How are things going?
It's so easy for us to forget the blessings we have in Christ. Distractions abound. Especially in the holiday season. Martha of Bethany was even distracted by serving Jesus (Luke 10:38-42)!
This week is a perfect time to refocus and remember what we have as believers in Christ. When distractions come; when disappointment or suffering hits, LOOK to the Lord's promises...and give thanks.
I have 2 examples this week, both from Romans 8.
Number one: the Holy Spirit is praying for us! "the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words" (Romans 8:26, ESV).
Number two: Jesus is praying for us! "Christ Jesus is the one who died - more than that, who was raised - who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us" (Romans 8:34, ESV).
Wow! If you are a believer, you have a lot going for you! The Holy Spirit of the living God, and Jesus Christ the eternal Son of God, creator and sustainer of heaven and earth, are thinking about you, loving you, praying for you.
I've given you the first 2 items on your 'things to be thankful for' list. Now praise the Lord!!!
Monday, November 24, 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
What do you think about all day?
"If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." Colossians 3:1-2, ESV
What do you think about all day?
What do you find your mind continually coming back and landing on? Do you catch yourself daydreaming about that next purchase? Pop culture? The movie you've been waiting on to be released? Sinful thoughts?
What about Christ?
Does he consume your thoughts all day, every day? To some that thought may sound strange. Some would even consider that a very BORING proposition. "Thinking of Jesus Christ? For more than, like, 30 seconds? That's like watching paint dry..."
What do you think about all day?
The answer to that question will reveal:
1) who/what you worship.
2) what is most valuable to you.
3) where your heart truly lies.
Unregenerate people see no value in Christ. He is no treasure to them. Amazing! The most valuable person in the universe; the most exciting, glorious, awesome person - considered unworthy of our attention. The lost have no eyes to see the plainest truth. They are blind to his glory and dead to his excellencies. "In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God" (2 Cor 4:4).
Paul urges the Christians in Colosse, and us, to "seek" the things that are above, "where Christ is." He calls us to elevate our attention to the presence of the exalted, glorious Christ! He instructs us to SET our minds on things above. The word 'set' reminds me of concrete drying, hardening; becoming fixed in place. Let our eyes be fixed like concrete in an unmovable gaze at the beauty and majesty of Jesus the Christ.
Having stated this truth positively, he now words it negatively: "not on things that are on earth." Here is a clear command to NOT have our minds fixed on earthly things. How are we doing with this? "Prone to wander, Lord I feel it" (Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing). How our flesh loves distractions; even good ones! But nothing will satisfy us like a gaze at Jesus' glory.
Paul even describes enemies of the cross as those whose minds are set on earthly things (Phil 3:18-19)!
Are we believers? Have we seen a glimpse of glory? Has the veil been lifted in our own lives, and the true value and beauty of Jesus Christ revealed to us? Then let us tear our minds from earthly things that are infinitely inferior, and let us SET our minds, our eyes, our focus on the exalted King: Jesus Christ!
"For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the lgory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." 2 Cor 4:6
What do you think about all day?
What do you find your mind continually coming back and landing on? Do you catch yourself daydreaming about that next purchase? Pop culture? The movie you've been waiting on to be released? Sinful thoughts?
What about Christ?
Does he consume your thoughts all day, every day? To some that thought may sound strange. Some would even consider that a very BORING proposition. "Thinking of Jesus Christ? For more than, like, 30 seconds? That's like watching paint dry..."
What do you think about all day?
The answer to that question will reveal:
1) who/what you worship.
2) what is most valuable to you.
3) where your heart truly lies.
Unregenerate people see no value in Christ. He is no treasure to them. Amazing! The most valuable person in the universe; the most exciting, glorious, awesome person - considered unworthy of our attention. The lost have no eyes to see the plainest truth. They are blind to his glory and dead to his excellencies. "In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God" (2 Cor 4:4).
Paul urges the Christians in Colosse, and us, to "seek" the things that are above, "where Christ is." He calls us to elevate our attention to the presence of the exalted, glorious Christ! He instructs us to SET our minds on things above. The word 'set' reminds me of concrete drying, hardening; becoming fixed in place. Let our eyes be fixed like concrete in an unmovable gaze at the beauty and majesty of Jesus the Christ.
Having stated this truth positively, he now words it negatively: "not on things that are on earth." Here is a clear command to NOT have our minds fixed on earthly things. How are we doing with this? "Prone to wander, Lord I feel it" (Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing). How our flesh loves distractions; even good ones! But nothing will satisfy us like a gaze at Jesus' glory.
Paul even describes enemies of the cross as those whose minds are set on earthly things (Phil 3:18-19)!
Are we believers? Have we seen a glimpse of glory? Has the veil been lifted in our own lives, and the true value and beauty of Jesus Christ revealed to us? Then let us tear our minds from earthly things that are infinitely inferior, and let us SET our minds, our eyes, our focus on the exalted King: Jesus Christ!
"For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the lgory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." 2 Cor 4:6
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Jesus Created Satan
That's an eye-catcher, isn't it?
But is it true? Who made the devil?
God did, right?
Yes, but more specifically the Bible says that Jesus Christ created him.
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made...And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us."
John 1:1-3, 14 (ESV)
Some people say Jesus himself was created. But here God's word is careful to say that "all things were made through him" (Jesus). All things. And then, just to make sure we get it, he says, "and without him was not any thing made that was made." I'm so glad the word of God tells us this! According to this verse Jesus could not have been "made" because all things that were made, were made by him! If he had been made, he would have had to make himself. Instead, he "was" in the beginning with God. So the uncreated, eternally-existing Son of God created all things. Wow.
"For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him." Colossians 1:16 (ESV)
Now Paul tells us the same truth in Colossians. Verse 13 has told us that Paul is speaking about Jesus. Now he tells us that all things were created by him. And he gives us one example: thrones, dominions, rulers, authorities. By Paul's use of this terminiology in other places (Col 2:15, Eph 6:12) we understand that he is speaking of the devil and demons. Evil spirits. Enemies of God. Jesus created Satan!
Has that truth hit you? There's not two gods up there vying for control (dualism). Jesus and Satan are not brothers (Mormonism). Jesus is not a created being (Jehovah's Witnesses). Jesus is the Creator, and he made Satan!
Now the same Jesus who created all things also rules over all things (even Satan) as Sovereign Lord and King: "He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power" (Heb 1:3, ESV); "The Lord Jesus Christ...by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself" (Phil 3:21, ESV).
So Jesus is in control of his creation, which includes the devil. When he made him, he was King over him. When he took on flesh and became an infant in his mother's womb, he was ruling over Satan. And even when Jesus died on the cross and his lifeless body was placed in the tomb, he was at that moment victorious and omnipotent over the devil! Behold the glory of Jesus Christ!
I've dealt with the "why" Jesus created Satan, and the fact that Jesus did not create him evil, in another post (http://hisbloodatones.blogspot.com/2008/10/problem-of-evil.html). But the simple truth that Jesus did in fact create the devil sunk in a little bit recently and filled me again with awe in my Savior. I wanted to pass it on to you. So look to the victorious One! Glorify Jesus, the Creator and Lord of all things!!
But is it true? Who made the devil?
God did, right?
Yes, but more specifically the Bible says that Jesus Christ created him.
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made...And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us."
John 1:1-3, 14 (ESV)
Some people say Jesus himself was created. But here God's word is careful to say that "all things were made through him" (Jesus). All things. And then, just to make sure we get it, he says, "and without him was not any thing made that was made." I'm so glad the word of God tells us this! According to this verse Jesus could not have been "made" because all things that were made, were made by him! If he had been made, he would have had to make himself. Instead, he "was" in the beginning with God. So the uncreated, eternally-existing Son of God created all things. Wow.
"For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him." Colossians 1:16 (ESV)
Now Paul tells us the same truth in Colossians. Verse 13 has told us that Paul is speaking about Jesus. Now he tells us that all things were created by him. And he gives us one example: thrones, dominions, rulers, authorities. By Paul's use of this terminiology in other places (Col 2:15, Eph 6:12) we understand that he is speaking of the devil and demons. Evil spirits. Enemies of God. Jesus created Satan!
Has that truth hit you? There's not two gods up there vying for control (dualism). Jesus and Satan are not brothers (Mormonism). Jesus is not a created being (Jehovah's Witnesses). Jesus is the Creator, and he made Satan!
Now the same Jesus who created all things also rules over all things (even Satan) as Sovereign Lord and King: "He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power" (Heb 1:3, ESV); "The Lord Jesus Christ...by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself" (Phil 3:21, ESV).
So Jesus is in control of his creation, which includes the devil. When he made him, he was King over him. When he took on flesh and became an infant in his mother's womb, he was ruling over Satan. And even when Jesus died on the cross and his lifeless body was placed in the tomb, he was at that moment victorious and omnipotent over the devil! Behold the glory of Jesus Christ!
I've dealt with the "why" Jesus created Satan, and the fact that Jesus did not create him evil, in another post (http://hisbloodatones.blogspot.com/2008/10/problem-of-evil.html). But the simple truth that Jesus did in fact create the devil sunk in a little bit recently and filled me again with awe in my Savior. I wanted to pass it on to you. So look to the victorious One! Glorify Jesus, the Creator and Lord of all things!!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
On Fire For God...But Still LOST?
Here's a thought: it is possible to be fired up about God and still be lost in sin, without Christ, and heading towards eternal destruction. Surprising? Look what Paul said in Romans 10:1-4:
"Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them (Israel) is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes." (ESV)
Here Paul is praying for his countrymen to be saved. Yet he still testifies that they "have a zeal for God." That seems contradictory. How can someone be zealous, on fire, "sold out" for God and still need to be saved? Paul tells us they are zealous for God, "but not according to knowledge." TRUTH MATTERS!
It's not enough to be fired up for God. Which God? Which Jesus? Which gospel? Are we fired up for the false Jesus who was brother to Lucifer? Zealous for the false God who only exists to make us rich? Sold out for the false gospel that doesn't command all men everywhere to repent of sin and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ?
Paul says that his countrymen were ignorant of the fact that God is giving us HIS righteousness through faith in Jesus, and so they tried to establish their own righteousness. Our good works and efforts, the total good we can muster up, is still "like a polluted garment," (Isaiah 64:6). We're simply not good enough.
This is the gospel! We are not good enough, but God IS. God is giving us HIS righteousness; clothing us with, not a polluted garment, but the glorious white robe of his righteousness: the righteousness of Christ. This is given to all who will stop trusting in their own works and put their complete trust in Jesus Christ: who he is (the sinless Son of God who became flesh), and what he has done (his work at the cross, dying for sinners and rising from the dead).
The TRUTH is indeed something to be zealous about. We need the fire. FIRE on top of TRUTH. Lord, give us both.
"Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them (Israel) is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes." (ESV)
Here Paul is praying for his countrymen to be saved. Yet he still testifies that they "have a zeal for God." That seems contradictory. How can someone be zealous, on fire, "sold out" for God and still need to be saved? Paul tells us they are zealous for God, "but not according to knowledge." TRUTH MATTERS!
It's not enough to be fired up for God. Which God? Which Jesus? Which gospel? Are we fired up for the false Jesus who was brother to Lucifer? Zealous for the false God who only exists to make us rich? Sold out for the false gospel that doesn't command all men everywhere to repent of sin and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ?
Paul says that his countrymen were ignorant of the fact that God is giving us HIS righteousness through faith in Jesus, and so they tried to establish their own righteousness. Our good works and efforts, the total good we can muster up, is still "like a polluted garment," (Isaiah 64:6). We're simply not good enough.
This is the gospel! We are not good enough, but God IS. God is giving us HIS righteousness; clothing us with, not a polluted garment, but the glorious white robe of his righteousness: the righteousness of Christ. This is given to all who will stop trusting in their own works and put their complete trust in Jesus Christ: who he is (the sinless Son of God who became flesh), and what he has done (his work at the cross, dying for sinners and rising from the dead).
The TRUTH is indeed something to be zealous about. We need the fire. FIRE on top of TRUTH. Lord, give us both.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Common Grace
God is a gracious God (1 Peter 5:10). Grace means God does good to those who deserve only condemnation. We focus a lot on saving grace - God's goodness to sinners that results in salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. But what about common grace? Is God good to those who will never love him? How does God treat his enemies?
Of course the Bible is clear that those who are not obedient to Christ are under God's wrath (John 3:36) and will be cast into the lake of fire at the judgment. Truly, God's justice and wrath will ultimately pour out on all his enemies. But what about in the meantime? How does God treat those he will ultimately punish?
To make this question hit home, ask yourself what you would do if you were God (this is, admittedly, a dangerous thought). How would you daily treat people who have hated you, mocked you, killed your sinless Son, broken your righteous laws, spit in your face as it were...people you knew you would one day cast into the lake of fire forever?
Here's how God treats them: he rains on their crops so they can eat.
Common grace.
“The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made…The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season.” Psalm 145: 9, 15
Examples of common grace include every moment we don't spend in the fires of hell. God gives happy moments to those who hate him. Moments where they are not suffering. Every moment of sanity, every ounce of intelligence, every hug from a friend or kiss from a spouse is common grace. Food that tastes good. Morals and conscience that don't save the soul but restrain the wicked from wreaking complete havoc on the earth. Laws of government that bring some semblance of order to this race of sinful rebels. The existence of the church in the earth; a redeemed people who love their enemies, share their food and money, and do good.
Common grace.
Every sinner who experiences the joy of the birth of their first child. Every atheist who enjoys the beauty of a spectacular sunset. Every idol-worshiper whose crops are watered by the one true God. Everyone living in willful violation of the commands of the holy One but still experience joy, love and beauty are partakers of the undeserved common grace of God.
What an awesome, glorious God!
What have we done with this indescribable, surprising grace?
With our lips God gave us to declare his praise we have cursed our neighbor, questioned God's judgment and lied to get out of trouble.
With our hands God gave us to lovingly meet needs we have selfishly stored up treasures for ourselves, pushed and shoved, and committed sinful deeds without number.
With our feet God gave us to go where he sends us we have been quick to run to evil.
With our minds God gave us to understand his majestic wisdom we have devised wicked schemes.
With our hearts God gave us to love him we have loved ourselves and other things.
We have received God's grace and we have rejected the God of grace.
Our continued sin in spite of God's goodness only adds to God's rock-solid case against us. What will the unbeliever say on the day of judgment? What goodness God has shown the wicked, and O, how it has been spurned!
Behold, the common grace of God! How merciful and patient; how kind and good; how gracious is the Lord! Let us not neglect the grace of God. Worship him afresh for his grace to the sons of men. Fall at his feet and give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
"But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” Matthew 5:44-46
"who does great things and unsearchable, marvelous things without number: he gives rain on the earth and sends waters on the fields." Job 5:9-10
"In past generations he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways. Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness." Acts 14:16-17
Of course the Bible is clear that those who are not obedient to Christ are under God's wrath (John 3:36) and will be cast into the lake of fire at the judgment. Truly, God's justice and wrath will ultimately pour out on all his enemies. But what about in the meantime? How does God treat those he will ultimately punish?
To make this question hit home, ask yourself what you would do if you were God (this is, admittedly, a dangerous thought). How would you daily treat people who have hated you, mocked you, killed your sinless Son, broken your righteous laws, spit in your face as it were...people you knew you would one day cast into the lake of fire forever?
Here's how God treats them: he rains on their crops so they can eat.
Common grace.
“The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made…The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season.” Psalm 145: 9, 15
Examples of common grace include every moment we don't spend in the fires of hell. God gives happy moments to those who hate him. Moments where they are not suffering. Every moment of sanity, every ounce of intelligence, every hug from a friend or kiss from a spouse is common grace. Food that tastes good. Morals and conscience that don't save the soul but restrain the wicked from wreaking complete havoc on the earth. Laws of government that bring some semblance of order to this race of sinful rebels. The existence of the church in the earth; a redeemed people who love their enemies, share their food and money, and do good.
Common grace.
Every sinner who experiences the joy of the birth of their first child. Every atheist who enjoys the beauty of a spectacular sunset. Every idol-worshiper whose crops are watered by the one true God. Everyone living in willful violation of the commands of the holy One but still experience joy, love and beauty are partakers of the undeserved common grace of God.
What an awesome, glorious God!
What have we done with this indescribable, surprising grace?
With our lips God gave us to declare his praise we have cursed our neighbor, questioned God's judgment and lied to get out of trouble.
With our hands God gave us to lovingly meet needs we have selfishly stored up treasures for ourselves, pushed and shoved, and committed sinful deeds without number.
With our feet God gave us to go where he sends us we have been quick to run to evil.
With our minds God gave us to understand his majestic wisdom we have devised wicked schemes.
With our hearts God gave us to love him we have loved ourselves and other things.
We have received God's grace and we have rejected the God of grace.
Our continued sin in spite of God's goodness only adds to God's rock-solid case against us. What will the unbeliever say on the day of judgment? What goodness God has shown the wicked, and O, how it has been spurned!
Behold, the common grace of God! How merciful and patient; how kind and good; how gracious is the Lord! Let us not neglect the grace of God. Worship him afresh for his grace to the sons of men. Fall at his feet and give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
"But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” Matthew 5:44-46
"who does great things and unsearchable, marvelous things without number: he gives rain on the earth and sends waters on the fields." Job 5:9-10
"In past generations he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways. Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness." Acts 14:16-17
Thursday, November 6, 2008
No Wrath For Me...EVER!!!
"Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God." Romans 5:9, ESV
There is an element to the gospel that is missing in a LOT of "gospel" presentations these days. It is the truth that Jesus has saved us from the wrath of God.
The Bible is crystal clear that we, as sinners, deserve the wrath of God, and that God, as holy, will indeed pour that wrath on us in judgment. He is so holy and just; he HATES sin. And we drink sin like water (Job 15:16). God's wrath is building up like a mighty flood. Its waters are pent up behind the dam of his patience, forbearance, kindness and grace. But one day his wrath WILL explode upon sinners in righteous and just judgment: "But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God's righteous judgment will be revealed," Romans 2:5, ESV.
And God will be praised and glorified when he pours out his wrath on sinners: "Just are you, O Holy One, who is and who was, for you brought these judgments. For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets,and you have given them blood to drink. It is what they deserve!” And I heard the altar saying, “Yes, Lord God the Almighty, true and just are your judgments!” Revelation 16:4-7, ESV
How can the people of the world not fear God when this is true?! Wrath is coming, and we are blinded by our pleasures.
And many of the ones who are preaching Christ are not even mentioning this truth!!! Is that love? Is it loving to be 'positive' when God's wrath is coming? To speak only of God's generic love, as if he had no wrath? What if a doctor spoke not a word of an impending, life-ending disease because he didn't want to discourage the patient? Would that be love?
And what of God's glory? When we fail to mention God's wrath we are hiding God's glory in providing a wrath-remover: the Lord Jesus Christ! God's justice demands judgment, but his love demands grace. So God poured out his wrath on his Son, Jesus, at the cross (Galatians 3:13). Because of Christ's work at the cross, receiving our judgment in our place, there is NO WRATH LEFT FOR THE BELIEVER IN CHRIST!!!!!
Hallelujah, what a Savior! How could we possibly leave this part out?! We are saved by Jesus from the wrath of God! What a glorious gospel!
If you are still in your sins, know that God's wrath is on you (John 3:36) and will most certainly crush you at the judgment unless you repent of your sins and put faith in Christ. But if you have received the grace of God in Christ, rejoice! There is no wrath of God left for you...ever!!!
"For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ"
1 Thessalonians 5:9, ESV
There is an element to the gospel that is missing in a LOT of "gospel" presentations these days. It is the truth that Jesus has saved us from the wrath of God.
The Bible is crystal clear that we, as sinners, deserve the wrath of God, and that God, as holy, will indeed pour that wrath on us in judgment. He is so holy and just; he HATES sin. And we drink sin like water (Job 15:16). God's wrath is building up like a mighty flood. Its waters are pent up behind the dam of his patience, forbearance, kindness and grace. But one day his wrath WILL explode upon sinners in righteous and just judgment: "But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God's righteous judgment will be revealed," Romans 2:5, ESV.
And God will be praised and glorified when he pours out his wrath on sinners: "Just are you, O Holy One, who is and who was, for you brought these judgments. For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets,and you have given them blood to drink. It is what they deserve!” And I heard the altar saying, “Yes, Lord God the Almighty, true and just are your judgments!” Revelation 16:4-7, ESV
How can the people of the world not fear God when this is true?! Wrath is coming, and we are blinded by our pleasures.
And many of the ones who are preaching Christ are not even mentioning this truth!!! Is that love? Is it loving to be 'positive' when God's wrath is coming? To speak only of God's generic love, as if he had no wrath? What if a doctor spoke not a word of an impending, life-ending disease because he didn't want to discourage the patient? Would that be love?
And what of God's glory? When we fail to mention God's wrath we are hiding God's glory in providing a wrath-remover: the Lord Jesus Christ! God's justice demands judgment, but his love demands grace. So God poured out his wrath on his Son, Jesus, at the cross (Galatians 3:13). Because of Christ's work at the cross, receiving our judgment in our place, there is NO WRATH LEFT FOR THE BELIEVER IN CHRIST!!!!!
Hallelujah, what a Savior! How could we possibly leave this part out?! We are saved by Jesus from the wrath of God! What a glorious gospel!
If you are still in your sins, know that God's wrath is on you (John 3:36) and will most certainly crush you at the judgment unless you repent of your sins and put faith in Christ. But if you have received the grace of God in Christ, rejoice! There is no wrath of God left for you...ever!!!
"For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ"
1 Thessalonians 5:9, ESV
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Kim and Evan Pictures!
Around the corner from our house there is a beautiful tree with gorgeous fall colors. Yesterday we loaded Evan up in his red wagon, hauled him to the tree, and took a few snapshots. Here's a few of the shots of my beautiful wife, my happy son, and a tree that shouts out the glory of God. I'm a blessed man.
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights ..." (James 1:17 ESV)
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
God's Motivation: The Honor of His Name
What motivates God to save fallen humans? The message I keep hearing these days from sermons and songs is that God is just blown away with...us. That God is infatuated with mankind; captivated by our beauty and worth. Because of this the popular message of the church has turned into a "believe in yourself" pick-me-up. As if our main problem was not sin, but low self-esteem. It's almost enough to make you open your Bible and expect to read hymns of praise from God to man! After all, doesn't God love people more than anything (Point of Grace said so: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQQZbVzcYg8)?
Is this message true? Listening to all this makes me wanna say, "poor God." I mean, he must have been really sad and lonely before he created us, right? Are WE the point of it all?
Thankfully the word of God reveals to us a bigger GOD than a human-worshiping, lonely genie, who exists only to make us feel good about ourselves (if we will just believe in ourselves like he does). There is indeed a higher purpose and plan than mankind. God, not man, is the subject of the Bible! Scripture reveals to us the motivation of God in redeeming fallen man. Turns out there IS something God loves more than people...
God is absolutely devoted to himself: his own glory, praise and the honor of his name. We were created by him for his glory. He has redeemed his people in Christ for the honor of his name! Look at what God said through the prophet Ezekiel:
But I had concern for my holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the nations to which they came. Therefore say to the house of Israel, Thus says the Lord GOD: 'It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am about to act, but for the sake of my holy name, which you have profaned among the nations to which you came. And I will vindicate the holiness of my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, and which you have profaned among them. And the nations will know that I am the LORD, declares the Lord GOD, when through you I vindicate my holiness before their eyes.' (Ezekiel 36:21-23, ESV)
God goes on to say what he is going to do (not what he hopes we will let him do): "I will take you from the nations and gather you from all the countries and bring you into your own land. I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleanness, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules." (vs. 24-27)
Praise God for his great and holy name! Praise God that he acts in man on behalf of his own honor and glory! Praise God that the purpose of the universe is infinitely higher than...me.
God does indeed love us. So much that he gave his Son at the cross to save us. But all of this was to serve a higher purpose. Now the universe can look at God's people and behold the glorious redeeming love of God. The result? They will know that he is the LORD, and they will honor his great name.
Is this message true? Listening to all this makes me wanna say, "poor God." I mean, he must have been really sad and lonely before he created us, right? Are WE the point of it all?
Thankfully the word of God reveals to us a bigger GOD than a human-worshiping, lonely genie, who exists only to make us feel good about ourselves (if we will just believe in ourselves like he does). There is indeed a higher purpose and plan than mankind. God, not man, is the subject of the Bible! Scripture reveals to us the motivation of God in redeeming fallen man. Turns out there IS something God loves more than people...
God is absolutely devoted to himself: his own glory, praise and the honor of his name. We were created by him for his glory. He has redeemed his people in Christ for the honor of his name! Look at what God said through the prophet Ezekiel:
But I had concern for my holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the nations to which they came. Therefore say to the house of Israel, Thus says the Lord GOD: 'It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am about to act, but for the sake of my holy name, which you have profaned among the nations to which you came. And I will vindicate the holiness of my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, and which you have profaned among them. And the nations will know that I am the LORD, declares the Lord GOD, when through you I vindicate my holiness before their eyes.' (Ezekiel 36:21-23, ESV)
God goes on to say what he is going to do (not what he hopes we will let him do): "I will take you from the nations and gather you from all the countries and bring you into your own land. I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleanness, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules." (vs. 24-27)
Praise God for his great and holy name! Praise God that he acts in man on behalf of his own honor and glory! Praise God that the purpose of the universe is infinitely higher than...me.
God does indeed love us. So much that he gave his Son at the cross to save us. But all of this was to serve a higher purpose. Now the universe can look at God's people and behold the glorious redeeming love of God. The result? They will know that he is the LORD, and they will honor his great name.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Evan's Birthday!
Today my son is one year old.Kim and I have been thinking last night and this morning about where we were and what we were doing one year ago today. The water breaking, going to the hospital, a long wait, the pain of labor, friends and family coming in, and BAM. Evan James Cox is born.
Evan is an answered prayer. So many people were praying for us to have children.
Now he's walking, trying to talk, giving kisses, and getting ready to bust up some birthday cake tonight.
Praise God for his glorious gifts! I'm a thankful daddy.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)