see the unseen

Your Kingdom Come: Desiring the Kingdom of God

2012-01-30T11:10:00.000-06:00

Jesus taught us to pray, "Your kingdom come" (Luke 11:2b). There's a lot packed into those three words! But one simple thing we see here is that Jesus wants us to ASK for the kingdom to come. He wants us to DESIRE God's kingdom! This is one reason he told us to pray for it to come - so that we would have this thought before us; that this great truth would fill our hearts: that God has a kingdom, and it has broken into our world through Jesus Christ. It is here now, partially and spiritually in the lives of those who bow the knee to King Jesus. But it is still coming in fullness. The Day will come when the Kingdom of God is here, physically and fully!

It is here 'already.' But the fullness is 'not yet.' It is here, and yet it is coming!

Until that Day comes, Jesus wants us to think about it, hope in it, long for it and pray for it to come.

When God's kingdom comes in fullness:

Partial healing in this life will become full and final healing - new bodies with no more sickness or death!
Progressive growth in maturity will become perfection!
Scattered local churches who are 'one' spiritually will become 'one' physically! We will be together - the people of God!
Our stumbling in sin will become total victory in experience. No more sin...ever!
Partial justice in this life will fade away into complete justice; every wrong made right.
Sweet tastes of God's presence in this life will give way to unbroken fellowship with God! We will be with him forever!
Faith will become sight!!

In that Day, what Christ accomplished for his people at the cross will be fully applied in our actual experience. We will not only be declared righteous in heaven (justification), and be growing in righteousness more and more (sanctification), but we will actually BE righteous in Christ (glorification). Jesus will be with us and will reign as king.
What a Day that will be!

So let us pray from our hearts,
"Father, your kingdom come!!"

Paul Vs. James: Justified by Faith or Works?

2012-01-26T16:34:00.000-06:00

Many people believe the apostles Paul and James flat out contradict each other in Scripture, and teach completely opposite ways to be justified before God. Paul seems to teach that we are saved by faith, apart from works. James appears to be saying that we are saved by our works, not faith. Rip a couple verses out of context and the two apostles do seem to be at odds:

For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.
Paul, Romans 3:28 (ESV)

You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.
James, James 2:24 (ESV)

How can this ever be reconciled? Can both of these men be apostles of Christ, teaching the same truth?

Much more could be said about this subject than we have time for in this post. But let's take a quick and simple look at what Paul and James are teaching.

Both Paul and James use the word justified. But judging from the context, they are not using this word in the same way.

In Paul's context, he is speaking about the righteousness of God that is imputed to the believer in Jesus through faith (Rom 3:21-28). This righteousness cannot be earned by good works, but is given as a gift through faith. The one who believes on Jesus is declared righteous by God. This is justification by faith.

Paul uses Abraham as his example of this. He quotes Genesis 15:6, which says that "Abraham believed God" (faith) "and it was counted to him as righteousness" (he was declared righteous through faith). This was a gift to Abraham from God through faith, not works.

James, on the other hand, is not speaking about imputed righteousness, but about true, saving faith being proven by works ("Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. ..faith apart from works is dead" 2:18b, 26b). He stands on the same foundation of faith as Paul, but is expressing an additional idea; namely, that there is a true, saving faith, which is proven (shown to be genuine) by good works (obedience, fruit), and that there is a false faith (a dead faith which does not save), which is demonstrated by a lack of good works. Whereas Paul speaks of being declared righteous by God through faith and not works (Paul's use of justified), James speaks of having your faith proven to be real through works (his use of justified).

James also uses Abraham as an example. He quotes the same verse as Paul about Abraham being counted righteous through faith (James 2:23), but draws his lesson from a different passage about Abraham; where he is tested by God in giving up his son, Isaac (Genesis 22). Thus he demonstrates from the Scriptures that Abraham's faith (by which he was declared righteous - in agreement with Paul's teaching) was proven to be true faith by his works ("Genesis 15:6 faith" was proven genuine by "Genesis 22 works").

Paul and James must be taken together! Paul is correct: Abraham was justified by his faith, apart from works, when he was declared righteous by God. But James is also correct: Abraham was justified by his works when his obedience proved his faith to be real and living.

Both Paul and James agree that we must have a living and true faith in Christ (justified by faith). And both Paul and James agree that our faith must be proven true by our works (justified by works) [In other places Paul teaches the importance of works to demonstrate that our faith is real: Gal 5:19-21; Eph 2:8-10; 5:5-6; Col 1:22-23; 1 Cor 6:9-11; 15:2; 2 Cor 13:5].

The study notes to the ESV Study Bible are helpful on this subject:

On the surface James may seem to contradict Paul. I.e., Paul denies that Abraham was "justified by works" (Rom 4:2), arguing from Gen. 15:6 that Abraham's faith "was counted to him as righteousness" (Rom 4:3). However, James's assertion in this verse (that "Abraham [was]. . .justified by works") is based not on Gen. 15:6 but on Gen. 22:9-10, where (many years later) Abraham began to offer Isaac as a sacrifice. Thus James apparently has a different sense of the word "justify" in view here, as evidenced by the different Scripture passages, and the different events in Abraham's life, to which James and Paul refer. The primary way in which Paul uses the word "justify" (Gk. dikaioo) emphasizes the sense of being declared righteous by God through faith, on the basis of Jesus' atoning sacrifice (Rom. 3:24-26), whereas the primary way that James uses the word "justify" (Gk. dikaioo) here in James 2:21 seems to emphasize the way in which works demonstrate that someone has been justified, as evidenced by the good works that the person does (cf. Matt. 12:33-37). ...James centers on Abraham's act of obedience while Paul centers on God's declaration of Abraham's righteousness. ...For James, "faith alone" means a bogus kind of faith, mere intellectual agreement without a genuine personal trust in Christ that bears fruit in one's life. (ESV Study Bible notes)

When we study the Bible in context we see a unified call to faith in Jesus Christ that results in a changed life of obedience and good works. These good works are the fruit, not the cause, of righteousness. God gives us the righteousness we could never earn with our works...and then enables us to live lives of holiness and obedience! All of this is through Jesus Christ, who died for our sins and rose again. Praise God!

How Do The Plagues On Egypt Apply To My Life?

2012-01-09T16:10:00.001-06:00

In the book of Exodus we read the account of God pouring out plagues on the nation of Egypt as he rescued his covenant people, Israel, from slavery. Often people wonder how the ancient history of a nation can have any relevant application to our modern life. While there are several ways to answer this question, I would like to look at the plagues and draw one application that is VERY relevant to us today: The plagues on Egypt reveal to us that God is a God who judges sinners.

God himself calls the plagues "great acts of judgment" (Ex 7:4). And he had even predicted this long before to Abraham:

Know for certain that your offspring will be sojourners in a land that is not theirs and will be servants there, and they will be afflicted four hundred years. But I will bring judgment on the nation that they serve, and afterward they shall come out... Genesis 15:13-14, ESV

God tells Abraham what he is going to do in the future concerning two nations! "I will bring judgment on the nation they serve." So the plague account reveals to us that God is a righteous judge of the wicked. In the midst of the drama and chaos of the plagues - the animal kingdom unleashed on the world's greatest superpower of its day - weather destruction, disease and three days of darkness - in the midst of this is a two-fold purpose of God guiding history for his glory: God is rescuing his people and he is judging the wicked. What a relevant revelation for us today!

The very fact that we can read Exodus and be warned that God judges sinners is a display of mercy and grace to us! Warnings of God's judgment are acts of kindness and grace. There is opportunity for us to repent.

What about Jesus? What would he have thought about the plagues? I ask this because some seem to think that the God of the Old Testament was mean, and Jesus came as the 'nice God.' But the Bible teaches us that it was the God of the Old Testament himself who became flesh in the Person of Christ (His name is God with us...). And it is Jesus - the Lamb of God - who unleashes the plagues in the book of Revelation! Men are depicted as crying out for rocks to fall on them and hide them from the "wrath of the Lamb" (Rev 6:16-17).

Jesus is the Judge! He said, "The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son" (John 5:22). Paul wrote that God "commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead" (Acts 17:30-31; See also 2 Cor 5:10 and 2 Tim 4:1). On the last page of the Bible Jesus says, "Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done" (Rev 22:12). Just as Egypt faced judgment in the plagues, judgment is coming for all. (Hebrews 9:27)

The truth that God righteously judges sinners is not good news for us...for we are sinners. Jesus referred to us as 'evil' (Luke 11:13). And just like Pharaoh, who hardened his heart against God (and was hardened by God), "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). Wow!

But the amazing news for us is this: Not only is it true that Jesus is the Judge, but it is also true that Jesus was judged by God at the cross for the sins of his people (Isaiah 53:5-6). At the cross, the fury of the plagues poured down from God upon his sinless Son - because he had taken our sins upon himself. Jesus became a curse (Gal 3:13) and became sin for us (2 Cor 5:21) and drank the cup of the Father's wrath, as our substitute! He payed the price for our sins with his blood so that we could be forgiven, and eternally enjoy God!!!

Jesus said, "Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. HE DOES NOT COME INTO JUDGMENT, but has passed from death to life" (John 5:24). The believer does not come into judgment...ever!

How do the plagues upon Egypt apply to us? They show us that God is a holy God who judges sinners with 'great acts of judgment.' We are taught by this the fear of the Lord. And the Old Testament points us to Christ, who stood in our place and received our judgment as he died for sinners on the cross. Christ rose from the grave, ascended to the Father, and is coming again to judge. God commands us to repent of our sins and believe on Christ. Those who are not in Christ must face the judgment of God. Run to him!

If you are in Christ through faith, take a moment to praise the Lord for his gracious warnings of judgment. And praise him for Christ, the sin-bearer, who took our judgment at the cross! There is no more judgment for us, because in Christ, "It is finished!" Hallelujah!

The Holy Spirit 'Outraged?!'

2012-01-06T11:40:00.000-06:00

How do you view the Holy Spirit? What comes to mind when you hear those words? Some may have scary images of 'weird' people running laps around an auditorium or barking like a dog. Others may be filled with delight, thinking of things like a hunger for the presence of God.

Always remember, we aren't given the option of inventing our own view of God. Our view of God must be shaped by God's revelation of himself in Scripture. The Bible describes the Spirit of God as a Person - a 'he' rather than an 'it' (John 14:26; 15:26; 16:13-14). He is spoken of in Scripture as teaching (John 14:26), bearing witness (John 15:26; Romans 8:16), interceding or praying on behalf of others (Romans 8:26-27), forbidding or not allowing certain activities (Acts 16:6-7), speaking (Acts 8:29; 13:2), and being grieved by sin in the lives of Christians (Ephesians 4:30), among other personal activities (Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology, p232-3).

There is another very interesting description of the Holy Spirit given in the book of Hebrews:

How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has spurned the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace? For we know him who said, 'Vengeance is mine; I will repay.' And again, 'The Lord will judge his people.' It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Hebrews 10:29-30, ESV

This passage is a warning against apostasy, or leaving the faith ("shrinking back" - vs 38-39). It is an encouragement for believers to endure in faith to the end. In this warning the author reminds us of the death penalty brought by disobedience to the old covenant law of Moses. And if the old covenant law brought death - 'how much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has' turned away from Christ? This turning away is described three ways: as spurning the Son of God (scornfully rejecting Christ), profaning the blood of the covenant (treating Jesus' blood as unholy), and finally, outraging the Spirit of grace.

That phrase is terrifying! The same Spirit of God who was hovering over the waters at creation, empowering prophets, priests and kings in the Old Testament, and anointing the Son of God for his redemptive work - THIS Holy Spirit personally OUTRAGED toward someone? Amazing. The Spirit who so mercifully moves through the preaching of the gospel (God's pardon to repentant sinners who believe on Christ) is not unmoved when his gospel is tossed aside like something trivial, unnecessary, or even offensive. "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God."

And what an interesting juxtaposition of terms! He is called here the Spirit of "grace" as he is described to be "outraged." God is filled with both grace and wrath. He is to be worshiped and glorified for both.

Perhaps our view of the Holy Spirit is too...weak? Perhaps we have thought of the Spirit as too sweet and precious to ever be righteously angry. Yes, we are to desire to be continuously filled with the Spirit (Eph 5:18), to walk in the Spirit (Gal 5:16), and to earnestly desire his empowering for spiritual gifts (14:1). Jesus spoke tenderly of the Father giving the Holy Spirit to those who ask him, as an amazing example of Fatherly love (Luke 11:13). We should have a growing relationship with the Person of the Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ ("...the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all" 2 Cor 13:14). But Jesus also said that every sin and blasphemy would be forgiven...except for the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (which he called an eternal sin, Mark 3:29).

Let us desire the Holy Spirit!
But let us not forget that the "Spirit of grace," like the Father and the Son, will not laugh at sin.
The Holy Spirit is "holy."

Meditations On The Incarnation

2011-12-21T16:29:00.000-06:00

What is the incarnation? Wayne Grudem defines the incarnation as, “the act of God the Son whereby he took to himself a human nature (The Latin word incarnãre means ‘to make flesh,’ and is derived from the prefix in – [which has a causative sense, ‘to cause something to be something’] and the stem caro, carnis -, ‘flesh.’)” (Systematic Theology, p543).

The doctrine of the incarnation, then, is the biblical teaching that the Son of God, who is fully God, ‘became flesh’ (John 1:14), or took on a human body.

The importance of the incarnation
There must have been those in the early church who preached the false doctrine that Jesus was not really fully God and fully man (“Apparently many false teachers were saying that Jesus only ‘appeared’ to be human” – ESV Study Bible notes). John the Apostle addressed the supreme importance of affirming both his deity and humanity when he wrote:

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. …And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us…” John 1:1, 14, ESV
“By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist…” 1 John 4:2-3, ESV
“For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist.” 2 John 7, ESV

According to Scripture, to deny the doctrine of the incarnation is to have the spirit of antichrist!

Meditations on the incarnation
Here are some quotes from leading theologians, past and present, about the incarnation of Christ:

“He who is over all, the blessed God, has been born; and having been made man, he is still God forever.” Hippolytus, quoted in Gregg Allison, Historical Theology, p368

“Man’s Maker was made man that the Bread might be hungry, the Fountain thirst, the Light sleep, the Way be tired from the journey; that Strength might be made weak, that Life might die.”
Augustine, quoted by Justin Taylor.

“Though he [the Son of God] was incorporeal, he formed for himself a body like ours. He appeared as one of the sheep, yet he remained the Shepherd. ..He was carried about in the womb of Mary, yet he was clothed in the nature of his Father. He walked on the earth, yet he filled heaven. ..He needed nourishment because he was a man, yet he did not cease to nourish the entire world because he is God. ..He was standing before Pilate, and at the same time he was sitting with his Father. He was nailed on a tree, yet he was the Lord of all things.” Melito of Sardis, quoted in Gregg Allison, Historical Theology, p367

“He was the only begotten of the Father of all things, being begotten in a particular manner as the Word and Power by [God], and having afterwards become man through the virgin.” Justin Martyr, quoted in Gregg Allison, Historical Theology, p367.

“For the Word, perceiving that no otherwise could the corruption of men be undone save by death as a necessary condition, while it was impossible for the Word to suffer death, being immortal, and Son of the Father; to this end he takes to himself a body capable of death, that it, by partaking of the Word who is above all, might be worthy to die in the stead of all, and might, because of the Word which was come to dwell in it, remain incorruptible, and that thenceforth corruption might be stayed from all by the Grace of the Resurrection. Whence, by offering unto death the body he himself had taken, as an offering and sacrifice free from any stain, straightway he put away death from all his peers by the offering of an equivalent. For being over all, the Word of God naturally by offering his own temple and corporeal instrument for the life of all satisfied the debt by his death.” Athanasius, On The Incarnation Of The Word, quoted in John Piper, Contending For Our All, p59

“We believe…in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all the ages, Light of Light, true God of true God, begotten not made, of one substance with the Father, through whom all things were made; who for us men and for our salvation came down from the heavens, and was made flesh of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary, and became man…” The Nicene Creed (381), quoted in Gregg Allison, Historical Theology, p372

“…we all with one accord teach men to acknowledge one and the same Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, at once complete in divinity and complete in manhood, truly God and truly man, consisting also of a rational soul and body; of one substance with the Father as regards his Godhead, and at the same time of one substance with us as regards his manhood; like us in all respects, apart from sin; as regards his Godhead, begotten of the Father before the ages, but yet as regards his manhood begotten [born], for us men and for our salvation, of Mary the virgin, the God-bearer; one and the same Christ, Son, Lord, only-begotten, recognized in two natures, without confusion, without change, without division, without separation; the distinction of natures being in no way annulled by the union, but rather the characteristics of each nature being preserved and coming together to form one person and subsistence, not as parted or separated into two persons, but one and the same Son and only-begotten God the Word, Lord Jesus Christ.” The Chalcedonian Creed (451), quoted in Gregg Allison, Historical Theology, ps376-7.

“How glorious then is this willingness of the Son of God to humble himself to be our mediator. What heart can conceive, what tongue can express the glory of that mind of Christ which brought him down from infinite glory to take our nature into union with his so that he could mediate with God on our behalf?” John Owen, The Glory of Christ, p40.

“That man should be made in God’s image is a wonder, but that God should be made in man’s image is a greater wonder. That the Ancient of Days would be born. That He who thunders in the heavens should cry in the cradle?” Thomas Watson, quoted by Justin Taylor.

“Infinite and yet an infant. Eternal and yet born of a woman. Almighty, and yet nursing at a woman’s breast. Supporting a universe, and yet needing to be carried in a mother’s arms. Heir of all things, and yet the carpenter’s despised son.” Charles Haddon Spurgeon, quoted by Justin Taylor.

“Remaining what he was, he became what he was not.” Grudem’s Systematic Theology, p562.

How To Pray (According To Jesus), Part 2

2011-12-09T15:23:00.001-06:00

In our previous post we looked at the first 3 requests of the Lord's model prayer. We saw that Christ wants us to first focus on God, his praise and his heart, before we bring our personal needs to him. In prayer we have fellowship with God and through prayer God is molding our heart and will to line up with his own!

Now let's briefly look at the last 3 requests.

4. "Give us this day our daily bread." It's ok to ask God to supply our needs. In this petition Christ is teaching us to bring our needs to the Lord. But in the proper order! Our perspective must first be refreshed in the first 3 petitions, as we refocus on God himself, the glory of his name, the advance of his kingdom and the carrying out of his will. In this light of humility we realize that our needs are not as pressing as God's world-wide mission; but that our "Father in heaven" still cares about the details of our life! We also have a fresh reminder (after praying about God's powerful kingdom and will and glorious name) that he is truly able to meet our needs! We can boldly come and pray, not only for our bread, but for all the needs of the day.

Finally, we learn to trust God day by day for just what we need. This petition draws us out of a 'hoarding' mentality and teaches us to ask for what we need for today (we're not promised tomorrow). Just as the Israelites were instructed to gather only enough manna for one day (if they tried to hoard extra manna for tomorrow it would breed worms and stink!) [Exodus 18:14-21]. Don't think that it is selfish to ask God to supply our needs, for in our asking and his supplying he is glorified as our Source and Provider!

5. "and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors." The 5th petition reminds us that we have deeper needs than bread! Jesus wants us to ask daily to be forgiven of sin. This is not the once-for-all declaration of righteousness we receive when we are born again and justified by God through faith in Jesus (for in that moment he forgives all our sin: past, present and future). Rather, this is dealing with daily sins that impede our realtionship with God; our walking in fellowship with the Father (1 John 1:9 speaks of a continuous need for forgiveness in this sense). When we first come to Christ we are 'given a bath' (justification) but daily we still have need to 'wash our feet' (progressive sanctification) as we walk in this world (John 13:8-11).

Another huge lesson Jesus teaches us in this 5th petition is that our forgiveness from God is connected to our forgiving others! Jesus instructs us to ask for forgiveness from God for our 'debts,' but in the same breath we are to confess to God that we have also forgiven others! We are to treat others the way God in Christ has treated us. In fact, to make this completely plain, Jesus says in the verses immediately following the Lord's prayer, "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses" (Matthew 6:14-15, ESV). This makes sense when we consider that our sins against God are much greater than the things people have done against us (as bad as those things are - we do not belittle our hurts). This is because when others sin against us, they are sinning against someone who is finite and sinful. But our sins against God are against an infinite and holy being! This makes them eternal sins, worthy of eternal punishment. And since God has shown immeasurable mercy and love by placing our eternal sins on Christ so that we could receive forgiveness and love, he now desires that we show grace to those who have committed lesser sins against us. Our refusal to forgive others is evidence and proof that God has not forgiven us. It is fruit on display, testifying that our hearts have not been changed by God. This is so serious! No wonder Jesus teaches us to make this a daily, ongoing exercise.

6. "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." The final petition in this prayer is for our spiritual protection. The Bible teaches that God himself never tempts anyone (James 1:13). But God does allow Satan to tempt us. The difference is in the goal. Satan will mean a particular situation for evil, to destroy us. But God will mean the same situation for our good (Genesis 50:20; Romans 8:28)! Jesus wants us to pray for spiritual protection; to ask God to lead us in paths that please him.

What a glorious privilege it is to be able to pray to our Father through Jesus Christ! What an amazing thought that God desires to have fellowship with us, and has made that fellowship possible by removing the thing that stood in the way of our fellowship - our sin. By placing our sins on Jesus Christ and judging him in our place at the cross, we can now have intimate communion with God through faith in Christ!

Let us pray!

How To Pray (According To Jesus), Part 1

2011-12-07T13:43:00.001-06:00

Jesus' model prayer for his disciples is recorded for us in Luke 11:1-4 and Matthew 6:9-13. If there ever was someone qualified to teach us how to pray, it is Jesus! He is the unique and eternal Son of God himself; and when he came as a Man he devoted himself to prayer (Mark 1:35; Hebrews 5:7).

How did Christ teach his followers to pray?

First of all, note that throughout the prayer Jesus used the word 'us' rather than 'me.' The focus is on community, not the individual. Jesus wants his followers to pray together.

There are 6 petitions, or requests, in the prayer. Let's look at the first 3 in this post, and we'll study the last 3 in Part 2. Here is the text:

Pray then like this: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:9-10, ESV

"Our Father..." Jesus' disciples - those who have come to God through Jesus, repenting of sin and believing on Christ and his work on the cross - have a new relationship with God. He no longer relates to us primarily as our Judge, but as our Father! We have intimacy with God, and this is the first thought as we pray. Not all can say this, for Jesus spoke of some as being children, not of God, but of the Devil (John 8:44). What a privilege to enjoy a new and intimate relationship with God through Jesus!
"...in heaven." By calling God our Father we are reminded of his closeness to us. But the very next words ("in heaven") remind us that he is not only our intimate Father but the sovereign Lord of heaven! So in the opening words of our prayer we are reminded that God is both near and far. We embrace him in love as our Father, but we also bow to him in reverence as the King of heaven!

Now that our thoughts are on both God's intimacy and power, the petitions begin. The first three petitions focus on God, while the final three focus on our needs. Jesus wants us to first spend time thinking of God's heart rather than rushing in with our own desires and needs. This teaches us humility, shapes our perspective as we pray and lines up our thinking and heart with God's! So as we pray, we are being molded by God. The purpose is not just to give God our requests, but to be changed by him progressively as we fellowship with him in prayer! Don't forget to seek to KNOW GOD, not to merely check off your 'to do list' that you prayed.
Now we are in a better position to pray according to God's will.

1. "Hallowed be your name." This is not simply a declaration ("Father, your name is hallowed"), but is a request. Jesus wants us to ask God to make his name to be seen as holy. It already is holy. But the prayer is that we (and others) would recognize his name as holy. "Father, let your name be honored and respected and cherished and feared and praised; let your name be adored by me today, and by my family and neighbors; let your name be seen as glorious in our city and to the ends of the earth; Father, work for the glory of your name!" This is what Jesus himself prayed in John 12:28: "Father, glorify your name." Jesus wants us to spend time praising God and conforming our heart's desires to his own desire to glorify his name in all the earth (Isaiah 11:9b; Habakkuk 2:14).

2. "Your kingdom come." God's kingdom is both 'already' and 'not yet.' God's kingdom is where he rules and reigns in men's hearts. It is here partially and spiritually in the lives of believers. And yet it is still to come fully and physically when Christ returns. This petition creates in us a longing to see God's kingdom advancing as more and more people bow the knee to the Lord and begin to image Jesus Christ and shine with his light. Jesus wants us to spend time praying about the advance of the fullness of God's rule and reign!

3."Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." God always and certainly carries out his secret and sovereign will - what he has declared from before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:11). But his revealed will is what he has declared in his word to us. It shows us what is pleasing to God. This is our prayer in the 3rd petition, that God would line things up on earth, increasingly, with what Scripture tells us is pleasing to the Lord (ESV Study Bible notes). Jesus wants us to pray that things around us would unfold according to the word of God.

In our next study we will look at the petitions that deal with our needs.
Praise God! May the Spirit of God help us pray deep and meaningful prayers that bring us close to the Lord and conform our way of thinking to his. May God help us love him and desire his glory and kingdom and will!

Now we've studied Jesus' teaching on prayer. Time to go practice!

Is God In Control Of Disabilities, Sickness and Suffering?

2011-11-28T15:31:00.001-06:00

This is a very difficult and mysterious subject. It's one of those topics where God doesn't answer all our questions or show us exactly how what he does is good and wise. But, thankfully, God has spoken on this subject in his word. It is up to us to read it and respond with faith.

Is God in control of disabilities, sicknesses and suffering?

Some believe God has nothing to do with anything hurtful that happens. The Devil did it! (Though the book of Job demonstrates that God is in control even of the Devil!) But would this really make us feel better? That God wanted to stop it but couldn't? This is no comfort! If he was too weak to stop this suffering, how can we trust him with eternity? What if he loses? And why is this God worthy of worship? He needs a Rescuer to help him!
Our answer begins at the burning bush. In Exodus chapter four God has appeared to Moses in the burning bush to send him to deliver Israel from slavery in Egypt. Moses is making excuses to God. He complains that Israel will not believe that God sent him. So God empowers him with miraculous signs to prove it. One of the signs is very graphic. At God's command Moses puts his hand into his cloak and, when he removes it, it is "leprous like snow"! He returns it to his cloak and removes it, and his flesh is restored. This sign demonstrates God's power and sovereignty over the human body, and health & sickness.

Moses responds with another excuse. "I am not eloquent" (v10). God's reply to this excuse is very revealing:

Then the LORD said to him, "Who has made man's mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak. Exodus 4:11-12, ESV

These words are shocking to a generation who has been taught to define God according to their own opinions and desires. "To me, God is like..." Or the ever-popular, "My God would never..." Even many who have been raised in the church have sat under shallow, unbalanced teaching that emphasizes only one of God's many attributes (his love), while mostly ignoring others (his wrath, holiness, sovereignty). Only God can define God to us! Our idea and concept of God must be shaped around God's revelation of himself to us in his word.

And here in Exodus four, God himself is revealing his sovereignty over all things, including disabilities. God says that it is he (the LORD) who makes man "mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind." And while many theologians, pastors and Christians today try to "get God off the hook" by explaining that he has nothing to do with suffering, God does not feel the need to apologize or even explain himself completely to us. He simply reminds us that it is he who has made man's mouth, in whatever condition we find it.

This is very hard for us to understand, but the same Bible that teaches God’s sovereignty also teaches his goodness. He is not cruel. God has good and wise reasons for all he does. John 9:1-3 explains this. In this passage we see Jesus and his disciples encountering a man who had been born blind. The disciples ask, "Who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" Jesus taught that the man was born blind, not because he or his parents sinned, but to display the glory, the works of God! This gives us more insight into our question. Here we learn that those with disabilities (or disease, or suffering, etc) are not necessarily worse sinners than those who are healthy and not experiencing suffering. Also, we learn that at least one purpose, or reason, for the suffering is to glorify God, which is our purpose for existing (Gen 1:26; Isa 43:7).

This idea is reinforced in John 11, the story of Jesus' raising of Lazarus from the dead. Jesus is informed about the sickness of his friend, whom he loved (v3, 5-6). Though he could have gone and healed him, he did not. Jesus said, "This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it" (v4). He said the sickness "does not lead to death," and yet Lazarus did die. Was Jesus wrong? No, because he then went to Bethany and raised Lazarus to life! The end result was not death. And the purpose for this great suffering was the glory of God.

Yes, God is the Master of sickness, death, suffering and disabilites. There is a good and wise, if mysterious, purpose. And God will be glorified.
So how should we react to this difficult teaching? Our response to God’s sovereignty over disabilities, sickness and suffering can go in two ways:

1) The foolish response. The first option is to get mad at God for allowing it, and reject him. "God, if this is how you treat people, you can forget it." But this option leaves the person still suffering, with the addition of being cut off from the only One who can sustain them through it! And the final result is eternal suffering for sin and rejection of Christ.

2) The biblical and wise response. There is a better way. First, pray for healing! Jesus healed the man born blind in John 9. Perhaps the purpose of your suffering is to glorify God through healing.

But, if God chooses not to heal, then pray for grace to suffer well, that others may see God’s power in us as we suffer and continue to love God. God will be glorified, whether it is through healing or giving grace for endurance. When the world sees that our treasure is not health, but the glorious God, this is a powerful thing.

For those who are suffering with a disability or sickness or disease, and God has not chosen to heal you, look to the One who came and suffered for us at the cross. Jesus paid the price for our sins with his own blood and rose from the grave to save us. For those who repent of sin and believe on Christ, the Bible promises eternal life and everlasting joy in the presence of God! This includes physical healing (Matthew 8:17; Revelation 21:4)! As we look ahead to that Day, let's trust in God's goodness and wisdom - even when we can't understand completely the reason for our suffering.

Holiday Encouragement To Christians

2011-11-26T11:42:00.001-06:00

This week I enjoyed time with my family and extended family during the Thanksgiving holiday. I was also reminded, and felt the subtle pull, of the worldly mindset that seems to creep in during the holiday season.

It's easy to fall into the chaos of laziness, materialism, over-indulgence, etc, that is rampant this time of year, and just 'veg out' and coast along with the world.
So I offer this encouragement to God's people for the holidays: Let our hearts burn hot after the Lord as we close out the year!

When King David set up the worship of God for Israel according to the word of the Lord, he gave this amazing, Spirit-inspired song of praise:

"Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name;
make known his deeds among the peoples!
Sing to him, sing praises to him;
tell of all his wondrous works!
Glory in his holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice!
Seek the LORD and his strength;
seek his presence continually!
Remember the wondrous works that he has done,
his miracles and the judgments he uttered,
O offspring of Israel his servant,
children of Jacob, his chosen ones!
(1 Chronicles 16:8-13, ESV)

Seek his presence continually!!! (v11b)

Later in the song David said:

"Say also: “Save us, O God of our salvation, and gather and deliver us from among the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name and glory in your praise" (1 Chronicles 16:35). Save us so that we may give thanks, and glory in your praise. Praise and Worship and Thanksgiving is the fruit and part of the purpose of our salvation! That we enjoy God's presence and glory forever!

Let's repent of distractions, idols, and low affections for the Lord, and through Christ and his cross and resurrection, let us abide in his presence and give praise and thanks to the Lord!
Hallelujah!

God Came Down To Rescue His People

2011-11-21T11:45:00.001-06:00

In the famous passage about the burning bush (Exodus 3) God Almighty appears to Moses. He tells Moses that he has seen his people's affliction in Egypt and has heard their cries, and knows their suffering. And he is about to do something about it: God himself has come down to rescue his people!

It is God who will rescue. God himself has come down to rescue his people! Israel could not rescue themselves. Moses had tried to rescue the people and failed (Ex 2:11-15). A new king has risen to power, but did not rescue Israel (2:23). God is Israel’s only hope, and he has come down to rescue them!

But next we see that, though God himself will rescue Israel, God has chosen to do it through a mediator. God had said that he had come down to deliver Israel, but then he told Moses, “Come, I will send you…” (v10). So who will rescue Israel, God or Moses? Yes. God will rescue, but he has chosen to do it through a man who will serve as a mediator between God and his people. Oh, the gospel implications here (which we will highlight below)!!

God then revealed his covenant name to Moses. “I AM WHO I AM." He said, “Tell the people of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you." So the God who IS - the unchanging, constant, uncreated God - has revealed his rescue plan for his people! And this plan is not a rescue attempt; rather Israel's rescue is certain. God gives his word: "I promise that I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt" (3:17).

How is this relevant to us?
In these events we see clear pictures of Jesus Christ, the ultimate Rescuer of God’s people, to whom the whole Bible points; Jesus said Moses wrote about him (John 5:39, 46; Luke 24:25-27; 44-45; Acts 10:43)! Notice these glorious fulfillments of types and pictures we see in Exodus 3, beautifully realized in Christ:

1. God Rescues us through a Man, who is Mediator between God and men. Just as Moses served as mediator between God and Israel, Christ is the God-Man:

• For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus 1 Timothy 2:5

2. Moses was sent by I AM; Jesus is I AM! Jesus clearly claimed to be God, using the name revealed to Moses in Exodus 3, the I AM.

• Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad.” [57] So the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” [58] Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” [59] So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple. John 8:56-59

See also John 6:35(“I am the bread of life”); 8:12 (“I am the light of the world”); 10:7 (“I am the door of the sheep”), 10:11 (“I am the good shepherd”); 11:25 (“I am the resurrection and the life”); 14:6 (“I am the way, the truth, and the life”); 15:1 (“I am the true vine”).

3. In Christ, God Has Come Down to Rescue! God has come down to us in the Person of his Son, Jesus Christ, to rescue his people from every nation! We could not come up to God, so he humbled himself and came for us!

• In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. …And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us… John 1:1, 14a

• No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. John 3:13

• For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. [40] For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.” John 6:38-40

• I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh. John 6:51

4. Rescue is Certain. I Promise I Will Rescue You (Ex 3:17). Just as God promised to rescue Israel, so we have God's word that he will rescue all who comes to him through Jesus Christ.

• All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. John 6:37

• And this is the promise that he made to us—eternal life. 1 John 2:25

• So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul... Hebrews 6:17-19a

Praise God! Though we were helpless in our sins, God has come down to rescue us in the Person and Work of Jesus Christ! Believe the Promise. Rescue – eternal rescue and blessedness with God – is certain for all of God’s people; those who have believed on Christ. Cry out to God for rescue: from our sins, from his just wrath, from our vices and lusts and idols and self-righteousness; from Satan, the world system, death, hell and the grave. Cry out to the Rescuer to be delivered from these things, and rescued to the eternal enjoyment of God in Christ!

Social Justice - Pride or Humility?

2011-11-07T12:36:00.000-06:00

In the well-known parable of the good Samaritan Jesus answers the question of a lawyer who wanted to know how to get to heaven. Jesus asked him what the Law said (Luke 10:26, implying that God's word makes us wise for salvation - 2 Tim 3:15). The lawyer had the right answer - Love God and love your neighbor. Jesus himself said this was the correct answer (10:28), although he did not tell him that loving God and loving our neighbor is only possible through faith in Christ! The law points to Jesus, who fulfills it and empowers us to obey God as we believe.

But the lawyer wanted to "justify himself" (v29) [he was not loving God and neighbor and wanted to still be accepted]. He asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" This man wanted to narrow the list of people he 'had' to love. Just give me the minimum, Jesus! Who do I really have to love?

Jesus answered by telling the story of the good Samaritan. A man (presumably, a Jew, since both Jesus and the lawyer are Jews) was beaten up by robbers on the road and left 'half dead' (v30). Two religious men passed him by without helping. But a Samaritan - a 'mixed breed' that the Jews "have no dealings with" (John 4:9; note the ethnic tension here) "saw him," and "had compassion" for him (v33). His compassion led him to action. He tended to the man's wounds and brought him to an inn and took care of him. He went further - he paid the tab and told the innkeeper to continue to take care of the man; he would pay the bill when he returned (vs 34-35). This Samaritan - the man the Jews would think most unlikely to help - had gone out of his way, interrupted his journey and dipped into his pocketbook - to help the man. It was not convenient, but he had loved.

Jesus now asks the lawyer which one was a "neighbor" to the man who was beaten. The lawyer responded, "The one who showed him mercy" (v37). Jesus said, "You go, and do likewise."

So the lawyer wanted to narrow the list of people he had to love, but Jesus encouraged him (even commanded him) to go and show mercy to the most unlikely of people.

This is truly a command for us as well. We are sent out as followers of Christ to preach the gospel and to show mercy as we live the gospel out. In that sense, we are to be like the good Samaritan in Jesus' story. But in a greater sense, we are not the good Samaritan in this parable; we are the man who was beaten up and left for dead!

The Bible says we were "dead in the trespasses and sins in which" we "once walked" (Ephesians 2:1). Through Adam's sin "death reigned" and "led to condemnation for all men" (Romans 5:17, 18). We were born in sin and lived in sin until Christ saved us. Just like the man in the story who was beaten by the robbers, we were helpless in our depravity, with no power to improve our condition. This is true, no matter how rich, educated or privilged we are in society.

But God, who owed us nothing (no Savior was provided for the angels who sinned!), had compassion on us! He loved us and sent his Son to rescue us from our sin. Jesus had compassion on us and inconvenienced himself (Philippians 2:6-8) to come to our aid. When we were helpless, Christ rescued us who by grace believe, through his death and resurrection! Jesus is the good Samaritan in this story!

Now consider the implications of this as we seek to help those around us. If we were the good Samaritans - the rescuers - we would have reason to boast. We would reach down from our lofty heights to save the weak and needy, lifting them up to our great position out of the goodness of our own heart. But because we ourselves have been rescued by Christ, we come to the needy on equal ground with them! We do not preach ourselves, but Christ (2 Cor 4:5). We come to the helpless, the poor, the weak, not as rescuers, but as fellow rescuees, proclaiming the greatness of the Rescuer, Jesus Christ! This makes all the difference. The glory is not for us; not for our church or our ministry, but for Christ alone.

This is the difference between non-Christian social justice programs and the gospel-impacted followers of Christ. Glory to the Rescuer!

Suffering And The Glory Of God

2011-10-18T16:00:00.000-05:00

Is God in control of human suffering? If he is all-powerful, why does he not stop it? If he is good, why does he allow it? These questions are some of the biggest in all of theology and philosophy. And, while the Bible leaves an element of mystery, it does give us just the answers we need in order to stand firm with joy when suffering comes.

In the book of Exodus, the 70 members of the family of Israel - the people of God - had migrated to Egypt. God began to bless them by multiplying their numbers greatly (Ex 1:7) in fulfillment of promises he had made to their forefathers. It was a time of blessing for the people of God. But then, verse 8 comes along and ruins the whole thing. "There arose a new king" (1:8) who was greatly alarmed at the population explosion happening to Israel. He made their lives bitter by enslaving them, subjecting them to oppressive labor, and even killing their male babies. This was a king who hated God's people and brought suffering to their lives. Where was God? Why didn't he stop this? Was he on vacation when the new king rose up? Did he even care?

The rest of the Bible helps us answer those questions:

It is God himself who raises up kings and puts others down (Daniel 2:20-21a). In other words, this evil king was raised up by God!
This event, like all others, was decreed by God (Ephesians 1:11; Isaiah 46:8-11). If anything happens, God has allowed it, permitted it, refrained from stopping it...and even decreed that it would happen.
This particular event (Israel coming to Egypt, being enslaved and afflicted) was specifically prophesied by God generations before (Genesis 15:13-14).
God had the power to turn the king's heart (Proverbs 21:1) and could have caused the king to be nice to Israel, thus, removing their suffering.
Later in Exodus God revealed exactly why he had raised up this evil king to make his own people suffer: "But for this purpose I have raised you up, to show you my power, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth" (Exodus 9:16, ESV).

So we see that God decrees what happens, and is sovereign over governments, politics, history and all things. We see that God specifically raised up this evil king and allowed him to bring great suffering on his own people that he loved. And we are told that God's purpose in this was to show his power and bring glory to his name. In fact, God's purpose to show forth his glory is declared throughout Exodus (6:7; 7:5, 7:17; 8:22; 10:2; 14:4, 14:18; 16:12; 29:46)!

The Bible goes on to give us valuable lessons about suffering and the glory of God.

1. Suffering is sometimes part of God's will. Philippians 1:29 says that it has been granted that we suffer, and 1 Peter 4:19 teaches us what to do when we "suffer according to God's will."

2. God will be glorified and we will be satisfied...even in suffering. We've already seen that God is working for his glory in our suffering (see also Philippians 1:20b). But we are also taught that God's people will be satisfied in God through suffering! "But he said to me, '...my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me" (2 Cor 12:9).

Think about it this way; to know God and be satisfied by him in all his attributes, God must allow suffering to take place. To know him as our healer, he must allow us to get sick. To know God as our deliverer, he must allow us to be bound up. To know and enjoy God as our provider, he must allow us to experience lack. To know God as our soul's deepest friend, he must allow us to first be lonely. And to know God as our Savior, he must allow sin. For us to know that God is enough in the midst of great suffering, he must allow that suffering to take place.

3. We must trust God and suffer well. This is what Jesus did (Hebrews 12:2). "Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good" (1 Peter 4:19).

4. God's people will not always suffer! True enough, God raised up an evil king in Egypt, allowing him to bring great suffering upon God's people. But the rest of the book of Exodus is the story of God pouring out his power on that evil king and rescuing his people with a mighty hand and outstretched arm! They may be suffering now, but the exodus is coming!

This is true for us as well. While we live in this fallen world, suffering will come. But for those who have repented of sin and trusted in Jesus Christ, "I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us" (Romans 8:18)!

5. We are saved because Jesus suffered! The same God who allows suffering in our lives suffered himself by sending his precious Son to the cross - to save us from eternal suffering (the consequences of our sins) and give us eternal joy in the presence of God! Jesus suffered at the cross for our salvation. He knows and understands suffering. No other 'god' does. No other god has scars. "But to our wounds only God can speak, and not a god has wounds but thou alone" (Jesus of the Scars, by Edward Shillito).

6. God allowed your suffering and he is still good. This is mysterious, and difficult. Only those who have faith can say this. And this faith comes from God. When we come to the end of ourselves and are humbled before God, we see his glory and goodness, and we desire that above all things, God be glorified. If this means suffering, so be it. The life that does not prize the glory of God above all things does not have biblical faith.

7. Don't waste your suffering! In light of the biblical truth we have discussed, don't waste your suffering by giving up on God, complaining, distancing yourself from his people, etc. Don't waste your sickness; your infertility; your disease. Don't waste your marriage crisis; your financial crisis; your trouble with your children. Don't waste your unemployment; your heart-breaking loss; your persecution for being a Christian. By God's grace suffer well - trust him, praise him, serve him, walk with him, lean on him and glorify him. And you will be satisfied in him.

From Infertility To A Mighty Nation

2011-10-10T16:31:00.001-05:00

Did you ever realize that all of Israel's patriarchs struggled with infertility? What an amazing thought! God was creating his own special people that he promised would be innumerable like the stars and the dust - and he started by choosing forefathers for Israel who could not even have children. He chose the most unlikely candidates for his plan; the very opposite of what any of us would choose. First, an old man with a barren wife(Abraham and Sarah – Genesis 15:2-3; 17:17; 18:11-12). Then his son 'happens' to also marry a barren woman (Isaac and Rebekah – Gen 25:21). And, finally, his grandson continued the legacy (Jacob and Leah – Gen 29:31; 30:9; Jacob and Rachel – Gen 30:1-2; 22-24)! God would later be known as the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; and all of these men had barren wives. As Mark Dever noted about Israel, “These people shouldn’t even exist!”

In this light, Exodus 1:7 should hit us like a ton of bricks. This infertile family had over time grown to 70 people, and had migrated to Egypt. Then God began to work:

But the people of Israel were fruitful and increased greatly; they multiplied and grew exceedingly strong, so that the land was filled with them. Exodus 1:7, ESV

In this short verse five phrases are piled together to scream to us about God's faithfulness. This people who came from infertile forefathers had a population explosion!!! And it was all just as God had promised. As Ligon Duncan points out, this verse borrows language from God's promises in the book of Genesis:

Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make you into a great nation. Genesis 46:3, to Jacob
I will multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven. Genesis 26:4, to Isaac
I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make you into nations, and kings shall come from you. Genesis 17:6, to Abraham
And I will make of you a great nation… Genesis 12:2, to Abraham
And you, be fruitful and multiply, increase greatly on the earth and multiply in it. Genesis 9:7, to Noah
And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it.. Genesis 1:28, to Adam

The borrowed language emphasizes to us that God is obviously working mightily for his own glory! He has promised things that looked impossible, and yet no obstacle can stand in the way of the sovereign God, who is creating a people for his own glory! Infertility is no match for the Almighty. It was no coincidence that all the patriarchs had this struggle; for when God overcame this 'impossible' obstacle he alone would be glorified!

In fact, God would conquer infertility again. After he multiplied the people of Israel, he sent his Son through their line. And Jesus, the promised Rescuer, was born of a virgin (Luke 1:31-37)!

Christ described our salvation as being “impossible with man,” but “possible with God” (Luke 18:26-27). God loves to create and allow impossible circumstances and situations and obstacles to rise up so that he can glorify his name when he does the impossible!

For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. [27] But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; [28] God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, [29] so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. [30] And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, [31] so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:26-31, ESV

Rejoice! God is faithful. He will do all that he has said, and no obstacle will be able to stand in his way. He will use unlikely people with seemingly insurmountable problems. And he will be glorified forever!

(References: Promises Made: The Message of the Old Testament; Mark Dever; ©2006, Crossway Books.
Sermon by Ligon Duncan: Church Growth; http://thegospelcoalition.org/resources/name-index/a/Ligon_Duncan/scripture/exodus/P0/)

Who Is The Greatest?

2011-09-26T17:08:00.000-05:00

"Let these words sink into your ears," Jesus said.
That means pay attention! Something important is coming.
"The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men." (Luke 9:44)

Jesus was predicting his coming death on the cross. But his disciples couldn't grasp the meaning of his words.

"But they did not understand this saying, and it was concealed from them, so that they might not perceive it. And they were afraid to ask him about this saying." 9:45

So, looking at this from God's perspective, he sovereignly hid the meaning of Jesus' prediction. He had a purpose for their not 'getting it' at this particular time. God is the Potter and we are the clay; he reserves the right to hide and conceal at his discretion, for his glory and good purposes. That's ok. He's God.

But looking at this from man's perspective, the disciples probably weren't trying that hard to understand what Jesus meant. They had something else on their minds. They were distracted. By some good deed or a glorious and edifying discussion of an important doctrinal point perhaps?
The next verse tells us:

"An argument arose among them as to which of them was the greatest." 9:46

Really?! Jesus was telling them that he was about to go to the cross and suffer for our sins, and all they could think about was which of them was the greatest!

Imagine this.
Their conversation is called an 'argument.' This means that one of the twelve apostles actually vocalized his opinion that he was, in fact, the greatest follower of Christ, complete with examples to support his claim. Another apostle then proceeded to shoot down his arguments, point out why he was actually NOT the greatest disciple...followed by a careful presentation of his case that HE was the greatest. Others jumped in, each man putting down his fellow apostle and lifting himself up. Perhaps their was even yelling.
Do you get the picture? The men chosen to lead Jesus' church thought it a wise use of time to argue like children.

Jesus was talking about self-denial while his followers were engaged in self-exaltation.
Jesus spoke of humility while the disciples were filled with pride.
Jesus embraced the Father's will, as his apostles sought their own.

The disciples fought over who was the greatest. But the One who actually was the greatest was preparing to become the least.

No wonder they could not understand his words about the cross! Their minds and hearts were consumed with the very opposite of the cross.

We are the very same.
Aren't we? Rather than denying ourselves, taking up our cross and following Jesus, don't we love to promote ourselves? To be thought of as the greatest? But Christ calls us to come and die. As John said, "He must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:30, ESV).

Lord, give us grace to understand the cross. Let us see you - the Greatest - laying down your life for sinners. Let your gospel affect us, transform us, and change us from the inside out. Forgive us for our self-exaltation, Lord! Thank you for dying for our pride! Fill us with your Spirit and enable us by grace to walk in humility. Help us to stop competing and start serving. I pray this in Jesus' name.

Husbands, Do Not Be Harsh With Your Wives

2011-09-23T10:41:00.002-05:00

Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. Colossians 3:19, ESV

Those who do not agree with the Bible's command for wives to submit to their husbands might have in mind an overbearing, intimidating, angry husband using the Bible as a means to be a jerk to his wife. This is absolutely not what God has in mind. Scripture is clear and to the point: Husbands, "do not be harsh with them." God's word leaves no room in Christian homes for abusive - or even nice-yet-loveless - husbands.

The negative instruction is "do not be harsh with them." But the positive command is "love your wives." In other places the Bible describes this as living "with your wives in an understanding way" (1 Peter 3:7), and even defines what kind of love is to be shown to them: a self-sacrificing love based on Christ's love for the church, which led him to the cross (Ephesians 5:25).

By connecting the marriage roles to the gospel it becomes clear that the stakes are higher than personal marital happiness. Marriage is a picture of Christ and the church, vividly lived out for the universe to behold, as husbands and wives obey the commands of God in Scripture. Marriage is about glorifying God and displaying the gospel.

We should also be happy to hear that Scipture's commands are not to loom over the head of the believer, driving us to despair when we fall short. God's grace trains us from the inside out to walk in obedience to God's commands (Titus 2:11-12). Husbands and wives cannot obey God in their own power; this is why God graciously sent a Savior to us, Jesus Christ, who perfectly obeyed God on our behalf and died for our sins on the cross. Rising from the grave, he ascended to the Father and sent the Holy Spirit upon his believing, repentant people. Through faith in Jesus Christ, and by the power of his indwelling Spirit, followers of Christ progressively see their lives lining up with the ideals of God's word. Good news! Husbands who believe on Jesus CAN obey his word; we WILL love our wives and not be harsh with them, as the Lord molds us into the image of Jesus!

Husband, have you been harsh with your wife? Insensitive? Rude? Just plain mean?
Repent. Confess this sin to the Lord, realizing that it is indeed a great sin! Through our harshness we have distorted the picture of Christ and the church in our marriage; we have with our lives preached a false gospel to the watching world. In our bitterness, anger and laziness; through our words, actions and body language we have preached that Christ acts toward his bride, the church, in the demeaning way we've acted toward our wives!

But as we repent of this sin and look to the cross, we understand that Christ died for our harsh treatment of our wives. He bore in himself the penalty of our marital sin. His blood is sufficient and "it is finished!" Praise him for taking this sin from us, and rising to give us power by the Spirit to love our bride the way he has loved his.

It is possible to lead without being harsh.
Christ himself proves this!
May the Lord have mercy on us, husbands, and train us by his grace to be Christ-like to our wives, for the glory of God.

Just As You Were Taught...

2011-09-21T11:38:00.000-05:00

In every age there is a temptation for Christians to drift from a steadfast grip on the unchanging, key gospel truths in search of some secret knowledge, easy principles for success, or other things to "add" to Jesus. There is no shortage of teachers who present to us wise-sounding nuggets, presented to us as "the real meat." And our flesh has a natural tendency to desire, well, NOT the cross! Rather than decreasing, denying self and taking up the cross, our flesh wants to HELP Jesus save us. Even if we firmly hold to Christ-alone for initial conversion, there is great temptation to go the way of the Galatians and attempt to complete our maturity by "Jesus plus..." "Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?" (Galatians 3:3).

Paul gives some help and encouragement on this topic in his letter to the Colossians. False teachers had sprung up in that local church. They were pulling the believers away from a Christ-centered stand on the gospel. Paul tells them that Christ is enough:

Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him... Colossians 2:6-10a, ESV

Paul calls the Colossian Christians back to the fundamentals of the faith. This is what all believers need! The gospel is the true meat - there is no secret knowledge past Christ, for in him "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (2:3). Notice that Paul told the Colossians to continue walking in Christ just as they had when they were first converted. Christian conversion and Christian growth are both rooted in the gospel message of Jesus Christ! Paul tells them to seek maturity as they are "established in the faith, just as you were taught." Established. Grounded. Standing firm in THE faith. Christ taught the apostles the faith, and they passed it on to the churches they planted, entrusting the gospel guardianship to qualified elders (Titus 1:5, 9-10). THE faith cannot be changed. We must hold to it! And Paul said to be established in this faith, "just as you were taught." Those who were taught the pure faith of Christianity must not sweve, drift from, or modify the faith.

There is a problem when we were not properly taught the faith from the very beginning. Pure teaching of the gospel seems scarce sometimes. But we must contend for the pure faith of Christianity (Jude 3). Were you grounded in the gospel as revealed to the apostles and entrusted to local-church elders when you first believed? Or were you taught a bunch of nonsense, things Paul refers to as "philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ"? Were you taught that Jesus is enough, and that the gospel itself is the ground of our conversion and our growth to maturity? If not, look to the Scriptures and embrace the gospel of Jesus!

If you were taught the pure faith, then stand in it firmly, "just as you were taught." Don't let anyone pull you away with tempting teachings. Paul says that we will be faced with competing doctrines that rely on human tradition, things dealing with 'elemental spirits' or principles - an appeal to demonic spirits! Later in the epistle he also adds to the list Jewish laws (telling us the gospel is not enough, we must also focus on Jewish ways and practices to really grow as a Christian), ascetiscism (a focus on denying the body), worship of angels (an unhealthy focus on angels to the exclusion of Christ), visions (relying on mystical revelations and visions rather than God's revealed word). All of this Paul describes as "not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God" (2:16-19).

Jesus and his pure gospel is enough! Enough to save us and enough to grow us up. Don't let your focus drift from Christ and the pure, foundational faith "just as you were taught." Yes, there is growth in wisdom and knowledge; there are deep things to learn. But the meat and wisdom are Christ-centered and gospel-saturated. Anything that takes our focus off Christ and the gospel (the message of his life, death and resurrection for us) is unhealthy.

The apostle John gave a similar warning. We will close with the bold words of the aged disciple of love:

Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works. 2 John 9-11, ESV

Jesus Is Holding The Universe Together Right Now

2011-09-15T10:57:00.000-05:00

What - or who - keeps the world from disintegrating into nothingness? What sort of glue holds the molecules of your body in place? Who guides the laws of science that operate in the world, ensuring that all things continue to function?

The Bible makes an amazingly bold declaration - twice! - when it reveals to us that it is Jesus Christ who holds everything in place:

"and in him" (Christ) "all things hold together..." Colossians 1:17b, ESV

God "has spoken to us by his Son... 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." Hebrews 1:1, 3, ESV

Can you fathom this?

The Son of God who entered human history and took on a body like ours is also continually holding the universe together! As the Roman soldiers were nailing him to the cross so that he could die for sinners, he was at that moment holding in place the very atoms that made up their hands, as well as the hammer and nails; ensuring that his death for us could continue. As his dead body lay in the tomb Jesus was keeping the earth in orbit around the sun and controlling the breaking of every wave - in every ocean - as they crashed on every beach in the world. At this very moment the glorified Son of God is Lord of the creation he brought into existence, and rules over all the heavens and the earth.

Pause for a moment and worship Jesus.
He is more glorious than you can imagine.
And he holds you together so you can worship him.

Titus 2: What Christianity Looks Like In Practical Terms

2011-09-09T12:03:00.000-05:00

Paul's letter to Titus gives believers practical instructions for daily living. It shows us what Christianity should look like every day. The instructions are even broken down for the different age/sex groups within a local church!

Titus was putting the finishing touches on some young churches on the island of Crete, under Paul's apostolic authority. His job was to put the churches in order (Titus 1:5), which implies that there IS a correct order for the people of God in local churches. Jesus bought the church with his blood (Eph 5:25; Acts 20:28) and is the Head of the church (Eph 1:22; Col 1:18); therefore he alone can define how the church should look.

So after instructing Titus to appoint qualified elders in the churches, and confronting the enemies of the gospel that had already begun to rise up in the congregations, Paul turned to practical instructions for the believers. The main point is that gospel truth produces a changed life: godliness is the fruit of right teaching. The gospel impacts all true believers, down to the very fine points of daily living. Let's briefly look at Paul's inspired instructions.

1. Older Men (2:2). Paul paints a picture for the older men in the church; they should have a dignity about them as seasoned men of God. They walk in self-control, and are full of faith. Older men also model true Christian love. The kids should want to run up to them! The idea is not grumpy old men, but loving old men who endure and finish strong.

2. Older Women (2:3-4a). Paul has instructions about their character (not drunkards or gossips, but reverent, worshipful ladies) and their teaching. That's right; older women in the church are specifically instructed to teach! Their students are the young ladies. The idea is not a classroom, but informal teaching. Paul uses the word "train," which is a "highly unusual" word in the original language, and carries the idea of bringing "someone to his or her senses" (G.Fee). Apparently, these young ladies are out of control, and Paul wants the older women in the church to bring them to their senses!

3. Young Ladies (2:4b-5). Paul gives the most instructions to the young ladies. Perhaps this was because of the specific situation on Crete, but all young Christian ladies should see this as a wake-up call; young women have an important role before a watching world. They can shine strongly as a witness, or bring reproach to the gospel and the local church. Paul instructs the young ladies to:

Love their husbands and children.Chrysostom said that all of these instructions to the young women flow out of love for their husband. The world wants to drive a wedge between a women's heart and her family, but God wants her clinging closely to her husband and children.
Be self-contolled; pure. The Lord desires that young women display sexual purity. A young Christian lady must realize and daily remember that her husband is her only sexual outlet, and that she must watch out for anything that would pull her from him (heart attachments to other men; novels, movies, websites or fantasies that bring a drifting from her husband; dressing for other men; ETC).
Be working at home; homemakers. This one is especially controversial in our culture, but a theological reason is given rather than a cultural one (v5b). This does not prohibit a Christian woman from any work outside the home (the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31 ran her own business selling her homemade products, and even made her own decisions in selling real estate); however, it does mean that her priority is her home. If outside work hinders her from putting the needs of her husband and children first, she has strayed from the Lord's command.
Be kind. Do not underestimate this simple command. A young woman in the church is to show general goodness and kindness (this is given in the context of the home! - be kind in your words and actions to your husband and children). A woman can even make kindness her gospel mission to her neighborhood, bringing food to neighbors, hosting a women's neighborhood Bible study, providing for people's needs, etc, in the name of Jesus.
Be submissive to their own husbands. Another controversial instruction! But just as Jesus Christ, though equal to the Father in substance and deity, willingly submitted himself to the Father, so are wives called to look past the faults of their husbands and submit to them in everything as unto the Lord (Eph 5:22-24). They are willingly submitting to their equal for the glory of God.

Paul says that by doing these things, a young Christian lady is protecting the ministry of her local church ("that the word of God may not be reviled") before outsiders. Young Christian woman, is your home life reinforcing your local church's preached gospel, or taking away from it?

4. Young men (2:6). Though the young ladies of Crete received many instructions, the young men only receive one! They are to be self-controlled. Imagine a young Christian man walking in self-control in every area of his life! What a blessing he would be to his family, local church and world!

5. Church leaders (2:7-8). Having addressed the young men in the church, Paul now gives specific instructions for Titus himself, who may also be a young man. Church leaders are to be models of good works. But Paul also tells them how their preaching should look! "...in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us" (7b-8, ESV). In a day when young preachers are more and more prone to sexually explicit and coarse language, these instructions are much needed!

6. Slaves (2:9-10). Paul does not condone slavery. But as he is giving instructions to the different groups within the local churches, he cannot refuse to address those who find themselves as slaves within that culture. The gospel must affect their lives too! So he instructs them to be submissive and faithful to their masters, not always talking back and never stealing. In our culture we could loosely apply these principles to employees showing respect and godliness at work, and before their boss.

Paul closes all these instructions with these words: "so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior" (v10). Though this is spoken specifically to the slaves, it seems to function as a summary for all the groups he has addressed. Our lives should decorate the truth we believe. When Christians sin we bring shame to the church and to the name of Jesus. Our lives should rather back up the gospel we are preaching.

One final word. These instructions are not given to us so that we can focus on the rules and try hard to obey them. In our own strength we can never keep these teachings, and the focus of the believer is never to be on rules! Immediately after these instructions Paul gives a large dose of gospel doctrine (v11-14). It is by focusing on Christ crucified and risen that we are empowered by the God of grace to walk in godliness! This is not dead religion, but joyful union with the living Christ!

May we be captivated by Jesus and his gospel, and walk in godliness that adorns our teaching. May Jesus set his churches in order, for his glory!

Jesus' Glory Revealed...Again

2011-09-08T14:42:00.001-05:00

In two previous posts (here and here) we have looked at Luke's account of the transfiguration of Jesus - where the veil that hid his eternal glory was partially lifted and Peter, James and John saw him shine brighter than the sun. Peter wanted to stay on the mountain (Luke 9:33). Wouldn't you?

We haven't seen Jesus transfigured with our fleshly eyes like Peter, but have we not also experienced times of great blessing and glory in the presence of Christ? "Mountain-top experiences" of sorts, where we shared with a gathering of other believers a glorious time of worship and praise and word; times of joy before Jesus? We want to stay in that place forever. And one day we will! Believers will one day live in the glorious presence of Christ!

But until that Day, we have to come down the mountain.

This is exactly what happened immediately following the revealing of Jesus' glory on the mountain in Luke 9. It was time for Jesus and his friends to come back down. "On the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, a great crowd met him" (9:37). One of the reasons for coming back down the mountain is MISSION. There are great crowds of people who need Jesus! In heaven we will live in his glory uninterrupted, but in this life on earth we have a mission. We gather in local churches to behold the glory together and edify each other before scattering back into the world to minister to the 'great crowds.' We must come down the mountain and get to work.

But Jesus did not just see a faceless, nameless 'great crowd.' They were individuals to him. "And behold, a man from the crowd cried out, 'Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, for he is my only child" (9:39). A man "from the crowd." There are specific people with real needs in front of us. "For he is my only child;" hear the desperation in the father's voice! He went on to explain to Jesus that his son was tormented by "a spirit," which is later called a "demon" (v42). Jesus took the time to deliver and heal the man's son.

What was the response from the "great crowd?" "And all were astonished at the majesty of God" (9:43). Jesus' glory had been revealed on the top of the mountain. Now it is revealed again! The crowd did not see what Peter, James and John saw. But they did see Jesus demonstrate authority over the power of darkness, and they saw healing, flowing out of love and compassion. Glorious! In fact, what they saw Jesus do, they attributed to God. This is common in the gospels (Luke 8:39) and illustrates the divinity of Christ.

But we are not finished yet. Jesus' glory was seen on the mountain by his three closest disciples. His miraculous glory was then witnessed and admired by the great crowd when he came down the mountain. But Jesus wanted to make certain we knew that there was more glory - greater glory - still to come.

But while they were all marveling at everything he was doing, Jesus said to his disciples, 'Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men.'" Luke 9:43b-44, ESV

Let these words sink into your ears! Jesus desires us to carefully listen to this point. He told his disciples about his immenent death on the cross - while the crowd was excited about his miracles! It's as if he said, "You think THIS is glorious? I'll show you glory; Wait till I am lifted up on the cross! THAT's where the glory will be most clearly seen!"

Jesus was not a rock star. He did not thrive on the applause of crowds. He had not come to earth to impress a 'great crowd' with a miracle, but to die for sinners on the cross. His mission was always on his mind.

His disciples could not understand these words (9:45); it was hidden from them until after Jesus rose from the dead. They were expecting a Messiah to come in kingly power and set up a very visible kingdom for Israel. How could the Messiah die? That's foolishness! And the message of the cross is still foolishness to men in their natural, unconverted state. But when God opens our eyes, the message of the cross is not foolish; it is beautiful, powerful, wise and glorious!

For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ curcified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 1 Corinthians 1:21-25, ESV

Jesus was warning us not to stop short of the cross. Don't be satisfied with miracles and mountain-top experiences of joy. We can worship on the mountain and be astonished by a miracle...and still not be saved! Many are content with these 'glories' ('Jesus was a good man,' 'Jesus was a great teacher,' 'Jesus was a Prophet,' or even 'Jesus worked mighty miracles'). But salvation only comes when we see Jesus crucified and risen. Jesus is Savior and Lord!

Don't rest till you've seen the glory of the cross! It is at the cross, where the sinless Son of God died in the place of sinners to bring us to God, where God's glory is most clearly revealed.

God Wants Believers To Work Together In Local Churches

2011-09-05T12:02:00.000-05:00

Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel. Philippians 1:27, ESV

Philippians is a letter from Paul to a local church. The apostle wants to make sure that whether he is with them or is away, one important task is not neglected: that the members of that local church work together in the gospel!

He wants to be certain that they are:
Standing firm in one spirit.
With one mind.
Striving side by side.
For the faith of the gospel.

What an image these words paint! This was written to real people in Philippi. Lydia, the business lady whose heart was opened by God to the gospel message (Acts 16:14). The jailer and his household, who believed on the Lord (Acts 16:31-34). Real faces and names. Paul wants them standing strong in Christ together with one focus and goal, and one work: 'the faith of the gospel.' Building one another up within the church in the doctrine ('faith of the gospel') and going out together in the mission of the Spirit of Christ - the gospel in word and deed.

Paul gave a similar call to another local church. He wrote to the church in Rome:

May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:5-6, ESV

Now the image Paul paints is not one of striving and laboring and standing firm in unified gospel work; his new picture is one of gospel-saturated, unified lives singing Christ's glory to the world! He sees the local church as a sort of choir, but it is our gospel-empowered godly lives that are singing. Paul doesn't have a solo in mind! One local church member's life-voice is joined by another's. But rather than trying to out-sing each other, the result is harmony. Because they are singing the same song! Just in different parts.

What a picture of the local church!

Can you see it? The believers in the Roman church living gospel lives - TOGETHER. Their lives rise up as "one voice" to "glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."

So, let's apply God's word.
Are you standing in unity and love with fellow believers in your local church - working together with them for the gospel? Or are you doing your own thing? It's EASIER to do ministry by ourselves, isn't it? But it's not God's will. He wants us to rub shoulders with other believers; people who are not like us; people that, apart from Christ, we might not even like too much. God knows that we will get our feelings hurt, and that we will hurt others. Church is messy, because we are not yet in our glorified bodies. But it's God's will! God has chosen to glorify himself through believers who connect with and commit to each other. When they get hurt, (here is a novel idea) they forgive each other, just as God in Christ forgave them! They work together "with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:2-3).

Are you singing a solo or joining with a local church to sing together in harmony, with "one voice" that rises up to the glory of God?

The Old Testament Points To Jesus: The Transfiguration Part 2

2011-08-30T11:08:00.000-05:00

In an earlier post we considered the fact that Jesus veiled his glory when he became a Man. The veil was partially lifted on the mountain when Jesus shone like lightning in front of Peter, James and John. Jesus later prayed (John 17:24) that all of his people (even you and I!) would be with him where he is and see his glory. That Day is coming!

But something else happened on that mountain, besides Jesus' glory outshining the sun. Jesus had a couple of guests. The Bible says that Moses and Elijah were speaking with Jesus. What a sight for Peter and the boys: two Old Testament heroes fresh from the presence of God, now speaking with Jesus on top of a mountain! No wonder Peter, without realizing exactly what he was saying (Luke 9:33), wanted to build a tent for each of these glorious persons. He didn't want this experience to end.

Moses represents the Law of God revealed in Scripture, and Elijah represents the Prophets of God. So, together, these two men on the mountain constituted a living picture of the entire Old Testament! Imagine - in one brief moment the three disciples of Jesus 'saw' their entire Bible pointing to Christ.

When Moses had given Israel the Law, straight from God, his face shone. But it was a temporary shining of glory. The glory would fade, and so Moses put a veil on his face so the people wouldn't see it disappear (2 Cor 3:12). But the glory of Jesus, greater than the Law, does not fade. It was veiled during his ministry of humiliation as a Man, living his life and dying for our sins on the cross. But he has brought something greater than the Law.

"Now if the ministry of death, carved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at Moses' face because of its glory, which was being brought to an end, will not the ministry of the Spirit have even more glory? For if there was glory in the ministry of condemnation, the ministry of righteousness must far exceed it in glory...For Jesus has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses..." 2 Corinthians 3:7-9; Hebrews 3:3, ESV

The Law and the Prophets did not come to save, but to point ahead to Jesus the Savior. So when Paul unveiled the gospel of Jesus, he could say:

But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it - the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. Romans 3:21-22

The Law and Prophets bear witness to Jesus. On the mount of transfiguration this happened literally!

Luke goes on to tell us that Moses and Elijah were speaking with Jesus about "his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem" (Luke 9:31). They were discussing Jesus' upcoming death on the cross for the salvation of sinners! They were indeed bearing witness to the gospel of Christ! The Greek word translated 'departure' in this verse could also translate as 'exodus.' Moses had led the exodus, or departure, of Israel from bondage to Egypt. Now he discussed with Jesus the greater exodus - our delivery from bondage to sin through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ!

When Peter, James and John saw all of this, and Peter asked if he could build a tent for Moses, Elijah, and Jesus ("it is good that we are here" 9:33), he received an unexpected answer...from God himself!

"As he was saying these things, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, 'This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!' And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone." Luke 9:34-36a

Peter's attention was on Jesus AND Moses and Elijah (he wanted to set up a shrine for all three). But God the Father quickly intervened to refocus Peter's attention on Jesus alone. "No, Peter. THIS is my Son. Listen to HIM." And after God said this, Moses and Elijah were gone. Only Christ remained.

This is so significant. It is good to read the Law and the Prophets. But only if we see Christ in them. We read the Old Testament in vain if all we take from it is morals and "I'll-do-better-this-time" self-help. The entire Bible is about Jesus! We can't get to the Father any other way than Christ (John 14:6). Jesus said to the Jews, "You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life. ...For if you believed Moses, you would believe me; for he wrote of me" (John 5:39-40; 46).

Behold the glory of Jesus Christ! Glory that is greater than the Law and all the Prophets. All of Scripture points to Jesus. Don't miss him! Jesus is God's Son, and has brought salvation to all who will repent of sin and believe on Christ. Hear him!

Click HERE for Part 3.

Seeing The Glory Of Jesus: The Transfiguration Part 1

2011-08-25T16:53:00.001-05:00

With our natural eyes we don't see the glory of Jesus Christ.
Our minds just don't get it most of the time.
At least, not yet.

We picture Jesus in his humanity - flesh and blood, teaching, eating, suffering and dying. Even his miracles were done by someone who looked a lot like, well, us. This is the beautiful doctrine of the Incarnation. God with us. The eternal Son of God took on flesh. He was numbered with us, the transgressors (Is 53:12).

But Jesus spoke of his existence prior to becoming a Man. Yes, that's right, Jesus existed before he was born! And he tells us that in his existence before becoming a Man, he shared the very glory of God!

And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed. John 17:5, ESV

Incredible! Jesus knows from where he has come and where he is about to return. He knows who he is; he shares the glory of God with the Father, "implying that there was mutual giving of honor in the interpersonal relationships of the Trinity from all eternity" (ESV Study Bible notes). So Jesus shares the glory of God.

But when Jesus took on flesh he veiled this glory. It was there, but it was hidden to the eye of man. The truth was not as it appeared. God in the flesh walked the streets of Jerusalem...and many didn't give him a second glance.

But some saw it; by God's revelation to them, they beheld "his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father (John 1:14). In fact, there was one day when three of Jesus' disciples saw his glory in a unique and unforgettable way.

Jesus took Peter, James and John up a mountain to pray. As usual, they slept while he prayed (Luke 9:32; Oh, the patience and mercy of God towards his weak children!). While they slept, "the appearance of his face was altered," and "shone like the sun, and his clothing became white as light," "...dazzling white,"...intensely white, as no one on earth could bleach them" (Luke 9:29; Matthew 17:2; Mark 9:3). What a prayer meeting! Jesus was speaking to his Father, who briefly and partially removed the veil, allowing Jesus' glory to shine!

The author of the ESV Study Bible notes wonders if perhaps Jesus was praying that the three men with him would see his glory. If so, this prayer was answered. They woke up to quite a surprise (you would think that this would teach them not to sleep through prayer meetings, but alas - it happened again in the garden). They saw the glory of God shining from Jesus!

There were other times during Jesus' life and ministry when God revealed to people who he was...but not like this! Even the thief on the cross looked at the bleeding Man next to him and saw a King - while the other thief saw only someone to insult and ridicule. All who saw his miracles saw glimpses of his glory: when he healed blind men, walked on water, raised Lazarus from the tomb, multiplied the bread and fish, and put a man's severed ear back on his head! But what Peter, James and John saw on the mountain top was a special and glorious display.

And yet, Jesus wants this experience to be repeated, and for all of his followers! In John 17 he prayed, first for his apostles, and then for all who would believe in him through their preaching (17:9, 20). This includes you, if you are a believer in Christ through his gospel! Jesus prayed for unity among his people (11), for protection from the evil one (15), for holy living and true doctrine (17). But he also made another beautiful request to the Father for all his church:

Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. John 17:24

Hallelujah! The mount of transfiguration was a special revealing of Christ's glory to his three friends and apostles. But Jesus desires that ALL of his saints one day see his glory. He wants us to see how beautiful and powerful and strong and loving he truly is. He wants us to be satisfied solely in his glory!

As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness. Psalm 17:5

The Day is coming when we shall see him! What a glorious Day that will be! Until then, let us think lofty thoughts of Christ. Let us fix our eyes on him in faith, meditating on his glory and beauty and strength and wisdom and grace. The one who "upholds the universe by the word of his power" has made "purification for sins" at the cross (Hebrews 1:3) and he "always lives to make intercession" for us (Heb 7:25) after rising from the grave and ascending to the Father!

Peter never forgot that experience on the mountain. He went on to write:

For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain. 2 Peter 1:16-18

One day we too will be "with him," and will be "eyewitnesses of his majesty."
Praise the Lord!
Click HERE for Part Two!

Guardians of the Gospel: God Entrusted His Truth To Men

2011-08-23T11:30:00.000-05:00

Paul's letter to Titus begins by describing how God has chosen to give eternal life to men. How does God bring people to saving faith in Christ? Through his word; the preached message of the gospel of Jesus Christ (1:2-3).

The message of Jesus' righteous life, substitutionary death for sinners, and resurrection has power to save sinners who believe (Romans 1:16). This message is not (normally) announced through mystical means, by angels or a giant megaphone from heaven. God has entrusted his truth to men.

The truth was first revealed to the Apostles. Paul introduces himself in Titus 1:1 as an "apostle of Jesus Christ." He goes on to tell us that his purpose as an apostle is to bring God's elect to faith and knowledge of the truth, resulting in eternal life. This happens through "the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior" (v3). God has commanded men to preach his gospel; thus preaching is God's idea, not man's.

The gospel came first to the Apostles, but they entrusted it to godly men who would serve as elders/overseers/pastors of local churches. Paul writes to Titus:

This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you...For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. ...He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. Titus 1:5, 7, 9, ESV

The gospel that brings people to saving faith in Christ and eternal life has been entrusted to men; Apostles and then local church elders. These men are guardians of the gospel. They must "hold firm" to the word. It cannot be adjusted, watered down, forgotten or given a small priority in the church. These men must be qualified: godly in character, officially appointed by the church, and devoted to the gospel.

All members of the church must work together to guard the gospel. But God has chosen to entrust this job to men who will make this their lifelong work. Paul wrote to Timothy, "what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also" (2 Timothy 2:2).

Leaders in the church are gifts from Jesus to his people, for their building up and edification (Ephesians 4:8-16). This is the chosen method of the all-wise God, who loves his people with an everlasting love.

Glory to God, who has given his Son to save his people! All praise to God, who gives us men who will devote themselves as gospel guardians in the church, for the glory of God and the good of his people!

Take a moment and thank God for the gospel of Jesus. Thank him that faithful men throughout the ages have, by God's grace, guarded this truth, so that it came to you! Thank God for the elders in your local church who serve you in the gospel. Pray for these men, help them, and make their work a joy (Hebrews 13:17).

Spurgeon: How We Know We Belong To God

2011-08-15T16:01:00.001-05:00

In the Daily Help devotional, Charles Spurgeon lists 5 questions to help us determine whether or not we belong to the Lord. Answering the question, "To whom belongest thou?", Spurgeon writes:

1. "Have you been born again?" This is a necessity. Without the new birth we are not his child. Do you know that you are born again?

2. "In whom do you trust?" If we lean on Christ with faith, we belong to him. The question is not, 'Have you prayed a prayer to the Lord?' but 'In whom do you trust?' Big difference! Is your heart trusting Jesus Christ?

3. "What is your conversation?" Is our speech filled with Christ? Are our hearts occupied with the things of heaven? If someone discovered that we are a Christian, would they be surprised? Fruit will reveal our heart. A man who belongs to the Lord will find himself captivated with Christ; fountains of grace will overflow from his heart and out of his mouth!

4. "Whose work are you doing?" Spurgeon reminds us that we must serve our master, whether Christ or Satan. If we work for ourselves, for money, possessions, comforts and pleasures - if this is our goal and end and the sum of our daily endeavors - then we have answered our original question. But the man who belongs to Jesus will join him in his work of building his church in every tongue and nation through the gospel.

5. "What have you learned of your master?" Jesus called us to take his yoke upon us and learn from him (Matthew 11:29). Conversion is not an event that happens once and leaves us unchanged. The Lord sanctifies and matures those whom he brings to repentance and faith. Do you find that you are knowing Jesus; learning of him?

These questions are helpful. Let us not assume that we are Christ's if all the evidence in our life points to the contrary.

Quotes are from Daily Help, Version 1.5.2; copyright (c)2009-2011 43rd Element, LLC

The Entire New Testament Teaches That Jesus Is God

2011-08-10T12:42:00.000-05:00

Titus 2:13 speaks of Jesus Christ as our "great God and Savior." This is a clear and striking verse calling Jesus God!

William Mounce, in his commentary on Titus, reminds us that Christianity's belief in the divinity of Jesus is taught throughout Scripture and does not "rest on this verse" alone. He then goes on to give a wonderful summary statement of Jesus as God in the whole New Testament:

As Harris points out in detail, Christ's divinity is asserted when he is seen throughout the NT as the object of worship, the agent of salvation, the creator, the forgiver of sins, the final judge, the one to whom prayer is offered, the one who possesses the attributes of God, and the one who shares the OT names for God ("Titus 2:13," 271; cf. Cranfield, Romans 2:468). [Pastoral Epistles, Word Biblical Commentary; William D. Mounce; (c) 2000 Thomas Nelson, Inc; p.426]

As you read through the New Testament, notice how Scripture portrays Jesus. He is fully Man. But he is also God in the flesh!

Be thankful today that we have a great God and Savior - Jesus Christ!

Strive: The Fight Of Faith

2011-08-09T12:44:00.001-05:00

In the days and months following my conversion I remember an intense fight in my soul. I felt, almost constantly, under spiritual attack. Thoughts, feelings, words and images that I hated would fly through my mind. I would resist them, pray for relief, and wrestle with the question of whether I was guilty for having them. Was this Satan or demons whispering into my ear? Was this just the exceeding sinfulness of my own heart being revealed? Guilt and fear and a general feeling of 'dirtiness' flooded my soul.

My fight of faith became very intense, and there were times when I thought I was going insane. A war was going on inside of me. At work I would sometimes escape to a solitary place to battle the thoughts. I would pray and sometimes even cry out against what I was hearing in my mind. Faced with sinful thoughts I would sometimes yell, "NO!" and fix my thoughts on Christ. Guilt, condemnation, fear and doubt made for very tough days.

At the same time, I was growing in the Lord. The Scriptures were fresh and new - an oasis in the desert of my struggles. I was connected to my local church and praying with other believers.

Eventually the attacks lessened and I began to walk in victory. I experienced great peace and joy as I matured and became increasingly aware of the Holy Spirit. I now see those dark days as a mixture of spiritual attack and a renewing of my mind. Before my conversion I had filled my mind with sinful thoughts and trained myself through years of godless ways. The Lord was re-training me and making me strong. These were sanctifying times.

John Bunyan, author of Pilgrim's Progress, tells of a similar experience in his autobiography, Grace Abounding To The Chief Of Sinners. He describes years of intense spiritual attacks as he fought his way to faith in Christ.

Sometimes we present the gospel or imagine conversion to Christ as some sort of easy, three-step process (rather than a miracle of God that is impossible for man, and comes as we give up everything...). A Christian t-shirt in a gift store showed a picture of a caveman, and referred to accepting Jesus as, "So Simple Anyone Can Do It" (see it here) The truth is, we are at war. Satan, the system of this world, and even our own flesh resists God and Christ. As we are being awakened to the Lord, and even after conversion, there can be great conflict.

But Bunyan encourages us: "O friends! Cry to God to reveal Jesus Christ to you; there is none teacheth like Him" (Grace Abounding, 125). Bunyan is speaking about being convinced by God himself rather than man. The easy way is to get a quick answer from a man. But in times of spiritual warfare we need something greater on which to stand. We must seek God himself until he convinces our spirit with his word. We must stand on our own faith in Christ, not on someone else's.

Jesus himself taught us to strive as we come to God:

“Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. Luke 13:24, ESV

Jesus was certainly not teaching a salvation by our effort, or good works (He taught us that eternal life is through faith in him - John 5:24). He said that his yoke is easy and his burden is light. But he did not mean that there would be no difficult days. He promised persecutions (Matt 10:22), and he encouraged men to strive. The narrow door to life will not always be available, so we must seek the Lord while he may be found (Isaiah 55:6). Conversion to Christ is a purging of sin and self, a letting go of idols and worldly pleasures; a repentance of wickedness. Strive to enter. Life is not just a party, though Christ certainly fills us with joy, even in the midst of suffering. The joyful Christ (Heb 1:9) was also called a Man of sorrows (Isaiah 53:3), and his followers are "sorrowful, yet always rejoicing" (2 Cor 6:10).

Believers are also commanded to "strive to enter that rest" that is in Christ (Hebrews 4:11). Though God sovereignly draws us (John 6:44) and keeps and preserves us (Jude 24), we are responsible to make every effort to enter the place of rest in Jesus, where we are not trusting in our performance and works, but only in Christ. There is a fight of faith; a striving. We must preach the gospel to ourselves and cry out to God.

Are you in a time of spiritual attack? A dark season of the soul? Are you facing temptation or plagued with guilt and condemnation? Do not give up. God has loved us and has given us his Son. Christ has died for sinners on the cross and has risen in victory for us. He has called us to come to God through repentance of sin and faith in him. The Spirit is working in those who are responding to the gospel with faith. Do not give up!

Strive. Not in attempts to earn favor with God. But strive in faith; crying out to God to reveal himself to you. Preach the gospel to yourself. Surround yourself with the people of God, the preached word, the prayers of the church.
The grace of the Lord sustain you and keep you and enable you to strive to enter his rest!

Only Believe

2011-08-03T14:04:00.000-05:00

Jesus stepped out of the boat and onto the shore. The crowd was waiting for him. He had just returned from the other side of the lake, where he had delivered a demon-possessed man. Apparently the Gentile crowd there valued their pigs more than the man Jesus had set free; they were afraid of Jesus and asked him to leave. But this crowd was more welcoming.

Out of the sea of people came a man in nice clothes. A religious ruler named Jairus. He approached the men getting out of the boat and fell down on his knees at Jesus' feet. Perhaps there was a gasp in the crowd. It's not everyday that a well-to-do religious person falls on their knees in the wet surf and sand.

But something in Jairus' life had brought him to a place of desperation. In this moment he was not concerned about appearing dignified, or keeping his clothes clean. His only daughter was at home dying.
He begged Jesus to come and heal her.

God allows circumstances in our lives to bring us to our knees at Jesus' feet.
(How about you? How concerned are you with being throught well of by the crowd? What will it take to bring you to your knees at Jesus' feet?)

Jesus follows Jairus to his house. Jairus is surely grateful that the Teacher has agreed to come, and he is probably wishing that the crowd would leave; they are slowing Jesus down! We have to hurry!

Suddenly Jesus stops. Jairus stops, too. What's wrong? We have to hurry!

Jesus, scanning the crowd, asks, "Who touched me?" What?! The question should be, who did not touch you? You're in a crowd! But Jesus insisted. "Someone touched me. Power has gone out from me." Many people were touching him, but someone had touched him in faith.

An old woman slowly and fearfully stepped up. "It was me." She told her story as Jairus resisted the urge to cry out, "Jesus, we have to hurry. My only daughter is dying!!"

The old woman had been sick - bleeding - for twelve years. No doctor had been able to cure her. In fact, she was worse! Her money was gone. Her ailment caused her to be ritually unclean. She had not been able to enter the Temple to worship. She was not even supposed to be in that crowd! Everyone she touched would be unclean! Well, almost everyone...

But this woman had faith that Jesus could heal her. If only she could get to him! So now, in the middle of the crowd, she explained to Jesus that she had made her way through the people, reached out, and touched the edge of Jesus' robe - in faith. And she had immediately been healed!

"Daughter," (He spoke with kindness!), "your faith has made you well; go in peace." Instead of making Jesus unclean by touching him, he had made her clean! Like someone falling in a mudpuddle and making the mud clean instead of getting dirty!

Meanwhile Jairus' worst fears have come true. His servant had come during this commotion and informed him that his daughter had died. "Do not trouble the Teacher any more." Jairus felt his heart break. "My only child!!" Even if some people believed Jesus could heal the girl, certainly it was too late now: she was dead! If only this old woman had not stopped Jesus...

Jairus' thoughts were interrupted. Jesus was speaking to him. "Do not fear; only believe, and she will be well."
The words penetrated his heart. He had just seen Jesus heal the woman who touched him. Something stirred in Jairus' soul. He believed. He nodded at Jesus, turned, and began to walk toward his home, Jesus following. As he walked he may have thought, "What am I doing? She's dead! It's hopeless... No, stop. The Teacher said not to fear. Only believe."

Inside the room, Jesus and his three closest disciples stood with Jairus and his wife, who looked down at their dead daughter, tears rolling down their faces. Jairus pulled his heartbroken wife close to his side.

Jesus broke the silence. Taking her by the hand, he said to the little girl, "Child, arise." Jairus felt a lump in his throat; time seemed to stand still as he saw his only child open her eyes and begin to look around. She smiled. Her mother threw her arms around her and began to sob loudly with joy. Jesus told them to give her something to eat, smiling at Jairus.

Luke 8:40-56 paints this beautiful picture of faith we have explored. Perhaps you are standing in the place of Jairus. God is working in your life, using your present circumstances to draw your thoughts heavenward. He is humbling your pride. Maybe you are finding yourself in a desperate place. "I don't care if I look dignified; I need Jesus!"

Perhaps it looked as if Jesus was going to do a mighty work in your life... and then he put you on pause to deal with an old woman who needed healing. "God, we have to hurry!"

Sometimes Jesus heals. Sometimes he does not. His ways are mysterious. But his word is sure. The Lord wants us to trust him. "Do not fear; only believe."

Maybe now is a good time to fall on your knees, or face, at Jesus' feet. Like the old woman pushing through the crowd and the religious ruler named Jairus; man or woman; rich or poor. Both were desperate. Both needed Jesus. Both came to him. And both believed.
Trust Jesus. Trust his timing. Trust his word. He is not in a hurry.
Fall down at his feet and believe.

Your faith has made you well.
Do not fear; only believe.

Song Spotlight: Born This Way by Lady Gaga

2011-07-21T17:16:00.000-05:00

The uber-popular Lady Gaga's song, Born This Way, is an anthem of self-love and being true to yourself, whatever that looks like for each individual. The lyrics specifically mention different sexual orientations, in addition to ethnic and national distinctions.

The surprising element is that the song makes its point by appealing to our being created by God ("I'm beautiful in my way, 'Cause God makes no mistakes...I was born this way"). The idea is that God doesn't make mistakes, or create junk; everything he makes is perfect, so I must be perfect too. The answer then, according to Gaga, is to agree with God that you are beautiful and love yourself.

If there is anything remotely biblical about the song, it would be that God did create us, and all people therefore possess dignity by being his creation. The problems come in when we begin to press questions like, Which God made us, and for what reason? Does this mean that there is no evil? If we are all beautiful because we are made by God, does this mean that terrorists, child molestors and serial killers should stop feeling guilty and just love themselves? The logic of Born This Way is ridiculous, and could be turned into an incredibly insane excuse for anything under the sun! "God made me a bank robber, so stop judging me...your Honor. I'm on the right track, baby."

What Born This Way completely misses is that God did make us, but not "this way." God created the first humans in a holy state; in God's own image. Indeed, God called his creation "very good" (Genesis 1:31). But Gaga has forgotten Genesis three - the fall of man through the sin of Adam! Mankind did not remain in a beautiful and godly state, but fell into corruption, sin and depravity. They believed the lie of Satan, rebelled against God, and plunged all of us into curse and condemnation. Because of this, the Bible teaches us that the just and righteous wrath of God has come upon all men, who are sinful from birth:

Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me...by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners...They have all fallen away; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one. Psalm 51:5; Romans 5:19; Psalm 53:3, ESV

It's true - we were born this way! But not under God's smile of approval, but under the curse of sin and God's wrath (Romans 1:18). All of us are born in sin. What we need is not to love ourselves and celebrate our sinfulness (which is the point of Gaga's song); we need a Rescuer who was NOT born this way to save us from our sins and from God's wrath against us. We need a Hero.

This is where the Bible's good news infinitely outshines Lady Gaga's message. The God of the Bible did not wink at our sinfulness and decide to just accept us in our depraved condition (for then he would compromise his own holiness). Instead, in amazing love, he chose to send his Son to be born as a Man, yet without sin, so that he could rescue us and bring us back into the eternal smile of God's love! Jesus Christ lived a sinless life, pleasing to God in every way, and died on the cross in our place, as our substitute and sacrifice. At the cross God poured out the fullness of his wrath against our sins on his own Son Jesus, so that his wrath would be satisfied for all his people, who would come to him through Jesus.

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us...For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God...Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows...But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities...the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all...he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors. Galatians 3:13; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Isaiah 53:4-12, ESV

Now God commands all men everywhere, not to celebrate our sin, but to repent of our sin (Acts 17:30); not to believe in ourselves, but to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 16:30-31); not to love ourselves in our sinfulness, but to deny ourselves and follow Jesus (Luke 9:23).

Lady Gaga's message is supposed to be good news, but when held against God's revealed word it turns into really bad news: we are born this way (in sin) and cannot save ourselves! The good news is that through the gospel of Jesus Christ we can be born AGAIN (John 3:3, 7-8). And anyone who is born again by the Spirit of God, in repentance of sin and faith in Jesus Christ, has this wonderful promise: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come" (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Good news: Even though we were born this way, God has loved us and provided salvation for us so that we may be born again! We were born this way in sin, but born again in Christ as a child of God.

THAT is something to celebrate...

The Gentiles Will Listen: The End Of The Book Of Acts

2011-07-19T13:01:00.000-05:00

I've blogged a lot about the book of Acts because I have been teaching through that book in our local church. We recently finished after 54 weeks! I was so blessed with the way Luke ended Acts.

I think if I had never read Acts before, I would have expected Luke to end Acts by telling us what continued to happen to Paul; his ministry after Rome, where he went, how he died, etc. But, after several chapters giving us the details of Paul's journey to Rome - his 2-year imprisonment, his defense before rulers, his amazing sea voyage that ended in shipwreck, and his adventures on the island of Malta (where he was bitten by a viper and healed all who were sick on the island!) - Acts ends with Paul making it to Rome and preaching the gospel there.

But that is fitting. All along the way Luke has carefully shown us the spread of the gospel through the Spirit-empowered church. It started with Jesus rising from the dead and appearing to his followers, telling them they would receive power when the Spirit came upon them; that they would be his witnesses from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). This happened at Pentecost, and Luke traced the journey of the gospel through the church, by the Spirit, to the ends of the earth, which was pictured by Rome. Luke is highlighting the triumph of the gospel, just as Jesus had said!

Acts ends with Paul as a prisoner in Rome. But he is able to preach - chained to a Roman guard and all! The last words we hear on Paul's lips are these, as he finishes sharing the gospel with local Jews, who are divided over his message:

The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet: 'You will indeed hear but never understand...For this people's heart has grown dull...' Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.” Acts 28:25-28, ESV

Wow! Acts ends with Paul telling Jews who have rejected Jesus, his church and his gospel that this message was now going to go to the Gentiles, and that "they will listen." They will listen! A guarantee that the gospel will triumph to the ends of the earth! What an end to Acts!

Indeed, for the last couple thousand years the Gentiles have been listening by the multitudes! The church has been born in nation after nation as the gospel continues to triumph. Personally speaking, I am a Gentile. And by God's grace, I heard the gospel, and I listened! Glory to God! Paul's words have proven true in my own life!

Jesus said, "And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come" (Matthew 24:14). We have the Lord's promise - a guarantee - that the gospel will triumph to the ends of the earth, and that many will listen (John's vision of heaven revealed a song of worship from people from "every tribe and people and language and nation," Revelation 5:9)! Yes, the gospel will triumph. It cannot be stopped! Jesus will see all his redeemed people come to faith in him, and THEN the end will come.

The book of Acts ends with Paul's words ringing in our ears, "They will listen." With such a guarantee, should we not be encouraged in our gospel work? Some will laugh at us, despise us and even persecute us. But many "will listen."

Have you listened to the gospel with a God-opened, receptive heart? Has the message of Jesus' death for our sins on the cross and his glorious resurrection from the grave changed your life? Have you repented of your sins and believed on Jesus Christ?

Are you connected, committed and devoted to local believers and doing your part in that church's gospel mission? What things in your life have taken the place of the Spirit's gospel mission through the church?

Be encouraged, believer! The gospel will triumph to the ends of the earth, and Jesus will come back like he promised! Let us be faithful and joyful as we yield to the Spirit in taking the gospel from where we are to the ends of the earth.

Stand Against The Attack Of The Enemy

2011-07-14T11:50:00.000-05:00

Scripture calls us to stand in faith and resist the devil, persevering against his attacks. Perseverance is not a quality that characterizes this generation. Sometimes it seems that all around us people are dropping like flies. People who seemed solid in the faith fall away. Marriages crumble. Some take their life. Others leave their church community - and not over biblical reasons, or being sent out for ministry. When the job gets hard we quit. When pressure comes we fold. All around us people are giving up, in every area of life.

And in the midst of all this, God's call is clear and strong: Stand. Persevere.
When the smoke clears, who will still be standing?

Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13, ESV

“Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.” Nehemiah 4:14b, ESV

Those verses resonate with the soul of the believer, who knows that we have an enemy; that we are at war. They resonate especially with men, who are created by God to be strong. "Fight for your sons, your daughters, your wives!" That sounds amazing. Echoes of our very purpose are in those words. And yet, for our generation of men, the closest thing we know about living these verses is video games and superhero movies. We were created for greater exploits than these!
When real pressure comes, who will stand? Who will persevere?

Preachers are sometimes tempted to reduce themselves to mere spiritual cheerleaders. "You can do it!" But we know that the power to stand does not lie in motivational speakers or believing in ourselves. We are fallen and broken and sinful and weak. The Law gives us commands, but no power to obey them. Praise God that he has not left us with only Law! There is power in the gospel. Power to stand; power to persevere. We cannot do it in our strength. We are truly weak. But God is strong! "...he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world" (1 John 4:4).

Most Christians have heard the passage about the armor of God since Sunday School. Few put it on and stand. Ephesians 6 tells us to put on the armor of God, and lists the various pieces. We must realize first that it is the armor "of God." It is his armor. The pieces of the armor are his own character and work - salvation, righteousness, truth, etc. God and his Messiah are even seen in Scripture wearing this armor!

"There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse..." (Speaking of Jesus, the Messiah, born of the seed of David, son of Jesse) "...he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked. Righteousness shall be the belt of his waist, and faithfulness the belt of his loins" (Isaiah 11:1, 4b-5, ESV).

"The LORD saw...that there was no man, and wondered that there was no one to intercede; then his own arm brought him salvation, and his righteousness upheld him. He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on his head; he put on garments of vengeance for clothing, and wrapped himself in zeal as a cloak. According to their deeds, so will he repay, wrath to his adversaries, repayment to his enemies; ...they shall fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun..." Isaiah 59:15-19, ESV

The Lord is a mighty warrior! He himself fights against his enemies. This is where our victory lies, rather than in our own ability. We are more than conquerors (Rom 8:37) because our God gives the victory. We simply "stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD" (Exodus 14:13). The Christian's armor is God's armor; God's own character and work. God gives us his strength, his victory, his fighting-clothes. His armor is, in a sense, himself. We are to "put on the Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 13:14).

Christ has given the ultimate death-blow to Satan and his demonic forces. In his death and resurrection Jesus triumphed (Col 2:15), and God "raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church" (Ephesians 1:20-22, ESV). Jesus is above the forces of evil. And through faith in the gospel we have been united with Christ! Our union with Christ means that we are IN him and share in his victory. Ephesians goes on to say that God "made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus" (2:5-6).

Satan and his co-workers will one day be thrown by God into the lake of fire, forever (Rev 20:10). Until then, he is prowling like a roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8) and attacking the church. But God turns even these attacks into tests of our faith and works all things for our good and eternal joy and salvation (Romans 8:28-30). We must simply endure to the end. We must STAND.

Three times in the Ephesians 6 "armor of God" passage we are told to stand (v 11, 13, 14). We must constantly be looking up to the One who is above all satanic powers. We must believe the gospel - that Christ has died for our sins and is risen and exalted forever, and that through faith we are in him and share his victory. We must believe...and stand.

Who will still be standing when the smoke clears?
Will you?

By his grace, let us stand.

Questions For A Marriage Re-Connect

2011-07-11T15:40:00.000-05:00

Marriage takes a lot of work! Just like our relationship with God, we cannot just 'coast' and expect to be walking in intimacy with our spouse. Different seasons of life make it easier or more difficult.

Every once in a while married couples will find themselves slowly drifting apart. Maybe things aren't bad, but the close connection is not what it used to be. This is where my wife and I were recently.

In this situation it is time to act. It will take some work, some initiative, some prayer, and maybe some awkward moments of communication, but you can't let these times just continue. It's time to slam on the brakes and talk. And pray. And work, lovingly, together on the marriage. It's time for a marriage re-connect!

Let me add that it is the man's job to lead in these situations. God has made men and women equal, but with differing roles. The husband should identify these times of drifting and lead a united effort. But, sadly, too often husbands will take the lazy road and just let the coasting continue. In these times the wife should take the initiative. But action is needed, whoever brings it up!

When my wife and I both expressed that we didn't feel 'connected' to each other recently, we acted. We procured a babysitter and had a date night. After a meal together we sat down for a talk. I had prepared some questions and we both privately wrote down our answers. Then we discussed our answers and prayed together. It was great! We both learned some timely things about our spouse and we can now apply those things prayerfully. Below are the questions we answered.

Some of you may think this all sounds pretty cheesy. I admit, I did feel a bit awkward as I presented my wife with a page of questions for her to answer. But I knew I couldn't let things continue to drift. We had a good time together, and we even wrote the exact three things down for one of the questions (#2). We took this as encouragement; that we are on the same page, and that God is leading us in our prayers.

Even if you feel close to your spouse right now, I strongly encourage you to take some time and discuss your answers to the following questions together. We must remember that marriage is a picture of Christ and the church, and exists for God's glory (Ephesians 5)!! For the glory of Christ we must not be lazy in our marriages. May God be pleased to make our marriages strong and give him glory!

Questions For A Marriage Re-Connect

1. Name three things you like/love about your spouse? This is a great way to begin. You are reminding yourself why you love your spouse, and you are encouraging your spouse. In this way, you won't be merely talking about problems. You'll find you have some things for which to praise God.

2. What are three things you would like to see God do in our marriage? Goals. Vision. Identifying areas of need, and bringing them to God.

3. What are some good memories/highlights from our marriage so far? This is more than just remembering 'the good ole days.' As you take some time to discuss good memories, you'll remember that this is a marriage worth fighting for. And you might just identify some things the two of you used to enjoy together and have since stopped doing. Maybe some ideas for action?

4. What are some specific ways your spouse could show you love during this season of life? As you discuss this question, listen carefully to your spouse's answers. They are telling you what they need right now!

Discuss your answers together and then pray. Keep your spouse's answers for the days ahead.

Raising Children Up In The Lord

2011-06-30T11:10:00.000-05:00

My wife and I have certainly made lots of mistakes so far in raising our son. But God has been gracious to help us commit to regular times of family worship, in the context of speaking about the Lord throughout the day. This has proven to be a great blessing to our family.

Earlier this year we went on our first overseas mission trip as a family, to Nepal. I had Evan, our three-year-old son, share some of his memory verses and theology questions with church members and local pastors one day as we were standing outside enjoying the view of the Himalayas over the city of Kathmandu. They were very encouraged to hear him speak correctly of the Trinity - that there is only One true God, and that he exists in three Persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Perhaps this was especially noteworthy to these Nepali believers because of the culture in which they live; a culture that worships many, many gods.

As I listened to my little boy recite truth in a foreign nation, I felt more than fatherly pride. I was suddenly hit with the idea that a three-year-old knew more truth about God than perhaps many, many thousands of people in the idolatry-soaked nation we were visiting. I prayed that the truth of the gospel would fill the land of Nepal! And I thanked God that my son was growing up under the truth of God's word. This is due to God's grace, not to any great achievement of my own.

Today I printed out the five memory verses we have been rehearsing with Evan since he could talk. I also printed out eleven questions of theology that we have constantly discussed with him. I put them in a cheap frame and hung them on the wall. Evan was glad to see them hanging up just for him.

I thought I would share these verses and theology questions with the readers of my blog. This is not to draw attention to myself, but hopefully to encourage you in the disciple-making of the children in your life. Children are able to comprehend more than we sometimes imagine. We are in great need of repentance for the laziness we often show in this great responsibility before God.

I would like to encourage families to have a regular, daily time of family worship. I would also like to call men to lead in this effort. It is to fathers that the Lord addresses this responsibility (Ephesians 6:4). But if a father is not present or willing, let godly women pull their children aside and pour into them the great truths of God!

Here are a few suggestions for family worship time. Gather the family with no background noise (this in itself may prove a great feat for some!). In whichever order you prefer, spend time together reading the Bible and discussing, singing to the Lord (this may be awkward at first, especially if this has not been a regular practice in your home), and praying. This may be the perfect time to rehearse memory verses and go over questions of theology. You also may find your children asking questions about God, life, the Bible, or other important things. This is a treasure!

Especially if your children are younger, family worship time does not have to be long. 15 minutes may be a great start. Some nights will go longer, and others will barely survive 5 minutes! It's ok. Just lay the foundation and be faithful.

Finally, it is important to let family worship time be in the context of speaking about God throughout the day! We want our children to see that Christ is our focus - our very life - not just in a set time each day.

May God be pleased to use us to raise up a generation of children who love God and delight in Christ!

Evan's Memory Verses and Theology Questions

Memory Verses (ESV)

1. Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. [2] “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), [3] “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Ephesians 6:1-3

2. “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. [5] You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. [6] And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. Deuteronomy 6:4-6

3. Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases. Psalm 115:3

4. Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Psalm 107:1

5. “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. John 15:12

Theology Questions

1. Who made you? God made me.

2. Why did God make you? For his own glory.

3. What else did God make? God made all things.

4. How many Gods are there? There is one God.

5. How many Persons are there in God? There are three Persons in God.

6. Name them. God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), God the Holy Spirit.

7. How much did God love us? He loved us so much he gave us his Son, Jesus.

8. How much did Jesus love us? Jesus loved us so much that he died for us on the cross.

9. Why did Jesus die on the cross? He died to shed his blood to pay for our sins.

10. Did Jesus stay dead? No, he rose from the grave and is alive forever!

11. What does God want us to do? God wants us to believe and trust in Jesus and to Love God and Love People.

The Gospel Paul Preached

2011-06-29T09:10:00.000-05:00

Bible Scholars have called Paul's speech before King Agrippa in Acts 26 the “climax of all Paul’s speeches in Acts” and the summary of the book of Acts’ Christology (Ben Witherington). In it Paul makes his defence, and in the process sets out a bold and clear summary of the gospel he has preached during his missionary journeys.

So, what is the gospel that Paul preached?

1. The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ according to the Old Testament Scriptures.
"...and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass: that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.” Acts 26:22b-23, ESV

This agrees with Paul's review of his gospel in his letter to the Corinthians:
"Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the world I preached to you - unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared..." 1 Corinthians 15:1-5a, ESV

This is the content of the gospel (good news) that Paul preached. But he also preached what our response should be:

2. Salvation Is Through Faith In Jesus.
"I (Jesus) am sending you to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’" Acts 26:17b-18, ESV

Jesus made it clear to Paul that those who would be sanctified (set apart to Jesus as his people) and those who would be forgiven of their sins are only those who have "faith in" Jesus.

3. We Must Repent of Sins.
"I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God..." Acts 26:19b-20a, ESV

Here Paul says he preached repentance of sin and turning to God. This is repentance and faith working together. As we turn away from our false gods, idols and sins, we must turn toward something else. That is where faith comes in, and faith must have an object. Paul did not preach faith in general, but faith in Jesus Christ, who died for our sins and rose again. The gospel Paul preached included a call to forsake other gods and all sins, turning from these things and practices, and embrace Christ and his death and resurrection as the Way to the one true God.

4. We Must Continue In Faith and Repentance, Bearing Fruit.
"that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance." Acts 26:20b

Paul was clear that our works do not save us, but that works must be present as proof of our genuine conversion. An absence of works reveals a false faith that does not save. This is why he wrote to the Corinthians (quoted above), that they were saved by the gospel he preached, "if you hold fast to the world I preached to you - unless you believed in vain (1 Cor 15:2).

Paul made this clear to the Ephesian believers as well:

"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:8-10, ESV

Paul says that salvation is not a result of works, but then he says that we were created in Christ Jesus for good works. God has even prepared this for us beforehand, that we should walk in these good works as a continual lifestyle. They do not earn our salvation, but will be present after our conversion. Christ changes our life!

This is the gospel that Paul preached, which he received from Jesus Christ himself as he was converted on the road to Damascus. This is THE gospel. Is it the one you have believed? Is it the one you preach?

How NOT To Respond To The Gospel

2011-06-21T13:40:00.002-05:00

In the latter chapters of the book of Acts, Paul is a prisoner on his way to Rome with the gospel of Christ. God is recording for us the details of his providence - exactly how he got the gospel to Rome. In chapter 24 Paul is in the custody of Governor Felix. Paul preached the gospel boldly to Felix during his two years in prison.

Paul preached about faith in Jesus Christ, emphasizing three things: righteousness (how God justifies the ungodly through faith in Jesus), self-control (the progressive fruit of sanctification through faith in Jesus), and the coming judgment (future bodily salvation and glorification of believers, and judgment for those outside of Christ) [Acts 24:22-27, ESV]. What boldness!

Scripture records for us how Felix responded to the gospel message. Felix's reaction is helpful, because it shows us exactly how NOT to respond to the gospel.
Felix made the gospel a matter of:

1. Comfort - “Felix was alarmed and said, ‘Go away for the present (Acts 24:25).” As he heard Paul preach about Christ he became uncomfortable, and sent Paul away. Feeling guilty? Just shut the preacher up! He was more concerned with his comfort than being right with God. We must not push away the uncomfortable when it comes from God!

2. Convenience - “When I get an opportunity I will summon you (24:25b).” Felix assumed that God would come to him on his terms, and at his convenience! We are not promised another opportunity to hear the gospel! We cannot relegate God to our schedule, but must be submissive to God’s timing! We must order our lives around him, not the other way around. Now is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2).

3. Corruption - “..he hoped that money would be given him by Paul (24:26).” Felix hoped that Paul was as corrupt as he was! He wanted a bribe from Paul. Felix is trying to turn God’s call to repentance into an occasion to make money!!

4. Conversation - “So he sent for him often and conversed with him. When two years had elapsed..(24:26b-27).” While it is good to have conversations about the gospel with those who are genuinely interested, some people just want to talk about the gospel (or argue with us about it) and never obey it. God has not called us to neverending conversations and debates, but to repent and believe at the preaching of the gospel!

Are you imitating Felix in your response to the gospel? The only acceptable response is to repent of our sin and believe on Jesus Christ, surrendering our lives to God. May God grant us grace to respond to his goodness in Christ in repentance and faith!

Do You Look Like The Church Or The World?

2011-06-14T10:23:00.000-05:00

Throughout human history God has had a special people, separate from the crowds, that he calls his own. A remnant. A special people he has purchased, revealed himself to; a people with whom he is in covenant relationship.

These people undeservingly receive his grace and respond with faith. They are humbled by God's covenant love for them, and their lives are re-ordered with him as the focus. God calls his special, covenant people to be set-apart (sanctified) to himself. They have the particular privilege of representing God to the world, shining God's light, revealing God's ways, speaking God's words, announcing God's kingdom, and living God's character.

At heart, God's people are not driven by the things that drive people of the world. They are not consumed with the things that consume others. Their treasure is different. Their allegiances are different. They are different! God's people have a different mindset, worldview, ethic and hope; different values, affections and lifestyle. This is God's purpose in his people for his glory. He is jealous for them. He will fight for them. He will generously pour himself out in sacrifice for them. He gave his Son to die for their salvation!

And when they begin to look like the world, in love he will discipline them.

In the Old Testament this people was the nation of Israel. They were set apart from the other nations in order to reveal to them what God was like. Their ruler was God himself. God was in their midst; their lives were ordered around his worship, his Temple, his Law. But a day came when they wanted to be like the world.

Rather than being ruled by God himself, they asked for a king, "like all the nations" (1 Samuel 8:5, ESV). Like all the nations?!! The whole point was to NOT look like the other nations, but to show the other nations what God is like. But they wanted to be like the world. They were forfeiting their very purpose!

Did they forget the blessing and honor it was to be God's special, set-apart people?
Had God not declared to them his special, covenant love?

“For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth. It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the LORD set his love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples, but it is because the LORD loves you and is keeping the oath that he swore to your fathers..." Deuteronomy 7:6-8a, ESV

What grace! Undeserved affection and kindness! God had not chosen them because of any good thing in themselves, but because of his own choice and grace ("because the LORD loves you..." He loves them because...he loves them!).

God forgave his people when they asked for a king. He even used this to bring to them king David, and through his line THE King of Kings - Jesus Christ the Son of God! Jesus died for his people to redeem them with his blood: "Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her" (Ephesians 5:25). Now Israel as a nation was no longer the covenant people of God. Now God began to include people from every nation under heaven! The gospel news is going forth to all peoples, and through this preached gospel God is gathering his special, covenant people, the church!

The church, like Israel, is called to be different from the world. God declares to us that we are not of this world (John 17:14) but are citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:20). God has predestined us to look like his Son, Jesus (Romans 8:29), not like the world system.

So, what about you?
Which do you look like, the church or the world? Jesus' people or the people who are living for this world?

Which has shaped you - how you think and feel and act and speak - Jesus and his word? Or your politics, your pride in country, pop culture, family traditions, religion, money, pleasure? What drives you? What do you communicate to others?

Whose are you?
Where do you belong? Do you belong to this world? Or does your fruit reveal that you are truly Christ's?

If you look and sound and smell like this world, there are only two options:
1. You are a truly believer who has drifted away from Christ toward the world. If this is true, the Father will discipline you in love (Hebrews 12:5-11), for he loses none of his sons. Or,
2. You are not truly a believer, and you will perish (1 John 2:15-17).

Why not repent right now? Come to the Father, through Jesus Christ. Look to the one who bore our sins at the cross and rose from the grave to make us his own special people. Confess your worldliness to Christ and ask him to transform you by the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:1-2). Ask him to change you from the inside out by his Spirit, until your affections, your drive, your purpose, your delight is in Christ.

What a privilege to be part of the special, covenant people of God!

Eavesdropping On God

2011-06-13T12:01:00.000-05:00

I love passages in the Bible where we are given the opportunity to 'overhear' conversations between the members of the Godhead.

The God of the Bible, the true God, is one God in three Persons. The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are Persons who speak to us in the pages of Scripture. And some of those pages show them speaking to one another! It sometimes could feel that we are eavesdropping on someone else's conversation. But God has purposely revealed these dialogues to us for our benefit.

In John 17 we overhear Jesus praying to the Father. He is speaking to God about, among other things, the 'good old days' when he existed with God in glory in eternity past! "And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed" (John 17:5, ESV).

There are other times when God the Father speaks from heaven to Jesus on earth, like thunder!

At Jesus' baptism, as the Holy Spirit is descending upon him like a dove, the Father speaks from heaven: "And a voice came from heaven, 'You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased' (Mark 1:11).
As Jesus is preparing to go to the cross he cries out, "'Father, glorify your name.' Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” The crowd that stood there and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not mine.'" (John 12:28-30)

We see this also in the Old Testament! From time to time these passages will break in, and for a moment it is as if we are transported into the heavens, listening to God speak to his Son - before the Son was even born on earth as a Man!

Filled with love for Jesus, the Father declares that it's not enough for him to make Jesus just the Messiah for the Jews. That's not glorious enough! So he says, "It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to bring back the preserved of Israel; I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth" (Isaiah 49:6). This is hundreds of years before Jesus took on flesh. But it is the subject of conversation between the members of the Godhead!

There are other examples as well, where these conversations about Jesus' role in salvation are revealed to us for our benefit.

The LORD says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.” ...The LORD has sworn and will not change his mind, “You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.” Psalm 110:1, 4
Or what about where God calls Jesus "God"?!! Psalm 45:6 says, "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever." Hebrews 1:8 tells us that this is God speaking to the Son.

What a beautiful gift God has given us, this revelation of his conversations.
Open up the Bible and eavesdrop on God!

Free Will Is Not So Free

2011-06-10T13:23:00.000-05:00

For many it is just assumed that we have "free will." We can choose to do whatever we want, right? But what does the Bible say about our ability to choose?

You might find it surprising that Scripture actually refers to our will, not as free to choose anything, but as enslaved and limited:

God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will. 2 Timothy 2:25-26, ESV

How can our will be free if the Bible describes it as a slave to the devil's will? Are we free slaves? Does free will mean we can do whatever we want...as long as it's ok with our Satanic master and our corrupt flesh? What a let-down free will turned out to be!

God originally created man with the ability to choose right or wrong. Genesis 3 tells us that our first parents chose to sin and disobey God. As a result of this treachery and rebellion our whole race (which was represented in Adam) was counted as spiritually dead; plunged into depravity, sin, corruption and death (Romans 5:12-19). This means that now we are not free. Jesus said that whoever commits sin is a slave to sin (John 8:34), which brings us back to the verse above, describing mankind as trapped and enslaved by the devil so that we actually do his will instead of our own.

The Bible further reveals the limits of our will by boldly making this mind-shaking declaration: "No one seeks for God" (Romans 3:11). But I thought my "free will" empowered me with the ability to seek God! "No one seeks for God." But...I was told that all men are seeking for God, just in different ways. "No one seeks for God." Either we will believe God's word or our interpretation of our experience. As we will see later, if someone is seeking God, it means that God has done something in them and is drawing them to himself, for on our own, "No one seeks for God."

But Scripture is not finished on this subject. Paul cries out in Romans seven:

For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. ...For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Romans 7:15, 18-19, ESV

Even when we wish we could do good, the Bible says we do not have "the ability to carry it out."
This "free will" thing doesn't seem so free!

We must remember that things are not right. The world is broken through sin. We carry sin like a disease that has corrupted every part of us (even our will). God promised Adam that disobedience would bring death, and when he sinned we all fell with him into spiritual death. Scripture labels us "dead in...trespasses and sins" (Ephesians 2:1) and informs us that the natural man (man in his natural, unsaved state) "does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and...is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned" (1 Corinthians 2:14). Are you hearing this? In our natural state the things of God seem like foolishness to us - AND - we do not have the ability (the freedom of will) to even understand them! What a predicament! The lost person is more lost than we realize!

How can an unbeliever freely choose to obey the gospel and come to Jesus, when the message of the cross is foolishness to him (1 Corinthians 1:18) and he is blinded by the devil (2 Corinthians 4:4) and dead in sin (Ephesians 2:1) and enslaved to his sin (John 8:34) and a hater of God at heart (Romans 1:30)? Is this free will?!! If so, then it doesn't seem appropriately named.

According to the Bible, man is not just sick and in need of medicine. Man is dead and needs new life. We are not just in need of hearing the facts about Jesus so we can make a well-informed decision. We need a Rescuer! We need God to come to us by his Spirit and raise us from spiritual death and open our blind eyes and remove the chains of the devil's enslavement and give us a new heart that loves God and an opened mind that understands the things of the Spirit! Free will cannot save us. If left to our "free" will we would all reject God and perish.

So I praise God that the Bible doesn't give us some facts and leave it to us to save ourselves through a good decision. Rather, the Bible declares to us a Savior who can save us! I praise God that he doesn't just throw us a life preserver and wait for us to make a decision to grab hold of it so he can pull us ashore; Rather, he finds us dead at the bottom of the sea, jumps into the water and comes to where we are; breathes life into us and hauls us into the boat! The glory is not for us and our free will. The glory is for God!
"Salvation belongs to the LORD!" (Jonah 2:9)

Let me quickly point out that even though our will is enslaved to sin and the devil, this doesn't let us off the hook. We are still responsible for our actions. God still commands us to repent, even though we need him to "grant repentance" (2 Timothy 2:25-26). God still commands us to believe on Christ, even though faith must come to us (Romans 10:17) from the Author of faith (Hebrews 12:2) as a gift of God, not of our own doing (Ephesians 2:8). In fact, everything God commands us to do, we have no ability to do apart from him. God gave the Law to Israel but Jesus Christ is the only one who ever obeyed it! Yet we are still responsible before God. A bird with a broken wing is free to fly even though it cannot (Boettner).

But the good news - the gospel - is NOT that we have free will and need to pull ourselves up by our boot straps and turn our lives around. God's good news is not that we have the power to make a good decision. The gospel is that what God requires of us, he has done for us! All religions basically amount to our working to earn salvation or enlightenment, etc. But the Bible rocks all other religions and declares that the work is already done by another - a Substitute. God sent his Son to do what we could not do. Jesus lived a perfect life and died in our place for our sins. Before he died he cried out, "It is finished!" (John 19:30). The work is done. Christ has redeemed God's people with his blood and rose from the grave. And now through the preaching of this gospel message the Spirit of God sets people free and draws us to God! The good news is NOT that God does half the work and we do the rest. The good news is that God saves! Salvation, then, is not a decision we make with our "free will"; it is a miraculous work of God! And this is truly good news for those who, by God's grace, understand the true depth of our sin and our inability to do anything good.

We must repent of sin and believe on Christ. And God himself gives the power to do this through the gospel. Hallelujah! Is he drawing you to himself right now? Then turn from your sin and embrace Jesus as your Savior, trusting him alone to rescue you from your sin and self.

Our will, in its natural state, is not free. But Jesus has come to set the captives free!

Christians Who Commit Suicide: Is There Any Hope?

2011-06-09T14:40:00.000-05:00

A friend of mine recently committed suicide. He was a believer. Our church has been praying for his family and reeling with the news of this tragedy. Some have asked questions about Christians committing suicide, and no doubt many of us still have questions about this delicate and mysterious matter. I don't claim to have all the answers to every nuance of situations like this. What is going on in a person’s mind, heart and soul in their final moments is only known by them and God. Some things are a mystery. But God has chosen to reveal some things to us!

One of the things that has been revealed to us is the gospel. Just how good a gospel is it? Just how far does grace go? Just which sins does Christ's blood cover? Is suicide, as many believe, always a one-way ticket to hell? Is suicide always a sign that the person never had true faith, and is showing by their fruit that they were not in Christ?

Suicide Is A Sin
Let me start by saying that suicide is a sin. God commands us not to murder, and this would include murdering ourselves. Additionally, Christians have been called to endure to the end; to persevere through all the stresses and problems and persecutions and trials of this life with faith that clings to Christ and overcomes through him. So suicide would be a lack of faith, even if temporary. It shows a lack of hope in God and trust that he will work in us through the hard times for our good and his glory. Suicide is clearly a sin.

Suicide Could Show The Person Was Not A True Believer
I would also venture to say that suicide is probably a good sign of no saving faith – fruit that demonstrates that the person never was a true believer. That is, in many cases of suicide it most likely reveals the absence of saving faith.

Yet There Is Hope
However, with all that being said, I do not believe that we can biblically say that suicide always proves that the person was not a true believer. We believe that the Scriptures teach that our salvation is by grace through faith, not of our works (Ephesians 2:8-9). Salvation was not secured by us, but by God in Christ. Our salvation started with God in eternity past as he foreknew us, elected (chose) us in Christ and predestined us to be conformed to the image of Christ (Ephesians 1:4, 11; Romans 8:28-30).

Not only did God choose us, but he sent Christ to redeem us. Jesus finished the work, securing eternal redemption for all of God’s people (Hebrews 9:12).

Not only did Christ fully atone for all of God’s people, but God works out salvation for his people in our lives. He is faithful to finish the work he begins (Philippians 1:6). By the work of the Spirit, God brings his people to life, granting us repentance and faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:4-5; Acts 11:18; Philippians 1:29). As his redeemed people come to him in repentance and faith, God forgives all our sins and declares us righteous in Christ, so that there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ (Romans 5:1-2; 8:1). Further, God holds his people securely and will not let us go (John 10:28-29). Nothing can separate God’s people from his love in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:38-39)!

Do you see the biblical emphasis on our security being in God rather than left up to us? The biblical gospel means that our salvation is secure in Christ, not maintained by our performance and works.

True Christians Do Not Live In Sin, But Still Stumble In Sin
Those who have experienced this salvation will produce good fruit and will not continue in a pattern of sin (Matthew 7:17; 1 John 3:9). But this does not mean that the Christian will not stumble and sin, or be overtaken by a temptation and commit a sin (1 John 1:8; Galatians 6:1). We know that believers still stumble into sin, yet Christ holds us, his blood covers us and speaks on our behalf.

Even Suicide?
Yet suicide seems different because there is no time to repent after it is committed. But this is not exclusive to suicide. What about someone who commits any sin and then dies before he can repent? Either Christ’s blood covers us or it does not! Clearly we have hope that Christ has borne all our sins, past, present and future, and we are secure in him by grace through faith! We must walk in repentance and faith, maintaining a close relationship with our Father, but not to keep ourselves saved. Christ holds us even if we die before we can repent of individual sins.

It is true that suicide seems to reveal a lack of faith in Christ. But all sin reveals a temporary lack of faith. It is possible that a believer could find himself overtaken by a state of mind or emotion, or even mental sickness, that could produce a lapse of judgment and lead to the sin of suicide. This does not necessarily reveal a lifestyle of sin that proves the person was not a true believer. I myself have certainly been caught in temptation, found myself not thinking straight, and made a poor decision to sin before. So I am truly grateful that my salvation rests securely in Christ and not in my performance.

John Piper also reminds us that Jesus spoke about the unforgivable sin, and he didn’t mention suicide on that short list (Here is the transcript of Piper’s message at the funeral of a church member who committed suicide).

God Knows
I can’t know the condition of someone’s heart and mind as they are caught in sin and commit suicide. I have to leave that to God and trust him to judge rightly. God knows those who are his (2 Timothy 2:19).

May God use tragedies for his glory. May he draw people to himself through these painful situations. Let us be reminded of our own weakness when we see others fall into sin, but let us also be reminded of the One who has conquered death and liberated us from our sins! The gospel gives us hope! Let our hope rest in Jesus and his work on the cross, not in our works and effort. The gospel truly is amazing, glorious, good news!

Being Sincerely Wrong

2011-06-07T11:36:00.000-05:00

Have you ever heard the idea that it doesn't matter which road you choose to get to God, as long as you are sincere? It sounds really good. But the Bible gives us an explicit example of how wrong this notion really is.

If anyone could get to heaven apart from Jesus Christ, it would have to be the Jews. God chose their forefathers, gave them land, revealed to them his ways, instituted sacrificial worship for them, gave them his Law, and promised to send them the Messiah. This is special treatment that no other people group ever received!

And many of the Israelites gave it their best. Religious groups were formed who were absolutely dedicated to strictly observing God's Law. Their entire culture revolved around the Temple and worship of God. Compare this devotion to the Gentile nations who worshiped false gods, idols, or themselves. Surely, if anyone at all was good enough - sincere enough - to be acceptable to God, it must be Israel!

But when Israel as a nation rejected Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah sent by God, all of their advantages did them no good. Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law, the Temple and the entire Old Testament!

Listen to how clearly Paul explains this:

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. Romans 10:1-4, ESV

Paul agreed that Israel was very religious; he called them zealous for God. But notice what Paul says about their zeal for God - he said that it was "not according to knowledge." In other words, they were very sincere (more sincere than anyone!), but they were sincerely wrong. How were they wrong? They were ignorant of God's righteousness. Not that they didn't know God himself is righteous - they firmly believed this! But they didn't know that it is only by having God's righteousness that we can be acceptable to God! God requires perfection, and none of us are perfect. But the good news is that God gives us what he requires from us! He gives us his own righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 3:21-26).

Coming to God through Jesus and being declared righteous in his sight through faith is the only way to be accepted. So when Israel rejected Jesus, they cast aside their only way to be saved. Paul says they tried to establish their own righteousness through obedience to the Law. This is a slap in God's face, because it rejects his gift and arrogantly says that our goodness is enough. Paul says that in this way Israel did not submit to God's righteousness. They thought they were serving God, but they were rebelling against him!

Paul goes on to say that Christ is the end of the Law for righteousness for those who believe in Jesus. This means that we must come to Jesus in faith, resting in him and trusting in him as our righteousness - throwing away forever our own attempts to earn heaven. We must give up trying to be good enough, and simply receive God's gift. Jesus is our righteousness. He lived in righteousness. He perfectly obeyed the Law. He died for our sins that we may be forgiven. He rose from the grave that we may live in him. He ascended to the Father's right hand, that we may gain access to the very presence of God through him. Hallelujah!

On what is your hope resting? In your own works? In another religion? You may be very zealous. You may be most sincere. But apart from resting only in Christ, the only alternative is being sincerely wrong. We cannot earn favor with God by rejecting the Way he made for us to be saved and trying to save ourselves! Look away from yourself, from your performance and your abilities. Look to the one who died and rose again to bring us to God! Come to God through Jesus and receive God's righteousness. Then, and only then, we can walk in holiness and good works - not to earn favor with God - but in thankfulness and gratitude. We can serve him because he has already made us righteous!

Your Response To Preaching Reveals Your Heart

2011-05-26T15:53:00.000-05:00

Jesus' Parable of the Sower is famous. Many have read or heard this story from the lips of the Master about a farmer who went out to plant his seeds. But have you ever considered that Jesus is teaching us this: how you respond to the preaching of God's word shows what kind of heart you have? Our response to preaching shows if we are a genuine, born-again believer or a fake!

Luke 8:4-15 describes Jesus standing before a huge crowd of people and teaching this parable. He said that a farmer, or "sower" began to scatter his seed. Picture a man reaching into a bag of seed and tossing it all around him as he walked. The seed landed on four different kinds of soil and produced four different results:
1. The path. This seed was eaten by the birds. No fruit.
2. On the rock. This seed grew, but withered away due to lack of moisture. No fruit.
3. Among thorns. This seed grew up with the thorns, but was choked by the thorns. No fruit.
4. Good soil. This seed grew and produced much fruit.

After Jesus told this story, he did not explain it, but simply said, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear" (v8). Of course he was speaking of spiritual ears, not physical ears. But isn't this odd? "Whoever has the spiritual equipment to receive what I am saying, receive it."

Then we learn who had the ears. Most of the crowd apparently went home confused - and they were ok with that. They could live without understanding Jesus. But his disciples couldn't take it. They stuck around and asked Jesus what the parable meant. Jesus immediately told them, "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God" (10). The ones who "had ears to hear" were the ones who dug deep and asked questions and persisted with the Lord until he explained truth to them. To them it had "been given" to know God's truth. What about the others who didn't persist - the ones who gave up and left confused?

"...but for others they are in parables, so that seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand." Luke 8:10, ESV

Did you catch that? Here we are told why Jesus spoke in parables! I always thought that Jesus spoke in stories in order to make his teaching easier to understand. Not according to the Bible. Jesus was hiding truth in plain sight from the ones who did not have ears to hear, the ones to whom it had not "been given" to know God's truth. God is sovereign over his truth. And yet man is responsible; the many in the crowd didn't care about knowing the truth. They left without asking for an explanation. They actually lived out the meaning of the story Jesus had just told! Their response to Jesus' preaching showed the condition of their heart.

Jesus makes this even more clear as he explains the parable to the disciples. He tells them that the seed "is the word of God" (v11). The farmer in Jesus' story is a preacher! The four different types of soils are four different kinds of responses people have to preaching. See if you can identify yourself:

1. The Path. "The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved" (v12). Jesus wants us to know that their is an enemy of preaching; The devil does not want people hearing and believing preaching! This demonstrates the importance of preaching. God has chosen the method of preaching the gospel as the way of salvation (Rom 1:16; 1 Cor 1:18, 21-23).
These people hear the word, but it is taken away before they can believe, and by believing be saved (2 Cor 4:3-4). These are the ones who are unaffected by preaching. Unmoved by God's word. The many in the crowd who had just heard Jesus tell this parable, and were able to leave without caring to know the truth; these people had just lived out Jesus' story. They were the ones on the path.

Is this you?
Does preaching go in one ear and out the other without affecting you? Be warned! Your soul is in danger! Can you sit under the preaching of the gospel of Jesus and doodle, text friends, play video games or endlessly daydream about sports or other things? If so, the condition of your heart is being revealed by your response to preaching.

2. The Rock. "And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away" (v13). Many of us have seen people who looked like devoted followers of Jesus; but as time passed they fell away. Before long they are no longer connected to a church or serving the Lord. These are the ones on the rock. They look good for awhile (think of Judas!), but the truth eventually comes to light: they are not real. There is a faith that does not save! A temporary faith is not a saving faith. A faith that does not last is a faith that does not save. Note what Paul wrote to the Corinthians:

"Now I remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you - unless you believed in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:1-2, ESV

Warning! A believer who does not, by grace, endure is not a true believer. A genuine Christian will persevere through tests and trials and continue to bear fruit under the preaching of God's word. The seed that fell on the rock shows us that there are some who will start the journey but not finish.

3. Among Thorns. "And as for what fell among thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature" (v14). This group also starts out looking good, but are simply distracted from a pure devotion to Christ. Cares (concerns) steal their focus. These cares do not have to be sinful things, just other things. Or maybe riches or pleasures. This is perhaps the great danger for American, or Western believers. The American Dream replaces Jesus' call.
Can you hear the preaching of God's word but be more concerned about your own comforts, hobbies, possessions, etc - so that you don't get around to actually obeying the word? Receive Jesus' warning!

4. Good Soil. "As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience" (v15). Jesus doesn't say it will be easy for this group who hears the word. They will face the same tests that those on the rock faced and gave up. But these will "hold fast." They will endure. It will require "patience," but they will hear the word and continue in it to the end, with the result being fruit.

Which one are you?
What is your response when you hear God's word preached?
Do you see yourself in Jesus' story?

May God give us grace to hear his word, hold it fast, and bear fruit with patience!

Use What You've Got For The Gospel

2011-05-24T11:07:00.000-05:00

In Acts chapters 21-23 the Apostle Paul almost sounds like he suffers from multiple personality disorder. In this short amount of time he is recorded as saying, "I am a Jew," then, "I am a Roman citizen," and finally, "I am a Pharisee." Just who are you, Paul?

Paul has travelled to Jerusalem, where God has told him things would get tough. Sure enough, he was in the temple when some Asian Jews spotted him. They began to stir up the crowd and, before Paul knew it, they were beating him and trying to kill him. The Roman guards came and rescued Paul from the angry mob. They literally had to carry Paul up the steps to the barracks, but Paul asked to speak to the crowd.

So on the steps he turned and faced the mob of his own countrymen, who were screaming, "Away with him! Away with him!" Paul was bruised and bloody from the beating he had just received at their hands. But as he motioned to them with his hand, the crowd got quiet to hear what he would say.

Why were they so angry with Paul? Paul was preaching to the Gentiles. But he wasn't telling them to convert to Judaism. He preached that Gentiles could go straight to God through Jesus Christ's death and resurrection. In the mind of the Jews, this was too much. This made the Gentiles equal with them and counted as nothing their great advantages as God's chosen people: the Law, circumcision, the Temple.

So as the crowd quieted Paul began to speak. "I am a Jew," he said. He spoke in their native language and he told them his story. All to show them that he was a Jew like them - faithful to God. But it was the God of the Jews who had sent Jesus the Messiah, and Jesus had sent Paul to the Gentiles. This was God's idea, not Paul's! The crowd could not stomach that thought, and so they began to tear their clothes, throw dust in the air and shout that Paul should be killed.

Lesson number 1: God can use your ethnic background, language and family in the advance of the gospel.

Inside the barracks the Romans were about to flog Paul. The flogging could kill or paralyze him for life, and would also potentially open up more beatings for the other Christians in Jerusalem (showing the Romans that this is how you have to deal with those Christians...), so Paul told them "I am a Roman citizen." When they heard of his Roman citizenship they quickly withdrew and did not beat him.

Lesson number 2: God can use your government and national rights in the advance of the gospel.

The Roman commander then assembled the Jewish council to examine Paul, in order to find out why they were so angry with him. Paul told the council that he had a good conscience before God. A good conscience before God even as a preacher to the Gentiles? This could not be! So they punched him in the mouth. Paul had to go to Plan B. He looked at his accusers and noticed that they were made up of Pharisees and Sadducees. The Sadducees don't believe in the resurrection of the dead, but the Pharisees do. Paul decided to use the "divide and conquer" method. He shouted, "I am a Pharisee!" He went on to tell them that "it's because of the hope of the resurrection that I stand before you!" The council was immediately divided. The Pharisees sided with Paul and began to argue with the Saducees. They began to yell at each other and pull at Paul, so the Roman commander rescued Paul again.

Lesson number 3: God can use your history, training, education, knowledge, etc in the advance of the gospel.

Later, Paul sat in his jail cell. Imagine his discouragement. He has used everything in his arsenal - all of his gifts. And still he sat in prison. Then he received an unexpected visitor. Jesus Christ stood beside him in his prison cell! Jesus told him that as he had testified in Jerusalem, so must he testify of Christ in Rome. Paul had said, "I am a Jew;" I am a Roman citizen;" I am a Pharisee." Jesus brought clarity. "You are a witness."

Jesus was using Paul's gifts. It didn't appear to be working, but Jesus was guiding Paul according to his plan, and would safely bring Paul to Rome as a witness of the gospel! God was sovereign - he was guiding Paul and working out his plan. But Paul was responsible - he was using all his gifts in the gospel work.

No life experiences are wasted.
What do you have? What gifts, training, talents? What hurts and disappointments? What sins are you ashamed of? God can forgive sins (Paul was a persecutor of the church) and heal hurts and take what he has given you and use it for his glory in the advance of the gospel. It won't be easy (Jesus didn't let Paul out of the jail cell; Paul was a prisoner for at least 2 more years!). But Jesus is with us as we love him and follow him. What joy there is in fulfilling your purpose in Christ and his gospel!

Are you a believer in Christ? Have you repented of sin and trusted Jesus, who died for sins and rose from the dead? Then give yourself fully to him and his gospel mission!
Use what you've got!

The Religious Man And The Sinful Woman

2011-05-19T14:05:00.000-05:00

Which one are you? What's your weakness? Naturally, apart from God's grace, do you find yourself leaning towards the self-righteous religious person who is cold and judgmental towards others? Or are you bent more in the pleasures-of-the-flesh, notorious-sinner direction? Luke 7:36-50 has something to say to both.

In this passage Jesus has been invited to eat at the house of a Pharisee (Jewish religious ruler) named Simon. And Jesus accepts the invitation! First lesson, Jesus will eat with most anybody! We constantly see him at dinner parties in the Scriptures. Jesus liked to be around people. He hung out with prostitutes and drunkards, as well as religious hypocrites. He enjoyed a good meal with all types, but he always pointed them to the truth.

As Jesus was eating, reclining at the table according to Jewish custom, a woman who is described as a "sinner" heard that he was at Simon's house. She walked right in carrying a container of ointment. She stood behind Jesus, at his feet, and began to cry. Her weeping grew until her tears began to fall on Jesus' feet. She dried his feet with her hair, and as she did she kissed his feet! Then she anointed Jesus' feet with the ointment. This was not normal, acceptable behavior. But the woman did not care. Obviously, she has a clue about who Jesus really is, and in the presence of the Son of God she is broken about her sin. Jesus later describes her actions as loving him. She is loving on Jesus! This is an act of devotion, of worship! A woman known to be a great sinner has become repentant of her sin and is crying at the feet of Jesus. How beautiful!

Simon did not think it was beautiful. Yes, usually when a sinner is broken and runs to Jesus to give him extravagant worship, a religious person will disapprove. Simon judged the woman. Worse, he judged Jesus! The Bible says he thought within himself that Jesus could not be a prophet, or he would know that this was a sinner who was touching him; this was completely inappropriate.

What an amazing contrast! Here are two people, both in the very presence of God in the flesh. One is aware of her sin and aware of her need for Jesus' forgiveness. The other is blind to both. He feels completely at peace in the presence of God, not in the least discerning that he too should be crying at Jesus' feet for his sins!

Jesus knew Simon's thoughts (proving that Simon was wrong...Jesus was a prophet! And more...). The Bible says that Jesus answered Simon's thoughts (v40) by telling a story. A moneylender had two debtors. One owed him about two years' wages. The other owed him about two months' wages. When they couldn't pay, he released both from their debt. Then Jesus asked Simon, "Which of them will love him more?" Simon rightly judged (he's pretty good at judging) that it was the one who was forgiven the most. Jesus then applied the story to the two people before him.

Simon had not washed Jesus' feet, greeted him with a kiss or anointed him with oil. He had showed no hospitality, no love. But the woman had done it all. Jesus said that her sins ("which are many" v47 - Jesus doesn't make light of her sins) are forgiven. She has therefore loved much! Jesus then explains that she has been forgiven, not because of her love (worship does not save us), but because of her faith (v50). This woman had been loving Jesus - worshiping him - because she believed in him. She wept because she knew she was a sinner (repentance) and she went to Jesus in faith. This sinful woman has been forgiven!

But Simon is left judging everyone in the whole room. Blind to his need. Feeling justified as he compares himself to the sinful woman. Unbroken. Unmoved. Unloving... And unforgiven.

Back to our original question. Which one are you?

May God open our eyes to both our sins, and the Savior who died for our sins at the cross, rising from the grave for our justification. May our forgiveness not result in pride and self-righteous judging, but in love. Great love!

Predestination: Doctrine of Love!

2011-05-16T11:02:00.000-05:00

Predestination is a word that strikes fear in the hearts of men. The subject is often avoided like the plague. But it is a Bible word! And, running from predestination is running from the very love of God.

"...even as he (the Father) chose us in him (Christ) before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. Ephesians 1:4-6, ESV

As this verse makes clear, predestination is not a curse to fear, but a blessing for which to give thanks. In love he predestined us! This means that God's love is not generic, but particular; he set his amazing love upon real people with real names and faces, and real sins that Christ died to forgive. God did not have to put his affection on his people; he chose to. There was nothing in us that deserved it (for grace, by definition, is unearned), and we were not worthy of his love (for we are rebels and sinners). But God chose to pour out lavish love; he handpicked us for his grace!

There are two groups of people who distance themselves from this specific love of God.

The first are those who hate the doctrine of predestination. Maybe they don't understand it, maybe it's been poorly taught or misrepresented. But they simply cannot see the LOVE in this teaching, and thus they fear it. But let Scripture stand as it is; we read above that "in love he predestined us." Is this really something we want to hate?

The second group who miss the particular love of this doctrine are those who love the teaching, but divorce it from God's love. These are the theology buffs who could quote the Scriptures that teach predestination and go on for hours explaining it and winning all the debates. But for them it has become a cold matter of doctrine. A source of pride.

Predestination is not a doctrine to fear, or a teaching in which to be proud. It is, rather, a glorious revelation that the holy God of all chose to give jaw-dropping grace and indescribable love to real people; people who he knew would be great sinners. God has chosen to glorify himself by loving us, and by sending his Son to redeem his people. Predestination is a doctrine of love!

Let me close this post with the lyrics to an old hymn. I cannot remember where I found this hymn, and I do not know the author. (If you have information on it, please send it my way) Pay special attention to verse 4!

Predestinating Love
I sing the gracious, fixed decree
Passed by the great, eternal Three,
The counsel held in heaven above,
The Lord’s predestinating love.

All that concerns the chosen race
In nature, history, or grace:
Where they shall dwell, and when remove
Fixed by predestinating love.
Their calling, growth and robes they wear;
Their conflict, trials, daily care
Are for them well arranged above
In God’s predestinating love.

In this let Zion’s sons rejoice:
Their God will not revoke his choice;
Nor sin nor death nor hell can move
His firm predestinating love.

This is our bulwark of defence;
Nor foe nor friend can drive us hence.
In life, in death, in realms above
We’ll sing predestinating love.

New Testament Prophecy Must Be Tested

2011-05-10T14:57:00.000-05:00

Prophecy in the church is a controversial subject. It can be taken to two extremes: (1) as equal to Scripture, or (2) as non-existent in today's church.

The Nature of New Testament Prophecy.
There seems to be a biblical difference between prophets in the Old Testament, who spoke the very words of God (Scripture), and prophets in the New Testament, who speak what the Spirit brings to mind in human words that are not equal with Scripture. There remains the possibility of human error in the interpretation and application of the prophecies (no error on the part of the Holy Spirit!!), so the prophecies are to be tested against Scripture (1 Thess 5:19-21; 1 Cor 14:29). This is the position of Wayne Grudem on NT prophecy (Systematic Theology, p.1052).

John Piper agrees, describing NT prophecy in this helpful way:

Prophecy is “a Spirit-prompted, Spirit-sustained utterance that is rooted in a true revelation (1 Cor 14:30), but is fallible because the prophet’s perception of the revelation, and thinking about the revelation, and report of the revelation are all fallible. It is thus similar to the gift of teaching which is Spirit-prompted, Spirit-sustained, rooted in an infallible revelation (the Bible), and yet is fallible but very useful to the church.” John Piper (from the article, The New Testament Gift Of Prophecy)

While prophecy is not the same as teaching and preaching, it may be helpful to make a comparison as Piper has done. Preaching and teaching God's word is done by fallible men. Scripture is infallible, but men have the ability to "mess it up" by misapplying it, wrongly interpreting, mixing it with human error, or just wording a good thought all wrong. But this does not mean we throw out preaching, for it is biblical and useful for the building up of the church (Romans 16:25). Some would do away with prophecy because it is abused or wrongly practiced by others, or for the potential for error on the part of the one doing the prophesying. But to do so would be to cast aside a means of the church's edification.

Piper continues:

(Prophecy) “is a regulated message or report in human words usually made to the gathered believers based on a spontaneous, personal revelation from the Holy Spirit for the purpose of edification, encouragement, consolation, conviction or guidance but not necessarily free from a mixture of human error, and thus needing assessment on the basis of the apostolic (Biblical) teaching and mature spiritual wisdom.”

Scripture instructs us to test prophecies:

Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said. 1 Corinthians 14:29, ESV
Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21, ESV

Notice that quenching the Spirit is in the context of despising prophecies. This is one extreme. Perhaps in a gathering of the church the Lord brings something to your mind to share with the brothers and sisters for their upbuilding. But fear of getting it wrong, or that it may not be from the Lord keeps you from sharing it. Could this be quenching the Spirit? Fear of getting it wrong does not call for our keeping the word to ourself, but sharing it in a humble way. Perhaps we could say, "I think the Lord put something on my heart. I want to share it, and let's test it prayerfully and see what the church thinks."

Quenching the Spirit is one extreme, and the other is to not test the word. It is dangerous to think that everything that comes to our mind is from the Lord! It is pride that causes us to be offended that the church would test our 'prophecy' against God's word. As my friend Luke Geraty says, "Correction is not rejection."

May the church operate in humble freedom regarding prophecy. Let us cast aside fear and freely share with the church what God brings to our mind. But let us do so with humility, welcoming the testing of the word against Scripture and the mature wisdom of the corporate church.

The Fellowship Of God's People

2011-05-09T14:13:00.001-05:00

The early church devoted themselves to 4 things (Acts 2:42). One of those things was the fellowship. Later in the book of Acts we see this lived out in the life of Paul the apostle. Paul devoted himself to the fellowship!

1. Godly Affection, Brotherly Love (Acts 20:37-38; 21:5-7). Verse 7 refers to the believers as “brothers” (this term can also designate “brothers and sisters,” ESV Study Notes). Christians are a family of believers. Love is on display in this passage. Tender, affectionate hearts overflow in outward expressions. As Paul said farewell to the Ephesian elders there was “much weeping,” “they embraced,” they “kissed him,” they “were sorrowful…that they would not see his face again,” they “accompanied him to the ship.” This loving attitude toward God’s people is the natural result of our union with Christ at salvation, is commanded by God (see John 13:34-35; 15:12, 17; Romans 12:10; 13:8; Galatians 5:13; Ephesians 4:2; 1 Thessalonians 3:12; 4:9; 2 Thessalonians 1:3; 1 Peter 1:22-23; 4:8; 5:14; 1 John 3:11, 23; 4:7, 11, 12; 2 John 1:5), and is therefore a test of true conversion (1 John 3:14):

• We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death. 1 John 3:14

2. Hospitality, Community (Acts 21:4a, 7, 8, 15-16). As Paul is traveling on his way to Jerusalem, he continues to find Christians and stay with them! We see the sharing of meals, time and houses with the brothers. See also Romans 12:13 and 1 Peter 4:9 (“Show hospitality to one another without grumbling”). Believers must have open hearts and houses for other believers.

3. Corporate Prayer (20:36; 21:5-6). Paul and his companions are shown in this text frequently praying with the other believers. Even on the beach with their wives and children!

4. Stay true to God’s will AND true to fellowship. Paul was on a mission to go to Jerusalem, where he would suffer. The Holy Spirit was leading him there, and had already told him about the suffering that awaited him (Acts 20:22-23). But whenever he spends time with other believers on the way to Jerusalem, they beg him not to go! They can't bear the thought of Paul suffering. They mean well, but they are wrong.

This is similar to what happened to Jesus. He too was on a mission to Jerusalem to suffer. He too was being led there by the Spirit of God. And he too was begged not to go there by well-meaning believers (Matthew 16:21-23). Peter told him not to go to the cross, and Jesus rebuked him.

There is a lesson here for us. Notice that both Jesus and Paul did not isolate themselves from believers, even though in both cases their friends were wrong! Both Paul and Jesus knew that their friends did not “get it” – yet put up with them because of love! If anyone could have fulfilled their mission “without the church slowing them down” (as some today might say) it was the apostle Paul…or the Lord Jesus! But both knew that God’s will didn’t just include a mission, but community. God doesn’t just want us to do his will and complete our personal assignment; He wants us to do it in the context of the fellowship and community of the church! “It is impossible to be connected to Christ without being connected to those who love Christ” (Begg). We can’t have the Head without the body.

5. Maintaining Peace: Love During Disagreement (21:4-6; 14-16). Paul’s friends reacted to Agabus' prophecy about Paul's suffering in Jerusalem by urging Paul to avoid Jerusalem. Even Luke and Paul’s team members join in (“we” v12)!! This was difficult for Paul (“What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart?” v13). Love brings pain sometimes. We can try to avoid pain by distancing ourselves from the church, but we will also miss out on the love and fellowship God wants us to have (Smart). Therefore, Jesus remained close to his friends, knowing they would run away from him and deny him on the night of his betrayal. Paul continued to fellowship with believers on the way to Jerusalem (at almost every stop!) even though their emotional pleas were difficult and painful for him. But, praise God, we see that the believers and Paul resolved the situation with peace and maintained unity in the Spirit even in a time of disagreement! “And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, ‘Let the will of the Lord be done’” (v14). Some of these believers even supported Paul by accompanying him to Jerusalem (v15-16)!

This passage gives us some awesome "big picture" points:

Big Picture Points

A Display of Unity – One People. Paul and the team demonstrate unity with believers in different cities – some of whom he does not even know well or at all (Bruce)! We must realize this and work towards loving fellowship and unity. We are one people in Christ.
A Display of the Gospel – Reconciliation. With a great price – Jesus’ blood – we have been reconciled to God! He has made us a unified people through the gospel. Unity adorns the gospel.
A Display of God’s Image – Trinity/Community. God did not create man because he was lonely. God is within himself – his very nature – a community: One God in 3 Persons. Christian fellowship displays this glorious image of God!
A Foretaste of Heaven! When believers walk in the fellowship of the Spirit we experience a small taste of heaven. If we have no desire for community with believers now…have we truly been given a new heart that will be happy in heaven?

How do we apply God's word concerning fellowship in the church?
Repent. Does your travel log look like Paul’s: saturated with the fellowship of God’s people? Or are you just checking church off your list each week? Jesus died for our selfishness and lack of love for others. Tear down the walls and let the people of God in!

Receive Christ and his Spirit by faith. Ask God to heal any hurts from the past, help you accept the clear teaching of Scripture, and give you love for your brothers and sisters in Christ.

Receive your brothers and sisters. Act on this repentance by initiating fellowship!!

Biblical Church Government, Part 3: The Responsibility Of The Sheep

2011-05-06T08:42:00.000-05:00

We have looked at "Who Are The Shepherds?" in part 1, and "What Is The Role Of The Shepherds?" in part 2. Now we turn our eyes to the sheep. Paul has charged the elders of the church in Acts 20. And such a high and solemn charge implies some things for the people of the church.

Paul's holy charge calls the elders to "Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood (v28, ESV). Paul went on to tell the elders to "Be alert" because of wolves, who would attack the church from without and from within. These men will watch over the souls of Christ's sheep, and will give an account to God for their oversight.

In light of this charge, here are 3 brief implications for the sheep:

1. Commit to a local church. Paul's charge is given to elders of a local church (the church at Ephesus). They cannot oversee the universal church, but only "the flock in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers"! They are able only to care for the souls of those they KNOW, who are committed to their local church. This implies church membership. It is impossible for elders to obey this command unless a local church recognizes who is a committed part of that local church fellowship and who is not.

Yes, all believers are part of "the church" universal. But elders are strictly charged to watch over the sheep in their local church. So stop hopping from church to church and commit yourself to a local church! Live the Bible with other believers that you can KNOW and forgive when they hurt you, and encourage and edify, all under the oversight of shepherds who can feed you and hold you accountable to God's word.

Commitment means, at the minimum, showing up! Your shepherd cannot feed you if you don't show up to the table at feeding time. And yes, it is the duty of a mature believer to feed himself by daily reading and studying God's word. But God has given elders a special call to feed the sheep. When the flock is gathering to eat, make sure you are there!

2. Submit to the leaders God has set up in your local church. If God has called them to lead, then it follows by implication that he also calls the church to follow. (This also implies local church membership, because you can’t submit to all the elders in all the churches!)

• Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you. Hebrews 13:17

• We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13

3. Pray for your elders. With such a solemn charge the elders have received – caring for God’s church, purchased with his blood, watching over the souls of the church, as men who will give an account – does this not showcase their need for great prayer from the church? Imperfect men have been entrusted with the oversight of Christ's sheep! Your local church pastors, elders and overseers need your daily prayers! It is your duty as a believer to cry out to God on behalf of your leaders. Pray that God would give them integrity, boldness, love and compassion, wisdom, vision, encouragement and strength. Pray for your pastors' family members, their marriages, and their needs to be met. Pray that they would fear God and not man, holding unswervingly to the gospel without all the little distractions.

Let us give thanks to God that he has entrusted the leadership of his church to shepherds. This is a gift from God to his people (Ephesians 4:11-12). God knows that you need to persevere in the faith to the end, and that you need direction, leading and feeding. So he gave you local church elders as a means of helping you and blessing you toward that end. Take some time today to praise God for this!

And why not send an encouraging word to your pastors and elders today?

Biblical Church Government, Part 2: The Role Of The Shepherds

2011-05-05T11:18:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I posted Part 1 in this series, "Who Are The Shepherds?" Today we will take a quick look at the Biblical role of church leaders, from Paul's charge to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20.

What is the Role of the Shepherds?

Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. Acts 20:28, ESV

A. Watch yourself. “Pay careful attention to yourselves…” (V28). Elders must first guard their own life and doctrine (1 Tim 4:16) and put Christianity to practice in their own home (1 Tim 3:4-5) before they can guard others. This is a call to humility for elders.

Another aspect of the elder watching himself is in the area of money. Paul says that he had coveted no one’s money or belongings (v33 and following). He was not using ministry as a means to get rich, and neither should the Ephesian elders. Rather, he worked hard and was generous (33-35). Peter tells the elders not to serve for “shameful gain” (1 Pet 5:2). Paul is not saying that elders should never be paid, for he teaches that they are worthy of double honor (in the context of money, 1 Tim 5:17) and quotes Jesus as saying that “those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel” (1 Cor 9:14, even calling this a ‘right,’ v15). Paul is saying that the elders must not be lazy, and they must not desire to be rich, but rather be content and hard-working and generous.

B. Watch Over the Church. “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood” (v28). Elders have a responsibility not to merely watch out for their own soul, but for the souls of the church.

1. God makes elders. “The Holy Spirit has made you overseers.” The church just recognizes them.

2. Care for… (shepherd, pastor, tend). A tender heart watching over the sheep! When Jesus reinstated Peter for church leadership, he told him to “Feed my lambs…Tend (shepherd) my sheep…Feed my sheep” (John 21:15-17). The elders’ main role is feeding and tending the sheep. This involves the teaching of the word (v32) and overseeing (ruling, supervising, tending).

In verse 32 Paul commends these elders to “God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.” God will build up these elders through the ministry of the word, and they will build up the church through that word.

• Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 2 Tim 4:2

• Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ… Romans 16:25 (this was written to believers, not unbelievers. He is talking about proclaiming the gospel through preaching to the church for strengthening)

3. The church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. Elders must bear in mind that the sheep belong to God, not to them, and that he obtained them at the highest cost! How valuable are the sheep to God! What a solemn charge indeed!

This phrase is either speaking of Jesus Christ (calling him God) or is speaking of God the Father, where the translation could read “with the blood of his own,” or Jesus Christ. Either way, the sheep are God’s, and have been purchased with the blood of Christ.

We see all 3 members of the Godhead at work here, in what John Stott calls “Trinitarian pastoral oversight:” It is God’s church (the Father), bought with the blood of his own (the Son), while overseers have been made overseers by the Holy Spirit.

If God was willing to shed the blood of his Son for a sinful, messed up, unworthy church, then shepherds must be willing to pour out blood, sweat and tears in season and out of season for the flock of God” John Piper

4. Be Alert (v31). Paul warns the elders of wolves coming to attack the sheep, both from without and from within. He charges them to be alert, reminding them that he warned the church for 3 years, night and day, with tears! Such is the vigilance that is required of the elders of God’s church. They must protect the sheep from wolves. This includes identifying false teachers that are a threat (sometimes by name, as Paul does in his letter to Timothy), false teachings that are being accepted, and even those in the church who are attempting to split the church.

Praise God for his gift of leaders in the church!
In our next post we will look at the responsibilities of the church to their elders, as implied in Acts 20.

References

· Sermons by John Piper: Watch Out For The Wolves Within;and I Entrust You To God And To The Word Of His Grace.

Biblical Church Government, Part 1: Who Are The Leaders?

2011-05-04T09:56:00.001-05:00

Who Are The Shepherds of God's flock?
In Acts 20:28 and following, Paul is charging the leaders of the Ephesian church. So who are the biblical leaders of churches? Alistair Begg points out that biblical church authority is NOT set up as a democracy (where everything is a vote, and the leaders must please the people or be fired); not an autocracy where one man has complete power, or a dictatorship where the people are beaten down into servitude by an overbearing ruler. He goes on to say that Jesus is the Head of the church; He has entrusted leadership of the church to shepherds, who care for his flock. Who are these shepherds?

A. Apostles To Elders. Jesus sent out the Apostles, who ruled in the early church. But in Acts we see the emergence of elders taking on local church leadership.

Acts 11:30 Barnabus and Saul bring money from Antioch to Jerusalem and give it to the elders of the church.
Acts 14:23 Paul and Barnabus lay hands on elders they have appointed in all the churches they have planted.
Acts 15:2, 4, 6, 22-23 & 16:4 Both the apostles and elders in Jerusalem are called upon to settle the dispute about whether or not Gentile converts should be circumcised (James presides over the counsel as a sort of ‘pastor’).
Acts 21:18 Paul goes to Jerusalem again and goes to see James and the elders.

B. The Office. The Bible uses several words to describe the leadership of the church.

1. Presbyteros (Greek) – ELDER. Paul calls for the “elders” (v17). This word speaks of spiritual maturity (Begg).

2. Episkopos – OVERSEER (Bishop). Paul says the Holy Spirit has made them “overseers” (v28). This word speaks of spiritual authority (oversee, supervise, rule) [Begg].

3. Poimēn- SHEPHERD (Pastor). Paul charges them to “care for” (shepherd, pastor) the church of God (v28). This word speaks of exercising spiritual responsibility (Begg).

These words describe the same office; They are used interchangeably in Scripture:

Here in this text (Acts 20) all 3 are used of the same men ("elders" v17; "care for" [shepherd, tend, pastor], v28; "the Holy Spirit has made you overseers" v28).
2 of the terms are used in Titus: “This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town…For an overseer…must be above reproach (1:5, 7).
All 3 are used in 1 Peter: “I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder…shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight…” (5:1-2).

Jesus’ rule over the church is described using these same words:

For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. 1 Peter 2:25
Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep… Hebrews 13:20a

The One who is our great Shepherd (Pastor) and Overseer (Bishop) empowers men to serve him by caring for his sheep in these same ways.

C. Plurality. Jesus’ authority over the church is spoken of in terms of singularity; Elders’ rule is spoken of in terms of plurality (Begg). Notice the plurality of elders in the following verses:

V17 – Paul “called the elders of the church.”
Paul writes to Titus to appoint “elders” in every town.
Acts 14:23, “And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.”
James 5:14, “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.”

D. The Leaders are Men. Men and women are equal in Christ, but have been assigned differing roles. Men have been given leadership, both in the home (Eph 5) and the church. “I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man…” (1 Tim 2:12a).

E. Qualifications. In this post it is not our purpose to fully study the qualifications for elders given in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. But we will quickly point out that the qualifications mostly pertain to character, and are traits that all Christians are commanded in other Scriptures to have (with the exception of a teaching gift and not being a novice) [Carson]. This shows us that elders are to model all of Christianity in character, and be able to teach the word. They cannot be perfect, but they are to be consistent.

In part 2 and 3 we will look at the roles of elders and the responsibilities of church members to their elders.

References:
• Sermons by Alistair Begg: A Farewell Address, and The Role Of Elders In The Church, Part 1.

• Sermon by D.A. Carson: The Role Of The Elder.

God Makes Us Sad To Make Us Happy

2011-05-03T11:15:00.000-05:00

It is often said that God just wants us to be happy. It is also often said that God cares more for our holiness than he does our happiness. Which one is more important to God? How does this work in real life?

For those who are God's people through faith in Jesus, God is at work in us for holiness. We are "predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son" (Rom 8:29) and THIS is why "all things work together for good" (Rom 8:28) to those who are called by God and love God (i.e. the church). God is working all things, even bad things like suffering, to make his people look like "his Son," Jesus Christ. Therefore, God is concerned about our holiness. So you could say that there are times when God makes us sad in order to make us holy. That is, he leads us through suffering as we go through sanctification.

Yet God also cares about the happiness of his people. Not in the flippant way that so many people imagine. For instance, the idea that God would never lead his people through suffering - that must be the devil in charge (as if God were on vacation and forgot to take that suffering away) - is just unbiblical theology. To say that God cares about our happiness more than anything else is not true to Scripture, for first on God's priority list is the display of his glory. And yet God is working, not just for our holiness, but for our eternal happiness in him. See the difference? It is unbiblical to say that God puts our happiness first, and therefore would never let us suffer at all. But it is biblical to say that God will lead us through suffering knowing that our eternal happiness is on the other side.

See how these themes (God's glory, our holiness and our happiness) play out in just one passage of Scripture:

Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless [our holiness] before the presence of his glory with great joy [our happiness], to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever [God's glory]. Amen. Jude 24-25, ESV

God is glorifying himself in his people's eternal holiness and happiness, and uses even sorrow to do it. So, God sometimes makes us sad to make us holy and happy.

This is pictured very beautifully in John 11. Mary and Martha, sisters who are friends of Jesus, send him word that Lazarus, their brother and Jesus' friend, is sick. Jesus could have hurried to Bethany to heal Lazarus. But the Bible says, "Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So, when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was" (11:5-6). Did you catch the "So"? He loved them, SO he waited around and did not heal Lazarus. He loved them SO he let Lazarus experience the pain and sorrow of death. He loved Mary and Martha SO he let them experience the sadness of seeing their brother die. Does this make sense?!

But we know the rest of the story. After Lazarus was dead, Jesus came and raised him from the dead. He knew all along what he was going to do. He also knew that it was better for them to go through some temporary sadness and experience eternal joy (by believing in Jesus as they saw his glorious work) than it would be for him to just remove the sadness and heal Lazarus. Did you get that? Jesus knew it would be better - ultimately and eternally - for the people he loved if he allowed them to go through some sorrow. The joy on the other side of the sorrow was better than any joy they would have had from being spared the sorrow!

Jesus is also concerned about God's glory. He said that Lazarus' illness was "for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it" (v4). In other words, God is going to let Lazarus get sick and die, and let his sisters experience this loss, so that God would be glorified through Jesus. God's glory is more important than our health! So, in all of this we see that God is working for his glory (v4) and, because he loves his people (v5), he is also working, in the same event, for their eternal happiness ("so that you may believe," v15). A lot of factors going on here!

Jesus said to Martha, "Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?" (v40). They rolled away the stone and Jesus prayed. "Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me" (v42). And then he raised Lazarus from the dead.

This is remarkable because of the resurrection of the dead, but also because we are given a glimpse into God's reason for the sorrowful event! God had a good reason for the sadness he allowed in his people. So that he would be glorified (v4) and so they would believe (v15, 40, 42), and by believing be eternally holy and happy. God made them sad so that he could make them happy. Forever!

When God allows sorrowful things to come into our lives, we are not always shown the reasons. But Scripture teaches us that God is good, and can be trusted. He is at work, even in suffering, to glorify himself, and to make us forever holy and happy in him. Hallelujah! Be encouraged as you face sadness. It is not in vain. Trust God, who gave his Son to the death of the cross for our sins, and raised him from the dead for our eternal salvation. Believe on Christ and walk through the sorrow. There is joy on the other side!

God Uses Government To Punish Wickedness

2011-05-02T16:35:00.000-05:00

Should governments punish law breakers and murderous men, bringing them to justice?

This is a sensitive issue. On the one hand, hell is such an unthinkable place of torment; God declares that he has no pleasure in the death of the wicked (Ezekiel 33:11) - and neither should we. After all, he has sent his people out with a message of salvation for sinners; not to enjoy seeing sinful men go to hell, but to rejoice as they repent of sin and embrace Christ.

But on the other hand, God shows forth his wrath, like all of his attributes, for his glory. He is praised for his outpoured wrath and justice on the wicked in Revelation (19:3). And Scripture says that God has given a "sword" to earthly governments:

For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. Romans 13:3-4, ESV

Government, then, is a gift from God - a display of God's common grace to all people - to curb the sin of sinners and restrain the violence of wicked men. Governmental justice is a tool in the hand of God to display his wrath against sin. This is a good thing, for which God is praised. Every instance of a murderer being brought to justice by the authorities of government is a rescue of life and a blessing to those he would have harmed.

John Calvin made the following comments on these verses from Romans 13:

And private men are reminded, that it is through the divine goodness that they are defended by the sword of princes against injuries done by the wicked. For they bear not the sword in vain, etc. It is another part of the office of magistrates, that they ought forcibly to repress the waywardness of evil men, who do not willingly suffer themselves to be governed by laws, and to inflict such punishment on their offenses as God’s judgment requires; for he expressly declares, that they are armed with the sword, not for an empty show, but that they may smite evil-doers. And then he says, An avenger, to execute wrath. This is the same as if it had been said, that he is an executioner of God’s wrath; and this he shows himself to be by having the sword, which the Lord has delivered into his hand. This is a remarkable passage for the purpose of proving the right of the sword; for if the Lord, by arming the magistrate, has also committed to him the use of the sword, whenever he visits the guilty with death, by executing God’s vengeance, he obeys his commands. Contend then do they with God who think it unlawful to shed the blood of wicked men. (Calvin's Commentaries)

Let us thank God for the gift of his common grace, by which he uses justice and the sword in the hand of government to protect people and restrain the wrath of man. But let us also pray for sinners to repent and be saved, rather than die in their sins.

Finally, let us remember that all of us deserve God's justice for our sins. But God has displayed his love by sending his Son, Jesus Christ, to earth as a Man, so that he could die on the cross in our place and receive God's justice for us, that we may freely receive God's mercy. Jesus died and rose again, and in belief of this gospel we are saved from our sins and are received into the arms of God!

The Example Of Paul's DRIVING PURPOSE (Part 3 of Paul's Example)

2011-04-29T13:18:00.001-05:00

We have been studying Paul's final charge to the elders of the Ephesian church (found in Acts 20). We have looked at the example of Paul's Life (here) and Paul's Teaching (here). Today we focus on the grand Purpose that drove Paul.

Paul has gathered the leaders of the Asian church and has reminded them of the integrity of his life ("You know how I lived among you...") and the boldness of his preaching ("I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God"). Now he informs them of what lies ahead.

1. I am going to Jerusalem...(Acts 20:22). This is more than Paul telling the elders his travel plans. There is an ominous tone as Luke (who wrote Acts) seems to be comparing Paul's journey to Jerusalem (where he will be arrested) with Jesus' determined march to Jerusalem (where he was arrested and crucified - see Isaiah 50:7; Luke 9:51, 53). Paul is boldly facing assured persecution (Acts 21:4, 12).

2. Constrained by the Spirit... (v22). Paul says he is bound by the Holy Spirit. He is a prisoner to God's will, and that voluntarily. Just as Jesus surrendered his will to the Father's in the garden (Luke 22:42) and called his followers to do the same (Luke 9:23), so Paul has abandoned his desires to the Lord, even if it meant suffering (and it did).

3. Imprisonments and afflictions await me... (v23). Paul told the elders that he did not know exactly what awaited him, but the Spirit had testified to him in every city that it's going to be rough. A lot of times we just want a word from God. Paul got his word, and it wasn't full of rainbows and sunshine!

4. But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself... (v24). In the face of certain suffering Paul does not flinch! He does not love his life as ultimate; he does not view his life as "a precious possession to be protected at any cost" (Alistair Begg). He knows that Christ has not called us to self-preservation or self-love, but to self-denail for the sake of Christ and the gospel (Luke 9:23).

Scripture is surprisingly clear that we should not love our lives (that is, see them as ultimate), but surrender everything to Christ and his gospel mission:

• …your steadfast love is better than life… Psalm 63:3

• Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves me, he must follow me… John 12:24-25

• And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. Revelation 12:11

• …as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Philippians 1:20-24

“If you can’t say ‘to live is Christ,’ you can’t say ‘to die is gain’” (Begg)

This is the effect of the great purpose set before Paul that drove him day and night. He was not lazy. He did not waste time. He did not live for his own comforts and pleasures. He had a calling. A mission. He had a Savior whose name was yet to be praised among the nations. He had compassion for people. This drove him! In our day where men waste day after day on video games and the like, Christ still calls men to surrender their lives to this glorious purpose!

5. If only I may finish my course… (v24). Paul is ready to pour out his life and suffer whatever lies ahead so that he can finish his course, or race, and the ministry he has received from Jesus. Faithfulness to Christ is better than life! Before Paul died, he used these same words:

For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:6-8, ESV

Jesus was also faithful to the Father. He said “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work” Jn 4:34). He was able to say from the cross, “It is finished” (John 19:30).

Like Paul and Jesus, will be able to say at the end of our lives that we have finished the work God has given us to do?

6. To testify to the gospel of the grace of God... (v24). This is Paul's drive. To accurately and truthfully speak of God's grace shown in Christ and him crucified, and live a life of integrity that backs up this message.

Faithfulness is required of God’s servants (1 Cor 4:2). Run the race to win! Let us before our Master in such a way as to one day hear:

“‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’” Matthew 25:23

Most Viewed Posts Of All Time

2011-04-28T11:50:00.000-05:00

Here are the posts from this blog that have been viewed the most. My prayer is that the Lord will use this blog for his glory and for the encouragement and upbuilding of people everywhere - that men and women would find their ultimate joy in Christ.

It's been shocking to me, but people have been viewing this blog from all over the world; places like Iran, South Korea, Malaysia, Greece, Botswana, Russia, Kenya, Germany, Netherlands, United Kingdom, and India. I would love to hear from my international readers! Please feel free to leave a comment.

Also, everyone is invited to leave a comment and give me any suggestions for topics, ways I can better serve you, etc. Thank you everyone, and to God be the glory!

Most Viewed Posts Of All Time

1. The Misquoted Blessing: Jeremiah 29:11. This one has blown me away. It is far and away the most viewed post I've written.

2. The Strategy of Satan Against The Church In Acts.

3. Godly Women: Making Their Men Great.

4. Does God Want Us To Suffer?

5. Did Jesus Take Our Shame?

6. The Steadfast Love Of The Lord.

7. Who Is "Over You In The Lord?"

8. "If God Would Just Show Me A Miracle I Would Believe."

9. Husbands Love Your Wives: A Practical Checklist.

The Example Of Paul's Teaching (Part 2 Of Paul's Example)

2011-04-28T10:41:00.000-05:00

Yesterday we looked at the example of Paul's Life (here).

Paul is giving his farewell charge to the elders of the church at Ephesus. He has challenged them by reminding them of his transparent life. Now he calls to their memory his 3 years of passionate preaching and teaching.

Paul had something many today lack: Backbone. He was truly courageous with the word. He did not change it, he proclaimed it. Paul knew, and wrote to the Roman church that it is the message itself, the gospel, that is "the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes." Because of this, he was "not ashamed" of it (Rom 1:16).

1. I did not shrink... (v20, 27). Twice Paul uses this phrase with the church elders. He says he did not shrink from "declaring to you anything that was profitable" (v20), and later, that he did not shrink from "declaring to you the whole counsel of God" (v27). He did not shrink. He did not draw back in fear of man. He did not neglect or fall short of this most important task. He "declared." Preached. Made clear. He refused to omit anything that was profitable for their edification, and he did not shy away from preaching to them all of God's gracious purpose. Jesus sent out the church to make disciple and baptize them and teach them "to observe ALL that I have commanded you" (Matt 28:20). What a charge to these shepherds of God's church in Ephesus! It was now their task to faithfully "declare" God's word to the church, and Paul solemnly calls them not to leave any part of the word - any controversial subject - untouched.

2. Teaching you... (v20). Not only fearless preaching, but pastoral teaching. Not only an example of how to live, but patiently teaching doctrine.

3. In public and from house to house... (v20). For 2 years the church had met at the hall, or school, of Tyranus (Acts 19:9). They also met in homes. What was happening in these house gatherings of the church? A man was fearlessly and faithfully preaching the word!

4. Testifying both to Jews and to Greeks... (v21). Paul preached to all, no matter their background or ethnic or cultural distinction.

5. Repentance toward God and faith in Christ... (v21). What is this message that Paul did not shrink from declaring? What did he preach to people of all ethnicities, in public and house to house? He tells us.
Repentance toward God. To faithfully preach the whole counself of God we must not shy away from repentance. This involves declaring to men that we are sinners, who stand condemned before a holy God, with judgment quickly approaching. This is why Paul charges the elders so solemnly, for preachers are tempted to sweep the subject of sin and repentance under the rug in order to be more popular with the people. But Paul did not shrink from this subject, and neither can we. That is, if we desire to be faithful.

Notice that repentance is "toward God." King David committed adultery with a woman and had her husband killed. Certianly he sinned against them both. But when the Lord confronted him with the sin and broke his heart, he realized that his sin was primarily "toward God" ("Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight.." Psalm 51:4, ESV). Faithfulness to the message means we call men to repent toward God.

But Paul also mentions faith in Christ. As men turn away from their sins, they must turn toward something. Ours is not just a message of "do better." Paul informs us that as we turn away from our sins in repentance, we are turning toward Jesus Christ in faith. We are casting away our sins and embracing Jesus Christ. This part of the message also calls for courage, for it involves declaring that salvation is only in the name of Jesus. All other religions and paths to God are insufficient and will not save. Paul charges the Ephesian elders to boldly command men to repent of sins and courageously call them to trust in Jesus Christ, who died for our sins on the cross and rose from the grave.

6. I am innocent of your blood... (v26). Because Paul did not shrink back from the truth he can say that he is innocent of their blood! What a statement! This implies that when we water down the message - if we neglect repentance of sin or faith in Christ or chip off the 'rough edges' of any part of the 'whole counsel of God' - that we are guilty of the blood of the people. What a charge to these Asian church leaders!

What a charge to us.

Lord, make us faithful to your truth.

The Example Of Paul's Life

2011-04-27T12:23:00.001-05:00

Paul was traveling by ship to Jerusalem with a big collection of money from the 'Gentile' churches for the Jewish believers. He was in a hurry, and didn't have time to stop in Ephesus, where he had spent 3 years establishing the Ephesian church. But he just couldn't pass them by without at least giving a final message to the elders of their church. The ship stopped at Miletus, a nearby town, and Paul sent word for the Ephesian church elders to join him there. Several days later they arrived.

As the men gathered together and listened to Paul, he opened his mouth and began to give them a 'farewell' speech. It's the only speech in Acts directed to believers, and it is filled with emotion and zeal. The Asian church leaders are gripped by Paul's words.

Paul boldly, yet humbly, sets forth his own life as an example to these men! "You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia..."(Acts 20:18). Paul appeals to their memory. "You know how I lived. Remember? I gave you an example to follow, men."

Could we say that? "Church leaders, remember my life and live like I did."

Paul had lived a transparent life of integrity among the people of Ephesus. He had nothing to hide.

Now he highlights a few aspects of how he had lived among them:

1. "Serving the Lord..." (v19a). Paul had lived with a constant view that it was the Lord Jesus that he was serving, not merely men. He was not out to win a popularity contest, but to be faithful to his Lord.

2. "With all humility..." (v19b). Can you talk about your humility and still be humble? Paul did. He was not bragging here, but calling men to imitate him as he had imitated Christ (1 Cor 11:1). Paul had not built a kingdom for himself in Ephesus, apointing himself as the king. He humbled himself and served. What a lesson for these church elders! And for us.

3. "And with tears..." (v19c). Welcome to the ministry. The greatest 'job' in the world, and perhaps the toughest. Leaders of Christ's church serve as men who will answer to God for the souls in their charge (Heb 13:17). The weight of this is felt deeply (2 Cor 11:28). There are tears of stress and tears of hurt; there are tears of compassion for the sheep and tears when they turn on you. These tears must be laid at the feet of Christ, the Chief Shepherd of the sheep.

4. "And with trials..." (v19d). Paul withstood persecution ("plots of the Jews") as he labored to build the Ephesian church. He did not give up, wash out, walk away or surrender. He persevered. He served with endurance. He remained faithful. So must these Ephesian church elders. So must we.

It's not that Paul was a happy-go-lucky guy who always had a smile. Paul faced some severe depression! He wrote to the Corinthian church,

For we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again. 2 Corinthians 1:8-10, ESV

Paul suffered as he served, both internally and externally ("fighting without and fear within" 2 Cor 7:5). But his hope was set on God "who raises the dead!" Paul knew (KNEW!!) that Christ was raised from the dead, for he had appeared to him on the Damascus road. Because Christ lives, we live through him, by faith.

We all know that Christ is our example. We look to him, who faithfully served God through the tears and trials of the cross (Hebrews 12:3). But God has also given us Paul as an example, not of total perfection, but of faithfulness, by grace through faith. These elders had fresh memories of Paul's faithful life, and were able to leave this 'farewell address' encouraged and emboldened to go and serve the Ephesian church with faithfulness, just as Paul had done.

Paul's example is not only for those men who served in Ephesus all those years ago. God has recorded this for us in Scripture to call us to faithfulness in our ministries, and to be encouraged. The same God who graced Paul with a faithful life can grace us too!

Let us recognize our need for faithfulness in our life. We cannot preach the gospel and live a life that destroys our words.

Lord, make us faithful!

God Graciously Made A Way...And We Don't Like It?!

2011-04-26T13:36:00.000-05:00

In my prayer time this morning I was reminded of the amazing love and grace of God. Sometimes I forget that God does not owe me anything but justice. Sometimes pride rises up and demands that God give me any number of good things. But grace, by definition, is undeserved. Meaning, God does not have to give it!

We were lost in our sins, "having no hope and without God" (Ephesians 2:12). God would have been just if he had done nothing to save us. Do you realize this? When the angels sinned, God gave them no salvation, but only justice (Hebrews 2:16; 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6). Could he not have also chosen to magnify his justice by letting his holy wrath fall on all of us?

But what did he do for us?

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. Ephesians 2:13, ESV

Praise the Lord! He graciously made a way!

As I thought about this this morning I praised God. But then I began to think about just how sinful it is to be ungrateful for this awesome display of God's grace in Christ. He graciously made a way...and many don't like it! Rather than praise God for setting forth his Son as our Savior, some complain that making "just one way" seems rather exclusive. As if to say, "How dare God not accept those who choose other paths or religions!" This is total blindness to God's revealed love and grace in Christ crucified.

This gross unthankfulness was pictured in the Old Testament. Israel wandered in the wilderness. When they were hungry, God rained down bread for them from heaven! A miraculous and loving provision! They called it 'manna.' But after a while, the people grew tired of God's bread:

Now the rabble that was among them had a strong craving. And the people of Israel also wept again and said, “Oh that we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we ate in Egypt that cost nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic. But now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at.” Numbers 11:4-6, ESV

Their thoughts drifted to desires for other things instead of gratitude for God's gracious gift. Then they found themselves actually complaining about his provision! Was God forced to rain down bread for them each day? Did he have to continue this display of his love and grace? Beggars can't be choosers.

Jesus is the living bread from heaven. He is the loving gift of the Father (John 3:16); the fulfillment of the manna in the wilderness. He is God's provision for our sins. We did not deserve this gift.

Let us humbly and joyfully receive God's provision in Christ without complaining or accusing God. Jesus is enough! He satisfies the soul! God graciously made a way for us...let us be thankful!

Jesus Claimed To Be God FOUR TIMES In John Chapter 5!

2011-04-22T15:38:00.001-05:00

Did Jesus claim to be God?

The notes to the ESV Study Bible point out that there are no less than four claims to deity by Jesus in John chapter 5 alone!

1. John 5:17 ("My Father is working until now, and I am working"). If we heard someone say this we probably wouldn't think they were claiming to be God. But given the context in which this was said, and the response by the Jewish religious leaders who heard Jesus say it, we see that it is a claim to be divine.
Jesus has healed a man on the Sabbath and is catching all kinds of flack from the leaders for breaking, not God's law, but their extra laws defining what work on the Sabbath is. Jesus answered them that his Father (God) is working on the Sabbath (without breaking it) and so is he (Jesus). He is saying that he, just like the Father, is Lord of the Sabbath. This is a claim of equality with God. The Jews recognized this and "were seeking all the more to kill him," because he was "making himself equal with God" (5:18).

2. John 5:21 ("For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom he will"). This one is perhaps more straightforward than the last one, but some may still have difficulty seeing this as a claim to be God. But think about this: if you claim to be able to do something that only God can do, you are claiming to be God. In this statement, Jesus declares that God can raise the dead and give them life, and then says, "and so can I, to whomever I want." The ESV notes point out that the "Old Testament makes clear that raising the dead and giving life are the sole prerogatives of God (cf. Deut. 32:39; 1 Sam. 2:6; 2 Kings 5:7)."

3. John 5:22 ("The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son"). This follows the reasoning of number 2. Jesus is claiming that he is the final judge of everyone, which is clearly something reserved for God alone!

4. John 5:23 ("That all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him"). This one is perhaps the easiest to see. And yes, you read that correctly: Jesus said that everyone should give him the same honor (worship) as God!!! Then, if that was not a sufficiently offensive statement to many, Jesus continues by saying that all religions and 'paths' to God are false if they do not worship him as God. "Whoever does not honor" Jesus "does not honor" God. Jesus is saying that anyone that does not bow the knee to him as God is not worshiping the true God.

What amazing claims!!!
If Jesus is not God, these statements make him guilty of lying and blasphemy and, therefore, not a good person, prophet or teacher we should follow. But Jesus told the truth and proved it with his mighty miracles and, ultimately, by dying and rising from the dead just as he predicted.

What will you do with these claims of Christ? You cannot dismiss them. If he told the truth, and you are not honoring (worshiping) him as God, then you are worshiping a false god and using a false path to get to God. In the end, you will be judged by Jesus, who claimed that all judgment was given to him by the Father.

Jesus calls people to come to him for forgiveness of sins and eternal life. "Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life" (John 5:24). In love, God the Father sent Jesus, who is God the Son, to earth as a Man. Jesus lived a sinless life and died on the cross as a substitute for sinners. Though sinless, he was judged by God as if he had committed our sins, and he paid for sins with his blood to reconcile us to God. He rose from the grave in eternal victory, and is coming again to judge! By repenting of sins and trusting in Jesus alone (faith; belief that results in obedience to Jesus' words) you can enter into the glorious reward from God. We will live in eternal joy with Jesus our loving King!

Believe Jesus and receive him today!
If you are already a believer, worship him anew for his glory and lordship.

Jesus is God!

How Believing God's Sovereignty Curbs Our Revenge

2011-04-21T16:25:00.000-05:00

How many times have we been the victim of someone's evil and thought about getting even? Perhaps we actually even carried out those vengeful thoughts and retaliated against the one who hurt us. Maybe we left a church because someone spoke wrongly of us, withheld affection from a spouse because of a forgotten anniversary, or punched someone in the chops because he insulted our mother. Ah, revenge! We want to make them pay. We want to hurt them for hurting us. We want...justice.

Scripture, of course, teaches us not to take revenge ("never avenge yourselves" Romans 12:19), but to leave room for God's wrath (Romans 12:19). God says, "Vengeance is mine; I will repay" (Hebrews 10:30). In other words, God is just and he will make sure that ultimately all wrongs are made right. But this calls for trusting God, that the Judge of all the earth will do right (Genesis 18:25). We usually don't want to wait for God to "get" them; we want the pleasure of doing it ourselves!

John Calvin shows us how believing in the sovereignty and providence of God - that God rules over all his creation - helps us refrain from taking revenge:

Had Job turned to the Chaldees, by whom he was plundered, he should instantly have been fired with revenge, but recognizing the work of the Lord, he solaces himself with this most beautiful sentiment: "The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord" (Job 1:21). ...The whole comes to this. When unjustly assailed by men, overlooking their malice (which could aggravate our grief, and whet our minds for vengeance), let us remember to ascend to God, and learn to hold it for certain, that whatever an enemy wickedly committed against us was permitted, and sent by his righteous dispensation. (Institutes of the Christian Religion, Book 1, Ch. 17.8)

That's right. Look past the one who has unjustly attacked us, to the Lord who allowed it for a good reason. Job looked beyond the men who stole his cattle, even beyond the Devil (who was immediately responsible), to the Lord who had the devil on a leash and permitted this for a reason only known to God.

Calvin points out that this is also what Joseph did, who was sold into slavery by his brothers. If he had meditated on their crime all those years in prison he might have killed them in revenge! But he turned to the Lord and trusted in him. And when his brothers came before him, he was able to forgive them, comfort them and declare, "You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good" (Genesis 50:20). Yes, God meant it. And it hurt. But Joseph believed in God's sovereignty and trusted God's goodness.

Terry Simpson used to ask something like, "Can you, in your wildest dreams, imagine Jesus on the cross yelling at the soldiers and Pharisees, 'I'll get you for this if it's the last thing I ever do!!'" Of course you can't. He forgave. He trusted God, who could have stopped them from crucifying him, but had allowed this great offence - the worst sin in human history - for a good reason.

May God give us grace to do the same.

Will Anyone Really Be Condemned By God?

2011-04-20T11:23:00.001-05:00

I was reading John's gospel this morning (in the famous third chapter) and I was struck by how clear the language is about the subject of condemnation. Jesus came to us from heaven, and he was on a mission. He didn't just float through life enjoying himself. He came with warnings about what lies ahead (on one side), AND promises of glory (on the other)!

John 3:16 speaks of God's amazing love for the world (not just Jews, who had been the only covenant people of God in all of human history up to this point!), and tells us that the sign of this love was the sending of God's Son (he came to die for sins). This is God's love, not just a fuzzy emotion, but a glorious, selfless rescue from sin (1 John 4:10). John 3:16 goes on to speak of who benefits from God's amazing love ("whoever believes" in the sent Son), what they receive ("eternal life"), and implies what happens to those who won't believe ("perish").

Then we get to the 'condemnation' part. "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the wolrd, but in order that the wolrd might be saved through him" (v17). Praise God! God is just and holy, and could have rightly sent his Son to condemn us - all of us. But he did NOT! The purpose of Jesus' first coming was NOT to condemn the world, but to save and rescue the world from our sin! What an amazing God!

The next verse qualifies this statement: "Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God" (v18, ESV). This agrees with the context of verse 16, that the benefits of God's love in sending his Son to save us are given only to those who believe in Jesus. The benefits are for those who believe. This is why Jesus came, and this is why Jesus sent his church to the ends of the earth - so that people may hear the gospel and believe on Jesus and be saved! God, in his awe-inspiring grace, has not sent his Son to condemn us but to save us. But clearly, those who do not believe "are condemned already."

The last verse in this chapter sums all of this up: "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him" (v36, ESV). Once again, true to the other verses in the context, the benefits of God's love in Christ are given only to "whoever believes in the Son." Those who do not believe (which always results in obedience, therefore it says "whoever does not obey the Son") "shall not see life." In other words, those who remain in their sins and do not believe upon the sent Son of God and his rescue work at the cross will not taste the benefits of that work. Verse 16 called this 'perishing'; verses 17 and 18 spoke of it as being 'condemned.' But now we are told what this being condemned is: "the wrath of God remains on him." This is a very solemn and serious sentence. What a loving act of God to warn us about this! Our sin has brought us under God's holy and just and righteous wrath.

But we do not have to remain under God's wrath because of God's love! God made a way to divert his wrath from us and still be a good and just Judge (who doesn't leave sin unpunished). The sent Son of God, Jesus Christ, took our sins on himself when he was crucified. God judged him in our place, and poured out his holy wrath on his sinless Son, who had become sin for us (2 Cor 5:21). Jesus propitiated the wrath of God, making atonement for the sins of those who would look to him in faith. The love of God has made a way!

But the warning is clear. The wrath of God was not taken away from everyone; only from those who believe in the Son. Those who reject God's love in Christ are condemned, and this condemnation is the wrath of God remaining on them.

Jesus was not sent, the first time he came, to condemn the world. He came to save us! But he is coming again, and this time he comes to judge. "...the Father...has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man. Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment" (John 5:26-29, ESV).

Those who believe on Jesus (3:16) go on to obey Jesus (3:36) and are empowered by God to do good (5:29). Those who reject God's love in Jesus are left in their sins, continue to do evil and receive the condemnation their sins have earned.

Hear the clear warning of Scripture and believe the clear promise of Scripture!
Turn from sins and look to the sent Son of God, who died for our sins and rose from the dead!
Believe on him and have life! Receive him by faith and enjoy his glorious kingdom forever!
Praise God for his love, that rescues sinners from condemnation and wrath through Jesus Christ!

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

Jesus Was Not Created...EVER

2011-04-19T10:34:00.000-05:00

Is Jesus a created being? Perhaps you've wondered about this. Did God make Jesus? Did Jesus begin to exist when he was born as a man? Or maybe he was created by God sometime before that? Because the truth is, if Jesus was NEVER created - but eternally exists - the only option we are left with is that he is...God!

The opening lines of John's gospel give us a firm answer to this question:

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... grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. (John 1:1-3, 14, 17, ESV)

Verse 17 identifies who John is talking about as "Jesus Christ." Verse 14 tell us that he 'became flesh.' So John is clearly referring to Jesus, who became a Man.

But the first three verses teach us about the nature of Jesus' identity. Jesus is the Word, who was in the beginning "with God." To say that Jesus was "with" God shows that he is a separate Person from God. But then John tells us that this Person who was "with" God "was God." Amazing! He is separate from God and he is God.

But verse 3 is what answers our question about Jesus' origin. "All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made." Do you see how John words the same thought two different ways? Is he being redundant? No, he is being clear! He is telling us that Jesus was never created!

To say that all things were made "through" Jesus is one thing. But John then adds that "without" Jesus "was not any thing made that was made." He is saying that God created NOTHING apart from Jesus...not even Jesus! This means that Jesus was involved in the creation of everything, and that nothing (not even himself) was created by God, apart from Jesus. Do you see it? No spirit, no angel, no particle, no being was made by God the Father apart from Jesus. Jesus is the eternally existent Son of God who was always with God and always God. And through Jesus anything that has ever been created was created. In other words, anything not created by Jesus is not created. Since Jesus exists, and all things that were created were made by him, and he did not make himself, he is God. Wow!

But what about Colossians 1:15, which refers to Jesus as the "firstborn of all creation"? Some say this means that Jesus was the first created thing (firstborn of creation = created first). But Paul is here speaking about Jesus' right to rule over his creation - the right of the firstborn of the King. King David was spoken of in this way ("I will make him the firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth" Psalm 89:27).

Jesus is God. He is a separate Person from God the Father. He is a separate Person from God the Holy Spirit. But the three, while separate Persons, are shown in Scripture to be One God.

To me, the clearest evidence in the Bible that Jesus is God is where God the Father is quoted as calling Jesus God! This is found in Hebrews 1. First God tells the angels to worship the firstborn (Jesus the Son) (verse 6). You don't worship anyone but God (Matthew 4:10)! But then he clearly calls Jesus God:

But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever... (Hebrews 1:8, ESV)

There are many other clear references to Jesus' divinity in Scripture, but how can you argue with God himself? Whoever God calls God is God, right?

So...if Jesus is God, have you worshiped him as God? Have you believed his words? Have you trusted in his substitutionary death on the cross for your sins and believed in his resurrection from the dead for salvation? Jesus is both God and the way to God (John 14:6). Don't be sidetracked by other things, other ideas, other 'ways.' Look to Jesus!

"Husbands Love Your Wives..." A Practical 'How To' Checklist

2011-04-14T11:46:00.001-05:00

God's word commands husbands to love their wives (Eph 5:25). Yes, it is a command.
"But my wife is a piece of work." Love your wives!
"But I'm falling in love with another woman.." Love your wives!
"I don't feel love for her anymore..." Love your wives!
When she's sick, when she's well; when she's cranky, when she's sweet; when she's fat, when she's thin; when you think she deserves it, when you think she does not; when she is submitting to you, when she is rebelling against you - "Husbands, love your wives!"
God's command does not budge against our excuses.

And not only are we commanded to love our wife, we are also commanded which way to love our wife: "Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her...In the same way husbands should love their wives..." (Ephesians 5:25, 28, ESV). God has commanded, not the mushy feelings we often associate with love, but that husbands sacrifically and affectionately and tenderly and for her good and benefit, give ourselves up in selfless love for our wives. Yes, the standard we are called to is none other than perfection: Christ's giving himself up in love for his church!

Before we go any further, we must remember that we have no power in ourselves to obey any of God's commands. It is impossible for husbands to love their wives in this way. It is only through the gospel that we are empowered to obey God. The Law shows us our need for Christ. So when we hear "we are commanded to love our wives" we must run to Christ, who died on the cross for our lack of loving our wife and bore in his body the curse and guilt of it, and who rose from the grave with power and life and forgiveness for believers! He is quite capable of loving his bride, and he has put his Spirit in us. Through the gospel (and only through the gospel) are husbands given power to obey the command. (Any women readers should also apply this to the commands to submit to their own husbands as to the Lord, vs22-24). Gospel, not Law!

Additionally, let us remember that it is not our job to "fix" our wives. It is not our mission to sanctify them, repair their 'fallenness,' or make them holy. That is the job of the Holy Spirit. Our job is to love them and meet their needs. Pour yourself out in sacrifical love and busy yourself with need-meeting. Do this in prayer, trusting the Lord to complete what he has begun in your wife (Phil 1:6).

So, what does this self-sacrificing love look like in real life? Here is a checklist to get you started in thinking this out for yourself. Proceed prayerfully and get ready to love your wife!

1. Thoughts. Love her in your thoughts. Do not allow resentment for how you think she has failed you creep in, or bitterness, or meditations on all her faults. Love your wife in your thinking of her!

2. Words. Love her in your words to her. Speak with tenderness and affection. Do not yell at your wife! Build her up with your words of grace rather than tearing her down (Eph 4:29). Also, love her in your words about her. Never (let me repeat) NEVER speak negatively of your wife in public or with friends!

3. Physical Gentleness. Do not hit, kick, slap or push your wife! Come on, guys! Be tender in your physical treatment of her. Does she feel safe with you?

4. Thoughtfulness. Jesus didn't wait for us to come to him with our need for salvation - he initiated salvation! He loved us first, and he came and died for us before we even understood our need. Let us model this by thinking of needs our wife has and meeting them, without waiting for her to make them known. Does she feel that you have thought of her today?

5. Leadership. Love her by leading her. don't make her beg for spiritual leadership. Gather the family for worship each day (yes, YOU do this). Call her to pray with you. Lovingly lead her. Does she feel led?

6. Conflict Resolution. Love her by initiating conflict resolution, even if it is her fault. Jesus did not wait for the church to come to him seeking to be reconciled to God. Don't wait for her to say "I'm sorry." Love her enough to gently approach her to be reconciled.

7. Protection. Love your wife by protecting her physically (take the bullet) and spiritually (praying for her, guarding her with discernment - protecting her from worldly ideas and idols that creep in and false doctrine). Does she feel secure?

8. Talk. Many men will not open up and share their hearts with their wife. Without this connection she will be drawn to connect with another man! Communicate with your wife. Does she feel like she knows and understands you?

9. Listen! Men may be bad at talking, but we are even worse, usually, at listening. "Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger" (James 1:19). Look at your wife when she is speaking to you. Show her that what she is saying is important to you. Listen to the words she is saying and discern the emotions behind the words. Repeat it back to her to make sure you've got it. Does she feel understood?

10. Faithfulness. Love your wife by being faithful to her. Men, your wife is your only sexual outlet. Do not seek any other outlets (adultery, porn, etc). Drink water from your own cistern, or well; "Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight; be intoxicated always in her love" (Proverbs 5:15, 19). Tell her she is the only one for you and then demonstrate that with your life! (If you have blown it in this area, it will take time to win back her trust. Be patient and faithful) Does she feel wanted and beautiful?

11. Provision. Love your wife enough to bust your hind quarters putting food on the table, whatever it takes. Show her that you will work to provide for her - do not be lazy! Don't make her fend for herself. Does she feel "taken care of"?

12. Sex. Become a good lover for your wife; don't just focus on meeting your own needs or taking care of your own business. Hear the words of Scripture: "The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights... the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. Do not deprive one another..." (1 Corinthians 7:1-5). Does she fell satisfied?

13. Decisions. John Piper reminds us that "headship takes primary responsibility, not sole responsibility (see his sermon here). Husbands lead, but this does not mean making decisions by ourselves. Does she feel that you value her opinion?

14. Vision. Sometimes wives (like husbands) can get lost in the chaos of kids and schooling and food and cleaning and a thousand other things. Husbands, love your wives by casting the vision frequently in your home. Remind your wife why your family is doing what you are doing. Show her the big picture again. Remind her why you are making the sacrifices you are making, for whose glory you are living, and why you are not doing life exactly like the people across the street who do not follow Jesus. Does she feel a shared sense of mission and purpose?

15. Time. Does your wife stay at home with the kids? Give her a 'day off' from time to time. Take the kids and give her some time to go relax, read her Bible, grab some coffee with friends, etc. Does she feel your help with stress?

Which ones hit home with you?
Have you thought of some that I've missed?
Spread this to all the husbands you know!

A Caution To Wives: Don't Beg Your Husband To Lead

2011-04-13T12:20:00.000-05:00

John Piper gives this caution to wives:

You cannot demand that your husband take leadership. For several reasons: 1) Demanding is contradictory to the very thing for which you long. It is out of character. If you become the demander, he’s not the leader. 2) Demanding will be counterproductive because if he had any impulse to try harder, your demanding will take the heart out of it, because it won’t feel like leading any more; it will feel like acquiescence. 3) It has to come from inside him worked by the word of God and the Spirit of God. So, instead of demanding, 1) pray earnestly for him that God would awaken his true manhood. 2) Ask him for a time when the two of you alone, when you are neither tired nor angry, can talk about your heart’s desires. When you express your longings, do it without sounding any ultimatums, and with a sense of hope grounded in God, not man. Express appreciation and honor for any ways that he is leading. John Piper (see full sermon HERE)

Not nagging. But much praying.

The Gospel Confronts Idolatry

2011-04-11T12:38:00.003-05:00

Before leaving Ephesus, Paul faced a riot in the city caused by idol-makers who were angry. They have reached their frenzied state because Paul's gospel of Christ was spreading like wild-fire in the city, and people were turning from idols to the Lord! So the idol-factory decided to strike back and rioted in the streets.

The Bible says in verse 23 that there arose a "disturbance" because of "the Way" (Christianity). Indeed, the gospel disturbs - it shakes things up. Christ will not share the throne with idols.

In our western culture we sometimes think that because we do not physically bow down to a statue we are not guilty of idolatry. Maybe we even skip over the many verses about idolatry (and even applaud ourselves for not being a heathen idolater) because they "do not apply." But Scripture also speaks of taking our idols into our hearts (Ezekiel 14:1-5) and equates covetousness with idolatry (Ephesians 5:5; Colossians 3:5), saying that because of our idolatry, God's wrath is coming!

To help us identify our idols, below is a collection of helpful descriptions, Scriptures and probing questions from the Bible and helpful Christian teachers.
Are you willing to honestly and prayerfully search your heart for rivals to King Jesus?

• John Calvin describes our idols: “The human heart is a factory of idols…Everyone of us, from his mother’s womb, is an expert in inventing idols.” “The evil in our desire typically does not lie in what we want, but that we want it too much.”

• David Clarkson (1621-1686) describes our idols: “Indeed, every reigning lust is an idol – and every person in whom it reigns is an idolater. ‘The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16).’ Pleasures and riches and honors are the carnal man’s trinity. These are the three great idols of worldly men, to which they prostrate their souls! And giving that to them which is due only to God, they hereby become guilty of idolatry.”

God must have first place in our thoughts and in our affections. “For he (God) being the chief good end of intelligent creatures, it is his due, proper to him alone, to be most minded (most thought of) and most loved. It is the honor due only to the Lord to have the first, the highest place, both in our minds and hearts and endeavors.”

• John Piper describes our idols: Covetousness – “desiring something so much that you lose your contentment in God.” Covetousness is idolatry (Eph 5:5; Col 3:5) “because the contentment that the heart should be getting from God it starts to get from something else” (Future Grace, 221).

• Tedd Tripp describes our idols: "..those things that are your passion, that you must have in order to be happy; those things that are the condition of your being OK, that are not God. They're idols..”

• Tim Keller describes our idols: An idol is “anything so central” that you “can’t have a meaningful life if you lose it” (“I don’t know how I would live…”). When you lose it, you’re not just sad, but suicidal. It is a good thing that we make an ultimate thing. Can be an object, a relationship, a pursuit. Beauty becomes Aphrodite; Reason becomes Athena; Money becomes Artemas. There are Personal idols (money, love & romance, children), Religious idols (doctrine, self-sacrifice, gifts, morality & performance) and Cultural idols (family or individualism, tolerance [can’t tell anyone they are wrong], politics & government [capitalism or liberalism]). We sacrifice to these gods (sacrifice children for a lifestyle or job; sacrifice marriage or family for long hours at the job for money; etc).

• Mark Driscoll describes our idols: We make up our own version of ‘hell’ (fat hell, ugly hell, poor hell, lonely hell, unappreciated hell, etc) and go after a savior to rescue us from our hell (a diet, plastic surgery, money, spouse, hard work and performance, etc).

Driscoll's Questions that help us identify our idols:

 What are you most afraid of?

 What do you long for most passionately?

 Where do you run for comfort?

 What do you complain about the most?

 What angers you most?

 What makes you happiest?

 How do you explain yourself or introduce yourself to others?

 What has caused you to be angry with God? (he’s not giving me my idols!)

 What do you brag about?

 What do you want more than anything else? If you could have one wish…

 What do you sacrifice for most? (sacrifice money, time, family, etc, for what?)

 If I could change one thing in my life, what would it be?

 Whose approval are you seeking? (boss, dad, spouse)

 What do you want to control?

 What comfort do you treasure most? If you had to give up everything but one…

Scripture confronts our idols:

• I am the LORD; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols. Isaiah 42:8

• For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. [6 ] Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Eph 5:5-6

• Little children, keep yourselves from idols. 1 John 5:21

• And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. Matthew 22:37-38

Good News: Jesus died for idolaters!
The gospel not only confronts our idolatry, but saves us from our idolatry! Jesus died on the cross for our idolatry. He bore the curse, guilt, penalty and shame of it. He rose from the dead in victory and power. He calls us out of idolatry and he gives us his Spirit to empower us to worship him and not idols. We are worshipers, and so we will always be worshiping something or someone. We cannot serve 2 Masters (Matt 6:24). Come to Jesus with repentance and faith in the gospel; when he is in his rightful place in our lives, we will then be free to enjoy other people and other things rightly, without elevating them to a position of ‘ultimate.’

References:
• Sermon by Tim Keller – The Grand Demythologizer: The Gospel and Idolatry. http://thegospelcoalition.org/resources/a/The-Grand-Demythologizer-The-Gospel-and-Idolatry
• Sermon by Mark Driscoll – Resisting Idolatry Like Jesus: First Corinthians (Christians Gone Wild) Pt 22. http://thegospelcoalition.org/resources/a/Resisting-Idols-like-Jesus
• Sermon by David Clarkson (1621-1686) – Soul Idolatry Excludes Men Out Of Heaven. http://www.gracegems.org/SERMONS/Clarkson_soul_idolatry.htm
*Future Grace, John Piper. (quoted from Sam Storms, Enjoying God Ministries: http://www.enjoyinggodministries.com/article/idolatry-without-idols-35/)
• Biblical Parenting Conference; Dr. Tedd Tripp at Mars Hill Church; http://theresurgence.com/2009/11/28/featured-media-biblical-parenting

Saying Amen, Analyzing, Nodding Your Head, Studying...But Not DOING IT

2011-04-07T09:50:00.000-05:00

Francis Chan tells a story about a man who, before leaving for work, tells his children, "I want you to clean your rooms today." The children give him a hug and a kiss and then go about their day. When dad comes home, he pulls the kids together. "Did you clean your rooms like I told you?"

The children reply, "Dad, we love you. We heard you tell us to clean our rooms. That was a great command. We talked about your command all day. I wrote a song about cleaning our rooms and we sang it for an hour. We got in a circle and talked about the best ways to clean our rooms. We even pointed out the ways NOT to clean your room. We wrote a blog post titled '7 steps to cleaning your room.' And we went around and encouraged each other in the cleaning of our rooms. We even broke your command down and did word studies, highlighting the historical significance of each word. Then we..." Dad interrupted, "Yes, but did you actually clean your rooms?"

"Um....well......no..."

Great point, right?
Now, obviously it is good and right to study Jesus' commands in Scripture. It is helpful to sing them, teach them, memorize them, discuss them, etc. The Spirit of God leads us to do those things and encourages us and builds us up in the doing of them.
But what good is all of that if we don't actually obey the commands?

Jesus said:

Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do what I tell you? Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great. Luke 6:46-49, ESV

Jesus gets right to the point, does he not? He is not playing around with us. He is not offering helpful suggestions. He calls us to bow to his lordship. He expects that his followers will, well, follow!

So here is the question. Are you and I building our lives on Jesus' commands or not? Do we do our money, our marriage, our parenting, our ministry, our entire lives in a way that looks different from our neighbors? Or not? Are the commands of Jesus making a difference in us, from the inside out?

Praise God, Jesus doesn't just give us commands, he gives us power to obey, and that power is in the gospel. Jesus died for us and took upon himself all our breaking of his commands; all our sinfulness and guilt and rebellion. He shed his blood to make atonement for us, and he rose from the grave in victory! Now he gives his Spirit to all who come to him in repentance and faith, to empower us to love him and know him...and obey him.

Be challenged. Be humbled. And then be encouraged.

By grace and by the Spirit, in faith, let's build our lives on Jesus' words. The storms of persecution and trial and temptation, and even final judgment, won't be able to knock us down. For we are on the Rock!

They Wanted Jesus' Gifts, But They Didn't Want Jesus

2011-04-05T11:06:00.000-05:00

The seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish priest, were traveling exorcists. They went around attempting to cast out demons. In Acts 19:11 we read the story of their incredibly bad idea. Their travels had taken them to Ephesus, where Paul the apostle was building the Ephesian church. God was doing some amazing miracles through Paul and the church was growing. So the sons of Sceva took it upon themselves to use the name of Jesus in an attempt to cast out a demon.

The whole thing blew up in their face. The demon said that he knew Jesus and recognized Paul, but asked them, "Who are you?" Then the demon-possessed man jumped on them and beat their pants off (literally). They ran away in shame after what Matt Chandler calls an "epic, bloody, naked beatdown" (Chandler's clip is here).

The demon recognized that the sons of Sceva had no authority. They had no faith in Jesus; they had not received the gospel; they had not been sent by Jesus (as was Paul and the church). They did not want to bow their knees to Jesus as Lord; they did not want to answer his call to deny themselves, take up their cross and follow him (Luke 9:23); they only wanted his power. They did not see Jesus' name as a name to love, but as a name to use as a magical formula to get what they wanted. They were attempting to control Jesus - manipulate Jesus like a genie - so that their will would be done!

Do we do this today?
Adherents of the prosperity gospel (word of faith, 'name it claim it') follow this error, calling people to come to Jesus for what they can get. People are taught that they can use Jesus' name, or principles of faith in Jesus, to keep their wallets full and their children healthy. Just like the sons of Sceva's really bad idea, the focus is usually not on Jesus, but on what Jesus can give. In this system the treasure is not Jesus, but health, wealth, fill in the blank. "You like money? Come to Jesus and he'll make you rich. Speak money into that billfold..." Mark Driscoll says this theology basically makes Jesus an idol-giver (his article is here). People are willing to come to Jesus, as long as he gives them their idol; what they really love.

Maybe you are not into the health and wealth gospel. But does this type of thinking slip into our lives? Are there times when our affections move from Christ to his blessings? God's blessings are truly wonderful. But Christ himself is the Treasure! He is the prize:

Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:25-26, ESV

If God removed all the blessings, would you still love him?

God will not allow his name to be misused. God is not ready to bow his knee to us and live for our glory; to make our wildest dreams come true. He does not exist for us; we exist for him. And he calls us to surrender our plans for his plan; our mission for his mission; our kingdom for his... our glory for his glory! He calls us to leave all and follow him.

Those who do will find that Christ is better, more satisfying, than any of his gifts.
Jesus is the Treasure!

"Don't Judge Me Man!" Thoughts On Being An Overly Critical Person

2011-04-01T15:34:00.001-05:00

Luke 6:37 may be the most quoted verse in the Bible, besides John 3:16. "Judge not..." It may also be the verse most taken out of context and misapplied. Usually someone quotes this verse when their sin is pointed out or when their beliefs are questioned. "Don't judge me man!"
So what is Jesus saying here?

“Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:37-38, ESV

1. It doesn't mean we can never tell someone they are wrong, never hold other Christians accountable, never observe church discipline, or identify destructive false teaching. Just a few verses down from "Judge not," Jesus talks about taking the log out of your own eye and THEN removing the speck from your brother's eye! And just a few verses after that, he talks about knowing people by their fruit. So this verse is clearly not talking about throwing discernment out the window and never saying, "you are wrong." (In fact, I noticed just this morning in my daily Bible reading where Jesus told the Sadducees, "You are quite wrong" [Mark 12:27]).

2. Jesus is teaching us not to be a hypocritical, fault-finding person. It is more about the heart. The text literally reads, "Stop judging... Stop condemning" (ESV Study Bible notes). Think of a vulture, always looking for something stinky and dead. This is a negative, overly critical person who never points out the good or praises what is right, but is vocal only about the negative. Jesus is talking about being self-righteous and proud, blind to your own sin while pointing out the sins of others (in this very context he tells a parable about the blind leading the blind, and the guy with the log in his eye).

3. Jesus doesn't just tell us what NOT to do, but what to do. Beyond avoiding a judgmental hypocrisy, Jesus wants us to be compassionate and loving to others with whom we disagree. On one side he tells us to stop judging and condemning, but in these very same verses he tells us to forgive them and to be generous ("give and it shall be given unto you"). Love your enemies! Don't just avoid constant criticism, but love the person who is in the wrong; bless them, forgive them, be generous to them, pray for them. Paul tells the church in First Thessalonians 5:11 to encourage each other and build each other up.

What would local churches look like if every believer came to every gathering ready to encourage and build up at least one person? What if we prayed all week about who we could bless and encourage and strengthen...that God would give us words to say and Scriptures to share and gifts to enrich and edify the specific people in our local church community? It would be...Christ-like!

4. God rewards and blesses our good deeds, but gives us the consequences of our hypocrisy. On one hand, we are to treat others as God has treated us. On the other side, God will treat us the way we treat others. Jesus clearly tells us that if we are judgmental, God will judge us. If we are condemning others, we will be condemned. But if we forgive them, God will forgive us. If we give to them, God will give to us. "For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you." This is not just karma. This is a God who blesses and rewards the good fruit of his children. And to those who prove themselves not really his (hypocrites), who show by their fruit that they are not new creations being changed into the character of Christ, God will withhold blessing and punish their sin.

This reminds us that salvation by faith instead of works does not mean that our works are unimportant. We are saved by faith in Christ, who took at the cross the punishment for the sins of all who will believe. But we are saved "for good works" (Eph 2:8-10) and our works show whether or not we are real (Luke 6:43-45). We are justified by faith, but rewarded on the basis of works.

5. How can loving judgments be made? It is clear that Scripture teaches us to judge. We must show discernment (Philippians 1:9), go to our brother when we are wronged, which may lead to expulsion from the church in love (Matthew 18; 1 Corinthians 5), and even point out those whose life and teaching may be destructive to the church (Paul calls people out by name - 1 Tim 1:20; 2 Tim 2:17). Paul even says that we are to judge those inside the church and leave those outside for God to judge (1 Cor 5:12-13). But loving accountability can be done only in gentleness (Galatians 6:1) by someone who is dealing with their own sins (Luke 6:39; 41-42). What Jesus is forbidding is the overly critical, self-righteous judgmentalism shown by hypocrites.

How about you? Are you overly critical? Do you give more words that tear down than words of love and praise and upbuilding?
Apply this to all areas of life. How do you speak to your spouse? To your children? To brothers and sisters in the church? To unbelievers? Co-workers?

"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear" (Ephesians 4:29).

May Christ be glorified in our hearts and mouths!

Practice Delighting In ALL Of God's Attributes

2011-03-30T14:55:00.000-05:00

Do you like God? Wait.. Seriously, stop and ponder that question.
Here's another: Do you like ALL of God?

God has revealed himself to us - what he wants us to know about himself - in the Bible. Scripture describes God's self-revelation and gives us many of God's attributes, or characteristics. As I have said in another recent post, many people choose one attribute, or a few attributes of God, that they like and build in their mind an idea of God that is limited to only those traits. They have then made another god who is much less than the true God of the Bible. All of must be careful that we are not doing this!

For example, we could envision a God who is powerful, but not very compassionate. Or a God who is sweet and tender, but cannot stop evil. Or a God who cannot see the future, but is good at quickly cleaning up our messes to make them work for the best. Or a God who is transcendent and omnipresent, but chooses to remain distant from our hearts. Etc, etc.

Maybe it's not all your fault. Perhaps your parents and your pastor failed to teach you about the doctrine of God - what the Bible says God is like - completely and truthfully. Perhaps they chose to emphasize only a few attributes of God that clicked for them. And now you have an idea of God that is deficient. So when someone describes God with another of his attributes, even some that seem to us to contradict the ones we like, we declare that "MY God would never do that..." At the bottom of all of this is knowing the truth about God himself.

God is good. In all of his attributes, he is good. In the attributes that are difficult for us to wrap our brain around, he is still good! All of his attributes come together to make up his holiness, which R.C. Sproul refers to as 'transcendent purity' (transcendence meaning 'otherliness' and purity meaning no sin). The revealing of this holiness of God is his glory. So knowing God's attributes is seeing a glimpse of the glory of God!

God has commanded us to love him, to delight ourselves in the Lord (Deuteronomy 6:5, Psalm 37:4). We are to treasure and love and delight in God in all of his attributes! How are you doing with this? Do you like all of God? Are you delighting in all of his characteristics, revealed to us in his word?

Below is a test. I will list many of the attributes of God, one at a time, with Scripture references. Go through the list and see which attributes of God you are currently praising him for, and which attributes you are struggling with. Practice delighting in God in each of the attributes (look up the Scripture references if needed). Also, think about what false or dangerous teaching would result from twisting or neglecting each attribute.

If you are having trouble seeing the good in some of the attributes, confess this to God and ask for help. Tell him you want to know him in truth, as he has revealed himself in his word. Study that particular attribute in the Bible and note how the Bible responds to that trait (not how we sometimes respond). Ultimately, trust God and love him.

Feel free to leave a comment about which ones may be easy or difficult for you.

Here we go! May we know God more and love him more!

The Attributes of God
(note: many of these were taken from Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology, and J.L.Dagg's Manual of Theology, both of which are very helpful).

1. Unity - There is One God, in three Persons. Deuteronomy 6:4; John 17:3; Matthew 28:19-20

2. Independence - God is self-existent. He does not need anything or anyone, but chooses to delight in his people. Acts 17:24-25; Job 41:11; Psalm 50:10-12; Exodus 3:14; Isaiah 62:5b

3. Eternity - Time does not limit God (has no beginning or end). He doesn't need to look ahead into the future to learn; but he does act within time. (Galatians 4:4-5). Psalm 90:2, 4; Job 36:26; Revelation 1:8, 4:8; John 8:58; 2 Peter 3:8

4. Perfection - There’s nothing God lacks that would make Him better. You can’t improve God. Matthew 5:48; 18:30; Deuteronomy 32:4

5. Beauty - God is the sum of all desirable qualities. Psalm 27:4; 73:25

6. Freedom - God does whatever He pleases. He is completely free to act in whatever way He deems best, bound by nothing but His own character. Nothing in creation can hinder God from doing His will. No person or power can tell God what He should do. God is under no one’s authority, and never needs man's permission to do anything. Psalm 115:3; Proverbs 21:1; Daniel 4:35

7. Peace (Order) - God is not confused or at unrest. 1 Corinthians 14:33; Romans 15:33; Galatians 5:22; Isaiah 48:22, Romans 8:6, Psalm 121:4, John 5:17

8. Blessedness - He is the source of His own joy! God takes pleasure in the reflection of His excellence in creation. God is the source and root and cause of everything in the universe that is worthy of delighting in. 1 Timothy 6:15; 1:11; Genesis 1:31, James 1:17

9. Immutability - God is unchangeable. Psalm 102:25-27; Malachi 3:6; James 1:17b; Hebrews 13:8;
Psalm 33:11, Matthew 13:35, Revelation 13:8, Isaiah 46:9-11, Numbers 23:19

10. Spirituality - God is spirit. His being is not like anything else (therefore He commands us not to make an image of Him to for worship). John 4:24; (1 Corinthians 14:14, 1 Corinthians 6:17, Romans 8:16, Hebrews 12:23)

11. Invisibility - “God’s total essence, all of His spiritual being, will never be able to be seen by us, yet God still shows Himself to us through visible, created things. God took on various visible forms in the Old Testament to reveal Himself to people. In the New Testament we see Jesus Christ as the greatest visible manifestation of God" (Grudem). John 1:18; John 6:46; 1 Timothy 1:17; 6:16;
12. Glorious - God is infinitely deserving of all honor, praise, worship and fame. Psalm 24:10; 104:1-2; Luke 2:9; (Isaiah 43:7, Hebrews 1:3, Romans 3:23, John 17:5, Revelation 21:23, 2 Corinthians 3:18)

13. Omnipresence (Immensity) - All of Him is in all places at all times. Psalm 139:7-10; Deuteronomy 10:14, Jeremiah 23:23-24, Acts 17:28, 1 Kings 8:27, Isaiah 66:1-2, Acts 7:48, Amos 9:1-4, Colossians 1:17, Hebrews 1:3, 2 Corinthians 3:17

14. Omniscience (Knowledge) - God knows all things. Job 37:16; 1 John 3:20; 1 Corinthians 2:10-11; Hebrews 4:13, Isaiah 46:9-10, Matthew 6:8, Matthew 10:30, Psalm 139:1-2, 4, 6, 16; Isaiah 55:9, Psalm 90:4, 2 Peter 3:8

15. Omnipotence (Sovereignty) - God has all, unlimited power to do all He has willed to do, and uses this power always. Ephesians 3:20; Matthew 19:26; Psalm 24:8, Genesis 18:14, Jeremiah 32:17,27; Luke 1:37, Matthew 3:9, Psalm 115:3

16. Wisdom - This has to do, not so much with God’s knowledge of facts, but about the quality of His decisions. He always makes wise decisions. Romans 11:33; 16:27, Job 9:4, Job 12:13, Psalm 104:24, 1 Corinthians 1:21,27, 29; Ephesians 3:10, James 1:5, Psalm 111:10, Proverbs 9:10

17. Will - God decides what to do and what not to do. God’s secret will includes everything that happens. God’s revealed will includes what He has made known to us, or commanded us to do. Ephesians 1:11; Revelation 4:11, 1 Peter 3:17, James 4:13-15, Deuteronomy 29:29

18. Goodness - God is always good. He is the standard of what is good. Luke 18:19; Psalm 100:5; 106:1, Genesis 1:31, James 1:17, Romans 12:2, Acts 14:17, Romans 8:28

19. Love - God gives of Himself to bless others. He has a general love for all of His creation, in that He gives rain and food and other blessings to even His enemies. But God has a special love for His people. It is for His people that Jesus was given, and whose blood covers their sins. 1 John 4:8, 10-11; John 17:24, John 3:35, John 14:31, John 3:16, Romans 5:8, Galatians 2:20b, Matthew 22:37-38

20. Mercy, Grace, Patience - Manifestations of God’s goodness. Mercy is not giving us what we deserve, Grace is giving goodness when we only deserve punishment, and Patience is his withholding of punishment for sinners, giving time for repentance. Exodus 34:6; Psalm 103:8; 2 Samuel 24:14, Matthew 9:27, 2 Corinthians 1:3, Hebrews 4:16, James 5:11, Romans 9:15, 1 Corinthians 15:10, Romans 2:4

21. Truth, Faithfulness - God is the true God, he speaks the truth and cannot lie. He acts in faithfulness to what he has said. Jeremiah 10:10-11; John 17:17; John 17:3, 1 John 5:20, Deuteronomy 32:4, Numbers 23:19, Hebrews 6:18

22. Justice, Righteousness - God does what is right. God must punish sin and treat people as they deserve. (Since Christ received the punishment for all who will believe, God can be gracious to believers and still be just). Deuteronomy 32:4; Genesis 18:25b; Psalm 89:14; 19:8, Isaiah 45:19, Psalm 7:11-12

23. Jealousy - "deeply committed to seeking the honor and welfare of someone. God continually seeks to protect His own honor. He commands His people not to bow down to idols or serve them” (Grudem). Isaiah 48:9-11; Exodus 34:14, Deuteronomy 4:24; 5:9

24. Wrath - God hates sin. If he did not hate evil, he would be evil! John 3:36; Romans 1:18; Romans 2:4; Exodus 32:9-10, Deuteronomy 9:7-8, 2 Kings 22:13, 1 Thessalonians 1:10, 2:16, 5:9; Hebrews 3:11, Revelation 6:16-17, 19:15; Hebrews 1:9, Zechariah 8:17, Ephesians 2:3, Romans 3:25-26, 2 Peter 3:9-10

Love or Truth?

2011-03-29T15:34:00.000-05:00

Sometimes Christians seem divided between love and truth. Certainly almost no one would say they are against either love or truth! But the division arises over what is emphasized. Some Christians/churches/ministries/groups speak mostly of love: quoting all the verses about love, seeking to be the nicest person in the room, etc. But this sometimes comes at the expense of standing for truth. On the other side are those who become giddy over doctrine, but come across as uncaring jerks.

In the opening words of Paul's letter to the Philippian church, he tells them how he has been praying for them:

And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:9-10, ESV

This Holy Spirit-inspired prayer from the lips of the apostle teaches us some important things about love and truth:

1. Believers need to be growing in love. We are not there yet. We must always be maturing in love ("more and more").
2. Love cannot come at the expense of truth. As we grow in love, we are to do so "WITH knowledge and all discernment." It's not love or truth, but love and truth.
3. Love does not mean that everyone is right. Love is wonderful, but it must be defined biblically. Love does not mean that we cannot correct false teaching. Paul wanted the Philippians to have knowledge and "all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent," leading to purity. Paul's idea of love was not flippant or relaxed toward truth, as if truth carried no bearing on eternity. What is believed in this life matters for all eternity, which is why Paul connects the idea of the Philippian's need for growth in knowledge and discernment to being found pure on the "day of Christ." Love does not mean accepting every idea. We need discernment. We must approve of "what is excellent" and reject what is false.

Jesus is glorified by a church that burns with love while approving and affirming what is true. Sometimes this means pointing out and correcting false teaching and false teachers. But, as Paul taught in another place, we must speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).

Love the truth! And don't be a jerk.

Valuing The Holy Spirit

2011-03-28T11:53:00.000-05:00

In Acts 19 Paul arrives in Ephesus to plant a church. He meets about 12 disciples. But, apparently after spending some time with them, he notices that there is something a little 'off' about these guys. They are seemingly followers of Jesus on some level, but Paul notices that something is missing. So much so that he asks them the question, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?"

Couldn't that be a little insulting? "You guys are disciples but you aren't the real deal. Did you even receive the Holy Spirit?"

If we are "the real deal" there will be fruit, or evidence, to prove it. If God lives in us by his Spirit and has made us a new creation in Christ (2 Cor 5:17) it should be obvious. It was obvious to Paul that these disciples were missing the Spirit.

They admitted that they had not received the Spirit, and had not even heard that through Christ the promised Spirit is now available to believers. They didn't know that Pentecost had come - that the promises of the Old Testament and what John the Baptist had pointed forward to - had come to pass! They were missing a HUGE piece of the puzzle.

Notice that Paul did NOT say to these guys, "Hey, it's ok brothers. After all, you are Jews - the people of God; you were following John the Baptist and looking forward to the Messiah; you were even baptized by John in repentance of your sins. You're good. God will understand." Some today may have responded in this way, but Paul did not. He told them that John the Baptist was pointing to Jesus. Then the disciples believed Christ and received Christian baptism rather than John's baptism. (These guys were close...but Christ's apostle knew that close is not good enough!) Think about it. These were not Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims or Atheists. These were guys who believed on Jesus in some way; were repentant of their sins before God and had received baptism from God's prophet John...but that was not good enough! If these guys weren't ok, no one is ok! They lacked the Holy Spirit, who is given through faith in Jesus Christ. And if you don't have the Spirit of Christ, you don't belong to Christ (Romans 8:9)!!!

This passage in Acts is showing us the importance of the Holy Spirit. In a day when many are saying that everyone is ok - that ultimately all will be included - the message of the apostles, who were sent by Christ with his message still ringing in their ears, is clear. There is one way. We must come to God (consciously, in this life) through faith in Jesus Christ the Son of God, who took upon himself the sins of 'many' (Mark 10:45), laid down his life for his church (Eph 5:25), was made a curse for us (Gal 3:13) and became sin for us (2 Cor 5:21); who died and rose again. Jesus gives the Spirit. Why is this so important?

The Holy Spirit is the evidence that we have been accepted by God and can expect life forever with him. The Spirit is the 'down payment,' or guarantee that we have eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; 5:5). Ephesians 1:13-14 says it this way: when we believed the gospel we were sealed with the Holy Spirit, "who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we aquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory." In other words, only believers in Jesus, who receive the gospel of Christ in faith, become recipients of the Holy Spirit. And having the Spirit is the guarantee that the rest of what God has promised his children is indeed coming.

Do you see the importance of the Holy Spirit, as Paul saw it?
Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?
Is their evidence in your life that you have God's Spirit (you are a new person, producing the fruit of the Spirit; the power of the Spirit; you love the truth; etc).
Better yet (since we can fool ourselves), are you part of a local church, where believers can see evidence in your life that you have the Holy Spirit?

Scripture tells us to examine ourselves to see if we are in the faith; to test ourselves. "Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? - unless indeed you fail to meet the test!" (2 Cor 13:5, ESV).

Let us not forget or neglect the Holy Spirit. May we value him, and realize how blessed we are as believers, that the promises have been fulfilled and we can now receive God's Spirit through faith in Jesus!! Come to Jesus and drink if you are thirsty (John 7:37-39). He is the giver of the Spirit and eternal life!

What Motivation Did The Apostles Give For Coming To Christ?

2011-03-22T09:06:00.001-05:00

Christians will use many different motivations in their evangelism. From promises that Christ will give an easy, problem-free life, to more joy and peace; from health and wealth to purpose in life. But wouldn't you agree that the most common, or popular, motivation that is given these days is God's love? "God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life." "God loves you so much, so please come to him and experience that love."

God's love for his creatures truly is amazing. And his love for his church, the redeemed people of God, is unfathomable! How he loves us! BUT, (and this is a potentially mind-blowing thought), the Apostles - the men who were trained by Jesus, filled with his Spirit, and unleashed on the world with the gospel - did not use the love of God as a reason to come to God through Christ. Think about that for a second. The Apostles did not use God's love to motivate people to come to Christ. In the entire book of Acts, which is the record of the early church and the expansion of the gospel, we do not find one example of God's love being preached about in evangelism. In fact, the word love (or 'loves,' 'loved' or 'loving') is not even used in the book of Acts one time!!!

This becomes truly interesting when we consider that today, almost ALL appeals for people to come to Jesus are connected with the idea of God's love. Makes you want to ask, 'So who is doing it wrong, the Apostles or us?' Interesting.

"But wait," you say, "The Apostles wrote a LOT about love in the epistles of the New Testament." Correct, and praise God for their teaching on God's love! But the epistles are not evangelistic sermons and appeals, they are letters. Letters to whom? Churches! People who have already come to Christ; who have experienced the forgiveness of sins and have entered into the love of God that was hindered by those sins and God's resulting wrath. God wants believers to be instructed about his great love for them. But to unbelievers? Rarely in Scripture is the love of God even brought up.

Jesus brought it up with Nicodemus (John 3:16); However, this was not an unlearned heathen, but a teacher of God's people, Israel. Not quite the perfect model for evangelism. What about the rich young ruler? Jesus didn't mention the concept. The woman at the well? Didn't even bring it up. Certainly and absolutely, Jesus himself was motivated by love, and God is love. This we cannot deny (and would never want to deny!!). But we cannot ignore the fact that the truth of God's love is not given to us in Scripture as the motivation for coming to Christ.

So what is the motivation that the Apostles use in Acts?

"for the forgiveness of sins" (Acts 2:38)
"Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come...that he may send the Christ" (Acts 3:19-20)
"This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you...And there is salvation in no one else" (Acts 4:11-12)
"to give repentance...and forgiveness of sins" (Acts 5:31)
"the intent of your heart may be forgiven you" (Acts 8:22)
"And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead. To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” (Acts 10:42-43)
"forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you" (Acts 13:38)
"God commands all men to repent because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man he has appointed" (Acts 17:30-31)

Acts also has Jesus himself saying that he was sending Paul, "to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’" (Acts 26:18)

So, what is the biblical motivation? It appears that the coming judgment and the forgiveness of sins is the motivating reason the Apostles gave for turning to God through Christ. This agrees with Jesus' teaching when he sent out the Apostles:

And said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. Luke 24:46-47, ESV

God wants men to understand the seriousness of sin and the glorious provision he has made to forgive us of our sins through the death and resurrection of Christ. Only then can we know and enjoy God's love! In fact, it is only in this context that we can truly understand God's love: In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins (1 John 4:10, ESV). Scripture is here linking our knowledge of God's love with Christ's death for the forgiveness of our sins. If we don't emphasize God's love in Christ for the forgiveness of sins, but only speak of a generic love of God, we actually water down his love!

Is it possible that we have forgotten, or even rejected, the one motivation Scripture gives us for receiving Christ?

Repenting Too Late?

2011-03-17T16:26:00.000-05:00

The infamous Judas Iscariot sold the Son of God for a bag of money and then betrayed his friend with a kiss, after enjoying a meal with him! Can anyone think of a more heinous sin? In fact, Jesus actually said "it would have been better for that man if he had not been born" (Matthew 26:24, ESV). Better for Judas if he had not been born, but not better for God's people who are redeemed by Jesus' blood; for Judas' great sin was ordained and used by God to bring about the events of our reconciliation to God (Acts 2:23; 4:27-28).

But after Judas had done the deed, he had second thoughts:

"...he changed his mind and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders, saying, 'I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.' They said, 'What is that to us? See to it yourself.' And throwing down the pieces of silver into the temple, he departed, and he went and hanged himself." Matthew 27:3-5, ESV

He changed his mind. This is the Greek word metamelomai. The ESV Study Bible notes point out that "Judas experienced feelings of regret and remorse, but this is less than 'repentance' (Greek metanoia), which means a change of heart." So close to repentance! But so far away. Judas did not experience true repentance, with faith, being born again, and living for Christ. By contrast, the apostle Peter denied Jesus and repented. The rest of Peter's life evidenced the truth of his repentance and the genuineness of his faith in Jesus. Judas, however, went and "hanged himself."

The Bible describes a false sorrow that can look like repentance, but is not:

As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us. For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. 2 Corinthians 7:9-10, ESV

There is a godly grief, or sorrow, that comes with true repentance. It leads to salvation - life! But just being sorry for your 'mistakes' does not equal this godly grief. Judas had "worldly grief" which "produces death."

Perhaps we also see a glimpse of this worldly grief in Esau. Scripture calls Esau "unholy," pointing out that he sold his birthright "for a single meal." Then we are told, "For you know that afterward, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to repent, though he sought it with tears" (Hebrews 12:16-17, ESV). Esau wanted the blessing from his father, but could not produce in himself true repentance.

We must repent; we must humble ourselves before God. But we also must be warned that there is a false repentance - a worldly grief that only produces death. Feeling sorry, changing our minds about what we have done, disliking the consequences of our foolish choices and sins against God - all these things are not enough. We must repent of our sins and turn to Jesus Christ in faith, before it is too late.

The good news is that Jesus will receive all who come to him in faith and true repentance. Even after Peter fell, Jesus lovingly restored him and used him greatly. Peter received grace to finish well. No matter how you've blown it, God's grace can restore, heal, forgive. Will you humble yourself before Christ and repent of your sins, trusting in Jesus' death and resurrection? Don't wait till it's too late!

Oh, the great love of God in Christ!