The Bible is filled with the word "if". "If" is conditional... if you do this, then I will do that, or if this occurs, then this will be the result. The English translation of the Greek word for "if" is "ean", pronounced eh-an'. Strong's dictionary tells us that "ean" is a conditional particle and is used in connection with other particles to denote uncertainty.
The first chapter of 1 John gives us several great examples of "if", but in your studies always pay attention to "ifs", they are used to let you know that the outcome of something is conditional and not guaranteed. An insurance company uses this concept to sell us insurance these days.... "for the if in life". They will insure against the uncertainty so you can sleep at night. :-) John tells us that... "This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us." (1 John 1:6-10) That's a lot of ifs!
The first "if" deals with Christians whose walk reflects the world rather than God's light. John tells us that "if" we walk in the "darkness", then we are not in fellowship with the Father, regardless of what we might say. Our walk (our lives) have the power to either keep us in fellowship with the Father or separate us from Him. The second "if" deals with those whose walk reflects God's light. He tells us that "if we walk in the light" of the Father, then we have fellowship with Him, the Son and our brothers and sisters and.... "the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin". That is a beautiful promise! If we are faithful in our Christian walk, our sins (all our sins!) are covered by the blood of Jesus. The Christian doesn't have to worry about the consequences of sin when they have a faithful walk!
The third "if" tells us that we are all sinners; the very best Christian is a sinner. "If" we say otherwise, we are liars. Simple as that. The forth "if" tells us what to do with our sins. We are to confess them and "if" we do, He is "faithful and just to forgive us our sins". As Christians, we are to remain sensitive to our sinfulness. When we sin, it should break our hearts and produce in us an urgency to confess that sin. "Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter." (2 Corinthians 7: 10-11)
The last "if" drives the point home in a different way. No longer are we the liars, now by our denials of our sins, we make Him a liar. And in doing so, we prove that His word is not in us, because His word says that we are all sinners. Do I want to make God a liar by my denials? I don't think so! God has always put conditions on His blessings. The Old Testament is full of conditional blessings being given to His people based upon their obedience. When they were not obedient, He removed His blessing. Why does it surprise us that the same God acts that same way in the New Testament? As you study, as you read through the scriptures, underline the "ifs", see what God has made conditional and make sure you live in such a way that the condition is met and God will be faithful to His promise. Jesus is the insurance that covers the "ifs" in life, but the conditions for coverage are a walk that reflects His light. May we all walk in the light of our Lord and Savior.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Thursday, December 29, 2011
"No Sacrifice for Sins is Left"
Our readings this week have brought us some difficult verses to dig into. For some, the verses are unacceptable, but for others they are a warning of the consequences of deliberate rejection of Jesus. Some would say that the scripture is dealing with those that only appear to have been saved, but never really were. Others say that the verses deal with those that were once saved, but have fallen away. What does the scripture actually teach? That should be our attitude as we approach any scripture. Prayerfully approach God’s Word with the desire to understand what He is communicating.
Our verses to consider are Hebrews 10:26-39. Take a couple of minutes to read through these verses a few of times.
The Hebrew writer is a Christian and he is writing to Christians, so when he says "If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth", who is he talking about? Remember this is one Christian writing to other Christians, who is the "we"? Who has "received the knowledge of the truth"... non-Christians? "No sacrifice for sins is left" would indicate that at one time the person had been the beneficiary of "sacrifice for sins” if none is left after they "deliberately keep on sinning". And what is the result of the loss of this "sacrifice for sins"? He tells us plainly enough…."A fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God." (v 27)
Difficult language to accept, for sure. As a Christian, I must understand that my willful rejection of Jesus, my deliberate decision to "keep on sinning" has consequences for me. The Hebrew writer tells us that the result of our decision to live in sin will result in the loss of the sin covering blood of our Savior. The Hebrew writer wants this to be perfectly clear to us, so he gives us a second argument with the same result. "How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace?" (v 29) We, the readers are confronted with the requirements of the Law of Moses for those that reject the Law. We are told they "died without mercy" (v 28). As this letter was written to Jews, this argument is taken from their understanding of the law. So what is he saying? Clearly, whoever this is, this person that "has trampled the Son of God under foot" is the same person that received sanctification through the blood of the covenant. Who has been sanctified by the blood of the covenant? Non-Christians?
Thankfully the writer does not leave us without hope. The writer tells us that we "need to persevere". "So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised." (v 35,36) Don't give up. Persevere in doing the will of God, and in the doing of it we will receive what He has promised. Don't quit living for God, don't quit living the Christian life and fall back into your sinful life and face God's wrath. Rather, remain faithful and God's reward is sure. He concludes the section of scripture with additional encouragement for us. "But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved." (v 39) Some evidently did and will "shrink back" and that is a sad thing to see. No doubt, we have seen this happen in our churches and in our lives... people living a faithful life only to become entangled in sin again. What is the outcome? The writer tells us that those that shrink back, those that give up their faith will be destroyed.
In my talk with a friend today, we discussed how lightly sin is taken these days. I understand that we are immersed in a society that laughs at sin, but as Christians we must understand the seriousness, the consequences of sin. Sin put Jesus on the cross and sin will take untold millions to eternal punishment. Sin is serious business with severe consequences! May each of us determine to live Godly lives that reflect our Savior and may we persevere and receive what He has promised.
Our verses to consider are Hebrews 10:26-39. Take a couple of minutes to read through these verses a few of times.
The Hebrew writer is a Christian and he is writing to Christians, so when he says "If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth", who is he talking about? Remember this is one Christian writing to other Christians, who is the "we"? Who has "received the knowledge of the truth"... non-Christians? "No sacrifice for sins is left" would indicate that at one time the person had been the beneficiary of "sacrifice for sins” if none is left after they "deliberately keep on sinning". And what is the result of the loss of this "sacrifice for sins"? He tells us plainly enough…."A fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God." (v 27)
Difficult language to accept, for sure. As a Christian, I must understand that my willful rejection of Jesus, my deliberate decision to "keep on sinning" has consequences for me. The Hebrew writer tells us that the result of our decision to live in sin will result in the loss of the sin covering blood of our Savior. The Hebrew writer wants this to be perfectly clear to us, so he gives us a second argument with the same result. "How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace?" (v 29) We, the readers are confronted with the requirements of the Law of Moses for those that reject the Law. We are told they "died without mercy" (v 28). As this letter was written to Jews, this argument is taken from their understanding of the law. So what is he saying? Clearly, whoever this is, this person that "has trampled the Son of God under foot" is the same person that received sanctification through the blood of the covenant. Who has been sanctified by the blood of the covenant? Non-Christians?
Thankfully the writer does not leave us without hope. The writer tells us that we "need to persevere". "So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised." (v 35,36) Don't give up. Persevere in doing the will of God, and in the doing of it we will receive what He has promised. Don't quit living for God, don't quit living the Christian life and fall back into your sinful life and face God's wrath. Rather, remain faithful and God's reward is sure. He concludes the section of scripture with additional encouragement for us. "But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved." (v 39) Some evidently did and will "shrink back" and that is a sad thing to see. No doubt, we have seen this happen in our churches and in our lives... people living a faithful life only to become entangled in sin again. What is the outcome? The writer tells us that those that shrink back, those that give up their faith will be destroyed.
In my talk with a friend today, we discussed how lightly sin is taken these days. I understand that we are immersed in a society that laughs at sin, but as Christians we must understand the seriousness, the consequences of sin. Sin put Jesus on the cross and sin will take untold millions to eternal punishment. Sin is serious business with severe consequences! May each of us determine to live Godly lives that reflect our Savior and may we persevere and receive what He has promised.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
The Second Coming
Today's reading was Peter's second letter to the church. He is clearly aware that his death is imminent and so he deals with issues that the church is facing and will face after he is gone. He encourages the church to remain faithful and to make their "calling and election sure". He calls on them to remember the facts of the gospel as he is an eyewitness to the life of Jesus and the events that changed the world. He warns them of false teachers, knowing that this will be an ongoing threat to the body of Christ. And then he tells them about the second coming of Christ.
It would seem that some people are beginning to question the timing of Jesus return, his second appearance on this earth. They were expecting a quick return and so they have begun to question the veracity of Peter's claims. He tells them that "scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. They will say, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.” (2 Peter 3:3-4) You may have had this thought yourself or had someone say something similar to you. It is a reasonable question! Nearly 2000 years have passed since our Lord returned to heaven, when is he coming back? Peter says that when we think like that, we forget that God created everything and that by His word everything is maintained. The creator and sustainer of the universe can well choose the time of His return. It is His business.
That is satisfactory enough, but Peter gives us more information to chew on. "But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed." (2 Peter 3:8-10) He tells us that our way of reckoning time is insignificant to God, His timetable is eternity. While we may consider it to have been a long time, in the scheme of eternity, 2000 years is the blink of an eye. So God is not slow in fulfilling His promises, rather He is very patient with us. He wants everyone to be saved and so He waits for just the right time to send His Son back to take His church home.
Many claim to know when the Lord will return, they have studied the scriptures and looked at the "signs" and have announced that His return is imminent. Some have even given dates, only to look foolish when the date passed without His return. What does the Bible teach about this? In these verses, we are told that "the day of the Lord will come like a thief". The message is that we don't know the time of His return. What does Jesus say about this? "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man." (Matthew 24:35-37) Jesus says that He doesn't know the day or the hour; the angels don't know the timetable.... only the Father knows. Only the Father knows. Only the Father knows. While men may run around with well thought-out presentations, proclaiming the soon return of the Lord; I would ask them how they know, since Jesus doesn't. (and he may well return soon, certainly sooner than it was 2000 years ago)
So, what's the point? Peter tells us that we should be looking forward to His coming and that our lives should reflect the fact that we are eagerly waiting for His second appearance. We should "make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with Him."(ch 3, v 14) The point being that by not knowing, we should live in anticipation of his return and that should change the outlook of our entire life. Each day, watching and waiting, telling others about His sure return. Daily spending our time in His word and being constant in prayer, with one eye toward heaven and the other toward our neighbors. (Matthew 22: 37-39) This I know, He will come back and take us home to be with Him! That my friends is certain.
It would seem that some people are beginning to question the timing of Jesus return, his second appearance on this earth. They were expecting a quick return and so they have begun to question the veracity of Peter's claims. He tells them that "scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. They will say, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.” (2 Peter 3:3-4) You may have had this thought yourself or had someone say something similar to you. It is a reasonable question! Nearly 2000 years have passed since our Lord returned to heaven, when is he coming back? Peter says that when we think like that, we forget that God created everything and that by His word everything is maintained. The creator and sustainer of the universe can well choose the time of His return. It is His business.
That is satisfactory enough, but Peter gives us more information to chew on. "But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed." (2 Peter 3:8-10) He tells us that our way of reckoning time is insignificant to God, His timetable is eternity. While we may consider it to have been a long time, in the scheme of eternity, 2000 years is the blink of an eye. So God is not slow in fulfilling His promises, rather He is very patient with us. He wants everyone to be saved and so He waits for just the right time to send His Son back to take His church home.
Many claim to know when the Lord will return, they have studied the scriptures and looked at the "signs" and have announced that His return is imminent. Some have even given dates, only to look foolish when the date passed without His return. What does the Bible teach about this? In these verses, we are told that "the day of the Lord will come like a thief". The message is that we don't know the time of His return. What does Jesus say about this? "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man." (Matthew 24:35-37) Jesus says that He doesn't know the day or the hour; the angels don't know the timetable.... only the Father knows. Only the Father knows. Only the Father knows. While men may run around with well thought-out presentations, proclaiming the soon return of the Lord; I would ask them how they know, since Jesus doesn't. (and he may well return soon, certainly sooner than it was 2000 years ago)
So, what's the point? Peter tells us that we should be looking forward to His coming and that our lives should reflect the fact that we are eagerly waiting for His second appearance. We should "make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with Him."(ch 3, v 14) The point being that by not knowing, we should live in anticipation of his return and that should change the outlook of our entire life. Each day, watching and waiting, telling others about His sure return. Daily spending our time in His word and being constant in prayer, with one eye toward heaven and the other toward our neighbors. (Matthew 22: 37-39) This I know, He will come back and take us home to be with Him! That my friends is certain.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Baptism and 1 Peter 3:21
For some, this verse is a blessing and for others it is a thorn in their side. This verse has been reworded, redefined and removed in an effort to distort or even eliminate its meaning. The sad part is that even without this very precise, clear verse, the Bible has already communicated the same message several times. While Calvin, Zwingli and other reformers were correct in their many criticisms of Roman Catholicism, they were mistaken when they rejected the notion that God acts when faith is expressed in baptism. In the early centuries of Christianity, no one would have conceived of the notion of being a Christian without baptism.
This Peter that wrote 1 Peter was the same Peter that stood up and preached the first gospel sermon in Acts 2. And he is the same Peter that called upon the people to "repent and be baptized, every one of you... for the forgiveness of your sins" (Acts 2:38). So the message of 1 Peter 3:21 is the same message that Peter had taught from the beginning.
Keeping the verse in context, Peter uses the flood as a type and baptism as an antitype. A type is a symbol used to represent the reality of something that would exist at a future time, the antitype. Peter says that they were "saved through water". That is difficult to understand on its face; we would observe that Noah and his family were saved from water. But let's back up and consider the context of the flood and what the water actually did. The sin of the world was removed through the flood and Noah and his family were saved from the same judgment the disobedient experienced. So in that context, Noah was saved through water. If it had not been for the washing of the flood waters, Noah and his family would have been engulfed in the wickedness that surrounded them.
Whether we like the symbolism used or not, Peter holds up the flood as a symbol of baptism and its effect on mankind. This is the only place that the word symbol and baptism is used together and in this case the symbol is the flood and the reality is baptism. Baptism doesn't symbolize anything. The Bible never says it is symbolic, rather the Bible says that it is efficacious. It is through baptism that God does the work of removing our sins and clothes us with Christ. (Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16, Gal 3:27) In the words of Edward Gordon Selwyn, baptism "is no mere act of bodily cleansing, but the moral surrender of the whole man to God revealed in Christ." Peter wants us to understand that the power isn't in the water, we are not taking a bath; rather when we come to God in baptism we are making an appeal to Him for a "good conscience".
In Peter’s day, the conscience was not some small voice telling a person what is right or wrong. Rather, in his day, conscience was ones sense of standing before God and his fellow man. A good conscience meant that a person stood before God with the confidence that he/she was one of His own people.
So here is the verse... "Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ." (ESV) You can read the same as I can. Put aside any preconceived notions and let the Bible speak. Read it in context, read 1 Peter 3:18-22. What does Peter mean by Baptism now saves you? Was he speaking in code or did he say exactly what he meant? He tells us that baptism saves us "by the resurrection of Jesus Christ". When one is baptized into Christ, he becomes part of God's people by virtue of his new birth. (Great time to read Romans 6) Just as the Jew was part of God's people at their birth, we become part of His family at our new birth.
That is the best I can do in short blog entry. 1 Peter 3:21 deserves better! It may be that some will post rebuttals to this blog entry and if they do, that is fine. I trust honest hearts to read the scripture and come to the proper uderstanding. Really, just read the Bible. Did Peter not know what he was writing? Did he really mean something other than what he said? Read it, read the entire letter and pray to God for understanding and wisdom. He wrote it, sure He used Peter's hands, but it is His words and He doesn't make mistakes. May God bless you as you study and seek the truth only found in His word.
This Peter that wrote 1 Peter was the same Peter that stood up and preached the first gospel sermon in Acts 2. And he is the same Peter that called upon the people to "repent and be baptized, every one of you... for the forgiveness of your sins" (Acts 2:38). So the message of 1 Peter 3:21 is the same message that Peter had taught from the beginning.
Keeping the verse in context, Peter uses the flood as a type and baptism as an antitype. A type is a symbol used to represent the reality of something that would exist at a future time, the antitype. Peter says that they were "saved through water". That is difficult to understand on its face; we would observe that Noah and his family were saved from water. But let's back up and consider the context of the flood and what the water actually did. The sin of the world was removed through the flood and Noah and his family were saved from the same judgment the disobedient experienced. So in that context, Noah was saved through water. If it had not been for the washing of the flood waters, Noah and his family would have been engulfed in the wickedness that surrounded them.
Whether we like the symbolism used or not, Peter holds up the flood as a symbol of baptism and its effect on mankind. This is the only place that the word symbol and baptism is used together and in this case the symbol is the flood and the reality is baptism. Baptism doesn't symbolize anything. The Bible never says it is symbolic, rather the Bible says that it is efficacious. It is through baptism that God does the work of removing our sins and clothes us with Christ. (Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16, Gal 3:27) In the words of Edward Gordon Selwyn, baptism "is no mere act of bodily cleansing, but the moral surrender of the whole man to God revealed in Christ." Peter wants us to understand that the power isn't in the water, we are not taking a bath; rather when we come to God in baptism we are making an appeal to Him for a "good conscience".
In Peter’s day, the conscience was not some small voice telling a person what is right or wrong. Rather, in his day, conscience was ones sense of standing before God and his fellow man. A good conscience meant that a person stood before God with the confidence that he/she was one of His own people.
So here is the verse... "Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ." (ESV) You can read the same as I can. Put aside any preconceived notions and let the Bible speak. Read it in context, read 1 Peter 3:18-22. What does Peter mean by Baptism now saves you? Was he speaking in code or did he say exactly what he meant? He tells us that baptism saves us "by the resurrection of Jesus Christ". When one is baptized into Christ, he becomes part of God's people by virtue of his new birth. (Great time to read Romans 6) Just as the Jew was part of God's people at their birth, we become part of His family at our new birth.
That is the best I can do in short blog entry. 1 Peter 3:21 deserves better! It may be that some will post rebuttals to this blog entry and if they do, that is fine. I trust honest hearts to read the scripture and come to the proper uderstanding. Really, just read the Bible. Did Peter not know what he was writing? Did he really mean something other than what he said? Read it, read the entire letter and pray to God for understanding and wisdom. He wrote it, sure He used Peter's hands, but it is His words and He doesn't make mistakes. May God bless you as you study and seek the truth only found in His word.
What's in a Name?
Names are funny things. They give us our individual identity, but they also connect us with those of the same family lineage. For instance, I am Dale Lloyd Isom. My father is Billy Bascom Isom and my grandfather was Leon Lloyd Isom. We are all Isoms and we all belong to the same family. Our names say so. If I chose to change my name to say .... Tommy Jones, I am not sure how my father would feel about that. (more on that later) While I might go around explaining that I am really an Isom, my name would tell the world something entirely different. Some would say to me, "If you are an Isom, why do you wear the name Jones?"
In Peter's first letter, he discusses the importance of a name. "However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name." (1 Peter 4:16) Praise God that you bear that name! He talks about suffering for many other things and contrasts those sufferings with the sufferings that come as we follow Jesus. He tells us that when we suffer for His name, we should be "rejoice" and that we "are blessed". When we suffer because of His name, we are blessed. Suffering in any other name is just suffering; suffering in His name is something to praise God for.
So what? What does that have to do with anything? Many people that follow Jesus today wear many other names. Some will say they are Baptist, some will say they are Presbyterian; some will say they are Lutheran and so on. None of those names are found in the scripture. (John was not a Baptist, he was a baptizer) So why is that important? That gets us back to the question above. How does a father feel when his child would change their name? How would I feel is my son, Daniel changed his name? He could say to me that he is the same person that he was and that the name means nothing. He could say that he tells everyone that he is my son and that changing his name was only meant to identify him with a particular group. It might mean nothing to him.... but it would mean something to me. As my son, he wears my name and by that name he is identified as my son. Any other name identifies him with someone or something else.
"He is the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone. Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:11-12) No other name under heaven, not any other name... given to men in which salvation is found. We are told in Acts 11:26 that Jesus' disciples "were first called Christians in Antioch." We don't know the circumstances surrounding this name, we are not told; but we do know that it is the name that Peter says we are to wear.
The question becomes what other name should a disciple wear? In the scriptures, disciples are described as saints, brethren, children of God, elect, chosen, called and many other things that are descriptions of status or relationship. The only name that they are given in scripture is Christian. (That I can find, correct me if I am wrong, please) As a group they are called the church, but individually, they only had one name, Christian. While the scriptures might not command us to wear the name Christian (might not), why would we choose to wear a name that describes a man or an organization over our Savior?
Everyone that identifies with Jesus and claims to be His disciple should wear the name Christian. The next time you are asked what religion you are... say Christian. When they ask what kind... say there is only one kind and that is Christian. Tell them we aren't hyphenated anything, we belong to the One and Only Savior, Jesus the Christ, the Son of God. Wear that name with pride and know that if you suffer as a Christian, you are blessed! Peter says so. :-)
In Peter's first letter, he discusses the importance of a name. "However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name." (1 Peter 4:16) Praise God that you bear that name! He talks about suffering for many other things and contrasts those sufferings with the sufferings that come as we follow Jesus. He tells us that when we suffer for His name, we should be "rejoice" and that we "are blessed". When we suffer because of His name, we are blessed. Suffering in any other name is just suffering; suffering in His name is something to praise God for.
So what? What does that have to do with anything? Many people that follow Jesus today wear many other names. Some will say they are Baptist, some will say they are Presbyterian; some will say they are Lutheran and so on. None of those names are found in the scripture. (John was not a Baptist, he was a baptizer) So why is that important? That gets us back to the question above. How does a father feel when his child would change their name? How would I feel is my son, Daniel changed his name? He could say to me that he is the same person that he was and that the name means nothing. He could say that he tells everyone that he is my son and that changing his name was only meant to identify him with a particular group. It might mean nothing to him.... but it would mean something to me. As my son, he wears my name and by that name he is identified as my son. Any other name identifies him with someone or something else.
"He is the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone. Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:11-12) No other name under heaven, not any other name... given to men in which salvation is found. We are told in Acts 11:26 that Jesus' disciples "were first called Christians in Antioch." We don't know the circumstances surrounding this name, we are not told; but we do know that it is the name that Peter says we are to wear.
The question becomes what other name should a disciple wear? In the scriptures, disciples are described as saints, brethren, children of God, elect, chosen, called and many other things that are descriptions of status or relationship. The only name that they are given in scripture is Christian. (That I can find, correct me if I am wrong, please) As a group they are called the church, but individually, they only had one name, Christian. While the scriptures might not command us to wear the name Christian (might not), why would we choose to wear a name that describes a man or an organization over our Savior?
Everyone that identifies with Jesus and claims to be His disciple should wear the name Christian. The next time you are asked what religion you are... say Christian. When they ask what kind... say there is only one kind and that is Christian. Tell them we aren't hyphenated anything, we belong to the One and Only Savior, Jesus the Christ, the Son of God. Wear that name with pride and know that if you suffer as a Christian, you are blessed! Peter says so. :-)
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Faith Alone
The letter from James (most likely Jesus' brother) is really a practical living plan for the Christian. He tells us how to deal with oppression and temptation. He gives very clear instruction on what a Christian life looks like in respect to our conduct as we live our lives in view of others. He deals with prejudice, obedience to God, our conversation and materialism. He ends his letter with encouragement for the suffering Christian. All in all, a great letter with very simple, yet challenging teachings that deals with our daily lives.
James, very straightforwardly takes on the idea that we are justified by faith alone. (Please read the second chapter) For many, this is a very difficult section of scripture to deal with as they have accepted the "faith only" doctrine. James makes it very clear that this concept is without Biblical support. He demonstrates it through the examples of Abraham and Rahab. Both of which demonstrated their faith by their works. He begins the discussion with two questions; "What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?" (ch2, v 14) And then proceeds to demonstrate the absurdity of the idea that someone can have faith and not produce works. He uses the illustration of the demons believing in God (v 19) to make it clear that belief alone is not adequate; faith must be accompanied by works. "You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?" (V 20)
"You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone." (V 24) I know for some that is a difficult verse to read; but read it we must. James is driving the point home, leaving no room for doubt; a saving faith is a faith that is accompanied by works. This is the only verse in the Bible that has the words faith and alone together! He tells us that it is impossible for us to have the kind of faith that saves without it causing us to do good things, to work. The evidence of faith is a changed life, and a changed life in Christ is busy meeting the needs of others. Our deeds demonstrate our faith and without that demonstration, our faith is useless.
James does not want us to go away with any misconceptions on this matter, so he closes the discussion on faith and works with a verse that should remove all doubt about the issue. "As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead." (V 26) Without works our faith is dead and a dead faith is no faith at all. Abraham offered his son Isaac on the alter and it was credited to him as righteousness. (V 21-23) "In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction?" (V 25) He frames the discussion with two examples of God's people who demonstrated their faith by their works and they were considered righteous because of what they did.
I do not want to be misunderstood. I am not advocating the idea that we work our way to heaven. I understand that we are saved by the blood of Christ, but what James is saying is that real faith, a saving faith is clearly seen through the actions of the person. No action.... no real faith. Faith only, I don't think so. James tells us that we must connect faith and works to be pleasing to God. If not, why not? If you believe the Bible to be the word of God and the book of James to be a part of that word, then you must accept that God is calling on all His people to get to work with a faith that justifies. Think about it.
James, very straightforwardly takes on the idea that we are justified by faith alone. (Please read the second chapter) For many, this is a very difficult section of scripture to deal with as they have accepted the "faith only" doctrine. James makes it very clear that this concept is without Biblical support. He demonstrates it through the examples of Abraham and Rahab. Both of which demonstrated their faith by their works. He begins the discussion with two questions; "What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?" (ch2, v 14) And then proceeds to demonstrate the absurdity of the idea that someone can have faith and not produce works. He uses the illustration of the demons believing in God (v 19) to make it clear that belief alone is not adequate; faith must be accompanied by works. "You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?" (V 20)
"You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone." (V 24) I know for some that is a difficult verse to read; but read it we must. James is driving the point home, leaving no room for doubt; a saving faith is a faith that is accompanied by works. This is the only verse in the Bible that has the words faith and alone together! He tells us that it is impossible for us to have the kind of faith that saves without it causing us to do good things, to work. The evidence of faith is a changed life, and a changed life in Christ is busy meeting the needs of others. Our deeds demonstrate our faith and without that demonstration, our faith is useless.
James does not want us to go away with any misconceptions on this matter, so he closes the discussion on faith and works with a verse that should remove all doubt about the issue. "As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead." (V 26) Without works our faith is dead and a dead faith is no faith at all. Abraham offered his son Isaac on the alter and it was credited to him as righteousness. (V 21-23) "In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction?" (V 25) He frames the discussion with two examples of God's people who demonstrated their faith by their works and they were considered righteous because of what they did.
I do not want to be misunderstood. I am not advocating the idea that we work our way to heaven. I understand that we are saved by the blood of Christ, but what James is saying is that real faith, a saving faith is clearly seen through the actions of the person. No action.... no real faith. Faith only, I don't think so. James tells us that we must connect faith and works to be pleasing to God. If not, why not? If you believe the Bible to be the word of God and the book of James to be a part of that word, then you must accept that God is calling on all His people to get to work with a faith that justifies. Think about it.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Correctly Handling the Word of Truth
Paul’s second letter to Timothy is considered by most to be his last writing before his death. It is a beautiful letter filled with a sense of urgency, as if Paul knew what was coming soon. He gives Timothy much instruction about the future of the church and how to deal with issues that would arise. He tells him to "entrust" truth to "reliable men who would be able to teach others". That is God's plan, one person teaches another, then that person teaches someone else and on and on. I did the calculation, if one person would teach one person this year and they became a Christian, then both would teach one person next year, then the four of them would teach four the following year and on and on, it would take about 35 years for the entire world to hear the good news of Jesus. Thirty-five years to evangelize the entire planet. That is doable!
Paul gives Timothy instruction about "handling the word of truth", God's word. People have always argued about scripture; at least that is my experience. Those arguments have led to over 2000 denominations (the last count I have heard). He tells Timothy to "do his best to present himself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." (Ch 2, v 15) As a teacher, Timothy has a great responsibility to only teach truth. In fact, teachers will be held to a higher standard at the judgment. (James 3:1) So, if it is possible to correctly handle the word of truth, it must also be possible to incorrectly handle God's word. What is the difference and how can you and I avoid incorrectly handling God's word? Good questions, important questions.
In verse 14, Paul tells him to "warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value". Undoubtedly, this was specifically referring to Judaizing teachers that were bringing in false teaching, but just as surely this teaching is about those who would twist and distort the meaning of words today. God's word is plain enough. He says what he means and he means what He says. So, the first thing you and I should do is let the Bible say what it means to say. If you are having to redefine words and change the meaning of a verse to accommodate a belief that you hold, something is wrong. God chose His words very carefully, and so we should be very careful how we handle those words.
Secondly, Paul tells Timothy to study. The King James Version says "study" to show thyself approved. Nothing will ever take the place of diligent, daily study of God's word. It is by knowing the scriptures that one comes to the knowledge of salvation and it is by the scriptures that one can grow and become mature. In Hebrews 5:12-13, Paul scolds members of the church for their lack of spiritual growth. "In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness."
Thirdly, Paul tells Timothy to avoid quarreling."Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will." (2 Timothy 2:23-26) Correctly handling the word means that we don't use it to start an argument or to win one. This certainly can be difficult, but check your motives; if you really care about winning the soul, the argument doesn't matter. Paul tells Timothy that kindness and gentleness are the keys to helping someone come to understand the scriptures.
So there you go.... my best effort at understanding Paul's instruction to Timothy about handling God's word correctly. First, let the word speak for itself, God knows exactly what He is communicating. If there is a problem, it is with us. Second, study! How can we correctly handle something we know nothing about? And lastly, don't use His word to win arguments, teach to win souls. God's word is not a hammer; it is a knife, a two-edged sword. "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12)
May each of us determine to study to show ourselves approved, workers who need not be ashamed and who rightly handle God's word. By doing so, we will not save only ourselves, but our hearers as well. (1 Timothy 4:16) God bless each of us as we study and teach others the most important truth that they will ever hear; the word of God.
Paul gives Timothy instruction about "handling the word of truth", God's word. People have always argued about scripture; at least that is my experience. Those arguments have led to over 2000 denominations (the last count I have heard). He tells Timothy to "do his best to present himself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." (Ch 2, v 15) As a teacher, Timothy has a great responsibility to only teach truth. In fact, teachers will be held to a higher standard at the judgment. (James 3:1) So, if it is possible to correctly handle the word of truth, it must also be possible to incorrectly handle God's word. What is the difference and how can you and I avoid incorrectly handling God's word? Good questions, important questions.
In verse 14, Paul tells him to "warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value". Undoubtedly, this was specifically referring to Judaizing teachers that were bringing in false teaching, but just as surely this teaching is about those who would twist and distort the meaning of words today. God's word is plain enough. He says what he means and he means what He says. So, the first thing you and I should do is let the Bible say what it means to say. If you are having to redefine words and change the meaning of a verse to accommodate a belief that you hold, something is wrong. God chose His words very carefully, and so we should be very careful how we handle those words.
Secondly, Paul tells Timothy to study. The King James Version says "study" to show thyself approved. Nothing will ever take the place of diligent, daily study of God's word. It is by knowing the scriptures that one comes to the knowledge of salvation and it is by the scriptures that one can grow and become mature. In Hebrews 5:12-13, Paul scolds members of the church for their lack of spiritual growth. "In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness."
Thirdly, Paul tells Timothy to avoid quarreling."Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will." (2 Timothy 2:23-26) Correctly handling the word means that we don't use it to start an argument or to win one. This certainly can be difficult, but check your motives; if you really care about winning the soul, the argument doesn't matter. Paul tells Timothy that kindness and gentleness are the keys to helping someone come to understand the scriptures.
So there you go.... my best effort at understanding Paul's instruction to Timothy about handling God's word correctly. First, let the word speak for itself, God knows exactly what He is communicating. If there is a problem, it is with us. Second, study! How can we correctly handle something we know nothing about? And lastly, don't use His word to win arguments, teach to win souls. God's word is not a hammer; it is a knife, a two-edged sword. "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12)
May each of us determine to study to show ourselves approved, workers who need not be ashamed and who rightly handle God's word. By doing so, we will not save only ourselves, but our hearers as well. (1 Timothy 4:16) God bless each of us as we study and teach others the most important truth that they will ever hear; the word of God.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Instructions on Prayer (and other stuff)
In Paul’s first letter to Timothy, he is writing the young evangelist to encourage him as he faces many challenges while he is in Ephesus. Paul had left Timothy in Ephesus to set things in order and provide proper teaching to the church. His letter gives answers to many of the same things churches are struggling with today. (I guess people are people, no matter what the year) Paul deals with the proper use of scripture, proper dress, the role of women in the congregation, qualifications of elders (pastors, shepherds) and deacons, dealing with human doctrines, proper treatment of widows and the Christians attitude towards money. God, through Paul gives us His view on all these topics.
Many today will not accept God's will on such things, preferring to hold onto their own beliefs. Some will say that Paul's views are old fashion and that we must change as society changes. "For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear." (2 Timothy 4:3) Some things never change :-). God knows the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10), He already knew that people would want things their way. He is never surprised by how things turn out, the end of the book is written and He wrote it.
Having said all that, I really want to focus in on a few verses that deal with prayer. As you know, 2011 was our year to really develop the discipline of Bible reading and study. I commend each of you for your dedication to this effort. Many of you have said this has been the greatest year of Bible learning you have ever had. May God bless us as we continue to study His word daily. Now we must add the other discipline that we need for great growth in Christ. Prayer! Reading God's word is allowing Him to speak to us, praying is us talking to Him. One way communication is ok, but talking to each other makes the relationship real.
So, Paul tells Timothy..."I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people." (1 Timothy 2:1) Prayer is to be of first priority! Timothy is to teach the church to pray, first of all. This should be an indication to us that prayer is to be of major importance to the Christian. I am not an advocate of scripture paraphrases, but The Message does a pretty good job of communicating the thought behind the words...."The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know." Pray now, pray later, pray on your knees, pray standing, pray with your eyes closed and with them open, pray for blessings, pray for yourself, pray for others. You get the idea.... pray, pray pray.
The four things to be included in our prayers are petitions, prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving. In other words, we are to ask God for what we need and want and what we desire for others. Then we are to tell Him thank you for what He has already done and what He is going to do. Of course we are to share our innermost feelings and thoughts, our hopes and dreams with our Father as well. What father doesn't want to hear everything that their child has to say? On any subject? Well, God is the perfect father, so just open up your heart and let it flow.
Jesus gives us the greatest example of the type of prayer life that we should seek to have. Even though He was God (John 1:1) and even though He and the Father were one (John 10:30), he still spent time in prayer. His need to communicate with His Father was constant. When times were hectic, He would find a quiet place to talk. When times were overwhelming, He would turn it over to His Father. And when He faced death, it was God that he sought through prayer. It was as though He needed time with God to recharge and get ready for more serving. "Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed." (John 5:15, 16) We can learn from his example; being busy serving is good, but our time with God must have its priority. If our Lord needed a time of refreshing with His Father, we certainly do as well.
As we begin 2012, I encourage each of you to make prayer a priority. We will be studying prayer in our LifeGroups and having lessons from the pulpit that will both educate and encourage us in this area of our spiritual lives. As the old hymn says...
Ere you left your room this morning,
did you think to pray?
In the name of Christ our Savior,
Did you sue for loving favor,
as a shield today?
Many today will not accept God's will on such things, preferring to hold onto their own beliefs. Some will say that Paul's views are old fashion and that we must change as society changes. "For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear." (2 Timothy 4:3) Some things never change :-). God knows the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10), He already knew that people would want things their way. He is never surprised by how things turn out, the end of the book is written and He wrote it.
Having said all that, I really want to focus in on a few verses that deal with prayer. As you know, 2011 was our year to really develop the discipline of Bible reading and study. I commend each of you for your dedication to this effort. Many of you have said this has been the greatest year of Bible learning you have ever had. May God bless us as we continue to study His word daily. Now we must add the other discipline that we need for great growth in Christ. Prayer! Reading God's word is allowing Him to speak to us, praying is us talking to Him. One way communication is ok, but talking to each other makes the relationship real.
So, Paul tells Timothy..."I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people." (1 Timothy 2:1) Prayer is to be of first priority! Timothy is to teach the church to pray, first of all. This should be an indication to us that prayer is to be of major importance to the Christian. I am not an advocate of scripture paraphrases, but The Message does a pretty good job of communicating the thought behind the words...."The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know." Pray now, pray later, pray on your knees, pray standing, pray with your eyes closed and with them open, pray for blessings, pray for yourself, pray for others. You get the idea.... pray, pray pray.
The four things to be included in our prayers are petitions, prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving. In other words, we are to ask God for what we need and want and what we desire for others. Then we are to tell Him thank you for what He has already done and what He is going to do. Of course we are to share our innermost feelings and thoughts, our hopes and dreams with our Father as well. What father doesn't want to hear everything that their child has to say? On any subject? Well, God is the perfect father, so just open up your heart and let it flow.
Jesus gives us the greatest example of the type of prayer life that we should seek to have. Even though He was God (John 1:1) and even though He and the Father were one (John 10:30), he still spent time in prayer. His need to communicate with His Father was constant. When times were hectic, He would find a quiet place to talk. When times were overwhelming, He would turn it over to His Father. And when He faced death, it was God that he sought through prayer. It was as though He needed time with God to recharge and get ready for more serving. "Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed." (John 5:15, 16) We can learn from his example; being busy serving is good, but our time with God must have its priority. If our Lord needed a time of refreshing with His Father, we certainly do as well.
As we begin 2012, I encourage each of you to make prayer a priority. We will be studying prayer in our LifeGroups and having lessons from the pulpit that will both educate and encourage us in this area of our spiritual lives. As the old hymn says...
Ere you left your room this morning,
did you think to pray?
In the name of Christ our Savior,
Did you sue for loving favor,
as a shield today?
O how praying rests the weary!
Prayer will change the night to day;
so when life seems dark and dreary,
don’t forget to pray.
Prayer will change the night to day;
so when life seems dark and dreary,
don’t forget to pray.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
"The Chief Cornerstone"
One of my favorite letters from the apostle Paul is his short note to the church in Ephesus. It is general in nature and covers numerous topics of great importance to the Christian. Please take 15 minutes and immerse yourself in this excellent letter of encouragement that God has sent to you. You will not regret it!
As an engineer, I am always intrigued by references to buildings or construction in God's word. In Ephesians 2: 19-22, Paul talks about the church (the people) using building terminology. "Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit."
A building is built on a foundation; these days it is usually poured concrete. In Paul's time, the foundation was made of blocks of stone. The stones were placed on leveled soil and then the building was erected on this foundation. The cornerstone is always the first stone set in place. The cornerstone determines the location, the elevation and the orientation of the building. It is the all important stone. Every other stone finds its place in the building based on the cornerstone. It determines where the building will sit on a piece of property. It determines the direction the building will face and at what elevation the floor will be set at. This stone is the chief corner stone. There will be other stones that are located at corners, but where they are is determined by this one. Getting the cornerstone right is all important.
Paul tells us that in the church, Jesus is that "chief cornerstone". The other stones in the foundation are the apostles and the prophets. They are important; the support they provide is essential, but without the "cornerstone" they would be worthless. Without Jesus, the prophets would have been proven to be liars and the apostles would not have existed. The prophets all point towards an upcoming Messiah and the apostles all point back to a crucified and risen Christ. He is the point of their message. Getting Him right is and was all important.
Paul tells us that we are the building blocks that are placed on this foundation. Who we are and how we fit into the structure is totally dependant on the cornerstone. (1 Cor 12:18) God chooses to place each stone in the building where He sees it fit. On a side note, when we understand that, we begin to see our brothers and sisters differently. God placed them where they are! We are an ongoing project that will not be completed until Jesus returns. The construction continues, every time a person comes to faith in Christ and is immersed and added to the church, another block is placed in the wall. The building "rises to become a holy temple in the Lord"
Every building has a purpose; some are built for apartments, some schools, some offices. Paul tells us that we are being built as a holy temple. I like that... you and I, Christians, are being assembled, block by block as a place that is set apart, sanctified unto the Lord. We are "being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit." Individually, the Spirit lives within us (Romans 8:9), but here he tells us that in another sense, we are being built together as a home for the God. As one of my favorite preachers would say... "I don't understand everything that I know about that". Whatever else Paul means by this, this I know... you and I are joined together by our faith in Jesus and together we are the house of God.
Jesus, as the "chief cornerstone" is the one who makes it all possible. He completed the Old Covenant and brought us a new one. He came in the flesh to give us the perfect example of who God is. (Col 1:15). He lived a life without sin, so that He could be our perfect sacrifice. (Hebrews 4:15) He went to the cross, bearing our sins, so that we could stand before God clothed with His righteousness. (1 Peter 2:24) He was buried and raised on the third day so that we have the hope of resurrection with Him. (Romans 6:3-5) And now He is building us together into a holy temple as a dwelling place for God.
Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! (Romans 11:33)
As an engineer, I am always intrigued by references to buildings or construction in God's word. In Ephesians 2: 19-22, Paul talks about the church (the people) using building terminology. "Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit."
A building is built on a foundation; these days it is usually poured concrete. In Paul's time, the foundation was made of blocks of stone. The stones were placed on leveled soil and then the building was erected on this foundation. The cornerstone is always the first stone set in place. The cornerstone determines the location, the elevation and the orientation of the building. It is the all important stone. Every other stone finds its place in the building based on the cornerstone. It determines where the building will sit on a piece of property. It determines the direction the building will face and at what elevation the floor will be set at. This stone is the chief corner stone. There will be other stones that are located at corners, but where they are is determined by this one. Getting the cornerstone right is all important.
Paul tells us that in the church, Jesus is that "chief cornerstone". The other stones in the foundation are the apostles and the prophets. They are important; the support they provide is essential, but without the "cornerstone" they would be worthless. Without Jesus, the prophets would have been proven to be liars and the apostles would not have existed. The prophets all point towards an upcoming Messiah and the apostles all point back to a crucified and risen Christ. He is the point of their message. Getting Him right is and was all important.
Paul tells us that we are the building blocks that are placed on this foundation. Who we are and how we fit into the structure is totally dependant on the cornerstone. (1 Cor 12:18) God chooses to place each stone in the building where He sees it fit. On a side note, when we understand that, we begin to see our brothers and sisters differently. God placed them where they are! We are an ongoing project that will not be completed until Jesus returns. The construction continues, every time a person comes to faith in Christ and is immersed and added to the church, another block is placed in the wall. The building "rises to become a holy temple in the Lord"
Every building has a purpose; some are built for apartments, some schools, some offices. Paul tells us that we are being built as a holy temple. I like that... you and I, Christians, are being assembled, block by block as a place that is set apart, sanctified unto the Lord. We are "being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit." Individually, the Spirit lives within us (Romans 8:9), but here he tells us that in another sense, we are being built together as a home for the God. As one of my favorite preachers would say... "I don't understand everything that I know about that". Whatever else Paul means by this, this I know... you and I are joined together by our faith in Jesus and together we are the house of God.
Jesus, as the "chief cornerstone" is the one who makes it all possible. He completed the Old Covenant and brought us a new one. He came in the flesh to give us the perfect example of who God is. (Col 1:15). He lived a life without sin, so that He could be our perfect sacrifice. (Hebrews 4:15) He went to the cross, bearing our sins, so that we could stand before God clothed with His righteousness. (1 Peter 2:24) He was buried and raised on the third day so that we have the hope of resurrection with Him. (Romans 6:3-5) And now He is building us together into a holy temple as a dwelling place for God.
Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! (Romans 11:33)
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
"Clothed with Christ"
In my last blog entry I gave a brief overview of the closing chapters of the book of Acts. The letter to the church in Colosse was written by the apostle Paul while he lived under house arrest in Rome. Historians place him there between A.D. 61-63. What I really hope you and I see clearly is Paul's attitude during this time. Take 15 minutes and reread the short letter, taking note of his focus as he sits with his guard, in prison in his house. It is well worth the time.
In Colossians 3, verses 12-17, Paul gives us instructions for life, the abundant life. Jesus said "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." (John 10:10) So Paul gives us the recipe for that life. He begins by reminding us of all the great blessings we have in Christ Jesus. He says we are "God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved". Discussing those few words could take several days worth of a blog, so let's keep it short and sweet. In Christ, we are His chosen people. Just like the Jews were under the covenant with Moses, all who place their trust in Jesus under His new covenant are His chosen people. (to see how to place your trust in Jesus, read Col 2:9-15)
As His chosen people we are to be holy. Holy here is the Greek word hagios, which carries the idea of pure, blameless, consecrated and sanctified. Our lives, once they become His are to be different. The word saint used throughout the scriptures comes from this same word. A saint isn't a dead person that is declared to be so. A saint is a Christian and a Christian is a saint. (Col 1:2, 4, 12, 26) If you are a Christian, you are now a saint. So there you go... as His disciples our lives are to reflect purity. We are to live in such a way before others that we are blameless. We are consecrated and sanctified; we are set apart for service to God.
And we are dearly loved. That one I can really settle into. I can feel God's gentle arms around me. I can hear His voice telling me that he loved me so much that He sent His Son. God loves us! The idea here is that we have become loved and we continue to be loved. We are the beloved of God. Three terms that surely lifts our faith: chosen, holy and beloved. That is who you are, that is who I am in Christ.
Paul gives us the pep talk and then tells us what is expected of us. Because of who we are, whose we are, we are expected to be different. We are to clothe ourselves "with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." (Vv 12-14) It is our job, we are to clothe ourselves. Living rightly requires effort; living honorably takes focus and living noble demands self-discipline. So what are our garments?
He tells us to put on compassion. That means that we are to be aware of other's problems. We are to be a people filled with sympathy for others; we are to demonstrate mercy and pity. He tells us to put on kindness. Kindness is helpfulness, generosity, tenderness and goodness. Next we are to pull on some humility. Humility calls on us to view ourselves modestly in relation to others and we are to recognize that all people are of equal value in God's eyes. Gentleness is the next garment that Paul instructs us to wear. A gentle person is humane, amiable and tenderhearted. Courtesy and consideration are also part of the fabric. The next piece of clothing is patience. A person that has this kind of patience is able to deal rightly under provocation. They are willing to suffer wrong and are steadfast under difficult situations.
Paul is telling us the elements of Christian character. After we become Christians, we are expected to change, to grow... to become like our Master. A disciple is to become like his teacher. (Matthew 10:25) All these things that we are to "put on" are really Jesus' traits. He is perfectly compassionate. (Matthew 9:35, 36) He is perfectly kind. (Luke 6:35) He is perfectly humble. (Philippians 2:8, 9) He is perfectly gentle. (Matthew 11:29) He is perfectly patient. (1 Timothy 1:16)
Paul concludes the list with love. "And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." (V 14) He calls love the glue, the cement that holds all the other traits together. Without love, we might be able to act like Jesus for a while, but it will not last. Without the glue, soon the pieces begin to fall apart. My prayer for each of you is that you will, through love, grow in your discipleship. Jesus is the greatest lover of man that ever lived. He gave up everything because he loved you. (Phil 2:1-11) May God richly bless each of us as we clothe ourselves with Christ.
In Colossians 3, verses 12-17, Paul gives us instructions for life, the abundant life. Jesus said "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." (John 10:10) So Paul gives us the recipe for that life. He begins by reminding us of all the great blessings we have in Christ Jesus. He says we are "God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved". Discussing those few words could take several days worth of a blog, so let's keep it short and sweet. In Christ, we are His chosen people. Just like the Jews were under the covenant with Moses, all who place their trust in Jesus under His new covenant are His chosen people. (to see how to place your trust in Jesus, read Col 2:9-15)
As His chosen people we are to be holy. Holy here is the Greek word hagios, which carries the idea of pure, blameless, consecrated and sanctified. Our lives, once they become His are to be different. The word saint used throughout the scriptures comes from this same word. A saint isn't a dead person that is declared to be so. A saint is a Christian and a Christian is a saint. (Col 1:2, 4, 12, 26) If you are a Christian, you are now a saint. So there you go... as His disciples our lives are to reflect purity. We are to live in such a way before others that we are blameless. We are consecrated and sanctified; we are set apart for service to God.
And we are dearly loved. That one I can really settle into. I can feel God's gentle arms around me. I can hear His voice telling me that he loved me so much that He sent His Son. God loves us! The idea here is that we have become loved and we continue to be loved. We are the beloved of God. Three terms that surely lifts our faith: chosen, holy and beloved. That is who you are, that is who I am in Christ.
Paul gives us the pep talk and then tells us what is expected of us. Because of who we are, whose we are, we are expected to be different. We are to clothe ourselves "with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." (Vv 12-14) It is our job, we are to clothe ourselves. Living rightly requires effort; living honorably takes focus and living noble demands self-discipline. So what are our garments?
He tells us to put on compassion. That means that we are to be aware of other's problems. We are to be a people filled with sympathy for others; we are to demonstrate mercy and pity. He tells us to put on kindness. Kindness is helpfulness, generosity, tenderness and goodness. Next we are to pull on some humility. Humility calls on us to view ourselves modestly in relation to others and we are to recognize that all people are of equal value in God's eyes. Gentleness is the next garment that Paul instructs us to wear. A gentle person is humane, amiable and tenderhearted. Courtesy and consideration are also part of the fabric. The next piece of clothing is patience. A person that has this kind of patience is able to deal rightly under provocation. They are willing to suffer wrong and are steadfast under difficult situations.
Paul is telling us the elements of Christian character. After we become Christians, we are expected to change, to grow... to become like our Master. A disciple is to become like his teacher. (Matthew 10:25) All these things that we are to "put on" are really Jesus' traits. He is perfectly compassionate. (Matthew 9:35, 36) He is perfectly kind. (Luke 6:35) He is perfectly humble. (Philippians 2:8, 9) He is perfectly gentle. (Matthew 11:29) He is perfectly patient. (1 Timothy 1:16)
Paul concludes the list with love. "And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." (V 14) He calls love the glue, the cement that holds all the other traits together. Without love, we might be able to act like Jesus for a while, but it will not last. Without the glue, soon the pieces begin to fall apart. My prayer for each of you is that you will, through love, grow in your discipleship. Jesus is the greatest lover of man that ever lived. He gave up everything because he loved you. (Phil 2:1-11) May God richly bless each of us as we clothe ourselves with Christ.
Monday, December 12, 2011
We Are Meant to be Courageous!
As we near the end of the book of Acts, we are immersed in the story of Paul's arrest, trials, shipwreck and imprisonment. In chapter 21, we read of his arrival in Jerusalem and subsequent visit to the temple. It is there that the Jews seize him and drag him from the temple and begin to beat him. Paul had been warned of this very thing by the prophet Agabus in Caesarea, so he understood what he was facing even before he arrived in Jerusalem. I am encouraged by the fact that even though he knew what was ahead for him, he still packed his bag, caught the next flight out of Caesarea and headed for Jerusalem. :-) We are given detail after detail about what Paul endured and overcame during these days and even years of his life. Paul was courageous!
Paul is outside the temple, being beaten to death when Roman officers and soldiers show up and save his life. (ch 21, vv 31-36) He is arrested and taken into custody and as they are leaving the scene of the beating, Paul asks the soldiers for permission to speak to the crowd that was just trying to kill him. Think about that.... he wants to talk to the very people that moments earlier were beating him to death. He is given permission and Paul tells them his conversion story. He takes the opportunity to tell them about Jesus. In the midst of a beating and being arrested, Paul is thinking about telling them the life-changing, life-giving story of the Savior. Paul was courageous!
While in custody in Jerusalem, the Jews plot to kill Paul (ch 23 vv 12-15). The plot is discovered and the Roman Centurion that is responsible for Paul transfers him to Caesarea. While in Caesarea, Paul is brought before Felix, Festus and Agrippa, administrators of the Roman government to be examined. In each case, Paul uses the opportunity to teach them about Jesus. King Agrippa puts it this way...“Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” (ch 26, v 28) Paul understands that he serves a risen King; a King who has authority over all other kings and so he is not afraid or unwilling to speak up and tell them about Jesus. Paul was courageous!
Next, Paul is sent to Rome and placed under house arrest. What does he do? You know already! First thing Paul does is send for the Jewish leaders to teach them the gospel. Just like today, some accepted the message and some rejected it. Paul attributes the two different responses to the condition of the person’s heart. Some had honest, open hearts ready to receive the good news, while others hearts were closed. He quotes Isaiah the prophet...
"Go to this people and say, you will be ever hearing but never understanding;
you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. For this people’s heart has become calloused;
they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them." (Isaiah 6:9, 10)
And then the book closes with two simple verses that tell us a lot about Paul. He is under house arrest, guarded 24/7, yet his focus does not change, his purpose is still the same. "For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ." (ch 28, vv 30, 31) What do we take from Paul's arrest and prison time? What does God want you and me to learn from Paul's life experiences? He wrote them down for us, so He must want us to go away with something of value.
Sure, we admire Paul and his commitment to his Lord and Master. We stand in awe of his ability to speak to those in power with power that comes from God. Those are good things. But God wants you and me to live our lives the same way Paul did. Paul is a great mentor for us. Whatever comes our way, we are to live faithfully, telling the story of Jesus. Someone mistreating you... tell them about Jesus. Standing before a king... tell him about Jesus. Sitting in jail unjustly... tell the guards and the other prisoners about Jesus. Sitting beside your coworker on your job... tell them about Jesus. Standing in line at Wal-Mart... tell them about Jesus. You get the idea... tell them all, in every situation you find yourself... introduce them to Him! You see just like Paul, we are meant to be courageous!
Paul is outside the temple, being beaten to death when Roman officers and soldiers show up and save his life. (ch 21, vv 31-36) He is arrested and taken into custody and as they are leaving the scene of the beating, Paul asks the soldiers for permission to speak to the crowd that was just trying to kill him. Think about that.... he wants to talk to the very people that moments earlier were beating him to death. He is given permission and Paul tells them his conversion story. He takes the opportunity to tell them about Jesus. In the midst of a beating and being arrested, Paul is thinking about telling them the life-changing, life-giving story of the Savior. Paul was courageous!
While in custody in Jerusalem, the Jews plot to kill Paul (ch 23 vv 12-15). The plot is discovered and the Roman Centurion that is responsible for Paul transfers him to Caesarea. While in Caesarea, Paul is brought before Felix, Festus and Agrippa, administrators of the Roman government to be examined. In each case, Paul uses the opportunity to teach them about Jesus. King Agrippa puts it this way...“Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” (ch 26, v 28) Paul understands that he serves a risen King; a King who has authority over all other kings and so he is not afraid or unwilling to speak up and tell them about Jesus. Paul was courageous!
Next, Paul is sent to Rome and placed under house arrest. What does he do? You know already! First thing Paul does is send for the Jewish leaders to teach them the gospel. Just like today, some accepted the message and some rejected it. Paul attributes the two different responses to the condition of the person’s heart. Some had honest, open hearts ready to receive the good news, while others hearts were closed. He quotes Isaiah the prophet...
"Go to this people and say, you will be ever hearing but never understanding;
you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. For this people’s heart has become calloused;
they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them." (Isaiah 6:9, 10)
And then the book closes with two simple verses that tell us a lot about Paul. He is under house arrest, guarded 24/7, yet his focus does not change, his purpose is still the same. "For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ." (ch 28, vv 30, 31) What do we take from Paul's arrest and prison time? What does God want you and me to learn from Paul's life experiences? He wrote them down for us, so He must want us to go away with something of value.
Sure, we admire Paul and his commitment to his Lord and Master. We stand in awe of his ability to speak to those in power with power that comes from God. Those are good things. But God wants you and me to live our lives the same way Paul did. Paul is a great mentor for us. Whatever comes our way, we are to live faithfully, telling the story of Jesus. Someone mistreating you... tell them about Jesus. Standing before a king... tell him about Jesus. Sitting in jail unjustly... tell the guards and the other prisoners about Jesus. Sitting beside your coworker on your job... tell them about Jesus. Standing in line at Wal-Mart... tell them about Jesus. You get the idea... tell them all, in every situation you find yourself... introduce them to Him! You see just like Paul, we are meant to be courageous!
Saturday, December 10, 2011
"You Will Receive the Gift of the Holy Spirit"
I ended my last blog entry with the following statement....."So, now you are asking "how do I know if the Spirit is living in me?” Great question! Important question! Really, the all important question!" The reason that is the all important question is that those that are saved have the Spirit living in them; those that are lost do not. Read Romans 8:5-17; Paul makes it abundantly clear that the difference between those that belong to Christ (Christians) and those that belong to the world (Satan) is the presence of the Spirit within the individual. So, what does the Bible teach, not your preacher, not you Sunday School teacher, not my blog or someone else’s.... what does the Bible teach about when a person receives the Spirit? When does God come to live within a person?
I believe that everyone agrees that the moment we are talking about is when a person becomes a Christian. That is the simple part, everyone agrees. God cannot live in a dirty home, so when our sins are forgiven and we become disciples of His Son, the Spirit moves in and lives in us. Using Old Testament terminology, we are as His disciples, the temple of God. "Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you?" (1 Corinthians 3:16) The point of disagreement is the point at which a person becomes a Christian. Again, let the Bible speak for itself. If having the Spirit live in us is the dividing line between those that are saved and lost, then the Bible must make it clear to us when the Spirit takes up residence within us. Surely God would not make that hard to understand. Surely.
As you read about the Spirit of God, keep in mind that there are two distinct topics that the scriptures discuss. First we learn about the indwelling of the Spirit and secondly, we learn about the miraculous gifts of the Spirit. Today, I am only looking at the indwelling of the Spirit. We will discuss the miraculous gifts at a later date. So, what does the Bible teach?
A great place to look is at the beginning of the church. The age of Christianity started on the day of Pentecost, recorded in Acts chapter 2. Peter stands up and gives the first sermon of this new age. He preaches a sermon about Jesus that brings many to the point of making a decision to follow Christ and they ask him "what shall we do?" (Acts 2:37) Let's be clear here, they had heard the message and believed it! Were they saved? Some will say yes, but Peter didn't think so. So, he told them what they needed to do to be saved. And by that, he told them what to do to receive God's Spirit. Had they already received it? I guess some would say yes again, but Peter didn't think so.
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” (Acts 2:38,39) Peter calls on the people to repent, (turn away from a life of sin and turn towards Christ) and be baptized (immersed in water) for the forgiveness of their sins. God is not going to move into a dirty home! Again the question that must be answered here is simply this... had the people already received the Spirit? If so, Peter didn't need to tell them how to receive it; if not, he would tell them plainly how the Spirit was to come live within them.
Some people will take this verse and twist it to say what they want it to say. (Not a good idea, 2 Peter 3:16) Peter makes it simple and clear to anyone with an honest heart and open mind. "Repent and be baptized.... forgiveness of sins.... you will receive the Holy Spirit". Where I come from when someone says "will receive", it means I have yet to received it. And when someone tells me what I must do to receive it, they are setting the conditions by which I will be receiving the gift. Again, I know many will not accept the simple message that Peter gave on that day. Many did not accept the message then, only 3000 repented and were baptized and received the Spirit. (Acts 2:40,41)
It is amazing to me how many people attack me for quoting scripture. Some will surely send me many messages (as they have in the past) for merely stating what the Bible says very clearly in these verses. They will tell me that these verses don't mean what they say. It is up to each person to make their own decision, just like it was on the day of Pentecost. Have you repented of your sins? Have you been immersed in the waters of baptism for the forgiveness of your sins? If not, Peter calls on you to do that. Not me, the apostle Peter! He calls on you to make a decision and act based upon that decision. Then he tells you that you when you obey, you will receive the Holy Spirit, not that you already have, but you will. Not when you believed, but when you believed and were baptized. (see Mark 16:16) And that my friends is the most important thing! As an engineer I like equations.... repent+baptism = forgiveness of sins..... forgiveness of sins = saved..... saved = God's Spirit living in you.
Listen, don't trust me. Trust God. Surely He communicates to us in a way that we can understand. The people on the day of Pentecost understood clearly what Peter said and made the decision and "the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." (v 47) The Lord added! No vote needed, when you become a Christian, the Lord adds you. I like that! Make the decision today to follow Jesus, become His disciple. Repent of your sins and be baptized and God will come live in your newly renovated temple and then find a Bible believing church to worship with that teaches the same gospel that you just believed. May God bless you as you study His word.
I believe that everyone agrees that the moment we are talking about is when a person becomes a Christian. That is the simple part, everyone agrees. God cannot live in a dirty home, so when our sins are forgiven and we become disciples of His Son, the Spirit moves in and lives in us. Using Old Testament terminology, we are as His disciples, the temple of God. "Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you?" (1 Corinthians 3:16) The point of disagreement is the point at which a person becomes a Christian. Again, let the Bible speak for itself. If having the Spirit live in us is the dividing line between those that are saved and lost, then the Bible must make it clear to us when the Spirit takes up residence within us. Surely God would not make that hard to understand. Surely.
As you read about the Spirit of God, keep in mind that there are two distinct topics that the scriptures discuss. First we learn about the indwelling of the Spirit and secondly, we learn about the miraculous gifts of the Spirit. Today, I am only looking at the indwelling of the Spirit. We will discuss the miraculous gifts at a later date. So, what does the Bible teach?
A great place to look is at the beginning of the church. The age of Christianity started on the day of Pentecost, recorded in Acts chapter 2. Peter stands up and gives the first sermon of this new age. He preaches a sermon about Jesus that brings many to the point of making a decision to follow Christ and they ask him "what shall we do?" (Acts 2:37) Let's be clear here, they had heard the message and believed it! Were they saved? Some will say yes, but Peter didn't think so. So, he told them what they needed to do to be saved. And by that, he told them what to do to receive God's Spirit. Had they already received it? I guess some would say yes again, but Peter didn't think so.
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” (Acts 2:38,39) Peter calls on the people to repent, (turn away from a life of sin and turn towards Christ) and be baptized (immersed in water) for the forgiveness of their sins. God is not going to move into a dirty home! Again the question that must be answered here is simply this... had the people already received the Spirit? If so, Peter didn't need to tell them how to receive it; if not, he would tell them plainly how the Spirit was to come live within them.
Some people will take this verse and twist it to say what they want it to say. (Not a good idea, 2 Peter 3:16) Peter makes it simple and clear to anyone with an honest heart and open mind. "Repent and be baptized.... forgiveness of sins.... you will receive the Holy Spirit". Where I come from when someone says "will receive", it means I have yet to received it. And when someone tells me what I must do to receive it, they are setting the conditions by which I will be receiving the gift. Again, I know many will not accept the simple message that Peter gave on that day. Many did not accept the message then, only 3000 repented and were baptized and received the Spirit. (Acts 2:40,41)
It is amazing to me how many people attack me for quoting scripture. Some will surely send me many messages (as they have in the past) for merely stating what the Bible says very clearly in these verses. They will tell me that these verses don't mean what they say. It is up to each person to make their own decision, just like it was on the day of Pentecost. Have you repented of your sins? Have you been immersed in the waters of baptism for the forgiveness of your sins? If not, Peter calls on you to do that. Not me, the apostle Peter! He calls on you to make a decision and act based upon that decision. Then he tells you that you when you obey, you will receive the Holy Spirit, not that you already have, but you will. Not when you believed, but when you believed and were baptized. (see Mark 16:16) And that my friends is the most important thing! As an engineer I like equations.... repent+baptism = forgiveness of sins..... forgiveness of sins = saved..... saved = God's Spirit living in you.
Listen, don't trust me. Trust God. Surely He communicates to us in a way that we can understand. The people on the day of Pentecost understood clearly what Peter said and made the decision and "the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." (v 47) The Lord added! No vote needed, when you become a Christian, the Lord adds you. I like that! Make the decision today to follow Jesus, become His disciple. Repent of your sins and be baptized and God will come live in your newly renovated temple and then find a Bible believing church to worship with that teaches the same gospel that you just believed. May God bless you as you study His word.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
If the Spirit of God Lives in You
Romans Chapters 6-8 contain some pretty heady stuff. I read and reread these chapters and still don't feel I am picking up everything that Paul is putting down. :-) Chapter 6 gives the Christians in Rome (and us) a much deeper understanding of what baptism should mean. They had already been baptized and Paul is expanding their understanding of the importance of what God had accomplished through their obedience. Chapter 7 gives them more meat to chew on relative to the Law and the blessing we have in being freed from it. He uses the picture of marriage to give us a better view of our relationship to Christ. In Chapter 8, our relationship to the Spirit of God is revealed in a much larger way.
That is a lot to digest in a single setting, so split it up if you need to, but if not, dig in deeper. My focus in this blog entry will be on the verses identified as Romans 8:1-11. My personal study for 2012 will be focused on the Spirit and gaining a deeper understanding of God living in me. Maybe fear has held me back from this topic in the past, but through the encouragement of my brothers and sisters in Christ, I have begun the study and Lord willing, will press on.
Paul gives us the ultimate encouragement in first verse of Chapter 8. "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." No condemnation, not even a little bit! If I am in Christ, I live a life and face the judgment with no condemnation. That changes everything. The Law condemns; Christ satisfies the Law and removes the condemnation. (v 2-4) If we understand that we are freed from condemnation, we live out our lives filled with joy and thankfulness. We are no longer "dead men walking", living on death row. Rather, our release has been secured by someone who paid our debt in full. Joy and thankfulness.
Verses 5-11 contrasts those living by the Spirit and those living by their sinful nature. Paul tells us that if we live by the sinful nature, our minds are controlled by that nature which leads to death. But those that live by the Spirit have their minds controlled by the Spirit which leads to "life and peace." "The sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God. Those that live by the sinful nature cannot please God." (v 7,8)
"You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you." (v 9) Paul tells us that Christians are to live by the Spirit because the Spirit lives in them. The "if" is very important here. We are not controlled by the sinful nature.... if.... the Spirit of God lives in us. Then he tells us that "if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ." So, the identifying mark of a Christian is that the Spirit of Christ, the Spirit of God lives in them. No Spirit, no Christian. Without the Spirit, you are not a true disciple of Jesus, you are not a Christian.
So, now you are asking "how do I know if the Spirit is living in me?". Great question! Important question! Really, the all important question! My next blog entry will explore this question, so check back. I will continue to study; you do the same. God bless.
That is a lot to digest in a single setting, so split it up if you need to, but if not, dig in deeper. My focus in this blog entry will be on the verses identified as Romans 8:1-11. My personal study for 2012 will be focused on the Spirit and gaining a deeper understanding of God living in me. Maybe fear has held me back from this topic in the past, but through the encouragement of my brothers and sisters in Christ, I have begun the study and Lord willing, will press on.
Paul gives us the ultimate encouragement in first verse of Chapter 8. "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." No condemnation, not even a little bit! If I am in Christ, I live a life and face the judgment with no condemnation. That changes everything. The Law condemns; Christ satisfies the Law and removes the condemnation. (v 2-4) If we understand that we are freed from condemnation, we live out our lives filled with joy and thankfulness. We are no longer "dead men walking", living on death row. Rather, our release has been secured by someone who paid our debt in full. Joy and thankfulness.
Verses 5-11 contrasts those living by the Spirit and those living by their sinful nature. Paul tells us that if we live by the sinful nature, our minds are controlled by that nature which leads to death. But those that live by the Spirit have their minds controlled by the Spirit which leads to "life and peace." "The sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God. Those that live by the sinful nature cannot please God." (v 7,8)
"You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you." (v 9) Paul tells us that Christians are to live by the Spirit because the Spirit lives in them. The "if" is very important here. We are not controlled by the sinful nature.... if.... the Spirit of God lives in us. Then he tells us that "if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ." So, the identifying mark of a Christian is that the Spirit of Christ, the Spirit of God lives in them. No Spirit, no Christian. Without the Spirit, you are not a true disciple of Jesus, you are not a Christian.
So, now you are asking "how do I know if the Spirit is living in me?". Great question! Important question! Really, the all important question! My next blog entry will explore this question, so check back. I will continue to study; you do the same. God bless.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Our Impartial Judge
Today we started reading through Paul's letter to the church in Rome. (for me, one of the most difficult letters to fully understand) In this letter, he gives us a wonderful presentation of how the gospel of Jesus is so much better than the Law of Moses. For us, (the non-Jew) the good news is that we are included in God's plan of redemption. Jesus died for everyone! The Jew and the Gentile. He died for every single person that has ever lived and every single person that will ever live. (John 3:16, Acts 10, Matthew 28:19)
In the first chapter, Paul gives us one of his most often quoted verses. "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile." (v 16) This verse causes a person with an honest heart to question whether or not they are ashamed of the gospel of Jesus. Do we keep it to ourselves because of fear of rejection? Do we, at some level believe that people think it is silly to believe in a God that we cannot see? Are we ashamed to tell others about a crucified and risen Savior that died to take away the sins of man? Do I take every opportunity that God gives me to communicate the most important message that a person will ever hear? Tough questions! How do we answer?
Secondly, Paul tells us that God's power to save is contained in the gospel. The only means of salvation is found in the gospel message! Can God go outside of that means of salvation? I guess He has the ability to do that, but He seems to have tied His own hands in this matter. "Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6) Next, Paul tells us that our part in this salvation is belief. This belief is not merely a mental ascent.... the Greek word translated “believes" takes into account that when we believe we act on what we have learned. James drives this message home in the second chapter of his book. "Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder." (James 2:18, 19) The demons believe.... I wonder if they will be saved. Of course not; simply believing doesn’t change anything, only belief that causes us to change, to act is the belief referred to here.
Lastly, Paul tells us that the salvation that is brought through the wonderful gospel of Jesus is for the Jew and the Gentile. Everyone receives the same salvation! (read Romans 2: 6-11) It took the apostles a little while and some direct communication from God to understand that the net had been enlarged and would now bring a harvest of souls from the entire world. The great commission communicated it (Matthew 28:19), but they didn't understand it until Peter met Cornelius. (Acts 10) You and I, if we are non-Jews should greatly rejoice when we read this verse. Without Jesus, without His sacrifice and without that sacrifice being for all people, we would be lost and without hope in this world. But God had a better plan… the gospel. And contained in that gospel message is salvation for everyone, for the Jew first and then for the Gentile.
Good news? Great news! So let's get busy telling it, unless we are ashamed. Am I ashamed of the gospel or will I open my mouth and communicate the eternity changing plan that contains God's power? May God bless you as you tell it to friends, family, strangers.... everyone.
In the first chapter, Paul gives us one of his most often quoted verses. "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile." (v 16) This verse causes a person with an honest heart to question whether or not they are ashamed of the gospel of Jesus. Do we keep it to ourselves because of fear of rejection? Do we, at some level believe that people think it is silly to believe in a God that we cannot see? Are we ashamed to tell others about a crucified and risen Savior that died to take away the sins of man? Do I take every opportunity that God gives me to communicate the most important message that a person will ever hear? Tough questions! How do we answer?
Secondly, Paul tells us that God's power to save is contained in the gospel. The only means of salvation is found in the gospel message! Can God go outside of that means of salvation? I guess He has the ability to do that, but He seems to have tied His own hands in this matter. "Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6) Next, Paul tells us that our part in this salvation is belief. This belief is not merely a mental ascent.... the Greek word translated “believes" takes into account that when we believe we act on what we have learned. James drives this message home in the second chapter of his book. "Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder." (James 2:18, 19) The demons believe.... I wonder if they will be saved. Of course not; simply believing doesn’t change anything, only belief that causes us to change, to act is the belief referred to here.
Lastly, Paul tells us that the salvation that is brought through the wonderful gospel of Jesus is for the Jew and the Gentile. Everyone receives the same salvation! (read Romans 2: 6-11) It took the apostles a little while and some direct communication from God to understand that the net had been enlarged and would now bring a harvest of souls from the entire world. The great commission communicated it (Matthew 28:19), but they didn't understand it until Peter met Cornelius. (Acts 10) You and I, if we are non-Jews should greatly rejoice when we read this verse. Without Jesus, without His sacrifice and without that sacrifice being for all people, we would be lost and without hope in this world. But God had a better plan… the gospel. And contained in that gospel message is salvation for everyone, for the Jew first and then for the Gentile.
Good news? Great news! So let's get busy telling it, unless we are ashamed. Am I ashamed of the gospel or will I open my mouth and communicate the eternity changing plan that contains God's power? May God bless you as you tell it to friends, family, strangers.... everyone.
Monday, December 5, 2011
The Lord's Supper
1 Corinthians 1:17-34 gives us great insight into the Lord's Supper. Jesus had commanded the apostles to keep the Supper and we see that they passed on the directive to churches as they established them. In Acts 2:42, we see that the first church, established on Pentecost in Jerusalem, "devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers". So from the very beginning, the Lord's Supper figured front and center in the assembly of the saints.
In his letter to the church in Corinth, Paul corrects some abuses that had entered into the fellowship about the Supper. Beginning in verse 17, he tells them that their meetings (Sunday assemblies) do more harm than good. Not a good commentary on their worship service! He points out that they had divisions among them. This is not hard to understand as we see this today in many churches. People want things their way and will divide based on many things: socioeconomic, racial, age, opinion, ethnic, etc. I guess this will always be true as long as people put their wants ahead of others needs.
Next Paul addresses the issue of the Lord's Supper. He tells them that when they come together each week that it is "not the Lord's Supper that they eat." (verse 20) They are eating the Supper without waiting on others to arrive, leaving nothing for them. The Supper had become a time of gluttony and they had forgotten that it was a time of remembrance. They had forgotten that it was a time of self-examination, a time of unity of the body. Paul makes it clear that we can, by our actions distort the Supper to the point that it no longer has the meaning that Jesus intended. (read the chapter) He reminds them of Jesus' words as He gave them and us this special time of unity that we partake of each week. We call it communion; think about that word and what it communicates.
On the doctrine side of things, it is clear from these verses as well as several others (and history), that the early church made the Lord's Supper a weekly celebration. Many today do it quarterly or even annually. Many today make the "Christmas" celebration a much bigger deal; even though it is clearly a manmade "holiday". Jesus asked us to remember Him and His death by taking the supper each Lord's Day. He never asked us to celebrate His birth. Now understand, I have no issue with remembering His birth, (His birth is recorded in the Bible) I just have a big issue with not remembering Him the way He commanded.
I would encourage us to think about these things next Sunday. Are we dealing with our brothers and sisters in a way that makes the Supper something other than what Jesus intended? Are we keeping the Supper each Sunday? Are we divided or united as we break the bread and share the cup? If we are struggling with any of these issues, may we reconsider our conduct and refocus on our Savior as share in His body and blood.
In his letter to the church in Corinth, Paul corrects some abuses that had entered into the fellowship about the Supper. Beginning in verse 17, he tells them that their meetings (Sunday assemblies) do more harm than good. Not a good commentary on their worship service! He points out that they had divisions among them. This is not hard to understand as we see this today in many churches. People want things their way and will divide based on many things: socioeconomic, racial, age, opinion, ethnic, etc. I guess this will always be true as long as people put their wants ahead of others needs.
Next Paul addresses the issue of the Lord's Supper. He tells them that when they come together each week that it is "not the Lord's Supper that they eat." (verse 20) They are eating the Supper without waiting on others to arrive, leaving nothing for them. The Supper had become a time of gluttony and they had forgotten that it was a time of remembrance. They had forgotten that it was a time of self-examination, a time of unity of the body. Paul makes it clear that we can, by our actions distort the Supper to the point that it no longer has the meaning that Jesus intended. (read the chapter) He reminds them of Jesus' words as He gave them and us this special time of unity that we partake of each week. We call it communion; think about that word and what it communicates.
On the doctrine side of things, it is clear from these verses as well as several others (and history), that the early church made the Lord's Supper a weekly celebration. Many today do it quarterly or even annually. Many today make the "Christmas" celebration a much bigger deal; even though it is clearly a manmade "holiday". Jesus asked us to remember Him and His death by taking the supper each Lord's Day. He never asked us to celebrate His birth. Now understand, I have no issue with remembering His birth, (His birth is recorded in the Bible) I just have a big issue with not remembering Him the way He commanded.
I would encourage us to think about these things next Sunday. Are we dealing with our brothers and sisters in a way that makes the Supper something other than what Jesus intended? Are we keeping the Supper each Sunday? Are we divided or united as we break the bread and share the cup? If we are struggling with any of these issues, may we reconsider our conduct and refocus on our Savior as share in His body and blood.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
"Then what baptism did you receive?"
(Acts 18-19)
Today's reading contains a telling of a story that might confuse many. At the end of Chapter 18, we are introduced to Apollos, a Jew who had been taught by either John the baptizer or one of his disciples. He was proclaiming the good news of Jesus and doing so "accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John" (Acts 18:25) He comes to Ephesus and begins to "speak boldly in the synagogue." When two Christians, Aquila and Priscilla "heard him, the invited him to their home and explained to him the way of the Lord more adequately." (v 26)
There are several things we can learn from this encounter, first we see a preacher who needed conversion. Apollos was clearly a fine man, well schooled in the scriptures, but he had not learned about being baptized into Christ. He taught accurately about Jesus, but was teaching error about baptism. Secondly, we see that Apollos was a man with an awesome heart. Although he was well educated and knew the scriptures, he didn't think he knew it all. He held firm convictions, but when he was presented with truth, he listened. He loved truth and truth was more important to him than pride. These are rare qualities in a man. After his conversion, he was of great help to the disciples and helped convert many to Jesus.
In Chapter 19, we are introduced to some "disciples" of John the baptizer in Ephesus. Again, they had either been taught by Apollos (many believe this) or some other disciple of John. Paul encounters them and immediately ascertains their spiritual status. He asks them questions that make it clear what their current condition is. His first question is “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” Simple question with eternal consequences. No one is a Christian without the Spirit. (Acts 2:38, Rom. 8:9, Tit. 3:5, Heb. 6:4) When they respond that they did not know that the Spirit was given, Paul moves to the next question, “Then what baptism did you receive?” (v 3) Paul understands that the Spirit is given in baptism (Acts 2:38) and so he questions their baptism. They respond that they only knew of John's baptism.
Luke gives us the "Readers Digest" version of Paul's teaching, but he records their response to what they heard. "On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus." (v 5) The twelve men who had been baptized into John's baptism were baptized again, this time into Christ. Why? If baptism means little or nothing and they had already been wet once, why do it again? Why had Paul connected their lack of having the Spirit to the baptism that they had obeyed?
John 3:5 tells us that "no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit." Paul understood that even though they knew about Jesus and even though they had been immersed into John's baptism, they were not yet Christians. (unless someone can be a Christian without having the Spirit) Again, like Apollos, we see that these twelve men were more concerned with obeying the good news than debating with Paul. Each of them were baptized again, this time for the remission of sin, in the name of Jesus. They were men of sincere hearts, wanting to be obedient to the truth regardless of the personal costs. Embarrassment... who cares when we are talking about eternity. Pride..... all of us only know what we have been taught. They wanted to be right with the Lord! I like that!
May we all be just like these thirteen men. May we be willing to change our beliefs whenever we find them in conflict with the scriptures. May we put aside pride and accept the pure truth of the Gospel. If you are like these men, if you find that you have been taught something that conflicts with God's word, make it right, make it right now!
Today's reading contains a telling of a story that might confuse many. At the end of Chapter 18, we are introduced to Apollos, a Jew who had been taught by either John the baptizer or one of his disciples. He was proclaiming the good news of Jesus and doing so "accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John" (Acts 18:25) He comes to Ephesus and begins to "speak boldly in the synagogue." When two Christians, Aquila and Priscilla "heard him, the invited him to their home and explained to him the way of the Lord more adequately." (v 26)
There are several things we can learn from this encounter, first we see a preacher who needed conversion. Apollos was clearly a fine man, well schooled in the scriptures, but he had not learned about being baptized into Christ. He taught accurately about Jesus, but was teaching error about baptism. Secondly, we see that Apollos was a man with an awesome heart. Although he was well educated and knew the scriptures, he didn't think he knew it all. He held firm convictions, but when he was presented with truth, he listened. He loved truth and truth was more important to him than pride. These are rare qualities in a man. After his conversion, he was of great help to the disciples and helped convert many to Jesus.
In Chapter 19, we are introduced to some "disciples" of John the baptizer in Ephesus. Again, they had either been taught by Apollos (many believe this) or some other disciple of John. Paul encounters them and immediately ascertains their spiritual status. He asks them questions that make it clear what their current condition is. His first question is “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” Simple question with eternal consequences. No one is a Christian without the Spirit. (Acts 2:38, Rom. 8:9, Tit. 3:5, Heb. 6:4) When they respond that they did not know that the Spirit was given, Paul moves to the next question, “Then what baptism did you receive?” (v 3) Paul understands that the Spirit is given in baptism (Acts 2:38) and so he questions their baptism. They respond that they only knew of John's baptism.
Luke gives us the "Readers Digest" version of Paul's teaching, but he records their response to what they heard. "On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus." (v 5) The twelve men who had been baptized into John's baptism were baptized again, this time into Christ. Why? If baptism means little or nothing and they had already been wet once, why do it again? Why had Paul connected their lack of having the Spirit to the baptism that they had obeyed?
John 3:5 tells us that "no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit." Paul understood that even though they knew about Jesus and even though they had been immersed into John's baptism, they were not yet Christians. (unless someone can be a Christian without having the Spirit) Again, like Apollos, we see that these twelve men were more concerned with obeying the good news than debating with Paul. Each of them were baptized again, this time for the remission of sin, in the name of Jesus. They were men of sincere hearts, wanting to be obedient to the truth regardless of the personal costs. Embarrassment... who cares when we are talking about eternity. Pride..... all of us only know what we have been taught. They wanted to be right with the Lord! I like that!
May we all be just like these thirteen men. May we be willing to change our beliefs whenever we find them in conflict with the scriptures. May we put aside pride and accept the pure truth of the Gospel. If you are like these men, if you find that you have been taught something that conflicts with God's word, make it right, make it right now!
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
You Should Be Sanctified
Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians is filled with encouragement and instruction. He gives them assurance in the face of persecution and hope as they face death. In other words, hope in this life and the next. We need that, don't we. Sometimes it seems that life closes in and we can forget why we first believed and why we hold onto our faith. Life's curve balls can do that to us.
Paul calls their attention (and ours) to how they were to live in order to please God. In order to please God! He reminds them that their conduct should be based on the instruction they received "by the authority of the Lord Jesus". (ch4, v2) The Christians in Thessalonica were to be sanctified, set apart from the world. They were to live in world, but not be of the world. "It is God’s will that you should be sanctified". (ch4,v3) What does that look like? What does that mean to you and me? Thankfully, Paul doesn't leave this to our imagination; he gives us instruction on how to live "sanctified".
We are not to be "impure, but to live a holy life." (v7) This holy life is demonstrated through how we treat our fellow man and what we do with our bodies. Paul tells us that "each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable". (v4) We are to live sexually pure lives, controlling our lusts. That does not seem to be a popular lifestyle these days and I guess it was the same during Paul's life as well. He makes it clear that the Christian is to live a chaste, holy life that demonstrates the fact that we belong to God and His Spirit lives in us. What we do with our bodies matters! God gave us these vessels to live honorably and bring him glory.
"No one should wrong his brother or take advantage of him." (v6) How we treat other people matters! God calls us to great relationships. The world runs on people taking advantage of one another. Christians, on the other hand are to "look out for the interests of others". Our conduct toward our fellow man is to bring glory to God. When we treat others with dignity and respect, we are a living demonstration of God's love. When we use others for our own benefit, we are living by the world's precepts. The second greatest command is for us to love people and when we love people, we will tell them the wonderful story of Jesus and the salvation that He delivered to us.
"For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit." (v7,8) Our purity of life is a demonstration of the Spirit living in us. Conversely, a life that is lived unholy is a rejection of God. Paul reminds us that we are called to live by a higher standard, the standard set by our Creator. May each of us examine our lives and make the changes needed to live honorably and holy.
Paul calls their attention (and ours) to how they were to live in order to please God. In order to please God! He reminds them that their conduct should be based on the instruction they received "by the authority of the Lord Jesus". (ch4, v2) The Christians in Thessalonica were to be sanctified, set apart from the world. They were to live in world, but not be of the world. "It is God’s will that you should be sanctified". (ch4,v3) What does that look like? What does that mean to you and me? Thankfully, Paul doesn't leave this to our imagination; he gives us instruction on how to live "sanctified".
We are not to be "impure, but to live a holy life." (v7) This holy life is demonstrated through how we treat our fellow man and what we do with our bodies. Paul tells us that "each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable". (v4) We are to live sexually pure lives, controlling our lusts. That does not seem to be a popular lifestyle these days and I guess it was the same during Paul's life as well. He makes it clear that the Christian is to live a chaste, holy life that demonstrates the fact that we belong to God and His Spirit lives in us. What we do with our bodies matters! God gave us these vessels to live honorably and bring him glory.
"No one should wrong his brother or take advantage of him." (v6) How we treat other people matters! God calls us to great relationships. The world runs on people taking advantage of one another. Christians, on the other hand are to "look out for the interests of others". Our conduct toward our fellow man is to bring glory to God. When we treat others with dignity and respect, we are a living demonstration of God's love. When we use others for our own benefit, we are living by the world's precepts. The second greatest command is for us to love people and when we love people, we will tell them the wonderful story of Jesus and the salvation that He delivered to us.
"For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit." (v7,8) Our purity of life is a demonstration of the Spirit living in us. Conversely, a life that is lived unholy is a rejection of God. Paul reminds us that we are called to live by a higher standard, the standard set by our Creator. May each of us examine our lives and make the changes needed to live honorably and holy.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Second Missionary Journey
(Acts 15-17)
Paul decides to return to the churches that had been established during his first mission trip to check on their progress. He and Barnabus had a dispute about taking John Mark with them and they separate. They separate as brothers and both go to do God's work in different places. We meet Timothy, a disciple from Derbe who figures large in Paul’s life from this point forward.
We read of the churches being strengthened as Paul, Silas and Timothy visit and bring additional teaching and understanding. As they travel, we are introduced to new converts to Jesus and new churches are established as they go from city to city. Of course, at this time there was only one church with one message, so if we look at what they did and what they believed, we will get the truth of the matter.
Jews are going to the churches that Paul had established, stirring up trouble, telling them that Paul is not an apostle and that they must continue to live under the Law of Moses. Paul deals with this charge and makes it plain that those that live under the covenant of Jesus are no longer under the old law. (Read his letter to the church in Galatia)
We get to meet "Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira". (Acts 16:14) She is a worshipper of God and listens to Paul teach about Jesus. We are told that "the Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message" and that "she and the members of her household were baptized." (v 15) What a blessing for us to see people becoming Christians and know that if we do what they did, we become Christians just the same. We can become part of God's story just like Lydia did.
Next we meet a slave girl possessed by a spirit. She follows Paul and his companions as they teach, yelling that "These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved" (v 17). Without a doubt, this became annoying to Paul and he cast out the spirit from her. This angered the men that had been using her for profit and they had Paul and Silas arrested. They are taken and "severely flogged" and "thrown into prison"(v 23). They are taken to an inner cell and their feet are placed in stocks.
I don't know about you, but for me this would be a low point in my life.... arrested, beaten, severely flogged and in prison in stocks. But Paul finds this to be a time for worshipping God. We find him and Silas praying and singing at midnight. The other prisoners are listening to them... I wonder what they were thinking. Something truly amazing comes out of this situation... the prison is shaken and the doors fly open. The jailor wakes up to find the doors open and thinks that he has lost his prisoners. He prepares to kill himself, but Paul speaks up and saves his life.
Paul "speaks the word of the Lord" to him and his household and just like Lydia... "Immediately he and all his family were baptized" (v 33) I love that... after midnight, he comes to believe in God and is baptized for the remission of his sins and becomes a Christian. Same story over and over in Acts. People believe the message and make the life changing decision to make Jesus the Lord of their lives; they are immersed in the waters of baptism and are added to the church. Everywhere Paul went, the same story.... people heard the life-changing message of Jesus and made the decision to follow Him. Churches were established and grew as the gospel message was taught.
If this is not your story, you must ask yourself why. Why did you not come to Jesus the same way as Lydia, the jailor, Simon, the Ethiopian man, Saul and the 3000 on Pentecost? Are there many different gospels? Are the thousands of churches that exist today a product of people that want things their way? Jesus said "I will build my church". Are you a member of the church that He built or are you a member of a church that someone else built? These are tough questions, but they are questions that each of us need to consider.
Read Acts 2:40-47. Those that were baptized were added to their number and the Lord added to their number daily those that were being saved. Have you been added to their number, those that are saved? If not, don't wait. If you believe in the Lord and want to live with Him eternally, send me a message and I will provide you with the information that you need to respond just like Lydia and all the others did.
Paul decides to return to the churches that had been established during his first mission trip to check on their progress. He and Barnabus had a dispute about taking John Mark with them and they separate. They separate as brothers and both go to do God's work in different places. We meet Timothy, a disciple from Derbe who figures large in Paul’s life from this point forward.
We read of the churches being strengthened as Paul, Silas and Timothy visit and bring additional teaching and understanding. As they travel, we are introduced to new converts to Jesus and new churches are established as they go from city to city. Of course, at this time there was only one church with one message, so if we look at what they did and what they believed, we will get the truth of the matter.
Jews are going to the churches that Paul had established, stirring up trouble, telling them that Paul is not an apostle and that they must continue to live under the Law of Moses. Paul deals with this charge and makes it plain that those that live under the covenant of Jesus are no longer under the old law. (Read his letter to the church in Galatia)
We get to meet "Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira". (Acts 16:14) She is a worshipper of God and listens to Paul teach about Jesus. We are told that "the Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message" and that "she and the members of her household were baptized." (v 15) What a blessing for us to see people becoming Christians and know that if we do what they did, we become Christians just the same. We can become part of God's story just like Lydia did.
Next we meet a slave girl possessed by a spirit. She follows Paul and his companions as they teach, yelling that "These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved" (v 17). Without a doubt, this became annoying to Paul and he cast out the spirit from her. This angered the men that had been using her for profit and they had Paul and Silas arrested. They are taken and "severely flogged" and "thrown into prison"(v 23). They are taken to an inner cell and their feet are placed in stocks.
I don't know about you, but for me this would be a low point in my life.... arrested, beaten, severely flogged and in prison in stocks. But Paul finds this to be a time for worshipping God. We find him and Silas praying and singing at midnight. The other prisoners are listening to them... I wonder what they were thinking. Something truly amazing comes out of this situation... the prison is shaken and the doors fly open. The jailor wakes up to find the doors open and thinks that he has lost his prisoners. He prepares to kill himself, but Paul speaks up and saves his life.
Paul "speaks the word of the Lord" to him and his household and just like Lydia... "Immediately he and all his family were baptized" (v 33) I love that... after midnight, he comes to believe in God and is baptized for the remission of his sins and becomes a Christian. Same story over and over in Acts. People believe the message and make the life changing decision to make Jesus the Lord of their lives; they are immersed in the waters of baptism and are added to the church. Everywhere Paul went, the same story.... people heard the life-changing message of Jesus and made the decision to follow Him. Churches were established and grew as the gospel message was taught.
If this is not your story, you must ask yourself why. Why did you not come to Jesus the same way as Lydia, the jailor, Simon, the Ethiopian man, Saul and the 3000 on Pentecost? Are there many different gospels? Are the thousands of churches that exist today a product of people that want things their way? Jesus said "I will build my church". Are you a member of the church that He built or are you a member of a church that someone else built? These are tough questions, but they are questions that each of us need to consider.
Read Acts 2:40-47. Those that were baptized were added to their number and the Lord added to their number daily those that were being saved. Have you been added to their number, those that are saved? If not, don't wait. If you believe in the Lord and want to live with Him eternally, send me a message and I will provide you with the information that you need to respond just like Lydia and all the others did.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
The Good News and Persecution
(Todays reading - Acts 8,9)
In Acts 1:8, Jesus tells His disciples that they would be His "witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." I am not sure they understood His "great commission", because they seemed totally happy to stay in Jerusalem and teach. But God had other plans, plans that extend to you and me.
"On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria." (Acts 8:1) So Acts 1:8 found it's fulfillment in Acts 8:1. In verse 4, we are told that those that were scattered went everywhere preaching the word. Philip, one of the seven from chapter 6, went to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the gospel of Christ; the same gospel that Peter preached on the day of Pentecost and the same gospel that had been preached throughout Jerusalem. And their response was the same, "but when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women." (v 12)
Here we are introduced to Simon the sorcerer. He was the David Copperfield of his day and he amazed the people with his "magic". When he heard the gospel message of Jesus, "Simon himself believed and was baptized." (v 13) The exact same words are used to describe his conversion as all the others in Acts, so without some other evidence, Simon became a Christian the same as the others in Samaria. That is important for you and me. Why? Well, what he does next demonstrates several important things.
The apostles arrive in Samaria to pass on the miraculous gifts of the Spirit. Simon sees them pass on this gift by laying their hands on people. He wants to have that power also and offers money to purchase the ability. (v 18, 19) Important Point #1 - Only the apostles have the ability to give someone the ability to perform miracles. Philip, who was a great preacher and one of the "seven”, was unable to do this, so Peter and John went to Samaria to pass on the gifts to enable the people there to teach with the confirmation of miracles. When the last apostle died, the ability to pass on miraculous powers died with them and when the last person that the apostles had given that power to died, the ability to perform miracles died with them.
Peter responds to Simons request with a straight forward rebuke. “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.” (v 20-23) Important point #2 - After we become Christians, we still sin and have the ability to lose our salvation. Simon is told that because of his sin, he will perish. The word translated perish is much stronger than the English translation, what Peter tells him is "may your silver go with you into eternal destruction". Some will say Simon was never saved, but the text says otherwise. He was converted the same as everyone else in Samaria, he believed and was baptized. (read Hebrews 6:1-6; 10:26-31)
Peter tells Simon to "repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord". (v 22) Important Point # 3 - As Christians, we have access to God and can pray for forgiveness when we sin. Simon has the ability to repent of his wickedness and pray for forgiveness. That is great news to us because no matter how good we think we are as Christians.... we are still sinners in need of forgiveness and that forgiveness is available upon repentance and prayer. (read 1 John 1:5-10) Simon turns from his wickedness and asks for the prayers of the apostles. Another interesting note... the word simony finds its origin here. (look it up)
The eighth chapter closes with the story of a man from Ethiopia who is taught the gospel of Jesus and makes the decision to follow him while riding along in a chariot. I love this story. It is the story of an honest heart. He was a Jew that had been to Jerusalem to worship and on his way home is taught by Philip. Not many hearts are this honest and will respond immediately to the good news. As they ride along, they come to a stream. He commands the chariot to stop and he and Philip go down into the water and he is baptized. He believed and was baptized. Philip is called away and he goes on his way rejoicing. Wet to the bone, riding along rejoicing that he has found his Savior. No excuses, I have a long trip, I will be baptized later. He understood the need for forgiveness and wanted it right then and he got it.
In Acts 1:8, Jesus tells His disciples that they would be His "witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." I am not sure they understood His "great commission", because they seemed totally happy to stay in Jerusalem and teach. But God had other plans, plans that extend to you and me.
"On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria." (Acts 8:1) So Acts 1:8 found it's fulfillment in Acts 8:1. In verse 4, we are told that those that were scattered went everywhere preaching the word. Philip, one of the seven from chapter 6, went to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the gospel of Christ; the same gospel that Peter preached on the day of Pentecost and the same gospel that had been preached throughout Jerusalem. And their response was the same, "but when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women." (v 12)
Here we are introduced to Simon the sorcerer. He was the David Copperfield of his day and he amazed the people with his "magic". When he heard the gospel message of Jesus, "Simon himself believed and was baptized." (v 13) The exact same words are used to describe his conversion as all the others in Acts, so without some other evidence, Simon became a Christian the same as the others in Samaria. That is important for you and me. Why? Well, what he does next demonstrates several important things.
The apostles arrive in Samaria to pass on the miraculous gifts of the Spirit. Simon sees them pass on this gift by laying their hands on people. He wants to have that power also and offers money to purchase the ability. (v 18, 19) Important Point #1 - Only the apostles have the ability to give someone the ability to perform miracles. Philip, who was a great preacher and one of the "seven”, was unable to do this, so Peter and John went to Samaria to pass on the gifts to enable the people there to teach with the confirmation of miracles. When the last apostle died, the ability to pass on miraculous powers died with them and when the last person that the apostles had given that power to died, the ability to perform miracles died with them.
Peter responds to Simons request with a straight forward rebuke. “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.” (v 20-23) Important point #2 - After we become Christians, we still sin and have the ability to lose our salvation. Simon is told that because of his sin, he will perish. The word translated perish is much stronger than the English translation, what Peter tells him is "may your silver go with you into eternal destruction". Some will say Simon was never saved, but the text says otherwise. He was converted the same as everyone else in Samaria, he believed and was baptized. (read Hebrews 6:1-6; 10:26-31)
Peter tells Simon to "repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord". (v 22) Important Point # 3 - As Christians, we have access to God and can pray for forgiveness when we sin. Simon has the ability to repent of his wickedness and pray for forgiveness. That is great news to us because no matter how good we think we are as Christians.... we are still sinners in need of forgiveness and that forgiveness is available upon repentance and prayer. (read 1 John 1:5-10) Simon turns from his wickedness and asks for the prayers of the apostles. Another interesting note... the word simony finds its origin here. (look it up)
The eighth chapter closes with the story of a man from Ethiopia who is taught the gospel of Jesus and makes the decision to follow him while riding along in a chariot. I love this story. It is the story of an honest heart. He was a Jew that had been to Jerusalem to worship and on his way home is taught by Philip. Not many hearts are this honest and will respond immediately to the good news. As they ride along, they come to a stream. He commands the chariot to stop and he and Philip go down into the water and he is baptized. He believed and was baptized. Philip is called away and he goes on his way rejoicing. Wet to the bone, riding along rejoicing that he has found his Savior. No excuses, I have a long trip, I will be baptized later. He understood the need for forgiveness and wanted it right then and he got it.
Chapter 9 tells the story of Saul’s conversion. Same story as all the others, he believed and was baptized. (also read his account of his conversion in Acts 22) Many say that he was converted on the road to Damascus and I agree that he met the Lord there. But he was not a Christian until Ananias came and taught him the gospel. His sins were not forgiven until he obeyed the gospel. (22:16) I like the words to the Toby Mac song.... "Since I got that call, no more Saul, now I'm Paul". No more Saul.... now I'm Paul. I like that, after his encounter with the Christ, he was changed so completely that he even got a new name. May it be so with us, may we be changed so radically that the people who know us best ask us who we are. Better yet, whose we are. God bless you as you walk in Him.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
"A Man Full of Faith"
In Acts 6, we read that the church has grown dramatically and with the growth, problems have arisen. Some feel that they are not receiving adequate attention and complain to the Apostles. They in turn decide to appoint seven men to serve the needs of the people. They select men that are "known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom" and turn over this work to them so that they can continue to teach and preach. One of these men was "Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit".
We hardly get to know Stephen before we see just what kind of man he is. He is going around doing "great wonders and miraculous signs" when the Jewish leaders confront him. They cannot defeat his wisdom, so they plot to silence him in another way. They bring him before the Sanhedrin and make false claims against him. All the while, Stephen sits quietly and is at peace. "All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel." (v 15)
He is finally given the chance to speak and he follows the example of the Master. He gives them scripture! He tells them the story of Abraham, Jacob, Joseph and Moses. He reminds them that the Jews had been a rebellious people throughout the ages and always rejected God and His prophets. Then in closing, he tells them that they are responsible for Jesus' death. This didn't sit well with the people. When people are confronted with their guilt, they respond one of two ways... sorrow and repentance or anger and retaliation. These people chose anger and retaliation.
Stephen is taken out of the city and stoned to death. I don't know much about stoning, but I can imagine the pain of each rock hitting my body. Each stone tearing a chunk of flesh from my head, my face. Slowly, each blow begins to take its toll, until my body collapses and the final blow of a large stone crushes my skull and I die. There I am, bloodied and beaten; the piles of rocks that have taken my life surround me and the frenzied crowd cheering. That is what Stephen endured. That is what his faith in Jesus cost him.
Two things jump put at me in today's reading. First, Stephen tells us that "he looked up to Heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God." (v 55) I am thankful that Luke records that for me. My heart rejoices to know that our Savior, our Master rose to His feet when His servant Stephen faced death for his faith. Not many get to see Heaven open in this life, but Stephen did. He paid a tremendous price for his beliefs, but it was worth it all to see the Son. Yes, his physical life ended on that day, but Stephen understood that this was not the end; rather, this was just the beginning. And for his faithfulness, Stephen got a standing ovation from the creator of the universe. Not bad!
Second, just before Stephen dies, he prays for those that are murdering him. (sound familiar?) In the midst of the skull shattering pain, Stephen hits his knees to pray for the people that are killing him. I am convicted by what I read here. I want to be like that. I want to "love my enemies and pray for those that persecute me." (Matthew 5:44) That is what Jesus told me to do, us to do. If I am truly His disciple, then I will follow Stephens’s example and live out the message of love taught by my Savior.
Chances are we will never have to die for our faith. But what we can learn from Stephen is this.... whatever situation we may find ourselves, demonstrate love! Show them Jesus! When you stand for your faith, when you are confronted and do not surrender, Jesus stands for you. And when people persecute you, hit your knees and beg God to open their hearts to the life changing gospel of the Christ. I thank God for Stephen. What an example we are given in a few verses in a couple of chapters in the book of Acts. He was "a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit"!
We hardly get to know Stephen before we see just what kind of man he is. He is going around doing "great wonders and miraculous signs" when the Jewish leaders confront him. They cannot defeat his wisdom, so they plot to silence him in another way. They bring him before the Sanhedrin and make false claims against him. All the while, Stephen sits quietly and is at peace. "All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel." (v 15)
He is finally given the chance to speak and he follows the example of the Master. He gives them scripture! He tells them the story of Abraham, Jacob, Joseph and Moses. He reminds them that the Jews had been a rebellious people throughout the ages and always rejected God and His prophets. Then in closing, he tells them that they are responsible for Jesus' death. This didn't sit well with the people. When people are confronted with their guilt, they respond one of two ways... sorrow and repentance or anger and retaliation. These people chose anger and retaliation.
Stephen is taken out of the city and stoned to death. I don't know much about stoning, but I can imagine the pain of each rock hitting my body. Each stone tearing a chunk of flesh from my head, my face. Slowly, each blow begins to take its toll, until my body collapses and the final blow of a large stone crushes my skull and I die. There I am, bloodied and beaten; the piles of rocks that have taken my life surround me and the frenzied crowd cheering. That is what Stephen endured. That is what his faith in Jesus cost him.
Two things jump put at me in today's reading. First, Stephen tells us that "he looked up to Heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God." (v 55) I am thankful that Luke records that for me. My heart rejoices to know that our Savior, our Master rose to His feet when His servant Stephen faced death for his faith. Not many get to see Heaven open in this life, but Stephen did. He paid a tremendous price for his beliefs, but it was worth it all to see the Son. Yes, his physical life ended on that day, but Stephen understood that this was not the end; rather, this was just the beginning. And for his faithfulness, Stephen got a standing ovation from the creator of the universe. Not bad!
Second, just before Stephen dies, he prays for those that are murdering him. (sound familiar?) In the midst of the skull shattering pain, Stephen hits his knees to pray for the people that are killing him. I am convicted by what I read here. I want to be like that. I want to "love my enemies and pray for those that persecute me." (Matthew 5:44) That is what Jesus told me to do, us to do. If I am truly His disciple, then I will follow Stephens’s example and live out the message of love taught by my Savior.
Chances are we will never have to die for our faith. But what we can learn from Stephen is this.... whatever situation we may find ourselves, demonstrate love! Show them Jesus! When you stand for your faith, when you are confronted and do not surrender, Jesus stands for you. And when people persecute you, hit your knees and beg God to open their hearts to the life changing gospel of the Christ. I thank God for Stephen. What an example we are given in a few verses in a couple of chapters in the book of Acts. He was "a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit"!
Monday, November 21, 2011
"Brothers, what shall we do?"
Last week’s reading was difficult. Jesus died. No, He was murdered. If the story ended there, we would not be talking about it today. If His body was still in the tomb, the story would be over. But it isn't and so we have something to tell our friends and neighbors. "For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve." (1 Corinthians 15:3-5) The Bible calls it the gospel, the good news... Jesus died to take away our sin and its consequences. He was buried and remained in the tomb for three days to fulfill prophecy. He was resurrected to demonstrate His divinity and give us the hope of life after our own deaths. That is good news and it must be shared!
The Apostles stay in Jerusalem waiting for Jesus to send His Spirit. Fifty days after His resurrection, the Spirit arrives and the world is changed. (Acts 2) The day is called Pentecost, a time of celebration for the Jews. It is the celebration of "first fruits". I like that; on the day of the celebration of first fruits, the first fruits of the Kingdom of Christ are harvested. Jews from every nation are in Jerusalem for the party and the Spirit enables the Apostles to speak to each of them in their native language and they hear the story of Jesus and are confronted by their guilt.
They are guilty of His death even though many of them were not in Jerusalem at the time of His crucifixion. They were guilty the same as you and I are guilty.... their sin, our sin is what put Jesus on the cross. We bear the responsibility for His death. You and I and them, we all stand before the cross of Christ and see the consequence of our sinfulness. And just like them, if we understand our guilt, our hearts will be cut. And just like them, we must ask "Brothers, what shall we do?". (Acts 2:37) What shall we do about our guilt? What shall we do about our sin? What shall we do about our responsibility for the death of an innocent man?
In the midst of this scene, people with broken hearts and guilty hands, Peter stands up to give them God's answer to their question, His remedy for our sin problem. For many, the prescription for the sickness is not acceptable. For many, Peter's words are not sufficient. And for some reading this today, you will not accept the simple way that we are to respond to the gut wrenching, heart rending gospel of Jesus the Christ. Here we go.... Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” (Acts 2:38) That is it!
Our response to the gospel of Christ is to change our direction and start following Him; we must repent. And then we are to be immersed in water for the forgiveness of our sins. Of course the water doesn't remove the sin; I know that. Our obedience to God is the key here. He calls on us to repent and be immersed and in our obedience to Him, our sins are washed away and we receive the gift of the Spirit. Once we are cleaned up, our sins forgiven, God takes up residence in us. He comes to live with us. So there you have God's plan, we are to change our direction through repentance, we are to be baptized in water for the forgiveness of our sins and God comes to live in us. It is the plan revealed by Jesus before His ascension (Matthew 28:18, Mark 16:16). It is the plan revealed to Saul (before he was Paul) and the plan he obeyed (Acts 22:16). Take an hour and read through the book of Acts and look at the conversions. Same story, time after time. Repent and be baptized.
Many today reject that simple plan, substituting one created by humans. They call baptism a symbol, even though the Bible never calls it that. They tell us to pray Jesus into our hearts, even though the Bible never tells us that (not once). I don't know the outcome of all this; my hope is that all who love Jesus will be saved. That is my hope. The bigger question for us today is simply this... why not do what the Bible teaches? That is what they did for hundreds of years after His death, burial and resurrection. Take a moment to read the 6th chapter of Romans, the 2nd chapter of Colossians, the third chapter of 1 Peter. This is too important to leave to chance, this has eternal consequences. May we all be in prayer about this and seek to obey Him in all things.
The Apostles stay in Jerusalem waiting for Jesus to send His Spirit. Fifty days after His resurrection, the Spirit arrives and the world is changed. (Acts 2) The day is called Pentecost, a time of celebration for the Jews. It is the celebration of "first fruits". I like that; on the day of the celebration of first fruits, the first fruits of the Kingdom of Christ are harvested. Jews from every nation are in Jerusalem for the party and the Spirit enables the Apostles to speak to each of them in their native language and they hear the story of Jesus and are confronted by their guilt.
They are guilty of His death even though many of them were not in Jerusalem at the time of His crucifixion. They were guilty the same as you and I are guilty.... their sin, our sin is what put Jesus on the cross. We bear the responsibility for His death. You and I and them, we all stand before the cross of Christ and see the consequence of our sinfulness. And just like them, if we understand our guilt, our hearts will be cut. And just like them, we must ask "Brothers, what shall we do?". (Acts 2:37) What shall we do about our guilt? What shall we do about our sin? What shall we do about our responsibility for the death of an innocent man?
In the midst of this scene, people with broken hearts and guilty hands, Peter stands up to give them God's answer to their question, His remedy for our sin problem. For many, the prescription for the sickness is not acceptable. For many, Peter's words are not sufficient. And for some reading this today, you will not accept the simple way that we are to respond to the gut wrenching, heart rending gospel of Jesus the Christ. Here we go.... Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” (Acts 2:38) That is it!
Our response to the gospel of Christ is to change our direction and start following Him; we must repent. And then we are to be immersed in water for the forgiveness of our sins. Of course the water doesn't remove the sin; I know that. Our obedience to God is the key here. He calls on us to repent and be immersed and in our obedience to Him, our sins are washed away and we receive the gift of the Spirit. Once we are cleaned up, our sins forgiven, God takes up residence in us. He comes to live with us. So there you have God's plan, we are to change our direction through repentance, we are to be baptized in water for the forgiveness of our sins and God comes to live in us. It is the plan revealed by Jesus before His ascension (Matthew 28:18, Mark 16:16). It is the plan revealed to Saul (before he was Paul) and the plan he obeyed (Acts 22:16). Take an hour and read through the book of Acts and look at the conversions. Same story, time after time. Repent and be baptized.
Many today reject that simple plan, substituting one created by humans. They call baptism a symbol, even though the Bible never calls it that. They tell us to pray Jesus into our hearts, even though the Bible never tells us that (not once). I don't know the outcome of all this; my hope is that all who love Jesus will be saved. That is my hope. The bigger question for us today is simply this... why not do what the Bible teaches? That is what they did for hundreds of years after His death, burial and resurrection. Take a moment to read the 6th chapter of Romans, the 2nd chapter of Colossians, the third chapter of 1 Peter. This is too important to leave to chance, this has eternal consequences. May we all be in prayer about this and seek to obey Him in all things.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
There They Crucified Him
“There they crucified Him”. Four simple words that changed everything. Jesus had taught his disciples their last lesson and he had gone to Gethsemane to spend some quiet time with His Father. He prays for His followers, including you and me, for our safety, faithfulness, unity and an uncommon love to be shared among us. As death approached, He was struggling with what was to come, but in the midst of His struggles, He was thinking of us and praying for us.
He is betrayed by his own disciple and is taken captive by the Jews, who in turn place Him in the custody of the Roman Government. They accuse Him of crimes and demand His death. Pilate wants nothing to do with Jesus’ death, but finally gives in to the crowd's demands and hands Him over to his soldiers to be crucified. “Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him. They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand and knelt in front of him and mocked him. “Hail, king of the Jews!” they said. They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again.” (Matthew 27:27-30) Then they led Him out to a hill called Golgotha and “there they crucified Him” (Luke 22:33).
Having spent my entire life in the church, these words had lost some of their meaning, their impact. How many times have I heard or read about Jesus’ death? How many times have we sung the words to a song that talked about His crucifixion? How many times have you seen a cross around someone’s neck or on a church building? How many times have we looked through the windows in our building without seeing the crosses?
If we are not careful, our hearts can become dulled to the amazing meaning of those four words. We look at a cross and don’t even think about what it means to us. To non-Christians, the cross is a joke, even something to be ridiculed, but to us... it is the symbol of our victory. It was on a cross that Jesus paid the price for our failures and because He dealt with our sins, we have the gift of forgiveness. “There they crucified Him” because of me! We need to make it personal. “There my sin crucified Him”. “He was pierced for my transgressions, he was crushed for my iniquities; the punishment that brought me peace was upon him, and by his wounds I am healed.” (Isaiah 53:5, emphasis mine)
The next time I sing a song about His death, the next time you see a cross or the next time we read a scripture that deals with Jesus’ crucifixion, let us remember that He did it all for us! Jesus paid it all that I might live. Take a moment to read the words to "Jesus Paid It All" (922)" or "He Paid a Debt" (376) and slowly let the words settle into your heart. May we never allow the cross to be just jewelry or architectural decoration; may it always be the symbol of our hope, our savior. It was on that tree that my sins were forever forgiven by a living savior that willingly chose to die for me. Praise God!
Thursday, November 10, 2011
The Greatest Command
Sometimes I forget that Jesus told us that the Bible contained "the greatest command" and the "second". I start thinking that everything carries the same weight of importance; when I do that I get it wrong. If Jesus was able to sort through all the commands and give us the "most important commands", they demand our attention.
Jesus finds himself in a discussion with the religious leaders of His day and as usual, they are trying to trip Him up in hopes of discrediting Him. One of the teachers of the law heard His responses and saw wisdom in His answers and decided to test Him with a question. He asks Jesus "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" (Matthew 22:36) Now I don't know about you, but when Jesus speaks, I tend to listen. HE is "the way, the truth and the life" and He is the "word" and through Him "we know the truth and the truth sets us free". Since He is the "word", He is the one who can tell us which command is the most important. They all belong to Him!
So, Jesus, without hesitation tells us that the greatest command is "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind". (v 37) He then tells us that "love your neighbor as yourself" is the second greatest command. (v 39) Love God and love people. He goes on to say that every other command finds their origin, their basis in these two commands. He says they "hang" on these two commands. Without these two, the others lose their meaning. For example, a door is not a door if it is not hung on hinges that allow it to operate within the door frame. It loses it's purpose and has no function.
We are the same as the door, without love for God and love for people, what we do loses it's basis. Why do we worship only God? Why do we feed the hungry? Why do we help the sick? Why do we clothe the naked? Why do we tell the truth? Why are we faithful to our spouses? Simple answer, we love God and we love people. When I love God and love people, it changes what I think and how I act. It changes the purpose of my life. I am no longer a plank of wood, sitting on a shelf; I am a door swinging freely on the hinges of love for God and my fellow man.
What I do privately and what I do publicly demonstrates my love for God and people. What I think and how I speak flows from my love for God and people. Everything in my life (or as Jesus put it, my heart, soul, mind and strength) either shows the love that I have or it displays my lack of love. We all know people that display this kind of love. We want to be near them and have them touch our lives. If our lives display this uncommon love, people want us to be involved in their lives. Who we are is a direct correlation to whose we are. If our hearts belong to Jesus, our love for people will overflow. If anyone says, “I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.(1 John 4:20)
May we determine to make God the love of our lives and make our lives a tribute to Him as we love others. The next time someone asks you, "why are you different?", just tell them you live by the greatest commands ever given. They will want to know more..... and love demands that you tell them.
Jesus finds himself in a discussion with the religious leaders of His day and as usual, they are trying to trip Him up in hopes of discrediting Him. One of the teachers of the law heard His responses and saw wisdom in His answers and decided to test Him with a question. He asks Jesus "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" (Matthew 22:36) Now I don't know about you, but when Jesus speaks, I tend to listen. HE is "the way, the truth and the life" and He is the "word" and through Him "we know the truth and the truth sets us free". Since He is the "word", He is the one who can tell us which command is the most important. They all belong to Him!
So, Jesus, without hesitation tells us that the greatest command is "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind". (v 37) He then tells us that "love your neighbor as yourself" is the second greatest command. (v 39) Love God and love people. He goes on to say that every other command finds their origin, their basis in these two commands. He says they "hang" on these two commands. Without these two, the others lose their meaning. For example, a door is not a door if it is not hung on hinges that allow it to operate within the door frame. It loses it's purpose and has no function.
We are the same as the door, without love for God and love for people, what we do loses it's basis. Why do we worship only God? Why do we feed the hungry? Why do we help the sick? Why do we clothe the naked? Why do we tell the truth? Why are we faithful to our spouses? Simple answer, we love God and we love people. When I love God and love people, it changes what I think and how I act. It changes the purpose of my life. I am no longer a plank of wood, sitting on a shelf; I am a door swinging freely on the hinges of love for God and my fellow man.
What I do privately and what I do publicly demonstrates my love for God and people. What I think and how I speak flows from my love for God and people. Everything in my life (or as Jesus put it, my heart, soul, mind and strength) either shows the love that I have or it displays my lack of love. We all know people that display this kind of love. We want to be near them and have them touch our lives. If our lives display this uncommon love, people want us to be involved in their lives. Who we are is a direct correlation to whose we are. If our hearts belong to Jesus, our love for people will overflow. If anyone says, “I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.(1 John 4:20)
May we determine to make God the love of our lives and make our lives a tribute to Him as we love others. The next time someone asks you, "why are you different?", just tell them you live by the greatest commands ever given. They will want to know more..... and love demands that you tell them.
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