiles. The Jews were his people, they had the promises and the prophets.
Yet, he determined to bring believing Jews and Gentiles together in Jesus Christ. Paul states, "you who were once far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ." It pleased God to extend his love toward us. He brought us near, even though we were far off. We cannot think long or hard enough on this matter. Paul simply states that God didn't have to save us, but he did. The expression of God's grace expressed in Ephesians 2:12-13 should drive us to gratitude.
Apart from the bad news, it is impossible to really understand the good news. Ephesians 2:12 paints a grim picture of our life before Christ. We know from Ephesians 2:11 that Paul is speaking to Gentile believers. He describes their plight in terms of separation, alienation, hopelessness, and God-forsakenness.
First, Paul expresses that Gentile believers were separated from Christ. As non-Jews they had not access to God. Jesus said that his earthly ministry was only to the lost sheep of Israel. The nations were not God's chosen people. That distinction fell to the Israelites.
Second, they were "alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise." In the narrowest sense the covenants were given to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. At least that is how they were interpreted by the Israelites. They were lawbreakers, idolaters, and unclean.
Third, they were without hope. They had no expectation of Messiah. As Israel understood it God's Anointed was coming to strike the nations and crush them in his wrath. They were going to subjugated under Israel's rule as the nation's eternal King sat enthroned above them. They were trapped, by heredity, in their sin, with no hope of escape.
Finally, they were without God. The Creator had rejected them to wonder in their blindness. He had passed over the nations and chosen Israel. In so doing, he had sealed the fate of both. The Gentiles had marched along their merry way down the broad path to destruction toward their doom. From an earthly perspective, it appeared that God had forsaken them.
If we were to stop at this description, it would leave us terrified. Fear would tear through our heart like an rock-splitting earthquake. Our hearts would melt like butter held over a fire. Paul's expressions seek to drive home the nature of God's grace to non-Jewish believers. God didn't have to include anyone into his plan of salvation, but he especially didn't have to include the Gentiles. The Jews were his people, they had the promises and the prophets.
Yet, he determined to bring believing Jews and Gentiles together in Jesus Christ. Paul states, "you who were once far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ." It pleased God to extend his love toward us. He brought us near, even though we were far off. We cannot think long or hard enough on this matter. Paul simply states that God didn't have to save us, but he did. The expression of God's grace expressed in Ephesians 2:12-13 should drive us to gratitude.
Monday, November 23, 2009
The Problem with Complaining
Have you ever let the unpleasantness of a project turn you into a seething blob of sarcastic crankiness? Have you ever given into the temptation to grumble and complain? In these moments of discontent, we allow ourselves more freedom than we should. We allow ourselves to "vent" our frustrations to whoever will listen. But is this how we should act and speak?
This kind of behavior damages our witness. When we spend all our time pointing out what is wrong, instead of doing what is right, it's sin. It shouldn't matter what we are doing, we should do it for the glory of the Lord. Mind numbing paperwork assigned to us by our superiors is to be filled out and filed in the joy of the Lord. We should do it with such excellence that people notice the Lord's hand of blessing in our performance.
This is exactly what we see in the lives of Joseph and Daniel. Everything they did was executed with such precision that it prospered under their hand. Of course, their performance was the work of God in their lives, but the results were clearly visible. The Scriptures don't record incidences of Joseph stomping around like a wounded bear growling at everyone. Nor do we see Daniel whining because his boss, King Nebuchadnezzar, was a self-worshiping beast of a man. Instead we see two men who labor for the Lord, in difficult situations under difficult leaders, all because they wanted to honor the Lord with their lives. They were content in their situations, because they knew it wasn't all about them. They were given life (and their circumstances) for a purpose. That purpose was to glorify their God and King.
I easily forget that it's not all about me. I can be selfish and pigheaded at times. If I am not careful, I pout when things don't go my way. It's sin, and I hate it. I would not intentionally dishonor the name of God, but through my grumbling and complaining I have done just that. Should I not be singing his praises instead of whining about the situation I'm in? Which one honors God more--to joyfully tackle every situation with the help of the Lord, or to grumble about how unfair life is? When we complain about life, we implicate God. We accuse him of wrong doing, lack of wisdom, dishonesty, unfairness, and the list goes on. Yet, we know that God is infinitely holy, righteous, wise, loving, honest, etc. He is perfect in every way, and our life and lips should clearly declare that to the world.
This kind of behavior damages our witness. When we spend all our time pointing out what is wrong, instead of doing what is right, it's sin. It shouldn't matter what we are doing, we should do it for the glory of the Lord. Mind numbing paperwork assigned to us by our superiors is to be filled out and filed in the joy of the Lord. We should do it with such excellence that people notice the Lord's hand of blessing in our performance.
This is exactly what we see in the lives of Joseph and Daniel. Everything they did was executed with such precision that it prospered under their hand. Of course, their performance was the work of God in their lives, but the results were clearly visible. The Scriptures don't record incidences of Joseph stomping around like a wounded bear growling at everyone. Nor do we see Daniel whining because his boss, King Nebuchadnezzar, was a self-worshiping beast of a man. Instead we see two men who labor for the Lord, in difficult situations under difficult leaders, all because they wanted to honor the Lord with their lives. They were content in their situations, because they knew it wasn't all about them. They were given life (and their circumstances) for a purpose. That purpose was to glorify their God and King.
I easily forget that it's not all about me. I can be selfish and pigheaded at times. If I am not careful, I pout when things don't go my way. It's sin, and I hate it. I would not intentionally dishonor the name of God, but through my grumbling and complaining I have done just that. Should I not be singing his praises instead of whining about the situation I'm in? Which one honors God more--to joyfully tackle every situation with the help of the Lord, or to grumble about how unfair life is? When we complain about life, we implicate God. We accuse him of wrong doing, lack of wisdom, dishonesty, unfairness, and the list goes on. Yet, we know that God is infinitely holy, righteous, wise, loving, honest, etc. He is perfect in every way, and our life and lips should clearly declare that to the world.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Sermon Recap 11-22-09
Morning: "Dead Men Don't Chose to Wear Plaid: How God Makes Us to Live through and Raises us up with Christ," focused on Ephesians 2:1-10. In this passage, Paul explores the human condition apart from Christ and the glorious gift of God gracious salvation. Paul reminds us that although we experience physical life apart from Christ, until we know him we are spiritually dead. In that state we walk according to the world, serve Satan, and live habitually in disobedience to the will God as we pursue our own pleasures.
He also reminds us, that in Christ we have life and standing. We have been raised from the dead to walk in newness of life, because we have been made alive in Christ. Salvation is a gift from God. It is a gift that displays mercy, love, grace, and kindness. We should respond to this kindness by doing the good works for which God created us.
Evening: We are joining other churches in the association for a Thanksgiving worship service.
He also reminds us, that in Christ we have life and standing. We have been raised from the dead to walk in newness of life, because we have been made alive in Christ. Salvation is a gift from God. It is a gift that displays mercy, love, grace, and kindness. We should respond to this kindness by doing the good works for which God created us.
Evening: We are joining other churches in the association for a Thanksgiving worship service.
Saved By Grace
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that on one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before hand, that we should walk in them" (Eph. 2:8-10, ESV).
Salvation from start to finish is a work of grace. We could never mine the depths of what that truly means. It is mind blowing to consider the reality that though we were formerly dead, we have now been brought to life in Christ. Paul wants his readers to be clear about this truth. We cannot accurately talk about salvation without referencing grace.
"For by grace you have been saved through faith," Paul reminds. Paul's statement, although blunted by years of familiarity, is truly striking. We hear it, as we have so often, but we don't fully grasp how shocking it must of been to the recipients of this letter. Every major religion put forth some merit system, whereby worshipers could appease the gods. Worshipers need only give this, or do that, and the gods would not make their lives miserable. Even the Jews experience confusion in worship. They came to believe that God would have to accept their service or their offerings. Many of them believed their worship obligated God to do what they wanted. However, salvation has always been a work of sovereign grace. In grace, God revealed himself to Abraham and made him a nation. In grace, he promised to make them his people and to be their God. In grace, he sent them his Word to shepherd and guide them into righteousness.
Paul explains, "And this is not your own doing; it is a gift of God." Since salvation finds its starting point in the grace of God, only God can bring it to its proper conclusion. We didn't save ourselves, nor could we. It is difficult to know if Paul meant that salvation was the gift or if our faith is the gift. Scholars are divided on how to interpret it. Either way, it is God who saves us. Paul presses on, "not a result of works, so that no one can boast." Grace prevents pride. It also halts division. If we are not saved by what we do, but because God loves us, then we must in turn accept others on the same basis.
Paul concludes, "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." We are examples of God's craftsmanship. Through our salvation, God is displaying is incomparable glorious grace. However, he does not shelve us like a trophy, but places us into service to do the work for which he has created us.
Thus, through the gracious act of redeeming us, God has changed our course. Once we formerly traveled down Death Road, pursuing the passions of our flesh, serving Satan, and working disobedience. Now we travel down Life Highway, pursuing the glory of our Father, through faith in the Son, as the Spirit works obedience in our hearts.
Salvation from start to finish is a work of grace. We could never mine the depths of what that truly means. It is mind blowing to consider the reality that though we were formerly dead, we have now been brought to life in Christ. Paul wants his readers to be clear about this truth. We cannot accurately talk about salvation without referencing grace.
"For by grace you have been saved through faith," Paul reminds. Paul's statement, although blunted by years of familiarity, is truly striking. We hear it, as we have so often, but we don't fully grasp how shocking it must of been to the recipients of this letter. Every major religion put forth some merit system, whereby worshipers could appease the gods. Worshipers need only give this, or do that, and the gods would not make their lives miserable. Even the Jews experience confusion in worship. They came to believe that God would have to accept their service or their offerings. Many of them believed their worship obligated God to do what they wanted. However, salvation has always been a work of sovereign grace. In grace, God revealed himself to Abraham and made him a nation. In grace, he promised to make them his people and to be their God. In grace, he sent them his Word to shepherd and guide them into righteousness.
Paul explains, "And this is not your own doing; it is a gift of God." Since salvation finds its starting point in the grace of God, only God can bring it to its proper conclusion. We didn't save ourselves, nor could we. It is difficult to know if Paul meant that salvation was the gift or if our faith is the gift. Scholars are divided on how to interpret it. Either way, it is God who saves us. Paul presses on, "not a result of works, so that no one can boast." Grace prevents pride. It also halts division. If we are not saved by what we do, but because God loves us, then we must in turn accept others on the same basis.
Paul concludes, "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." We are examples of God's craftsmanship. Through our salvation, God is displaying is incomparable glorious grace. However, he does not shelve us like a trophy, but places us into service to do the work for which he has created us.
Thus, through the gracious act of redeeming us, God has changed our course. Once we formerly traveled down Death Road, pursuing the passions of our flesh, serving Satan, and working disobedience. Now we travel down Life Highway, pursuing the glory of our Father, through faith in the Son, as the Spirit works obedience in our hearts.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
And Now for the Good News
"But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ--by grace you have been saved--and raised us up with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus" (Eph. 2:4-7, ESV).
These verses are so rich. They point us to the heart of the gospel message--God is not content with our destruction. Paul has just painted a bleak picture of what we were before Christ. We were sons of disobedience, servants of the prince of the power of the air, and spiritual corpses. We slavishly labored after our own fleshly desires without the slightest concern for the glory of God. Although he was the author of our life, we expended his gift in the service of a false god--ourselves.
"But God," Paul states. But God is rich in mercy. But God loved us with a great love. But God made us alive in Christ Jesus. But God shed his grace upon us. But God raised us up with Christ in the heavenly places. But God desired to showcase his glorious mercy in the coming age by extending his kindness toward us.
The word "but" is such a small word with such a powerful impact. It is the sun breaking through the darkness of our life before Christ. It turns the gloom of Paul's description of us into a breath of hope to sustain us. The simple expression "But God," shifts our attention to the "immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe" (Eph. 1:19, ESV). Paul explains that this power finds its greatest expression in the the resurrection and exaltation of Jesus Christ (see Eph. 1:19-23).
In Ephesians 2:4-7, he demonstrates the how that power has been worked out "toward us who believe." Just as God raised Christ from the dead (physically) and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places (physically/spiritually), he has also raised us from the dead (spiritually, and eventually physically) and seated us with Christ in the heavenly places (spiritually, and eventually physically). Thus, in Christ, we have life and standing before God.
Our life is not something that God begrudgingly gave us. No, it was something that sprang forth from his abundant stores of mercy. He is "rich in mercy." He is rich in mercy toward us. He loves us, but not with some puny, fickle, wishy-washy love. No, he loves us with a "great love." In all of this he shows immeasurable kindness toward us.
In the midst of this passage, Paul can't help but express the obvious. He states, "By grace you have been saved." We swim in a sea of God's grace from the moment of conception. It is amazing that he chose the exact pairing of chromosomes that make us up as individuals. He appointed their union, and brought us into existence. His grace extends to every facet of our life--heartbeat, breath, relationships, joy, pain, work, play, etc. His grace is immeasurable, in part, because of its constant presence in our lives.
His grace is also immeasurable for another reason. Beyond all of the general graces God bestows upon us, there is also particular graces. We see some of them in Paul's thanksgiving in Ephesians 1:3-15. We are chosen, predestined to be adopted as sons because God loves us, redeemed through the blood of Christ, and sealed until redemption is completed, just to name a few.
This grace has extended life to us through Jesus Christ. When we believed the gospel, we were made alive in Christ. We were seated with him in the heavenly places. That is to say, he has guaranteed our pardon and place with the Father. Such good news should make us continually praise the glorious God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
These verses are so rich. They point us to the heart of the gospel message--God is not content with our destruction. Paul has just painted a bleak picture of what we were before Christ. We were sons of disobedience, servants of the prince of the power of the air, and spiritual corpses. We slavishly labored after our own fleshly desires without the slightest concern for the glory of God. Although he was the author of our life, we expended his gift in the service of a false god--ourselves.
"But God," Paul states. But God is rich in mercy. But God loved us with a great love. But God made us alive in Christ Jesus. But God shed his grace upon us. But God raised us up with Christ in the heavenly places. But God desired to showcase his glorious mercy in the coming age by extending his kindness toward us.
The word "but" is such a small word with such a powerful impact. It is the sun breaking through the darkness of our life before Christ. It turns the gloom of Paul's description of us into a breath of hope to sustain us. The simple expression "But God," shifts our attention to the "immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe" (Eph. 1:19, ESV). Paul explains that this power finds its greatest expression in the the resurrection and exaltation of Jesus Christ (see Eph. 1:19-23).
In Ephesians 2:4-7, he demonstrates the how that power has been worked out "toward us who believe." Just as God raised Christ from the dead (physically) and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places (physically/spiritually), he has also raised us from the dead (spiritually, and eventually physically) and seated us with Christ in the heavenly places (spiritually, and eventually physically). Thus, in Christ, we have life and standing before God.
Our life is not something that God begrudgingly gave us. No, it was something that sprang forth from his abundant stores of mercy. He is "rich in mercy." He is rich in mercy toward us. He loves us, but not with some puny, fickle, wishy-washy love. No, he loves us with a "great love." In all of this he shows immeasurable kindness toward us.
In the midst of this passage, Paul can't help but express the obvious. He states, "By grace you have been saved." We swim in a sea of God's grace from the moment of conception. It is amazing that he chose the exact pairing of chromosomes that make us up as individuals. He appointed their union, and brought us into existence. His grace extends to every facet of our life--heartbeat, breath, relationships, joy, pain, work, play, etc. His grace is immeasurable, in part, because of its constant presence in our lives.
His grace is also immeasurable for another reason. Beyond all of the general graces God bestows upon us, there is also particular graces. We see some of them in Paul's thanksgiving in Ephesians 1:3-15. We are chosen, predestined to be adopted as sons because God loves us, redeemed through the blood of Christ, and sealed until redemption is completed, just to name a few.
This grace has extended life to us through Jesus Christ. When we believed the gospel, we were made alive in Christ. We were seated with him in the heavenly places. That is to say, he has guaranteed our pardon and place with the Father. Such good news should make us continually praise the glorious God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Spiritually Dead
"And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience--among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind" (Eph. 2:1-3, ESV).
Spiritually speaking, we were dead before the Holy Spirit regenerated us, by applying the gospel to our hearts, and brought us to faith. Our trespasses and sins had us cut off from God's holy presence. We had no access to him, nor any desire for such access. We were dead. Cold. Rotten. Stinking. Dead. That is not to imply that we were without morals or scruples, for even the most ungodly live by some internal set of rules. Yet, human morality is little more than a tomb covered over by whitewash (see Matt. 23:27).
Apart from the gracious work of God, in our hearts and minds, through the Holy Spirit applying the gospel, we would continue to be incapable of coming to life. The dead are unable to do anything about their situation, even though they want to do something about it (see Luke 16:19-31). Once the human spirit has left the body, our fate is sealed. There is no second chance in the grave. James states, "As the body apart from the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead" (James 2:26, ESV). Likewise, the author of Hebrews reminds us, "And just as it was appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment" (Heb. 9:27, ESV).
We are born into this world spiritually dead and slowly creeping our way toward physical death. Those who are not born again from above, that is, through the Spirit's regenerating work, will suffer the second death. However, Paul speaks to believers as those raised from the dead, and so they are. Paul prayed for their hearts to be enlightened so that they may know "what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe" (Eph. 1:19, ESV). He explains the "immeasurable greatness" in terms of the resurrection. It seems that Paul understands the resurrection of Jesus Christ to be the greatest display of God's sovereign power. That power Paul reminds us, is the very power that raised us from our deadness.
Where once we followed in the "course of this world" and "the prince of the power of the air," we now follow a different course and a different prince. Where once we were filled with "the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience," now we are filled with the Spirit "who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it" (Eph. 1:14, ESV). Formerly, we were children of wrath, now we are the children of God--chosen, adopted in love, forgiven, known, cherished, and kept (see Eph. 1:3-14).
The description of this death is that we willingly obeyed our dark master. We served him with the "passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind." We earned all of our bitter wages. We deserved every penny we were to be paid. As it is written, "For the wages of sin is death . . ."(Rom. 6:23). We were not only born corrupted by sin, but we willfully indulged ourselves in it. The desire to sin is not something imposed on us from the outside. If a person is forced to do something against their will, they are not guilty of that sin. A woman who has been raped is not guilty of fornication. Yet, a man who seduces and uses multiple women is a fornicator. He willful does what is unlawful, because it is what he wants. Paul states that obeyed the spirit that works in the disobedient to serve our passions and to carry out the desires of our mind and body. Sin strikes from the inside (see Rom. 7:7-25, James 1:13-15).
Paul's description in Ephesians 2:1-3 would cause us to despair were it not for one word--were. If we are in Christ, then we are no longer "dead in the trespasses and sins" in which we once walked. If we are in Christ, then we are no longer "following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air." If we are in Christ, we are no longer "by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind." No, in Christ we are holy and blameless (Eph. 1:4). We are the beloved children God has adopted (Eph. 1:5). We have been redeemed through Christ's blood (Eph. 1:7). We have been told the secret of God's plan (Eph. 1:9-10). We have become his prized possession (Eph. 1:11). We have been marked out as his people (Eph. 1:13-14). Once we were dead--killed in cold blood by sin, but now we have been made alive in Christ.
Spiritually speaking, we were dead before the Holy Spirit regenerated us, by applying the gospel to our hearts, and brought us to faith. Our trespasses and sins had us cut off from God's holy presence. We had no access to him, nor any desire for such access. We were dead. Cold. Rotten. Stinking. Dead. That is not to imply that we were without morals or scruples, for even the most ungodly live by some internal set of rules. Yet, human morality is little more than a tomb covered over by whitewash (see Matt. 23:27).
Apart from the gracious work of God, in our hearts and minds, through the Holy Spirit applying the gospel, we would continue to be incapable of coming to life. The dead are unable to do anything about their situation, even though they want to do something about it (see Luke 16:19-31). Once the human spirit has left the body, our fate is sealed. There is no second chance in the grave. James states, "As the body apart from the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead" (James 2:26, ESV). Likewise, the author of Hebrews reminds us, "And just as it was appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment" (Heb. 9:27, ESV).
We are born into this world spiritually dead and slowly creeping our way toward physical death. Those who are not born again from above, that is, through the Spirit's regenerating work, will suffer the second death. However, Paul speaks to believers as those raised from the dead, and so they are. Paul prayed for their hearts to be enlightened so that they may know "what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe" (Eph. 1:19, ESV). He explains the "immeasurable greatness" in terms of the resurrection. It seems that Paul understands the resurrection of Jesus Christ to be the greatest display of God's sovereign power. That power Paul reminds us, is the very power that raised us from our deadness.
Where once we followed in the "course of this world" and "the prince of the power of the air," we now follow a different course and a different prince. Where once we were filled with "the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience," now we are filled with the Spirit "who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it" (Eph. 1:14, ESV). Formerly, we were children of wrath, now we are the children of God--chosen, adopted in love, forgiven, known, cherished, and kept (see Eph. 1:3-14).
The description of this death is that we willingly obeyed our dark master. We served him with the "passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind." We earned all of our bitter wages. We deserved every penny we were to be paid. As it is written, "For the wages of sin is death . . ."(Rom. 6:23). We were not only born corrupted by sin, but we willfully indulged ourselves in it. The desire to sin is not something imposed on us from the outside. If a person is forced to do something against their will, they are not guilty of that sin. A woman who has been raped is not guilty of fornication. Yet, a man who seduces and uses multiple women is a fornicator. He willful does what is unlawful, because it is what he wants. Paul states that obeyed the spirit that works in the disobedient to serve our passions and to carry out the desires of our mind and body. Sin strikes from the inside (see Rom. 7:7-25, James 1:13-15).
Paul's description in Ephesians 2:1-3 would cause us to despair were it not for one word--were. If we are in Christ, then we are no longer "dead in the trespasses and sins" in which we once walked. If we are in Christ, then we are no longer "following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air." If we are in Christ, we are no longer "by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind." No, in Christ we are holy and blameless (Eph. 1:4). We are the beloved children God has adopted (Eph. 1:5). We have been redeemed through Christ's blood (Eph. 1:7). We have been told the secret of God's plan (Eph. 1:9-10). We have become his prized possession (Eph. 1:11). We have been marked out as his people (Eph. 1:13-14). Once we were dead--killed in cold blood by sin, but now we have been made alive in Christ.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Chosen
"Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him" (Eph. 1:4, ESV).
One of the many spiritual blessing bestowed upon us by the Father, through the Son, is that he has chosen us. He has selected us to be his, in Christ, before the world was formed. Before he formed Adam from the dust of the ground, God had chosen to love us. There is a song that says that while Jesus was on the cross we were on his mind. That song only captures part of the truth. This verse suggests that before he said, "Let there be light," we were on his mind. The choice was made in eternity, prior to the beginning of time.
It was a choice to accept us through Christ. The cross was on God's mind, even as he planted the Garden of Eden and placed man there to work it. The determined to offer up his Son, so he might display his infinite grace and mercy toward us.
It was a choice with a purpose. We were chosen to be holy and blameless before him. He desired to make us holy by the work of Christ on the cross, but also to make us holy and blameless through the working of the Spirit in our lives. He has set us apart for the purpose of obeying his commands. He is bringing about in us a spotlessness. We have been cleansed by Christ's blood, and washed of every stain.
By choosing us, the Father has blessed us beyond comprehension. Our fallen minds will never fully understand what it means to be chosen by God, to be the object of his delight and desire, to be free to serve and worship him, and to be able to approach him without blemish or spot. We are his people, because he chose us. We love him, because he loved us. We pursue him, because he pursued us. How richly blessed we truly are to be chosen by God.
One of the many spiritual blessing bestowed upon us by the Father, through the Son, is that he has chosen us. He has selected us to be his, in Christ, before the world was formed. Before he formed Adam from the dust of the ground, God had chosen to love us. There is a song that says that while Jesus was on the cross we were on his mind. That song only captures part of the truth. This verse suggests that before he said, "Let there be light," we were on his mind. The choice was made in eternity, prior to the beginning of time.
It was a choice to accept us through Christ. The cross was on God's mind, even as he planted the Garden of Eden and placed man there to work it. The determined to offer up his Son, so he might display his infinite grace and mercy toward us.
It was a choice with a purpose. We were chosen to be holy and blameless before him. He desired to make us holy by the work of Christ on the cross, but also to make us holy and blameless through the working of the Spirit in our lives. He has set us apart for the purpose of obeying his commands. He is bringing about in us a spotlessness. We have been cleansed by Christ's blood, and washed of every stain.
By choosing us, the Father has blessed us beyond comprehension. Our fallen minds will never fully understand what it means to be chosen by God, to be the object of his delight and desire, to be free to serve and worship him, and to be able to approach him without blemish or spot. We are his people, because he chose us. We love him, because he loved us. We pursue him, because he pursued us. How richly blessed we truly are to be chosen by God.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Study Indicates We May Be Lazy
We are beginning a study on laziness on Wednesday nights. Tonight we looked at Proverbs 6:6-11 and 24:30-34. These passages give a good overview of "the sluggard." Starting Wednesday December 2, 2009, we will look for a biblical definition of laziness, the underlying causes, and the remedy for spiritual laziness. Here are some of the other verses to consider (Prov. 10:26; 12:24, 27; 13:4; 15:15, 24; 20:4; 21:25; 22:13; 24:30; 26:13-16; Rom. 12:11; and 1 Th. 5:14).
Sermon Preview 11-22-09
Lord willing, this coming Sunday Morning we will continue to look at Ephesians. The sermon will come from Ephesians 2:1-10. In this passage, Paul explains how God's "incomparable great power" that raised Christ from the dead, that seated him at God's right hand as ruler of all, and that placed him as head over the church, has been worked out "for us who believe" (see Eph. 1:19-23). Possible title, "Dead Men Don't Choose to Wear Plaid: How the Father Raised Us to Life through Christ the Son."
Sunday Evening we will be moving our services to participate in the Gasper River Association of Baptists' annual Thanksgiving service. The service will be at the Butler County High School at 5:00 P.M. Eric Allen will bring the message and there will be special music from the Gasper River Association of Baptists' Choir.
Sunday Evening we will be moving our services to participate in the Gasper River Association of Baptists' annual Thanksgiving service. The service will be at the Butler County High School at 5:00 P.M. Eric Allen will bring the message and there will be special music from the Gasper River Association of Baptists' Choir.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
It Is Well with My Soul
I have loved the song, "It is Well with My Soul" (or "Peace Like a River"), for a long time. The author, Horatio Spafford, supposedly wrote this song after losing his four daughters. As a work born out of great tragedy, this hymn displays the texture of Christian hope. It demonstrates that hope does not rest in pleasant circumstances, but in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The believer finds his strength by focusing on Christ, and not his circumstances. I am greatly comforted by the truth this hymn reflects. Here are the words:
My favorite line is, "My sin- oh, the bliss of this glorious thought: my sin not in part, but the whole is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more. Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul." The cross is an undeniable display of the love of God for us (see Rom. 5:6-8). I don't know what all circumstances you all face, but most likely, many of you are enduring great difficulty. I pray that you have anchored your hope in the Lord Jesus Christ, and found it is well with your soul.
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul. (chorus)
Though Satan should buffet, thou trials should come,
Let this blessed assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed his own blood for my soul. (chorus)
CHORUS
It is well (It is well) with my soul (with my soul),
It is well, it is well with my soul
My sin--oh, the bliss of the glorious thought:
My sin not in part, but the whole
Is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more,
praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul (chorus).
And, Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight,
The clouds be roll'd back as a scroll,
The trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend,
"Even so," it is well with my soul (chorus)
My favorite line is, "My sin- oh, the bliss of this glorious thought: my sin not in part, but the whole is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more. Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul." The cross is an undeniable display of the love of God for us (see Rom. 5:6-8). I don't know what all circumstances you all face, but most likely, many of you are enduring great difficulty. I pray that you have anchored your hope in the Lord Jesus Christ, and found it is well with your soul.
In Memory
June 25, 2006-November 17, 2006
Today marks the third anniversary of the passing of our little Ellie. In some ways, it seems like a thousand years ago. In other ways, it feels like it just happened.
That morning plays over and over again in my mind. I remember receiving the phone call, the anger, the disbelief, the powerlessness, the longing to comfort my wife, and to be comforted. I can still remember having a disconnected feeling. It was almost like someone had separated my mind and body' I was there, but not there at the same time. Yet, in the midst of that disconnection I remember feeling the presence of the Lord. He surrounded Delia and I on that day with his people (our family, church family, and friends), and loved us through them.
Through their love and service, the Lord enabled us to endure. We are both eternally grateful to God for the time we had with Ellie, for the loving support we received from so many, for the gracious confidence that we have knowing we will see her again, and for his sustaining power that not only brought us through, but made us stronger.
They say that time heals all wounds, but I don't believe that is true. Only the Lord can bring healing to a wounded heart. He may use a loved one, a doctor, or a counselor to assist us in the healing, but it is unmistakably his hand that does the work. The Lord, through his grace, has caused me to hope, and it is a hope that will not be disappointed. So I celebrate Ellie's life, even as I mourn her passing. I also celebrate the Maker of her life, and rejoice in knowing He will never pass away. I believe I will meet her again around the throne of God. However, that reunion is not the source of my hope. My hope rests in the One who conquered death and the grave, because by his grace he has cleansed me of my sins and given me everlasting life. For this reason, my heart says with Job, "The Lord gives, and he takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord."
Monday, November 16, 2009
Opinions
Our culture places a high value on the right to hold an opinion. In an era of tolerance, we pretend, for the most part, that all opinions are created equal. Your opinion is yours, mine is mine, and if they happen to contradict each other, that's okay, they are just opinions. Of course, not everyone is so civilized. There are those individuals who are very dogmatic about their opinions.
The simple truth is that not all opinions are created equal. A person who draws a conclusion based on faulty logic or erroneous facts will, almost always, draw the wrong conclusions. They old saying, "two wrongs do not make a right," applies here. We can't start from the wrong point, with the wrong directions, and drive to the right location. Even if someone did arrive at the right conclusion while working with erroneous facts and faulty logic, their arrival would only be accidental. As I have heard it put, "Even a blind squirrel finds an acorn now and then."
While we need to show respect to others, even when we disagree with them, we must have a higher authority than our opinions. That authority is the Bible. As God's revelation of himself to man, the Bible teaches us about life from God's perspective. We need to test all of our opinions by the Word. We need to ask ourselves, does the Bible shape our opinions or does our opinions shape our understanding of the Bible. Many people often try to explain away doctrines with which they are uncomfortable. The danger in this kind of thinking is it may lead us to twist the Scripture.
The Bible, rightly interpreted and correctly applied, speaks with the full authority of God. Thus, to ignore a passage or to force upon it the wrong meaning is to twist the very words of God. It doesn't matter if we like a particular doctrine or not. What matters is what the Bible says. For this reason, we must diligently labor to rightly understand the Scriptures, and allow them to shape our thoughts. Where the Scripture is clear there can be no compromise. Where it is less than clear, we must be careful not to force a contradiction with the rest of Scripture and deal with other of differing views with graciousness.
I have found that during the course of my service to the Lord, many of my opinions have changed. Often, as I study, I am forced to evaluate the underlying assumptions and biases I have. The doctrinal convictions I hold mean nothing if they are not drawn from the Word. And there are times when, through careful study, I find that something I thought to be true cannot be supported by Scripture. I remember well the time I discovered that the phrase, "God helps those who helps themselves," was not Scripture, but the words of the Deist, Ben Franklin. The biblical truth is that God helps those who can't help themselves. We must continually seek to rightly understand the Bible and shape our lives (and opinions) by it. And that's more than just an opinion.
The simple truth is that not all opinions are created equal. A person who draws a conclusion based on faulty logic or erroneous facts will, almost always, draw the wrong conclusions. They old saying, "two wrongs do not make a right," applies here. We can't start from the wrong point, with the wrong directions, and drive to the right location. Even if someone did arrive at the right conclusion while working with erroneous facts and faulty logic, their arrival would only be accidental. As I have heard it put, "Even a blind squirrel finds an acorn now and then."
While we need to show respect to others, even when we disagree with them, we must have a higher authority than our opinions. That authority is the Bible. As God's revelation of himself to man, the Bible teaches us about life from God's perspective. We need to test all of our opinions by the Word. We need to ask ourselves, does the Bible shape our opinions or does our opinions shape our understanding of the Bible. Many people often try to explain away doctrines with which they are uncomfortable. The danger in this kind of thinking is it may lead us to twist the Scripture.
The Bible, rightly interpreted and correctly applied, speaks with the full authority of God. Thus, to ignore a passage or to force upon it the wrong meaning is to twist the very words of God. It doesn't matter if we like a particular doctrine or not. What matters is what the Bible says. For this reason, we must diligently labor to rightly understand the Scriptures, and allow them to shape our thoughts. Where the Scripture is clear there can be no compromise. Where it is less than clear, we must be careful not to force a contradiction with the rest of Scripture and deal with other of differing views with graciousness.
I have found that during the course of my service to the Lord, many of my opinions have changed. Often, as I study, I am forced to evaluate the underlying assumptions and biases I have. The doctrinal convictions I hold mean nothing if they are not drawn from the Word. And there are times when, through careful study, I find that something I thought to be true cannot be supported by Scripture. I remember well the time I discovered that the phrase, "God helps those who helps themselves," was not Scripture, but the words of the Deist, Ben Franklin. The biblical truth is that God helps those who can't help themselves. We must continually seek to rightly understand the Bible and shape our lives (and opinions) by it. And that's more than just an opinion.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Sermon Recap 11-15-09
The second request is for the eyes of their hearts to be opened to see three things. He wants them to understand the hope to which they have been called, the glorious inheritance which is theirs, and the incomparable power that God has worked in their lives. This is the same power by which God raised Christ from the dead, exalted him to the highest place in the heavenlies, and set him over the church, which is his body and which he fills with all of his fullness.
Evening: We answered a question concerning the doctrine of election, then we turned our attention to the doctrine of Scripture. We compared article one of the Baptist Faith and Message 1963 and 2000. We will look at Monticello's Articles of Faith, and the Scriptural basis for our belief in a couple of weeks.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
The Doctrine of Election, Pt. 2
When it comes to the doctrine of election, it is important to keep the biblical tension that exists between divine predestination and human responsibility. Scripture seems to indicate that God desires the salvation of all people (2 Pet. 3:9, John 3:16), but it clearly teaches that not all will be saved (Matt. 7:13-14, John 14:6). Without God pursuing fallen them, mankind would never look for God. The word tells us that "there is no one who does good, not even one" (Rom. 3:12, ESV). We are also told that no one seeks God (Rom. 3:11, see all of Rom. 3). Left to himself, man in his fallen state would always choose sin over God. God chose some to salvation, because if he hadn't none would have received it.
Some might ask the question, "Why didn't God choose everybody?" This is the wrong question to ask. We should be asking, "Why did God chose anybody?" Since God's choice is not based on foreseen merit, how does anyone make the cut. Quite simple, no one deserves heaven. We all deserve damnation. Yet, God in his mercy chose some to be saved. Why he chose them, we cannot say, because he didn't reveal his reasons to us. We must humbly acknowledge his mercy, and trust his holy wisdom.
Others might ask, "Doesn't the doctrine of election kill missions and evangelism?" The short answer is no. The apostle Paul makes an interesting statement, "Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory" (2 Tim. 2:10, ESV). Paul reminds us that God not only appoints the end (salvation), but the means (evangelism/missions), as well. We must share the gospel, because faith comes by hearing the message of Christ (see Rom. 10:13-17). Men like William Carey, Adoniram Judson, Charles Spurgeon, George Whitefield, and Jonathan Edwards held to the doctrine of election and actively shared the gospel.
In his article, "The Doctrine of Salvation--The Work of God" in A Theology for the Church, Kenneth Keathley offers five principles to help guide our thinking on the doctrine of election (page 722-23). They are:
I think these principles help us to navigate the rocky waters of election. Election serves as an internal memo, notifying the believer of God's unstoppable love for them. It reminds them that they didn't pursue God first, but he graciously pursued them and brought them to himself. What God began in them, he will bring to completion on the day of Christ's appearing. The doctrine of election should never defined in a way that limits our obedience to the Great Commission. We are not called to determine who is elect. We are called to preach the gospel and disciple those who come to faith in Jesus.
Some might ask the question, "Why didn't God choose everybody?" This is the wrong question to ask. We should be asking, "Why did God chose anybody?" Since God's choice is not based on foreseen merit, how does anyone make the cut. Quite simple, no one deserves heaven. We all deserve damnation. Yet, God in his mercy chose some to be saved. Why he chose them, we cannot say, because he didn't reveal his reasons to us. We must humbly acknowledge his mercy, and trust his holy wisdom.
Others might ask, "Doesn't the doctrine of election kill missions and evangelism?" The short answer is no. The apostle Paul makes an interesting statement, "Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory" (2 Tim. 2:10, ESV). Paul reminds us that God not only appoints the end (salvation), but the means (evangelism/missions), as well. We must share the gospel, because faith comes by hearing the message of Christ (see Rom. 10:13-17). Men like William Carey, Adoniram Judson, Charles Spurgeon, George Whitefield, and Jonathan Edwards held to the doctrine of election and actively shared the gospel.
In his article, "The Doctrine of Salvation--The Work of God" in A Theology for the Church, Kenneth Keathley offers five principles to help guide our thinking on the doctrine of election (page 722-23). They are:
1. Salvation is a sovereign work of God from beginning to end.
2. In a real and genuine way, God desires the salvation of all humanity.
3. God purposes the salvation of the elect, but only permits the damnation of the unbeliever.
4. Each person has freedom to choose or reject salvation.
5. Election originates, is accomplished, and will be consummated in Jesus Christ.
I think these principles help us to navigate the rocky waters of election. Election serves as an internal memo, notifying the believer of God's unstoppable love for them. It reminds them that they didn't pursue God first, but he graciously pursued them and brought them to himself. What God began in them, he will bring to completion on the day of Christ's appearing. The doctrine of election should never defined in a way that limits our obedience to the Great Commission. We are not called to determine who is elect. We are called to preach the gospel and disciple those who come to faith in Jesus.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Doctrine of Election, Pt. 1
The doctrine of election can be a hot-button issue. Yet, most Christians believe in election. They intuitively understand that God chose individuals to eternal life, because not all will be saved. However, they are uncomfortable with idea of an equal election to damnation, or to put it another way, many Christians do not like the idea of God choosing some for heaven and choosing others for hell. To others the talk of election smacks of unfairness. They think it would be unfair of God to choose one and not another. Indeed, the doctrine of election has the potential to be very divisive. It is a subject that should be handled with care and grace. Where the Bible speaks clearly concerning anything, we must not deviate from that truth. Where it speaks with less clarity, we must affirm what we can and agree to disagree where necessary.
Since we will be discussing election throughout the next several weeks as we work our way through Ephesians, it would be help to clarify what we mean by the topic. Let me state clearly, I believe the Bible is the sole authority for faith and practice, that is, what we teach and what we do. Yet, I am not afraid to let a good confession or creed to help me clarify my thoughts. Monticello Baptist Church acknowledges two such confessions: the Baptist Faith and Message 1963 and the Articles of Faith (adapted from the Abstract of Principles). I believe these two statements do a wonderful job of capturing the essence of the doctrine of election.
The first paragraph of article five (V.), God's Purpose of Grace, of the Baptist Faith and Message 1963, says this about election:
Election is the gracious purpose of God, according to which He regenerates, sanctifies, and glorifies sinners. It is consistent with the free agency of man, and comprehends all the means in connection with the end. It is a glorious display of God's sovereign goodness, and is infinitely wise, holy, and unchangeable. It excludes boasting and promotes humility.
This statement helps us to think through election. First, it is a gracious act of God and has a purpose. Second, through this act God brings about regeneration (new birth), sanctification (holiness), and glorification (completion of salvation). Third, it does not violate the "free agency of man." In other words, God doesn't force people to love him against their wills. He not only determines to save them, he determines to make them want to be saved. Fourth, election highlights God sovereign goodness. Fifth, it is "infinitely wise, holy, and unchangeable." Since these things are true, we cannot claim that election is unfair or unrighteous. Sixth, understanding election brings about humility in us.
Article III, Section 1, of Monticello's Constitution, concerning election states:
G. ELECTION: Election is God’s eternal choice of some persons into everlasting life-not because of foreseen merit in them, but of His mere mercy in Christ-in consequence of which choice they are called, justified and glorified.
Through this statement we confess that election is of some persons to eternal life. This statement does not expressly rule out the idea of a double predestination (some to heaven or some to hell), but it clearly doesn't include it either. We are expressing the idea that in choosing some for eternal life, God simply did not choose the others. Again, combining both statements we would say that election does not violate the free agency of man. Our statement express a belief that God's election is by mercy and not through any "foreseen merit." That is to say, God chose the elect, because that's what he wanted, not because he knew they would choose him. We also state that election is through or in Christ; none are elect apart from Jesus. Because of election, God's people are called (to the gospel by the Spirit), justified (declared righteous), and glorified (completely redeemed).
To sum up the doctrine of election, we believe that God has chosen some people for salvation; that he has orchestrated the events in their lives in such a way that they desire him and respond freely to the gospel (as it is applied to their heart by the Holy Spirit); that he justifies, sanctifies and glorifies those who believe in Jesus; and that he did so out of his sovereign goodness and for his holy pleasure. As John put it, "We love because he first loved us" (1 John 4:19).
15 Minutes
Beechtree News, Butler County's online news source, recently posted an article that includes a picture of me holding Sophia. The article is about the 52nd Annual Rural Development Awards Banquet. You can view the article here. Our photo is at the bottom of the article. Maybe everybody does get 15 minutes of fame.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
An Excellent Wife Has a Bad Day
"An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who brings shame is rottenness in his bones" (Prov. 12:4, ESV).I wonder if Solomon's wife (any one of the 700 hundred he had) ever wrecked the family chariot . . . into Solomon's "classic" Chevy Chariot. I wonder how Solomon would have reacted.
When Delia, my excellent wife, called to tell me she had backed the family car into my prized pick-up, I was a bit surprised by my response. My chief, and only concern, was to know if she and Sophia were all right. The two vehicles became little more than metal and plastic to me. As I began to contemplate the shift in my mind, I realized that God has been doing a work in my heart. Throughout my childhood and adolecent years, I placed great value on things. I became quite a packrat. I still have boxes full of my childhood treasures. Yet, my heart isn't with those things any more. My affection has gravitated toward the people in my life.
Jesus teaches us that people, not things, matter. I'm not saying we shouldn't be good steward's off the things with which God has blessed us. Instead, I am suggesting that we should keep everything in perspective. People have eternal significance, but the stuff we have is going to be consumed by fire one day (2 Peter 3:11-12). Invest your time and money in people and you will be wealthy.
While I plan on sending Delia to the Rain Man's School of Driving Excellence, it is only because I want to keep her around as long as possible. As my wife and the mother of my children, she is my crown. I am grateful to God for blessing me with Delia, and for watching over her and Sophia, especially today. They could have been really hurt, but they weren't. Cars and trucks can be fixed or replaced, but I only have one Delia and one Sophia.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Sermon Preview 11-15-09
Lord willing, we will look at Ephesians 1:15-23 on Sunday. In this passage, Paul shares a page from his prayer journal to allow the church in Ephesus to understand his motives and desires concerning them. I encourage you to read it several times (in more than one translation) in preparation for the worship gathering.
We are going to be looking at our doctrinal statements during our Sunday evening services (6:00 pm). Those confessions are The Baptist Faith and Message 1963 and Monticello's Articles of Faith (which is drawn primarily from the Abstract of Principles). We will also be comparing the Baptist Faith and Message 1963 with the Baptist Faith and Message 2000 to see where they differ, and to determine if we need to adopt the 2000 confession.
We are going to be looking at our doctrinal statements during our Sunday evening services (6:00 pm). Those confessions are The Baptist Faith and Message 1963 and Monticello's Articles of Faith (which is drawn primarily from the Abstract of Principles). We will also be comparing the Baptist Faith and Message 1963 with the Baptist Faith and Message 2000 to see where they differ, and to determine if we need to adopt the 2000 confession.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Free Desiring God Audiobook
I am a bit late in getting this out, but there is still plenty of time to take advantage of the offer. During the month of November, Christianaudio.com is offering John Piper's Desiring God Audiobook for free. You can download your copy here.
Sermon Recap 11-8-09
Morning: "Praise Be to the God and Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ," was a sermon that focused on Ephesians 1:1-14. Paul's brief introduction (Eph. 1:1-2) sets the stage for everything that follows by expressing dual themes of being in Christ ("an apostle of Christ Jesus") and the will of God ("by the will of God"). With the stage set, Paul launches into his most pressing concern. Ephesians 1:3 expresses the theme of this passage. It states, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ." God the Father is worthy of all praise, because in Christ he has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the spiritual world. The letter to the Ephesians will unfold the nature of these spiritual blessing and demonstrate the praiseworthiness of God. In Ephesians 1:4-14, Paul explains six of these "spiritual" blessings. First, Paul states that God chose us, in Christ, before time began, to be holy and blameless in his sight. God determined to make us holy and blameless, through Christ, before he spoke anything into existence.
Second, Paul states that the Father predestined us to be adopted as sons though Jesus according to his pleasure and will. The idea of making us his children, in Christ, pleased the Father so much he determined to make it happen.
Third, though the blood of Christ, he has bought our redemption. The blood of Christ has made it possible for us to find forgiveness.
Fourth, the Father has revealed the mystery of his will. He has planned, from all eternity, to unite all things in heaven and earth under the headship of Christ. He is at work bringing all things under Christ's rule.
Fifth, He has made us an inheritance for himself. John Stott, the theologian and expositor, argues powerfully that Ephesians 1:11 is best understood to mean that God has chosen us for himself as his possession. The church is God's prized possession, his particular people, his holy priesthood.
Sixth, we have been sealed with the Holy Spirit, until the day of redemption. Upon believing the good news of Jesus Christ we are indwelt by the Spirit. His presence guarantees that God will bring about our full and ultimate redemption (glorification).
Having demonstrated the nature of some of the spiritual blessings that are ours in Christ, Paul urges us to praise the Father for his "glorious grace." Infinite and matchless, God's grace has paved the way for us to experience life, through Jesus Christ. The reality that God is mindful of us should astound us. It should move us to praise him with our mouths and our lives.
Evening: We talked about the doctrine of Election from The Baptist Faith and Message 1963 and from Monticello's Articles of Faith (which are drawn from the Abstract of Principles). We also considered several passages of Scripture.
Monday, November 9, 2009
A Leap of Faith
This article was originally published here, on August 28, 2009.
Many struggle with the idea of taking a leap of faith. They assume that taking a leap of faith is the same as taking a leap in the dark. However, nothing could be farther from the truth. Faith is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen (see Heb. 11:1). Faith does not exist without cause.
There are many evidences that could be given that would demonstrate the reality of God. However, these evidences are never accepted as definitive by skeptical minds. There is an agenda to the doubt--truth suppression (see Rom. 1:18-20). They don't want to take a leap of faith, because it will be a leap into the light, and they love the darkness (see John 3:19).
Taking a leap of faith requires repentance and trust. It requires that we truly believe that Christ died in our place, was pierced for our transgressions, paid our sin debt, was buried and was raised again to life on the third day. It requires that we have a holy hatred toward sin, because the Spirit brought into our consciousness, through conviction, God's hatred toward sin and the pending righteous judgment that we face.
I used to believe having "faith" was the same thing as having an opinion, but now I know that isn't the case. As a professing atheist, I was arrested by the gospel. The Spirit brought conviction of sin into my heart. I knew that I had offended a holy and righteous God, and I trembled at that reality. The Spirit also brought a hope to life in me, even in the midst of that conviction, that through Jesus' death and resurrection I could be forgiven of sin and be welcomed into the family of God.
I felt like I was caught between a rock and a hard place. I loved my sin: the sin which was destroying me, the sin which had made me by nature an object of wrath, sin which had separated me from my Creator in this life and the sin that would condemn me in the next. Yet, I needed to be cleansed, to be forgiven. Hope called me to take a leap of faith. By the grace of God, I leaped into the light. Have you taken a leap of faith, yet?
Many struggle with the idea of taking a leap of faith. They assume that taking a leap of faith is the same as taking a leap in the dark. However, nothing could be farther from the truth. Faith is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen (see Heb. 11:1). Faith does not exist without cause.There are many evidences that could be given that would demonstrate the reality of God. However, these evidences are never accepted as definitive by skeptical minds. There is an agenda to the doubt--truth suppression (see Rom. 1:18-20). They don't want to take a leap of faith, because it will be a leap into the light, and they love the darkness (see John 3:19).
Taking a leap of faith requires repentance and trust. It requires that we truly believe that Christ died in our place, was pierced for our transgressions, paid our sin debt, was buried and was raised again to life on the third day. It requires that we have a holy hatred toward sin, because the Spirit brought into our consciousness, through conviction, God's hatred toward sin and the pending righteous judgment that we face.
I used to believe having "faith" was the same thing as having an opinion, but now I know that isn't the case. As a professing atheist, I was arrested by the gospel. The Spirit brought conviction of sin into my heart. I knew that I had offended a holy and righteous God, and I trembled at that reality. The Spirit also brought a hope to life in me, even in the midst of that conviction, that through Jesus' death and resurrection I could be forgiven of sin and be welcomed into the family of God.
I felt like I was caught between a rock and a hard place. I loved my sin: the sin which was destroying me, the sin which had made me by nature an object of wrath, sin which had separated me from my Creator in this life and the sin that would condemn me in the next. Yet, I needed to be cleansed, to be forgiven. Hope called me to take a leap of faith. By the grace of God, I leaped into the light. Have you taken a leap of faith, yet?
Dying Daily
This article was originally published here, on August 11, 2009.
"Then he said to them all: "If any one would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me'" (Luke 9:38, NIV).
In a paradoxical way, the gospel call to life is a call to death. Those who follow Jesus in faithful obedience must live a life of self-denial and daily death. The call to take up the cross is a call to take up one's death. As Paul states, "Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry" (Col. 3:5). Thus, taking up our cross is the process of killing off our "earthly nature."
Paul reminds us, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me" (Gal. 2:20). In this verse, Paul is demonstrating the union between Jesus and his followers. They are capable of putting to death the desires of the flesh, because Jesus was put to death on their behalves.
The call to take up the cross is not only possible, it is expected. Taking up the cross is a daily task. Think of our earthly desires like a fire that has been burned down to embers. The coals might only be giving off smoke or heat, they may be orange, red or gray, but they are only embers and not a flame. We might douse those embers with water or attempt to stomp them out, and assume our job is done. However, a shift in the wind or a new source of fuel turn the embers into a raging fire. We must battle our earthly desires everyday, because we don't know when they are going to flare up.
The call to daily death is a reminder that we live in constant struggle with the world, the flesh, and the devil. Today's victory might be used to bring tomorrow's defeat. If we are not constantly on the watch, we are sure to caught off guard by our attackers. Daily our fleshly desires wage war against the Spirit, and the Spirit wages war against our desires. Daily we must go to the cross and remind ourselves of who we are. We are no longer the slaves of sin, but the children of God. Christ's cross makes our cross bearable. Until that last day, when Jesus comes in all his glory and raises us incorruptible, we must bear our cross daily.
"Then he said to them all: "If any one would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me'" (Luke 9:38, NIV).
In a paradoxical way, the gospel call to life is a call to death. Those who follow Jesus in faithful obedience must live a life of self-denial and daily death. The call to take up the cross is a call to take up one's death. As Paul states, "Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry" (Col. 3:5). Thus, taking up our cross is the process of killing off our "earthly nature."
Paul reminds us, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me" (Gal. 2:20). In this verse, Paul is demonstrating the union between Jesus and his followers. They are capable of putting to death the desires of the flesh, because Jesus was put to death on their behalves.
The call to take up the cross is not only possible, it is expected. Taking up the cross is a daily task. Think of our earthly desires like a fire that has been burned down to embers. The coals might only be giving off smoke or heat, they may be orange, red or gray, but they are only embers and not a flame. We might douse those embers with water or attempt to stomp them out, and assume our job is done. However, a shift in the wind or a new source of fuel turn the embers into a raging fire. We must battle our earthly desires everyday, because we don't know when they are going to flare up.
The call to daily death is a reminder that we live in constant struggle with the world, the flesh, and the devil. Today's victory might be used to bring tomorrow's defeat. If we are not constantly on the watch, we are sure to caught off guard by our attackers. Daily our fleshly desires wage war against the Spirit, and the Spirit wages war against our desires. Daily we must go to the cross and remind ourselves of who we are. We are no longer the slaves of sin, but the children of God. Christ's cross makes our cross bearable. Until that last day, when Jesus comes in all his glory and raises us incorruptible, we must bear our cross daily.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
The Only Way to Find Yourself
This article was originally published here, on August 8, 2009 under the title "There Is Only One Way to Find Yourself."
"Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it" (Matt 10:39).
This verse follows two warnings. The first one said, "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell" (Matt. 10:28). The second warning states, "Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves sons or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not take us his cross and follow me is not worthy of me" (Matt. 10:37-38). Through these warnings, Jesus has set the stage for this statement. His statement is thought provoking. How can one find his life only to lose it? And how can they lose their life, yet find it?
The statement presses us to consider the two types of life one can have. One type of life, initially looks rewarding, but really brings about death. As Jesus said, "Whoever finds his life will lose it." The "life" spoken of here reflects a life without Christ. This life is one that is not built on Christ's teaching. In one sense, it is a kingdom without suffering--no cross, no Christ, and no hope. The other type of life, initially looks like death, but really brings about great reward. Jesus states, "And whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." This life is a life centered on Jesus and his teachings. In a sense, it is a kingdom which is entered into through suffering--a cross with Christ and abounding hope.
Jesus' statement forces us into a decision. One must choose between the two lives: a kingdom without suffering up front, but total destruction in the end, or a kingdom with suffering up front, but joy in the end.
Imagine a situation where a person has to choose between a walk with Christ or their family. Let's say a son comes home and tells his father, "Dad, I trusted Christ today." The father responds, "I won't have that junk in my house. You can leave Jesus or leave here." Now, the son has a dilemma. Does he find his life through rejecting Jesus and thus forfeit eternal life? Or does he lose the life he has known by choosing to walk with Jesus and thus finding eternal life? In other words, will he keep his family life in tact while forfeiting his soul or will keep his soul in tact by forfeiting his family? Jesus said that the only way to truly live is to love him more than anyone, to take up our cross (an instrument of suffering and death), and follow him.
Let's apply this to the modern search for self. People seem to be misplacing themselves a lot. Most of us know someone who has been or is now trying to "find" themselves. Most typically, these searches are not conducted in a prayer closet with the Scriptures open and a heart crying out to God. Most commonly, these searches are made by overhauling one's life without consulting the Lord. Consider the "midlife crisis" that many go through. Some men when they get middle-aged (45-60, as if most men live to be 90-120), get a fast car, a new (often younger) woman, change jobs, take up crazy hobbies, buy a wig, or any number of things. Many feel as they got lost in the shuffle during the ordinary business of life. Life passed them by, and they want to live a little. They want to find their life. However, when we pursue life this way it never find it.
As we age (and hopefully mature), there is a nagging sense that we were made for more which continues to grow. The closer we get, chronologically, to eternity the more eternity tries to break into our consciousness. Jesus warns us not to pursue happiness, success, fulfillment, purpose, or anything else apart from pursing him. The instant we start pursuing something other than Jesus, we stop pursuing Jesus. The pursuit of Jesus comes with a cost. Some of our hopes and dreams will die on the cross we are called to bear. We will be asked to follow Jesus in to some very painful places. We will face humiliation and rejection, difficulty and tribulation. These things are merely obstacles on the path of life.
The disciples questioned Jesus about this exchange. Peter said, "See, we have left everything and followed you" (Mark 10:28). Jesus replied, "Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and the for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, house and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life" (Mark 10:29-30). Are you trying to find your life? Let me suggest you begin by humbly submitting yourself to God, taking up your cross, and following Jesus. At first it may feel like you are losing "your life," but in reality, you will be finding your life in the process.
"Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it" (Matt 10:39).
This verse follows two warnings. The first one said, "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell" (Matt. 10:28). The second warning states, "Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves sons or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not take us his cross and follow me is not worthy of me" (Matt. 10:37-38). Through these warnings, Jesus has set the stage for this statement. His statement is thought provoking. How can one find his life only to lose it? And how can they lose their life, yet find it?
The statement presses us to consider the two types of life one can have. One type of life, initially looks rewarding, but really brings about death. As Jesus said, "Whoever finds his life will lose it." The "life" spoken of here reflects a life without Christ. This life is one that is not built on Christ's teaching. In one sense, it is a kingdom without suffering--no cross, no Christ, and no hope. The other type of life, initially looks like death, but really brings about great reward. Jesus states, "And whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." This life is a life centered on Jesus and his teachings. In a sense, it is a kingdom which is entered into through suffering--a cross with Christ and abounding hope.
Jesus' statement forces us into a decision. One must choose between the two lives: a kingdom without suffering up front, but total destruction in the end, or a kingdom with suffering up front, but joy in the end.
Imagine a situation where a person has to choose between a walk with Christ or their family. Let's say a son comes home and tells his father, "Dad, I trusted Christ today." The father responds, "I won't have that junk in my house. You can leave Jesus or leave here." Now, the son has a dilemma. Does he find his life through rejecting Jesus and thus forfeit eternal life? Or does he lose the life he has known by choosing to walk with Jesus and thus finding eternal life? In other words, will he keep his family life in tact while forfeiting his soul or will keep his soul in tact by forfeiting his family? Jesus said that the only way to truly live is to love him more than anyone, to take up our cross (an instrument of suffering and death), and follow him.
Let's apply this to the modern search for self. People seem to be misplacing themselves a lot. Most of us know someone who has been or is now trying to "find" themselves. Most typically, these searches are not conducted in a prayer closet with the Scriptures open and a heart crying out to God. Most commonly, these searches are made by overhauling one's life without consulting the Lord. Consider the "midlife crisis" that many go through. Some men when they get middle-aged (45-60, as if most men live to be 90-120), get a fast car, a new (often younger) woman, change jobs, take up crazy hobbies, buy a wig, or any number of things. Many feel as they got lost in the shuffle during the ordinary business of life. Life passed them by, and they want to live a little. They want to find their life. However, when we pursue life this way it never find it.
As we age (and hopefully mature), there is a nagging sense that we were made for more which continues to grow. The closer we get, chronologically, to eternity the more eternity tries to break into our consciousness. Jesus warns us not to pursue happiness, success, fulfillment, purpose, or anything else apart from pursing him. The instant we start pursuing something other than Jesus, we stop pursuing Jesus. The pursuit of Jesus comes with a cost. Some of our hopes and dreams will die on the cross we are called to bear. We will be asked to follow Jesus in to some very painful places. We will face humiliation and rejection, difficulty and tribulation. These things are merely obstacles on the path of life.
The disciples questioned Jesus about this exchange. Peter said, "See, we have left everything and followed you" (Mark 10:28). Jesus replied, "Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and the for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, house and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life" (Mark 10:29-30). Are you trying to find your life? Let me suggest you begin by humbly submitting yourself to God, taking up your cross, and following Jesus. At first it may feel like you are losing "your life," but in reality, you will be finding your life in the process.
Praying Through the Psalms
This article was originally published here, on August 1, 2009.
"Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips! Do not let my heart incline to any evil, to busy myself with wicked deeds in company with men who work iniquity, and let me not eat of their delicacies" (Ps. 141:3-4).
The Psalms are an excellent training ground to learn how to pray. They cover the whole range of human emotion and experience. They reflect earnest trust in a Sovereign who is ever-present and willing to hear the prayers of his people. They reflect an honest and often raw expression of the soul onto the Lord. The Psalms cover morning, evening, midday, midnight, and every time in between.
In the Psalms, we meet worshipers without masks. They don't hide behind religious language. They don't beat around the bush. They present their adoration or supplication unto the Lord, trusting him to answer. We get to eavesdrop on their private prayers which we know to be pleasing to the Lord because he inspired and preserved them in the Scriptures. Thus, through the Psalms we learn something of approaching God in prayer in the fear of the Lord.
As we read through the Psalms, we can offer up prayers based on the passage we are reading. If we were to pray Psalm 141:3-4 it might be something like this: "Yes, Lord, please guard my mouth so I might only speak what is pleasing to you. And please keep me from giving my life over to evil influences. Amen." Or we might just pray it word for word.
This kind of praying can be very beneficial. First, it informs our prayers, by giving specific things to pray for. Next, it focuses our prayers because the Scripture is guiding our thoughts. Finally, it conforms us to the will of God. As we pray Scripture, we are praying God's mind after him. It teaches us to think his thoughts (as far as we are able). I encourage to begin meditating on and praying through the Psalms.
"Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips! Do not let my heart incline to any evil, to busy myself with wicked deeds in company with men who work iniquity, and let me not eat of their delicacies" (Ps. 141:3-4).
The Psalms are an excellent training ground to learn how to pray. They cover the whole range of human emotion and experience. They reflect earnest trust in a Sovereign who is ever-present and willing to hear the prayers of his people. They reflect an honest and often raw expression of the soul onto the Lord. The Psalms cover morning, evening, midday, midnight, and every time in between.
In the Psalms, we meet worshipers without masks. They don't hide behind religious language. They don't beat around the bush. They present their adoration or supplication unto the Lord, trusting him to answer. We get to eavesdrop on their private prayers which we know to be pleasing to the Lord because he inspired and preserved them in the Scriptures. Thus, through the Psalms we learn something of approaching God in prayer in the fear of the Lord.
As we read through the Psalms, we can offer up prayers based on the passage we are reading. If we were to pray Psalm 141:3-4 it might be something like this: "Yes, Lord, please guard my mouth so I might only speak what is pleasing to you. And please keep me from giving my life over to evil influences. Amen." Or we might just pray it word for word.
This kind of praying can be very beneficial. First, it informs our prayers, by giving specific things to pray for. Next, it focuses our prayers because the Scripture is guiding our thoughts. Finally, it conforms us to the will of God. As we pray Scripture, we are praying God's mind after him. It teaches us to think his thoughts (as far as we are able). I encourage to begin meditating on and praying through the Psalms.
Another Facet of Fearing the Lord
This article was originally published here, on July 28, 2009.
"Blessed is the one who fears the Lord always, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity" (Prov. 28:14, ESV).
The fear of the Lord is a subject I return to frequently. I desire a better understanding. I know that fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge (Prov. 1:7) and wisdom (Prov. 9:10). I also know that it is hatred of evil (Prov. 8:13). It prolongs the life of those who have it (Prov. 10:27). Now this passages examines another facet of the fear of the Lord. Blessings and calamity are contrasted in this verse. The one who "fears the Lord is blessed". The one who "hardens his heart" will fall into calamity. The implication is that the one who hardens his heart does not fear the Lord. Therefore, fear of the Lord must also include a submissive attitude toward the Lord's leadership.
When we speak of the fear of the Lord, we are speaking of active obedience to the revealed will of God. It is following his commandments and heeding his voice. This proverb warns that calamity is the end result of rebellion to the will of God. The expression "will fall into calamity" depicts one stumbling, unaware, into a trap. It is an event that happens quickly with potentially dangerous outcomes.
To walk without the fear of the Lord is to court trouble. The image that comes to mind is someone standing in a shed full of dynamite with a lit match. Actually, I am picturing Yosemite Sam, striking a match only to find himself surrounded by explosives, and quickly finding one more reason to hate that rabbit (Bugs Bunny). Hardening the heart is trouble with a capital "T." A person never knows what will happen if they harden their heart. Will they have another chance to repent? Who knows. Will the Lord harden their heart like he did Pharaoh's heart?
Actually, Pharaoh is a good case study for a life lived without fear of the Lord. Moses reports Pharaoh's initial response to God's command to free the Israelites. He states, "But Pharaoh said, 'Who is the Lord, that I should obey his voice and let Israel go? I do not know the Lord, and more over I will not let Israel go'" (Exod. 5:2, ESV). The following chapter reveal the devastation brought upon Pharaoh and Egypt by his hard heart. He loses his son, his slaves, and most of his army.
However, blessing rests on those who fear the Lord. That is not to say that those who fear the Lord never face trouble. Even David, a man after God's own heart, faced trouble and trials. What it means is that the troubles will not ultimately overcome those who fear the Lord. They will be preserved from the greatest trouble facing man, the Day of the Lord. It also means that when we walk in the fear of the Lord we avoid many of the foolish choices that lead to heartache and regret. Fear of the Lord teaches us a sort of sanctified common sense. We become less gullible and more discerning. We think before we act, and pray for the Lord to guide our thinking. Do you want to avoid trouble? Fear the Lord. Do you want to be blessed? Then fear the Lord.
"Blessed is the one who fears the Lord always, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity" (Prov. 28:14, ESV).
The fear of the Lord is a subject I return to frequently. I desire a better understanding. I know that fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge (Prov. 1:7) and wisdom (Prov. 9:10). I also know that it is hatred of evil (Prov. 8:13). It prolongs the life of those who have it (Prov. 10:27). Now this passages examines another facet of the fear of the Lord. Blessings and calamity are contrasted in this verse. The one who "fears the Lord is blessed". The one who "hardens his heart" will fall into calamity. The implication is that the one who hardens his heart does not fear the Lord. Therefore, fear of the Lord must also include a submissive attitude toward the Lord's leadership.
When we speak of the fear of the Lord, we are speaking of active obedience to the revealed will of God. It is following his commandments and heeding his voice. This proverb warns that calamity is the end result of rebellion to the will of God. The expression "will fall into calamity" depicts one stumbling, unaware, into a trap. It is an event that happens quickly with potentially dangerous outcomes.
To walk without the fear of the Lord is to court trouble. The image that comes to mind is someone standing in a shed full of dynamite with a lit match. Actually, I am picturing Yosemite Sam, striking a match only to find himself surrounded by explosives, and quickly finding one more reason to hate that rabbit (Bugs Bunny). Hardening the heart is trouble with a capital "T." A person never knows what will happen if they harden their heart. Will they have another chance to repent? Who knows. Will the Lord harden their heart like he did Pharaoh's heart?
Actually, Pharaoh is a good case study for a life lived without fear of the Lord. Moses reports Pharaoh's initial response to God's command to free the Israelites. He states, "But Pharaoh said, 'Who is the Lord, that I should obey his voice and let Israel go? I do not know the Lord, and more over I will not let Israel go'" (Exod. 5:2, ESV). The following chapter reveal the devastation brought upon Pharaoh and Egypt by his hard heart. He loses his son, his slaves, and most of his army.
However, blessing rests on those who fear the Lord. That is not to say that those who fear the Lord never face trouble. Even David, a man after God's own heart, faced trouble and trials. What it means is that the troubles will not ultimately overcome those who fear the Lord. They will be preserved from the greatest trouble facing man, the Day of the Lord. It also means that when we walk in the fear of the Lord we avoid many of the foolish choices that lead to heartache and regret. Fear of the Lord teaches us a sort of sanctified common sense. We become less gullible and more discerning. We think before we act, and pray for the Lord to guide our thinking. Do you want to avoid trouble? Fear the Lord. Do you want to be blessed? Then fear the Lord.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Count the Cost
This article was originally published here, on July 23, 2009.
"Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, desiring to build a tower does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?" (Luke 15:27-28).
Jesus' words should give us pause. We should allow them to sink in and affect our hearts. The call to Christian discipleship is the call to bear a cross and follow Jesus. Thus, our evangelism should reflect this reality. Instead of calling people to make a "decision" for Jesus or to invite Jesus "into their heart," we need to call them to take up their cross and walk as Jesus walked.
It should not surprise us when people "decide" to trust Jesus. It probably shouldn't thrill us either. Jesus warned that there would be many who hear the gospel and receive it with joy, but whose response would not true faith and repentance (see Matt 13:1-23 and Mark 4:1-20). What should thrill us is when a sinner repents and turns to Jesus. It should thrill us when the fruit of their lives is not merely verbal expressions of faith, but faithful obedience that perseveres through trial and tribulation. For it is at the repentance of sinners that heaven rejoices, not at the decisions of men (see Luke 15:7, 10,). Repentance is a change of mind. Even while Jesus urged people toward faith and repentance, he encouraged them to think about the implications. Starting the journey of faith avails us little, if our faith is does not make it to the end.
Jesus asks, "Who does not sit down and figure out if they have the ability to pay for a tower they wish to build before they begin the project?" If they start, without careful thought and planning, and fail to finish they will become a laughing stock. Likewise, the person who "professes" Jesus, but does not continue to follow him will also become an object of ridicule. Do you remember the day that you turned from your sin and placed your faith in the crucified, risen, and ascended Savior, Jesus? Looking back can you see it was like taking up a cross? Have you followed Jesus since that day? I'm not asking you if you are still in church, nor am I asking if you still "believe" in Jesus, even the demons believe in Jesus. I'm asking if you are walking in humble faithful obedience, by the grace of God and for his glory? Are you a different person than you were back then? Can you see the fruit of Christ in your life (see Gal. 5:22-23; 2 Pet 1:3-11)?
"Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, desiring to build a tower does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?" (Luke 15:27-28).
Jesus' words should give us pause. We should allow them to sink in and affect our hearts. The call to Christian discipleship is the call to bear a cross and follow Jesus. Thus, our evangelism should reflect this reality. Instead of calling people to make a "decision" for Jesus or to invite Jesus "into their heart," we need to call them to take up their cross and walk as Jesus walked.
It should not surprise us when people "decide" to trust Jesus. It probably shouldn't thrill us either. Jesus warned that there would be many who hear the gospel and receive it with joy, but whose response would not true faith and repentance (see Matt 13:1-23 and Mark 4:1-20). What should thrill us is when a sinner repents and turns to Jesus. It should thrill us when the fruit of their lives is not merely verbal expressions of faith, but faithful obedience that perseveres through trial and tribulation. For it is at the repentance of sinners that heaven rejoices, not at the decisions of men (see Luke 15:7, 10,). Repentance is a change of mind. Even while Jesus urged people toward faith and repentance, he encouraged them to think about the implications. Starting the journey of faith avails us little, if our faith is does not make it to the end.
Jesus asks, "Who does not sit down and figure out if they have the ability to pay for a tower they wish to build before they begin the project?" If they start, without careful thought and planning, and fail to finish they will become a laughing stock. Likewise, the person who "professes" Jesus, but does not continue to follow him will also become an object of ridicule. Do you remember the day that you turned from your sin and placed your faith in the crucified, risen, and ascended Savior, Jesus? Looking back can you see it was like taking up a cross? Have you followed Jesus since that day? I'm not asking you if you are still in church, nor am I asking if you still "believe" in Jesus, even the demons believe in Jesus. I'm asking if you are walking in humble faithful obedience, by the grace of God and for his glory? Are you a different person than you were back then? Can you see the fruit of Christ in your life (see Gal. 5:22-23; 2 Pet 1:3-11)?
Confessing Our Sins to One Another
This article was originally published here, on July 21, 2009.
"Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working" (James 5:16).
This Scripture was driven home recently when I witnessed people in a twelve step program confessing their "regrets" to individuals they had hurt. I had heard that many recovery programs had a step in which the person who was recovering had to make amends to the people they had injured, but I hadn't actually witnessed it.
I have to admit it was very moving to witness people confessing their sins to one another. Although they spoke of regrets, it was really sin they were naming. It was refreshing to see people deal with their sin in an unmasked, frank, and humble manner. Yet, I kept wondering why we don't see this kind of honesty in the church. Why are we ashamed to confess our sins before each other in the church? Why is it a rare thing to witness brokenness and repentance within the corporate meetings?
The Church was created to be a hospital for the spiritually sick, not a resort for the spiritually fit. Granted, as we grow and mature in Christ we also grow in spiritual health, but we are still sinners saved by grace. We still struggle with sin throughout our lives on earth. We are all in continual need of repentance and faith. The kind of thing I witness should be practiced frequently within the context of the church community. However, we are so disconnected from each other that we often mention "unspoken" prayer requests. We play "catch-up" on Sunday mornings, because we haven't seen each other throughout the week. And more often than not we play the part of one who is unbroken, when deep down inside we are shattered and yearning for healing.
In reality, the church is full of fractured people. They have been broken by sin, yet they are not discarded. Christ, the Master Craftsman, is transforming them into a masterpiece designed to showcase his grace and glory. As with any construction project, it is easy to find debris in our lives during the ongoing work of sanctification. Life in community is messy. You have to live with (and love) people who are broken and sinful, just like you. Their sins may be different, but the cure is the same: Jesus.
James tells us we should be the kind of people who confess our sins to one another and pray for one another. Sin flourishes in the darkness. Confession brings it into the light. By sharing it with another we enable them to aid us in bearing the load through the process of intercession. James states, "The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." Repentant confession opens the door to healing.
There is some good in recovery programs like Alcoholics Anonymous, but they were not created by God to liberate the captives. The captives can only be liberated by Christ. The Church has been given the task of aiding the liberation of captives through the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The root problem for every addict (and all humanity) is sin. The only lasting solution is the mighty Savior, Jesus. It's time for the church to step up and be what it was created to be. It's time for us redeemed sinners to start shining the light of the gospel far and wide, so that unredeemed sinners can find salvation. Then maybe, by God's grace, our churches will become the kind of place where people say, "Hello, my name is Randy and I'm a sinner saved by grace. Have you found freedom in Christ, yet?"
"Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working" (James 5:16).
This Scripture was driven home recently when I witnessed people in a twelve step program confessing their "regrets" to individuals they had hurt. I had heard that many recovery programs had a step in which the person who was recovering had to make amends to the people they had injured, but I hadn't actually witnessed it.
I have to admit it was very moving to witness people confessing their sins to one another. Although they spoke of regrets, it was really sin they were naming. It was refreshing to see people deal with their sin in an unmasked, frank, and humble manner. Yet, I kept wondering why we don't see this kind of honesty in the church. Why are we ashamed to confess our sins before each other in the church? Why is it a rare thing to witness brokenness and repentance within the corporate meetings?
The Church was created to be a hospital for the spiritually sick, not a resort for the spiritually fit. Granted, as we grow and mature in Christ we also grow in spiritual health, but we are still sinners saved by grace. We still struggle with sin throughout our lives on earth. We are all in continual need of repentance and faith. The kind of thing I witness should be practiced frequently within the context of the church community. However, we are so disconnected from each other that we often mention "unspoken" prayer requests. We play "catch-up" on Sunday mornings, because we haven't seen each other throughout the week. And more often than not we play the part of one who is unbroken, when deep down inside we are shattered and yearning for healing.
In reality, the church is full of fractured people. They have been broken by sin, yet they are not discarded. Christ, the Master Craftsman, is transforming them into a masterpiece designed to showcase his grace and glory. As with any construction project, it is easy to find debris in our lives during the ongoing work of sanctification. Life in community is messy. You have to live with (and love) people who are broken and sinful, just like you. Their sins may be different, but the cure is the same: Jesus.
James tells us we should be the kind of people who confess our sins to one another and pray for one another. Sin flourishes in the darkness. Confession brings it into the light. By sharing it with another we enable them to aid us in bearing the load through the process of intercession. James states, "The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." Repentant confession opens the door to healing.
There is some good in recovery programs like Alcoholics Anonymous, but they were not created by God to liberate the captives. The captives can only be liberated by Christ. The Church has been given the task of aiding the liberation of captives through the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The root problem for every addict (and all humanity) is sin. The only lasting solution is the mighty Savior, Jesus. It's time for the church to step up and be what it was created to be. It's time for us redeemed sinners to start shining the light of the gospel far and wide, so that unredeemed sinners can find salvation. Then maybe, by God's grace, our churches will become the kind of place where people say, "Hello, my name is Randy and I'm a sinner saved by grace. Have you found freedom in Christ, yet?"
Beware the Lion
This article was originally published here, on July 14, 2009. "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (1 Peter 5: 8).
Do you believe this verse? Is it possible that there is an actual devil? And that he prowls around seeking someone to devour? Really? I mean, do you really believe that there are actual forces of darkness that are seeking to destroy mankind in general, and God's people in particular? Before you answer, let's look at Peter's analogy.
Peter tells us that the devil is like a lion on the hunt. I have watched numerous nature documentaries on predators. When lions hunt, they often attack the weaker animal, and they go about their attack by separating their target from the herd. Once cut off from the protection of the the herd, the animal becomes essentially helpless.
Watching these documentaries can be very helpful. The camera crew watches the herds to see how they react to the approaching danger. Often, the older battle-wise leaders in the herd, graze a little, watch a little. Their ears twitch, this way and that, in order to pick up any hint of danger's approach. Younger, inexperienced members of the herd, play and explore with little observation. Most of the time when cameras capture the lions bursting out of the tall grass into open, the observant older animals have already began to sprint away. Younger animals seem to be notified of danger, not by a sound, but by the mad rush of the herd away from their position. And many times, it is too late; the lions prevail.
I doubt Peter ever saw a documentary on lions, but he had probably witnessed a lion attack. Obviously, Peter was aware of the cunning tactics that lions use. Most likely, his audience was familiar with these tactics as well. This familiarity is precisely why he uses the image he does. Peter explains that Satan "prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." The lion's roar is meant to throw the victim into panic, to scatter its wits, to terrorize and disorient. Likewise, Satan seeks to make a lot of noise. He likes to hit us from all sides. He wants us to feel like destruction is inevitable. He needs us to believe that he will prevail.
Now back to the initial question: do you believe 1 Peter 5:8? Is the devil (and his demons) really out there trying to destroy us? Let me answer the second question: yes, there is a real devil (with demons) who is seeking to devour whomever he can. But, do you believe that?
The only way to know if you truly believe that the devil is out there waiting to pounce is by the way you live. Are you sober-minded and watchful? Are you like the older animals in the herd who graze a little and watch a little? Or are you busy playing and exploring? Are your ears ever vigilant, straining for the first sounds of warning? If our life isn't marked by sober-mindedness and watchfulness, then it doesn't matter what we say we believe. If someone says, "Yes, I believe 1 Peter 5:8," but fails to be watchful and sober-minded, then they too will be devoured.
We have forgotten our Master's instruction, "Pray then like this . . . And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil" (Matt. 6:9, 13). We have also forgotten his warning, "Watch and pray that you enter not into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak" (Matt. 26:41). I believe, in part, that Peter calls us to sober-mindedness and watchfulness, because he would spare us the shame of failing our Lord. A shame he knew too well, and probably never totally overcame. The lion is out there, keep up your guard and be ready to call to your protector, that Great Shepherd of our soul, Lord Jesus.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Everyone Is Free to Wear Sunscreen
This article was originally published here, on July 14, 2009.A good definition of stubbornness is nursing a wicked sunburn when an ample supply of sunscreen was within reach and a willing assistant was nearby. I hate sunburns, although apparently not as much as I hate sunscreen. After I get sunburned, I spend the evening fight the chills. So why do I hesitate when it comes to sunscreen? I wish I knew.
They say, "You live and you learn." I am not entirely sure I agree. Most live, a few learn. I fear that is why so many of us end up repeating our mistakes. We hate the consequences of our choices, but we rarely make the adjustments that would prevent those consequences. We choose the path of least resistance, not because it will make us happy, but because we are comfortable with the routine. There are times we do things we know will cost us, because we know the outcome. There is no guess work, and a known consequence is better than an unknown reward.
My back and shoulders are ablaze with regret. I have vowed to never forgo sunscreen again. Yet, if I were a wagering man, I would bet I'll be in this situation again. Maybe not tomorrow, or next week, but soon the burning will stop, the skin will peal away, and time will make the sunburn a distant memory. When the heat of the consequence dies down, the temptation to avoid sunscreen will come back.
Sin is dreadfully cunning that way. Once it is tripped you up, it points out the folly of your choice to increase your sense of guilt and shame. In this way, it hopes to dishearten you so that you will think you can no longer approach God. Sin wants you to think you can't choose another path. It wants you to think, even in your regret, that your destined to remain unchanged and unchangeable. Then after your conscience has been appeased and you no longer feel the burden of your guilt, sin returns to tell you that this time it will be different, this time the consequences won't be so bad, or this time it won't end in heartbreak. But it's a lie.
The only way to overcome an unpleasant consequence is to change your way of thinking and your way of doing. The only way to make those changes is by turning away from sin and trusting Christ to transform you through his grace. When we place our trust in Jesus, who died for our sin and rose again on the third day, he gives us a new nature. He has absorbed the consequences of our sin upon the cross, and extended to us his righteousness. We can stop listening to the lie, and be transformed by the Truth. For this reason, the Scriptures continually call us to put off stubbornness and heed the Word of the Lord. Whatever your struggle, turn to Christ in repentance and faith, and ask him to deliver you. You will find he is an able and willing Redeemer. And don't forget to wear sunscreen.
Editor's Note: I made it through the rest of summer without getting another bad sunburn. The picture is of a mule, which has the reputation of being stubborn. I couldn't find a picture of a sunburn or lobster, so I hope you enjoy the mule. Photo by: Einar Faanes
Satanic Service
This article was originally published here, on July 1, 2009.
"But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, 'Get behind me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind of the things of God, but on the things of man'" (Mark 8:33).
Jesus had just asked his disciples, "Who do you say that I am?" Peter, prompted by the Holy Spirit, gave the right answer, "You are the Christ." Following Peter's proclamation, Jesus began to teach very plainly about the rejection, trial, crucifixion and resurrection that was soon to follow. Jesus didn't follow his usual pattern of speaking in parables, but spoke very directly to his disciples. It is probable that Jesus spoke so plainly on the suffering that he would soon face in order to correct the misunderstandings his disciples had about his ministry. Peter's response to the teaching certainly expressed a deep misunderstanding, at least on Peter's part. He dared to rebuke Jesus, as if he knew something Jesus didn't.
As Jesus turned and looked at the rest of the disciples, he knew he must crush this spirit of mutiny immediately. Peter could not be allowed to make such ignorant and arrogant statements, nor could any of the others. Peter's rebuke did not express grief over the teaching that the Christ must suffer, die, and be raised again to life. It expressed an outright rejection of the revealed will of God. In his outright rejection of God's will he placed himself firmly in the service of Satan.
Jesus responded to Peter with a rebuke of his own, "Get behind me, Satan!". He didn't say, "Get behind me, Simon." He didn't say, "Get behind me, Peter." He didn't say, "Oh, you of little faith, why do you doubt?" He calls Peter, "Satan." No one could have missed the point. I believe that Peter received these words like a blow to the abdomen. Peter, by rejecting Jesus' teaching was standing in the place of Satan. He was Satan's errand boy sent to lead Jesus astray, but Jesus didn't take the bait.
Jesus went on to explain what exactly, in Peter's rebuke, reflected the Serpent. He states, "You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of man." Thus, when we stand in opposition to God's will, we stand in cooperation with Satan's will. When we are not serving God through humble obedient faith, then we are serving Satan with arrogant disobedient doubt. Jesus could not let this gangrene flourish among his disciples, he had to cut it out and he did so quickly. There is no doubt that Peter was wounded by these words, but they are the very words that ushered him back into a place of obedience. The wounds of a friend are trustworthy.
We would do well to realize that disobedience to the Word of God places us in the service of Satan. All of us have made mistakes comparable to Peter's. The remedy rests in placing our mind on the things of God. We are called to meditate on them, to memorize them, to speak them, to read them, to study them, to obey them, and to trust them. We must be careful to step out in faith and obedience. We must avoid giving ourselves over to the service of the devil. Avoiding this takes courage and hard work. It takes watchfulness and diligence. May we continually set guard over our hearts and set our minds on the things of God.
"But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, 'Get behind me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind of the things of God, but on the things of man'" (Mark 8:33).
Jesus had just asked his disciples, "Who do you say that I am?" Peter, prompted by the Holy Spirit, gave the right answer, "You are the Christ." Following Peter's proclamation, Jesus began to teach very plainly about the rejection, trial, crucifixion and resurrection that was soon to follow. Jesus didn't follow his usual pattern of speaking in parables, but spoke very directly to his disciples. It is probable that Jesus spoke so plainly on the suffering that he would soon face in order to correct the misunderstandings his disciples had about his ministry. Peter's response to the teaching certainly expressed a deep misunderstanding, at least on Peter's part. He dared to rebuke Jesus, as if he knew something Jesus didn't.
As Jesus turned and looked at the rest of the disciples, he knew he must crush this spirit of mutiny immediately. Peter could not be allowed to make such ignorant and arrogant statements, nor could any of the others. Peter's rebuke did not express grief over the teaching that the Christ must suffer, die, and be raised again to life. It expressed an outright rejection of the revealed will of God. In his outright rejection of God's will he placed himself firmly in the service of Satan.
Jesus responded to Peter with a rebuke of his own, "Get behind me, Satan!". He didn't say, "Get behind me, Simon." He didn't say, "Get behind me, Peter." He didn't say, "Oh, you of little faith, why do you doubt?" He calls Peter, "Satan." No one could have missed the point. I believe that Peter received these words like a blow to the abdomen. Peter, by rejecting Jesus' teaching was standing in the place of Satan. He was Satan's errand boy sent to lead Jesus astray, but Jesus didn't take the bait.
Jesus went on to explain what exactly, in Peter's rebuke, reflected the Serpent. He states, "You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of man." Thus, when we stand in opposition to God's will, we stand in cooperation with Satan's will. When we are not serving God through humble obedient faith, then we are serving Satan with arrogant disobedient doubt. Jesus could not let this gangrene flourish among his disciples, he had to cut it out and he did so quickly. There is no doubt that Peter was wounded by these words, but they are the very words that ushered him back into a place of obedience. The wounds of a friend are trustworthy.
We would do well to realize that disobedience to the Word of God places us in the service of Satan. All of us have made mistakes comparable to Peter's. The remedy rests in placing our mind on the things of God. We are called to meditate on them, to memorize them, to speak them, to read them, to study them, to obey them, and to trust them. We must be careful to step out in faith and obedience. We must avoid giving ourselves over to the service of the devil. Avoiding this takes courage and hard work. It takes watchfulness and diligence. May we continually set guard over our hearts and set our minds on the things of God.
Death of Hero
This article was originally published here, on June 17, 2009.
Alonzo Vernon Butler
June 16, 1947-June 16, 2009
How would Metropolis pick up the pieces with Superman gone? How could Gotham rest easy at night with Batman lying entombed? It’s difficult to cope with the death of a hero. It doesn’t matter if that hero leaps off the pages of a book or comic book, grips us with a life changing idea, or touches us in more ordinary ways; the loss can be very painful.
I lost my Uncle last night. He passed away after a battle with cancer. My Uncle Lonnie was a unique person. It would be difficult to explain the way I felt about my uncle. It always seemed that we had a special bond. In childhood, he was my idol, along side of the Hulk and Spiderman. He was to me then what Chuck Norris has become to a generation–the very definition of tough. I just knew he was invincible. His toughness was so deeply etched in the recesses of my mind that I secretly believed he would beat this cancer. Theologically, I knew that even Uncle Lonnie couldn’t beat death, but the larger than life image of him still resides in my heart to this day.
When Christ transformed my life I had to lay my idols down, but the deep and abiding love that I have had for Uncle Lonnie since childhood has never waned. His life had its share of mistakes. He battled demons throughout most of his adult life, but he always treated me with love and kindness. I have prayed for him persistently since I surrendered my life to Jesus, because I wanted him to know Jesus, too.
After we found out for sure that he had cancer, I called him. Much to my surprise and joy he shared with me that he had trusted in Christ. He wanted me to know that he had come to understand and believe the gospel. The knowledge that I will see him again has eased the burden of grief, but not removed it. A hero has departed from my life. However, I rest easy because I have another hero who has defeated death itself. His name is Jesus and because of him I can say, “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” (1 Cor. 15:55). I’m going to miss Uncle Lonnie, but only until we see each other around the throne of God.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Giving
"Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered" (Prov. 21:13).
Stinginess reveals a heart that does not understand grace. The Scripture repeatedly warns against having the power to do good and failing to do it. Stinginess reflects the heart of Satan through the exaltation of self. The stingy person is concerned with their own preservation (and often comfort). More often than not, the stingy heart believes it is appropriate to lavish itself in luxury.
Wealth is never given to us in order to give us security. There is no security in money. If you don't believe me, ask yourself: Why are there banks where we lock away our money? Why do we buy insurance? Why are banks insured? How come people with lots of money never say, "Enough," and stop taking money for what they do?
The Lord grants wealth to us so that we can imitate his grace. Imagine that a homeless man approaches you and asks you for money. How do you respond? Many of us are tempted to rationalize ourselves out of giving him money, because he might misappropriate it. Some might conclude that he'll just buy booze with it, and with that justification they ignore the request. In failing to assist this homeless man, they are failing to display God's grace.
God lavishes his grace upon us, and if we are honest, we will acknowledge that we misappropriate it at times. For this reason, the apostles warn us not to use the grace of God a cloak for sin. Where sin abounds, grace abounds more, but this doesn't mean we can sin freely. No, the Lord, when he redeems us, gives us a new nature--one that wars against sin (after all sin killed our King). God's free grace is abounding--greater in size and strength when compared with our sin.
Thus, the cheerful giver reflects God's own gracious nature. God doesn't give based on merit, or none of us beggars would get a penny. He gives because it pleases him to do so. Thus, the cheerful giver, the one who gives out of the pleasure of the act, imitates God. The stingy person can never (without heavenly intervention) understand the joy of giving. They see it as extravagant and wasteful. They always assume that others don't need it or deserve it.
Have stated that giving reflects the graciousness of God, let me return to the example of a begging homeless man. Should we give him money? It is difficult to say. Sometimes, wisdom dictates that we make purchases on his behalf, rather than give him cash. For example, let's say he is standing outside of a liquor store with an empty bottle in his hand, and reeking of cheap whiskey. It might be wise to buy his lunch at a nearby restaurant, but it would be foolish to fail to hear his request.
If you have a few bucks, say a few ones or a five dollar bill, then why not give it to him? Some might say, "But what if he buys booze or drugs with it?" True, he might do that, but he may also buy hamburgers for himself and a friend or two. When you give him the money, give him the gospel and supply both of his needs at once. Realize that your giving to the Lord when you give to the poor. Trust the Lord to lead this person to use the gift wisely, but realize they, like you, are human. And remember, God gave you grace when you asked, even though he new you would fail time and again. Most importantly, remember we are only righteous in the sight of God because of what Jesus did, and none of us were worthy of such a gift. I think it is wise to give responsibly, but we must give. To fail to do so reflects the serpent and not the Savior. Find your joy, not in your possessions, but in the meeting of others' needs.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)