Forgiving in Perspective

What does it mean to forgive? When we forgive, we release the guilt of another. We cease to judge them for the offense, pain, or injury they have caused us. In Matthew 18:23-35, Jesus teaches us that forgiveness is the only right response to the grace of God. In one sense, forgiving isn't forgetting. Apart from disease, toxins, or trauma, there aren't many ways to erase a memory from the brain. In another sense, forgiving is forgetting. It is forgetting in the sense that we don't dwell on incident, and we don't wield another's past crimes as a weapon against them.

Jesus tells a parable about a slave who owes his master an unimaginable amount of money, yet has no way to repay it. When his account is called due, he begs for mercy. Mercy, beyond his dreams, is what he receives. He celebrates his good fortune by accosting a man who owes him money, and has the poor fellow tossed in prison when he can't pay. When the first slave's master hears of his cruelty, he revokes his mercy and tosses him into prison.

Here are some things this passage teaches us:

God would be totally just to condemn the entire human race to hell. We have all broken his law, and disobeyed his will. We are all deserving of death. Yet, God in his mercy has shown us grace. Grace is unmerited favor. Unmerited means it isn't because we deserve it. Just as the king had a right to sell of his slave to recoup his losses, God could have easily discarded us, but he didn't. He extended mercy to us.

When we receive the grace of God, it should evidence itself in a changed heart. The first servant in this parable was some piece of work. In spite of his master's grace, he himself had none to spare. He never paused to think of the magnitude of the gift he was given. He was a violent and wicked man.

Live the golden rule. This man got in trouble because he failed to treat others in the way he wished to be treated. He wanted to receive mercy, but he didn't want to give any. If we want grace, we need to extend grace to others.

Nothing has been done to you, that is greater to (or equal to) what has been done for you. The worst act in human history would be the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In that act, we see the depth of depravity of which mankind is capable. However, God did not condemn mankind because of the cross. No, he determined to save mankind through the cross. The pains and offenses we face in our lives don't compare to the cross.

You reap what you sow. Matthew 18:35 isn't suggesting salvation by works. It is expressing another truth, the truth that a man reaps what he sows. God isn't fooled by the attempts of some people to fake remorse. He knows the heart. The heart that refuses to forgive has never experienced God's forgiveness. Forgiveness is a mandate. As we forgive, we walk in the footsteps of our Heavenly Father and our brother, Jesus Christ. It puts forgiving in perspective.

Spiritual Song "Mighty to Save"

The kids sang this song as a special a couple of weeks ago during the Children's Service. Sophia loves to sing the chorus. I hope you enjoy.

A Different Approach

How do you forgive someone when they betray you? When they hurt you? Or do any number of hurtful things to you? These questions aren't easy to answer. We know the biblical answer is to forgive, but how do we accomplish it? I'm still searching for the definitive answer, but I think we can come at it from a different approach.

We need to approach the process of forgiveness by being rooted in our identity. In Colossians 3:12-14, Paul sets a standard for church which is helpful for us as followers of Christ. The standard says, recognize who you are and live accordingly.

Colossians 3:12 describes us as a "chosen people," "holy," and "dearly loved." The expression, "chosen" tends to make many Christians bristle. They don't like the thought of election (predestination), because they think it violates human freedom and smacks of unfairness. However, the Bible teaches that God chose a people for himself, and that we, as Christ's followers, are chosen by God.

Election shouldn't freak us out. It should encourage us. It means that God knew us before he formed us, that he loved us before he made us, that he has a purpose for our existence, and that he has numbered our days. It means God picked us, but not because we were special or perfect or impressive. He picked us because he loved us, he pursued us because he picked us, and he set us apart for his special purposes.

He has made us holy. Holy, in this context, refers to us being set apart. We are God's special possession. He delights in us. We are objects of his love. In fact, Paul says we are dearly loved. Let that sink in. God love you dearly.

We are told to approach forgiveness in the right "garments." Like the Joseph, in the Old Testament, we are given a "coat of many colors.' His was a robe that expressed his Father's delight in him. Ours is a character that reflects our Father's character. We are to clothe ourselves in compassion, kindness, gentleness, humility, and patience. In short, we are to treat others as God has treated us.

In Colossians 3:13, we are told to bear with and forgive those who hurt us. We are called to endure the grating personalities of others, and meet them with grace. We are to forgive "whatever grievances" we might have, and we are to forgive as the Lord forgave us. It is a complete, reconciling forgiveness.

The thread that holds it all together is love. Colossians 3:14, tells us to cover over all our other qualities with love. It is the bond for perfect peace. The walk of love is a different approach, but it is the only one that will lead to lasting peace.

How has forgiveness transformed your life? If it hasn't already, are you willing to let it transform you life now?

Spiritual Songs: "This Is a Call Out"

This song, "This Is a Call Out," captures both the sense of hopelessness that pervades the life of many, and the source of hope, Jesus Christ. Through the song, we experience the struggles of various individuals, and how those struggles drive them to Christ. It serves as a reminder for us to be more gracious and persistent with those we encounter in this life. Who knows if their hearts are on the brink of calling out to Jesus? I hope you enjoy it.

Sunday Recap 2-19-12

Morning: The sermon, "Got Spiritual Milk?" focused on 1 Peter 2:1-3. Peter reminds his readers of two basic truths, by pointing them back to the preceding context with the word therefore. Those truths are we have been purified by obeying the truth and we have been born again, of imperishable seed, through the living and enduring word of God.  Because of these realities, we must put off all forms of malice (ill will), all deceit (trickery and falsehood), our hypocrisies (pretenses), envy (petty jealousy), and all forms of evil speaking (lying, slander, gossip, insinuation, blasphemy, etc.).

As followers of Christ, we are to crave the word of God in the same way that a baby craves milk. The craving is driven by two realities: we need the Word to grow, and we desire the "milk," because it has caused us to taste the goodness of God. If we tasted (experienced) the goodness of God, than we will want to know him better. Feeding on the Word of God is the only way we will be able to experience that.

Evening: We looked at "Prayer Partners," tonight. In Colossians 4:2-6, Paul encourages his readers to pray. Prayer is not only a vital part of one's personal walk with Christ, it is an instrumental part of participating in the spiritual work of others.

Paul calls us to devote ourselves to prayer. Devotions carries with it the idea of spending time, energy, and resources on something. We are to spend our time and such on the work of prayer, and we are to pray with watchfulness in gratitude.

We are to pray for those who proclaim the gospel. We should pray for them to have opportunities to share the message of Christ. We should also pray that they share with clarity. As we pray for them, we need to be careful.

Paul warns against letting our lives get in the way of our prayers. We should make sure we don't undo our praying with our action. Paul encourages us to look out for divine appointments, and urges us to take advantage of every opportunity. We also need to prepare as we wait. That way, when we have the opportunity to share with the lost our conversations will be seasoned with salt.

Keeping Paul command in mind, let us pray.

Thursday Humor: "Embarrassing Moments" David Dean

I have been looking for this clip for over a year. I love the part about greeting the wrong person. I hope it makes you laugh.

A Brief Guide to Spiritual Warfare

What do you think about when you hear the expression, "Spiritual Warfare"? Typically, I think of demonic oppression and prayer. I know I should know better. Spiritual warfare is bigger than that. It is the spiritual conflict that underlies all human conflict.

Paul faced a lot of conflict. I wonder which conflicts he found the most disappointing. I think the conflict he faced with the church at Corinth would be one of his most trying. After patiently training them in the gospel they were still willing to reject him in favor of false teachers. It is a bit perplexing.

In 2 Corinthians 10:1-6, Paul addresses some of the accusations made against him, and defends his ministry. In doing so, he gives us a brief guide to spiritual warfare. He reminds us that we have divine power to tear down strongholds. Here are three rules to guide us:

Rule 1: Don't use the world's strategies. The world, or the powers that govern this world, use misdirection, pride, guilt, rage, etc. to fight God and his people. However, we are not to resort to those kind of tactics. Instead, we follow the example of Christ living in meekness and with patience. Meekness is not weakness. Patience is not cowardice. Spiritual conflict is all around us, but we can't adopt the world's way of waging war.

Rule 2: Don't use the world's weapons. What are the world's weapons? Violence, slander, lies, bribes, threats, self-promotion, etc. The world will use any means to accomplish the bad that it intends to do. However, we cannot do bad that good may come of it. We must use the weapons God has given us to combat our enemies. Those weapons include: the Truth, speaking the truth in love, the message of Christ, the knowledge of God, Scriptures, divine wisdom, prayer, humility, and holy conduct.

Rule 3: Don't let strongholds stand. What is a stronghold? It is a place of strength from which an enemy can strike. Going to bed angry can create a stronghold for the devil in our lives (see Eph. 4:25-28). Anything, even a church tradition, can become a stronghold if we aren't careful. To demolish strongholds, we must demolish every argument and pretense that sets itself in opposition to God.  We need to take every thought captive, and make it obedient to Christ. And we need to be ready to act.

The battle rages around us, even if we don't see it. We need to join the battle, but we have to do it God's way and with the tools God has given.

Spiritual Songs: "Does Anybody Hear Her" by Casting Crowns

I have written and rewritten this post several times now. I just don't know how to best say what I want to say about this song. I think this song was meant to make us meditate on the nature of our hearts, our tendencies to form cliques, our judgmental attitudes, and the plight of those who don't know Christ. It is meant to rip off the blinders that come from being isolated from the lost.

"Does Anybody Hear Her," calls us to search our own hearts, and ask the question: am I missing something? Are we aware of the lostness that surrounds our churches and communities? Do we look down on those who don't come to church or who don't know how to act once they're there?

Are we mindful of the divine appointments that God has brought into our lives? Or do we miss them because we are too busy or too distracted?

I can't ask you to enjoy this song. It isn't that kind of song. It's the kind of song you listen to, and meditate on. It is the kind of song that pierces to the heart, and calls for action. There is a lost world all around us, some of them are at a crossroads in life. They need direction. They need guidance. They need someone to hear them, and lovingly guide them in the right path. I pray that God will open your eyes and mine to see those running in the wrong direction. Also, I pray he gives us the courage to reach out to them.

Sunday Recap 2-12-12

Morning: The sermon, "The Danger of Pride," focused on Proverbs 11:2. In this proverb, Solomon encourages us to pursue humility.

This proverb warns that pride brings trouble. Pride, in this context, is talking about an overinflated opinion of one's person, ability, or accomplishments.

Pride centers on "I."  The proud like to praise themselves. They say things, like "I did this!", "I don't need help!", "I got it all figured out!", "I would never do _______.", or "I don't need to stop and ask for directions."

Pride tears down others. There is no "you" in pride. The proud say things like, "You couldn't possible understand.", "You don't know what it is like.", or "You have never felt this way." Others are not capable of feeling as deeply, seeing as clearly, or understanding as fully as the proud.

Because of these character traits, proud people are:

Unteachable-they think they know it all already or else what they don't know doesn't need to be known.

Usually abrasive-the proud don't have time to exchange pleasantries with those beneath them.

Masking a fear or weakness-they don't want anyone to pick behind the curtain, and discover the "Great Oz" is just like everyone else.

Unable to see their need for help

Destined for disgrace-the proud will be put to shame, either in this life through failure, or the next life in judgement. Disgrace is the state of living out of favor, with God and mankind.

But with humility comes wisdom. It seems a strange contrast disgrace and wisdom. However, wisdom is best understood here as living a life that finds favor with God and our neighbor. The kingdom of heaven belongs to the poor in spirit.

We are to esteem others more highly than ourselves. Where the proud tear down others, the humble build them up. Where the proud exalt themselves, the humble resist themselves. They know, with the apostle Paul, that apart from Christ no good thing dwells in their sin nature.

The humble are:

Teachable-they know that they don't know, and seek to retain knowledge for the proper time.

Gentle-they have time for others, because others may impart some wisdom or offer much needed guidance.

Open--they don't hide their fear and weakness. They know that God can shine through their weaknesses.

Aware of their needs-the humble know they need to be rescued from their sinful hearts. They know their limitations, and seed help when needed.

Objects of grace-their lives are surrounded by the grace of God. Where their sin abounds, God's grace abounds all the more.

Christ's followers must abandon pride, and cloth themselves in humility. God opposes the proud, but give grace to the humble. Pursue humility.


Evening: The lesson, "Downcast Soul," focused on Psalm 42:1-11. The author encourages us to trust the Lord, even when we don't feel like it.

This psalm express the reality of spiritual depression. Call it "dark night of the soul," "God desertions," "sadness," or "grief." Whatever we call it, it is a common experience in the lives of the faithful.

The scene opens with a powerful metaphor. A hunted deer, lathered and exhausted, is yearning for a refreshing drink to strengthen itself for the race. But it, like the author, must instead pant for what it doesn't have.

The author offers the remedy for the downcast soul-to remember. We are to remember our former joy in serving the Lord. We are to remember the Lord's faithfulness, power, and love. We are called to remember that hardship is passing, and that it has a purpose.

Some observations:

Sadness (of this sort) is part of the human experience. It is also a normal part of the faith experience.

Occasionally, God pulls back the "feeling" of his presence in order to stir us to pursue him more diligently.

Positive "self-talk" is biblical. Our inner monologue should drive us to trust in Christ.

Thursday Humor: "Bill Collectors" Anthony Griffith

There are a couple of funny one liners in here. I hope it cheers your day.

Death Defying Power

Are you afraid of death? Why do you think people fear dying? Some might say it is the fear of the unknown. Other fear losing their loved ones. Others fear waiting judgment. How should we approach death as believers?

I want to look at three brief case studies:

In Mark 5:35-43, we see Jesus raise Jairus' daughter from the dead. Jesus simply commands the dead girl to rise, and she does.

Luke 7:11-16 tells us about a funeral that Jesus stopped. Moved by compassion, Jesus speaks life back into a young man, and gives him back to his mother.

The account of Lazarus is more widely known. In John 11:1-43, we are told about the death and subsequent resuscitation of Lazarus. In this story, Lazarus had been dead four days and had began to smell. Yet, Jesus was able to call him out of the grave, as one would call a child from their bedroom.

There are at least three ways to view these stories. One way suggest they are myth. Some would say there is no truth to these stories. They are just legends told to make Jesus seem more powerful.  Another way to read this stories is to suggest there is a kernel of truth to them, either as moral bearing fables, or events of Jesus being in the right place at the right time and recognizing life where others saw death. The final way to approach them is as truth. We see three events where Jesus actually brought three individuals back to life.

If we accept these as truth, as I believe we should, then these stories encourage us to trust in Jesus. We are moved to ask why Jesus raised these individuals back to life. I propose four reasons:

1. To accomplish the Father's will (John 5:19-30)

2. To demonstrate his power over death (John 5:21, 28-30; 11:21-26), including his own death (John 8:31-33; 10:32-34; 14:12-26; John 10:18)

3. To engender faith (John 11:41-42)

4. To show compassion (John 7:11-16)

These stories offer us, in a very tangible way, a reminder that Jesus will one day call us forth from the grave. They teach us that Jesus has power even over death. So how should we respond?

1. Trust Jesus.

2. Meditate on his power (Jesus hasn't changed).

3. Meditate on the resurrection.

4. Rethink death.

5. Meditate on your mortality and immortality.

6. Live this life as preparation for the next one.

Spiritual Songs: "Show Me Your Glory" by Third Day

When your eyes have been open to the truth of God, seeing his glory becomes a daily occurrence. It is truly amazing when God reveals himself through his creation. This song, "Show Me Your Glory," captures not only the experience of recognizing God's glory, but the longing to see it again that accompanies it. This is a beautiful song.

Sunday Recap 2-5-12

Morning: The sermon, "Have a Little Faith," focused on Mark 5:24-34. In this passage, Mark reminds us to have faith in Jesus. Mark's narration of Jairus's desperate situation with his very sick daughter is interrupted by a very desperate woman.

The woman had suffered for 12 years at the hands of doctors, while her blood and money flowed out. Her situation was a difficult one. She, too, was knocking on death's door. She heard Jesus was coming, and reached out to touch the hem of his garment. Because she believed he could heal her, she found freedom from her suffering.

Mark also shows us a persistent Savior. Jesus knew someone had touched him in faith, and he began to search for her. In the end, he greeted her with compassion. He blessed her and freed her from her suffering.

Many in the crowd had touched Jesus, but only one had truly believed Jesus could deliver her. We may be amazed by Jesus or curious about him, but until we trust him, we will never be saved.

Evening: Business meeting.