Living the Gospel

Christ's Righteousness Alone Luke 5:33-39

2012-02-24T22:03:00.000-06:00

I just realized that I skipped a section in Luke 5, so permit me to go back and pick it up. Luke 5:33-39 continues the theme we saw in Luke 5:17-26 about being desperate or religious.

It is our very nature to think we should be able to contribute something to our salvation. This is a major theme in my upcoming book. Even those of us who are truly saved by grace tend to fall back into thinking that we are somehow spiritually working for our good standing before the Father. One of the hardest things man can do is accept the fact that he is worthless without Christ. We want to add Christ into the mix of our religion.

http://membership.make-my-christian-life-work.com/theology-description/module-1-is-your-god-too-small/day-16-righteousness-mercy-compassion-grace-justice/

In Luke 5:33-39, we see Jesus dealing with the same type of attitude. First of all, we are shown that man desires his own righteousness. Religious men love their religious rituals. As Jesus and His disciples were enjoying a meal at Levi’s house, a group of Pharisees came to him. “And they said to him, “The disciples of John fast often and offer prayers, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours eat and drink.” (v.33)

Jesus said that His disciples wouldn’t fast while the bridegroom was with them. But isn’t fasting a good thing? But what Jesus knew was that, once again, the Pharisees had made their own religious law and superseded God’s. You see, by God’s law, the only fast that was required of the people was on the Day of Atonement (Lev. 23:27). However, the Pharisees added their own statutes, saying that God required men to fast twice a week to show their righteousness and goodness.

But Jesus understood that religious ritual never brings righteousness. Jesus quite simply proved to the Pharisees that their fastings were nothing but ritual. He said, “Can you make wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast in those days.” (v. 34-35) What many modern readers might miss is the fact that even the Pharisees themselves didn’t fast during the week of a wedding feast. If a Pharisee’s family member was married, the wedding week was a time of celebration and the Pharisees made an exception to the fasting rule for that time.

So, how could it be a law of God and be set aside when it was convenient? Jesus showed them that fasting should not be a religious ritual; it should be from heartfelt devotion to God. Jesus’ answer to the Pharisees was that the disciples would indeed fast, but it would be when the bridegroom has gone, and it would be their devotion and cries to God. It would not simply be because they wanted an artificial righteousness.

Simply put, Jesus needed them to understand that He did not come to be incorporated into their religion. He did not come to “add” something to what they already had. He came to give them a new righteousness that they could not gain of themselves.

This is where many church people drop the ball. They think that they are relatively good people and Jesus will come and fix any mistakes that they may have made. This is what the Pharisees thought. They thought they were right before God and if this Jesus was going to bring something new into the picture, it had to fit in with the old religion they had always known.

Jesus refused to accept those who would incorporate Him into their religion. He came to bring a righteousness with His death and bring sinful men into relationship with the Father. He illustrated this with a few parables.

http://www.laleocafe.com/wordpress/2012/01/29/mark-218-22-whats-your-motive/

First, He says, “No one tears a piece from a new garment and puts it on an old garment. If he does, he will tear the new, and the piece from the new will not match the old.” (v. 36). Jesus didn’t come just to be a new patch in an old garment. Jesus’s righteousness destroys the whole concept of the Pharisee’s religion. If Jesus is man’s complete righteousness, there would be no more need for the slavery of the man-made laws of the Pharisees.

Just in case they missed the point, Jesus added, “And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the new wine will burst the skins and it will be spilled, and the skins will be destroyed. But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins.” (v. 37-38).

He had come to bring a whole new concept. He would be the righteousness man needs before the Father. If they tried to put Him and His teachings in the “old wineskins” of the Pharisaical law, they would surely be destroyed.

But look at Jesus’ final words in this section. “No one after drinking old wine desires new, for he says, ‘The old is good.’” (v. 39) Man desires to keep his old ways.

People refuse to accept the fact that they have no righteousness to offer God. They refuse to accept the fact that they are worthless in terms of paying God off for their sins. They can’t be good enough. They can’t do good enough. They can’t repent good enough. There is absolutely nothing we have to offer. Only Christ has the payment for man’s sins. Only Christ has the standing to purchase man’s freedom.

http://foundationsofmorality.com/?page_id=141

Before or after salvation, you and I can offer nothing to God to improve our standing before Him. Christ has given us His perfection and taken upon Himself our sin (2 Co. 5:21). To try to combine our works with His sacrifice in order to improve ourselves before the Father is to destroy both. Adding works negates the perfection of Christ’s atonement. You and I must stand before God with one or the other. Either our works will be our defense, or Christ’s work.

Let us repent from dead works and trust in the savior alone for all our standing before the Father.

What it means to be Blessed! Luke 6:17-26

2012-02-23T22:48:00.000-06:00

The blessing of the Lord – What does it mean to you? If someone said to you, “I am blessed of God.” What would you think they meant? For most people, the blessing of the Lord means that you are healthy, happy, and comfortable. It means that you have no worries and everything is taken care of. You have more than enough money, you have someone to love, you have a great life.

When we encounter a trial, a test, or a problem in life, we ask, “God what happened to your blessing? Please deliver me.”

http://4simpsons.wordpress.com/2007/05/03/lakewood-church-joel-osteen/

In Luke 6:17-26, Jesus found himself standing in a mixed group of people. On the one hand, there was a crowd of his disciples (6:17a), and on the other hand, there were a crowd of people who just wanted him to heal them and exorcise their demons (6:17b-18). This second group of people wanted to touch Jesus because they knew power came out of him to heal (v. 19). They were seeking the blessing of God.

After taking a look at the crowd that was before him, the Bible says, “And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said…” (v. 20). Notice that there were two types of people in the crowd, but Jesus took the opportunity to explain what it truly means to be blessed to his disciples. What they were about to find out was true blessing doesn’t really look like what we think.

Jesus tells his disciples to rejoice in the blessing of dissatisfaction. Take a second and read that statement again. It doesn’t really make sense, does it? Rejoice because you are unhappy? Really?

You are probably very familiar with the Beatitudes. What you may not know is that Jesus was talking about man’s reaction to his sin. Just like the paralyzed man who was let down through the roof (the passage before this one), Jesus took the opportunity to show the people that the true blessing of God didn’t deal with their physical ailments, but their spiritual one.

He says, “Blessed are the poor.” (Matthew adds poor “in Spirit”). Blessed are those people who understand their spiritual need. They know they are without standing before a holy and righteous God. Because of sin, they are not just poor, they are destitute before God. Yet, they are blessed because this is the man that will hunger for God’s righteousness…and he will be filled (v. 21). Jesus continues by saying that the sorrowful are blessed because there is coming a day when they shall laugh (v. 21b).

http://classicalchristianity.com/2011/12/11/the-power-of-repentance/

When you and I come to the point of recognizing our sin and our wretched state before God, we hunger for His righteousness. We agonize over our sin. We are convicted and have a Godly sorrow which leads to repentance. Sin becomes our enemy and we begin to fight against it. And you know what happens when you start fighting your sin and loving God’s commands…people start hating you.

They hate you because they love their own sin. They feel righteous in the fact that everyone sins, so they are free to sin as much as they want. When people are confronted with the fact that sin is ugliness before God, they get really, really mad. Jesus says, “Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! 23 Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.” (v. 22-23).

How does the blessing of God look now? Does it look like a life of comfort and ease? No, it looks like a life of conviction, repentance, and faith. It looks like a person who is desperately dependant on God. Yet, at the foot of the cross, where we find ourselves totally without strength, we find redemption and forgiveness. We find that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.

Now Jesus turns and speaks of the curse of contentment. That’s right…being satisfied and content with ourselves is a curse. We are satisfied in Christ alone, and this leads us to continually confront our sin and strive for His righteousness.

Jesus says, those who are rich are cursed (v. 24). These are not those who simply have a lot of money. These are people who think they have “goodness” before God on their own. They think they are doing better than most others, so God will see them as “good.” These are men who are truly cursed. Jesus also says ““Woe to you who are full now, for you shall be hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep.” (v. 25)

Those who find themselves satisfied and happy in their own goodness are cursed. They never understand the depth of their sin. They may be very religious and even call Jesus Lord (Matt. 7:21), but because they trust in their own righteousness, they will forever be cursed. They will mourn and weep when the broken and sorrowful are laughing.

Jesus ends this section by showing that men should be worried when all people speak good of them. The world hates the church. It is as simple as that. Even those who claim Christianity ridicule and mock those who actually seek to follow God’s Spirit by walking in His statutes. They are called, “Holier than thou.” They are accused of “judging others.”

But guess what? Just like God’s people have always been hated, false prophets have always been loved by all men. Jesus says, “Woe to you, when all people speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets.” (v. 26)

So what does it mean to be blessed? Does it mean you are healthy, happy, and content? Not really. The people who see themselves as utterly sinful before God, wretched and depraived…those who have called upon Him alone for salvation and who’s hearts have been changed…those people who live lives of repentance and faith…continually seeing the need for a perfect Savior.

http://todaysindividual.com/expressions/articles/get-money-now/

If God has changed your heart to hate the sin you once loved, and desperately cling to Jesus as your only worth before the Father…If God chastises you every day and reveals areas of your life that are displeasing to Him…Rejoice, for the kingdom of Heaven is yours and you, my friend, are truly truly blessed!

Are you Desperate or Religious? Luke 5:17-26

2012-02-17T19:43:00.001-06:00

Jesus tells all those who are weak, weary, and heavy-laden with their sin to come to him. (Matt 28:11) It is important to understand that Christ’s invitation to “give you rest” is only for those who are weary and heavy-laden. It is very common for people to come to Christ thinking all they need is to say the right words, pray the right prayer, or believe that there was a man named Jesus who died on a cross.

Yet, over and over again in Scripture, we see that Jesus only comes to those who are desperate. To those who are religious and self-righteous, Jesus has not time or inclination to offer them anything.

http://sandraconway.bibletalk.us/jesus-speaks-on-hypocrisy/

In Luke 5:17-26, we can see this principle clearly. Two types of men came to hear Jesus, religious men and desperate men. Verse 17 says, “On one of those days, as he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with him to heal.” On this day, the religious men came out in full force to hear Jesus. They came to assess his teaching and to compare what he was saying to their own understanding of righteousness.

At the end of this section, these men will leave his presence having been scolded and shamed in front of the whole crowd.

But, while Jesus was teaching to a house full of people, some very desperate men came to him. “And behold, some men were bringing on a bed a man who was paralyzed, and they were seeking to bring him in and lay him before Jesus, but finding no way to bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the midst before Jesus.” (18-19).

http://www.nazarethvillage.com/grapevine/200809/

These men were desperate. They obviously cared for the paralytic and they knew that Jesus was their only hope. They could not be kept from Jesus. If they were to be dissuaded by the crowd, the paralytic would have no hope. This was their only course of action. They had to get through…They just had to!

When Jesus saw the faith of the men, he commended them and said something amazing. He said, ““Man, your sins are forgiven you.” (v.20). The men bringing the paralytic no doubt simply wanted him healed. But, Jesus saw through the man’s real problem…his sin. Jesus healed the man of the biggest problem he had. It was not the ability to walk. It was his sinful state before God.

So often, we want God to simply handle our life situations and give us comfort and happiness. When everything doesn’t pan out just like we think it should, we question God and lose our joy. We forget that our greatest problem is not our circumstances or afflictions, it is our sin…and Jesus has healed that great problem.

Of course, the religious men began doubting and murmuring about what Jesus had done. They believed that righteous living and keeping the Pharisaical law were how God forgives sins. How could this man simply forgive sins by faith? How does he think he has the power to do such a thing? The religious men began questioning Jesus in their hearts. The looks around the room must have been very strange. What an awkward moment.

Knowing the religious men’s objections to Jesus’ statement, he rebuked the Pharisees sharply in front of the crowd. He questioned these men of great learning, insinuating that they had no understanding of what they were talking about.

Jesus proved he had the power to forgive. In front of all those onlookers he said, “But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” —he said to the man who was paralyzed— “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed and go home.” (v. 24). To the Pharisees, a physical healing was greater than the forgiveness of sins. They thought they could work to have their sins forgiven, but no one could do good enough to heal the lame.

Everyone who witnessed the miracle glorified God. Yet, the man went home glorifying God both because he could walk and that his sins had been forgiven.

Two types of me come to Jesus every Sunday in our churches. The religious come to be validated in their righteousness. They come to have their goodness stroked. They come to hear how wonderful they are doing in God’s sight. They come to learn how to work harder so that God will be pleased with them.

http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/thabitianyabwile/2009/12/

The desperate come because they know that they are sinful. They know that Jesus is their only hope and that all their righteousness is found in him. They rejoice in the great mercy of Christ who took the wrath of the Father, and they have no delusions about how good they are. They cling desperately to the cross and no obstacle on earth will keep them from Christ because He alone is their salvation.

All man’s righteousness is useless because it is tainted with sin and unacceptable to the Father. Only the righteousness of Christ which come by grace through faith is worthy to stand before an infinitely Holy God. The life of the Christian is a life that is desperately dependant on Christ for everything. He alone is our hope, our salvation, our worth before the Father. We can add nothing…and we know it.

The desperate are the ones who are healed, and the religious are the ones who leave in shame.

Prosperity theology and the True Gospel

2012-02-17T09:36:00.000-06:00

What We Believe At Christ Church of Brownsville

2012-02-13T19:16:00.001-06:00

Some people have asked about what our statement of faith is at Christ Church. I copied and pasted our doctrinal statement directly from the website. www.christchurchofbrownsville.com

We Believe. . .

1. The 66 Canonical books of the Bible as originally written were inspired of God, hence free from error. They constitute the only infallible guide in faith and practice.

2. There is one God, the Creator and Preserver of all things, inﬁnite in being and perfection. He exists eternally in threePersons: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, who are of one substance and equal in power and glory.

3. God created Adam and Eve in his own image. By disobedience, they fell from their sinless state through the temptation by Satan. This fall plunged humanity into a state of sin and spiritual death, and brought upon the entire race the sentence of eternal death. From this condition we can be saved only by the grace of God, through faith, on the basis of the work of Christ, and by the agency of the Holy Spirit.

4. The eternally pre-existent Son became incarnate without human father, by being born of the Virgin Mary. Thus, in the Lord Jesus Christ, divine and human natures were united in one Person, both natures being whole, perfect, and distinct. To effect salvation, he lived a sinless life and died on the cross as the sinner’s substitute, shedding his blood for the remission of sins. On the third day he rose from the dead in the body, which had been laid in the tomb. He ascended to the right hand of the Father, where he performs the ministry of intercession. He shall come again, personally and visibly, to complete his

saving work and to consummate the eternal plan of God.

5. The Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Triune God. He applies to man the work of Christ. By justiﬁcation and adoption we are given a right standing before God; by regeneration, sanctiﬁcation, and gloriﬁcation our nature is renewed.

6. When we have turned to God in penitent faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, we are accountable to God for living a life separated from sin and characterized by the fruit of the Spirit. It is our responsibility to contribute by word and deed to the universal spread of the Gospel.

7. At the end of the age, the bodies of the dead shall be raised. The righteous, in Christ, shall enter into full possession of eternal bliss in the presence of God, and the wicked, without Christ, shall be condemned to eternal death.

If you have any questions about Christ Church or the gospel of Jesus Christ as laid out in the Bible, feel free to contact me anytime.

Launch Into the Deep - Luke 5:1-11

2012-02-11T01:17:00.000-06:00

The day that Jesus Christ called Simon to be His disciple was probably one of the greatest days of Simon’s life. Later, Jesus would change Simon’s name to Peter, and Peter would go on to lead the Apostles in proclaiming the gospel to Israel.

http://www.treehugger.com/natural-sciences/fuel-subsidies-simply-prop-up-destructive-industrial-fishing-hurt-small-scale-fishermen.html

But in Luke 5:1-11, it all started as Simon was cleaning his fishing nets on the side of the lake of Gennesaret (elsewhere called the sea of Galilee). Simon, his brother Philip, and their partners James and John had slaved all night dragging nets for fish. They had very few fish for all their efforts. As he sat on the side of the lake cleaning his nets, I’m sure he was exhausted and frustrated that he had no catch to show for all his backbreaking labor.

Suddenly, a large crowd appear listening to Jesus teach. Jesus would choose this day and this man (Simon) to show His power and authority. Jesus jumped into Simon’s boat and asked him to push out from the land so that he could teach the people.

I can’t imagine what Simon must have been thinking after slaving all night and now he was just trying to clean the nets and go home. However, he did as Jesus asked and Jesus taught the crowd from the boat. (v. 2-3)

After He finished teaching, Jesus gave Simon another instruction. He said, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” (v. 4). Now this was strange indeed. Jesus was a teacher, a Rabbi, but Simon was a professional fisherman. He had probably learned the trade from his father and had been fishing all of his life. This spiritual teacher shows up and tells him to go back out after he had been fishing all night.

http://www.panoramio.com/photo/93778

What could this guy possibly know about fishing? I mean, sure you are a great teacher about God and spiritual things, but I have been fishing my whole life. I know how and when to catch them. Simon, not wanting to be disrespectful, said, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” (v. 5).

I’m sure Simon was thinking, “I know it is pointless, but I will do it if you want.” Simon reluctantly obeyed Jesus’ word and Jesus caused Simon to have the greatest catch of fish he had ever had. They caught so many fish that their nets were breaking and they had to call another boat. Both boats were so loaded down with fish that they started sinking. (v. 6-7).

So often, Jesus is telling us to push out into the deep things of faith. The most amazing thing in the world is when a person believes God for something impossible and God fulfills his prayer. The deep things of Christ are contained in His Word to us, yet a precious few every take the time to really study what Scripture says. Like Simon, we think we know better, or we think our experience is more reliable than the Word of God. Sometimes we are just too tired or afraid to step out in faith and trust Christ. It is definitely easy to say “I trust Christ,” yet, it is entirely different when we have to actually put our lives on the line and trust Him when the consequences are severe.

Simon reluctantly obeyed Christ and he harvested a multitude of fish. Christ’s goal for all believers is that they grow in Him and are conformed to His image. Sometimes this comes with some pain, but we can always be assured that God is working for our good in all things. We can be assured that He is trustworthy. We can launch out into the deep when everything is on the line.

Even more astounding than the miracle of the fish was Simon’s response to Christ. Of course, everyone was amazed at the miracle (v.9)…who wouldn’t be? Everyone marvels when God does a phenomenal work in someone’s life. But notice Simon’s response. Simon realized exactly who it was that stood before Him. He “fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, ‘Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.’” (v.8).

When man comes face to face with the almighty power and glory of God, there is only one response that is logical…repentance. We are utterly sinful. There is nothing that we have ever done that is righteous in God’s perfect sight. So, the closer we get to God’s unfathomable holiness, the more it reveals just how sinful we are. Simon understood that he was not worthy to be in the presence of God.

Most of the people just loved the miracle for the miracle’s sake. Simon, however, loved the one who did the miracle. At that moment, Simon gave his life to Jesus. Jesus said, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” (v.10)

Notice the power of verse 11. It says, “And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.” All Simon had ever known was fishing. That is how he made his living. That is how he fed his family. When he came face to face with the almighty, he left everything to follow Jesus. Jesus told him to launch his boat out into the deep and see the great catch of fish he would bring in. Now Simon was launching his life out into the deep with nothing more than the word of Christ to guide him. How will he live? How will he eat and provide for his family?

http://www.righteousyogini.com/2010_09_01_archive.html

I’m sure it was very frightening for Simon. Yet, he left everything and followed Jesus. He launched out into the deep. Have you left everything to follow Him? Have you launched into the deep with nothing but the Word of Christ to trust?

He calls to us just as He did to Simon. From now on we will be fishers of men. From now on we will follow Him. From now on everything we have…everything we are belongs to Him? Is this your mindset?

Jesus' Word Has Authority Luke 4:31-44

2012-02-06T21:59:00.000-06:00

Jesus’ word carried divine authority when He spoke them. Time and time again, Jesus demonstrated that with a single word, He commanded the spiritual and physical world. Luke 4:31-44 shows us that Jesus repeatedly demonstrated His authority by the miracles that He did. Yet, we will also see in the next section that the purpose of all of Christ’s miracles was to prove the message He brought.

V. 31-32 show Jesus teaching in Capernaum and astounding the people with the words that He spoke because of the authority in which He taught. Just then, a demon possessed man cried out in the synagogue saying, ““Ha! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are— the Holy One of God.”(v.34). At this very moment, the people listening to Jesus teach would truly get a demonstration of the authority of His words.

I am sure it must have been a very frightening experience for everyone there. What would Jesus do? How would he handle such a supernatural situation? With the same authority with which Jesus had been teaching the people, he turned and faced the possessed man and simply said, ““Be silent and come out of him!”(v.35)

I love that! Jesus had no need to start rattling off incantations and jabbering magic words the way the “preachers” on T.V. supposedly cast out demons. Jesus simply said, “Shut up and get out!” By the power and authority of the word of Christ, the demon didn’t argue, he didn’t rebel, he simply left. The bible says the spirit threw the man down but didn’t hurt him and departed.

Jesus has authority over the spiritual forces. period. If there was any doubt among the people who were listening to Jesus, it was gone. He had proven the authority by which he spoke. Needless to say that those people went far and wide telling others what had happened. (v. 36-37).

When he left the synagogue, He went straight to Simon’s house where Simon’s sick mother-in-law was. Jesus approached the woman, and with the same authority that he rebuked the demon, he rebuked the fever of the woman. He “rebuked the fever, and it left her, and immediately she rose and began to serve them.” (v. 39). The sickness of the woman reacted to Jesus’ word in exactly the same way the evil spirit had. When Jesus said, “Go,” the fever had to go…and it had to go immediately.

http://fineartamerica.com/featured/christ-healing-the-mother-of-simon-peter-john-bridges.html

After Jesus demonstrated the authority of His words, many people came with their sick and the possessed and Jesus healed them. Not only would Jesus command them to depart, but He commanded their silence and the spirits obeyed. Jesus demonstrated that He had authority over both the spiritual realm and the physical realm. He controlled demons and physical illness.

But, this is where so many people get confused. Jesus did not just come to heal people’s sicknesses. He did not just come to free people from their demonic possession. So many people think that these miraculous acts of Jesus were his purpose. They were not. The reason He worked His miracles was to authenticate the message He was preaching. He came to preach the gospel of the kingdom of God. He came to free people from their sins and to remove the wrath of God from sinners. Contrary to popular belief Jesus didn’t heal every sick person in Israel. v. 43 shows us that the people pleaded for him to stay because there were many more sick people who could come to him and be healed. There were many more people who needed a touch from Jesus which would relive their physical pain and suffereing.

Jesus answered them by telling them His purpose. He did not come just to heal the sick, He came to heal the separation between God and man. He came to free men from the chains of sin and death. He said, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose. And he was preaching in the synagogues of Judea.” (v. 43-44).

Jesus’ word is authoritative over both the spiritual and physical world. Yet, very often our physical trials are the very things God uses to bring us closer to Him. They are the things that humble us and bring us to the point where we trust Him more and lean on Him for all things. However, most of the time we just want out of the trial instead of growing closer to God through it.

http://www.photos8.com/jesus_on_cross_at_sunset-wallpapers.html

Jesus’ word has power. And the Scripture is His word to us. It assures us that as believers everything works for the good of those who love Him and are the called according to His purpose (Rom. 8:28)

Jesus has given His authoritative word. No matter what suffering you endure, no matter what trial you go through…even when it seems like there is no way through and the bottom is completely falling out…Jesus’ word has authority.

“Come to me all who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest.” Matt. 11:28

EXCITING NEWS!!!!

2012-02-03T22:52:00.000-06:00

I am proud to announce that my first book will be hitting stores in a matter of months. I decided that it needed to be written a few years ago because of the many experiences that I have had ministering to young people and young adults.

The book is called Reclaiming Victory: Living in the Gospel. Many people today live in defeat, constantly searching for that "spiritual level" with God where they are free from pain, trial, and heartache. Book after book has been written telling people that if they would simply believe better, think more positively, or surrender more of yourself, you can reach this level of spirituality where all your questions will be answered and you will finally have joy.

Yet, the truth is that the gospel of Jesus Christ is both the source of salvation and the source of our victorious Christian life. But day after day, believers struggle with life, dispassionately carrying out their Christian duty in order to please God.

Worse than this, there are millions of people who believe themselves to be Christians when the evidence of Scripture clearly shows otherwise. These people join the disillusioned believers in searching for this life of joy, when they have never been redeemed. Most often, it is our flawed church language (like "asking Jesus into your heart") which convinced non-believers that they are truly saved, and makes believer's think the gospel has no power for their daily living.

So what is the solution? What is the answer to this search for victory? Simple, it is the gospel. We must go all the way back to the beginning and examine ourselves first to see if we are of the faith. Once the biblical evidence has confirmed that God is active and working in our lives, we are free to rest in that victory that Jesus bought.

Plans, programs, and self-help ministries keep Christians in bondage when Jesus came to set us free, and establish a perfect righteousness before the Father. In Jesus, we are perfect before the Father. There is no higher level to reach than perfection. We work, not in order to please God. God is please in Jesus. We work because we love him. We are free to work, free to try and fail, and free to be victorious in Him.

I hope that it will richly bless you. We must stop this "recovery" mindset that keeps us in bondage and robs us of our joy and victory in Christian living. The gospel is not just the doorway to salvation, it is not just the "basics" of Christianity. The gospel is the Christian life. Living in the gospel, we have our victory.

Remember when you were first saved? Remember the joy and the wonder that you felt in simply being "In Jesus." You were a wretched sinner and you knew it. Yet, you were completely forgiven and washed clean and your only joy was that newfound relationship. Remember that?

But it wasn't long before moralism, principled self-help methodologies, and ministry programs that focus on behavior more than cultivating your relationship through the gospel pulled you away from that "first love."
Remember when the joy of your life was just knowing that you were forgiven and perfect before God? Run back to the cross and find your victory right there where you left it.

I will update when the publisher gives me the final release date. It will make a great gift for loved ones who don't know Christ, believers who are struggling with life, and those seeking to deepen their walk with God. It will be a refreshing change from the books that teach believers the "programs" and "methods" they need to follow.

Will the "Real" Jesus Please Stand Up?

2012-02-02T09:09:00.001-06:00

“Jesus was all about love, not judgment.” If I have heard something like this once, I have heard it a thousand times. What they really mean is, “I can do whatever I want because Jesus is all about love, peace, and forgiveness.” Of course, Jesus loved more deeply than anyone in history…of course, Jesus’ coming and sacrificing himself was the greatest act of love God could show mankind.

But many people, seeking to live their own way, paint Jesus as this happy go lucky, guru who wandered from place to place talking about love and “flower power” philosophy. However, the real Jesus was a bit more…confrontational.

In Luke 4:14-30, we find that Jesus has just defeated Satan’s temptations by the word of God and has returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit. The reports about who He was and what He was doing spread across the country (v.14) and when he preached in the synagogues, everyone glorified him (v.15).

Luke gives us a specific example of Jesus returning to his hometown of Nazareth to preach in the synagogue. Often, visiting Rabbis would be asked to read a piece of scripture and teach on it, so when Jesus was asked to do so…He did.

http://spiritlessons.com/Documents/Jesus_Pictures/Jesus_Christ_Pictures.htm

He taught the people of Nazareth from the Isaiah scroll. Luke records the words Jesus read to the people. “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.” (4:18-19)

We can all read these scriptures and say, Amen…Amen. Jesus indeed came to heal the sick, free the captives, and bring good news to those who are poor. In fact, this is a wonderful message isn’t it? Who wouldn’t want to hear about such a loving and gracious Messiah?

Then Jesus sat down (which was the posture of the teacher in those days) indicating that he was about to teach on the verses He had read (v. 20). However, what He said was very strange indeed. He said, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” (v. 21).

Now, I don’t know about you, but I find this very very cool. Jesus said that he was the one fulfilling these Scriptures. Not only that, but he said – TODAY – these scriptures are fulfilled.

At first, the people hearing him marveled at His teaching. (v. 22) They thought, “Wow, isn’t that wonderful – Is He the Messiah?” I’m sure they thought, “That’s great that He has come to heal the sick, free the oppressed, and give good news to the poor. I wonder when He is going to start doing all that?”

What they didn’t catch was the fact that He said He was fulfilling that mission at that very moment! He was giving good news to the poor. He said, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in YOUR hearing.” They were the blind, the poor, and the oppressed to whom Jesus came to preach. They were the sick and the prisoners who needed him. They just didn’t realize their condition. For all intents and purposes, Jesus had just walked into their synagogue and told them that they were all sick, blind, oppressed, and in need of salvation.

Now you just wait one minute! We know who you are. You are Joseph’s son (v. 24). I remember you growing up, running down the street and playing with those other boys. What gives you the right to come in here and preach like this?

When the people started doubting who he was, Jesus told them that no prophet was welcome in his own hometown. They were too familiar with him. Today, many people grow up in the church and can remember attending Sunday school, vacation bible school, and even being baptized as a child. We grow up around “Jesus” and the church and we feel like we are part of that community just because it is our heritage. Later in life, when Jesus actually comes to us with his message of conviction, repentance, and the call to trust Him…we think… “Oh, I already did that! I have been a Christian my whole life.” But the truth is, we are just too familiar with Him to ever see ourselves as lost.

Far from being the loving guru He is painted as, Jesus condemned their lack of faith in Him, and He condemned the fact that they would not accept that they were blind, poor, and lame before God.

http://uncyclopedia.wikia.com/wiki/File:Leper-mask.jpg

Now this is truly amazing. When they doubted His teaching Jesus gave two examples from the Old Testament. He told them that there were lots of poor widows in the time of Elijah but the prophet was only sent to help one widow woman. Also, He said there were lots of lepers back then too, but the only one healed by Elisha was Naaman.

He was basically saying that they were indeed poor and sick in their sins, and they would stay that way because they did not believe. Just like the majority of the poor and the sick in the days of Elijah and Elisha, the people of Nazareth would die in their state because they refused God’s salvation.

Hearing this statement, they became furious. Jesus had not only compared them to the poor and sick, but he had basically told them that Naaman (a Gentile) was better off than they because he at least had faith and was healed.

They were so angry, they tried to kill him by throwing him off a cliff.

Jesus came to preach good news. But there is no good news without bad news. The message of Jesus is not, “God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life.” His message stings quite a bit more than that. His message is that you and I are sick and wretched in our sin before God. There is absolutely nothing we can do about it. We have broken His laws and have trampled over His righteousness. There is absolutely no hope for us.

Yet, in the midst of our hopelessness, a light shines. Jesus Himself came to sacrifice Himself before the Father that He might take all the wrath that is due us and we might go free because of Him. Jesus gives those who trust Him perfection, and He takes their sin on Himself. So the Father punished His only Son for the sins of all those who trust Him. And they are truly free.

Jesus came with a controversial and convicting message. We are the oppressed. We are the ones in need. We are the criminals. We are the lepers. Our sin has made us wretched before God, and Jesus came to pay that price for all those who will Trust in Him.

The Power of Scripture (Luke 4:1-13)

2012-01-27T19:19:00.001-06:00

In so many situations, believers struggle in this life, trying to make sense of the things that we see around us. Everything we see and hear in this world tells us that it is impossible to live a good life, or be joyful in the midst of horrible circumstances. Everything in our flesh tells us that we cannot help but want to do those things that God has told us are sinful. Temptation and trial are everywhere.

http://www.revelife.com/728907801/westboro-baptist-church-and-the-interpretation-of-scripture/

How can I ever have any hope of defeating all the things that come against me on a daily basis? How can I hope to keep the joy and victory of life, when everything is coming against me? The only answer is the power of God’s Spirit working through the Word of God.

God’s Word is powerful and Scripture is our primary tool to live effectively in this life. In Luke 4:1-13, we see that Jesus Himself used the Word of God to overcome temptation, endure testing, and conquer the enemy. “And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing during those days. And when they were ended, he was hungry.” (v. 1-2)

The first thing we should notice is that Satan on had the power to test Jesus because of God’s plan. This is one thing we must never forget. All the trials and tests that we go through are allowed to come to us by God’s own hand for our growth and sanctification. God does not tempt us, yet he allows us undergo temptation so that our faith is proved genuine. Even the devil is God’s devil and he can only go as far as he is allowed to go.

When Jesus was hungry (and tired), Satan came to Him saying, ““If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” (v. 3). It may seem strange to call this a temptation because we don’t find a command in Scripture saying, “thou shalt not turn stones into bread.”

No doubt Jesus could have turned the stones to bread, and not doubt Jesus was hungry and tired. But the temptation Satan offered was to step out from under His Father’s care and try to satisfy His own needs. You see, Jesus laid aside the prerogatives of deity when He became a man (He didn’t give up deity, only the prerogatives of it. He humbled himself.) So the temptation was to fulfill His own needs, outside of the will of the Father.

The center of the believer’s life is his trust in Christ and the Father. We should constantly seek to stay in the will and under the care of our heavenly Father. Yet, instead of waiting on the Lord, we often try to fulfill our wants and needs outside of His will and Word.

Notice that Satan didn’t come to Jesus offering the base temptations of lust, hate, or envy. He was not offered the things that plague us on a daily basis. He was offered something that seemed good and right, yet it was not in the Father’s time.

Jesus answered by quoting Deuteronomy 8:3. ““It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone.” Matthew records the entire quotation, which includes “…but by every Word from God.” You see, Jesus trusted completely in the Father to provide for His needs. He did not need to step out from under the will and timing of God to satisfy His hunger. His hunger would be satisfied when the Father satisfied it.

Next, Satan took Jesus to view the kingdoms of the world and offered them to Him, if He would only worship Satan. This seems like a totally different scenario, but really it was the same temptation. You see, the Father had already promised the kingdoms of the world to Christ in Psalm 2:7-8, “The Lord said to me, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession.”

http://www.atotheword.com/2010/05/09/jesus-christhis-temptations-by-satan-were-not-about-temptation-they-were-about-his-deity/

So Christ was already promised the kingdoms of the earth, but first He must suffer and die. Satan was offering the kingdoms of the earth without the pain and the suffering of the cross. He wanted Jesus to step out from His Father’s will.

God has promised the believer many, many things. Yet we are also told that there will be tests and trials we must endure before we are conformed completely to Christ. Often, we want the “blessing” without the trials and suffering of being changed into Christ’s image.

Jesus simply responded with Deuteronomy 6:13. “You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.” Although Jesus would indeed have all the kingdoms of the earth, He chose not to receive them outside of the Father’s will. He would not do evil so that good may result. Jesus trusted God’s Word.

Finally, Satan took him to the heights of the temple and told Him to throw himself off. Satan also quoted his own Scripture to make the case that it would be O.K. He quoted part of Psalm 91 saying, “‘He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you, and On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.” Yet, Satan had taken this text grossly out of context.

Psalm 91 was not written to just anyone. It was written to a specific type of individual. “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.” (Ps 91:1). You see, Satan was asking Jesus to claim a promise of Scripture which did not belong to a man who tested God. This promise was for the man who trusted in God alone. It was to the man who “dwells in the shelter of the Most High.”

Today, the promises of Scripture are used to back up just about anything a person wants to claim. Yet, many of us rarely look at the context and stipulations which accompany those promises. Jesus, once again, quoted Deuteronomy.

“You shall not put the Lord your God to the test” (Deut 6:16)

http://www.heartsandmindsbooks.com/booknotes/more_bible_study_resources_tho/

God’s Word overcame Satan’s temptation every single time. It was the sword that Jesus wielded to overcome every trial, temptation, and fear.

When he was defeated, Satan fled. But, he did not leave permanently. He never does. “And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time.” (Luke 4:13).

He will return later with another temptation, another lie, another misuse of Scripture. Will you be ready? Will you have God’s Word as your weapon against him?

Jesus is Coming - Everybody look busy? Luke 3

2012-01-23T18:47:00.000-06:00

The other day, I was driving down the interstate and I saw a bumper sticker that said, “Jesus is coming…everybody look busy!” Although, I did think it was a little funny, it reminded me of the extremely serious nature of John the Baptist’s ministry.

In Luke 3, we find the stage being set for Jesus to come proclaiming the gospel of the Kingdom. In the first two verses, Luke lists for us the political and religious leaders who ruled the land at the time. A quick history of the men he lists, including Tiberius Caesar, Pilate, Herod, and Caiaphas the High Priest, shows us that it was during a time of severe political oppression and religious corruption that John came preaching his message.

John’s task was simply to prepare the hearts of the people of Israel for Jesus’ coming. He did this in a most effective way by pronouncing that judgment was coming for Israel. John’s message was simple. Repentance is the only hope for you. “And he went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” (Luke 3:3)

Israel could no longer depend on their ancestry or their religious works to make them right before God. God had never accepted such offerings of righteousness, but now the Messiah was coming to reveal the hearts of men and to proclaim the gospel.

Baptism, for John, was not what we think of today as Christian baptism. The Jews had many rituals of purification and washings but baptism was reserved for Gentiles who wished to become part of God’s people and take Yahweh as their God. A person who was born into Israel simply did not have a reason to be baptized. He was already one of God’s people.

This is what made John’s message so scandalous. Here was John, living in the wilderness, baptizing Jews into Israel? For John to call Israel to repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins, he was saying, “you think you are God’s people but you are not. You need to repent of your sin and religious works and be baptized into God’s people.” You can image what kind of stir this caused.

John was the one whom the prophet Isaiah spoke of who would come and prepare the way of the Lord (v. 4-5). He wasn’t preparing the roadways and countrysides, he was preparing the hearts of the people.

The only heart that Christ redeems is a heart that is first broken by the conviction of the Holy Spirit. As a youth pastor, I can show you hundreds of teenagers that come bee-bopping down church aisles to repeat a prayer, marching off thinking, “Whew, glad I got that done.” They are not broken, not repentant, and therefore are not saved. Yet, they live their lives anyway they want, thinking that God has redeemed them because of a prayer of profession they made.

But, John goes on to show us that only a repentance that produces fruit in the life of an individual is a repentance and faith that will stand the judgment of God..

The Passion by Michele.oliveira82

In verse 8-9, John warns that judgment is coming and only a proven repentance will stand. He says, “Bear fruits in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father. ’ For I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”

Just like the Israel of old, many today believe they are in a right standing with God because they are raised in a Christian home, or believe in Judeo-Christian values. Some think they have fulfilled God’s demands by praying a prayer when they were 8 years old. But John cannot be more clear that a repentance that is not life-changing is not a true repentance.

True repentance produces fruit. After hearing John’s message and his stern rebuke of the Pharisees that came to investigate his ministry. Many different groups asked John the question, “What then shall we do?” (v. 10).

John’s answer might seem confusing to many of us. He told the people to love their neighbor and give freely of their food and clothing to those in need. (v.11) He told the tax-collectors to stop taking more than what they were supposed to take. He told the soldiers to stop extorting money. (v. 12-13).

So, you might think, if I just love folks, help the needy, and be honest, I will be right with God. No, John was illustrating what the fruits of repentance look like. Those who have repented toward God, have a desire to obey His commandments and walk in His ways. They have this desire because God Himself puts it there when He regenerates their hearts.

http://jcrylequotes.com/2011/06/05/5-marks-of-repentance/

You would have to love folks perfectly in each and every situation to earn God’s favor. You would have to keep every letter of every law that God has given to be perfect when you stand before Him…and perfect you must be if you want to enter heaven.

But, here is the rub. You can’t just start from now on. You would have had to be perfect from the day you were born until the day you die. You can’t just turn over a new leaf and start fresh. Absolute perfection is absolutely perfect from day 1.

So, if you have been perfect every second of every day for the whole of your life until now, then just keep up the good work. If you have not, then you have a problem for which there is only one solution. John’s message rings true today as it did then.

Jesus is coming. “His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” The message is simply this. Repent and trust in the Savior. And the only proof that repentance and faith is genuine is the fruit that it produces in your life.

Jesus IS coming…you better do more than look busy!

Freedom From The Prison of Sin - (Luke 2:8-20)

2012-01-17T19:30:00.000-06:00

It has often been said that God shows His glory through the weak and the poor more often than through the strong and proud. One such instance would be the announcement of the coming of the King of kings and the Lord of lords. Jesus birth should have been hailed with throngs of people praising God, parades, and great celebration.

Instead, almost no one even knew that He had come. In Luke 2:8-20, we see the announcement of the Savior of the world. It was not announced to the kings of the earth, or a devout religious people, waiting on His arrival. It was told to perhaps the lowest class of people imaginable…shepherds. While they were watching their flocks, completely oblivious to the events that were taking place, God chose to break the silence with a magnificent proclamation.

“And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear” (Luke 2:9).

Although it may not seem like it, this is the proper response when one finds himself in the presence of God’s messengers. In the Old Testament, angels were often sent with proclamations and missions of judgment. These shepherds had every right in the world to be afraid…and so do we. As sinners, we have no right to come into the presence of God. He has every right to exact His judgment on us any time He sees fit. He is Holy and we have broken the laws of His righteousness. For all intents and purposes, there is no hope.

Yet the angel came to announce that at last, hope has come. “And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11).

The angel brought “good news” of “great joy.” There is no longer any need for fear. Fear is defeated. Finally, the newly born Savior will satisfy God’s holiness and justice. There is good news in the midst of all the hopelessness and fear. Can you imagine the thought of at one moment being completely hopeless and caught in a prison of sin and death from which there is no escape, and the next moment being completely freed with nothing ahead of you but peace and life? (I’ll bet some of you can relate to that. J

Suddenly an army of angels filled the skies praising God saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased.” (v.14).

What? What did they say? Peace with God?

Yes, man finally has peace with God. From the day of his birth, he has been filled with sin and self-righteousness. He has thumbed his nose at the holy God who created and sustains him. He has not just made mistakes, he has rebelled against God. God and sinners have been at war. God’s wrath is the only offering He has for them, and their rebellion is all they offer Him. But now, because of this newly born Savior, man can have peace with God. No longer will God seek justice on the sinner because His justice will be completely satisfied on His own Son.

Holiness has been answered. A solution to the unsolvable problem man faces has been given. Those who only dwell in darkness can now stand in the light. God has been gracious and merciful. God has made a way where there was no way.

Of course, the shepherds immediately sought out the child. They determined to find him and find him they did.

But what is particularly interesting is what the shepherds did next. “And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them” (2:17-18).

Think about it. You are a slave, who is toiling under the weight of his prison. Millions of prisoners share your jail. There is nothing but misery, toil, and heartache that defines your very existence. Suddenly, someone shows up and says, “You are free.” Not only this, but they say that all men can be free. What do you do?

I can tell you what most of us (including myself) do. We say, “Thank you very much,” and leave the prison without telling a soul. We go back home to our couches, our comforts and only when someone specifically asks about the freedom we have gained do we tell them the story.

But this is not what the shepherds did. They “made it known.” They went about telling everyone they could about this miracle that had taken place. This is the proper response.

It is our calling, our duty to make our freedom from sin and our Savior known… to “make Him known.” When is the last time you initiated a conversation about your Savior with the purpose of making Him known?

You and I are freed slaves, and there is a whole world of people who are still at the very prison from which we were released. Will you return to the prison and tell them their freedom has been purchased…or should we just worry about that tomorrow?

The Amazing Birth of Christ - Luke 2:1-7

2012-01-12T23:42:00.000-06:00

Luke chapter 2 is perhaps the most well known scripture during Christmas. Most people can probably quote whole sections of the narrative regarding Jesus’ birth and the trek Mary and Joseph made to Bethlehem.

Two things are particularly amazing about the first seven verses of Luke 2. The first is that God is in complete control of history. There is nothing, absolutely nothing that is beyond His power or oversight. Second, I still find it utterly incomprehensible that the King of Glory – one who is more exalted and magnificent than any other King – chose to come not in splendor or majesty, but to come as a humble, poverty stricken peasant.

The first thing Luke relates is the fact that Augustus made a decree that everyone in the Roman Empire must register to be taxed. In order for this registration to be comprehensive and efficient, every person was required to return to the place of his or her birth and register with the Roman officials.

Now, Joseph and Mary lived in Nazareth. Yet hundreds of years earlier the prophet Micah (5:2) prophesied that the Savior, the Messiah, would be born in Bethlehem. Of course, we remember in Luke 1 that Gabriel came to Mary telling her that she would be the mother of the Messiah, the Son of God. So how in the world could all this work out?

Simple, the God of the universe controls history. At the exact moment that it was necessary, the ruler of the vast Roman empire decided to make everyone register in their home town. Joseph, being a descendant of David, had to go to Bethlehem at the exact moment that Mary’s term would end in the birth of Jesus.

Of course, Caesar Augustus had no idea that he was being used to fulfill centuries old prophecies involving the true King of the world.

We can rest in the fact that God is in control. Nothing catches Him by surprise, and there are no unanswered questions in His mind. There is no plan B with God. So, the things that we go through have purpose. Make sure you understand that.

Everything that happens – and I mean everything – has a purpose in the plan of God. Therefore we can rest knowing that not a single event takes place without passing through the hand of God first.

Caesar Augustus

What is so amazing about the second point is that at about the same time that Luke was writing his gospel, the Roman world adopted Caesar’s birthday as the first day of the new year. There have been inscriptions found at Halicarnassus which called Caesar the “savior of the whole world.”

So get this, Caesar, the “supposed” savior of the world was grandiose with palaces and servants. He traveled with great pomp and banter hailing him as the ruler and savior of the world. All the while, the real savior of the world, the King above all other kings, came with no parade, no recognition, and only a lowly stable to sleep in.

Although Jesus had everything, he laid aside the prerogatives of deity in order to be born a servant and die for sinners.

Philippians 2:5-8 says, “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

The point Paul is making in this passage is that although Jesus was the King of Glory, he laid his entitlement aside and humbled himself for us. Therefore, we should have the same mind and humble ourselves for the benefit of others.

The preceding verses say, “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Phil 2:3-4).

Our King came from on high and gave himself for us. He deserved a parade, a grand banquet, and millions of adoring people praising his name. What he got was a barn, a manger, and nothing but a handful of shepherds who knew he had come.

If He would do that for us, surely we can humble ourselves for others. Surely we can praise him and give him glory. Surely we can live by His rule and love him.

Thankfully, by and through His grace, we can.

Responding to God's Blessings Luke 1:56-66

2012-01-09T23:09:00.000-06:00

After the angel informed Mary of her role, he pointed to Elizabeth’s pregnancy as proof that God can and would do the impossible for her too. When Mary heard this news, she immediately went to Elizabeth’s home to see the miracle of her pregnancy and she remained there until Elizabeth’s term. (Luke 1:56).

Finally, Elizabeth bore a son. The promised miracle had come to pass. Hope had been born. God’s Word had come to pass.

What we see next is man’s response to hope. God is the God of hope and He offers that hope freely in Jesus Christ. However, man’s response to that hope is sometimes very puzzling.

First, we see that when John the Baptist was born, everyone recognized God’s blessings on Elizabeth. “And her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her.” (1:58) What a blessing! The barren Elizabeth had been blessed with a son.

It is no great stretch to see God’s work all around us. Regardless if a person is lost or saved, they can surely see the blessings of the Lord on the lives of His people. Many people who refuse the Lordship of Christ, extol the virtues and blessings of loving God and thanking Him for blessings.

But, Elizabeth and Zechariah responded to the blessings of God in the only way that is appropriate – with obedience. You see, the people wanted to follow the tradition of naming the child after his father, or his ancestors. (v. 59) Like so many of us today, they accepted the blessing of God and then returned to business as usual. With a simple tip of the hat to God, they rejoiced that He had blessed and then went back to living under their traditions and practices.

The baby’s parents remembered the instructions of the Lord and refused to comply. They named him John in obedience to God’s command. The proper response to God’s blessing is obedience.

When the parents obeyed the word of the Lord, God lifted the silence that He imposed on Zechariah for doubting God’s word in the first place. This caused great fear to come over all the people and the news of what God had done spread causing people to wonder what this child would be? (v. 64-66).

Today, it seems that the more God blesses us, the more comfortable, complacent, and apathetic we get. In fact, it has been my experience that the more trial and hardship a true believer goes through, the closer they cling to Christ and His power.

So often, people desire nothing more than to be relieved of their trials and hardships. However, the truth is that, if a person is a believer in Christ, then all things are working together for their good so that they will be conformed to Christ.

1 Peter 1:6-7 says, “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

Likewise, James 1:2-4 says, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing”

Now, I realize that it is all to easy for me to say such things when I am not (at this moment) faced with a horrible trial. But I must understand that the Word of God is either true or it is not. There is no middle ground.

So you see, the response to blessing should be thankfulness and obedience. Unfortunately, most often, our response is laziness and apathy.

Right now, I am a truly blessed man. I have a wonderful family, a great job, a wonderful church, a house, and plenty to eat. Not to mention the fact that God gives me each and every breath I take.

As a sinner, I deserve nothing but wrath and condemnation every second of every day. So, everything God allows me to enjoy (a beautiful sight, good food, fun, my children) was purchased for me by the blood of Christ. I can think of nothing worse than for me to take all these blessings for granted and grow comfortable and lazy.

The proper response to God’s blessing is obedience and praise. This is the response that Elizabeth and Zechariah gave. When everyone around them recognized the blessing but wanted to thank God and go back to the normal way of life, Zechariah chose the higher path.

What has God blessed you with? How have you responded? Even if you are going through a horrible trial right now, you can be thankful that God is using it to conform you to the image of Jesus Christ. Most often, it is through this hardship that God works most in our lives.

The God of Hope (or Wrath) Luke 1:46-56

2012-01-05T22:58:00.000-06:00

After the angel informed Mary of her role as the mother of the Messiah, Mary went to Elizabeth to confirm the angel’s report that Elizabeth had conceived a child. When Mary entered into Elizabeth’s presence, the unborn child in Elizabeth’s womb jumped at the sound of Mary’s voice.

When Mary realized the angel’s words were indeed true and that she would indeed be the mother of the Messiah, she sings a beautiful song called “The Magnificat.” It is found in Luke 1:46-56. It is a song of praise for the God who brings hope.

As we look at Mary’s song, understand that this same God is the hope of the believer and the foundation of our strength and victory.

I. God is our Savior (v. 46-49)

Above anything else, Mary rejoices in her salvation. For the person who is newly converted, it is no stretch to rejoice simply because God has saved our souls and brought us from death to life. Unfortunately, our hearts quickly grow cold to this wonderful truth and it becomes so familiar that we must seek other things to rejoice in. But, the believer must focus his life around the principle of the gospel – we are wretched sinners who have been given the righteousness of God Himself by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

If that is not something to rejoice about, I don’t know what is. Mary says, “My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.” (46-48).

How long has it been since you rejoiced and praised God simply because of the salvation He has given you?

II. God is Holy and Merciful (v. 49b-53)

If we truly understand the meaning of “Holy” and “Merciful,” we will understand that the two terms are mutually exclusive. If God has mercy on sinners then he is not holy, and if he is holy, he cannot pardon sin without punishment. This is the very purpose of the Christ. He would give His life so that God may be both Holy and Merciful. He is Holy in that He punishes all sin by crushing His Son, and He is merciful because He provides the payment which will allow the sinner to go free.

However, this mercy is not extended to everyone. It is only applied to those who humbly trust in the savior. Mary says, “he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things and the rich he has sent away empty.” (51-53).

He only gives grace to the humble and He resists the proud. How would God characterize you heart?

III. God is Faithful To His Word (v. 54-55)

If there is one thing that you can be absolutely sure of, it is that God will accomplish His Word. He told Mary she would conceive the Messiah and that Elizabeth, who was barren, had now conceived a son. All this was true. God is faithful.

God also made many promises to Israel in the Old Testament, and Mary rejoiced in the announcement of the coming Christ that God was fulfilling all those promises He made to Abraham and the fathers. She says, “He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever” (54-55).

Mary saw the fulfillment of all the Old Testament promises in the Savior Jesus Christ. I realize that many today do not see it this way, but Mary’s logic and context cannot be more clear. Jesus is the fulfillment of all God promised for Israel.

God is always faithful to His word. This is good news and it is bad news. This means that those who trust in Christ can rest in the fact that Jesus has paid their price and they have redemption so that they will live eternally by the promise of God. On the other hand, God has promised eternal torment for those who refuse to repent of their sins and trust in the Savior. Those who, by their lifestyle, demonstrate that they have never known Christ (despite their profession) will spend eternity apart from God. This also is a promise of God and God will hold fast to His word no matter what.

So which category are you in? If you were lying in a hospital bed right now and the doctor came in saying, “It is all over, in a few moments, you will be gone,” would you be terribly afraid, or at peace knowing that this is only the beginning?

A Message of Hope For You - Luke 1:26-45

2012-01-01T20:36:00.000-06:00

Hope is the one thing that many people are lacking. There are lots of things that people put their hope in…money, family, themselves, etc. Often, we don’t even realize that we are putting our hope in these things, until they are taken away. No matter what has happened, no matter what will happen, the only place our hope can be secure…the only place our hope will never be stripped from our grasp…is Christ.

In the midst of hardship, God brought a message of hope to a young girl that would change everything. Luke 1:26-45 shows us the message of hope that the angel Gabriel brought to Mary.

First, he greeted her saying, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you” (1:28). It is a great hope indeed for any person to realize that the Lord is with us…He has favored us. However, far too often, we don’t realize the ramifications of such a statement. If God is indeed Holy (and He is), how in the world could He favor sinful people? Mary realized she was a sinner, just like the rest of us. And when God’s Word came to her saying the Lord was with her, it troubled her. “She was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be” (1:29).

What a fearful thing it must have been to have suddenly been in the presence of God’s messenger saying He had found favor with her. The next word from Gabriel was, “Do not be afraid.” You see, God is a Holy God, which means He cannot favor sinners without some payment to satisfy justice. This is why the Bible says, “The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom” (Ps 111:10).

Although this is true, here was Gabriel saying that God had found favor with mary and she should not be afraid. You see, “If God is for us, who can be against us? (Rom. 8:31). But, something doesn’t compute here. How can a perfectly Holy God be favorable toward the sinner?

Gabriel continues his message, “And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High” (1:31-32). Gabriel also states that He will rule eternally on the throne of David. There will be no end to His kingdom.

No matter what you have done…or not done, you and I are sinners and in in violation of God’s law, which makes us criminals in His sight. However, God Himself stepped out of the throne room of Glory to be born into our world, live perfectly according to God’s law, and take our punishment. Jesus had no sin to pay for. He paid for ours.

This is how God and sinners are reconciled. This is the only way God and sinners are reconciled.

Notice Mary’s response to the angel’s message. She believed the truth of it, although she did not understand how it could all work out. She said, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” (1:34). Notice that her question to the angel Gabriel was much different than Zechariah’s question, when the angel told him of John’s birth (1:18). His question was, “How do I know this will happen?” Mary’s question was, “How will this happen?”

I believe that she trusted the message but did not understand how it could be possible. When Zechariah asked his doubting question, the angel punished him, making him unable to speak until the word was fulfilled. However, when Mary asked her question, Gabriel simply explained how it would happen. “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God.” (1:35).

Simple faith. Mary trusted God’s word by simple faith, and God revealed His plan to her. If it worked the other way around, it wouldn’t be faith. Yet, this is the way we want it to work most of the time. “God, if you will just tell me how it will happen, I will believe it!” But that’s not faith. Faith is trusting what you can’t see.

It is easy to sit in the recliner (which is where I am now) and “believe” that God works all things for good, for those who love Him (Rom. 8:28). That’s what He said, so that’s what I believe. But, it is entirely different to trust that God is working all things for good when someone you love dearly dies suddenly, or your house burns down, or an earthquake destroys everything you own. When you can trust God’s promise without having the facts of how and why it is all working out…That is faith!

And to prove that God could do this impossible thing, Gabriel told her how God had miraculously caused Elizabeth to conceive John, although she was barren.

Mary believed God, and trusted the message of hope that He gave her. How do I know that Mary believed? She said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” (1:38)

So here is the point, God has given you a message of hope. You and I have sinned and are justly condemned by God’s law. But God provided a sacrifice for us so that we may be set free from the dominion and penalty of sin, while still being Holy and just. He gave His Son.

Because of this, those who trust in His sacrifice have peace with God. No matter what. How do we know if we have trusted Him? In the hardest times, the darkest times, when everything seems like it is crashing around you…you say… “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”

No matter what, we have God’s message of hope. We can trust Him.

God's Word is Certain - Luke 1:1-25

2011-12-27T22:59:00.001-06:00

Everybody has faith in something. Some people have faith in themselves and their abilities. Some people have faith in their families. Even those who extol the virtues of rationality and humanism have faith in unexplainable aspects of evolutionary theory. Everybody has faith in something.

In the first chapter of Luke, the believer is shown that his faith, which is in the Word of God is grounded in certainty. There is no doubt that everything God has promised will come to pass (both good and bad.)

Luke begins his gospel with the express purpose that Theophilus (the person Luke addresses his gospel to) will have certainty regarding the things that happened (1:1-2).

As he begins to tell his story, Luke shows us that Zechariah and Elizabeth were given hope in the most dire of circumstances. First, we see that Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous people, walking in God’s commandments (v. 6). Of course, this doesn’t mean they were sinless (Zechariah will sin by doubting God before the end of the chapter). It means they believed God and walked in His ways.

Also, we should note that at this time God had not spoken to His people through a prophet or vision for 400 years. There were some even saying that God would not speak to them anymore.

On top of this, Elizabeth was barren. She could not have children, which caused her to be among the bottom of the social status in that day. And on top of all that, they were already too old to have children even if Elizabeth was able. Luke gives two reasons they had no children, because she was barren and “both were advanced in years”(1:7).

They lived in hard times indeed. But God had plans for them. Many of us live in hard times as well, yet God likewise has a certain plan for us.

Zechariah was a priest in the Temple and it just so happened (wink, wink) that he was selected by lot to serve before the veil of the Holy of Holies to burn the incense before God. This was a great honor, many priests went their whole lives without being selected.

While he was in there, the angel Gabriel appeared to him with a message of hope. He tells Zechariah that he and Elizabeth would indeed have a son, and they were to call him John. Gabriel said John would be great and bring joy to many people. He would fulfill the Old Testament prophecy as the Messiah’s front-runner (v. 17), he would turn the people’s hearts back to God, and he would prepare the way for the Lord.

This was an answer to Zechariah’s prayer. No doubt, he and Elizabeth had often prayed for a child, and because they were godly people, they longed for God to move once again among His people.

Like so many of us, Zechariah knew that God’s word is certain. When God promises it, you can trust that it is as good as done. Yet, just like us, when God’s Word came specifically to Zechariah and spoke to him in his particular situation, he doubted it.

Hearing the angel’s words, Zechariah said, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years” (v. 18). Notice that he did not ask how this will happen, he asked (in essence) “How do I know this is true?”

We do likewise when we doubt the word God sends through the Scriptures. He has made promises to all believers regarding who we are and what we have been given in Christ. We know it. We understand it. But, when it actually comes time to stand on the word in the face of uncertainty, we do just like Zechariah.

Gabriel rebuked him sharply for his doubt. He said, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time” (19-20).

Gabriel said, “Who do you think you are?!”

This is a rebuke to us all when we don’t stand on the word of God. Who do we think we are to doubt the very word of the creator of the universe? To prove his point, Gabriel removed Zechariah’s ability to speak until God’s word was fulfilled.

When Zechariah came out of the Temple, the people outside knew he had seen a vision, but he could not tell them what happened. God took away his ability to be used because of his doubt. He could not give hope to the people. He could not give the good news of the message of God to the people. He had to simply go home to his wife.

When we will not stand on what God has said we are in Christ, we are in the same predicament. Fear will keep you from giving the message of God because you doubt that God’s Word alone will do what it is meant to do. Instead, we doubt and are unable to put ourselves in a vulnerable position by witnessing or exhorting one another.

Of course, you know what happened. “After these days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she kept herself hidden, saying, “Thus the Lord has done for me in the days when he looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.” (24-25).

You see, from the moment the angel gave God’s Word to Zechariah, it was a guaranteed reality. The same applies today.

As believers, we fear death even though God has told us he is the resurrection and the life. We doubt that we can speak clearly enough to witness even though God has promised to give us the words. We doubt that we are useful to the kingdom even though God has assured us that every part of the body is important.

Stand upon God’s Word because It is Certain!

How to "Live in the Light"

2011-12-22T20:20:00.000-06:00

All of humanity is living in reference to Christ’s coming. Those who are lost are living in the darkness concerning the coming of Christ, and those who are saved are living in light of the fact that Jesus is coming.

In 1 Thessalonians 5, Paul illustrates the reason that we are to be joyful as we are conformed into Christ’s image. It is because no matter what happens in this life, no matter how bad our circumstances are, there is coming a day when Christ returns when all will be made right.

The believer can have joy in the hardest times. He can make it through the loss of a child, a deadly disease, or a life that didn’t quite turn out the way he wanted because this life is not the end. We live in the light of the coming age.

Paul says that the believer has no need for anyone to write to him because he knows the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. He writes, “But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. for you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness.” (1 Th. 5:4-5).

Christ’s coming will surprise most of the world, but it should not surprise His children because we are looking and longing for that day when he returns. We live in the light of his coming…being ready for it.

Understanding this truth, Paul has a command for us. He says, “So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober.” (1 Th. 5:6).

Because we understand the truth of His coming, we are more accountable to be awake and looking for it. We have no excuse for living as if He will never come. What if you knew for a fact that Jesus would return in exactly 5 hours? How would you spend that 5 hours? Would you be worried about the yard getting mowed? Would you stress over your plans for the weekend, or amount of money in your bank account? Probably not.

If you knew you only had 5 hours, you would probably be pleading with your family and friends to come to the light of Christ before it was too late. You would be telling your family how much you love them. You may also become one of those “radical” people who try to push their religion on people on the street.

But the truth is, Jesus may return in 5 hours. We should live as though his coming is imminent. We should be pleading with our loved ones, telling our family we love them, and engaging the culture for Christ. We are not in the dark, we are in the light. We know it is coming.

In light of this, you may ask, “What exactly should I be doing?” Thankfully, Paul tells us exactly what it means to live in the light of His coming. He spells out what we should do. We live in the Light by:

1. Respecting our God-Appointed Leaders (v. 12-13). He writes, “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.” (12-13).

2. Minister to Each other (13-15)

a. Be at peace among yourselves (13b)

b. Admonish the Idle (14)

c. Encourage the fainthearted (14)

d. Help the Weak (14)

e. Be Patient with the Brethren (14)

f. Do not allow Revenge (15)

g. Always Seek to Do Good to one another (15)

3. Nurture You Relationship with God (v. 16-19)

a. Rejoice Always (16)

b. Pray without ceasing (17)

c. Always be thankful (18) – Notice that Paul says whatever happens is God’s

will for you.

d. Do not quench the Spirit (19a)

4. Test Everything By Scripture (v. 20-21)

a. Don’t despise preaching (prophecy) (20)

b. Test everything by the Word (21)

c. Hold Fast to the truth (21)

5. Grow in Holiness (22-24)

a. Abstain From every form of evil (22)

b. Trust in God to Sanctify you (23-24)

These are the final instructions that Paul gave to the Thessalonians. These are the things our lives should be focused on. Simply reading this list, one can easily see that there are a lot of things we have to work on. They can all be boiled down to focusing our lives on our relationship with God, our outreach to the lost, our faithfulness to Scripture, and our building up of the church.

Are these things what your life is focused upon?

The History of Christmas, Santa, and Their True Meaning

2011-12-19T11:10:00.000-06:00

“Back in A.D. 274 an emperor of the Old Roman world chose December 25 as ‘the birthday of the unconquered sun.’ He recognized that at this midwinter date the sun reaches its lowest point in the Southern sky and begins its gradual movement northward again. The annual rebirth of nature was closely linked to the Romans’ new year and planting season. Houses were decorated with greenery and candles, and presents were given to children and the poor. In time, Christians made this a holy day of their own. By A.D. 336, the church had decided that all believers should celebrate the birthday of the Lord Jesus, the true unconquered Son, on December 25.” —M. R. De Haan II

Early Christians took the Pagan celebration and brought it under the authority of Christ. Unfortunately today, many take the Christian celebration of Christ’s birth and bring it under the authority of the world’s commercialism, and materialism. The season is filled with the stress and bustle of buying the right presents, not forgetting anyone, and making sure that everyone gets what they want.

However, Christmas is the time when Christians throughout their history have celebrated the birth of Jesus. Not just because He came, but because He came to pay the price for our sin. What greater gift could there possibly be?

Christmas should be a time focused on our beloved Savior. Now, I am not saying that we should be a scrooge about the Christmas festivities. My family has a Christmas tree with presents underneath, and my wife has decorated the inside of our house with Christmas paraphernalia. All these things were taken from the pagans in order that they might be brought under Christ’s authority and used for His glory.

I am saying that even though we buy presents, enjoy our families, and decorate in the Christmas spirit, we should make sure (each in our own way) that our families understand that the reason for all this…is Jesus.

Not just that he was born in a manger. Not just that he was visited by wise men and shepherds, but that he came to die on the cross and satisfy God’s wrath for us. Christmas is (in essence) a celebration of the cross, for if it had not been for His death, burial, and resurrection…there would be no point in celebrating His birth.

This year, Christmas is on Sunday. I can think of no better way to celebrate the birth of our Savior than to do so in the assembly of the believers, singing praises and studying God’s Word.

My wife and I decided that we are going to give our kids their “santa” presents (although only our 2 year old still believes in santa) the day before Christmas so that on Sunday, we can focus on nothing other than celebrating the birth of our King.

St. Nicholas

By the way, I don't get all bent out of shape talking about santa claus. We should understand where he comes from. St. Nicholas was the bishop of Myra in the 4th century A.D. He was known for his generosity and helping the poor. There is a very familiar story where a father had no money to pay the dowry of his three daughters (which was a very big deal back then) and St. Nicholas strolled by their house one night and tossed a purse full of money down the chimney (or through the window depending on who is telling the story).

What I like best about the real Nicholas was that, at the council of Nicea in 325, he vehemently defended the deity of Jesus Christ against the heretic Arius. Church tradition even says that he walked over to Arius and slapped him when he cast doubt on Jesus' divinity.

The legend of Nicholas' generosity grew across Europe. In a thick accent, people began to call him Saint Ni-klaus instead of St. Nicholas. Over time, Saint Ni-Klaus became santa claus. So, while there was never a fat guy in a red suit climbing down chimneys, there was a real St. Nicholas who fought for the truth of Jesus Christ.

This Christmas, let us all follow the example of St. Nicholas. We must show the "Christmas spirit," being generous and giving...but above all, let us fight for the truth of our Savior. This Christmas, celebrate the gift that the Father gave us all in sending His Son to die for our sin.

God's Will For You?

2011-12-15T09:17:00.000-06:00

Do you know the will of God for your life? Lots of people claim to be able to help you find the answer. People chase after this answer and that, hoping to understand God’s will in terms of what job they are supposed to do, or where they are supposed to live. “What does God want me to do?” is the main thrust of most Christian teaching.

The truth is that God’s will for your life is less concerned with what you are supposed to do, and more concerned with what you are becoming. Every believer is predestined to be conformed to the image of Christ (Rom. 8:29).

In the last chapter of 1 Thessalonians, Paul showed us the heart of the Pastor, which is concerned with his people’s growth. Here, in chapter 4, Paul continues, showing us that God uses this ministry to produce growth in His people.

He begins 1 Thess. 4 by encouraging the people to continue to walk in the way that they were instructed. Specifically, Paul told them they were taught how to walk and how to please God (v. 1).

Why should they continue to do this? Why should they do it “more and more?”

“For this is the will of God, your sanctification:” (1 Th. 4:3). Growing into Christlikedness is God’s will for you, regardless if you are a construction worker, a minister, a secretary, or an underwater basket weaver. God’s will for your life is that you grow in Him.

But what EXACTLY does Paul mean when he says, “sanctification?” We know that the Holy Spirit is growing us into the image of Christ, but what am I supposed to be doing in all this? Paul gives us the answer.

1. Abstain from Sexual Immorality (v. 3b-8) – The most sure way to hinder growth in anything is to feed it trash. Immorality ALWAYS hinders sanctification. It always hinders growth and brings the discipline and chastisement of God. ALWAYS.

Paul condemns the acts of immorality (v. 4) “controlling one’s body (vessel)” as well as the thoughts of immorality (v. 5) “passions of lust.”

Today, more than any other day in history, lustful temptation is everywhere. It is all over television, internet, and even in the attire of people on the street. The believer, abstaining from immorality MUST live every moment with discipline and resolve.

I realize that this may make this article a little lengthy, but I must say something here. Diving headlong into areas of lustful temptation, thinking that you are strong enough to overcome them is foolishness. Paul gives Timothy specific instructions on how to deal with lust… “RUN.” (2 Ti. 2:22). The flesh is defeated by starving it to death. Deprive it of the nourishment of sights and sounds and it will weaken and eventually die. However, give it the slightest nourishment by not averting your eyes from the Victoria secret commercial (for example) and it becomes stronger than before.

LADIES, Pay very close attention to verse 6. “...that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things,”

Controlling your own body does not only mean that you refrain from immorality, but also that you refrain from being the source of someone else’s temptation. Notice what verse 6 says. Regarding immorality, we are not to “wrong our brother in this matter.” Notice also that is says, the Lord is an avenger in these things.

So picture this, a young man walking through the mall sees a pretty girl in a very short skirt. In that moment, he desires her and falls into the temptation of lust. He has sinned.

However, two hours earlier, that girl stood in front of the mirror and put on that skirt thinking that she would turn heads with it. When she became the source of the boy’s temptation, she wronged her brother, sinned against him and God, and God will hold her accountable as well. She has sinned.

2. Growing in Love (v. 9-10) – Growing in Christ means growing in love for God and the brethren. It is just that simple. First of all, the heart that has been changed by salvation will love. It is inevitable. Paul writes, “Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another.” Also, God’s ministers encourage the believers to “do this more and more” (v. 10).

3. Live Peaceably, and Diligently (v. 11-12) – The believers in Paul’s day were ready to go to heaven. They were ready for Jesus to come back and take them all away. In fact, they were so ready that many were quitting their jobs and selling their possessions because they though the day was so close.

We must be ready to go at any time, however, we must also be ready to stay. Jesus may come back in 5 minutes, or He may not come back for 500 years. Either way we should be ready. This means we work diligently to build the life that God has given us. If we are an electrician, we are an electrician for Christ, ministering where he gives us opportunity and showing his love and perfection in the way we do our jobs.

A Christian who is lazy at their job, presents Christ as a poor Savior and King to his co-workers. Part of growing in Christ is growing in the position he puts us in, continually living for Him as we go about our lives.

Finally, Paul ends this chapter (and continues into the next) with the motivation for our sanctification. Why should I? is the question. We will answer this question next time, but you can read it for yourself in 3:13-18.

A Mile In The Pastor's Shoes

2011-12-08T12:53:00.001-06:00

Many people don’t know what it takes to be a shepherd over a local congregation. What kind of person does it take to care and watch over other people’s souls? Lots of people want the recognition or the opportunity to speak in front of large groups, but doing the actual “day in, day out” work of pastoring God’s people is much more difficult.

In 1 Thessalonians 3, Paul gives his readers a glimpse into his heart, as the man who desperately longs to watch over his people. This is the heart of the God-called Pastor today as well.

1. He is Desperate to Minister (v. 1-2) – Paul said, “Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone, and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith…”

He says that he could not bear the fact that the people he cherished so dearly had no one there to exhort them in their faith. Although he was witnessing and evangelizing the lost, as he founded church after church in multiple cities, he could not stomach the thought that the Thessalonians were not being cared for. So, when he couldn’t go to them, he sent Timothy instead.

The very heartbeat of Paul was ministering to those who were his brothers and sisters in Christ, but who were also under him in the Lord.

2. He is Burdened By His People’s Afflictions (v. 3-5) – Today, you will find that there are hundreds of preachers on television, radio, and Christian books who tell you that God does not want you to suffer or go through any hardships. In fact, this seems to be the popular thrust of Christian teaching today. However, Paul understood that we, as believers, will have many trials. In fact, he says, “we are destined for this!” (v. 3).

The pastor of God’s people is deeply burdened for the afflictions of his people. So much so, that indeed he often shares their same sentiments and feelings. Think about that for a second… Of course you have had hardships and trials in your life…But not every single day! They come and go in most people’s lives. However, as the pastor, you interact with different trials of different people on a daily basis. Every day there is someone going through something.

Many don’t realize this when they are offended that the Pastor didn’t shake their hand, or return their phone call in a timely manner.

Not only does he share their burdens, but he continually warns them that affliction and trials are coming. Paul writes, “For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and as you know.” (v. 4).

But most of all, the Pastor is afraid that his people’s faith will be found wanting as the tempter tries to wreak havoc in their lives. “For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain.” (v. 5).

3. He Draws Great Strength From His People’s Growth (v. 6-8) – Every October, churches celebrate Pastor appreciation. We do lots of good things for our pastors. We bake them things, encourage them, and give them gifts. However, there is one thing above all others that sets a Pastor’s heart afire. That is, when his people are diligently growing in the Lord. When he sees that God is using the preaching and teaching of the Word to root out sin, and establish fruit in the lives of his people, it encourages him more than any gift could. Today, if you want to appreciate your Pastor, begin praying for God to use him in your life and call him and tell him when God does!

Paul said that Timothy had returned and told him the “good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you – for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith. For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord.” v. (6-8)

The Pastor’s heart in bound up in the spiritual life of his people. They are inseparable.

4. He Lives In Prayer For His People (v. 9-13) – Paul said he prayed “most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith…”(v. 10). Likewise, he prayed that God would lead him back to them and that the Lord would “make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all…that he may establish [their] hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.” (v. 12-13).

Just like Paul, the Pastor’s prayer life is bound up with his people. When they hurt, he hits his knees for them. When they are about to make a bad decision, he is interceding. While he may not pray by name for every single individual in the congregation daily, he surely prays daily for his church as a whole.

As you contemplate your life and Scripture today, place yourself in you Pastor’s shoes for a moment and think what your life would be like if it was governed by the four principles Paul illustrates here. While I have made an effort to show you the life and heart of the man who God has called to oversee the flock, there is truth in each of these principles for every believer. We all should see our Church the way that he sees it. We all should have the burning desire to minister, to see others grow, to be burdened with the afflictions of others, and to remain in prayer for each other.

Walking a mile in the Pastor’s shoes shows us that (at least for myself), I am not even doing a very good job at filling the shoes of “the church member” yet.

What About the "Lost Gospels?"

2011-12-06T10:37:00.000-06:00

Last night, I was flipping through the television stations and I came across a program called “Lost Gospels” on the discovery channel, or the history channel (or something like that.) So I stopped for just a moment and watched.

What I heard absolutely amazed me. Of course, the general idea was that Christianity’s four gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) are only four among many that could have been included if it were not for the authoritarian church who stamped out the other gospels. Also, it was Emperor Constantine’s lust for power which drove him to convene the first church council at Nicea and decide that there were only the four gospels. They said that men wanted to make Jesus God so they removed all the gospels that said otherwise.

All I could do was laugh. How absurd. Evidently the folks at the discovery channel (or whatever) never had a history lesson.

First of all, (and I really want you to understand this) the “lost” gospels are all written by an early heretical system called Gnosticism. They are called “Gnostic gospels” by scholars. You will hear over and over again that these gospels were kept out of the Bible because they showed Jesus as just a man and not God. This is absolutely false.

You will also hear that it was a famous Church council under the Roman Emperor’s control that finally determined that Jesus was God, and burned all the gospels that said otherwise. Before that the early church just thought of Jesus as a human prophet.

To be honest, I think that much of this scholarship comes from Dan Brown’s book the Da Vinci Code, where he says the Dead Sea Scrolls and Nag Hammadi documents “speak of Christ's ministry in very human terms" (234)

Every single….Let me say that again …Every single Gnostic gospel (gospel of Judas, Thomas, mary, Philip, the apocalypse of Peter, etc.) shows Jesus as completely God but not a mere man.

The reason they are heretical and never accepted by the church was that they depicted Jesus as completely divine, but not completely human! So this modern effort to make it seem like men got together to say Jesus was God and squashed all the Gnostic writings that said otherwise is laughable. The Gnostics agreed that he was God and not human.

This heretical position is the reason John wrote, “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God.” – 1 John 4:1-2

I have translations of all the Gnostic gospels which were found in Nag Hammadi, if anyone at the church would care to read them. Simply reading through them, you will be able to tell the difference between them and the canonical gospels. Not to mention the fact that they are all from the second century (and later) and the four canonical gospels were written well before the end of the first.

Emperor Constantine

The television show even mentioned the Dead Sea Scrolls in order to give evidence about the New Testament’s unreliability! Do you know how many New Testament documents were found in the caves of Qumran (Where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found?)…Go on take a guess… Zero. That’s right … goose egg. Not a single one. Of course there weren’t, the Qumran community predated the New Testament. Only Old Testament documents were found in the Dead Sea Scrolls.

As for this business about Constantine changing the Christian faith… I can only stand amazed.

So let me get this straight…From the time of the Apostles to 313 A.D. Christians suffered the severest persecutions imaginable. Nero burned them, fed them to lions, executed them…Domitian systematically killed them and tried to destroy their Scriptures. Christians were constantly in fear for their lives, murdered, tortured, etc. All the while never giving up their faith, never renouncing the truth they believed…risking life and limb to possess and pass on the documents of the New Testament for other churches to copy…knowing that being caught with them meant death.

And twelve short years after Constantine declares peace for the faith (313 A.D.), the Christians just roll over and let him decide whatever he wanted about the faith, changing their Scriptures by adding and taking away books? Really?

Constantine’s Nicean council (325) was to unify the Church regarding a heretical belief called Arianism, which said Jesus was a created being. No gospels were added or taken away, in fact, the number of books or the content of the Bible was not even discussed. And the council certainly did not “decide” whether or not Jesus was God.

Since Arius said Jesus was a created being, the council discussed whether or not Jesus was of the same essence as the Father. They did this by recognizing what the Scriptures taught, not simply on the basis of popular vote, or political maneuvering.

Even if Constantine and the Nicean council wanted to change what the Bible said, adding or taking away books, they did not have access to all the manuscripts spread out over the ancient world. The New Testament exploded in the Roman Empire being copied and re-copied in multiple locations and multiple streams of transmission. There was never a time in history when one person (or one group) had access to all of the texts so that they could make wholesale changes.

"God Knows My Heart!"

2011-12-01T11:24:00.001-06:00

Last Wednesday night, the youth group looked at 1 Samuel 16. As we are continuing our look at the “story” of the Bible, we moved to the selection of David as the new king of Israel.

Israel had lived through the period of the judges and decided that they wanted a king. They wanted to be like all the other nations around them who were ruled by kings. So, after dealing with the terrible rule of King Saul, God is about to choose a new king for Israel who will deliver them.

In 1 Samuel 16, God sends Samuel to anoint the new king of Israel. Samuel is informed that the new king will be one of Jesse’s sons. So Jesse and his sons are invited to have Samuel look over them and choose the next king.

This is where our lesson begins. So often, we only look at a person’s abilities, characteristics, and outward appearance to determine their value in any given situation. If you are picking players for a football team, you want the biggest and the strongest. If you are picking a brain surgeon, you want the smartest and most experienced. However, this is not how God chooses those for His service.

Jesse passed seven of his sons before Samuel hoping that Samuel would choose one. The first one, Eliab, (v. 6) caught Samuel’s eye. Maybe he was strong and handsome, but Samuel said, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is before him.” (v. 6). But God told Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees:man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” (v. 7).

One by one, all seven of Jesse’s sons pass by Samuel, and one by one, all seven are rejected by God. Samuel did not understand the situation at all. He asked Jesse, “Are these all of your sons?” (v.11). Jesse told Samuel that he had one other son named David, who was out tending the sheep.

You see, even David’s father Jesse, did not think David was worthy to be king. He didn’t even bother calling the boy in from the field when Samuel told him to assemble all his sons. However, God saw differently and David was anointed as king.

There are two main lessons that the youth drew from this section.

1. First, we must realize that just because a person is not the strongest, fastest, smartest, etc, it does not mean that they will not be used of God. In fact, it probably means they are more likely to be used. God consistently uses the weak to overcome the strong…the foolish to overcome the wise. He does this so that the glory will be His. So each of us should understand that God is not interested in how ABLE you are to complete a task, what He wants most of all is for you to be AVAILABLE.

2. Second, and most importantly, we see that God does not judge man by outward appearance, but by his heart. Now, most people would read this and be relieved, thinking that God can see their good heart and judge accordingly.

How many people do you know who think God will overlook their sinful act because, “God knows my heart.”

Unfortunately, this is not the case. The Bible gives an altogether different picture of what our hearts look like.

Man’s heart (that means yours and mine) is desperately wicked (Jer. 17:9). If God is all good – all the time, and he judges us by our hearts, we are all in deep, deep trouble.

Remember that God is perfect in His justice so there can never be any sin that goes unpunished, and the punishment for sin (any sin) is eternal torment. So, if God really, really does know our hearts, we have a serious problem.

God gave the solution in Jesus Christ. By dying on the cross, Jesus took all the punishment of God’s wrath for the sin of the believer and paid the penalty for it. So now, God can be just and punish sin, but the sinner can also go free and be saved.

Here is the lesson that we should learn. We are either 100% perfect in our righteousness before the Father through the death of Jesus, or we are 100% wicked before Him. There is no middle ground. There is no, “I am better than most other people.” You and I are either perfectly righteous, or perfectly wicked.

Jesus either paid for all your sin, or he paid for none of it. There is no such thing as “Doing better than I used to.” You are either saved perfectly by His grace, or you are lost completely in your sin.

The million dollar question is, “How can I know which group I am in?” The Bible gives only one answer to that question…by the fruit of the Holy Spirit in you life. Are you perfect? No, not yet. But, God dwelling in you will cause you to desire Him more than anything else, He will cause you to desire to keep His commands and walk after Him (Eze. 36:26).

It is a question of the heart. Does your heart desire to love Him, serve Him, worship Him more than anything else? If so you can have assurance that all the promises of salvation in Scripture are yours to claim. If God is not your love, but is an accessory in your life…you do not desire to serve Him, love Him, worship Him, then you can have no assurance that any of Scripture’s promises apply to you.

God promises a new heart when salvation comes. If you did not receive this new heart, you have no grounds for assurance regardless of how sincere you were when you prayed.

Jesus paid it all. We either have all in Him…or we have nothing at all before the Father.

The Qualities of A Great Pastor

2011-11-25T16:50:00.000-06:00

In Chapter 1 of 1 Thessalonians, Paul gave us an examination of God’s work in the believer. Chapter 2 will show us how God works in our spiritual leaders.

If you have been a member of a church for any length of time, you know that there is always people who speak ill of the pastor for one thing or another. It just comes with the job. There is no way to please everyone…all the time.

Paul was not immune to this either. In the church at Thessalonica, people began to talk about Paul after he departed, casting doubt as to whether he was a good man, a God-called leader, and a preacher of the truth.

1 Thessalonians 2 is Paul’s response to his critics, as he lays out the qualities of a good spiritual leader.

He begins by stating that his ministry to the Thessalonians was “not in vain” (1 Th. 2:1). I cannot stress this point enough…God has given spiritual leaders for the believer’s benefit and growth. Today, in our individualistic culture, it is quite common for people to think they don’t need the fellowship of the church or the leadership of a pastor. However, the Bible could not be more emphatic about this point. The office of Pastor (also called elder [presbuteros] or bishop [episkopos] in Scripture), is vital for the spiritual well-being of the believer.

As Paul lays out the evidence that he is indeed a God-ordained shepherd of the church, we can look at our own pastor in light of what Paul says. Paul gives 10 characteristics of a good spiritual leader.

1. Boldness in the Face of Opposition and Persecution (v. 2:2)

Paul came to the Thessalonians boldly preaching the gospel despite the fact that he had been intensely persecuted.

2. Pure Motivations in Leading (v. 3)

Paul says that he was not motivated by error, impurity, or fleshly satisfaction in his ministry. It is common for men to claim God’s authority only because it provides them with their own personal gain. The good pastor seeks only to be God’s minister to help His people.

3. He Seeks to Please God Rather Than Men (v. 4)

It is quite common for pastors to be afraid of speaking controversially. The fear of losing one’s job in this troubled economy drives some men to alter God’s message so that it is easier for sinners to accept. Yet Paul only desired to please God regardless of the consequences.

4. Not Desirous of Profit or Popularity (v. 5-6a)

Paul never flattered men in order to gain their approval. Neither did he use his influence for personal profit.

5. Putting the Needs of His People First (v. 7)

Paul even laid aside what he rightfully deserved so that he would not be a burden to the church of Thessalonica. He cared more of the needs of his flock than he did for his own needs.

6. Having an Unconditional Love and Concern For the Flock (v. 7)

Paul describes himself as a nursing mother who feeds and cares for her children. This is the way the pastor loves his flock. He feeds and nurtures them as a mother does her children.

7. Giving Sacrificially of Himself (v. 8)

Paul says that he shared with them not only the gospel of God, but his own life. Many people don’t understand this, but the job of Pastor is one that takes over the entirety of life. Even when he lays in bed at night, his mind is consumed with the well-being and tribulations of his people. The burden of being a pastor is immense.

8. He is Diligent not Lazy (v. 9)

Paul said he toiled day and night in order not to burden anyone else. The pastor is well aware that everything he does (or doesn’t do) may lead to someone’s salvation. Because of this, he bears a burden of working at all times, in all situations…someone’s life always depends on it.

9. Living a Godly Life (v. 10)

Not only does the pastor instruct and encourage believers toward holiness, he demonstrates it. Paul says his conduct was seen among the Thessalonians as holy and blameless.

10. Ministering with Love and Discipline (v. 11-12)

Many pastors preach about the love of God. The love of God is an easy concept for people to accept. However, God’s Word also calls for holiness. The pastor must instruct the people to “live in a way worthy of God” (v. 12). Like a father who disciplines his son, the pastor calls his people to holiness. This message is not very easy for the sinner to accept.

If your pastor exhibits these 10 characteristics, you should praise and thank God that he sent you a man to account for your spiritual well-being. If you can clearly see these traits in your pastor, then you also have a responsibility.

Paul ends chapter 2 by thanking God for the way the Thessalonians received his word. This is the same way the Church should receive their God given pastors.

The Thessalonians accepted Paul’s word as the word of God (v. 13). Of course Paul’s word was verified and tested against Scripture, but when his word agreed with Scripture, it was accepted as God’s word. This is the same way we should accept the preached word. If the man of God preaches from Scripture (correctly interpreted), it is as if God himself is speaking.

The result of treating God’s Word and God’s pastor in this way is that the believer’s life is changed. Paul tells them that the word they received is still at work in them (v. 13) causing them to become imitators of the Lord (v. 14).

If you have a pastor such as this, you are a blessed individual indeed. I can surely say that we at Christ Church of Brownsville are immensely blessed to have Pastor Eddie Martin as our senior Pastor. More than any man I have ever seen, he exhibits each and every one of the above characteristics. There is no doubt that we are blessed to sit under such a Pastor.

The Evidence of Salvation

2011-11-20T21:50:00.000-06:00

One of the most important things I try to impart to young people is the fact that salvation is not just simply being forgiven. Too many people think that God simply pardons the sinner and sends him on his way with nothing more than a new “status.”

The Bible cannot be more clear about the fact that, at salvation, God Himself indwells the believer and changes his heart, mind, and life. For most people, the evidence of salvation is simply the fact that, “Once, when I was 10 years old, I prayed to accept Christ.” Because the person believes they were “really, really” sincere when they prayed, they have assurance.

While the promise of God’s eternal salvation is a foundation for the believer’s assurance, the only way the Bible assures the individual that God’s promise applies to them personally is by observing the work of the Holy Spirit in his life.

In theological terms, it is stated like this. “Sanctification is the evidence of Justification.” This means that God’s work in conforming the believer to Christ is the evidence that he has been saved.

1 John is an entire book given for this express purpose, “That you may know that you have eternal life.”

In 1 Thessalonians 1, Paul begins the letter by thanking God for the Thessalonians. It may seem strange, but Paul is thanking God for the Christian lives of the Thessalonians. Today, most teaching is rules based, instructing people how they should behave in order to please God. However, in this 1 chapter of Thessalonians, Paul does not commend the people for their walk. He thanks God for it.

He writes, “We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thess. 1:2-3).

Notices that he is not commending the Thessalonians for their faith, hope, and love. He is thanking God for it. It is the salvation of God that brought these things forth. God had changed their hearts, their lives, and their minds.

Paul continues, “For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction.” (v. 4-5). How does Paul know that God had chosen them? Because the gospel had done its work. They had believed on Christ and had been saved.

The Bible says that the gospel is foolishness to those who are perishing, but the power of God to those who are being saved. (1 Co. 1:18).

Why is it that you can preach the same gospel to two people…one will be convicted and accept the message and the other will be offended and become angry? Paul tells us that it is the power of the Holy Spirit that draws the heart. Often, young believers will become discouraged when trying to witness to their friends and family. It seems that when they share the message of Christ, people get angry. I always tell them that this is what is supposed to happen. The gospel either convicts and brings people to repentance, or it hardens their hearts and makes them angry.

Paul was thankful to God that the gospel had taken hold in the Thessalonians.

Notice what happened to the Thessalonians lives when the gospel was received.

1. They began modeling their lives after Christ. – “And you became imitators of us and of the Lord.” (v. 6). When salvation comes, it brings a change of heart. The Holy Spirit causes the new believer to love the things of God and hate sin. The heart desires nothing more than to serve God and be like Christ. Of course, sin is still present, but the heart’s desire of the believer is to live holy before the Lord.

2. They exhibited joy in affliction (v. 6) – No matter what happens in the believer’s life, he knows that everything is working together for his good (Rom. 8:28). God is a good Father who cares for his children. Sometimes, trial and hardship come, but it is always for the believer’s growth toward Christlikedness. Because of this, he can rejoice – even in the bad things that happen.

3. They became an example to others (v. 7-9a) – Jesus said when the Holy Spirit comes upon the believer, he will be a witness (Acts 1:8).

4. They repented of their sin and trusted in Christ (v. 9b) – Too often, people think that repenting and trusting Christ is a singular event that someone does to enter through the doorway of salvation. While there is some truth to this, it must also be understood that the believer will spend his entire life repenting and trusting Christ. As a Christian matures, God reveals more and more sin in his life. When this realization comes, he can only abide in the shadow of the cross – repenting and trusting. It is the lifestyle of the believer, not just an event that took place at salvation.

5. They looked for Jesus’ coming (v. 10) – When Jesus returns, it will be a terrifying and glorious day. It will be terrifying to all those who refused to submit themselves to the gospel and trust in Jesus’ sacrifice. They will find themselves guilty before a Holy and Just God. Because God is “good,” He will have no choice but to eternally punish sinners.

However, it will be a glorious day for all those who’s sins are atoned for by the blood of Christ. These people are also sinners, yet there is no more punishment for them. Christ took all the wrath of the Father on the cross of Calvary. Those who trust Christ are at peace with God because Jesus has made payment in full.

You and I are in one or the other category. The only way you can know for sure if you are a true believer (or what Paul calls a “false brother” [Gal. 2]) is by examining yourself to see if the Holy Spirit is working in your life. God has entered your life and began to change you. You hate sin and love Christ. Your life is modeled after the Lord (albeit not yet perfectly).

Most of all – your lifestyle is one that is consistently repenting and trusting in Jesus. Does this describe you? If you have any doubt, prayerfully read through the 5 chapters of 1 John, assessing yourself by what you find there. God will reveal it to you through His Word.

Because salvation is God’s work, we can (and must) thank Him alone for the life that we live. We must give Him the glory for the new heart and mind we have. When we succeed, we must give Him the praise, for we are successful only because of His work within us.

Dealing With Doubts

2011-11-15T22:28:00.000-06:00

This Wednesday night, I will be continuing the “story” of the Bible with the younger youth. We will be talking about Judges 6, the story of Gideon. God’s calling of Gideon is an excellent example of dealing with doubt. The outline that I am using is from Warren Weirsbe’s book on Judges called, Be Available.

Because Israel had been disobedient to God for an extended period of time, the Lord punished them by turning them over to the Midianites. Israel planted their crops, worked their fields, and every year around harvest time, the Midianites would come and plunder their crops.

For seven years this went on, until Israel was at the point of exasperation. Finally, Israel began crying out to God for deliverance. God answered their prayers by calling a lowly farmer from Manasseh named Gideon. What we see in the circumstances of Gideon’s call four frequently held doubts that many people struggle with.

1. Does God Really Care About Me?

When God called Gideon to deliver Israel, Gideon question whether God still cared about what happened to Israel. Gideon said, “if the Lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all his wonderful deeds that our fathers recounted to us, saying, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt?’ But now the Lord has forsaken us and given us into the hand of Midian” (Judges 6:13).

However, we can see that God did care about what happened to them. The fact that God allowed Midian to plague them proved that He cared. Any father who loves his children will discipline and chastise them. God was disciplining Israel by allowing Midian to punish them. “The people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, and the Lord gave them into the hand of Midian seven years” (Judges 6:1).

But God did not stop there. Just like any loving father, God did not discipline his children without telling them why they were being punished. Can you imagine a father punishing his children while giving no indication as to why it was happening? No, God explained it to them. When they cried out to Him, God sent a prophet who reminded them of all the wonderful things God had done for them.

After recounting how God brought them out of Egypt by His grace, he said, “And I said to you, ‘I am the Lord your God; you shall not fear the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell.’ But you have not obeyed my voice.” (6:10).

Even after this God was not finished. Not only did he discipline them and explain why, but He also came down from Heaven to help them. Verses 11-13 show us that the Lord appeared to Gideon and told him that he was chosen to deliver Israel.

When we experience the hardest times of trial, we may wonder whether or not God really cares about us. But we can be assured that He does because He disciplines those He loves (Heb. 12:6). And of course, He came to help us by dying on the cross.

2. Does God know What He is Doing?

When God called Gideon, Gideon immediately questioned God about His choice. Gideon said he was from the smallest clan and he was only a weak farmer. Surely God could pick a better person to deliver Israel.

But God often chooses the weak things of the world to confound the strong. This is how God glorifies Himself. When we are at our weakest, it is the greatest opportunity for God to show Himself mighty. It is only through His strength that we are mighty.

Notice how God responded to Gideon’s doubts. “And the Lord said to him, “But I will be with you, and you shall strike the Midianites as one man.” (6:16). Like many of us, Gideon questioned God’s plan. He doubted whether or not God could really use him in such a mighty way. Gideon needed proof. Gideon took a young goat and some flour cakes and offered them to the Lord. The Lord told Gideon to put them on a rock, pouring broth over them. When Gideon did this, the Lord reached out His staff and fire sprang from the rock consuming them. Gideon realized that he was speaking to the Lord and agreed to obey.

3. Will God Take Care of Me?

Before God sent Gideon against the Midianites, He gave Gideon a task to complete at home. God told Gideon to destroy the altar of Baal which was at his father’s house, and build an altar to the Lord.

Gideon took ten men and did just that. However, like many of us, he was afraid. He went at night because he was afraid of what his family would do to him (6:27). He was certain that God had chosen him. He was certain that God had told him to destroy the altar of Baal, but he was afraid because he doubted that God would protect him in the task he was given.

Many of us find ourselves in the same predicament. We know we are called to be a witness to Christ. We know that God Himself goes before us to clear the path, bringing judgment to those who reject, and salvation to those to accept. Yet, we are still afraid of the consequences.

Gideon did as he was told and his family found out. They were upset and planned to kill Gideon for his crime. They went to Gideon’s father and told them to bring Gideon that they may kill him. God moved on Gideon’s father and he told them, “Will you contend for Baal? Or will you save him? Whoever contends for him shall be put to death by morning. If he is a god, let him contend for himself, because his altar has been broken down.” (6:31).

God commanded Gideon to act. Then, God protected Gideon. God is sovereign and he will take care of those whom He calls.

4. Does God keep His Promises?

After all that, Gideon still doubted. He asked God for another sign before he went up against the Midianites. He told God, “If you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said, ³⁷behold, I am laying a fleece of wool on the threshing floor. If there is dew on the fleece alone, and it is dry on all the ground, then I shall know that you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said.” (6:37). When Gideon awoke the next morning, the fleece was soaked and the ground was dry.

You would think this would be enough, but Gideon still doubted. He reversed the test, asking God to keep the fleece dry and make the ground wet with dew…which God also did.

Many people use this story to say that it is good for a person to “throw out a fleece” and test God. They will pray, “God if you want me to do this (whatever it is), make it rain tomorrow” (or something like that). I cannot stress how dangerous and unfaithful this is. This was never meant to be an example of what we should do. Gideon was doubting God’s word and His power. Yet, because God is gracious and loving, He accommodated Gideon’s request.

After two days of playing the fleece game, Gideon could no longer doubt the reality of God’s call and power. He had to trust and obey. God would eventually deliver Israel from the Midianites by the hand of Gideon.

God cares for you, he really does. When he disciplines and rebukes you, it is proof that He cares. Because He cares for you, He will take care of you. He does not call or command people without equipping them for victory. And most of all, God is faithful to keep His Word. There is no need for doubt, when God has called and commanded.

Finding Comfort in God's Wisdom

2011-11-14T17:39:00.001-06:00

In Ecclesiastes 8, Solomon continues showing us the need of God’s wisdom for living. We have seen that even if man has everything he could possibly want, he cannot be satisfied in this life unless God gives him the ability to enjoy life.

What we see in chapter eight is that man desperately needs the wisdom of God to live in this broken world. “A man’s wisdom makes his face shine, and the hardness of his face is changed.” (Ecc. 8:1). In the last few chapters, Solomon has made it perfectly clear that “fearing God” is the only way a person can have satisfaction and joy in this life.

In Chapter 8, Solomon will apply this principle to a real life situation. Throughout Scripture, believers are told that obedience to God requires that they live in obedience to those in authority over them (Rom. 13). Here, Solomon begins saying, “Keep the king’s command, because of God’s oath to him” (Ecc. 8:2). But what if the person with authority commands that we disobey God? How should we respond?

This is exactly the type of situation that requires the wisdom of God. There are many things the person can do. He can simply run away instead of obeying the king, but this may enrage the king and lead to more trouble. “Be not hasty to go from his [the king’s] presence” (Ecc. 8:3).

Also, the person may simply choose to stand his ground and disobey, but this would surely cause him to be punished by the king. “Do not take your stand in an evil cause, for he [the king] does whatever he pleases” (Ecc. 8:3).

It is incredibly hard to know what to do in such a situation. “For the word of the king is supreme, and who may say to him, “What are you doing?”(Ecc. 8:4). The man who keeps the kings word will “know no evil thing,” (Ecc. 8:5), but how can we keep a command that requires us to disobey God? What is the proper course of action?

When we face such a dilemma, we must rely upon the wisdom of God to know what to do. “The wise heart will know the proper time and the just way. For there is a time and a way for everything, although man’s trouble lies heavy on him” (Ecc. 8:5-6).

There are times when we should simply run away, but there are also times to take a stand against an evil command. Believers are faced with these types of choices every single day. Should we speak or not speak? Should we act or not act? The book of James tells us that if anyone lacks wisdom, he must ask God for it.

Without this desperate dependence on God (even in the little things), man is powerless to know the proper course of action. “For he does not know what is to be, for who can tell him how it will be?” (Ecc. 8:7).

There is absolutely nothing in this life that we can be sure of. Solomon continues his thought, showing us that sometimes the wicked seem to prosper. Because punishment of wickedness is not always “executed speedily” (v. 11), men think that wickedness will prosper them.

However, the believer is assured that those who live in wickedness will pay eventually. “Though a sinner does evil a hundred times and prolongs his life, yet I know that it will be well with those who fear God, because they fear before him. But it will not be well with the wicked, neither will he prolong his days like a shadow, because he does not fear before God.” (Ecc. 8:12-13).

So, although there is much that we don’t understand, the only thing we can be sure of is that God is faithful and trustworthy. He is our only foundation. He is the only anchor we have in this life. If we hold fast to His Word, we can be sure that He will work everything toward our good (Rom. 8:28).

God’s plan and purposes in the hardest times of our lives are often hidden from us. “then I saw all the work of God, that man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun. However much man may toil in seeking, he will not find it out. Even though a wise man claims to know, he cannot find it out.” (Ecc. 8:17).

Our only comfort and hope is that God has the big picture in mind. We can’t know the big picture. All we can do is have faith in God and follow His will. The only way we can know His will is through the Scripture. He has given us specific commands as to what we are supposed to be and what we are to do.

Many of us get caught up thinking, “What job does God want me to do?” Or, “Who does God want me to marry?” While I cannot answer these questions specifically for you, I can say that God has told us to be a witness for Him and to use the gifts He has given us for His glory.

So whatever job you do, is where you are to serve Him. Whatever family you are a part of is where you are to glorify Him. Sometimes it seems that the righteous are punished for their righteousness. Likewise, sometimes it seems that the wicked prosper from their wickedness (Ecc. 8:14).

We simply cannot know the purposes and plan of God. But we can know Him. He is faithful and just. He is loving and working for our good. The wisdom we are to exhibit is simply to trust Him in every aspect and have faith in what He reveals. This is joy and satisfaction. We know that no matter what, we are loved. We are cared for, and there is a sovereign God watching over every aspect of our lives.

There is absolutely nothing outside of His control. Understanding this, we have peace because our Father is the one who controls all things.

I can think of no greater rest than knowing God is for us…and if He is for us…Who can be against us?

Why did God Kill Uzzah?

2011-11-11T00:03:00.001-06:00

Lots of people have ideas about what God wants from them. Many people are spiritual, or religious thinking that they understand what it means for God to accept them.

I want to introduce you to a man named Uzza. The story of this man is a tragedy. We can see what happens to people who think they can come to God on their own terms. We are going to see what happens when people decide for themselves how they will approach God.

Take a moment and read 1 Chronicles chapter 13.

What we see here is that these people wanted to be reconciled with God. They wanted to be right before God. They wanted God's presence in their midst and they wanted to be united in fellowship and love. They wanted many of the same things that people today still want.

Now I understand that right now, these things may not be top of your list. But you must understand that the most important thing in the universe is that you be at peace with God. Nothing else matters. When you stand before God, there will be no more terrifying experience than to know that you are not right before Him, and He is about to pour His wrath out on you.

So this is what these people in 1 Chronicles 13 were after. They wanted to be reconciled with God. In verse one and two, David consults the people and they decide that they want to be together as the people of God. They want God's presence among them. In verse three they decided how they would bring God’s presence. “Then let us bring again the ark of our God to us, for we did not seek it in the days of Saul.”(1 Chr 13:3).

The Ark of God was a golden box that God commanded Israel to build in the days of Moses. Not only was it the box where the broken pieces of the 10 Commandments were held, but it was the place where God dwelt among his people. When God told them to build it, He had them build two Angels on either side of the lid. These Angels were called cherubim. The ark was set inside the holy of holies and when the priest went inside, he would stand before the ark and the presence of God, called the Shekinah glory, would be hovering between the cherubim.

The ark of God became the symbol of the very presence of God with his people. When the Army carried the ark of God before them, they were invincible. Israel carried the ark around Jericho when the walls fell down.

By wanting to bring the ark back, Israel was saying they wanted to be back in God's presence. For too long Israel had been disobedient to God under King Saul's reign. Now that his reign was over, they want to come back to God. It was “right in the eyes of all the people” (1 Chr. 13:4).

They were so excited. They rejoiced and danced, praising God and worshipping. “And David and all Israel were celebrating before God with all their might, with song and lyres and harps and tambourines and cymbals and trumpets.” ( 1 Chr. 13:8).

It seemed like everything was finally going to be alright. Everything was good, God's presence was coming back for his people and they were about to be reunited. They genuinely thought that they were doing what was right.

We come the same way.

But they did not come back to God on His terms. They did what was right in their own eyes. You see, when God commanded the ark to be built he had rings installed on both sides. These rings were so poles could be inserted into each side of the ark and the priests would carry the ark with the poles. God was very, very specific and very emphatic about the fact that the priests were never allowed to touch the ark.

Instead of coming to God the way that He had commanded, David simply put the ark on “a new cart.” (1 Chr. 13:7). They disregarded the instructions of God regarding how to transport His holy ark.

What happened next seems very strange and shocking to most people.

“And when they came to the threshing floor of Chidon, Uzzah put out his hand to take hold of the ark, for the oxen stumbled. And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah, and he struck him down because he put out his hand to the ark, and he died there before God.” (1 Chr. 13:9-10).

God killed Uzzah for touching the ark. Most people would say, “But Uzzah was doing a good thing! He didn’t want the ark to fall in the mud. Why would God kill him for trying to protect the ark!?”

You see, Israel could not come to God any way they wanted. We must all come before Him as He has commanded. First, they disobeyed in how they transported the ark. Second, Uzzah (as well as most people) did not realize that his wretched sinful hand was far more defiling to the ark than the mud.

He though he was doing a good thing. He touched the ark to steady it…and he died!

Today, many people think they can come to God by doing wonderful works, abstaining from doing bad, and reforming their lives. People line the church pews thinking that God will accept them if they “do their best.”

But the truth is that all of our hands are just as sinful as Uzzah’s. We have absolutely nothing to offer God which is not tainted by sin. Our worship, our prayers, our service, and our works are all stained with the effects of sin. On their own, they are completely unacceptable to God. Yet we offer them every day, thinking that God is accepting them.

The truth is that we are hopelessly defiled and unable to approach a holy God. We need a perfect righteousness to come before Him.

The only place that righteousness is found is in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. When Christ died on the cross, He was taking the wrath of the Father that you and I deserve. Only when our prayers, worship, service etc. are cleansed by the blood of Christ, are they acceptable to the Father.

Jesus alone makes us clean before the Father. We cannot come to God outside of Him. To do so, no matter how good we thing we are doing, is to touch the pure holiness of God with a defiled hand. The only thing we receive is wrath and condemnation.

If you would have Jesus pay for your sins before the Father, repent and trust in Christ alone today. Then, and only then, are you acceptable in His sight.

Not just acceptable…but perfect in Christ!

Operating From Victory!

2011-11-08T00:44:00.000-06:00

As Israel finally reached the promised land after wandering in the wilderness for 40 years, Moses died and Joshua assumed command of the army. In Joshua 5:13-15, God himself appears to Joshua as he is about the engage the city of Jericho in battle. When Joshua saw him, his question was, “Are you for us or are you for our enemies?” (Josh. 5:13).

The Lord’s response was very profound. He said, “No; but I am the commander of the army of the Lord. Now I have come.” (Josh. 5:14).

The city of Jericho was a fortress that was virtually impenetrable. Two walls surrounded the city. The outer wall was six feet thick and about 20 ft. high. The inner wall was 12ft. thick and around 30 ft. high. Hidden behind massive walls and bulwarks, the people of Jericho closed themselves off, knowing that Israel could do absolutely nothing to breach the walls. “Now Jericho was shut up inside and outside because of the people of Israel. None went out, and none came in.” (6:1).

Schematic cross-section diagram of the wall system at Jericho based on Kenyon's west trench.

For all intents and purposes, Israel’s task was impossible. Jericho was also strategically placed in the land of Canaan so that unless the city was taken, Israel had no hope of conquering the land. Israel’s situation was unachievable. The only thing Israel had was God’s promise. The Lord had promised to give Israel the land and upon seeing the massive city, the Lord told Joshua, ““See, I have given Jericho into your hand, with its king and mighty men of valor.” (Josh. 6:2).

Needless to say, Israel would have to have a great deal of faith to believe they would prevail. The Lord told them to complete a very specific series of tasks. They were to march around the city once a day for six days. On the seventh day, they were to march around the city seven times and on the seventh time around the city, the priests were to blow the trumpets and the people were to shout.

This doesn’t really seem like a great battle plan. I can imagine the people of Jericho laughing and hurling insults at Israel as they marched around the city six days in a row. It would take a great deal of faith and patience to obey the Lord, believing that his plan would bring success.

They had absolutely nothing but the promise of the Lord. In the same way, believers have the promise of the Lord that they are more than conquerors through Christ. We are assured that, although huge trials and obstacles will enter our lives, God is working all things for our good. (Rom. 8:28).

When the people of Israel took their first steps around the city, they were operating from victory. The Lord of creation had already assured their conquest. They simply had to trust his word and obey his commands. I can imagine some Israelites thinking, “Why in the world are we doing this? Why are we making fools of ourselves? We should attack, not just walk around the city for a week!”

Today, all those in Christ are operating from a victory that Jesus purchased on the cross. Through his death, we are assured that we have peace with God and eternal life. Through him all the promises of God are consummated.

We will still come face to face with seemingly impossible situations. When we do, we have a choice. We can look at the huge walls of the city with the eyes of the world, knowing that we are helpless to conquer them. We can fear the enormous battles we face and we can dread the ridicule of those who do not expect us to be victorious.

However, even when we have no method or tool to accomplish the task, we have the promise of God. He has laid out exactly what is expected and what path we should follow. His Word gives us every precept and principle to live and fight in his power. Like Israel, we have only to trust his word and obey his instructions. To do so is to operate from a place of assured victory.

When Israel marched around the city the seventh time on that seventh day, the trumpet sounded and the people shouted and the Lord brought the city walls down. The power of God fulfilled the word of God for the Israelites.

In the same way, the power of God fulfills his word in our lives today. Jesus has given the believer victory. We have only to trust and obey. Victory is assured.

“For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.” (2 Co. 10:4)

What Do You Want From Life?

2011-10-30T22:40:00.000-05:00

Fifteen years ago, if you would have asked me what I wanted out of life, I would have said, “Fame, fortune, and pleasure.”

If you would have asked me ten years ago, I would have said, “Just enough to live and be comfortable.” Today, I have a different answer.

For most of us, we just want to live a care-free life, with no pain and no suffering. Most of us don’t want fortune and fame, we just want a simple life with everything we need to be comfortable, not having to worry about life.

Because this is our goal, we don’t understand the value of suffering and we usually feel offended when it comes.

In Ecclesiastes 7, Solomon’s theme is “the better life.” He uses the word “better” many times to illustrate the kind of life that is most beneficial to man (from God’s perspective.) You see, God has an overriding goal for the believer’s life, to be “conformed to the image of His Son” (Rom. 8:29).

Most often, trial and suffering are most effective in conforming us to the image of Christ. When we are comfortable and satisfied, we are complacent and content. We don’t cry out to God, we don’t draw near to Him.

Solomon understood this. Ecc. 7:1-7 shows us that sorrow is better than happiness. He writes, “It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for this is the end of all mankind, and the living will lay it to heart. Sorrow is better than laughter, For by sadness of face the heart is made glad. The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth (pleasure).” (Ecc. 7:2-4)

Sorrow teaches us that we are helpless and need God. We need Him whether we are happy and satisfied, or hurting and sorrowful. Yet, it is in sorrow that we realize our need and trust more dependently on Christ.

Solomon says that the wise man understands the value of suffering and the fool simply longs for the days before suffering came. He says, “Say not, ‘Why were the former days better than these?’ For it is not from wisdom that you ask this. Wisdom is good with an inheritance, an advantage to those who see the sun.” (Ecc. 7:10-11).

“Those who see the sun,” are those who understand the benefit of suffering. Wisdom sees that God is using trial to bring man closer to Him in faith.

Make no mistake; God is in control! He determines the times of suffering and times of joy in man’s life. “In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider: God has made the one as well as the other, so that man may not find out anything that will be after him.” (Ecc. 7:14).

We must understand that God has a purpose in everything that happens. Too often, we think that if we live well, we will be happy and if we don’t, we will suffer. While there is some truth to this, it is not guaranteed. A simple survey of history will show great godly men who suffered the most horrible deaths for their faith.

Solomon saw what we all see. Life just isn’t fair! He says, “In my vain life I have seen everything. There is a righteous man who perishes in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man who prolongs his life in evildoing.” (Ecc. 7:15). Good or bad behavior does not guarantee a life of suffering or pleasure. God uses circumstances to bring his wrath, show his mercy, and grow his children.

Solomon tells us that we should live a life of balance, not thinking ourselves to be so righteous that we don’t need help, or so wicked that we are beyond hope. The truth is, “there is not a righteous man on earth who does good and never sins.” (Ecc. 7:20).

We must be wise and understand our predicament. Solomon (who was the most wise) said he searched for wisdom (v. 23), but he could not find it (v. 24). What he found was something much worse.

He found that man is utterly sinful and desperately wicked. He singles out the sin of lust (v. 26) because this is a sin of the mind. It is part of man. He uses the imagery of a woman whose “heart is snares and nets, and whose hands are fetters. He who pleases God escapes her, but the sinner is taken by her.” (v. 26).

Indeed, he says that this sinful snare is “more bitter than death.” (v. 26). So, all we have to do is stay away from sin and please God! Now, we have a real problem indeed! After Solomon made a complete investigation, he found, “that God made man upright, but they have sought out many schemes.” (v. 29).

Whether we have joy or sorrow, we have a problem. We have a serious dilemma. We are sinful and desperately need salvation. We must be perfect to be accepted by God, but we are not. In fact, we are wretched and horribly depraved.

We need Jesus Christ. God the Father crushed His own Son to pay for all the sins we have committed. He poured out all his wrath on Jesus so that sin could be judged, God could still be perfect in His judgment, and yet, the sinner can go free.

For Jesus to pay for your sins, you must accept His sacrifice. You must trust in Him and he will be the payment for your sins.

When we are comfortable, satisfied, and complacent, it is easy to forget how much we need Him. It is easy to take what He did for granted. However, in the hardest times of suffering, it is easy to remember what we are and what He did for us. It is easy to reach for Him with humble, empty hands of faith when we are in the grip of suffering.

Solomon was right! In the big picture, a life of suffering is better than a life of comfort.

Why Can't I Be Happy!?

2011-10-27T08:50:00.000-05:00

Today, more than ever, many people are realizing that their lives, although filled with blessings, are wholly unsatisfying. There always seems to be something that is just out of reach. It may be more financial security, deeper relationships, or a higher level of spirituality – but whatever it is, people think, “If I could just get that, I would finally be happy!”

Solomon has already showed us that God, not only provides the blessings of life, but He also provides the ability to enjoy them. Without Him, all the benefits of life are unsatisfying and only lead to another search for happiness.

In Ecclesiastes Ch. 6, Solomon returns to this theme and shows us the life of the unsatisfied man. In fact, he begins by saying that having the blessings of life and being unable to enjoy them is the greatest evil under the sun.

He writes, “a man to whom God gives wealth, possessions, and honor, so that he lacks nothing of all that he desires, yet God does not give him power to enjoy them, but a stranger enjoys them. This is vanity; it is a grievous evil.” (Ecc. 6:2)

For a moment, imagine that you had everything you could possible dream of. Millions of dollars, a huge house, a large loving family, a spouse that worshiped the ground you walked on, perfect lasting health, lots of possessions, honor and respect among people, fame and fortune. Imagine your life where you “lack nothing of all that [you] desire.” That would be wonderful, wouldn’t it? No more worries, no more struggles.

However, Solomon (who did have everything he desired) says that unless God give you the ability to enjoy those blessings, they are meaningless and will only leave you empty.

To drive this point home, Solomon compares the life of the unsatisfied man to a stillborn baby. He actually says the baby is better off than the man!

Verse 3 says, “If a man fathers a hundred children and lives many years, so that the days of his years are many, but his soul is not satisfied with life’s good things…I say that a stillborn child is better off than he.” He goes on to say that both the baby and the man go to death, but the baby never knows sorrow, suffering, or unhappiness which makes him better off than the man who has everything yet still lives in misery.

The truth is that man cannot satisfy himself. He never will gain enough to satisfy his appetites. “All the toil of man is for his mouth, yet his appetite is not satisfied.” (Ecc. 6:7).

Striving to be more wise, richer, or better behaved will never satisfy man’s wandering appetites. “For what advantage has the wise man over the fool? And what does the poor man have who knows how to conduct himself before the living? Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the appetite.” (v. 8).

Notice that Solomon puts the poor, as well as the rich, in the category of the unsatisfied. It is easy for us, who do not have many possessions, to look at those who are rich and think Solomon is talking only to them. Yet, the poor man may just as well live a life unable to enjoy the blessings God has given him. In fact, the poor man is more likely to strive for riches and honor, thinking that when he gets it he will be happy.

He will never be satisfied with what he has because God does not give him the ability to enjoy his life. So, the rich and the poor alike are unable to bring satisfaction to their lives by any means.

Finally, Solomon ends the chapter illustrating that man has no hope of ever finding the answer to his dilemma outside of God. He simply cannot fix himself.

“Whatever has come to be has already been named, and it is known what man is, and that he is not able to dispute with one stronger than he. The more words, the more vanity, and what is the advantage to man?” (v. 10-11).

Man is enslaved to his nature and he cannot dispute it. “It is known what man is…” He is forever unsatisfied with all things. More is never enough and he is unable to do anything about it. Solomon is taking away all hope from men who seek to satisfy themselves by any means.

Man cannot dispute his nature with any words. No amount of Philosophy or Counseling will help man find satisfaction in any of the blessings of this life. He cannot reason his way to satisfaction. People can look at their lives and see the blessings, they can understand that others are far worse off than they, and they can logically understand that they should be happy with what they have…but they just can’t!

Only God can give man these answers. Only Christ can give man the peace and rest for which he searches. “For who knows what is good for man while he lives the few days of his vain life, which he passes like a shadow? For who can tell man what will be after him under the sun?” (v. 12).

As we have seen before, Solomon is reminding the man that if he cannot find his rest in God, he will never have it. Regardless of whether he is rich, poor, wise, or a fool, he cannot be satisfied with anything in this life unless God gives him the ability to enjoy it.

Can Some Worship and Prayer be Evil?

2011-10-23T23:22:00.001-05:00

“Come on honey, we are going to be late for church!” said the wife.

“I’ll be there in a minute!” was the reply.

Just then, the kids broke out into an all out screaming match. They were yelling back and forth as the wife attempted to get the family out the door for church. The husband rushes out the door, tucking in his shirttail, and hops into the car. As he slips the key into the ignition, the wife turns around and yells at the kids… “Shut Up!”

Immediately, the kids get louder, “He started it.” Then the other one… “No, You started it!”

As they pull into the parking lot of the church, the husband finally screams, “Enough!!! What is wrong with y’all. If you say another word, I am going to spank you!”

Does this sound familiar? I can remember many a Sunday that began this way.

On the other hand, there are many that get out of bed on Sunday morning and go to church simply because that is what they have always done. It is a ritual that the family has practiced for a long time. Before even getting in the door, they are already thinking about what the afternoon’s activities will include…and what’s for lunch!

In my personal study of Scripture and quiet time with God, no Bible text has affected and convicted me more deeply than this week’s study in Ecclesiastes. Before even looking at the text, I must candidly tell you that the Lord has broken me this week.

Ecclesiastes 5:1-7 is a very difficult passage. It is not hard to understand, but it is hard to hear. The theme of the passage is the believer’s attitude as he comes to God. He must be fearfully minded.

Although it is common thinking these days, God is not our “buddy,” or our personal butler. He is the awesome, powerful, sovereign king of the universe and His majesty is beyond our comprehension.

Solomon begins chapter 5 saying, “Guard your steps when you go to the house of God.” This is something that many modern church-goers never do. In fact, it is all too common (at least for me) to come into God’s house with a mundane sense of presumption. This attitude says, “Here we go again…been there, done that…just another Sunday.”

However, Solomon condemns this complacent attitude saying, “To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil” (v. 1). We come to church and approach God, offering sacrifices of prayer, worship, and praise without contemplating the “awesomeness” of our God. We worship out of duty, ritual, and even to be seen by others. When we offer our sacrifices to God with any attitude other than fearful reverence, we do evil. (v.1)

Next, Solomon condemns the prayers of those who do not approach God in reverent awe. He writes, “Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God” (v. 2).

What if you were given an opportunity to speak before someone of great importance? Maybe the President, or the CEO of a huge company. What if you were given the opportunity to present your needs and desires before that person? Would you go in haphazardly, giving no thought to what you would say or how you would approach him? Of course not!

You would choose your words carefully and you would come with a respect and reverence due to the person’s office. Yet, God, who is above all, rarely is approached in this way. We come unprepared, rambling, and irreverently.

Very often, we mistake coming “boldly” before the throne with coming impudently and irreverently. We can come in confident assurance, knowing that Jesus is enough to pay our way before the Father, yet we cannot come demanding or presumptuously.

Finally, verse 3 offers an analogy of the person who comes to God in this way. It says, “For a dream comes with much business (work), and a fool’s voice with many words.” (Ecc. 5:3).

It has been well said that rambling dreams are the product of an overactive mind. In the same way, rambling words are the sign of a fool.

It is one thing to live in constant conversational prayer before God. This is good and healthy in that it builds your relationship. However, the person who does not carefully consider his thoughts and words as he comes to God’s throne in intimate prayer has not prepared himself to come before God. He has not examined himself in light of Scripture, nor is he ready to hear the answer to his prayers.

Because of our nature, it is all to easy to fall into a ritual of prayer – where we repeat the same phrases, offer the same “thank you’s” and requests, and punctuate each prayer with “in Jesus name.” When we fall into this, we lose the awe and the wonder of coming before the powerful, sovereign God. It quickly becomes just something we are supposed to do.

Today, carefully consider yourself, your life, your mindset, and the nature of the God to whom you are speaking. This is heartfelt prayer. This is fervent prayer.

You Can Rest in Christ!

2011-10-17T20:34:00.001-05:00

I have a picture of my wife Dana when we were in school. This is one of my favorite pictures of her. It is so beautiful. I remember having this picture in my wallet as a teenager, just taking it out and looking at it. I sure was enthralled by it. It wasn’t long after our high school and college that we ended up getting married. After we got married and began our new life, I put that picture away and, to be honest, I lost track of it. I didn’t need the picture anymore, I had the real deal.

What would you think if one day, I came home and said, “Honey, I miss that picture of you. I am so in love with that picture that I am going back to it.” Then I would kiss the picture and hold it tight to my chest as I left the room.

That would be pretty silly wouldn’t it? In fact, it would be downright idiotic. You would say, “Man, why do you want the picture when the reality is right there!”

In Hebrews chapter 10, this is exactly what some of the Jewish Christians were doing. After they received the grace of God by faith, they were turning back and trying to please God, once again, by their sacrifices and offerings. They weren’t doing it to deny Jesus, or to forsake the faith, they thought that they were pleasing God. However, they were going back to the slavery of the Law.

This is where many believers run into problems. They come to the cross and accept Jesus by faith, but shortly thereafter, they keep trying to please God by works rather than resting in the finished work that Jesus did. But, we cannot increase our standing before God by works! We work because He has given us everything and He is transforming us into His servants.

Read Heb 10:1-4.

1. Sacrifices Cannot Make you Perfect! “…it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near.” (v. 1)

Perfection is the only thing God can accept. After Jesus had come, died, and rose again, these Hebrews were still running around trying to offer God Old Testament sacrifices to please Him and atone for their sins. They were returning to the picture after the reality had come. Now you and I know that it is foolishness to return to sacrificing animals after Jesus has come and paid the ultimate sacrifice, but you must understand that this is all the Hebrews had ever known. Since childhood, the only way you can make up for sins in God’s sight is to bring a sacrifice, kill it, and offer it on the altar as payment. This was their heratige and lifestyle.

As Christians, we are unintentionally doing the same thing. Our sacrifices are not animals or blood on an altar, our sacrifices are our works, our service, our devotion, even our love. Now all of these things are good things, they are things that God himself is creating in our hearts, but these are not things that add to our righteousness before God. Only Jesus is our righteousness.

Even after salvation, some Christians believe that our Christian service is what we have to do in order for God to be pleased with us. We come to the cross accept grace, and then leave grace at the cross to go off and work to make ourselves more acceptable to God.

Many are going back to the same old religious works in order to please God. It didn’t do any good before you were saved, and it doesn’t add anything to your salvation now. The reason we work is because he saved us and is transforming us into a servant.

Even after you have been saved, your works, your service, your devotion, your love, your commitment, nothing you can offer as a sacrifice to God makes you more perfect than what Jesus has done for you. “In Him you Are Complete!”

2. Those sacrifices can never remove sins (v. 2-4)

The Hebrews believed that even after they had accepted Jesus as the Messiah, their animal sacrifices were still effective to cover their sins. We look at them now and we think, “They should have figured out by now that these sacrifices weren’t doing any good.” They were designed to point to a future reality when sins would be taken away completely. The animal sacrifices were the picture, and Jesus is the reality. Now that Jesus has come and we are wedded to Him through faith, going back to the picture is ridiculous.

Doing good never cancels out the bad. Never. The truth is that the bad must be removed if we are going to be acceptable before God. You can have no bad on your account. No matter what works, devotion, love, sacrifice, or service you give, they do not cancel out the bad that we have done. The same holds true for our lives in grace after salvation. To please God, doing something good is not the answer. You must be perfect, not good!

As Christians, we leave grace at salvation and start off working to make ourselves more and more acceptable to God. We are selling ourselves back into slavery. Notice in verse two, these sacrifices the Hebrews were making were year after year after year after year, and they never made the comers perfect. Never! No matter what sacrifice you offer, no matter what work to engage in, it cannot make you perfect before God and perfection is all God can accept!

3. Those sacrifices have to be repeated over and over

When the sacrifice was made on the day of atonement, Israel had peace in their hearts. God had accepted their sacrifice and they knew that everything was fine. As the year went on, that peace slowly drifted away as they knew the day would be approaching to sacrifice again. The year went on and they were always reminded that they had more sins, more things which needed to be purged...more sacrifices which must be offered. They were always sinning and needing forgiveness.

Their lives were spent going through a gruesome ritual of slaughtering animals to please God. they could get no rest from the burden of their sins. They always carried it with them. Even when the sacrifice was made, they knew it would not be long before they would have to return and offer another.

Christians spend their lives toiling and grinding out service thinking they are gaining some kind of merit before God, when Jesus paid it all. Instead of resting in the victory of the cross, they are still trying to earn their own victory. In Jesus you are free! He has paid for you to come to God.

Salvation came, and you felt the Joy of nothing but Jesus. You knew that God saw you as perfect and there was nothing else that He required of you. Do you remember that peace?

Before long we are once again faced with the fact that we fail and don’t live up to perfection. Instead of running back to the cross where we first found grace and peace, we run away from the cross trying to improve our standing before God by works! What we quickly realize is that our sin is still horrible and we must work, work, work, in order to keep ourselves from remembering it. But as soon as the works stops or wanes, we start feeling like we are worthless again. The reality is that the believer is perfect in Christ!

Lost or saved, come to Him. Christian don’t leave the cross. There, you have peace. There, you have joy. Grace is the only place for you to live. Don’t go back to working your way toward pleasing God, Jesus has done that for you!

There is a flip side to this as well. If you don’t know the Savior. There is nothing you can offer. All your work is meaningless. All your labor is in vain. God will not accept anything but Christ. You must come to Him in faith, trusting that He has made you clean.

With Him, the Father sees you as 100% righteous. Without Him, the Father sees you as 100% wicked no matter what work you offer. So, if you are in Him...you can finally rest in Him!

What is the Meaning of Life?

2011-10-14T22:16:00.000-05:00

So many of us are searching for a life of meaning. What am I supposed to do? Who am I supposed to be?

Solomon also pursued the answers to these questions. In the first three chapters of Ecclesiastes, Solomon has played the philosopher, reasoning his way toward the life of purpose. In chapter four, he goes out into the world and looks at real people, in real situations in order to seek his answers. What he finds is instructive for us as we seek to live lives of balance and meaning.

First, Solomon looks at the courtroom. What he finds there is the same thing many people see today, injustice and pain. (Ecc. 4:1).

After this, Solomon went to the marketplace. Here, he found two types of men. The first was an industrious man who worked incredibly hard. Like so many people today, his life revolves around his work and productivity. Being a “working man” defines him. But, Solomon saw that his “toil and skill in work comes from a man’s envy of his neighbor” (Ecc. 4:4). Solomon concluded that this life is vanity.

Next, Solomon found a lazy man. This man refused to work at all! Solomon said, “The fool folds his hands and eats his own flesh” (Ecc. 4:5). This type of life is equally meaningless. Solomon found that the lazy man destroys himself with his laziness.

Solomon concluded that a balance between these two lives is needed. Solomon says, “Better is a handful of quietness than two hands full of toil.” (Ecc. 4:6). It is not good to be lazy, yet it is also not good to devote all of life to work.

From here, Solomon looked at man’s relationships. First, he found a solitary man. This man thinks he needs no one. He is a loner. He refuses to let anyone into his life or his heart. He refuses to have fellowship with anyone and chooses to remain alone.

This man’s work is meaningless because when he dies, all his work will be in vain. This man asks himself, “For whom am I toiling and depriving myself of pleasure?” (Ecc. 4:8).

The Solitary man has no one to help him when he falls (v. 10), no one to keep him warm in the cold (v. 11), and no one to help defend him when he is attacked (v. 12).

Today, many people view the Church as simply a gathering place. It is a place to go on Sunday and worship God, listen to good music, and hear a heart-felt sermon. Because of this, many people simply “go” to Church and never invest themselves in the fellowship of the believers.

In our Church, most of the fellowship takes place in the Sunday School groups. Yet, so many people refuse to get involved there. To be honest, I can understand this mindset. It is much easier to come to the worship service and not have to invest yourself in friendships, ministry, and growing closer to other believers. This opens the door to disappointment, disagreements, and people with attitudes. Life is much simpler when you just keep to yourself.

But, God uses those tensions between brothers to grow us. As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. But getting sharpened hurts sometimes. It is much easier just to stay dull, stay alone.

However, when a person refuses to fellowship with other believers (including the good, the bad, and the ugly), he opens himself up for attack.

Have you ever seen those discovery channel shows with the lion stalking a herd of deer, or elk? Ever noticed which elk the lion pounces on? It is always the one that is isolated from the herd. The one by himself has a much higher possibility of being eaten.

The Bible says that Satan is like a roaring lion seeking who he may devour. When a believer refuses to have fellowship with the “herd,” he leaves himself vulnerable. “And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken” (Ecc. 4:12).

Finally, Solomon finishes this chapter with a story of a poor man ascending to the throne, illustrating that power, popularity, and prestige are no reason to live. In the end, the young man who led all the people was not remembered. “Those who come later will not rejoice in him.” (Ecc. 4:16).

Solomon is getting closer to his answer, and so are we. God is the source of meaning and purpose. He is the reason to live. He is the only reason that brings joy.

A Christ-like Heart

2011-10-11T08:52:00.001-05:00

Have you ever heard of the “golden rule?” It usually goes something like this: “You should always treat others how you want to be treated.”

The golden rule is important, but for the Christian there is a far greater standard. I call it the “platinum rule.” It is stated like this: “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” (Phil 2:3-4).

Paul tells us that we should strive to live by this rule because Christ is our example. Jesus exists in the very form of God and willingly laid aside His divine prerogatives, humbling himself and becoming flesh to die for the world.

This kind of humility is what it means to be “Christ-like.”

Last Wednesday night, we looked at Deuteronomy 7 in terms of rejecting the things the world offers and finding our joy and happiness in Christ. This week, we continue in Deuteronomy, showing that when we reject the trinkets of the world, we are freed from loving material things and we can begin to give of ourselves (and our things) for the benefit of others.

In Deuteronomy 15:7-11, a very important point is made. Moses instructs the people to give to their brothers who are poor.

“If among you, one of your brothers should become poor, in any of your towns within your land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart or shut your hand against your poor brother, but you shall open your hand to him and lend him sufficient for his need, whatever it may be.” (Deut. 15:7-8)

This seems like a no-brainer doesn’t it? But there is some very important contextual issues to consider. In verse 1 of Deuteronomy 15, the Israelites are told they must forgive all debts every seventh year. So, every seven years all debts go back to zero. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we still lived under this economy? Every seven years your credit card would go back to zero!

But what if you were the credit card company? Would you want to lend people money? What if someone came begging for help on the last month of the sixth year? In 30 days all debts would have to be forgiven. Would you still help him, knowing that you would never be paid back?

This is exactly what was happening.

“Take care lest there be an unworthy thought in your heart and you say, ‘The seventh year, the year of release is near,’ and your eye look grudgingly on your poor brother, and you give him nothing, and he cry to the Lord against you, and you be guilty of sin.” (Deut. 15:9).

So often (and I am guilty of this myself), we help others with the expectation that we will be paid back. Of course, we understand that we may not be paid back by the one we helped, but we expect to be paid back somehow. The golden rule gets turned on its head. Instead of “Do unto others what you would have them do to you,” we think, “I did this for others, I expect it will be done to me.”

Other times, we may indeed give to those in need, but we do it saying, “I have to do this, it is my duty.” We give without compassion, without caring for the well-being of others. We do it only because we are supposed to.

But Deuteronomy 15:10 says, “You shall give to him freely, and your heart shall not be grudging when you give to him, because for this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in all that you undertake.”

Notice, that you don’t give in order to get a blessing. You give freely, with a willing heart. It is not the giving that God blesses, it is the heart attitude of the giver. Read the verse again. Notice the “for this the Lord your God will bless you.” It is “for” the heart in which you give that God blesses.

It all comes back to Philippians 2:3. The “Christlike” heart is not only one that treats others as you want to be treated, it is a heart that sees others as more important that yourself (Phil. 2:3). Jesus did this for us. He laid aside his privileges as God, took the form of a servant, and humbled himself for our benefit.

In fact, the very creator of the universe became a man and allowed himself to be mocked, ridiculed, beaten, and killed by the very creatures He created. There is no greater example of humility than this.

But honestly, it is hard to sacrifice things for others isn’t it? It is especially hard when you know they won’t appreciate it, or even be thankful. How can we give of ourselves the way God wants us to? How can we be willing and eager to give, without grudging?

The only way is to focus on the sacrifice of Christ. Believers, we must start preaching the gospel to ourselves everyday. Everyday we wake up, we should remember that we are wretched sinners who deserve nothing but death and condemnation, yet Christ gave us life and peace. He did it freely.

What if I give of myself and the person I help is not thankful or appreciative? I must remember that Christ gave of Himself for me, and for most of my life, I wasn’t thankful or appreciative.

The bottom line is this: Other people are not our motivation. Jesus is our motivation. You see, people will always disappoint you. They will always turn on you. They will always do things which offend, but Jesus never did, and he never will. You don’t feed Jesus’ sheep because you love the sheep. You feed the sheep because you love Jesus.

In John 21, Jesus asked Peter three times, “Peter do you love me?” Peter answered three times, “Lord, you know I love you.” Then, what was Jesus’ command?

“Feed my sheep.” Notice that Jesus didn’t ask Peter if he loved the sheep. Feeding the sheep comes from a love for Jesus.

Do what you do for Jesus, not for others. Then, you will never be disappointed or let down. Jesus will never fail you.

Does Life have Meaning?

2011-10-07T11:36:00.000-05:00

People aren’t like animals. We can’t just exist. We can’t just eat and sleep and work without some sense of meaning. Why am I here? What does it all mean? These are questions that man needs to answer. Dogs, cats, deer, and birds don’t care why we are here. They have no thought as to the meaning of life and the struggle for survival.

But man was created in the image of God. To live without meaning and purpose is to live a life filled with unsatisfaction and misery. We cannot live simply by instinct like the animals. We must have meaning.

When we left Ecclesiastes, the Preacher had descended into despair because he reached the conclusion that life is meaningless. At the end of chapter 2, Solomon brought God into the equation and found meaning in Him.

The first 8 verses of Ecc. 3 show that God has give a time for everything, and everything happens in its time. There is a time to fight, a time to make peace, a time to weep, and a time to rejoice.^"He has made everything beautiful in its time."

The point is that God has purposed everything that happens in an individual’s life. The Hebrew construction is one that demonstrates a point in time, not just a season. This leads us to understand that God is involved in the very events which happen in life.

There are three basic principles that we can glean from this chapter.

1. God has given us Life (and everything that happens in it). Solomon writes, “I have seen the business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with.” (Ecc. 3:10) – Notice that it is God who has given everything to man. This is a very important perspective that man must understand. Life, no matter what pains you are going through, is a gift from God.

So often, we say (I include myself in this), “Why has God done this to me?” or “Its just not fair! Why has this happened?” What we fail to realize is that God owes us absolutely nothing. Every breath we take is a divine gift from God, which He could take away whenever He sees fit. Job knew this all too well when he said, “Shall I accept good from the Lord and not bad? The Lord gives and the Lord takes away.”

God doesn’t owe us happiness or satisfaction. In fact, God owes us judgment and condemnation. It is simply His grace, mercy, and love which allows us to enjoy life.

Think of it this way. Every moment of every day, we deserve condemnation because of our sin. This second, God would be “good” to destroy us. He owes us nothing. Now, think of things that you enjoy in your life…Riding four-wheelers, horses, family, fishing, food…whatever. We are owed none of these things. The truth is that all these pleasures were bought and paid for by the blood of Jesus Christ. He purchased them for us. The truth is that, we owe Him!

2. God has put eternity in our hearts. The KJV says, “he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.” (Ecc. 3:11). The word “world” is the Hebrew word, Olam (.l2eo), which means “forever, or eternity.”

Do you want to know why man is different from the animals, being unsatisfied with life? God has given man a desire for eternity. Man will never be completely satisfied in this life. He has a longing for God, a longing for something eternal.

Wednesday night, I taught the youth about having joy in God and the trinkets the world offers to try to replace Him. The point we made was this: If you can’t find your joy in God, you will never have it. If you can’t find your peace in Him, you will never have peace. You will continually chase after things that promise peace and never deliver.

This is the reason so many marriages fail. The wife wants something from the husband that only a relationship with Christ can give. Likewise, the husband wants, from the wife, what only Jesus can give. This is also the reason people are unsatisfied with their jobs, family, and lives. They search, in the things of the world, for what only God gives.

God has designed us only to have satisfaction in Him...alone. If you don’t find it there, you better learn to live without it!

3. God has given enjoyment in this Life. “I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God’s gift to man.” (Ecc. 3:12-13)

Once again, he is not saying, “Live it up, nothing matters.” He is saying that you won’t be completely satisfied in this life, yet God’s gift to man is that you may have pleasure in this life.

Beginning in verse 14, Solomon shows us that the things of this life are temporary but God’s plan is eternal. Since the things in our life are part of God’s plan…How can they be meaningless? The truth is that our lives are not meaningless.

God uses even the bad things in our lives to conform us to the image of Jesus. Romans 8 tells us that all things work together for good for those who love God because God has ordained that we be conformed to Christ’s image.

So, if you are a believer, you have a purpose. You are part of a plan. You are not insignificant. Everything that happens in this life is important and for a purpose…an eternal purpose. “I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.” (Ecc. 3:14)

When we realize that God is in control, our first question is rightly… “Then, why is there so much evil in the world?” Solomon answers:

“Moreover, I saw under the sun that in the place of justice, even there was wickedness, and in the place of righteousness, even there was wickedness. I said in my heart, God will judge the righteous and the wicked, for there is a time for every matter and for every work.” (Ecc. 3:16-17).

While there is evil right now, there is coming a day when there will be no more evil. No more sin, no more death.

Solomon’s answer is that God allows evil so that man will understand his sin and depravity. “I said in my heart with regard to the children of man that God is testing them that they may see that they themselves are but beasts.” (Ecc. 3:18).

The world is evil, but it is not nearly as evil as it would be without the restraining hand of God. He allows evil to remain in the world (for now) so that man will understand that without Him, we are nothing but instinctive beasts, bent on our selfish desires.

Finally, after Solomon assures us that death is coming for us all, he restates his thesis. Enjoy the life God has given, trust in his purpose, find your joy in Him.

The truth is, if you can’t find your joy in God alone...then you will never have joy.

How to Live in the Promised Land.

2011-10-05T11:36:00.002-05:00

Are you ready to enter the Promised Land? Seems like a strange question doesn’t it? Whenever I ask that question, immediately people have visions of heaven and eternity. Won’t it be wonderful when we finally enter the Promised Land! Hundreds of gospel songs talk about that day when we finally cross over the Jordan to the rest God has promised us, just like He gave to early Israel.

I hate to be the one to break the news, but the Promised Land, which Israel was given, is not a picture of Heaven and eternity. It is a picture of our salvation in Christ! Therefore, I could say that if you are a believer, you are in the Promised Land right now!

At the end of Hebrews 3 and beginning of chapter 4, the Bible specifically speaks of the rest that Moses promised Israel, in the land that God had promised. Yet, the writer of Hebrews compares that rest to our rest in Christ. “For good news came to us just as to them, but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened. For we who have believed enter that rest…” (Heb. 4:2-3)

When Israel finally crossed the Jordan river and stepped into the Promised Land, do you remember what happened? That is when the battles started. God specifically told them that they were already victorious and were given possession of the land, however, they had to drive out all the people that were living there. In fact, God told them they were not to make any covenant or peace with those living in the land. Israel was to drive them out completely.

They were not to intermarry or have any dealings with the people of the land. (Deut. 7:1-5).

Today, Christ has given the believer freedom and rest from his labor. No longer does the individual need to strive to do “good” in order to pay for sin or please the Father. Jesus has already done that. Living in Christ is truly a “rest.” However, believers quickly find that all the remains of our flesh has not disappeared and the Holy Spirit within us is waging war on that which remains.

Our task in this life is very similar to Israel’s assignment in the Promised Land. We are to come out from among the people of the world and be separate. We are to wage war against sin and the flesh until no remnant remains. There can be no covenant made, no peace, no cessation of battle between the believer and the world, the flesh, and the devil.

To bargain or make an agreement of any kind with God’s covenant enemies is betrayal. Any acceptance of sin or worldliness is traitorous. Why are the Lord’s instructions so absolute for Israel, as well as for those in Christ?

Read Deuteronomy 7:6-8 carefully:
“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, that the Lord has brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.”

God brought us out from our slavery to sin and death and set His love on us in Jesus Christ, to redeem us unto Himself. We are not like other people. We have the Holy Spirit inside of us, changing us daily toward the image of Christ. We have rest from our works and our debt to the Father.

We have peace and reconciliation to God because our debt has been paid. How could we return and make covenant with the enemies of our Father? Continuing the thought of Deuteronomy, verse 9 says:

“Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations”

He is ever faithful and steadfast to do everything He promises.

The World, the flesh, and the devil are the believer’s constant enemies. Sometimes they come in a mad rush, attacking with every weapon in their arsenal. Other times, they come politely, offering their treasures for the believer to enjoy. When we accept what they offer and bargain with God’s enemies, we line ourselves up on the wrong side of the battlefield.

When we make covenant with God’s enemies, we stand with them in opposition to God and everything He stands for, saying, “Today, you will not be my Lord! I am the master of my own actions.”

We have already seen that Deuteronomy 7:9 shows Gods loving faithfulness toward those He is in covenant with. However, we cannot end until we also include verse 10.

“and repays to their face those who hate him, by destroying them. He will not be slack with one who hates him. He will repay him to his face.”

Believer, stop waiting on the Promised Land. If you are “in Christ,” you have entered the rest of God…enjoy it! Rest from your works, your sin, and the debt you owe the Father.

However, you still have enemies. The world, the flesh, and the devil still oppose you. How are you to deal with them? You are to treat them as God told Israel to treat those remaining in the land…

“…and when the Lord your God gives them over to you, and you defeat them, then you must devote them to complete destruction. You shall make no covenant with them and show no mercy to them.” Deuteronomy 7:2

Does 1 Corinthians 6:9 Say "homosexual" or not?

2011-10-01T21:16:00.003-05:00

In light of recent discussions regarding the Bible and homosexuality, there has arisen a question as to whether or not the original language of the New Testament intends to say that homosexuals are excluded from the Kingdom of Heaven.

In 1 Corinthians 6:9, Paul writes, "Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God."

As I was flipping through the television stations the other night, I came across a woman who claimed that the word arsenokoites (the word Paul used in 1 Corinthians 6:9) never meant homosexual, but instead means a temple prostitute or sex slave.

If a person has no background in the biblical languages, he may be tempted to believe such assertion. Therefore, I have posted a link to a paper I wrote on this subject last year so that anyone interested can see the facts.

The point of the work is this: Before Paul's letter to the Corinthians, there is no historical record of the word arsenokoites. Paul coined the term. But how did Paul come about such a word?

Paul was a Pharisee before he was a Christian, therefore, he was well versed in the Old Testament. More often than not, Paul quotes the Greek Septuagint (the Old Testament translated into Greek) in his writing rather than the Hebrew Old Testament.

Paul took two well known words, arsenos - which means "male" and koites - which means "bed, or lie with" and he combined them.

More specifically he took these two words directly from the Levitical prohibitions of homosexuality. Leviticus 18:22 says, "You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination." (male=arsenos; lie with=koites)

And again in Leviticus 22:13, "If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination;"
Once again, Male = arsenos; Lies with = koites.

It would be like someone saying over and over, "You shall not lay bricks, you shall not lay bricks."
Then someone comes along and says, "A bricklayer is disobedient to the law."
Would there be any misunderstanding? Of course not.

If you would like to read the entire paper, including rebuttals to the most commonly cited homosexual arguments, copy this link into your browser.

https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B3eDQGsAvuRiNjNhNzc0ZTctZjg0OC00MGNjLTlmYzctYzRiZDBiMzNkOWVj&hl=en_US

An Email Question on Homosexuality

2011-10-01T17:02:00.002-05:00

Recently, I was contacted by email regarding my views on homosexuality. Specifically, I was asked to explain God’s expectations of homosexuals who are converted to Christianity. For the benefit of all the readers, I have decided to post the email question and my response here. The email simply said:

Please send me a copy of your statement of faith. Specifically, what is your stand on homosexuality? Do you believe a person can continue in that life style after Salvation and Baptism? At what point would God require one to come out of it or be lost or do you believe that A loving God "understands" and will overlook that sin?

I am sincere in my asking.

Sincerely,

Here was my response:

Dear ______

All sin is reprehensible to God, whether it is lying, stealing, or homosexuality. Because God is perfect, He cannot "overlook" any sin. I'm sure that you would agree that no good judge would let criminals go free. Well, God is better than good, He is perfect! Therefore, God must punish every sin. If a single sin goes unpunished, then God would be less than a perfect judge.

As to your question, a person cannot continue in any sinful lifestyle after salvation (homosexuality or otherwise). Let me explain.

When God saves a person, he changes them to desire the things of God. God promises in His word, "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put my Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe my ordinances." (Eze. 36:26)

Likewise, 1 John 3:9 says, "No one who is born of God practices sin, because His [God's] seed abides in him; and he cannot sin because he is born of God."

What this (and many other biblical statements) mean is that salvation is not just being stamped with a "forgiven" sign. It is not just getting out of the line going to hell and jumping into the line going to heaven. It is a change of heart and life. God changes your heart and life. Please understand that IT IS NOT that believers never sin, or that Christians can't continue to commit sins. It is that true believers have had their hearts changed to hate sin. Not only do they not want to do it anymore, they despise what God despises and love what God loves.

So, if a person has been "saved" and they still desire to live in a sinful lifestyle, then something is dreadfully wrong.

Homosexuality is a sin which is no greater or less than any other sin. Idolatry, Lying, stealing, impure thoughts...all are on the same level. Is it possible for a Christian to lie? Of course it is. But what if the Christian says, "I know I am a liar but God made me this way and I don't think anything is wrong with it. I am a "liar Christian." He has not just sinned, he has denied that he is in need of repentance and rejected what God has said about lying.

Or what if the sin is Idolatry. Is it possible for a Christian to unknowingly commit the sin of idolatry? Absolutely! But what if he said, "God made me to be an idolatrous Christian. That's who I am and there is nothing wrong with it?"

Do you see the difference? Committing a sin is not the same as longing to live in sin.

Jesus Christ paid the price for sin when He died on the cross. God does not "overlook" any sin. The Father poured His wrath out on His own son so that you and I could be forgiven and changed from the inside out. Many people think that simply saying the prayer, "God forgive me, I believe in Jesus" or asking Jesus to come into their heart is what saves us. This is not so. Jesus saves us when we repent of our sin and trust in his sacrifice as payment for our sin. Any person who desires to continue living in sin demonstrates that their repentance was not genuine.

So, my answer to your question is simply this...If the person says they were saved and does not desire to come out of their sinful lifestyle, I question, on biblical grounds, whether they were saved. God has given all of us things we must struggle with. Some of us struggle with anger, depression, and addictions. Yet we do not simply say, "God made me this way so I will just do it." We fight against our flesh because the Spirit of God within us is at war with our flesh. This is the lifestyle of a believer. It is one that desires to please God above all things, not because we are so good, but because He has changed our hearts.

Hope that helps,

Jason

Here are some scriptures regarding this subject: 1 Corinthians 6:9; Gen. 19; Romans 1:25-32

Our statement of faith can be found on our website, www.christchurchofbrownsville.com

God wants you to enjoy Life!

2011-09-29T19:04:00.001-05:00

So many of us are simply looking for some enjoyment and pleasure in life. This is not a bad thing. In fact, it is a wonderful thing to live a life filled with joy and happiness. This is what we are all looking for. This is also what Solomon desired.

In Ecclesiastes 2, Solomon will teach us an extremely important lesson about living lives of happiness and joy. So often we want simply to enjoy life and we end up dissatisfied and despairing because things haven’t worked out like we thought. It is very “spiritual” of us to struggle through and tell ourselves that it doesn’t matter, but deep down we know that it really does matter.

Solomon will also reach this low point. Beginning in chapter two, Solomon decides to “test life.” First, he tries to find enjoyment in pleasure. He says, “Come now, I will test you with pleasure; enjoy yourself”(Ecc. 2:1). So many of us have tried the same thing. Specifically, he looks to “laughter” (v. 2) and “wine” (v. 3). He decided to just live it up.

What he found was the same thing everyone finds. When the party is over, there is nothing left but emptiness and pain. I can relate to Solomon’s search here. For many years I was addicted to drugs and I learned an invaluable lesson from it. Pleasure for pleasure’s sake, whether from drugs or anything else, is a trap.

At first, there is only pleasure and enjoyment. This new thing (whatever it is) brings great fulfillment. As you continue the practice, the level of pleasure you receive from it becomes less and less until finally there is none. In the case of drugs, you start because it brings pleasure but you end up using them to keep from having pain. Instead of enjoyment, you need it just to survive. Solomon rightly discovered that this is worthless.

The second thing Solomon tries is work and accomplishment. He gives himself to building great works (v. 4). He builds houses, gardens, parks, and pools (v. 5-7). He also gathers gold and silver to bring pleasure in this life. Like so many people today, he tries to find pleasure in possessions and accomplishment. It is easy to see how he could think that doing great things and owning the luxuries of life would bring joy.

He delighted in his labor but what happens when the work is finished? There was nothing but emptiness. He says, “whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure, for my heart found pleasure in all my toil, and this was my reward for all my toil.” Notice that his pleasure was IN the toil, but the pleasure he found in his work was the only reward he had. After the work was finished, it was meaningless because he quickly realized that he couldn’t keep it (v. 20-21).

Regardless of whether he was wise or a fool, he would die and someone else would have all his work. After searching for joy in all these things, Solomon finally reaches the point that so many people reach. He simply hated life! “So I hated life, because what is done under the sun was grievous to me, for all is vanity and a striving after wind.”

He hated his work (v. 18) and he hated all the things that failed to bring him joy. In the end, there was only despair. Have you ever felt this way? Have you ever put everything you have into life and came up empty?

No matter what you try, even the good and noble things, it never seems to satisfy and bring the happiness that it promises. This is Solomon’s predicament. He realizes that no matter what he does, whether good or bad, he is not able to enjoy it (v. 22-23).

Finally after much ado, Solomon brings God into the equation. What he realizes at the end of chapter two is what we MUST come to understand!

Simply accomplishing great things and having wonderful things is not the only blessing from God. The enjoyment of the things we have and do in this life is also a gift from God.

We were meant to enjoy life! “There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God, for apart from him who can eat or who can have enjoyment?” (v. 24-25).

Notice that Solomon is not saying, “Eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow we die.” He does not enjoy pleasure and his labor for pleasure’s sake. He doesn’t live for the enjoyment. He enjoys them because it is a gift from the hand of God.

Likewise, he says, “For to the one who pleases him God has given wisdom and knowledge and joy, but to the sinner he has given the business of gathering and collecting, only to give to one who pleases God. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.” (v. 26).

The sinner (one who lives for himself) CANNOT enjoy anything! So what we see here is a change in Solomon’s perspective. The one who lives just to enjoy life will never be able to do so, but the one who lives to please God cannot help but enjoy the things of live because it is a gift of God.

This is vital for us to understand. We all want enjoyment. We all want happiness. How do we get it? We enjoy things in this life because God gives the blessing of enjoying them. If we strive to enjoy life simply for our enjoyment’s sake, we will always be disappointed and unsatisfied. Those without Christ are incapable of finding fulfillment in anything in this world…try as they might.

Yet God has given it to His children. We have forgiveness, redemption, heaven, and we also have enjoyment in this life. Not because we long for enjoyment…but because we long for God…the one who gives joy.

1 Timothy 6:17 says, “As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.”

Look at those last two words. Why does God provide us with everything? So that we may enjoy it!

The Greatest Commandment

2011-09-27T14:13:00.001-05:00

Last Wednesday night, we asked if others could see God us just as the people saw the radiance of God reflecting from Moses’ face. Because Moses was in the presence of God, God's glory shone from his skin.

As we fast forward to the book of Deuteronomy, we see that Israel has traveled through the wilderness and is about to enter the Promised Land. Deuteronomy contains 3 final speeches from Moses to the people. He is reaffirming God's covenant with his people, and reminding the people of their obligations and position before God. In chapter 5, Moses recounted the 10 Commandments and reminded Israel of the life they should live before God.

The text we will deal with this Wednesday night is Deuteronomy 6:1–9. Verses 4-5 in this text is what the Hebrews called the Sh’ma (em1v5)

Deuteronomy 6:4–5

⁴“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. ⁵You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.”

Of course, you will recognize that this is the verse which Jesus quoted as the 1st and greatest commandment. Jesus used this commandment as a summary statement which combined the 1st 4 of the 10 commandments. To love the Lord with every part of our being precludes the possibility that we will serve other gods, create idols, or blaspheme his name.

So what does it mean to love the Lord with all your heart, soul, and strength? The point is simple. There is only one proper way to love God: Completely. Anything less is not love.

Notice that the context of Deuteronomy 6:1-9 centers around the law and the obedience of Israel. Verse 1 says the reason they have rehashed the commands of the law is so that Israel will do them in the promised land, which God is giving them (6:1). Verse 2 says that keeping God’s statutes and commands is what constitutes the fear of the Lord. Verse 3 says that the blessings of God come specifically through obedience.

But is this obedience all that is required? Is it enough just to outwardly walk through the commands of God and keep them? The answer is given in verses 4-5. Obedience to God comes naturally from a love for God. This is indeed what Jesus said in John 14:15, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”

When you truly love someone, you want to please them. We don’t work to please God so that he will save us or bless us. We work to please him because we love him. Moreover, it is he who gave us the new heart that desires him in the first place.

Try to remember when you were first dating your spouse / girlfriend / boyfriend. Do you remember the ridiculous things you would do simply to be with them? If you were like most teenagers, you would sit on the telephone for hours on end, saying absolutely nothing. The conversation would go like this:

“What are you doing?”

“Nothing”

“…”

“What do you want to talk about?”

“I don’t know, what do you want to talk about?”

“I don’t know either.”

“…”

“What are you doing now?”

Do you remember having those dumb conversations? Nothing mattered except that you were together. All you wanted was to talk to them, it didn’t matter what the subject was.

A love for God is a consuming love just like that. All you want is to be with him. Sometimes his voice is so strong in your heart and mind that you feel like it is deafening. Other times it is a still small whisper that you can’t hear unless you still yourself and listen. But the love for God which comes from the new heart simply desires him. It is not just about wanting to do “for” him, although it yearns to please him in every way. It is a heart that longs for him…just to be with him…just to hear his voice.

“What are you doing now?” "Nothing, what are you doing?"

The Holy Spirit of God turns the heart, mind, and soul of a man toward God. When God saves a man, he removes his old heart and replaces it with a new heart that longs for the things of God (Eze. 36:26). Without God’s Spirit, man cannot love God as He requires…he just can’t. With God’s Spirit, man cannot be satisfied without loving God.

So the question is not – “Believer, how good are you doing for God?” I can answer that for you – “not good enough.” It doesn’t matter where you are on the obedience scale, you are not where God commands you to be. None of us are.

The question is –“Believer, what are you striving for?” If someone looked at your life would they say, “he loves God more than anything else?” Or would they say your life is based on something else. When you look inside yourself, do you see a passion for God (serving him, loving him, knowing him, being with him etc.) or do you see a passion for everything else?

1 John 2:15, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”

For many of us today, love is a fuzzy feeling deep in the heart. However, those of us who have been married for any time at all know that love is much deeper than this. Love is a commitment. There are days when I may not feel that warm, sentimental feeling toward my wife...but my commitment to her never wanes. It is fixed. Love is the giving of oneself completely...For God so loved the world that he did what? He gave...

Scripture defines love for us. 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

I'm SICK of all this Garbage!

2011-09-23T09:18:00.001-05:00

I remember the day it happened to me. I was studying microbiology at my desk in college. I remember having trouble and the thought came to my mind. “Why are you stressing over this anyway?”

I answered myself, “So I can pass the course.”

“But, why do you want to pass the course?” Once again, I answered, “So I can graduate.”

As I followed my thoughts, they led me to understand that I wanted to graduate so I could get a good job…in order to have a comfortable life…in order to be able to retire at ease…then die.

Immediately, I came back to my senses. I thought, “So, no matter how good I do in microbiology, college, business, and life…its all going to end the same way! Death.

At that moment, I turned over a new leaf and said, “Since nothing really amounts to anything, I will just live for the moment and have as much fun as I can!”

That moment began a ten year descent into selfishness, addictions, and things that I would rather not mention.

In 2003, God broke me and brought me to Himself. He saved me. It was there that He opened my heart to understand that life is not meaningless. Life in Christ, for the glory of God is eternal. It never fades. It never dies out.

This is the message of the book of Ecclesiastes. Having finished our study in Romans, the youth decided they wanted to tackle Ecclesiastes. So we begin our study with a little background.

Solomon, the author of Ecclesiastes, was one of the most blessed men to ever live. He had everything. He was rich beyond measure. He had great wisdom and knowledge, and he enjoyed pleasures on a grand scale. Yet, in his life, He began to realize that everything he lived for was meaningless. There was simply no point to it.

By the end of his life, and the end of Ecclesiastes, Solomon realizes that true meaning and fulfillment can only come from God. We must realize this before we begin our study because Ecclesiastes can be very dark and hard to follow if we do not keep the end in view.

Solomon begins with the same thought that came to me as I realized death was inevitable. “All is vanity” or “Everything is meaningless.” (Ecc. 1:2). Solomon had tasted everything the world had to offer and was left wanting.

He realized that man’s toil and labor won’t amount to anything. In the end, he will die like everyone else. He writes, “What does man gain by all the toil at which he toils under the sun? A generation goes, and a generation comes…” (Ecc. 1:3). Death is the end result of all our lives, no matter how we live them.

Solomon then compares temporary man to the creation. He says that all of creation is an endless cycle of repetition, which never accomplishes anything. The sun rises and sets…and rises and sets. The wind blows north and south and returns, and all the streams run into the sea but they never finish filling it. (Ecc. 1:5-7). Everything is pointless.

No matter what man does, he cannot satisfy himself. All of life is full of weariness and labor. (v. 8). Man’s eyes and ears are never satisfied no matter how hard he tries.

After giving us this bleak picture, Solomon goes on to say that there is also no hope that things will get better. There is nothing “new” for man to marvel in. “What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun. Is there a thing of which it is said, ‘See, this is new’? It has been already in the ages before us.” (Ecc. 1:9-10).

Adding even a more hopeless picture to what we have seen, Solomon says that man cannot be satisfied in anything he does, because nothing lasts. Everything man does will be forgotten. He says that everything accomplished in the past is forgotten and if you try to accomplish something now, it will be forgotten in the future (Ecc. 1:11).

After giving us this hopeless picture of life, Solomon introduces himself. He gives us his credentials so that we may know he is qualified to make the statements he is making. He is “king over Israel in Jerusalem” (v. 12), a seeker of wisdom (v. 13), and one who has seen and done everything under heaven (v. 14). He acquired great wisdom, greater than anyone before him (v. 16).

If you remember the story of Solomon, he was given supernatural wisdom by God to lead Israel and during his reign Israel enjoyed the greatest time of peace, prosperity, riches, and expansion that it had ever known. Likewise, Solomon had hundreds of wives and concubines, land, and livestock, which made him among the wealthiest men who ever lived.

By the end of his life, Solomon realized that everything he had lived for was meaningless. It was useless and there was no profit in it. Solomon came to realize that “It is an unhappy business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with.” (v. 13).

Everything that man does is “striving after the wind” (v. 14, 17). Even knowledge itself cannot satisfy. Greater knowledge only brings more questions. The old statement, “Ignorance is bliss,” rings true because “he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.” (Ecc. 1:18).

Solomon’s view of life is one of hopelessness. There is nothing to live for in this world and there is no hope of anything changing. “What is crooked cannot be made straight, and what is lacking cannot be counted.” (v. 15). There is simply no hope. Have you ever felt like this?

I am glad that Solomon didn’t stop writing after chapter one. What we will see is the journey of a man who is searching for fulfillment and peace. He wants happiness and contentment. He will look everywhere there is to look and will not find it.

However, he will ultimately find what he seeks in His creator, the God who loves him so much that He sent His Son to die. Solomon’s message to us is simple. Don’t follow me in searching for fulfillment in things that never satisfy. Find your rest in God. Be satisfied in Him.

Can others See God in You?

2011-09-20T10:57:00.002-05:00

This Wednesday night, we will be returning to the story of Israel and Moses. In Exodus 34:29–35, Moses has received the law from God and is returning to the Israelites at the base of the mountain.

God had solidified his covenant with his people. By grace he had brought them out of Egypt, and now he had given the standard by which they were to live in obedience to God. Moses had been in God's very presence at the top of Mount Sinai. Because of this the unsearchable glory of God was being reflected from Moses’ face.

“As he came down from the mountain, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God.” (Exodus 34:29).

In fact, Moses skin radiated so much that Aaron and the Israelites were afraid to come near him (v. 30). The glory of God, which was being reflected from Moses’ face, was so bright that Moses had to veil his face when he spoke to Israel. Only in the presence of God would Moses remove the veil.

The one thing that the Bible reinforces repeatedly is that connection and Association of God changes people. Today, it is common for us to think of salvation as simply a “forgiven” sign around our neck. Many come to God, profess salvation, and believe themselves forgiven simply because of their profession. Scripture gives a far different evidence of man's salvation.

Salvation is not simply a new status–moving from unforgiven to forgiven. Redemption is not just stepping out of the line going to hell and stepping into the line going to heaven. It is an encounter with the creator of the universe. It is having one's evil heart removed and replaced with a heart that desires God above all else. (Eze. 36:26)

In fact, the entire book of 1 John was written for the expressed purpose that the believer would “know” that he has eternal life. (1 John 5:13). How can he possibly know? - By examining the evidence. The entire book is given so the believer can examine the evidence and test his profession. But Remember, the evidence is not how good or bad the believer is doing, the evidence is what God is doing in the believer.

Simply put, God changes men. Just like Moses could not come into the presence of God without it shining from his face, we cannot come to God through Jesus Christ and not be changed at our very core. “If any man be in Christ he is a new creature“ (2 Corinthians 5:17).

The Israelites could see the glory of God reflected from the face of Moses. In the same way, the world can see the glory of God reflected in the life of a believer in Jesus Christ. If there is no evidence of this glory in one's life, the he should rightly question his profession. Of course, this does not mean that believers automatically become sinless and perfect. I can testify personally that this is not the case. But the believer’s life has a new direction. God changes his heart to hate sin and love God.

Paul talks about this change as it pertains to Moses’ veil in 2 Corinthians 3:7-18. Paul’s point is that if glory came through the giving of the law (which is a ministry of condemnation 2 co. 3:9), then how much more glory will be received through the ministry of Christ’s righteousness? Paul says, “Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end.” (2 Co. 3:12-13). He goes on to say that Israel still has a veil over their face when it comes to the gospel.

But his point is that, just like Moses, the believer, who has received the work of Christ, is being transformed into the image of Christ. He is changed and is reflecting the glory of God in his life.

“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” (2 Co. 3:18).

The believer’s life shines forth the glory of God. Does it show it perfectly? No…not yet? But a change has taken place. The things that enslaved the sinner before salvation no longer have rule over him. He may stumble into sin, but he despises it when he sees it. And if by some chance, he starts to enjoy his sin again…God disciplines him. And if God is not disciplining you…you are not His child.

“It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons.” (Heb. 12:7-8).

Equipped For Victory - Romans 15:1-19

2011-09-16T13:30:00.000-05:00

Paul finished chapter 14 illustrating that the strong believers should aid the weak. Beginning chapter 15, Paul continues this line of thought. As he begins to wind down his letter to the Romans, he shows the strong and weak believers the equipment and provisions they have for victory.

First, those who are strong are obligated to support the weak. In many English translations, the word “ought” is inaccurately thought to be simply a declaration of what is good. “You really ought to help…” However, the word is actually one of obligation. The strong believer owes a debt. He is obligated to help the weak.

This is the provision that God has given to equip the weak believers. The strong are to “bear their weaknesses” (15:1). The strong believer is obligated not to live to please himself (v. 1). On the contrary, he is indebted to please his neighbor…to build him up (v. 2).

Why does the believer owe this debt? Why in the world should I care about building up my neighbor? The answer is simple. You are either following Christ, or you are not. To be a disciple of a master is to emulate your master and learn from his teachings. Christ demonstrated the believer’s obligation in His death on the cross as well as His life. Jesus did not live to please himself (v. 3). He himself bore the weakness of the weak. He allowed himself to be reproached and insulted in the place of others (v. 3).

This is why believers are obligated to support the weak, because Christ has done the same for us. Therefore, we owe!

“What about us?” You might say. If the strong believers are to support the weak in their weakness…who supports the strong believers? Where are they supposed to go to be built up and empowered?

Paul lists several answers to this question, all of which are given by God. Believers have everything they need in God himself. They are supported and equipped for victory.

1. The Scripture – Paul says that the written word of God has been given to the believer for his support. Specifically, Paul says that the Scripture (all of the Scripture) is given for the believer’s instruction, encouragement, and hope (v. 4).

There is a reason the Scripture functions in this way. It is because God is faithful to His word…Always. Paul demonstrates this fact by showing Christ’s fulfillment of God’s word. God has fulfilled the OT promises he made to Israel in Christ. Paul writes that Christ came, “to confirm the promises made unto the fathers.” (v. 8). Likewise, God fulfilled his promises to the nations in Christ (v. 9-12).

So, if God has been faithful to fulfill his promises to Jew and Gentile in Christ, the believer can be assured that he will fulfill his promises to us. This is why the Word of God is our support and hope.

2. The Holy Spirit – God has given the believer his Spirit. Not only do we have the Scripture, but we have God himself living inside us. He is our guide, our comforter, and our teacher. The Spirit makes the Word of God come alive in our hearts and He gives us “all joy and peace in believing, that [we] may abound in hope” (v. 13) through the power of the Spirit.

3. The Church – The Church itself is equipped to minister to the believers. This is not the invisible Church which is made up of all the believers around the world. Paul is talking to the local Church (specifically in Rome). It is quite common for people to read Paul’s letters and miss the fact that they were written to a group of people in fellowship together. Today, many people see no need for fellowship or faithfulness to a local congregation. For Paul, this type of Christianity would be unheard of.

Paul tells the Church that they are full of goodness, filled with knowledge, and able to teach one another (v. 14). For the believer, the Church is an imperative source of support and ministry.

4. The Minister – Although the Church is filled with knowledge and goodness, Paul says that there were some things that he had to speak boldly about. The Church needed to be reminded of her duty, her service, and practice. This is what Paul did as a minister of the gospel (15-16). He intended to spur them on to obedience. (18b). I cannot stress how important the pastor is to the believer. God has given the shepherd so that your specific situation and circumstances can be addressed in light of God’s Word.

It is common for people to receive their teaching from television ministries and call Christian radio broadcasts to ask specific questions about their lives. However, only your pastor knows the intimate details of your life and situation. He alone, through God’s direction, is equipped to serve in that capacity.

“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account.” (Heb. 13:17)

5. The Gospel – God has given the gospel to the Church. There is no greater source of encouragement, joy, and motivation for service than the gospel of Jesus Christ. Everything the believer is stems from the gospel. In the gospel, we have forgiveness, reconciliation, a new heart, peace with God, and a love for God than brings us to action. Paul said, “I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me…”(v. 18)

Believers, both strong and weak, have been given every support structure they need to live in the victory of the gospel. However, many do not bother. The gospel is just the basics you learn in Sunday School, the minister is the one who preaches, the Church is there when you decide to go…but you don’t have to be faithful or in fellowship, and the Scriptures are just too hard to understand.

Because of this, many people find themselves isolated and hurting. It reminds me of an old joke.

A believer was in his home when a flood came. He stood on his porch as the waters rose and a boat came by. “Get in,” the boatman said. The believer responded, “Don’t worry, God will take care of me!”

Later that day, the believer was on top of the porch as the waters rose and another boat came by. “Get in,” the second boatman said. The believer responded, “Don’t worry, God will take care of me!”

The next day, the believer was at the top of his chimney and the waters were all around him. A helicopter appeared and the pilot said, “Climb in.” The believer said, “Don’t worry, God will take care of me!”

The believer drowned. As he walked into heaven and saw God, he said, “God, why didn’t you take care of me?!”

God said, “I sent two boats and a helicopter for you!”

You have been given the equipment to be victorious. Will you use it?